• Home
• The U-boats
• The Men
• The Allies
• Maps
• Forums
• Articles
• Gallery
• Books
• Movies
• WWI

Allies in WWII

• Ships hit by U-boats
• Allied Warships
• Allied Commanders
  • Listing of officers
  • Decorations
  • Personal info
• Ships & Navies
• Aircraft & Air Forces
• Weapons & Techn.

Career information

We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.

Submarine HMS H 28 (N 28)

14 Apr 1941
HMS H 28 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) departed Belfast for Tobermory. (1)

15 Apr 1941
HMS H 28 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) arrived at Tobermory where she was to participate in A/S exercises. (1)

16 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 28 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (1)

17 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 28 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (1)

18 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 28 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (1)

19 Apr 1941
HMS H 28 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. Upon completion of these exercises she proceeded to Oban for fuel and fresh water. She was escorted by HMS Martinetta (T/Lt. J.A. Brightman, RNVR). (1)

20 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 28 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) shifted from Oban to Tobermory. (1)

Submarine HMS H 44 (N 44)

9 Jun 1941
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HNoMS St. Albans (Capt. G. Hovdenak, RNorN) and HMS Newmarket (Lt.Cdr. G.B. O'Brien Harding, RN). (2)

10 Jun 1941
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HNoMS St. Albans (Capt. G. Hovdenak, RNorN) and HMS Newmarket (Lt.Cdr. G.B. O'Brien Harding, RN). (2)

11 Jun 1941
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted independent exercises off Lough Foyle followed by A/S exercises with aircraft. (2)

16 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (2)

17 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Jasmine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.D.B. Coventry RNR) and HMS Larkspur (Lt. S.C.B. Hickman, RNR). (2)

18 Jun 1941
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Jasmine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.D.B. Coventry, RNR) and HMS Larkspur (Lt. S.C.B. Hickman, RNR). (2)

19 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr. M.T. Collier, RN) and another vessel [unable to read the name in the log of HMS H 44]. (3)

20 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. J.G.W. Deneys, DSO, RN), HMS Abelia (T/Lt. F. Ardern, RNR) and HMS St. Zeno (T/Lt. J.K. Craig, RNVR). (2)

25 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. R.B.S. Tennant, RN) and HMS Beverley (Lt.Cdr. J. Grant, RN). (2)

26 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. R.B.S. Tennant, RN). (2)

27 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (2)

28 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Kingfisher (Cdr.(Retd.) W.V.H. Harris, DSC, RN). (2)

2 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Scimitar (Lt. R.D. Franks, OBE, RN) and HMS Northern Wave (T/Lt. W.G. Pardoe-Matthews, RNR). (4)

3 Jul 1941
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Sennen (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, RN) and HMS Totland (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) S.G.C. Rawson, RN). (4)

4 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Sennen (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, RN), HMS Totland (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) S.G.C. Rawson, RN) and HMS Skate (Lt. F.P. Baker, DSC, RN). (4)

7 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) is docked at Londonderry. (4)

12 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) is undocked. (4)

14 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Lincoln (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN) and HrMs Campbeltown (Cdr. W. Harmsen, RNN). (4)

15 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HrMs Campbeltown (Cdr. W. Harmsen, RNN). (4)

16 Jul 1941
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) shifted from Londonderry to Rothesay. She was escorted by HrMs Z 5 (Lt. J.J. Steensma, RNN). (4)

17 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. (4)

21 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) is docked at Rothesay. (4)

22 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) is undocked. She then proceeded to Ardrishaig where she participated in A/S exercises. (4)

23 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. (4)

24 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. Upon completion of these exercises she proceeded to Rothesay. (4)

27 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HrMs Z 5 (Lt. J.J. Steensma, RNN). (4)

28 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. (4)

29 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. (4)

30 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. Upon completion of these exercises she proceeded to Rothesay. (4)

31 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. (4)

1 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. Upon completion of these exercises she proceeded to Rothesay. (5)

1 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. Upon completion of these exercises she proceeded to Rothesay. (5)

2 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. (5)

3 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR) and HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (5)

4 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR). (5)

5 Aug 1941
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (5)

6 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) Lord Teynham, RN) and HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR). (5)

7 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR) and HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J. Windram, RNR). (5)

