John Wallace Linton VC, DSO, DSC, RN
| Born | 15 Oct 1905 | ||
| Died | Mar 1943 | (37) | HMS Turbulent |
 | Ranks
Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for John Wallace Linton, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS Pandora (N 42) | Lt.Cdr. | Submarine | 1 Oct 1938 | 12 Jul 1941 |
| HMS Turbulent (N 98) | Lt.Cdr. | Submarine | Aug 1941 | 6 Mar 1943 |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Submarine HMS Pandora (N 42)
13 Oct 1939
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) was undocked at Hong Kong where she had been refitting since mid July 1939. (1)
2 Nov 1939
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted trials off Hong Kong. (2)
6 Nov 1939
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted torpedo firing trials off Hong Kong. (2)
7 Nov 1939
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted steering and diving trials off Hong Kong. (2)
9 Nov 1939
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted trials off Hong Kong. (2)
10 Nov 1939
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted diving trials off Hong Kong. (2)
11 Nov 1939
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong. (2)
14 Nov 1939
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises and trials off Hong Kong. (2)
15 Nov 1939
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong. (2)
16 Nov 1939
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong together with HMS Scout (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Simms, RN). (2)
22 Nov 1939
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong together with HMS Thanet (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, RN). (2)
23 Nov 1939
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong. (2)
29 Nov 1939
Around 1045H/29, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) departed Hong Kong for her 1st war patrol. She was to patrol off the south coast of Kyushu, Japan (Kii Suido area).
For the daily positions of HMS Pandora during this patrol see the map below.
(2)
23 Dec 1939
Around 0700H/23, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Hong Kong. (3)
27 Dec 1939
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) was docked in the Cosmopolitan Graving Dock at Hong Kong. (3)
1 Jan 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) was undocked. (4)
5 Jan 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong together with HMS Rainbow (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Luce, RN) and HMS Thracian (Lt.Cdr. H.G.D. de Chair, RN).
9 Jan 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong together with HMS Thracian (Lt.Cdr. H.G.D. de Chair, RN). (4)
11 Jan 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong together with HMS Arawa (A/Capt. G.R. Deverell, RN). (4)
2 Feb 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong. (5)
6 Feb 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong with HMS Rainbow (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Luce, RN) and HMS Thanet (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, RN). (5)
7 Feb 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong with HMS Thanet (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, RN). (5)
12 Feb 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong with HMS Thanet (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, RN) and HMS Scout (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Holmes, RN). (5)
14 Feb 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong with HMS Scout (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Holmes, RN). (5)
15 Feb 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong with HMS Regulus (Cdr. J.M. Money, RN) and HMS Rainbow (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Luce, RN). (5)
19 Feb 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong with HMS Thanet (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, RN). (5)
21 Feb 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong with HMS Thanet (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, RN). (5)
23 Feb 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong with HMS Kanimbla (A/Capt. F.E. Getting, RAN). (5)
26 Feb 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong with HMS Thanet (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, RN) and HMS Scout (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Holmes, RN). (5)
29 Feb 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong with HMS Proteus (Lt.Cdr. R.T. Gordon-Duff, RN). (5)
1 Mar 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong with HMS Scout (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Holmes, RN). (6)
4 Mar 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong with HMS Thanet (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, RN) and HMS Scout (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Holmes, RN). (6)
11 Mar 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong with HMS Thanet (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, RN) and HMS Scout (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Holmes, RN). (6)
12 Mar 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong with HMS Phoenix (Lt.Cdr. C.A. Rowe, RN). (6)
13 Mar 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong with HMS Scout (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Holmes, RN) and HMS Falmouth (Cdr. C.C. Hardy, RN). (6)
15 Mar 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong with HMS Falmouth (Cdr. C.C. Hardy, RN) and HMS Thracian (Lt.Cdr. H.G.D. de Chair, RN). (6)
20 Mar 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong with HMS Thanet (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, RN). (6)
25 Mar 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) was docked in the graving dock at the Hong Kong Dockyard. (6)
5 Apr 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) was undocked. (7)
9 Apr 1940
Around 1100H/9, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) departed Hong Kong for Singapore. Pandora was to proceed to the Mediterranean.
For the daily positions of HMS Pandora during the passage to Alexandria see the map below.
(7)
14 Apr 1940
Around 0900G/14, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) arrived at Singapore. She departed for Colombo later the same day around 1400G/14. (7)
19 Apr 1940
Around 1530EF/19, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) arrived at Colombo. (7)
21 Apr 1940
Around 0830EF/21, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) departed Colombo for Aden. (7)
28 Apr 1940
Around 1830C/28, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) arrived at Aden. (7)
29 Apr 1940
Around 0600C/29, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) departed Aden for Suez. (7)
3 May 1940
Around 1400B/3, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) arrived at Suez. (8)
4 May 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) transited the Suez Canal northbound and arrived at Port Said. (8)
5 May 1940
Around 1045B/5, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) departed Port Said for Alexandria. (8)
6 May 1940
Around 0700B/6, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) arrived at Alexandria. (8)
14 May 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. The included A/S exercises with the French destroyer Forbin (Capitaine de corvette (Lt.Cdr.) R.C.M. Chartellier). (8)
15 May 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (8)
16 May 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria with HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN). (8)
21 May 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. She then departed for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was to patrol to the North of Crete (Suda Bay area).
For the daily positions of HMS Pandora during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
9 Jun 1940
Around 0730B/9, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (9)
18 Jun 1940
Around 2000B/18, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) departed Alexandria for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was to patrol in the Aegean off the Doro Channel.
For the daily positions of HMS Pandora during this patrol see the map below.
(10)
26 Jun 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) was ordered to proceed to Malta. (10)
28 Jun 1940
Around 2130B/28, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. No Italian ships had been sighted. (10)
29 Jun 1940
Around 0330B/29, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) departed Malta for her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Algiers.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Pandora during this patrol see the map below.
(11)
4 Jul 1940 (position 36.53, 3.17)
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) torpedoed and sank the French sloop Rigault de Genouilly in position 36°53'N, 03°17'E. Rigault the Genouilly was en-route from Algiers to Bizerta.
Of her crew of 177, twelve were missing. Survivors were picked up by the fishing boats Jupiter and Julietta while the sloop Annamite attacked the submarine with depth charges. Three French aircraft joined the hunt and dropped bombs. The sinking of Rigault de Genouilly was an error as she was not regarded one of the objectives of operation Catapult and the British Admiralty presented its excuses to the French legation.
1358A/4 - Sighted 'what is thought to be' a La Galissioniere class light cruiser. Enemy course was 090°, speed 17 knots, range 4 nautical miles.
1407A/4 - Fired four torpedoes from 3800 yards. Two or three hits were obtained. The target stopped and was heavily on fire.
1522A/4 - The target was seen to sink, stern first. This was followed by a extremely heavy explosion, possibly her after magazines blowing up. (11)
10 Jul 1940
Around 0545A/10, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Gibraltar. (11)
24 Jul 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar together with HMS Fearless (Cdr. I.R.H. Black, RN) and HMS Velox (Cdr.(Retd.) J.C. Colvill, RN). (12)
29 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises with the harbour defences at Gibraltar. Shortly after the commencement of the exercises they were postponed and subsequently cancelled and HMS Pandora returned to the harbour. (12)
31 Jul 1940
Around 2125A/31, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta on her first storing trip carrying RAF personnel and stores brought to Gibraltar by HMS Argus (operation Tube).
For the daily positions of HMS Pandora during this passage see the map below.
(12)
6 Aug 1940
Around 2045B/6, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) arrived at Malta. (13)
7 Aug 1940
Around 0545B/7, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) departed Malta for her 5th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Benghazi, Libya.
For the daily positions of HMS Pandora during this patrol see the map below.
(11)
24 Aug 1940
Around 0615C/24, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (11)
9 Sep 1940
Around 1940C/9, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) departed Alexandria for her 6th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Benghazi, Libya.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Pandora during this patrol see the map below.
(11)
15 Sep 1940 (position 32.36, 20.00)
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) attacked an unescorted enemy merchant vessel with two torpedoes about 30 nautical miles north of Benghazi, Libya. Both torpedoes missed.
This may have been the small refrigeration ship Amba Alagi (Italian, 450 GRT, built 1932) but the attack was unobserved.
1528C/15 - Sighted a ship approaching from the Benghazi direction on a course of 320°. Started attack.
1617C/15 - In approximate position 32°36'N, 20°00'E fired two torpedoes from 5500 yards. No hits were obtained. (11)
28 Sep 1940 (position 33.00, 21.38)
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) torpedoed and sank the small Italian transport Famiglia (813 GRT, built 1888) about 10 nautical miles north-east of Al Haniyah, Libya in position 33°00'N, 21°38'E.
She was carrying 750 tons of fuel in company with Sirena (974 GRT, built 1883) escorted by the torpedo boat Enrico Cosenz and they had sailed from Ras Tajunes for Tobruk. Cosenz reacted immediately by dropping a pattern of eight depth charges, observed an oil patch and believed the submarine sunk. A second pattern of three depth charges followed for good measure and she then returned to pick up the survivors. The whole crew was saved.
0840C/28 - Sighted an Italian convoy of two merchant ships and one escorting torpedo-boat (old type and correctly identified by Lt.Cdr. Linton by the letters CS on its bow as the Enrico Cosenz). Started attack on the rear ship.
0943C/28 - Fired two torpedoes from 2500 yards. After a little over two minutes a heavy explosion was heard. The torpedo-boat started a counter attack and it dropped nine (sets) of depth charges. They were not close and caused no damage to Pandora. (11)
2 Oct 1940
Around 0715B/2, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (11)
4 Oct 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) was briefly docked in the Gabarri Graving Dock at Alexandria. She was undocked later the same day. (14)
14 Oct 1940
Around 1000B/14, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) departed Alexandria for her 7th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the Gulf of Taranto.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Pandora during this patrol see the map below.
(11)
16 Oct 1940 (position 32.57, 23.22)
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) attacked an Italian submarine north of the Gulf of Bomba. A total of three torpedoes were fired but none hit their intended target.
The target was the the Italian submarine Topazio in company with Ascianghi. Topazio had observed Pandora but was unsure of her identity and refrained from taking action from fear of attacking Ascianghi by mistake.
2120B/16 - In position 32°57'N, 23°22'E sighted two Italian submarines in line ahead 1500 yards apart. Started attack.
The seconds submarine was seen to dive but the first one remained on the surface so at 2129B/16 two torpedoes were fired at it. As soon as the torpedoes were fired she turned away and dived. Pandora then also dived.
The Italian must have surfaced again as they were sighted through the periscope and their HE was picked up.
2152B/16 - Fired another torpedo at the HE. It also missed. (11)
21 Oct 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) was ordered to patrol in the Adriatic on the shipping lanes between Bari and Durazzo. (11)
2 Nov 1940
Around 0730B/2, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (11)
4 Nov 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) was docked in No.2 Graving Dock at the Malta Dockyard. (15)
7 Nov 1940
At 2217B/7, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) was undocked. She then immediately left Malta for Alexandria.
For the daily positions of HMS Pandora during this passage see the map below.
(15)
13 Nov 1940
Around 0715B/13, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) arrived at Alexandria. (15)
25 Nov 1940
Around 1715B/25, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) departed Alexandria for her 8th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte.
For the daily positions of HMS Pandora during this patrol see the map below.
(11)
13 Dec 1940
Around 0830B/13, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. It had been uneventful. (11)
21 Dec 1940
Around 1545B/21, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) departed Alexandria for Port Said. (16)
22 Dec 1940
Around 1115B/22, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) arrived at Port Said. (16)
23 Dec 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) was docked at Port Said in the Suez Canal Co. floating dock. (16)
26 Dec 1940
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) was undocked. (16)
27 Dec 1940
Around 0930B/27, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) departed Port Said for Alexandria. (16)
28 Dec 1940
Around 0730B/28, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) arrived at Alexandria. (16)
30 Dec 1940
Around 1715B/30, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) departed Alexandria for Gibraltar where she was to join the 8th submarine flotilla based there. Also Pandora was to embark a new battery at Gibraltar.
During passage HMS Pandora was to make a short patrol off the east coast of Sardinia making this passage her 9th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean).
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Pandora during this patrol see the map below.
(10)
9 Jan 1941 (position 39.22, 9.50)
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant vessels Valdivagna (5400 GRT, built 1913) and Palma (2715 GRT, built 1919) about 10 nautical miles east-north-east of Cape Ferrato, Sardinia in position 39°22'N, 09°50'E. They were en-route from Civitavecchia to Cagliari and were unescorted.
The hospital ship Sorrento arrived on the scene and picked up both crews with the exception of two. The torpedo boat Giuseppe Dezza, motor torpedo boat MAS 502 and a Z.501 seaplane hunted the submarine and claiming it as probably sunk but Pandora had managed to escape without damage.
0521A/9 - Sighted a ship approaching.
0640A/9 - Dived and started attack.
0700A/9 - Sighted a second ship.
0822A/9 - Fired two torpedoes at the first ship from 1400 yards. One hit was obtained. Started attack on the second ship.
0838A/9 - Fired one torpedo from 1000 yards. It missed.
0845A/9 - Fired one torpedo from 2000 yards. It hit. Both ships, estimated at 5000 and 4000 tons, were now in a sinking condition and there was little doubt that they would sink. (10)
14 Jan 1941
Around 1245A/14, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) at Gibraltar. (10)
20 Jan 1941
Around 1300A/30, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) departed Gibraltar for Portsmouth. Her new battery was to be installed there instead of at Gibraltar. En-route (on the 26th) she was ordered to make a short patrol off Cherbourg, France making this passage her 10th war patrol at Portsmouth.
Upon leaving Gibraltar exercises were carried out with HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN). (10)
20 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily positions of HMS Pandora during her 10th war patrol see the map below.
28 Jan 1941
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) ended her 10th war patrol at Portsmouth. (10)
12 Feb 1941
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) was docked in No.11 Graving Dock at the Portsmouth Dockyard. (17)
15 Feb 1941
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) was undocked. (17)
21 Feb 1941
Around 1330A/21, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) departed Portsmouth for Gibraltar.
For the daily positions of HMS Pandora during this passage see the map below.
(17)
27 Feb 1941
Around 1000A/27, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (17)
3 Mar 1941
Around 1245A/3, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 11th war patrol. She was ordered escort convoy HG 55.
For the daily positions of HMS Pandora during this patrol see the map below.
(10)
14 Mar 1941
Around 1130A/14, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN), left convoy HG 55 to join convoy OG 55. Pandora was escorted by HMS Coreopsis (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR).
Pandora and Coreopsis joined convoy OG 55 around 1930A/14. (10)
21 Mar 1941
Around 0815A/21, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) ended her 11th war patrol at Gibraltar. (10)
29 Mar 1941
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 12th war patrol. She was ordered to provide escort for RFA (Royal Fleet Auxiliary) tanker RFA Cairndale (8129 GRT, built 1939).
Cairndale was to provide fuel for the destroyers of Force H which was to patrol off the Bay of Biscay in case the German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau were to break out in the Atlantic again.
For the daily positions of HMS Pandora during this patrol see the map below.
(10)
4 Apr 1941
At 0930N/4, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) made rendez-vous with the RFA tanker Cairndale (8129 GRT, built 1939) (10)
11 Apr 1941
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) and the RFA tanker Cairndale are ordered to proceed to Gibraltar. (10)
17 Apr 1941
Around 1730A/17, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) ended her 12th war patrol at Gibraltar. (10)
29 Apr 1941
Around 2040A/29, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 13th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Naples, Italy.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Pandora during this patrol see the map below.
(10)
11 May 1941 (position 40.03, 14.58)
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) attacked an unescorted tanker south of Licosa Point. Four torpedoes in all were fired but none hit the target. The attack appears to have been unobserved.
1604A/11 - In approximate position 40°03'N, 14°58'E sighted the funnel of a ship. Closed to investigate. The ship turned out to be a tanker of about 3500 tons. An attack was started.
1636A/11 - Fired three torpedoes from 3000 yards. No hits were obtained and the 3rd torpedo was not heard to run.
1642A/11 - Fired another torpedo. This torpedo also missed. (10)
18 May 1941
Around 2045A/18, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) ended her 13th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean) at Gibraltar. (10)
22 May 1941
Around 1145A/22, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for passage to Portsmouth. (10)
24 May 1941 (position 41.04, -11.12)
At 1137A/24, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) sighted an Italian submarine west of the Portuguese coast in position 41°04'N, 11°12'W. This was Mocenigo on her way from Bordeaux, France for an Atlantic patrol.
Two rounds with the deck gun were fired. The enemy submarine then dived. (10)
25 May 1941
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay to intercept the German battleship Bismarck making for a French port.
The passage to Portsmouth now became her 14th war patrol.
For the daily positions of HMS Pandora during this patrol see the map below.
(10)
27 May 1941
With the Bismarck sunk, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) was ordered to continue her passage to Portsmouth. (10)
31 May 1941
Around 0900A/31, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) ended her 14th war patrol at Portsmouth. (10)
7 Jun 1941
Around 1800A/7, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) departed Portsmouth for Dartmouth. (18)
8 Jun 1941
Around 1330A/8, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) arrived at Dartmouth. (18)
9 Jun 1941
HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Dartmouth with the A/S trawler HMS Lady Rosemary (T/Lt. H. Brown, RNR). (18)
10 Jun 1941
Around 1900A/10, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) departed Dartmouth for Portsmouth, U.S.A. where she was to refit at the Navy Yard.
