Alexander James Mackenzie, RN
| Born | 19 Jun 1910 | ||
| Died | Dec 1942 | (32) | HMS P 222 |
| Ranks
Decorations |
Warship Commands listed for Alexander James Mackenzie, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS Ursula (N 59) | Lt. | Submarine | 16 Oct 1940 | 6 Sep 1941 |
| HMS P 222 (P 222) | Lt. | Submarine | Mar 1942 | 12 Dec 1942 |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Submarine HMS Ursula (N 59)
20 Oct 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) departed Portsmouth for Gibraltar to join the Mediterranean Fleet. She is to be based at Malta to operate against Italian traffic towards North Africa.
On the 21st Ursula was ordered to perform an anti-uboat patrol in the Bay of Biscay for two days making this her 13th war patrol.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.
(1)
26 Oct 1940 (position 46.38, -10.20)
At 1630 hours (zone -1), in position 46°38'N, 10°20'W, HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) was at periscope depth when a submarine was observed suddenly at a distance of only 100 yards. Ursula surfaced for gun action but the weather was too rough to man the gun and the submarine disappeared from view. This was either the Italian Maggiore Barraca or Alpino Bagnolini sailing out for a patrol. Neither reported this encounter. (1)
30 Oct 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) arrived at Gibraltar.
Ursula arrived at Gibraltar with various defects and required several weeks of repairs before she could proceed to Malta. Eventually repairs and trials would take 10 weeks. (1)
25 Dec 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) was docked at Gibraltar. (2)
5 Jan 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) was undocked. (3)
16 Jan 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 14th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Genoa and to proceed to Malta afterwards.
En route to the Gulf of Genoa she had to make her presence known off the Spanish coast.
Before proceeding on patrol A/S exercises were carried out with the British destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN) and HMS Duncan (A/Capt. A.D.B. James, RN). After the A/S exercises were completed two practice attacks were made on HMS Faulknor. (4)
16 Jan 1941
For the daily positions of HMS Ursula during her 14th war patrol see the map below.
18 Jan 1941 (position 38.30, -0.07)
At 1955 hours (zone -1) HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) signalled and identified the Vichy-French merchant vessel Caudebec (1454 GRT, built 1910) about 20 nautical miles North-East of Alicante, Spain near position 38°30'N, 00°07'W. (4)
19 Jan 1941
At 0100 hours (zone -1) HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) signalled and identified the Spanish merchant vessel Ciudad de Sevilla (5943 GRT, built 1928) South-East of Valencia, Spain. (4)
29 Jan 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 14th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (4)
4 Feb 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) departed Malta for her 15th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol along the shipping route from Sicily to Tripoli near the Kuriat Islands off the East coast of Tunisia.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.
(4)
8 Feb 1941 (position 35.15, 11.30)
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) made a torpedo attack on an Italian convoy in position 35°15'N, 11°30'E. Four torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained. [These were probably the Italian merchants Nirvo (5270 GRT, built 1919) and Berbera (2093 GRT, built 1931) and the tanker Caucaso (2082 GRT, built 1921) on passage from Naples to Tripoli.]
(All times are zone -1) 1719 hours - Sighted masts bearing 240°. Closed.
1730 hours - The masts by now had developed into a convoy of 3 merchant ships escorted by 2 torpedo boats. Started attack.
1800 hours - Surfaced.
1935 hours - At a range of 6000 yards and no possibility to get any closer fired four torpedoes in position 35°15'N, 11°30'E.
1940 hours - Dived as one of the torpedo boats was seen to turn towards.
1944 hours - Heard one distant explosion. No other explosions were heard. No counter attack developed.
1956 hours - Surfaced and proceeded in chase of the convoy but could not regain touch. Also no damaged ship was seen so the torpedo explosion was most likely a torpedo hitting the bottom.
2100 hours - Abandoned the chase and set course to the North. (4)
9 Feb 1941 (position 35.42, 11.15)
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) made a torpedo attack on an Italian convoy near position 35°42'N, 11°15'E. Two torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained. [These were Italian merchant Pomona (2311 GRT, built 1921) and Italian tanker Fianona (6600 GRT, built 1916) proceeding to Sfax.]