8 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR) and HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J. Windram, RNR). (5)

11 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (5)

12 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS La Cordeliere (Lt. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). (5)

13 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR). (5)

14 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS L'Incomprise (Lt.(Retd.) F.S. Deveson, RNR) and HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J. Windram, RNR). (5)

15 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) Lord Teynham, RN) and HMS La Cordeliere (Lt. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). Upon completion of these exercises HMS H 44 proceeded to Rothesay. (5)

17 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (5)

18 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted torpedo (salvo) firing trials / exercises in the Clyde area. (5)

26 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. (5)

27 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS La Flore. (6)

28 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and another vessel [unable to read the name in the log of HMS H 44]. (5)

29 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR) and HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR). (5)

31 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR) and HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J. Windram, RNR). (5)

1 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (7)

2 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS La Cordeliere (Lt. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). (7)

3 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) Lord Teynham, RN) and HMS Spaniel (Skr. C. Coultas, DSC, RNR). (7)

5 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR) and HMS Spaniel (Skr. C. Coultas, DSC, RNR). (7)

9 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Boarhound (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR). (7)

10 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS L'Incomprise (Lt.(Retd.) F.S. Deveson, RNR) and HMS La Flore. (7)

11 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J. Windram, RNR) and HMS Boarhound (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR). (7)

12 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR) and HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J. Windram, RNR). (7)

14 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR). (7)

15 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS L'Incomprise (Lt.(Retd.) F.S. Deveson, RNR) and HMS Boarhound (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR). (7)

16 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR) and HMS Spaniel (Skr. C. Coultas, DSC, RNR). Upon completion of these exercises HMS H 44 proceeded to Rothesay. (7)

18 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) is docked at Rothesay. (7)

29 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) is undocked. (7)

2 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted post repair trials in the Clyde area. (8)

5 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) arrived at Londonderry. (8)

6 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with aircraft. (8)

7 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) participated in filming off Lough Foyle together with aircraft and HMS Bluebell (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Sherwood, RNR). (8)

8 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with ships of the 3rd Escort Group. (8)

9 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with ships of the 3rd Escort Group and HMS Wellard (Lt. S.F. Fell, RANVR). (8)

10 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Abelia (T/Lt. F. Ardern, RNR). (8)

12 Oct 1941
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Keppel (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN), HMS La Malouine (T/Lt. V.D.H. Bidwell, RNR) and HMS Campanula (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR). (8)

13 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with aircraft, HMS Fishguard (Lt.Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RNR) and HMS Wellard (Lt. S.F. Fell, RANVR). (8)

14 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Wellard (Lt. S.F. Fell, RANVR), HMS Venomous (Cdr. H.W. Falcon-Steward, RN) and aircraft. (8)

15 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with ships of the 4th Escort Group. (8)

24 Oct 1941
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Freesia (Lt.Cdr. T.P.G. Crick, RN). (8)

25 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN). (8)

26 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Arabis (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Stewart, DSC, RNR). (8)

27 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with aircraft. (8)

1 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Vizalma (T/A/Lt. J.R. Anglebeck, RNVR) and HMS St. Kenan (T/Lt. R.R. Simpson, RNR). (9)

2 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Leamington (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN) and aircraft. (9)

Submarine HMS Unbroken (P 42)

28 Jan 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) departed her builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (10)

29 Jan 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) arrived at Holy Loch for a period of trials and exercises. (11)

22 Feb 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) departed Holy Loch for Gibraltar. P 42 was to proceed to Malta to join the 10th submarine flotilla based there.

Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Oberon (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) that was to proceed to Portsmouth. They were escorted by HMS Felixstowe (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Corbet-Singleton, DSC, RN) until 1800/24.

For the daily positions of HMS P 42 during this passage see the map below.

(12)

3 Mar 1942
At 0656 hours off Cape St. Vincent, HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) stopped the Vichy French Caudebec (1471 GRT, built 1910) but released her upon examination. (12)

4 Mar 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. Some defects were to be made good before the submarine could proceed on a work-up patrol. (12)

10 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) is docked in No.2 Graving Dock at Gibraltar.

21 Mar 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 1st war patrol (also 1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Alboran Sea.

For the daily positions of HMS P 42 during this patrol see the map below.