On departure exercises were carried out with ML's.
For the daily positions of HMS Pandora during this passage see the map below.
(18)
18 Jun 1941 (position 43.20, -28.02)
At 1840O/18, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), while in position 43°20'N, 28°02'W, sights a lifeboat and picks up 12 survivors from the Dutch tanker Pendrecht that was torpedoed and sunk on 8 June 1941 about 500 nautical miles north-west of the Azores in position 45°18'N, 36°40'W by German U-boat U-48. (18)
28 Jun 1941
Around 1745R/28, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) arrived at the Portsmouth Navy Yard. (18)
Submarine HMS Turbulent (N 98)
30 Nov 1941
HMS Turbulent (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) and P 611 / Oruc Reis (Lt. P.S. Skelton, RN) departed from their builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (19)
1 Dec 1941
HMS Turbulent (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch for a period of trials and training before she is sent to the Mediterranean to join the 1st Submarine Flotilla at Alexandria. (20)
2 Dec 1941
HMS Turbulent (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) conducted full speed trials in the Clyde area. (20)
4 Dec 1941
HMS Turbulent (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (20)
5 Dec 1941
HMS Turbulent (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (20)
6 Dec 1941
HMS Turbulent (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (20)
7 Dec 1941
HMS Turbulent (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (20)
9 Dec 1941
HMS Turbulent (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar where she was to conduct her torpedo discharge trials. (20)
13 Dec 1941
HMS Turbulent (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (20)
14 Dec 1941
HMS Turbulent (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (20)
16 Dec 1941
HMS Turbulent (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (20)
17 Dec 1941
HMS Turbulent (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (20)
18 Dec 1941
HMS Turbulent (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) shifted from Arrochar to Holy Loch after having completed her torpedo discharge trials. (20)
19 Dec 1941
HMS Turbulent (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (20)
20 Dec 1941
HMS Turbulent (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (20)
23 Dec 1941
HMS Turbulent (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) is docked in the floating dock at Rothesay (AFD 7). (20)
24 Dec 1941
HMS Turbulent (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) is undocked. (20)
27 Dec 1941
HMS Turbulent (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (20)
3 Jan 1942
Around 1115A/3, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch with HMS Tempest (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) for Gibraltar. They were escorted to Bishop Rock until 0100A/5 by the minesweeper HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). HMS Turbulent was ordered to form a patrol line off the North coast of Spain but this was cancelled at 2230/7.
(As no log of HMS Turbulent is available for January 1942 it is not possible to display a map.) (21)
10 Jan 1942
Around 1830A/10, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (21)
15 Jan 1942
Around 0930A/15, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) departed from Gibraltar for her 1st war patrol. This is a short work-up patrol in the Alboran Sea to the East of Gibraltar. On departure A/S and gunnery exercises were carried out.
(As no log of HMS Turbulent is available for January 1942 it is not possible to display a map.) (21)
21 Jan 1942
Around 1115A/15, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Gibraltar. Only neutral ships, mostly Spanish, were sighted during this patrol. (21)
27 Jan 1942
Around 1315A/27, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) departed from Gibraltar for Malta. She carries some much needed stores and 10 passengers (2 for Malta and 8 for Alexandria) to Malta during this passage.
Before proceeding to Malta she conducted A/S exercises with HMS Pelican (Cdr. G.V. Gladstone, RN), HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RNR) and HMS Marigold (T/Lt. J. Renwick, DSO, RNR). Exercises were completed around 1800A/27.
(As no log of HMS Turbulent is available for January 1942 it is not possible to display a map.) (22)
28 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1135A/28, in position 36°40'N, 00°41'W, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) sighted a merchant ship 070° at a range of around 10 nautical miles proceeding on course 180° at a speed of 15 knots. It was a large two-funnelled ship of around 8000 tons. The ship was obviously a Vichy-French one proceeding to Oran. (22)
29 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0400A/29, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) sighted the lights of a southbound ship apparently proceeding to Algiers at a speed of 15 knots. Assumed the ship to be Vichy-French (22)
2 Feb 1942
Around 0745B/2, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (22)
4 Feb 1942
Around 1915B/4, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) departed from Malta for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to make a short patrol off Suda Bay, Crete before proceeding to Alexandria.
Turbulent carried 8 extra ratings and stores on board that had to be transported from Malta to Alexandria.
For the daily positions of HMS Turbulent during this patrol see the map below.
(22)
9 Feb 1942
Around 0820B/9, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) sighted four A/S trawlers approaching which eventually passed ahead. These were all two-masted trawlers with the mainmast higher then the foremast. Three of them had a small gun aft and the fourth had a large deck house aft instead. All had high sterns with a rail holding four depth charges. The nearest range was 3000 yards.
[The ships sighted were most likely Italian as four Italian auxiliary minesweepers are reported to have arrived at Suda Bay that morning according to German sources. No names are given though and research in Italian documents so far has not revealed their identity.]
Around 1230B/9, another A/S trawler which looked like the ones seen before (may also have been one of them) and a ship that looked like a small torpedo boat were seen patrolling off Suda Bay. The small torpedo boat was thought to be of around 300 tons, single mast, single funnel close to the bridge and slightly higher, two guns forward and none aft, very low stern apparently with two rows of depth charges but these were difficult to see. No A/S impulses were heard. The ship that looked like a small torpedo boat was probably the German auxiliary patrol vessel 13 V 1 (Former Greek Nais / Piraeus 863) which was patrolling in the approaches to Suda Bay. (23)
10 Feb 1942
Around 0900B/10, when still patrolling the approaches to Suda Bay, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), sighted an A/S vessel passing at a range of 5000 yards. This vessel looked like an ML (motor launch). She had a small gun forward and one mast. No A/S impulses were heard.
Around 1100B/10, two A/S trawlers of the same type as had been seen yesterday were seen patrolling off Suda Bay. At a range of 6000 yards their HE could not be picked up. No A/S impulses were heard.
Around 1200B/10, had to evade an A/S vessel coming from Suda Bay. It looked a bit similar to the one seen at 0900 hours but with a boat on davits across the stern and two masts. HE was not heard at a range of 3000 yards and also no A/S impulses were heard. Enemy speed was 5 knots.
Around 1500B/10, an A/S vessel was seen right ahead at a range of 2500 yards. HMS Turbulent altered course away and the vessel passed at a range of 1200 yards. The vessel looked the same as seen at 1200B/10 and was probably the same one returning from patrol.
At 1920B/10, HMS Turbulent surfaced and left patrol to proceed to Alexandria.
It was unfortunate that HMS Turbulent left her patrol this evening as a convoy arrived at Suda from Piraeus the following day. These were the Italian transports Citta di Alessandria (2498 GRT, built 1930), Citta di Savona (2500 GRT, built 1930), Citta di Agrigento (2480 GRT, built 1930) and the German Santa Fe (4627 GRT, built 1921) escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Lupo and Monzambano and the German auxiliary minelayer Drache. The convoy arrived at Suda from Piraeus at 1050B/11. (22)
13 Feb 1942
Around 0830B/13, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Alexandria where she joins the 1st Submarine Flotilla. (22)
23 Feb 1942
Around 1630B/23, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean within 30 miles of Cape Drepano and then to the Dardanelles north of 36°00'N and west of 26°10'E. She carries an observer on board: Lt. R.M. Raymond, USN.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Turbulent during this patrol see the map below.
(22)
26 Feb 1942 (position 35.35, 24.18)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) tries to attack a convoy about 10 nautical miles North-East of Suda Bay, Crete near position 35°35'N, 24°18'E. She is however detected by one of the escorts and depth charged before she could fire torpedoes.
This convoy was made up of the following ships: Italian liners Citta di Agrigento (2480 GRT, built 1930), Citta di Alessandria (2498 GRT, built 1930) and Citta di Savona (2500 GRT, built 1930), and the German transport Santa Fe (4627 GRT, built 1921). They were escorted by the German auxiliary Drache and the Italian torpedo boats Monzambano and Castelfidardo. The convoy had departed Piraeus around 1620B/25. Besides these ships there were three trawlers (the German patrol-boats 12 V 6, 12 V 7 and 12 V 4) that had just joined the convoy. One of these, 12 V 4, detected and depth charged Turbulent.
0800B/26 - Sighted three A/S trawlers leaving Suda Bay and proceeding Northwards. It seemed most likely they were going to a rendezvous with the expected convoy.
1143B/26 - Sighted a convoy of three merchant ships (thought to be of 6000, 5000 and 3000 tons) escorted by four destroyers and four trawlers. Various aircraft were overhead. Started attack.
1254B/26 - Turbulent was discovered and forced deep by one of the trawlers that dropped 4 depth charges that were rather close causing minor damage. The attack continued and more depth charges were dropped, about 20 in all. Turbulent managed to slip away. (22)
27 Feb 1942 (position 36.52, 23.06)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) sank the Greek caique Pi 253 / Agios Charalambos (68 GRT) with gunfire north of Monemvasia, Greece in position 36°52'N 23°06'E.
1430B/27 - Sighted smoke and closed.
1537B/27 - Surfaced and opened fire. The target was a very small motor vessel about seventy feet and 60 tons flying the Greek flag. It was heavily laden and had a big deck cargo and at least 40 people onboard. Fire was opened at 3000 yards. The target altered course continuously and was difficult to hit. In all 42 rounds were fired of which 6 hit the target before it sank.
1548B/27 - The ship was seen to sink in position 36°52'N 23°06'E.
1549B/27 - Dived. (22)
28 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the morning, while patrolling off the Doro Channel, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), sighted four sailing vessels including a large schooner. They all passed out of range. (22)
2 Mar 1942
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) sank three Greek caiques with gunfire South of the Kassandra peninsula.
The first target was the Greek caique Cha 13 / Evangelistria (45 GRT). She had on board 15 German soldiers of which 11 drowned, 3 were badly injured and 1 was not injured.
The second target was the Greek caique My 164 / Apostolos (25 GRT).
The third target was the Greek caique Vol 181 / Chariklia (42 GRT)
1209B/2 - Sighted large two-masted schooner of about 200 tons, altered course to close.
1311B/2 - Surfaced and opened fire from 1600 yards. 16 Out of 22 rounds hit and the schooner caught fire.
1319B/2 - The schooner was abandoned and was sinking slowly.
1323B/2 - Dived.
1350B/2 - The schooner was seen to sink in position 39°54'N 23°38'E.
----------------------------------------
1516B/2- Sighted another two-masted schooner approaching, altered course to close.
1617B/2 - Surfaced and opened fire from 1200 yards. 7 Hits out of 9 rounds fired were obtained.
1622B/2 - Dived. This schooner managed to beach itself although very badly damaged, both masts were shot away and there were at least three large holes below the waterline. It was thought that this ship was flying the Nazi flag but the mast carrying it was shot away at the second round. It fired two red Very's lights after the third hit but did not stop and I continued firing. This schooner was new and about 250 tons. Position of the attack was 39°54'N 23°36'E. The schooner was beached on rocks and must have been a total loss. She was carrying six German soldiers. One German soldier and one Greek were crew killed, four Germans and three Greeks were seriously wounded.
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1930B/2 - Surfaced for the night.
2251B/2 - Sighted another two-masted schooner, range 5 nautical miles, closed to attack.
2339B/2 - Opened fire from 500 yards. 8 Rounds were fired, all hit.
2333B/2 - The schooner was seen to sink in position 39°45'N 23°21'E. This schooner was of about 220 tons. The crew escaped rapidly in their boat leaving about half a dozen behind. They made no attempt to go back for them.
2335B/2 - Sighted a single masted schooner and closed ......... (Continued on 3 March 1942) (22)
3 Mar 1942 (position 39.43, 23.19)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) sank a Greek caique with gunfire South of the Kassandra peninsula.
This ship was the Greek caique Kal 199 / Agios Dionyssios (30 GRT). She was also transporting German soldiers. 16 Were reported to have been killed.
(...... continuation of the events of 2 March 1942)
0007B/3 - Opened fire.
0013B/3 - The schooner, thought to be of 150 tons) was seen to sink in position 39°43'N, 23°19'E.
------------------------------------------
1326B/3 - Surfaced and opened fire on a two masted schooner but checked fire when it was realised that it was full of women. This was Pir 849 / Prodromos (24 GRT). There were 10 killed and 5 wounded, the schooner reached Skiathos at 0700B/4. (22)
4 Mar 1942
At 1225B/4, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN, sighted two ships leaving the Dardanelles. They were unescorted. These were probably the two ships Turbulent was warned about in Capt. S 1's signal timed 2201B/3 but if this was correct they must have left early (this was later confirmed in a follow up signal from Capt. S 1.). HMS Turbulent was unable to intercept them right now so course was set to intercept them off the Doro Channel.
The two ships in question must have been the merchant vessels Merano (Italian, 3705 GRT, built 1909) and Capo Pino (Italian, 4785 GRT, built 1923). (22)
5 Mar 1942
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) attacks a convoy with four torpedoes North-East of the Doro Channel. All torpedoes fired missed their target. The patrol report and log of Turbulent does not give the exact position.
According to Italian sources this convoy was likely to be made up of the Merano (3705 GRT, built 1909), Capo Pino (4785 GRT, built 1923) and Volta (1191 GRT, built 1919) escorted by the Italian torpedo-boats Lupo and Calatafimi [they arrived at Piraeus at 1110B/5]. They were coming from the Dardanelles except Volta which had joined them from Mudros.
0101B/5 - Sighted three merchant vessels bearing 225°. Course was 210°. Range was 8 nautical miles. One was thought to be of 5000 tons, the other two of 4000 tons. They were escorted by, what were thought to be, two Spica-class torpedo boats. Started attack.
0249B/5 - Fired four torpedoes at the two smaller merchant vessels that formed one line. Range was 4000 yards. All torpedoes missed. (22)
6 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1120B/6, in position 39°26'N, 26°01'E, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) sighted a caique which was later seen to fly the Turkish flag so she was not attacked.
At 1500B/6, HMS Turbulent closed a caique which was coming from the direction of Lemnos. The caique was under oars. Periscope observation showed she had a crew of five and was unladen. As the distance to the shore was considered to be to great for the occupants to swim and Cdr. Linton did not want to take the five men on board it was decided not to attack the caique. (22)
8 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
While patrolling in the Doro Channel, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), sighted several small craft during the day but all passed out of range so no attack was possible.
At 1930B/8, Turbulent surfaced and set course to patrol off the Gulf of Athens. (22)
9 Mar 1942
While patrolling off the Gulf of Athens, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) sighted several A/S patrol vessels near Gaidaro Island and Cape Sunion during the day. (24)
10 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
While patrolling off the Gulf of Athens, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) sighted patrolling aircraft and three or four A/S patrol vessels in the area. During the day a total of around 50 depth charges were dropped. (24)
12 Mar 1942 (position 37.58, 24.10)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) sank a Greek caique with gunfire North of the Zea Channel in position 37°58'N, 24°10'E.
This was the Greek caique Agia Paraskevi (52 GRT) on passage from Volos to Porto Rafti. Two of the crew were seriously wounded.
Earlier in the day, at 0040B/12, when patrolling south of the Doro Channel, an E-boat was seen coming towards at high speed in position 37°52'N, 24°39'E. Turbulent then quickly dived to evade.
0740B/12 - Sighted a large schooner / caique of about 300 tons. Altered course to close.
0912B/12 - Surfaced in position 37°58'N, 24°10'E and opened fire from 700 yards.
0916B/12 - Dived.
0920B/12 - The schooner / caique was sinking with only the masts showing. 8 Rounds had been fired, all hit the target. (22)
13 Mar 1942 (position 37.08, 24.16)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) sank a caique with gunfire west of Serifos, Greece.
This was the Greek caique Kal 155 / Anastassis (32 GRT).
Also a small schooner was seen on this day but as it was very close inshore it was not attacked.
0022B/13 - Sighted a two-masted schooner / caique. Altered course to close.
0033B/13 - Opened fire from 400 yards.
0039B/13 - The schooner / caique capsized and sank in position 37°08'N, 24°16'E. 9 Rounds had been fired for 3 or 4 hits. Only 1 round of 4" ammunition was remaining after this action. (22)
14 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
On surfacing after a days submerged patrol, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), left patrol and set course for the Kaso Strait to proceed to Alexandria. (24)
17 Mar 1942
At 0700B/17, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Alexandria. (22)
30 Mar 1942
Around 1900C/30, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 4th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Adriatic with complete freedom of movement above 40°N.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Turbulent during this patrol see the map below.
(22)
3 Apr 1942
At 1800C/3, an enemy convoy made up of six merchant vessels, 2 cruisers and ten destroyers were reported in position 38°52'N, 18°50'E, steering 170° at 11 knots.
In a signal timed 2001C/3, Capt. S 1, ordered HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) and HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNethN) to endeavour to intercept but neither submarine had sighted the convoy by dusk the following day and continued their passage to the Adriatic and Alexandria respectively. (25)
5 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2351C/5, in the Straits of Otranto, when in position 40°05'N, 19°04'E, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) sighted an E-boat laying stopped, probably on listening watch. The submarine quickly dived.
At 0033C/6, HMS Turbulent surfaced and continued her passage. This was a good sighted by the Officer of the Watch as visibility at that time was poor. (24)
7 Apr 1942 (position 42.05, 18.58)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) sank the small Italian merchant vessel Rosa M. (271 GRT, built 1904) travelling from Gravosa to Durazzo, with gunfire about 7 nautical miles South of Petrovac, Croatia in position 42°05'N, 18°58'E.