(All times are zone -1) 0150 hours - Sighted a darkened ship bearing 340°, steering 140°. Closed on the surface. Shortly afterwards sighted a second ship about 1.5 nautical miles on the first ships Port quarter. Attained a firing position on the Port side of the first ship, a lightly laden tanker of about 6000 tons. As only two torpedoes were ready after the attack of previous evening Lt. decided to attack both ships with one torpedo each.
0209 hours - Fired one torpedo at the tanker from 500 yards. The torpedo was seen to pass underneath the tanker without exploding.
0215 hours - Fired the last torpedo at the second vessel from 1200 yards. Shortly after firing this ship changed course as the tanker fired a rocket and changed course as to ram Ursula. So this torpedo missed. Ursula meanwhile dived to avoid being rammed. (4)
11 Feb 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 15th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (4)
20 Feb 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) departed Malta for her 16th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). As in her previous patrol she was ordered to patrol along the shipping route from Sicily to Tripoli near the Kuriat Islands off the East coast of Tunisia.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.
(4)
22 Feb 1941 (position 35.47, 11.16)
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Italian merchant Sabbia (5788 GRT, built 1926) about 20 nautical miles east of Susah, Tunisia in position 35°47'N, 11°16'E. Following this attack Ursula was depth charged by the Italian torpedo boat Generale Carlo Montanari.
(All times are zone -1) 1521 hours - Sighted a convoy consisting of one transport and one cargo vessel. They were escorted by three torpedo boats. At least one aircraft was overhead. Course of the convoy was 156°. Started attack.
1608 hours - In position 35°47'N, 11°16'E fired three torpedoes at the transport ship from 2500 yards. After 1 minute and 43 seconds one hit was obtained. Ursula went to 70 feet.
1616 hours - 10 depth charges were dropped astern and drawing closer. Reduced speed to make less noise.
1637 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Saw the transport to be deeper in the water and sinking on an even keel. All the lifeboats were gone. Returned to 70 feet.
[According to Italian sources the other ship in the convoy was the Italian merchant vessel Silvia Tripcovich (2365 BRT, built 1925). Nothing could be found in Italian archives about the two other torpedo boats sighted.] (4)
3 Mar 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 16th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (4)
6 Mar 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) was docked at Malta. (5)
7 Mar 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) was undocked. (5)
18 Mar 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) was docked at Malta. (5)
19 Mar 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) was undocked and sailed for patrol a few hours later. This was her 17th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was to patrol off Lampedusa to intercept an important Italian convoy that had left Naples for Tripoli.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.
(4)
20 Mar 1941
At 1700 hours (zone -2) HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) received a signal ordering her to carry out operation 'Sich'. This was an operation to carry out a reconnaissance to the North and the East of Cape Bon to establish enemy convoy routes in that area and to find out positions of minefields (Ursula was fitted with a Mine Detector Unit).
The enemy convoy was thought to have gone past or evaded the position of Ursula by that time. (4)
24 Mar 1941 (position 37.05, 11.13)
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) makes a torpedo attack on a convoy East of Cape Bon, Tunisia in position 37°05'N, 11°13'E. No hits were obtained.
The convoy attacked was most likely the one made up of the Italian merchants San Luigi (4419 GRT, built 1905) and Tenace (1219 GRT, built 1881) and was escorted by the torpedo boat Generale Achille Papa.
This convoy had departed Palermo, Sicily at 0900/23 and arrived at Tripoli at 0830/26.
(All times are zone -2) 0333 hours - Sighted a merchant vessel against the hazy horizon. Closed.
0345 hours - Sighted a torpedo boat coming towards. Dived to avoid detection.
0350 hours - The torpedo boat passed close.
0357 hours - Surfaced. Sighted one large merchant vessel of 10000 tons and one smaller merchant vessel of 3000 tons in line ahead. Range was 3000-4000 yards. Started attack on the larger merchant vessel.
0427 hours - In position 37°05'N, 11°13'E fired four torpedoes from 2000 yards. Just as the fourth torpedo left the tube the target altered course 45° away to a course of 185°. All torpedoes now missed the target. Ursula meanwhile chased the convoy bit a firing position could not be reached before sunrise. (4)
1 Apr 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 17th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (4)
9 Apr 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) departed Malta for her 18th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was to patrol off the Gulf of Hammamet, near the Kurba Bank.
Later she was ordered to patrol off Cape Bon.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.