(12)

27 Mar 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) ended her 1st war patrol (also 1st in the Mediterranean) at Gibraltar. (12)

2 Apr 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 2nd war patrol (also 2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Alboran Sea. (11)

3 Apr 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) was recalled from patrol and ended her 2nd war patrol (also 2nd in the Mediterranean) at Gibraltar later the same day. (11)

11 Apr 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 3rd war patrol (also 3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Genoa and to carry out two special operations.

As Malta was not suitable as submarine base at the moment due to the continuous air attacks and resulting damage and the 10th submarine flotilla was going to be evacuated to Alexandria it had been decided that P 42 would be attached to the 8th submarine flotilla based at Gibraltar for the moment.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 42 during this patrol see the map below.

(12)

20 Apr 1942
During the night of 20/21 April 1942, HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN), landed two SOE agents near Antibes, France. The patrol report does not shed light on the exact time and position. (12)

21 Apr 1942
During the night of 21/22 April 1942 HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) landed two more SOE agents near Antibes, France. One of the agents was Captain Peter Churchill who was later captured by the Abwehr and incarcerated at Sachsenhausen (near Berlin) but survived.

24 Apr 1942 (position 44.07, 9.03)
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) attacked a merchant vessel with three torpedoes about 20 nautical miles south of Genoa. A hit was claimed but this is doubtful. The target has not yet been identified.

(All times are zone -1)
1528 hours – Sighted smoke bearing 283°. Closed to investigate.

1530 hours – Sighted the masts of two ships. Ran in at speed.

1546 hours -Started attack. The nearest ship was seen to be a laden vessel of 4000 tons. Concentrated on this ship.

1623 hours – In position 44°07’N, 09°03’E fired three torpedoes from 7000 yards. After firing went to 80 feet and went off the torpedo tracks at speed. A torpedo explosion was heard at 1632 and two torpedo explosions were heard at 1634 hours. The first explosion was much louder than the other two and might have been a hit.

1640 hours – Returned to periscope depth. The ship attacked was seen to be down by the stern. The second vessel was not in sight. The target was last seen stern on with a list to port. Her HE was not heard after firing. Went to 80 feet.

1830 hours – Returned to periscope depth, nothing in sight. (12)

26 Apr 1942 (position 43.35, 7.53)
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) attacked the Portuguese sailing vessel Vale Formoso II with gunfire south of San Remo, Italy. Also two torpedoes were fired which missed. When it was finally seen that it was a neutral ship she was allowed to proceed.

(All times are zone -1)
0430 hours - Sighted a lighted ship in position 43°42'N, 07°58'E. Closed on the surface and prepared to attack.

0549 hours - Sighted a darkened vessel approaching. Dived. As daylight increased this second ship was seen to be a schooner. Decided to attack with the gun. After 5 rounds had been fired from 1400 yards the gun jammed. A Lewis gun was then used but this too was out of action after firing only one double pan. She had 2 small very dirty flags flying. These could not be identified. She hoisted a large Italian flag and altered course to port. By this time, she was practically stopped. A trap was suspected so 2 torpedoes were fired from 500 yards. The first passed ahead and the second was not seen to run and dived to the bottom. Its explosion was fairly severe, and put the Asdic set out of action.

P 42 then closed the schooner and the two small flags were seen to be the Portuguese and Swiss flags. The schooner was then hailed in Italian and Portuguese. It was found out that the schooner had sailed from Genoa and was out of position due to lack of wind. She was then allowed to proceed and was told in Italian to get much further to the southward.

0649 hours - Dived in position 43°35'N, 07°53'E and cleared the area. (12)

1 May 1942 (position 36.32, -2.01)
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) fired three torpedoes at the German submarine U-74 about 30 nautical miles south-east of Almeria, Spain. No hits were obtained. The U-boat had been ordered to the assistance of U-573, disabled by aircraft bombs, which took refuge in Spanish waters and was interned.

(All times are zone -1)
2318 hours - In position 36°32'N, 02°01'W sighted a U-boat at a range of 1300 yards bearing 210°.