Earlier in the day two northbound schooners and what looked like a small torpedo boat had been seen but these were not attacked.
1415C/7 - Sighted a ship approaching from Popovanjiva Bay. Soon after sighting it altered course away. It was noticed that it was a small ship of about 1200 tons.
1433C/7 - Surfaced and opened fire with the 4" gun from 4500 yards. The ship stopped and the crew was seen to abandon it even before it was hit.
1441C/7 - Dived as the ship seemed to be sinking. 39 Rounds had been fired for about a dozen hits.
1451C/7 - The ship capsized and floated bottom up for a few moments before it sank. This ship was heavily laden and had a big deck cargo including 4 cars. (22)
9 Apr 1942 (position 43.31, 15.54)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) makes a torpedo attack on the Italian passenger/cargo vessel Constantino Borsini (former Yugoslav Srbin, 982 GRT, built 1913) about 10 nautical miles South of Sibenik, Croatia in position 43°31'N, 15°54'E. Two torpedoes were fired that both missed.
Also P.M. on this day three schooners were seen but all were close inshore and were not attacked.
1550C/9 - Sighted a flying boat patrolling up and down. Looked like something interesting might come our way.
1612C/9 - Sighted a ship approaching. Estimated size was 3000 tons, range 7000 yards, enemy course 180°, speed 8 knots. Started attack.
1628C/9 - In position 43°31'N, 15°54'E fired two torpedoes from 2500 yards. The ship altered course immediately after firing due what seems to be a navigational alteration of course. Both torpedoes missed ahead and exploded when they hit the shore.
The flying boat remained in the area until after dark.
According to Italian sources Constantino Borsini observed the two torpedo tracks and avoided them. She opened fire but the submarine was not observed. (22)
10 Apr 1942
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) attacks the Italian merchant vessel Sangini (3666 GRT, built 1911) with three torpedoes about 5 nautical miles North of Pescara, Italy in position 42°36'N, 14°11'E. All missed. One other torpedo was then fired but this torpedo also missed.
According to Italian sources Sangini sighted three torpedo tracks and opened fire for intimidation. The submarine could not close to use her gun because of the shallow waters. The Italian merchant vessel Cerere (1198 GRT, built 1920), 7 nautical miles away, was warned and turned away, she was not seen by Turbulent.
Earlier in the day, at 0730C/10, Cdr. Linton, had let a coaster of around 500 tons get away so as to not give away his position and wait for bigger prey.
At 2240C/10, a light was seen which turned out to be a small fishing boat which was not molested.
1620C/10 - Sighted a ship of about 1500 tons approaching and started attack.
1650C/10 - Sighted a 3000 tons merchant ship approaching and shifted the attack to this ship.
1721C/10 - In position 42°36'N, 14°11'E fired three torpedoes. All missed.
1732C/10 - Fired another torpedo which also missed. (22)
12 Apr 1942
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) sights an Italian submarine near Pula. As Turbulent was not in a favourable attack position torpedo fire was withheld.
This was most likely the Vettor Pisani travelling from Susa (Fiume) to Pola.
Also during the afternoon, a small merchant vessel and several schooners were sighted very close to Cape Promontore. As Turbulent was not in a favourable attack position these were also not attacked.
1620C/12 - Sighted a submarine, thought to be of the Italian Balilla-class, approaching. A small armed yacht was in company. Started attack. Turbulent could not reach a good attack position and no torpedoes were fired. It was hoped that the submarine would be exercising in this area and it or other targets would show up in the future. (22)
13 Apr 1942 (position 44.42, 13.54)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) attacked a 3500 tons merchant ship with two torpedoes about 10 nautical miles South of Pula near position 44°42'N, 13°54'E. No hits were obtained though.
Before this attack, at 0800C/13, a northbound merchant vessel had been sighted near Cape Promontore. It passed close inshore and could not be attacked.
After the torpedo attack, at 1330C/13, an naval auxiliary trawler was sighted proceeding southwards. It was thought she might be proceeding to a rendezvous with another ship to escort her northwards. This was indeed the case as she was again sighted an hour later escorting a northbound 2500 tons merchant vessel but the range was too great to attack.
0928C/13 - Sighted a northbound ship of 3500 tons approaching. Range was 8000 yards. Started attack.
0953C/13 - Fired two torpedoes from 800 yards, both missed or more likely ran under. The ship was seen to man its gun, looked like a 4" gun. They did not open fire.
Flying boats were seen patrolling the area after this failed attack. (22)
14 Apr 1942 (position 43.29, 16.00)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) sank one of two Italian sailing vessels Franco (73 GRT) from Racisce di Curzola with a crew of three [the other, Addo Mario from Rimini, escaped] with gunfire about 10 nautical miles South of Sebenico, Croatia in position 43°29'N, 16°00'E.
Several other small vessels had been sighted during thee afternoon but these had not been attacked.
1930C/14 - Sighted two schooners approaching. Commenced to close for gun attack.
2016C/14 - Surfaced in position 43°29'N, 16°00'E and attacked one of the schooners from a range of 3000 yards.
2023C/14 - Dived as fire was opened by shore guns [the battery at Punta Techetta opened fire at 7000 meters as well as the battery at Sant'Antonio at a slight greater range]. The schooner had been hit 3 times out of 35 rounds fired. (22)
15 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1810C/15, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), sighted a ship approaching from Dubrovnik. An attack was commenced but the attack had to be broken off 15 minutes later when the ship turned away and proceeded into Gruz. Another ship was then sighted on which another attack was started but this ship also soon proceeded into Gruz. Both ships were in ballast and of about 2000 tons. Closest range had been 4000 yards.
At 1915C/15, another ship was seen approaching and she was closed to 1000 yards. She was seen to be in ballast and was only of 1000 tons and was therefore not attacked. She also proceeded into Gruz. (24)
16 Apr 1942 (position 40.50, 17.37)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Delia (5406 GRT, built 1917) off Brindisi, Italy in position 40°50'N, 17°37'E. Delia was en-route from Bari to Taranto.
Earlier in the day, more ships had been sighted. First, at 0730C/16, a small southbound ship had been seen proceeding close inshore. She passed out of range.
At 1015C/16, a southbound ship was seen to be approaching. This turned out to be the Italian torpedo boat Antonio Mosto. She passed at a range of 3000 yards. No attack was attempted.
At 1050C/16, a northbound ship was sighted which was thought to be of around 3000 tons. She was in ballast. Range could not be closed further then 4000 yards so no torpedoes were fired.
1400C/16 - Sighted a Southbound ship approaching. The ship was of 6000 tons and heavily laden. Started attack.
1451C/16 - Fired two torpedoes from 1000 yards. Both hit the target.
1453C/16 - Only 30 feet of the ships stem, floating vertically were now visible.
2130C/16 - Surfaced and set course to leave the Adriatic. (22)
18 Apr 1942
At 1800C/18, two escorted merchant ships were reported in position 38°59'N, 18°18'E on course 146° at 10 knots. HMS Torbay (Cdr. A.C.C. Miers, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) were directed to intercept by Capt. S 1 in a signal timed 2001C/18. The order was however cancelled later in Capt S 1's signal timed 2301C/18. (26)
22 Apr 1942
Around 0730C/22, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Alexandria. (22)
1 May 1942
Around 1545C/1, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) departed from Alexandria for Port Said. (27)
2 May 1942
Around 1150C/2, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said. (27)
3 May 1942
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) is docked in the floating dock at Port Said. (27)
7 May 1942
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) is undocked. (27)
8 May 1942
Around 1305C/8, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) departed from Port Said for Alexandria. (27)
9 May 1942
Around 0710C/9, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) arrived at Alexandria. (27)
11 May 1942
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Turbulent during this patrol see the map below.
(22)
14 May 1942
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) sank the Italian sailing vessel V 32 /
San Giusto (243 GRT), carrying 161 tons of gasoline, with gunfire off Ras el Hilal, Libya.
1500C/14 - Inspected the Ras el Hilal anchorage. There was nothing there.
1720C/14 - Sighted two three-masted schooners approaching from the West. Altered course to close.
1750C/14 - The first schooner apparently saw the periscope when about 600 yards away as it altered course away.
1758C/14 - The second schooner also altered course away.
1801C/14 - Surfaced and opened fire with the 4" gun on the nearest schooner from 2000 yards. A considerable number of hits were obtained and the schooner was abandoned and run aground. [She was a total loss, 1 missing, 11 survivors].
1804C/14 - Forced to dive as an aircraft suddenly appeared. Meanwhile the schooner exploded.
(22)
15 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2200C/15, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), is ordered by Capt. S 1 (in signals timed 1957C/15 and 2013C/15) to establish patrol by 2200C/16 in position 33°20'N, 18°45'E (north-west of Benghazi). (22)
16 May 1942
At 1315C/16, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), is informed by Capt. S 1 (in a signal timed 1011C/16) that the expected convoy would not arrive. HMS Turbulent was now ordered to patrol in position 31°50'N, 19°30'E (south-west of Benghazi).
At 2015C/16, a signal was received from Capt. S 1 (timed 1845C/16) informing HMS Turbulent that a merchant ship and an escorting destroyer were coming her way and that aircraft would attack at dawn. This convoy had been sighted at 1735C/16, 35°04'N, 17°59'E steering 170° at 10 knots. Cdr. Linton decided to try to intercept the convoy off Ras Tayones. The signal received was regarding the transport Petrarca (Italian, 3329 GRT, built 1910) escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Pegaso who arrived at Benghazi at 1730B/17. (28)
17 May 1942
At 0310C/17, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), is informed by Capt. S 1 (in a signal timed 0205C/17) about further movements of the enemy which made it clear that HMS Turbulent would not be able to intercept at dawn.
At 0540C/17, a small schooner was sighted in position 31°54'N, 19°30'E proceeding towards Benghazi. Did not attack as to not give away the submarines position and wait for bigger prey.
At 1440C/17, five aircraft appeared and started patrolling the area. This might be an indication something was coming our way.
At 1510C/17, Turbulent went deep as nothing was seen to be approaching and the aircraft were becoming a considerable nuisance.
At 1540C/17, HE was picked up so Turbulent returned to periscope depth. A destroyer / torpedo boat and a merchant vessel were sighted at a range of 5000 yards. They could not be attacked unfortunately. These ships must have been just in sight at 1510 hours when Turbulent went deep but unfortunately had not been sighted despite a good look around. The convoy was on course 010° about 5 miles from the shore. These ships were approaching Benghazi from the south so it is unlikely these ships were the Petrarca (Italian, 3329 GRT, built 1910) and it's escort the Italian torpedo boat Pegaso but on the other hand no other ships arrived at Benghazi later that day.
At 2115C/17, Turbulent received a signal from Capt. S 1 (timed 1921C/17), ordering her to patrol in position 32°47'N, 18°51'E and course was set accordingly. Earlier at 1810C/17, Turbulent had received a signal (timed 1527C/17) ordering to intercept northbound ships so she was already on her way towards that general area. (29)
18 May 1942 (position 32.26, 19.15)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant vessel Bolsena (2384 GRT, built 1918) west of Bengasi, Libya in position 32°26'N, 19°15'E.
This convoy was made up of the above mentioned Bolsena and the Italian merchant vessel Iseo (2366 GRT, built 1918). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Pegaso. This convoy had departed Bengasi for Tripoli around 2000B/17.
2320C/17 - Arrived in the patrol position ordered to intercept the expected convoy.
2329C/17 - Sighted three ships and a minute later heard their HE. These were two merchant ships, of about 4000 tons each, and one escorting destroyer. Started attack. The enemy were steering 260° but they later changed course to 330°.
0140C/18 - After a lot of manoeuvring to get into a favourable attack position, turned in to fire at the rear ship. It turned out that the range was greater then was thought. Turned to a parallel course and started to catch up again.
0200C/18 - Turned in again to fire at the rear ship.
0210C/18 - Fired three torpedoes from 2000 yards resulting in two hits. Dived. The torpedoed ship was heard to be breaking up shortly afterwards. [48 were killed, 36 survivors were picked up by the German minesweepers R 6 and R 11 which had been sent to their rescue]. (22)
19 May 1942
At 2115C/18, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), was informed by Capt. S 1 (in a signal timed 1915C/18), that three destroyers and two merchant vessels had been reported at 1730C/18 in position 34°05'N, 17°30'E. No course and speed were mentioned in the signal though. This position was about 100 miles from the position HMS Turbulent was in. These ships had earlier been reported in position 37°15'N, 15°55'E, steering 140° at 16 knots. This convoy was made up of the transports Citta di Tunisi (Italian, 5419 GRT, built 1929) and Citta di Napoli (Italian, 5418 GRT, built 1929) proceeding at 15 knots escorted by the destroyers Lanzerotto Malocello and Emanuelle Pessagno sailed from Naples at 0830B-0930B/17. They were later joined by the destroyer Ugolino Vivaldi and arrived at Benghazi at 0745B-0905B/19.
HMS Turbulent was also informed that aircraft would drop flares to the north-east of this convoy from 0100C/19 if they were in contact.
At 0143C/19, HMS Turbulent sighted a flare bearing 210° at a range of 6 miles. Assuming this was for southbound ships, set course to intercept and increased to full speed.
At 0150C/19, a report was received that four ships had been sighted but no mention of courses and speed. If the flares were dropped to the north-east of the target the position was a good way out so decided to rely on the flares.
At 0228C/19, another flare was seen bearing 210° at a range of 6 miles. It was thought the convoy was 10 miles ahead and if this were the ships reported at 1730C/19 they must be doing 14 knots.
At 0400C/19, HMS Turbulent, had received no further contact reports and as it was obvious it was impossible to overtake the convoy course was set to the north-north-east in the hope that a slower convoy proceeding to Benghazi might be intercepted but in the end nothing would be sighted all day.
At 2225C/19, HMS Turbulent, received a signal from Capt. S 1 (timed 1809C/19), which reported that one destroyer and a merchant vessel were expected to pass through position 31°50'N, 18°40'E at 0001C/20. No speed was given and the signal did not state that the enemy was eastbound but this was assumed to be the case. Course was set to try to intercept but the next day no there was no sign of the reported enemy convoy. This signal most probably referred to the transport Brook (German, 1225 GRT, built 1927) escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Cantore who had sailed from Tripoli at 1220B/18 and arrived at Benghazi at 1250B/20. (29)
20 May 1942
At 2300C/20, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), was informed by Capt. S 1 (in a signal timed 1951C/20), that she was to be in position 33°28'N, 16°46'E by 0001C/23. Cdr. Linton decided to leave the Ras Tayones area and patrol near Sirte for a day before proceeding to this new patrol position.
The order to patrol in the position given was however cancelled in a signal received at 0900C/21. HMS Turbulent then proceeded towards Misurata to patrol the Tripoli - Benghazi shipping route. (30)
23 May 1942
At 1300C/23, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), received a signal from Capt. S 1 (signal was timed 1021C/23), ordering the submarine to patrol in position 33°28'N, 16°46'E by 0001C/25. On surfacing at 2135C/23, after a days submerged patrol, course was set for this new patrol position. (30)
24 May 1942 (position 33.28, 16.46)
At 0600C/24, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) had dived near the patrol position ordered but nothing was sighted all day during her submerged patrol.
At 2015C/24, HMS Turbulent received Capt. S 1's signal timed 1801C/24. It gave the position of a convoy at 1100 hours and this would take this convoy 25 miles east of the position of HMS Turbulent at 2230C/24.
At 2130C/24, HMS Turbulent surfaced and was then attacked by an aircraft which dropped 8 small bombs, Turbulent crash-dived and had reached a depth of 60 feet when they exploded (position of the attack was 33°28'N, 16°46'E).
At 2205C/24, faint HE was picked up bearing 090° which was the bearing Cdr. Linton expected the convoy to be. As it was bright moonlight HMS Turbulent remained dived to attack as she would certainly be sighted if she surfaced.
By 2214C/24, the HE was drawing ahead and not getting louder so it was thought the enemy was proceeding on a southerly course. So HMS Turbulent surfaced. The enemy convoy could just be seen on bearing 100° and at a range of 3 miles. Enemy course was seen to be 180°.
At 2230C/24, HMS Turbulent lost sight of the enemy and it was not seen again.
The convoy in question was most probably the one made up of the transports Monviso (Italian, 5322 GRT, built 1941) and Ankara (German, 4768 GRT, built 1937) escorted by the Italian destroyers Nicoloso da Recco and Saetta on passage from Brindisi to Benghazi, course south, 13.5 knots. This convoy reported being attacked and missed by two torpedoes at 1800B/24 in position 34°10'N, 16°45'E [This attack must have been bogus]. (22)
25 May 1942
In a signal timed 1825C/25, Capt. S 1 ordered HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) to patrol in positions 34°12'N, 18°37'E and 33°57'N, 18°43'E respectively by 2200C/27.
This order was cancelled later in a signal timed 0935C/26. (31)
26 May 1942
At 0144C/26, in position 32°01'N, 19°21'E, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN, sighted two merchant ships and a destroyer on a westerly course. The destroyer was zigging very broadly across the front of the convoy and after Turbulent had closed to a certain extend the destroyer came across so far and so fast that although Turbulent kept stern on to the enemy she was sighted. Turbulent was well abaft the beam of the convoy at the time and Cdr. Linton thought he had got away with it but the destroyer turned round and then closed at high speed foring Turbulent to dive which she did at 0157C/26 when the destroyer was at a range of 2500 yards.