(4)
12 Apr 1941 (position 36.40, 11.12)
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) attacked a convoy South of Cape Bon in approximate position 36°40'N, 11°12'E. A hit is claimed but actually no ships were hit.
(All times are zone -2) 1715 hours - Sighted an Italian Navigatori-class destroyer bearing 350°, range approximate 10000 yards. Started attack.
1725 hours - It was now seen that the destroyer was escorting a convoy of five merchant ships of about 6000 tons. Two destroyers were present. The target that was selected was the second ship of the port column.
1735 hours - Two single engined aircraft were seen overhead, most likely fighters.
1739 hours - In approximate position 36°40'N, 11°12'E fired four torpedoes from 2500 yards.
1747 hours - One explosion was heard that sounded like a hit. Given the range to the target it was thought that a hit was obtained on the third ship in the starboard column.
1756 hours - Three explosions were heard, thought to be the remained of the torpedo salvo exploding upon hitting the bottom at the end of their run.
1801 hours - Fairly loud explosions were heard, thought to be depth charges. No further depth charges were dropped.
This convoy was made up of the German merchant vessels Ankara (4768 GRT, built 1937), Marburg (7564 GRT, built 1928), Kybfels (7764 GRT, built 1937), Reichenfels (7744 GRT, built 1936) and the Italian merchant Galilea (8040 GRT, built 1916). They were escorted by the Italian destroyers Ugolino Vivaldi, Antonio da Noli and Lanzerotto Malocello. Reichenfels reported being missed by about 10-25 metres. (4)
20 Apr 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 18th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (4)
27 Apr 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) departed Malta for her 19th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Kerkennah. Later she shifted to the Gulf of Hammamet.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.
(6)
4 May 1941 (position 34.36, 11.54)
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) attacked an armed merchant vessel or auxiliary with four torpedoes near the Kerkenah bank in approximate position 34°36'N, 11°54'E. [This was Palermo (ex Greek Athinai, 2897 GRT, built 1910) who sighted three torpedo tracks.]
(All times are zone -2) 1405 hours - Sighted one merchant vessel, bearing 030°. Enemy course was 260°. Closed to attack. The target was seen to be a merchant vessel or auxiliary of about 5000 tons. She was armed with two guns on the poop and painted grey.
1428 hours - In approximate position 34°36'N, 11°54'E fired four torpedoes from 2100 yards. Most likely all torpedoes missed astern as she zigged away and her speed was about 14 knots while during the attack 10 knots was estimated. (6)
11 May 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 19th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (6)
24 May 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. I.L.M. McGeoch, RN in command as her regular Commanding Officer Lt. Mackenzie was sick) departed Malta for her 20th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol the approaches to Tripoli, Libya.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.
(6)
27 May 1941 (position 32.33, 14.47)
HMS Ursula (Lt. I.L.M. McGeoch, RN) attacked a merchant vessel with two torpedoes in position in position 32°33'N, 14°47'E. No hits were obtained. [This was probably Silvio Scaroni (1394 GRT, built 1920) on passage from Benghazi to Tripoli.]
(All times are zone -2) 1308 hours - Received a signal ordering Ursula to intercept a convoy. Set course accordingly.
1337 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 090°. Interception was only possible if Ursula proceeded on the surface when she was well clear of the coast.
1400 to 1600 hours - Heard several explosions as the RAF was attacking the convoy.
1615 hours - Well clear of the coast now so surfaced in position 32°33'N, 14°47'E to reach a position to intercept the convoy however upon surfacing a small merchant vessel of about 2000 tons was sighted about 5 nautical miles away. Ursula dived again. Decided to attack this vessel as it seemed likely that Ursula was sighted and it would now be impossible to intercept the convoy.
1706 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 3000 yards. No hits were obtained.
1715 hours - Prepared to surface and engage the target with gunfire.
1720 hours - When about to surface the vessel turned stern on and opened fire withthe stern gun in the direction of the periscope. Decided not to surface and abandon the action. (6)
31 May 1941 (position 33.00, 12.09)
HMS Ursula (Lt. I.L.M. McGeoch, RN) attacked an escorted merchant vessel off Zuara (Zuwârah), Libya in approximate position 33°00'N, 12°09'E with two torpedoes. No hits were obtained. [This was probably the German Sparta (1724 GRT, built 1927) escorted by the torpedo boat Pilo.]