At 0200C/26, the first of about 25 depth charges was dropped of which the first dozen being uncomfortably close. The destroyer passed overhead as the second pattern went off so that it must have been fairly near. After this they became less accurate and the purpose of the depth charging seem to shift to keeping the submarine down. Turbulent had sustained only some minor damage.
At 0240C/26, the last depth charge was dropped.
At 0250C/26, Turbulent started to come up to periscope depth but unfortunately this took considerable time. HE could still be heard but it appeared to be going away.
0325C/26, Turbulent surfaced and chased the convoy at full speed. The convoy had not been doing more then 8 knots so there was just time to catch up before dawn but this did not materialize and Turbulent dived at 0550C/26 and set course for the Benghazi area.
The convoy in question was made up of the transports Trapani (German, 1855 GRT, built 1926) and Alberto Fassio (Italian, 2289 GRT, built 1914) convoy. They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Clio who sighted the submarine from a distance of 2500 metres at 0045B/26. They had sailed from Tripoli at 2040B/25 and arrived at Benghazi at 1237B/27. The submarine appeared to travel at high speed and submerged as the torpedo boat closed to 500 metres and dropped eight 100 kg and sixteen 50 kg depth charges, observing an oil patch afterwards. (24)
26 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In a signal timed 1921C/26, Capt. S 1 ordered HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) to patrol in positions 34°02'N, 18°44'E and 33°50'N, 18°48'E respectively by 2301C/28. (31)
28 May 1942
At 0600C/28, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) dived to continue the passage to her ordered patrol position submerged. Distant depth charging was heard throughout the day. A series of depth charges starting at 1830C/28, seemed particularly heavy.
At 1905C/28, a signal from Capt. S 1 (timed 1717C/28) was received giving the course (180°), speed (10 knots) and position (35°33'N, 19°14'E) of an enemy convoy at 1605C/28. The position and course given would make the convoy pass about 20 miles to the eastward of Turbulent at about 0200C/29. Course was then set to intercept.
At 2115C/28, a signal from Capt. S 1 (timed 1911C/28) was received which reported a 15 knot convoy having left Benghazi. The convoy was reported in position 32°23'N, 19°57'E, steering 330° at a speed of 15 knots. The course of this convoy would take it at 2245C/28 within 5 miles from the patrol position of HMS Turbulent. Cdr. Linton decided to remain there until 2345C/28, in case the speed of the convoy was less the reported, and then to proceed to intercept the other convoy for which a distance of about 15 miles would have to be covered.
At 2145C/28, HMS Turbulent surfaced to find the sea as smooth as a pond. There was no wind at all. There was a mist which made the horizon very difficult to see and the visibility very variable. It was one night before the full moon. Cdr. Linton decided to run on the engines for half an hour and then keep listening watch.
At 2225C/28, HMS Turbulent stopped and listening watch was set. [For continuation of the events see the event for 29 May 1942.] (24)
29 May 1942 (position 33.15, 19.25)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian destroyer Emanuelle Pessagno (1917 tons, built 1930) and the Italian merchant vessel Capo Arma (3172 GRT, built 1905) about 70 nautical miles north-west of Bengasi, Libya in position 33°15'N, 19°25'E.
The other merchant ship in this convoy was the Italian merchant vessel Anna Maria Gualdi (3289 GRT, built 1908). The other destroyer was the Antonio Pigafetta, She was off the Navigatori-class and a sister ship of the Emanuelle Pessagno. This class of destroyers were the largest Italian destroyers in service.
2310C/28 - In position 33°51'N, 18°54'E sighted a Southbound convoy of two merchant ships (6000 and 5000 tons each) escorted by two destroyers (one Spica class torpedo boat, the other looked bigger) bearing 325°. Speed was thought to be 12 knots. Due to the mist is was very difficult to estimate the convoys course and range. Cdr. Linton decided to get ahead of the convoy.
2345C/28 - Turbulent was now on the convoys beam and that the convoys course was 160°. Turbulent went ahead and soon afterwards lost touch.
0001C/29 - Altered course towards and increased speed to find them.
0020C/29 - The convoy was sighted apparently steering a course of about 200°. Started to get ahead.
0150C/29 - The convoy changed course to 160° and later to 140°.
0230C/29 - As there seemed no prospect in any change in the weather and that an attack at dawn (what Cdr. Linton initially intended to do) might be spotted by aircraft it was decided to make a submerged attack by moonlight.
0337C/29 - Dived 5 miles ahead of the convoy and 3000 yards off track.
0401C/29 - Sighted the convoy a little closer than expected. The escorting destroyer on this side of the convoy could not be seen or heard.
0405C/29 - Sighted the destroyer, it was much closer than was anticipated. Turbulent was right ahead.
0407C/29 - The destroyer was seen to be on a steady bearing.
0409C/29 - Fired four torpedoes at one of the merchant vessels. The destroyer was now very near. Turbulent went deep upon firing. 1min. 13secs after firing the first torpedo an explosion was heard. Shortly afterwards one of the torpedoes passed over the conning tower. Two further explosions were heard 2min. 28secs. and 3min. 10secs. after firing the first torpedo. The torpedo that ran overhead had a gyro failure and with a great deal of luck had hit the destroyer that was so near to Turbulent.
0610C/29 - Came to periscope depth and found one destroyer about 3 nautical miles away and moving slowly around the position of the attack. Nothing else was in sight. (22)
2 Jun 1942 (position 32.48, 25.12)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) twice attacks German U-boat U-81 in position 32°48'N, 25°12'E. All 7 torpedoes fired (5 in the first attack, 2 in the second attack) miss the target.
1250C/2 - In position 32°48'N, 25°12'E sighted a German u-boat. Started attack.
1301C/2 - Fired five torpedoes from 1500 yards. All torpedoes missed.
1308C/2 - One loud bang was heard.
1309C/2 - Fired two torpedoes from 2500 yards. 2min. 0secs and 2 min. 13secs after firing two explosions were heard giving a range of 3000 yards. Turbulent lost trim and it took a few minutes to regain periscope depth. HE was heard before the explosions but not afterwards.
1314C/2 - At periscope depth again, nothing in sight. Some wreckage was floating in the water and it was thought the U-boat had been sunk.
The wreckage floating in the water was most likely from German U-boat U-652 that had been damaged by British aircraft earlier that morning. U-652 was scuttled by the Germans and her crew was taken off by U-81 [U-81 observed four torpedo tracks]. (22)
4 Jun 1942
Around 0640C/4, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Alexandria. (22)
17 Jun 1942
Around 1945C/17, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Turbulent during this patrol see the map below.
(22)
19 Jun 1942
At 1400C/19, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) received Capt. S 1's signal timed 1031C/19, ordering her to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte south of 34°N and between 15°E and 22°E.
In a signal timed 2059C/19, Capt. S 1 ordered HMS Turbulent to patrol north-west of Benghazi in position 33°46'N, 19°26'E. (32)
20 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1400C/20, a signal was received from Capt. S 1, timed 1311C/20, which ordered HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte. (22)
21 Jun 1942
At 2240C/21, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), which had patrolled near Ras Tayones during the day, received a signal Capt. S 1, timed 2101C/21, informing her that two slow convoys were coasting towards Benghazi from Tripoli. Cdr. Linton decided that given the positions of the convoys they were not to arrived at Benghazi P.M. on the 23th. He therefore decided to patrol in position 32°00'N, 19°30'E until 0100C/22, and then proceed south to get on the anticipated line of advance of the coast convoys. (22)
22 Jun 1942 (position 31.11, 19.10)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) makes a torpedo attack the German merchant vessel Sturla (1397 GRT, built 1933, former French St. Guillaume, former Danish Estrid) about 70 nautical miles south-west of Benghazi, Libya in position 31°11'N, 19°10'E. No hits were obtained. The escort was the Italian torpedo boat Generale Marcello Prestinari. This convoy had departed Benghazi around 1900B/21 for Tripoli where it arrived around 2200B/23.
0524C/22 - In position 31°10'N, 19°20'E sighted one merchant escorted by one torpedo boat steering West. It was too near dawn to attack on the surface so course was altered to keep ahead. The torpedo boat appeared to be stationed astern or on the Port quarter.
0548C/22 - Dived to attack. The merchant was not laden and was of about 2000 tons. The torpedo boat was thought to be of the La Masa-class.
0626C/22 - In position 31°11'N, 19°10'E fired two torpedoes from 1300 yards. Both missed. After a considerable interval the torpedo boat, which had been astern of the target on firing, dropped five single depth charges followed by a pattern of two. It then rejoined the merchant ship and in doing so passed right overhead but did not drop anything further. (22)
22 Jun 1942
In a signal timed 0351C/22, Capt. S 1, ordered HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) and HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) to patrol east off Tripoli by dawn on 23 June if they were able to get there in time. Positions ordered were; for HMS Thrasher 32°39'N, 14°34'E and for HMS Turbulent 32°39'N, 14°46'E.
If they could not reach these positions in time they were given alternate patrol positions near Benghazi which were; for HMS Thrasher 31°55'N, 19°21'E and for HMS Turbulent 31°46'N, 19°24'E.
HMS Thrasher, which was much further west then HMS Turbulent proceeded to the position ordered to the east of Tripoli.
HMS Turbulent could made the position of Tripoli running flat out on the surface all day but as she had just sank a ship that morning it seemed very likely to Cdr. Linton that the area he was in would be heavily patrolled by aircraft and that he would be forced down repeatedly. He therefore decided to proceed to the alternate position he was certain he could reach in time and so not be at risk of being in neither of the two positions.
In a signal timed 1641C/22, Capt. S 1, cancelled the previous orders and both submarines were ordered to act independently but be ready to proceed to the positions ordered previously at short notice. (33)
23 Jun 1942
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) is detected and depth charged by the Italian torpedo boat Perseo while trying to attack an eastbound merchant ship in position 31°20'N, 18°30'E.
The convoy she was escorting was made up of the Italian merchant vessel Regulus (1085 GRT, built 1884) and the Italian schooner Maria Gabriella was also part of the convoy. They had departed Tripoli around 1900B/21 for Bengasi. The Maria Gabriella arrived at Bengasi around 1600B/24.
2155C/23 - Surfaced in position 31°20'N, 18°30'E and immediately sighted two shapes bearing 340°, distance about 5 nautical miles. They were soon seen to be an eastbound merchant ship escorted by one Spica-class torpedo boat. Started attack.
2220C/23 - Dived as Turbulent was detected by the torpedo boat that had turned toward. In the next 60 minutes the torpedo boat dropped 20 single depth charges, one of which was close and broke some light bulbs.
2345C/23 - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. Surfaced after 20 minutes. Turbulent then proceeded eastwards to try to intercept the convoy once more before it arrived at Benghazi. (22)
24 Jun 1942 (position 31.43, 19.51)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant vessel Regulus (1085 GRT, built 1884) in the Gulf of Sirte about 5 nautical miles west of Ghemines In position 31°43'N, 19°51'E.
She was in convoy with the Italian schooner Maria Gabriella. The Italian torpedo boat Perseo was the convoy's escort.
The Regulus was beached but was later declared a total loss.
1030C/24 - In position 31°43'N, 19°49'E sighted a heavily laden merchant ship of about 2000 tons escorted by one Spica class torpedo boat and 5 aircraft. Also part of the convoy was a two-masted schooner. This was the same ship that was sighted the previous evening.
1153C/24 - In position 31°43'N, 19°51'E two torpedoes were fired from 3000 yards which resulted in one hit. (22)
25 Jun 1942
At 1830C/25, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) was informed by Capt. S 1, in a signal timed 1525C/25, that at 1445C/25, an enemy convoy of one merchant vessel and two torpedo boats had been sighted in position 32°01'N, 18°59'E and was expected to pass through position 33°04'N 14°36'E about 1031C/26. By surfacing at once HMS Turbulent should make 16 knots to reach that position in time so it was not even attempted.
This signal referred to the transport Anna Maria Gualdi (Italian, 3289 GRT, built 1908) escorted by the italian torpedo boats Perseo (local escort until 1305B/25 only) and Generale Carlo Montanari who sailed from Benghazi at 0700-0745B/25 and arrived at Tripoli at 1500-1520B/26. ULTRA had revealed that the steamer was carrying 300 POW's but HMS Turbulent and HMS Trasher were not informed of this.
Later in the evening Cdr. Linton decided to move over to the area east of Tripoli as he expected that more enemy shipping was to be found there. Course was set accordingly. This proved to be an unfortunate decision. (34)
26 Jun 1942
At 0605C/26, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), submerged and proceeded submerged towards Misratah.
At 1300C/26, Capt. S 1's signal timed 1053C/26, which ordered HMS Turbulent to patrol (if possible) in position 32°55'N, 23°10'E (north-west of Tobruk) proceeding dived by day. It was impossible to reach this position. In a signal timed 1805C/26, this order was cancelled and HMS Turbulent was ordered to patrol north of Benghazi on the 29th but this was later changed in another signal (2331C/26) to the 30th.
Meanwhile also a signal had been received from Capt S 1, timed 1159C/26, that a surfaced submarine had been reported by an aircraft at 1001C/26, in position 35°03'N, 18°09'E proceeding on course 172° at 10 knots. This most likely was the Italian submarine Pietro Micca on passage from Taranto to Benghazi. (33)
27 Jun 1942
At 2015C/27, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) was informed in Capt S 1's signal timed 1754C/27, that two small vessels and a destroyer were reported just to the east of Tripoli in position 32°57'N, 13°24'E proceeding on course 087° at a speed of 8 knots. Cdr. Linton intended to intercept them at their expected position at 1800C/28 but in the end these ships were not sighted.
The ships referred to were the small refrigeration ship Amba Aradam (Italian, 405 GRT, built 1932) and the small transport Tripolino (Italian, 1094 GRT, built 1912) which had departed Tripoli around 1245B/27 for Bengasi where they arrived around 1230B/29. They had been escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Clio. Before arrival at Bengasi the Italian torpedo boat Pegaso also joined at 0800B/29. Also aircraft had been escorting the convoy during it's passage. (35)
29 Jun 1942
At 1255C/29, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) received Capt. S 1's signal, timed 1135C/29, reported a ship aground in position 32°20'N, 20°17'E. Cdr. Linton decided to go there tomorrow if not ordered anywhere else. The ship referred to was the transport Savona (German, 2120 GRT, built 1934). She had been grounded in position 32°20'15"N, 20°16'18"E after having been heavily damaged when she hit a submerged wreck.
These information in this signal was later cancelled in a signal timed 1406C/29 and in a signal timed 1431C/29, also the order to patrol north of Benghazi on the 30th was cancelled. (33)
30 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2220C/30, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) received V.A. Malta's signal, timed 1655C/30, reporting that two merchant ships would pass through position 33°20'N, 20°13'E on 2 July 1942. This signal was later cancelled in V.A. Malta's signal timed 1345C/1. (33)
1 Jul 1942
At 2220C/1, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) received C-in-C Mediterreanean's signal, timed 2031C/1, reporting a merchant vessel and a destroyer in position 33°20'N, 14°40'E, course 120°, speed 8 knots at 1930C/1. Cdr. Linton decided to try to intercept them in their expected position at dawn on 3 July.
[We have no clue regarding their identity. The transport Petrarca (Italian, 3329 GRT, built 1910) was supposed to sail but was prevented to do so by the bad weather. (36)
2 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2230C/2, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) received Senior Officer, Submarines, Alexandria's (S.S.O.X.'s) signal, timed 1917C/2, ordering HMS Turbulent to patrol north of Benghazi in position 33°30'N, 20°30'E, by dawn on the 4th. This meant we had to proceed towards that position at once giving up any chance of intercepting the convoy coming from Tripoli. (36)
3 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2220C/3, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) received Senior Officer, Submarines, Alexandria's (S.S.O.X.'s) signal, timed 1753C/3, which reported that an aircraft had sighted three merchant vessels and eight destroyers at 1600C/3, in position 37°25'N, 20°50'E. Enemy course was then 140° and speed 13 knots. (36)
4 Jul 1942 (position 33.30, 20.30)
While on patrol north of Benghazi, Libya, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) tries to attack a convoy about 80 nautical miles North of Benghazi, Libya in position 33°30'N, 20°30'E. The attack fails as Turbulent is detected and depth charged by the strong escort before she can fire torpedoes.
The convoy was made up of the German transport Ankara (4768 GRT, built 1937) and the Italian transports Nino Bixio (7137 GRT, built 1941) and Monviso (5322 GRT, built 1941). They had a very strong escort made up of the Italian destroyers Giovanni da Verrazzano, Turbine, Euro and the Italian torpedo boats Antares, Castore, Polluce, Pegaso and San Martino.
1110C/4 - When two nautical miles South of the patrol position ordered, in position 33°30'N, 20°30'E masts were sighted to the Northward. Altered course to obtain a favourable attack position.
1125C/4 - The convoy could now be made out as three big merchant ships escorted by a whole lot of destroyers / torpedo boats. At least five but most likely eight were seen. At least three aircraft were sighted.
1141C/4 - Turbulent is detected by the convoys escort and has to break off the attack.
1148C/4 - In position 33°28'N, 20°28'E depth charging started. The first pattern of six was extremely close causing minor damage. A lot more depth charges were dropped but none were very close.
1240C/4 - Returned to periscope depth to find nothing in sight except for one Spica class torpedo boat moving slowly in the position of the initial depth charge attack. After 20 minutes it made off to the South at high speed.
It seems most likely that an aircraft had detected Turbulent at periscope depth. (22)
5 Jul 1942
At 1130C/5, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), received Senior Officer, Submarines, Alexandria's (S.S.O.X.'s) signal timed 1323C/5, stating that an escorted merchant ship had been sighted north of Sirte in position 31°50'N, 16°40'E. Enemy course was 100° and speed 8 knots. They were expected to arrive at Benghazi around 1200C/6. HMS Turbulent was however unable to intercept.
The ship referred to was either the transport Sturla (Italian, 1195 GRT, built 1884) escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Generale Marcello Prestinari which had departed Tripoli around 1330B/4 and arrived at Bengasi around 1300B/6 or it was the transport Iseo (Italian, 2366 GRT, built 1918) escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Cantore which had departed Tripoli around 1400B/4 and arrived at Bengasi around 0900B/6. (36)
6 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2235C/6, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), received Senior Officer, Submarines, Alexandria's (S.S.O.X.'s) signal timed 1641C/6, ordering
7 Jul 1942
At 2235C/7, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), received Senior Officer, Submarines, Alexandria's (S.S.O.X.'s) signal timed 2155C/7, which reported that a surfaced submarine had been seen in position 34°16'N, 22°22'E at 2048C/7. The enemy submarine was proceeding on course 180° at 10 knots. HMS Turbulent then set course to intercept this submarine around 0330C/8 but by 0445C/8 nothing had been seen of this submarine and course was set to proceed down the coast towards Tobruk.
The submarine referred to was most likely the Italian Santorre di Santarosa enroute from Taranto to Derna but eventually she was ordered to proceed to Tobruk. (36)
8 Jul 1942
At 2240C/8, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), received Senior Officer, Submarines, Alexandria's (S.S.O.X.'s) signal timed 2122C/8, which reported that a surfaced submarine had been seen north-west of Ras-el-Hilal in position 33°06'N, 22°00'E, steering 110° at 10 knots at 2035C/8. HMS Turbulent was unable to intercept the enemy if it was going to Derna. Cdr. Linton though that the enemy would possible continue on eastwards to operate off Alexandria and set course accordingly to intercept around 0800C/9.
The submarine referred to was most likely the Italian Atropo enroute from Taranto to Derna but eventually she was ordered to proceed to Ras-el-Hilal. (36)
9 Jul 1942
At 0039C/9, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), received Senior Officer, Submarines, Alexandria's (S.S.O.X.'s) signal timed 2255C/9, ordering Turbulent to patrol in position 33°00'N, 23°40'E by 0100C/10. Cdr. Linton decided that it was possible to try to interept the reported submarine and reach this position in time.
At 0930C/9, Turbulent, which had dived at 0545C/9, had sighted of the submarine which was expected to be met at 0815C/9. Course was then altered to proceed to the new patrol position.
At 1610C/9, a signal, timed timed 1309C/9, was received from the Senior Officer, Submarines, Alexandria (S.S.O.X.), stating that 5 merchant ships, 2 destroyers and 5 motor torpedo boats had been sighted at 0905C/9, in position 35°36'N, 23°26'E, on course 180° and with a speed of 9 knots. These would pass just to the west of the patrol position and course was set to try to intercept. The convoy in question was made up of the following transports Città di Agrigento (Italian, 2480 GRT, built 1930), Città di Alessandria (Italian, 2498 GRT, built 1930), Città di Savona (Italian, 2500 GRT, built 1930), Delos (German, 2575 GRT, built 1922), Santa Fe (German, 4627 GRT, built 1921). They were escorted by the destroyers Mitragliere, ZG 3, torpedo boats Cassiopea, Sirio and the auxiliary submarine chasers UJ 2104 and UJ 2107. This convoy had departed Suda Bay around 2200B/8 and arrived at Tobruk around 1400B/10. They had been joined around 1010B/9 by the tanker Alberto Fassio (Italian, 2289 GRT, built 1914) escorted by the Italian destroyer Turbine. Also at 0910B/10 the torpedo boat Generale Marcello Prestinari had joined from Tobruk as additional escort.
In a later signal, timed 2117C/9, the 2100C/9 position of the convoy was signalled to Turbulent as being, position 33°47'N, 23°37'E, course 175°, speed 9 knots. (36)
10 Jul 1942
During the night of 9/10 July 1942, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), sighted flares being dropped almost continuously. Cdr. Linton was able to remain in position relative to the convoy by seeing it's AA gunfire. [For the composition of this convoy see the event for 9 July 1942.]
0510C/10, There had been no flares for 40 minutes. It was estimated the convoy was now bearing 330° at a range of 10 miles. Tobruk bore 150°.
0515C/10, A flare was dropped and shorly afterwards the convoy opened fire. The bearing was 335° and the distance was about right, indeed 10 miles.
0535C/10, HMS Turbulent dived and commenced closing the convoy.
0610C/10, Very fast HE and A/S impulses were heard bearing Green 10° and shortly after on Red 20°. It was thus thought for a while that HMS Turbulent was in the line of advance of the convoy though nothing could be seen.
0630C/10, HMS Turbulent altered course to the west as the convoy seemed to be in that direction.
0640C/10, A destroyer was sighted bearing Green 100°. She was coming straight towards at a range of 4 miles but it soon turned away. She was transmitting on Asdic. Loud HE was picked up on bearing 320° and it was thought the convoy was in this direction.
0655C/10, The convoy was sighted nearly right astern and going away about 7 miles off. Shortly afterwards a destroyer was sighted bearing 320°, it was miles astern of the convoy. Also two aircraft were seen patrolling. the convoy eventually disappeared from sight without HMS Turbulent having been able to attack.
At 2145C/10, HMS Turbulent surfaced and left patrol to proceed to Haifa. (22)
12 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2230C/12, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) receives orders to proceed to Beirut instead of Haifa. (22)
14 Jul 1942 (position 33.57, 34.34)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) encounters the Italian submarine Asteria about 50 nautical miles West of Beirut in position 33°57'N, 34°34'E.
2347C/14 - Sighted submarine, thought to be Italian, on the surface bearing 100°, distance 0.5 nautical miles. The submarine dived.
2348C/14 - Dived in position 33°57'N, 34°34'E.
According to Italian sources the Asteria sighted a submarine, thought to be Italian, bearing 290° at 1000 meters in position 33°52'N, 34°46'E. Asteria however did not dive but turned away (to starboard) at maximum speed to avoid further contact. (22)
15 Jul 1942
Around 0900C/15, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Beirut. (22)
5 Aug 1942
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) departed from Beirut for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Greece. She is also to carry out two special operations.
On departure from Beirut A/S and attack exercises were carried out on completion of which HMS Turbulent left for patrol.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Turbulent during this patrol see the map below.
(37)
8 Aug 1942
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) carries out special operation 'Corsair'.
An agent was to be picked up from the South-East coast of Crete.
2105C/8 - Surfaced in position 34°58'N, 26°08'E.
2120C/8 - The Folbot, manned by Corporal Andrew Seddon of the Grenadier Guards (SBS) and Able Seaman William Arthur Glester, left for the shore.
2212C/8 - The Folbot returned with two passengers, Antonios Koronaios (“Anthony” aka “Corsair”) and his local guide Stavros Kazanarakis. Koronaios, equipped with a wireless, had been sent on an Intelligence mission in November 1941. He had reached the village of Ziros and recruited Kazanarakis. In March 1942, hunted by the Italian police, Koronaios had been forced to relocate in the village of Tourtoulus. By the summer of 1942, the net was tightening, and it was to decide to extract him. Linton had only been instructed to pick up “Corsair” . When Kazanarakis showed up as well, holding on to the folbot and unable to swim, he could not refuse him passage. Linton decided that the Greek guide could remain on board Turbulent. Koronaios, who spoke English, was used as an interpreter with the two agents of the CAPRICORN mission who were to be landed shortly.
2220C/8 - The Folbot was taken below and Turbulent left the area. (38)
12 Aug 1942
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) carries out special operation 'Capricorn'.
Two Greek agents were to be landed within 30 nautical miles from Navarino.
2140C/12 - Surfaced in position 37°25'N, 21°39'E.
2200C/12 - The two Greek agents departed for the shore. Turbulent departed the area shortly afterwards. (37)
14 Aug 1942
At 1000C/14, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) sighted an A/S schooner approaching. A patrolling aircraft had been sighted earlier and was also still patrolling very close by. As the sea was glassy calm, HMS Turbulent went deep to avoid detection. In the next ten minutes three depth charges were dropped but not very near. For the next 2,5 hours the A/S schooner carried out a very half hearted hunt of stopping and listening over and over again. She never came very near though.
At 1345C/14, HMS Turbulent found nothing to be in sight when she returned to periscope depth.
At 1610C/14, a signal was received from Senior Officer, Submarines, Alexandria (S.S.O.X.), timed 1141C/14, ordering HMS Turbulent to patrol off Navarin in position 36°52'N, 21°27'E by 0001C/15. This position was 140 miles away it would not be possible to get there in time.
At 1710C/14, a signal was received from Senior Officer, Submarines, Alexandria (S.S.O.X.), timed 1415C/14, giving information on the possible movements of enemy convoys and that aircraft would operate against these convoys which were most likely bound for Benghazi or Tobruk and referring to a signal timed 1232C/14, which had not been received.
At 1815C/14, the missing signal from Senior Officer, Submarines, Alexandria (S.S.O.X.), timed 1232C/14, was received. It reported the position, course and speed of 2 convoys. HMS Turbulent was estimated to be on the line of advance of one of the convoys and this should come in sight around 1900C/14 but in the end no convoy showed up despite patrolling aircraft being seen and also some explosions were heard.
The signal started mentioned the following on the two convoys; 1) At 1145C/14, two large merchant ships and four destroyers reported by aircraft in position 39°25'N, 18°30'E, course 120°, 13 knots about 22 miles south of Santa Maria di Leuca. Estimated destination: Benghazi. These were transport Ravello (Italian, 6142 GRT, built 1941) escorted by the Italian destroyer Nicoloso da Recco and the torpedo boat Polluce who had left Taranto at 0335B/14 and the transport Lerici (Italian, 6070 GRT, built 1941) escorted by the torpedo boats Calliope and Castore who sailed from Brindisi at 0515B/14. Both convoys merged at 1030B/14. Lerici was hit by two torpedoes from HMS Porpoise at 1830B/15. Calliope was left behind to assist her and was later joined the Italian destroyers Mitragliere and Bersagliere but Lerici was beyond salvage and was sunk by gunfire from Mitragliere at 1206B/16. The remainder of the convoy reached Benghazi at 0830-0940B/16.
2) At 1130B/14, one merchant ship and two destroyers in position 36°14'N, 23°36'E, course 200°, 15 knots [about 50 miles north of Suda Bay]. Estimated destination: Tobruk but more likely Benghazi. This was the transport Foscolo (Italian, 4538 GRT, built 1942) escorted by the Italian destroyer Saetta and the Italian torpedo boats Orione and Sirio. They had sailed from Piraeus at 0215B/14 (except Saetta who joined from Suda at 0830B/14). They arrived at Benghazi at 0930B/15.
Also the following day nothing was sighted on on surfacing at 2130C/15, HMS Turbulent set course for the Anti-Kithera Channel. (39)
16 Aug 1942
At 1305C/16, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) received a signal from from the Senior Officer, Submarines, Alexandria (S.S.O.X.), timed 1020C/16, stating that two big merchant vessels were leaving Benghazi. If these were to change course up the Ionian Sea soon after dark, HMS Turbulent would be able to intercept them easily to the south of Navarino. Course was set accordingly as Cdr. Linton thought it unlikely they would proceed towards the Anti-Kithera Channel.
At 1413C/16, HMS Turbulent received a signal from from the Senior Officer, Submarines, Alexandria (S.S.O.X.), timed 1246C/16, ordering her to patrol off Navarino.
[For the composition of the convoy HMS Turbulent was informed about see the event for 17 August 1942.] (39)
17 Aug 1942 (position 36.35, 21.34)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Italian transport transport Nino Bixio (7137 GRT, built 1941) 12 nautical miles south-west of Navarino, Greece in position 36°35'N, 21°34'E. This ship is loaded with around 3200 POW's. 336 Pow's were killed as a result of this attack.
The Italian transport Sestriere (7992 GRT, built 1942) was missed during the same attack.
According to Italian sources the convoy was escorted by the Italian destroyers Nicoloso da Recco, Saetta and the Italian torpedo boats Castore and Orione. The damaged Nino Bixio was towed to Navarino.
1600C/17 - Sighted a ship bearing 160°. Later it was seen that this was a convoy of two large ships escorted by three destroyers and several aircraft. Range was 14000 yards. Started attack.
1633C/17 - Fired four torpedoes from 3600 yards. The salvo was spread over the two ships (thought to be modern ships of 7000 to 8000 tons and in ballast) which formed almost a single line. One of the torpedoes had a gyro failure and passed overhead of Turbulent three times. 2 Hits were obtained. Turbulent went deep upon firing but no counter attack followed. She surfaced at 2130C/17 and then set course for the Anti-Kithera Channel. (37)
20 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0030C/20, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) received a signal from from Capt. S 1, timed 2251C/19, ordering her to patrol against enemy shipping on the Suda Bay / Tobruk route. HMS Turbulent was already doing so as she was patrolling off the south-west corner of Crete since yesterday. (39)
21 Aug 1942
At 2230C/21, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) received a signal from from Capt. S 1, timed 1756C/21, ordering her to patrol 15 miles to the south-west of Cape Matapan. In this signal there was also information that at 1634C/21 aircraft had sighted a medium sized merchant vessel and three or four destroyers in position 39°19'N, 20°16'E (apparently leaving Corfu) steering 170° at 9 knots.
The ships sighted had been the convoy consisting of Italian tanker Pozarica (7799 GRT, built 1940) and the small German transport Dora (795 GRT, built 1898) which had departed Messina at 2250B/19 for Libya escorted by the destroyers Aviere (escort leader), Camicia Nera and the torpedo boats Climene and Ciclone. Between 1054B/20 and 1102B/20, the convoy came under heavy air attack in position 38°29'N, 16°38'E (near Punta Stilo). This was from twelve Beauforts (39 Squadron) and ten Beaufighters (227 Squadron). The torpedoes and bombs were avoided but the convoy were also machine-gunned. Camicia Nera had one killed and thirty wounded and Dora one killed and one wounded. At 1420B/21, Camicia Nera left the convoy to proceed to Taranto and land her wounded. During the night the destroyer Geniere from Messina joined the convoy to replace her. At 0525B/21, the torpedo boat Pegaso arrived from Piraeus to reinforce the escort. At 1613B/21, the convoy came under air attack in position 39°23'N, 20°13'E (entrance of Corfu Channel) from nine Beauforts (39 Squadron), four Beaufighters bombers (227 Squadron) and escorted by eight Beaufighters (248 Squadron). Pozarica was torpedoed twice and 50 of her crew abandoned ship in two lifeboats. Climene avoided bombs but was hit by MG fire, however suffered no casualties and little damage. Geniere had three killed and sixteen wounded, Aviere had three killed and a number of wounded. At 1728B/21, Climene took in tow the two lifeboats and half an hour later took the 50 men on board. She was ordered to the Bay of Saiada to await for Pozarica (which was eventually beached there) to transfer the crew back. At 2020B/21: Dora arrived at Corfu escorted by Aviere and Pegaso. The convoy was thus no longer proceeding southwards when HMS Turbulent searched for it. (39)
22 Aug 1942
At 0030C/22, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) intercepted a signal from from Capt. S 10, timed 2205B/21 adressed to HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN), which stated that the reported convoy had been stopped by air attack. It apparently was a large tanker escorted by 5 destroyers and had been attacked and stopped by aircraft at 1618B/22 in position 39°19'N, 20°14'E. Also the escort was well shot up by Beaufighters. The tanker was the Italian Pozarica (7799 GRT, built 1940). She had been hit by a torpedo and was towed into Corfu.
At 0610C/22, HMS Turbulent dived in her ordered patrol position about 15 miles to the south-west of Cape Matapan.
At 1405C/22, HMS Turbulent received a signal from Capt. S 1, timed 1001/22, ordering her to proceed on course 225°. Turbulent surfaced at 2130C/22. No further orders had been received. Course was therefore altered to the south-east to remain ahead of a possible convoy.
At 2210C/22, HMS Turbulent received a signal from Capt. S 1, timed 1850C/22, ordering her to patrol 27 miles to the south-west of Cape Matapan until 0300C/23. This was the position in which HMS Turbulent had surfaced. (39)
24 Aug 1942
In a signal timed 1750C/24, sent by Capt. 1, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) and HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) are ordered to patrol within 60 miles from position 35°45'N, 23°24'E. HMS Turbulent in sector 160° to 210°. HMS P 35 in sector 210° to 260°. (40)
26 Aug 1942
In a signal timed 1506C/26, sent by Capt. 1, it was stated that an enemy convoy had left the Gulf of Athens. HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) was ordered to patrol in position 35°07'N, 23°27'E and HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) was ordered to patrol in position 35°39'N, 23°07'E. They were to arrive in their positions by 0300C/27. If nothing had been sighted by 0630C/27, HMS Turbulent was to proceed towards the Anti-Kithera Channel.
In a signal timed 1603C/26, sent by Capt. 1, it was stated that an enemy convoy made up of one merchant vessel and a destroyer had left Suda Bay. This convoy was expected to pass HMS Turbulent and HMS P 35 between 2300C/26 and 0200C/27. This convoy was not to be attacked as bigger ships had been reported coming south. The convoy in question was most likely the one made up of the Italian merchant vessel Dielpi (1520 GRT, built 1912) escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Generale Antonio Cascino. They had departed Suda Bay around 1205B/26.