(All times are zone -2) 0540 hours - Sighted one laden merchant vessel of about 4000 tons escorted by a 'Generale-class' torpedo boat 5 cables ahead of her. Enemy course was 145°. Range was 4000 yards. Started attack.
0553 hours - In approximate position 33°00'N, 12°09'E fired two torpedoes from 1500 yards. No hits were obtained. it appeared the attack was not noticed. (6)
6 Jun 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. I.L.M. McGeoch, RN) ended her 20th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (6)
7 Jun 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) was docked at Malta during a short refit and repairs to her defective Starboard generator. (7)
11 Jun 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) was undocked. (7)
12 Jul 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) departed Malta on what should have been her 21th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). Shortly after departure she had to return due to problems with her Port generator.
18 Jul 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) departed Malta for her 21th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in an area South of Lampedusa.
For the daily positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.
(6)
1 Aug 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 21th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (6)
14 Aug 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) departed Malta for her 22th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol the Southern approaches to the Stait of Messina.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.
(6)
23 Aug 1941 (position 37.51, 15.20)
At 1340 hours (zone -2) HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) was bombed from the air while at periscope depth about 2 nautical miles East of Taormina, Sicily, Italy in position 37°51'N, 15°20'E. Two bombs were dropped but no damage was sustained.
At 2108 hours, the submarine surfaced in position 37°43'N, 15°32'E with the intention of landing commandos by folbot to blow up a tunnel near Capo dell’Armi but the bad weather prevented the operation. (6)
27 Aug 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 22th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (6)
29 Aug 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) departed Malta for her 23th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). She was to patrol South of Lampedusa. Later she was sent to guard the Eastern approaches to Tripoli, Libya.
An important fast Italian troop convoy had departed Naples for Tripoli that day.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.
(6)
2 Sep 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 23th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (6)
Submarine HMS P 222 (P 222)
3 May 1942
P 222 (Lt. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (8)
4 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
P 222 (Lt. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) conducted full power trials on the Arran measured mile following which she was commissioned at Holy Loch. (8)
6 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 222 (Lt. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (8)
7 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 222 (Lt. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (8)
8 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 222 (Lt. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) conducted deep dive and S.T.U. trials (mine detection) in the Clyde area. (8)
10 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 222 (Lt. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to the torpedo firing range at Arrochar. (8)
11 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 222 (Lt. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (8)
12 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 222 (Lt. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (8)
13 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 222 (Lt. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (8)
14 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 222 (Lt. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) shifted from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (8)
17 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS La Flore served as the target. (8)
18 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 222 (Lt. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (8)
19 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 222 (Lt. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) conducted gunnery and D/F calibration trials in the Clyde area. (8)
20 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 222 (Lt. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. (8)
21 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS La Flore served as the target. (8)
22 May 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) served as the target. (8)
25 May 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) is docked in No.1 dock at Elderslie. (8)
28 May 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) is undocked. (8)
1 Jun 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) is docked in AFD 7 at Kames Bay. (9)
2 Jun 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) is undocked.
Later this day she conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) served as target. (9)
3 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 222 (Lt. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) conducted S.T.U. trials (mine detection) in the Clyde area. (9)
4 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 222 (Lt. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (8)
5 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Sirius (Capt. P.B.W. Brooking, RN) served as the target. (9)
10 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 222 (Lt. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (9)
12 Jun 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) and HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) both departed Holy Loch for their passage to Gibraltar. Both submarines were to join the Mediterranean Fleet. They were escorted until Bishops Rock by HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN).
For the daily positions of HMS P 222 during this passage see the map below.
(10)
23 Jun 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (10)
29 Jun 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar together with HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon DSC, RN) and HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RD, RNR). (9)
30 Jun 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar together with HMS Fowey (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Aubrey, RN), HMS Stonecrop (A/Lt.Cdr. J.V. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Carnation (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Houchen, OBE, RNR) and one other escort vessel (name is unreadable in the log of HMS P 222). (9)
2 Jul 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 1st war patrol. This was a work-up patrol in the Alboran Sea.
For the daily positions of HMS P 222 during this patrol see the map below.
(10)
10 Jul 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Gibraltar. (10)
16 Jul 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (11)
18 Jul 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 2nd war patrol. She was initially ordered to patrol off the West coast of Sardinia, Italy.