In a signal timed 1915C/26, sent by Capt. 1, the submarines were informed that at 1130C/26, a convoy made up of a 7000 tons tanker and two 5000 tons merchant vessels had been seen 10 miles south of Piraeus. They had been escorted by two destroyers. The tanker was most likely the Italian tanker Giorgio (4887 GRT, built 1907) which had departed Piraeus around 0900B/26 for Tobruk. She was escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Partenope. No merchant vessels should have been with the tanker at this moment though. (40)
27 Aug 1942
At 0540C/27, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) dived for submerged patrol.
At 0650C/27, in position 35°05'N, 23°24'E, a destroyer was sighted bearing 290° steering 090°. She eventually passed at a range of 1800 yards and disappeared to the eastward. This destroyer was seen to have four single guns which was not like the Italian types. Actually it looked more like a British destroyer or perhaps one of the Yarrow types sold to Greece. This was indeed correct as the destroyer in question must have been the German ZG 3 / Hermes which was a former Greek destroyer built in the U.K. shortly before the war.
At 0852C/27, a distant explosion was heard which was possibly a torpedo exploding. This was followed by the sound of distant depth charges for the next 20 minutes. [This was indeed a torpedo explosion, which was the work of HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN).]
At 0925C/27, in position 35°05'N, 23°13'E, a Spica-class torpedo boat was seen bearing 360° and steering 160°. After five minutes she altered course to 200° and HMS Turbulent altered course to avoid getting too close. Eventually the enemy altered course once more and disappeared to the north-west.
At 1200C/27, in position 35°03'N, 23°11'E [note: the patrol report gives the position as 33°03'N, 23°11'E but this is obviousbly an error which is confirmed by the log which gives the position as 35°03'N, 23°11'E], a Spica-class torpedo boat to the southward steering east. When the bearing was 190° it altered course to 180° and when being lost from sight was still proceeding southwards. During the forenoon a considerable number of explosions were heard.
At 1300C/27, a signal, timed 1018B/27, was received from Capt. S 10 that Beaufighter torpedo aircraft from Malta were expected to attack the convoy around 1600B/27.
At 1545C/27, altered course to the east (090°) as she was approaching the edge of her patrol area. At 1730C/27, course was altered to west again and at 2000C/27 back to the east.
At 2100C/27, HMS Turbulent surfaced and found a destroyer 5000 yards off bearing 230° and coming straight towards at high speed. HMS Turbulent quickly dived in position 35°01'N, 23°03'E, apparently without being seen. The destroyer passed close astern.
At 2135C/27, HMS Turbulent surfaced and found nothing in sight now. HMS Turbulent then left the area to return to proceed to Port Said. (41)
29 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2300C/29, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) is ordered (signal timed 1730C/29 sent by Capt. S 1) to proceed to Beirut instead of Port Said. (37)
1 Sep 1942
In the morning, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at Beirut. (37)
14 Sep 1942
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) departed from Beirut for Port Said. (42)
16 Sep 1942
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said where she is docked.
[As there is no log available for September it is not known when she left dock.] (42)
22 Sep 1942
Around 1900C/22, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Port Said for her 8th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Libyan coast, near Tobruk and Benghazi.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Turbulent during this patrol see the map below.
(37)
23 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2300C/23, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) is ordered to patrol to the south of Crete by 2000C/25. (37)
25 Sep 1942
Around 1703C/25, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) received a signal from Capt S 1., timed 1431C/25, which reported that two merchant vessels and four destroyers were approaching the Anti-Kithera Channel at a speed of 10 knots. It was expected this convoy would reach Turbulent's position around 2245C/25.
The convoy reported must have been the one made up of the transports Anna Maria Gualdi (Italian, 3289 GRT, built 1908) and Menes (German, 5609 GRT, built 1926). They were escorted by the Italian destroyer Nicoloso da Recco and the Italian torpedo boats Castore, Lupo and Sirio. This convoy had departed Piraeus around 2300B/24. This convoy actually was to be joined around 1500B/25 by the tanker Proserpina (Italian, 4870 GRT, built 1926) and the torpedo boats Libra and Lira which had departed Suda Bay around 0830B/25. The convoy was then expected to arrive at Tobruk around 1600B/26 but in the end they arrived two hours early. The torpedo boat Sirio however had developed condenser (steam tube) trouble around 1045B/25 north-north-east of Anti-Kithera in position 36°08'N, 23°23'E and was detached to Suda Bay to effect repairs. She arrived at Suda Bay around 1900B/25.
HMS Turbulent however did not sight the convoy and subsequently set course to proceed to the Tobruk area herself. (43)
27 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2300C/27, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) received orders to leave the Tobruk area and to patrol off Benghazi. (37)
28 Sep 1942
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) inspected the Ras-el-Hilal anchorage but found nothing there. (37)
29 Sep 1942
While patrolling off Ras-el-Hilal, at 0540C/29, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) sighted a destroyer or torpedo boat bearing green 20° at a range of about 3000 yards. HMS Turbulent altered round onto a parallel course and worked ahead. She soon lost sight of the enemy.
0630C/29, HMS Turbulent dived.
0640C/29, A/S impulses were heard.
0650C/29, HMS Turbulent sighted the destroyer / torpedo boat, which was subsequently identified as a Spica-class torpedo boat, steering 090°. The light was extremely bad. For the next ten minutes nothing else was sighted but then it was though that some sort of trawler was seen on the far quarter of the destroyer / torpedo boat. This ship seemed to be smaller then it's escort and no attack was made on it as it was thought that this was not the ship HMS Turbulent had been informed about. An aircraft was seen to be patrolling astern of these two ships. The 'trawler' was in fact the small German transport Kreta (853 GRT, built 1866, former Greek Arcadia). The torpedo boat was the Italian Calliope. They had departed Benghazi around 0800B/28 and arrived at Tobruk around 1000B/28.
In hindsight Cdr. Linton realised that the ship was actually a bit bigger then he initially thought and when he sighted this ship again on 8 October it was identified as the same and was subsequently sunk.
HMS Turbulent surfaced at 2020C/29, to find the visibility again very bad. At 2230C/29, Capt. S 1's signal, timed 1945C/29, was received ordering her to patrol off Benghazi. (44)
1 Oct 1942
At 1830C/1, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) received a signal (timed 1635C/1) from Capt. S 1 ordering her to proceed to Tobruk to intercept a convoy of one tanker and two merchant vessels coming from Piraeus. course was set to proceed at full power to the Tobruk area. The enemy convoy had been sighted by aircraft at 1612C/1 in position 34°04'N, 23°32'E, course 175°, speed 6.5 knots.
The convoy in question was made up of the merchant vessel Tagliamento (Italian, 5448 GRT, built 1922) and the water tanker Lina Campanella (Italian, 3210 GRT, built 1893). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Ciclone and Sirio. These ships had departed Piraeus around 2220B/29. Later the Italian torpedo boat Libra also joined coming from Suda Bay. This convoy arrived at Tobruk around 1200B/2. (45)
2 Oct 1942
At 0328C/2, when north-west of Tobruk, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) sighted a destroyer fine on the port bow. Course was then altered to the southward to get round him but soon after the enemy altered course away and HMS Turbulent resumed her course of 110° at 0344C/2.
In the next 1.5 hours, three more destroyers were sighted all laying stopped or moving slowly and HMS Turbulent was forced more and more to the south until she went north to go around them. Eventually the destroyers made off to the south-east.
From 0100C/2, aircraft reports were received on the position of the convoy and until the destroyers were encountered there was a good chance HMS Turbulent was able to intercept it.
At 0637C/2, HMS Turbulent dived.
At 0720C/2, a tanker and two destroyers were sighted bearing 320° at a range of 6000 yards but HMS Turbulent did not fire torpedoes due to the long range. This was most probably the Italian tanker Rondine (6468 GRT, built 1924) who was torpedoed by an aircraft at 0124C/2 in position 32°46'N, 23°36'E. Rondine and the German transport Santa Fe (4627 GRT, built 1921) escorted by the Italian destroyer Sebenico and the Italian torpedo boats Lira and Castelfidardo had sailed from Tobruk at 1730B/1 for Piraeus. The two torpedo boats escorted back the damaged Rondine to Tobruk where they arrived at 1405B/2. Santa Fé and Sebenico reached Piraeus at 1800B/5.
HMS Turbulent surfaced at 2013C/2 and later in the evening set course to the westward to patrol near Ras-el-Hilal.
In a signal from Capt. S 1, timed 2115C/2, HMS Turbulent was informed that at 2030C/2, aircraft had sighted a surfaced submarine north-west of Benghazi in position 33°42'N, 18°42'E proceeding on course 130° at 10 knots. The submarine sighted by the aircraft was most likely the Italian Pietro Micca which had departed Taranto at 1530B/30 for a supply mission to Bizerta where she arrived around 0820B/4. (37)
3 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1830C/3, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) received a signal from Capt. S 1, timed 1640C/3, that unless she was in pursuit of good targets she was to patrol in the vicinity of position 32°39'N, 20°11'E (northern approaches to Benghazi) during daylight on the 4th. (46)
4 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1830C/4, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) received a signal from Capt. S 1, timed 1650C/4, that unless her position was compromised she was to remain in the same patrol position she was currently patrolling in. (46)
5 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2200C/5, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) received a signal from Capt. S 1, timed 2045C/5, that she was still to remain in the same patrol position she was currently patrolling in and that an enemy convoy of a merchant vessel and three destroyers was coming her way. This convoy was reported by aircraft at 2002C/5, in position 34°00'N, 22°30'E. Enemy course was 235° and speed was 10 knots.
The convoy reported was made up of the German transport Ruhr (5954 GRT, built 1926) which was escorted by the destroyers Freccia, Antonio da Noli and the Italian torpedo boat Lupo. This convoy had departed Piraeus for Benghasi around 1900B/4 and arrived at Benghazi around 1600B/6. Apparently the Italian torpedo boat Centauro had joined as additional escort during the passage. (47)
6 Oct 1942 (position 32.39, 20.19)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) makes a torpedo attack on a convoy about 25 nautical miles North-East of Benghazi, Libya. Three torpedoes were fired against the German transport Ruhr (5954 GRT, built 1926). All missed. Turbulent was depth charged following this attack.
This convoy was made up of the above mentioned German transport Ruhr escorted by the Italian destroyers Freccia, Antonio da Noli and the Italian torpedo-boats Lupo and Centauro. The alert was given by an escorting Cant Z.501 aircraft of 196^ Squadriglia. The two depth charges dropped at 1245 hours originated from Freccia. The patterns dropped at 1325 hours came from da Noli.
At 2200C/6, HMS Turbulent received a signal from Capt. S 1, timed 2035C/6, which reported a merchant vessel escorted by four destroyers in position 34°31'N, 22°44'E steering 230° at 12.5 knots at 1955C/6. She was ordered to try to intercept the convoy before 0900C/7. Cdr. Linton set course to try to intercept the convoy at 0800C/7.
1130C/6 - Sighted a ship approaching and started an attack, range was 14000 yards. The ship was thought to be of about 3000 tons and was escorted by what were thought to be three Spica class torpedo boats and two aircraft. The attack went well until the target changed course. Turbulent now also changed course to attack with the stern tubes.
1232C/6 - Near position 32°39'N, 20°19'E fired three torpedoes from the stern tubes from 1100 yards. All however missed.
1245C/6 - A single depth charge was dropped but not close. Soon after another depth charge was dropped but once again not close. A/S impulses were heard coming up from astern.
1325C/6 - One of the torpedo boats passed overhead and dropped a pattern of 9 depth charges extremely close causing damage to Turbulent. It then turned round and dropped a pattern of 10 depth charges a bit further off but still close. The torpedo boat hunted for over 2 hours and appeared to be in contact several times but nothing further was dropped.
1540C/6 - All quit now, no more HE could be heard.
1610C/6 - Came to periscope depth, nothing in sight. (37)
7 Oct 1942
At 0525C/7, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) sighted the convoy nearly right ahead bearing 110° and steering an estimated course of 250°. It was later thought in hindsight to have been 270°. At sighting HMS Turbulent was practically right ahead of the starboard wing destroyer. The weather was bad with variable visibility and continuous heavy rainstorms. On sighting the convoy was in a clear part of the horizon while HMS Turbulent was up against a very black bit which was being lit up by almost continuous lightning. Cdr. Linton considered that if he would attack from within the screen that he would almost certainly be seen and if he attacked from outside the screen the range would be excessive. He therefore decided to get ahead of the convoy and attack at dawn from periscope depth.
At 0640C/7, HMS Turbulent entered a very heavy rainstorm which blotted out everything and when it cleared it was seen the HMS Turbulent was halfway between the target and the wing destroyer and 1000 yards off track at a range of 3 miles.
At 0700C/7, HMS Turbulent dived. The leading destroyer was seen to be signalling just before she dived but it was too light to remain up any longer as the destroyers could be seen without glasses. On putting up the periscope it was seen that the convoy had altered away to 240° which increased the range a bit and put the starboard leading destroyer out of the way and it was soon seen to disappear into a rain storm. Soon HMS Turbulent was in the middle of a tremendous rain storm. The Asdic could only pick up the nearest destroyer. HE could not be picked up due to the very bad water noises.
At 0730C/7, visibility improved to two miles and the convoy was out of sight not to be seen again. It had been seen that the merchant vessel in this convoy was a big one of about 8000 tons and two of the escorting destroyers were also seen to be big ones.
The convoy attacked was made up of the transport Sestiere (Italian, 7992 GRT, built 1942) which had departed Brindisi around 2330B/4, escorted by the destroyers Nicolò Zeno, Folgore and torpedo boat Antares. They were bound for Brindisi.
At 0610B/5, the escort was reinforced by the destroyers Antonio Pigafetta (which now became the escort leader), Saetta and Camicia Nera. These destroyers had departed Taranto around 1415C/3, escorting the Valfiorita (Italian, 6200 GRT, built 1942) bound for Brindisi. At 0029B/4 the Valfiorita was torpedoed in position 39°18'N, 19°09'E. The four ships were then diverted to Corfu where they arrived between 0759B/4 and 1304B/4. The three destroyers now became available as additional escorts for the Sestiere convoy and they joined coming from Corfu, as said above, around 0610B/5.
The Nicolò Zeno and Camicia Nera were subsequently detached when off Navarino and arrived there around 0745B/6.
The Sestriere escorted by the Antonio Pigafetta, Folgore, Saetta and Antares continued to Benghazi. They were bombed by four Liberators between 1744B/6 and 1751B/6, during which Sestriere was straddled without sustaining damage. the convoy arrived at Benghazi around 1200B/7.
After a days submerged patrol HMS Turbulent surfaced at 2015C/7.
At 2200C/7, HMS Turbulent received a signal from Capt. S 1, timed 1936C/7, ordering her to patrol to the north-north-east of Ras-el-Hilal in position 33°06'N, 22°17'E if the A/S activity in her current area was too great. (37)
8 Oct 1942 (position 33.03, 22.13)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the German transport Kreta (853 GRT, built 1866, former Greek Arcadia) about 10 nautical miles North of Ras al Hilal, Libya. She was on passage from Tobruk to Benghazi.
The transport was escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Castore which picked up the survivors and landed them at Benghazi.
At 1510C/8, a signal from Capt. S 1, timed 1225C/8, was received. This stated that two merchant vessels and two destroyers had been sighted at 1130C/8 in position 33°00'N, 21°39'E, course 080°, speed 7 knots. It was expected this convoy might be sighted around 1530C/8 but nothing was seen. Most likely the convoy's route had been altered after the Kreta had been sunk. The convoy in question had departed Benghazi around 1800B/7 for Tobruk where it arrived around 1200B/9. This convoy had been made up of the transports Salona (664 GRT, built 1913) and Anna Maria (1205 GRT, 1912). They were escorted by the destroyer Freccia and torpedo boat Lupo.
0710C/8 - Sighted a ship escorted by a destroyer or torpedo boat and one aircraft.
0734C/8 - Near position 33°03'N, 22°13'E fired two torpedoes from 1000 yards. One hit was obtained and the ship was heard to break up soon afterwards. The destroyer remained in the area for two hours but never gained contact.
0935C/8 - Returned to periscope depth. The destroyer was just visible to the westward leaving the area. (48)
9 Oct 1942
At 0040C/9, a signal from Capt. S 1, timed 2015C/8, was received. This stated that a tanker and two destroyers had been sighted at 1925C/8 in position 32°30'N, 23°28'E proceeding on course 355° at 10 knots. HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) then set course to try to intercept this convoy after 0600C/9.
Several flares were seen during the night but the convoy was not sighted. HMS Turbulent dived at 0645C/9 and during the morning she was kept deep by patrolling enemy aircraft. The convoy was never seen.
The convoy in question was made up of the tanker Proserpina (Italian, 4870 GRT, built 1926) which had departed Tobruk around 1500B/8 for Tobruk where she arrived around 0620B/10. She was escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Castore and Ciclone.
Following this failed interception course was set for the Gulf of Bomba. In the evening orders were received to leave the area p.m. tomorrow and return to Beirut. (49)
14 Oct 1942
Around 0645C/14, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 8th war patrol at Beirut. (37)
28 Oct 1942
Around 1715C/28, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Beirut for her 9th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Turbulent during this patrol see the map below.
(50)
4 Nov 1942
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) makes a short call at Malta to receive orders for her patrol. She is part of a cover force of submarines for Operation Torch.
She arrived at Malta around 1445A/4 and departed again around an hour later. (50)
6 Nov 1942
At 1200A/6, while patrolling off Cavoli Island near Cagliari, Sardinia, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN), sighted an A/S schooner. She could have been closed and sunk by gunfire but it was decided not to attack to not give away the submarines position / presence.
At 1300A/6, Sighted two merchant vessels proceeding north up to coast. No attempt to attack was made as they were in ballast and proceeding northwards. They would have made easy targets though. They were of around 2000 to 3000 tons in size.
1420A/6, Sighted an RD-class minesweeper going up the coast. This later turned round, came back southwards and entered Cagliari Bay.
1600A/6, The A/S schooner sighted at 1200 hours was seen to enter Cagliari Bay. (50)
7 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0005A/7, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) sighted an A/S schooner fairly close. It was intended to sink her with gunfire but as the night was very dark the use of star shell would be needed and in the end it was decided not to attack so as to not give away the position of the submarine.
The schooner was sighted again, three miles to the north of the first sighting, at 0300A/7. The schooner was sighted a final time at 0515A/7.
During the day several A/S schooners were sighted as were several minesweepers close inshore. In the evening two A/S schooners were encountered. Both were laying stopped. (50)
8 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
While still patrolling near Cavoli Island, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) sighted three schooners and a minesweeper during the day. (50)
9 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
While still patrolling near Cavoli Island, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) sighted five schooners and two minesweepers during the day. (50)
10 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
While still patrolling near Cavoli Island, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) again sighted five schooners and two minesweepers during the day.
At 1000A/10, a signal was received from Capt. S 10 ordering submarines patrolling of Cagliari to sink ships over 500 tons entering Cagliari (this had previously been 2000 tons). Cdr. Linton therefore decided to patrol a bit further to the north to catch such ships before they entered Cagliari Bay. (50)
11 Nov 1942 (position 39.10, 9.39)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the German auxiliary submarine tender Bengasi (1554 GRT, former French Saint Philippe, former Danish Almena, built 1933) about 10 nautical miles north-east of Capo Carbonara, Sardinia, Italy in position 39°10'N, 09°39'E.
1340A/11, During the forenoon the 'usual' two minesweepers had been seen but now two ships were seen passing inside Cavoli Island and going up the coast. One was very small about 700 tons and the other one was bigger, about 2500 tons but in ballast. It was doing only 5 knots. Cdr. Linton was thinking about going after it after dark and sink it with the deck gun.
1606A/11 - Sighted a ship approaching from the north. Started attack.
1627A/11 - In position 39°10'N, 09°39'E fired two torpedoes from 1200 hours. One hit was obtained. It was later seen that a destroyer was astern of this ship (this was the Italian torpedo-boat Giacinto Carini). The destroyer dropped a few depth charges but these were way off. Nine minutes after the torpedo hit breaking up noises were heard. 3 of the crew were killed, 78 survivors (including 5 wounded) were picked up. Bengasi was en-route from La Spezia to Cagliari.
At 2310A/11, HMS Turbulent received orders to patrol off Naples. These were in a signal from Capt. S 10, timed 2235A/11. Position 40°30'N, 14°03'E (west-south-west of Capri Island) was recommended. (50)
12 Nov 1942
At 1810A/12, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) surfaced after a days submerged patrol. From now onwards various signals were received that the Italian battlefleet was coming north from Messina. If their speed was 15 knots or less HMS Turbulent would be able to intercept them before they entered Naples Bay. Information was also received that aircraft would attack around 2200A/12 and that flares would be dropped until within 15 miles from Capri Island. HMS Turbulent was ordered to try to intercept south of Bocco Piccola.
Signals sent to Turbulent were the following; Capt. S 10's, 1737A/12, At 1710A/12 three battleships and eleven destroyers were reported in position 38°33'N, 15°46'E, course 031°, speed 15 knots. Intercept them south of Bocco Piccola. Capt. S 10's, 1910A/12, Air attack on battlefleet intended about 2200A/12, thereafter one aircraft will drop flares over enemy every half hour until 15 miles south of Capri. Capt. S 10's, 2125A/12, battleships may use either entrance to Naples Bay, i hope flares may inform you.
At 2210A/12, HMS Turbulent sighted flares bearing 075°. Turbulent was on course 050° and the enemy appeared to be on 320°. Soon afterwards it was thought that a battleship was seen but this turned out to be smoke. Very fast HE was heard over a wide arc but only one destroyer could be picked out. His HE was very clear and he was doing 280 revs. This HE drowned the remainder and it was not certain that there was HE of heavy ships as well. The night was very dark with a glass calm sea and no horizon and all that could be seen was dense clouds of smoke every time a flare was dropped. The smoke appeared to be about 7 miles away and the flares about 10 miles but the A/S operator thought that the HE was much closer than that. Actually it was 11 miles before HMS Turbulent ran through the smoke which was still very thick. A flare was then dropped very close to the submarine. The HE passed ahead and faded out on bearing 025°. Subsequent flares were also dropping in this direction but nothing else was seen. It was thought the enemy task force was making for Bocca Grande. HMS Turbulent then proceeded to the suggested position where she patrolled submerged throughout the day. Four patrolling A/S schooners were seen throughout the 13th.
The enemy battlefleet had been made up of the battleships Littorio, Vittorio Veneto and Roma which were escorted by the destroyers Aviere, Corsaro, Legionario, Bombardiere, Mitragliere, Ascari, Velite and Corazziere. They had been on passage from Taranto to Naples. (51)
14 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Only one A/S schooner was seen by HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) during a days submerged patrol off Naples Bay. (50)
15 Nov 1942 (position 40.28, 14.02)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) makes a torpedo attack on an enemy tanker about 10 nautical miles South-West of Isola di Capri. Four torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained. [This was probably the Italian tanker Sirio (5222 GRT, built 1921) escorted by Italian destroyer Freccia, bound for Tripoli.
Earlier in the day at 0630A/15, when in position 40°28'N, 14°02'E, four Spica-class torpedo boats were seen entering Naples Bay by Bocca Grande.
2015A/15 - In position 40°28'N, 14°02'E sighted a tanker and a destroyer on a South-Westerly course. The moon was in the first quarter but it was very overcast and there was not enough light to attack submerged. Cdr. Linton crossed astern of the convoy to get the advantage of the better horizon and then started working up the portside of the convoy. The destroyer was zig-zagging ahead of the tanker.
2355A/15 - Fired four torpedoes from 2500 yards. It appeared the torpedo tracks were seen and no hits were obtained. No counter attack followed. (50)
18 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
While patrolling submerged of the Bocca Piccola, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) sighted one large A/S schooner during the day. At 1810A/18, HMS Turbulent surfaced and left the area to proceed to Malta. (50)
21 Nov 1942
Around 1530A/21, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. She, and HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN), were swept in by HMS Rye (Lt. J.A. Pearson, DSC and Bar, RNR). (50)
22 Nov 1942
Around 1545A/22, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Malta to resume her 9th war patrol. At Malta she had embarked nine new torpedoes. She is to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte before returning to her base at Beirut. (50)
24 Nov 1942
Shortly before dark on 24 November 1942, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) bombarded parked vehicles at Sirte, Libya. Two Hits were obtained and several of the lorries were claimed to be destroyed. As shore guns opened fire on Turbulent the action was broken off and Turbulent dived. [Actually the Italian report mentions only six rounds fell on the beach causing no damage.] (50)
25 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0929A/25, in position 30°55'5"N, 18°00'5"E, while patrolling submerged, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) collided with what must have been submerged wreckage resulting in her to break surface. Three JU-87's (Stuka's) were seen about four miles away which completely ignored the submarine which subsequently quickly dived again. (50)
26 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1800A/26, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) surfaced and left patrol to proceed to Beirut. (50)
2 Dec 1942
Around 0650B/2, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 9th war patrol at Beirut. (50)
18 Dec 1942
Around 1645B/18, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) depart from Beirut for her 10th war patrol. She is to proceed to Malta and the depart from there for a patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Turbulent during this patrol see the map below.
(50)
23 Dec 1942
Around 1100B/23, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (50)
26 Dec 1942
Around 1300A/26, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Malta for her patrol area. (50)
29 Dec 1942 (position 39.17, 9.41)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant vessel Marte (5290 BRT, built 1917) east of Cape Ferrato, Sardinia, Italy in position 39°17'N, 09°41'E. The merchant vessel was escorted by the naval auxiliary vessel Ipparco Baccich.
Earlier in the day, near Cavoli Island, a small northbound ship was seen but it was too far off to attack. Also minesweepers were seen to be 'at work'.
1600A/29 - Sighted a Northbound ship approaching. It was escorted by 'what was thought to be' a minelayer of the Ostia-class. The merchant ship was of about 4500 tons and fully laden.
1654A/29 - In position 39°17'N, 09°41'E fired two torpedoes from 1350 yards. One torpedo hit the target. A very indifferent counter attack followed after a considerable interval. (50)
30 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted a reconnaissance of the area near Pevero Point in northern Sardinia. This was for an upcoming mission with Chariots of HMS P 311 (Cdr. R.D. Cayley, DSO and 2 Bars, RN).
The results of the reconnaissance were sent by signal the following day while HMS Turbulent was en-route to the Naples area. (50)
5 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1300A/5, while patrolling off Cape Palinuro, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) sighted an A/S schooner and a minesweeper. It would have been possible to sink one or perhaps even both with gunfire but it was decided not to do so and wait for bigger prey.
At 1400A/5, a small tug was seen coming down the coast. She too was not attacked for the same reason. Unfortunately no bigger ships worth attacking were seen. (50)
6 Jan 1943
While still patrolling off Cape Palinuro, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) sighted only one A/S schooner during the day. After surfacing at 1820A/6, HMS Turbulent set course to patrol off Naples Bay to the southwest of Capri Island near position 40°20'N, 14°01'E. (50)
7 Jan 1943
After having patrolled in the ordered position, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) is now ordered to patrol further to the south as part of a patrol line with HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) and HMS P 44 (Lt. J.C.Y. Roxburgh, DSC, RN) to intercept an escorted enemy tanker which is due to leave from Naples bound for Bizerta.
The tanker in question was the Italian Saturno (5029 GRT, built 1914) which had departed Naples around 0200B/8 escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Pallade and Sirio. (50)
8 Jan 1943
At 1055A/8, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) receives a signal from Capt. S 10 (timed 0955A/8) that the tanker and it's two escorts at 0830A/8, were in position 39°50'N, 13°05'E proceeding on course 180° at 10 knots. They were expected to pass through HMS Turbulent's position around 1230A/8.
At 1150A/8, a puff of smoke was sighted bearing 355° but it was only in sight for a few seconds and nothing else was seen.
At 1305A/8, HMS Turbulent received an aircraft report with a time of origin of 1200A/8, which reported the convoy right to the north and proceeding due south.
At 1405A/8, smoke was sighted bearing 280° but no masts or funnels could be seen. The convoy was now out of range and it was hoped that one of the other two submarines of the patrol line would be able to attack but nothing was heard so this seems unlikely.
At 1705A/8, HMS Turbulent received Capt. S 10's signal timed 1605A/8, that the patrol line had to be shifted 20 miles to the north. HMS Turbulent arrived in her new patrol position at 1855A/8. This was most likely to try to intercept the Italian transport Ines Corrado (8016 GRT, built 1942) and her two escorts the destroyers Maestrale and Corsaro but the were not sighted. These ships had departed Naples around 1400B/8.
At 2330A/8, HMS Turbulent is ordered to leave the patrol position and return to the Naples area. (50)
9 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0615A/9, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) dived to the southwest of Capri Island.
At 1820A/9, HMS Turbulent surfaced. Nothing had been seen all day. She was now ordered to attempt the destruction of a train on the Calabrian coast on 10 / 11 January 1943. (50)
10 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0615A/10, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) dived near Cape Bonifati. The railway between there and Marina di Belvedere was then inspected through the periscope.
At 1246A/10, HMS Turbulent surfaced to attack a southbound passenger train from 2500 yards. Due to the sea state it was very difficult to get the gun sights on and Cdr. Linton eventually stopped the gun from firing as the train was by then too far off. At 1250A/10, HMS Turbulent dived. It was thought to be doubtful that the submarine had been seen.
Several more trains were seen throughout the remainder of the day but HMS Turbulent was never in the right spot at the right time. Also no southbound trains were seen after 1430A/10. Cdr. Linton eventually decided to attack a train at the station of Marina di Belvedere but when he got there it was seen that the station was in line with and only 50 yards from a very large hospital. It was decided to wait for better opportunities tomorrow. (50)
11 Jan 1943 (position 39.31, 15.54)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the small Italian merchant vessel Vittoria Beraldo (547 GRT, built 1909) near Cetraro, Calabria, Italy.
Later the same day Turbulent bombarded a goods train near the town of San Lucido.
0748A/11 - While off Cape Bonifati sighted a Southbound merchant ship of about 2500 tons approaching. It was very close to the land.
0820A/11 - In position 39°31'N, 15°54'E fired two torpedoes from 3000 yards. Both missed, most likely the tracks were seen as the ship altered course right away.
0822A/11 - Surfaced and engaged with the deck gun. Obtained one hit.
0827A/11 - Dived as fire from shore batteries was getting close and it was thought the ship was aground.
0849A/11 - By now it had become clear that the ship was not aground so one more torpedo was fired. Again the track was seen and the torpedo missed. The ship now made off.
0852A/11 - Surfaced and opened fire again. No hits were obtained but the ship was put aground near the railway station at Cetraro.
0856A/11 - Dived again as the shore battery opened fire again.
0918A/11 - Fired one torpedo that hit the ship amidships. The ship was seen to break in two.
----------------------------------
1615A/11 - Turbulent fired 22 rounds at the San Lucido railway station. Italian sources confirm that one steam engine was damaged, the electric and high tension lines were cut and a cottage was hit. The coastal battery from Paola fired 14 rounds at the submarine, forcing her to submerge.
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1800A/11 - Turbulent surfaced and left the area for Malta. (50)
14 Jan 1943
In the morning, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 10th war patrol at Malta. (50)
25 Jan 1943
Around 1330A/25, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Malta for her 11th war patrol. She is to patrol North of Sicily.
(No log is available so no map can be displayed.) (50)
26 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1330A/25, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) receives a signal from Capt. S 8, timed 1246A/25, ordering her to patrol near position 37°53'N, 11°22'E from 0730A/27. (50)
27 Jan 1943 (position 37.46, 11.14)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) makes a torpedo attack on an enemy convoy in position 37°46'N, 11°14'E. A hit is claimed but this was not the case.
According to Italian sources the composition of this convoy was the Italian transports Spoleto (7960 GRT, built 1940, former French Calédonien) and Noto (3168 GRT, built 1938, former French Djebel Nador) escorted by destroyers Lampo, Saetta and torpedo boat Ciclone. It had departed Naples around 0500B/26 for Bizerta. The torpedoes were sighted by an escorting aircraft which gave the alarm and the whole convoy made an emergency turn to starboard to avoid them. Ciclone reported that a torpedo missed her 200 meters astern.
Late in the afternoon, at 1700A/27, four destroyers / torpedo boats were sighted proceeding to the north-east at 20 knots.
At 1710A/27, HMS Turbulent receives a signal from Capt. S 8, timed 1528A/27, stating that she was to patrol in position 315°, Cape San Vito, 3 miles until dark tomorrow and after that time she would have freedom of movement in her patrol area.
0822A/27 - Sighted a large merchant ship of about 10000 tons escorted by three Spica-class torpedo boats and at least twelve aircraft (most of them fighters). Shortly afterwards another merchant of 6000 tons was also seen to be part of this convoy. Started attack.
0855A/27 - In position 37°46'N, 11°14'E fired 4 torpedoes from 3000 yards at the merchant vessels that were overlapping each other. Turbulent went deep upon firing. Nearly 3 minutes after firing an explosion was heard thought to be a torpedo hit. Shortly afterwards some depth charges were dropped but none was close.
0948A/27 - Returned to periscope depth to find two of the torpedo boats in sight as well as a number of aircraft. They disappeared after 15 minutes. The results of this attack are not clear.
---------------------------------
1700A/27 - Sighted four destroyers were passed 5 miles to the north on course 045° at 20 knots. These had previously been reported by aircraft. The leading two were fleet destroyers, the other two are thought to be Spica-class torpedo boats. (50)
28 Jan 1943
At 0950A/28, while patrolling off Cape San Vito, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN), sighted what was at first thought to be a U-boat approaching from the east. Almost immediately two more were seen behind and Cdr. Linton thought this was his lucky day. However soon nine more were sighted and then he became suspecious. The supposed U-boats turned out to be motor lighters of about 90 feet long with a high structure, like a conning tower, in the middle. They had a fairly large gun forward and machine guns on the 'conning tower'. Their speed was about 6 knots. They were all well laden but were not torpedo targets and not pleasant gun ones either. They were very much smaller then 'F' lighters. Also an aircraft was seen patrolling overhead. The vessels sighted were most probably the landing barges SF 98, SF 99, SF 104, SF 209, SF 211, SF 212, SF 213 and I-022, I-040, I-061, I-062 and I-078 who entered Trapani at 1400/28.
At 1500A/28, a very small schooner was sighted to pass close inshore steering west.