For the daily positions of HMS P 222 during this patrol see the map below.
(10)
23 Jul 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) is ordered to patrol off Cape Palos, Spain to intercept the Vichy French merchant Mitidja. It is thought this French ship is carrying contraband. (10)
26 Jul 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) intercepts the Vichy French merchant Mitidja (3286 GRT, built 1906) off Cape Palos, Spain. The ship is boarded. Later she was escorted to Gibraltar by HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon DSC, RN).
(All times are zone -2)
26 July 1942 1309 hours - Received F.O.C.N.A.'s (Flag Officer Commanding, North Atlantic) signal reporting the position, course and speed of the Mitidja.
1718 hours - In position 36°58'N, 00°31'W sighted topmasts of a Northbound vessel bearing 180 degrees, range 8 nautical miles. Dived to await the Mitidja.
1903 hours - Surfaced 500 yards on the port beam of Mitidja and fired two rounds across her bow. Then closed to 50 yards and ordered her to stop and cease W/T transmissions. As W/T transmissions continued fired another two rounds close over the ship amidships. One round hit the funnel. W/T transmissions then ceased but Radio Oran had received Mitidja's call for assistance.
1928 hours - Sent over the boarding party of one officer and seven ratings.
2000 hours - The boardng party reported that it was not possible to inspect all cargo. Mitidja was then ordered to proceed to Gibraltar but her master refused to obey. The boarding party therefore remained on board to enforce this.
2227 hours - Sent a signal to F.O.C.N.A. to report the situation.
27 July 1942 0053 hours - Received F.O.C.N.A.'s signal ordering the removal of the boarding party so closed to do so. The master of the Mitidja now agreed to steer for Gibraltar when given the choice between this or immediate sinking. Her W/T set had been put out of action by the boarding party.
0304 hours - Received a signal from F.O.C.N.A. not to sink the Mitidja because HMS Wrestler had been sent to escort her to Gibraltar. Wrestler was to arrive around 0930 hours.
0445 hours - Sighted a French destroyer closing. Dived.
0503 hours - The destroyer passed without having sighted the Mitidja so surfaced.
0701 hours - Sighted the destroyer approaching again. Mitidja now made off towards this destroyer at her best speed.
0705 hours - Sent signal reporting the situation to F.O.C.N.A., dived.
0814 hours - Surfaced to shadow the French ships at full speed.
0842 hours - The French ships were now close inshore and could no longer be seen due to fog.
0900 hours - Sighted and spoke HMS Wrestler.
1307 hours - Received signal from F.O.C.N.A.'s ordering Wrestler and P 222 to shadow Mitidja.
1357 hours - - Received signal from F.O.C.N.A.'s ordering P 222 to return to Gibraltar. (10)
28 Jul 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Gibraltar. (10)
2 Aug 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in and off the Sicilian Channel to give cover during convoy operation 'Pedestal'.
For the daily positions of HMS P 222 during this patrol see the map below.
(10)
22 Aug 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Gibraltar. (10)
1 Sep 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 4th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Genoa.
For the daily positions of HMS P 222 during this patrol see the map below.
(10)
19 Sep 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Gibraltar. (10)
30 Sep 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to reconnoitre the landing beaches East of Oran for Operation Torch.
For the daily positions of HMS P 222 during this patrol see the map below.
(10)
9 Oct 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Gibraltar. (10)
31 Oct 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Toulon during the landings in North Africa (Operation Torch).
As there is no log available for November 1942 for HMS P 222 no map can be displayed. (10)
8 Nov 1942
During the afternoon HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) was hunted by a French patrol vessel of the Elan-class. Several depth charges were dropped but no damage was caused. (10)
19 Nov 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Gibraltar. (10)
30 Nov 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Naples, Italy. She did not return from patrol and was declared overdue (at Algiers) on 21 December 1942.
7 Dec 1942
HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) reported that she had arrived in her patrol area the previous day. This was the last that was heard of her.
Sources
- ADM 173/16699
- ADM 173/16701
- ADM 173/17159
- ADM 199/1819
- ADM 173/17161
- ADM 199/1155
- ADM 173/17164
- ADM 173/17459
- ADM 173/17460
- ADM 199/1834
- ADM 173/17461
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
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