At 1615A/28, a small motor torpedo boat passed 700 yards astern going very fast on a westerly course. A number could be seen on the ship which was probably 228. This was most likely the Italian VAS 228 who was reported to be at Palermo on 29 January 1943.
After surfacing at 1845A/28, HMS Turbulent proceeded to the vicinity of Ustica Island. (50)
30 Jan 1943
At 0300A/30, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived in her ordered patrol position [It remains unclear to us where exactly this position was but most likely it was somewhere between Ustica and Cape San Vito.
At 0544A/30, two ships were sighted 5 miles to the south. It was then seen they they were escorted. There was something which looked like a motor launch ahead, a trawler astern and a destroyer / torpedo boat before the port beam. There were steering 050°. Commenced to try to get ahead of this convoy. The ships sighted were possibly the tanker Labor (Italian, 510 GRT, built 1930) and the transports Chisone (Italian, 6168 GRT, built 1922) and Chieti (5398 GRT, built 1925) escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Groppo and Fortunale proceeding from Tunis to Palermo where they arrived at 1547B/30.
At 0628A/30, HMS Turbulent dived 6000 yards off track. By 0650A/30, the attack was progressing quite nicely and it was expected that a range of 2000 yards could be obtained. The targets were identified as a tanker of about 5000 tons and a transport of 6000 tons. Both were in ballast.
At 0700A/30, it was seen that the convoy had altered course to 090°. Range was now 5500 yards on a track of 160° and it was considered not worth to fire torpedoes for ships in ballast from this position. The destroyer / torpedo boat, which was thought to be one of the new class, had now taken station ahead and both the ML and the trawler were now astern. Only the ML was heard to be operating it's A/S equipment.
At 0735A/30, Sighted three ships and two destroyers / torpedo boats approaching on a course of 060°. HMS Turbulent was very broad on their bow but they were going very slowly and it was expected that a range of 3500 yards would be possible to obtain. The ships were thought to be of 5000 tons and two of 3000 tons. All were in ballast. There was a Spica class torpedo boat ahead which was operating it's Asdic and one of the new class of torpedo boats was astern. Also aircraft were seen to be patrolling in the area. The ships sighted were most probably the transports Campobasso (Italian, 3566 GRT, built 1918, former French Bonifacio), Rhea (German, 1388 GRT, built 1922) and Catherine Schiaffino (German, 1591 GRT, built 1930, former French, she was later renamed Charlotte) escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Ardito and Libra on passage from Tunis to Palermo where they arrived at 1718B/30.
At 0815A/30, the convoy was seen to alter course to 090°. This left HMS Turbulent with a range of 6500 yards on a 125° track and again it was decided not to fire torpedoes as all ships were again in ballast. Both convoys encountered passed well north of Cape San Vito and were probably proceeding to Palermo. (50)
31 Jan 1943
At 0400A/31, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) sighted a hospital ship steering 270° and passing 15 miles to the north of Cape San Vito. This was the Italian hospital ship Toscana (9429 GRT, built 1923) which had left Messina at 0830B/30 for Tunis where she arrived at 1800B/1.
At 0615A/31, HMS Turbulent dived for a day's submerged patrol near Cape San Vito.
During the morning, three small tugs and four 'F-lighters' passed close inshore all eastbound. Two motor torpedo boats were laying stopped 4 miles to the east and the usual minesweepers in this area were seen 'at work'. Some of them were possibly the tug Porto Fossone who arrived at Palermo at 1635B/31 from Trapani and the landing barges F 478 and F 483 who sailed from Trapani at 0600B/31 for Palermo.
At 1215A/31, two ships were seen approaching on course 070°. They were transports of about 2000 tons and were both in ballast. They were escorted by two destroyers / torpedo boats. HMS Turbulent was in a good attack position 2000 yards off track. Soon after the attack had been started the enemy convoy altered course to 010°. The attack was continued with the enemy now on this new course but after two minutes the enemy convoy changed course to 085°. The attack was now continued on the rear ship. One of the escorts, thought to be a Palestro-class torpedo boat, was ahead opeating her A/S equipment. The other escort was on the port beam of the rear ship. This was thought to be a La Masa-class torpedo boat. Soon after however it was thought that this torpedo boat had detected the submarine which then went deep. The ships sighted were the transports Volta (Italian, 1191 GRT, built 1919) and Marte (Italian, 5290 GRT, built 1917) escorted by the Italian torpedo boats San Martino and Giacinto Carini. They had sailed at 0941B/31 from Trapani for Messina.
At 1440A/31, a motor torpedo boat approached from the east and was seen to go down the swept channel.
At 1845A/31, HMS Turbulent surfaced and proceeded to patrol on the main convoy route from Palermo. She returned to the Cape San Vito area the next morning for another day submerged patrol there. (50)
1 Feb 1943 (position 38.13, 12.50)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant vessel Pozzuoli (5345 GRT, built 1920) off Cape San Vito, Sicily, Italy in position 38°13'N, 12°50'E. The Italian armed merchant cruiser Narenta (1362 GRT, built 1934) was missed during an attack nearly an hour later which was picking up the survivors of the Pozzuoli. [Identification of the Narenta with thanks to Lorenzo Colombo.]
1104A/1 - Sighted a merchant ship of about 5000 tons coming up the swept channel near Cape San Vito. The ship was not escorted despite it being laden. It set course for Palermo.
1211A/1 - In position 38°13'N, 12°50'E fired two torpedoes from 950 yards. Both were seen to hit. The ship was seen to sink within a minute.
1310A/1 - Sighted another ship coming up the swept channel. This one also set course to Palermo. Shortly afterwards it turned North most likely upon seeing the survivors of previous attack but after a short time it turned to the East again and started dropping depth charges. It was seen to be a Armed Merchant Cruiser of the Ramb-class.
1408A/1 - While the target was stopped (most likely to pick up survivors) No. 11 (stern) tube was fired at it. But after 1.5 minute it went ahead again and the torpedo missed astern. During the remainder of the afternoon HMS Turbulent was hunted by first four and then two more motor torpedo boats.
2005A/1, HMS Turbulent surfaced and proceeded towards Ustica to patrol on the Naples - Marittimo route. (50)
2 Feb 1943
At 1745A/2, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) sighted smoke to the south-west and then altered course to close. The contact soon turned out to be four destroyers / torpedo boats proceeding on course 045° at 15 knots. It was thought the leading destroyer was of the Soldati-class, the second in line a Navigatori-class and the last two were thought to be Spica-class torpedo boats. When they were in position 38°24'N, 12°09'E they altered course 090° and shortly after passed directly overhead. Light conditions were not favourable for an attack and to attack destroyers Cdr. Linton wanted to be sure that hits would be obtained.
The destroyers sighted were the Mitragliere, Premuda, Camicia Nera and Gioberti. They had sailed from Tunis at 1122B/2 and arrived at Palermo at about 2115B/02. (50)
3 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0930A/3, while patrolling off Cape San Vito, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) sighted an enemy destroyer / torpedo boat. It was thought to be one of the 'new ones'. Enemy course was 085°. She passed 1500 yards ahead and was operating her A/S gear. nothing more of interest was sighted all day during which there was a high sea running. (50)
4 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1900A/4, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) surfaced after a days submerged patrol off Cape San Vito during which nothing had been sighted except aircraft. HMS Turbulent then proceeded eastwards to a new patrol area between 38°N / 39°N and 13°E / 14°E. (50)
5 Feb 1943 (position 38.10, 13.43)
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian tanker Utilitas (5342 GRT, built 1918) about 15 nautical miles East of Palermo, Sicily, Italy in position 38°10'N, 13°43'E. She was carrying 5000 tons of fuel for the Italian Navy from Taranto to Palermo escorted by destroyer Augusto Riboty and the torpedo-boats Sagittario, Giuseppe Dezza.
0445A/5 - While on patrol off Cape Cefalu sighted a tanker approaching. It was escorted by at least two destroyers / torpedo boats. Cdr. Linton decided to get ahead and attack dived.
0614A/5 - Dived. The tanker was thought to be of 6000 tons. Three torpedo boats were now seen, a Spica-class ahead, a Cosenz-class astern and a Confienza-class on the starboard beam.
0649A/5 - In position 38°10'N, 13°43'E fired four torpedoes from 4500 yards. Two explosions were heard thought to be hits. HE of the target ceased and later breaking up noises were heard.
0727A/5 - Started to return to periscope depth from 80 feet as the escort appeared to be well clear.
0729A/5 - A pattern of 10 depth charges was dropped. Turbulent was not at periscope depth yet but retired to 80 feet again. In the next 10 minutes two more patterns were dropped, one of 7 and one of 12 depth charges. None were very close but they appeared to be heavier than usual. According to Italian sources Sagittario attacked the submarine and was joined later by the torpedo-boat Animoso.
0830A/5 - Returned to periscope depth. Two of the escorts could still be seen but only just, they were going towards Palermo. Also some aircraft were patrolling in that direction.
1130A/5 - Started to close the coast near Cape Cefalu to have a look at the possibility of train wrecking in that area.
1500A/5 - Turned to the west after having inspected the Cape Cefalu area. Several schooners had also been seen close inshore.
1600A/5 - A large lighter had been sighted and HMS Turbulent was manoeuvring to attack when a signal was received. The signal was important and ordered HMS Turbulent to patrol off Cape Gallo between 2000A/5 and 0200A/6. The attack therefore had to be broken off and course was set accordingly. (52)
6 Feb 1943
At 0930A/6, while patrolling submerged near Cape Gallo, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) sighted a destroyer / torpedo boat of the new type proceeding westwards. It passed 2500 yards off at a speed of 20 knots. this was probably the Italian torpedo boat Calliope on her way to reinforce the Ines Corrado / Pierre Claude convoy.
At 0950A/6, an attack was started on a large, 4-masted, schooner in ballast, coming from the direction of Castellammara Bay. She could not be closed further then 3000 yards and it was not considered worth firing torpedoes from that range. [We have no clue as to her identity] Too many aircraft had been seen to risk a gun action. Also minesweepers were seen coming from the direction of Cape Gallo. They steered 270° until position 38°15'N, 13°03'E when they turned back.
At 1900A/6, HMS Turbulent surfaced and proceeded to patrol off Cape Cefalu. (50)
7 Feb 1943
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) bombarded a train at Sant' Ambrogio station.
Later this day Turbulent was detected and depth charged by two motor torpedo boats. Some minor damage was caused. These were possibly the Italian VAS 228 and VAS 229 who had sailed from Palermo at 1410B/7 for an A/S search.
1253A/7 - Surfaced to bombard a train at Sant' Ambrogio station. Range was 2100 yards. 6 hits were obtained including one on the engine. According to Italian sources the locomotive was hit as well as six wagons, one person was killed and two were seriously wounded but the railway line itself was undamaged.
1301A/7 - Dived as an aircraft was seen to approach. Later this was seen to be a transport plane.
1900A/7 -Surfaced and proceeded towards Cape Gallo. The sea was flat calm and it was a little hazy.
1945A/7 - Sighted two ships and altered course to close.
1954A/7 - Dived as the two ships turned out to be large motor torpedo boats, which most likely had been laying stopped on listening watch. On diving they commenced to approach at high speed. These two boats then carried out an A/S hunt for the next 3.5 hours during which they dropped a total of 15 depth charges the first of which was close and broke a good deal of glass. They were not Asdic fitted though.
2304A/7, the last depth charge was dropped a long way off.
2314A/7, Surfaced. The motor torpedo boats were at least 6 miles away. It seemed unlikely that they would hear the submarines engines at that range. (50)
8 Feb 1943
At 1114A/8, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) makes a torpedo attack on a merchant vessel near Cape Gallo, Sicily, Italy. Two torpedoes were fired but both missed their target. The two torpedoes were found by the Italians on a beach east of Punta Raisi (west of Cape Gallo).
According to Italian sources the target was the Italian water tanker (naval auxiliary) Istria (2900 GRT, built 1923) which reported being missed by torpedoes at 1120B/8 in the vicinity of Cape Gallo. [Note the one hour time difference so probably someone made a mistake here.]
Prior to this attack two destroyers / torpedo boats had been seen passing through the area. The one sighted at 0547A/8 was probably the Italian destroyer Mitragliere who had sailed from Palermo at 0445B/8 for Trapani where she arrived at 0823B/8. The one sighted at 0930A/8 was probably the Italian destroyer Corraziere who had sailed from Trapani at 0652B/8 and arrived at Palermo at 1038B/8.
In the evening, near Ustica, another destroyer / torpedo boat was sighted and evaded. [We have been unable to identify this vessel.]
0547A/8 - Sighted a destroyer coming round Cape Gallo. Dived three minutes later as the destroyer was approaching at high speed. It passed clear on a westerly course down the swept channel.
0915A/8 - Sighted a patrolling C.A.N.T. aircraft and hoped that a convoy was approaching.
0930A/8 - Sighted a destroyer approaching from the west on course 085°. Again this was seen to be one of the 'new class'. The C.A.N.T. aircraft was escorting it.
1040A/8 - Sighted an unescorted merchant ship, thought to be of 1500 tons, approaching from the west. Started attack.
1114A/8 - Fired two torpedoes from 1200 yards. Both missed most likely the speed had been underestimated.
1900A/8 - Surfaced and left the area.
1940A/8 - Sighted a ship close north of Ustica. After closing it was seen that this was a destroyer either laying stopped or moving slowly in a north east direction.
1955A/8 - Altered course away as there was no doubt that this was a destroyer and that there was nothing else there.
2000A/8 - Dived as the destroyer had turned round and increased speed and seemed to be coming towards. Only faint HE could be heard after 15 minutes and eventually faded out on the same bearing. The HE was difficult to pick up owing to the surf noises coming from Ustica.
2050A/8 - Surfaced to find nothing in sight. (50)
12 Feb 1943
In the morning, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 11th war patrol at Algiers. (50)
24 Feb 1943
Around 1800A/24, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Algiers for her 12th war patrol. She is to patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea. This was her last Mediterranean war patrol before returning to the U.K. for a refit. (53)
1 Mar 1943
HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) missed with torpedoes but then sank with gunfire the Italian merchant vessel San Vincenzo (865 GRT, built 1905) off Paola, Italy. This attack is believed to have been from Turbulent as it was well within her patrol area. The torpedo-boat Giuseppe Dezza was sent to hunt the submarine but without success. The German merchant vessel Tell (1349 GRT, built 1938) proceeding from Cagliari to Civitavecchia was ordered to alter course to avoid the submarine.
3 Mar 1943
It was most likely HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) that sank the Italian sailing vessels Gesu Guiseppe E Maria (64 GRT) and Pier Delle Vigne (65 GRT) with gunfire off Milazzo, Sicily, Italy.
According to Italian sources the corvette Gabbiano recovered four survivors from the Pier Delle Vigne.
Sources
- ADM 173/15891
- ADM 173/15892
- ADM 173/15893
- ADM 173/16395
- ADM 173/16396
- ADM 173/16397
- ADM 173/16398
- ADM 173/16399
- ADM 173/16400
- ADM 199/1832
- ADM 199/283
- ADM 173/16401
- ADM 173/16402
- ADM 173/16404
- ADM 173/16405
- ADM 173/16406
- ADM 173/16875
- ADM 173/16879
- ADM 199/400
- ADM 173/17102
- ADM 199/1222
- ADM 199/1218
- ADM 199/1218 + KTB 13. Kustenschutzflottille 1-15 February 1942 (T 1022 / roll 2591) + KTB Seekommandanten der seeverteidigung Kreta 1-15 February 1942 (T 1022 / roll 2587)
- ADM 199/1812
- ADM 199/1812 + ADM 199/1879
- ADM 199/1218 + ADM 199/2238
- ADM 173/17682
- ADM 199/1218 + ADM 199/2240 + DEFE 3/755/1/437
- ADM 199/1218 + ADM 199/2240
- ADM 199/1218 + ADM 199/2241
- ADM 199/2241
- ADM 199/1218 + ADM 199/2243
- ADM 199/1218 + ADM 199/2244
- ADM 199/1218 + ADM 199/2244 + DEFE 3/844/1/494
- ADM 199/1218 + ADM 199/2244 + HW 18/37
- ADM 199/1218 + ADM 199/2245
- ADM 199/1220
- ADM 199/1220 + Georgios Apidianakis from Greece for providing details of the operation
- ADM 199/1220 + ADM 199/2248
- ADM 199/2248
- ADM 173/17685 + ADM 199/1220
- ADM 199/2572
- ADM 199/1220 + ADM 199/2249 + War diary German Admiral Aegean for 15 to 30 September 1942
- ADM 199/1220 + War diary German Seetransportstelle Benghazi for September 1942 + War diary German Seetransportstelle Tobruk for September 1942
- ADM 199/1220 + ADM 199/2249 + War diary German Admiral Aegean for 15 to 30 September 1942 + War diary German Seetransportstelle Tobruk for October 1942
- ADM 199/1220 + ADM 199/2250
- ADM 199/1220 + ADM 199/2250 + War diary German Admiral Aegean for 1 to 15 October 1942
- ADM 199/1220 + ADM 199/2250 + War diary German Seetransportstelle Benghazi for October 1942 + War diary German Seetransportstelle Tobruk for October 1942
- ADM 199/1220 + ADM 199/2250 + War diary German Admiral Aegean for 1 to 15 October 1942 + War diary German Seetransportstelle Tobruk for October 1942
- ADM 199/1848
- ADM 199/1848 + ADM 199/2251
- ADM 199/1848 + ADM 199/2255
- ADM 199/1925
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
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