Fired three torpedoes but the U-boat was already turing when the torpedoes were being fired so P 42 also turned and fired the torpedoes on the swing. When the 3rd torpedo was fired range had decreased to 600 yards. No hits were obtained. All three torpedoes were heard to explode at the end of their run. P 42 dived to 80 feet after firing the torpedoes. (12)

2 May 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (also 3rd in the Mediterranean) at Gibraltar. (12)

16 May 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) was docked at Gibraltar in No.3 dock for repairs to her A/S dome. Also repairs to her battery were carried out. (13)

19 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) was undocked. (13)

2 Jun 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar together with HMS Traveller (Lt. M.B. St. John, RN) and HMS P 43 (Lt. A.C. Halliday, RN). (14)

3 Jun 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 4th war patrol (also 4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to form a patrol line between Sardinia and Sicily with HMS HMS P 211 (Cdr. B. Bryant, DSC, RN), P 43 (Lt. A.C. Halliday, RN) and HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) to cover operation Harpoon.

For the daily positions of HMS P 42 during this patrol see the map below.

15 Jun 1942 (position 38.00, 11.55)
At 1945 hours, in position 38°00’N, 11°55’E, HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) sighted the masts of a cruiser squadron from a distance of 10 miles. This was probably Admiral Zara’s force retiring after the battle.

26 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (also 4th in the Mediterranean) at Gibraltar.

9 Jul 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) departed Gibraltar for passage to Malta where she finally was to join the 10th submarine flotilla.

As no log is available for this period no map of this passage can be displayed. (15)

20 Jul 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) arrived at Malta. (15)

30 Jul 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) departed Malta for her 5th war patrol (also 5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol clockwise from Marittimo to Naples and then down the Calabrian coast in order to be west on Messina at the commencement of Operation Pedestal. She was also to operate against rail traffic from Naples to the south.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 42 during this patrol see the map below.

(15)

6 Aug 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) attacked an escorted merchant vessel off Capri Island with three torpedoes. No hits were obtained. This was the Italian Argentina (5085 GRT, built 1907) escorted by the torpedo boat Generale Achille Papa, they were on a trip from Naples to Messina. The three torpedo tacks were seen and the torpedo boat combed them and dropped fourteen depth charges.

(All times are zone -2)
1850 hours - When in position 150°, Campanella Point, 7 nautical miles sighted smoke through the Bocca Piccola. Then the funnel and masts of a ship steering approximately 235°. As she appeared to be going north of Capri diced to run to the west at speed.

1940 hours - Having run 3 nautical miles on course 260° the ship was observed to the north-west of Carena Point lighthouse (Capri) at a range of 8 nautical miles steering approximately 220°.

1957 hours - The ship altered course to 140°, putting P 42 in a good attacking position. The ship was of about 7000 ton. She was later seen to be escorted by a three-funneled torpedo-boat. Started attack.

2023 hours - In approximate position 40°35'N, 14°10'E fired three torpedoes from 2000 yards. No hits were obtained.

2031 hours - Counter attacked commenced. 13 Depth charges in all were dropped. None were close and no damage was caused.

2047 hours - The last depth charge was dropped.

2050 hours - Altered course to the westward.

2138 hours - Surfaced, made off to the south-west. (15)

8 Aug 1942 (position 39.23, 15.56)
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) makes a torpedo attack on the Italian merchant Algerino (1370 GRT, built 1921) off Capri. The target was not hit. According to Italian sources she was unescorted.

(All times are zone -2)
Coastal traffic was observed during the forenoon south of Cape Bonifati. Five ships were seen between 0900 and noon. It was decided to attack the last of these vessels, a coastal tramp of approximately 2000 tons. She was in company with a trawler of a modern type.

1223 hours - In position 39°23'N, 15°56'E fired one torpedo. No result was obtained. P 42 took avoiding action, but no counter attack developed.

In the afternoon the coast was inspected for a suitable place for gun action against the railway.

2244 hours - Carried out a successful bombardment of a southbound train between Fiumefreddo and Longobardi, latitude 39°13'N. [According to Italian sources the locomotive and a wagon were confirmed hit, two were wounded.] (15)

10 Aug 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) is detected and depth charged near Cape Milazzo. P 42 cleared the area and took up another patrol position. A position which later turned out to be a good anticipation on behalf of Lt. Mars. The submarine was hunted by a CANT Z.501 aircraft and then by the auxiliary submarine chasers Quarnaro and Francipane and the patrol boats MAS 547 and MAS 560.

(All times are zone -2)
0900 hours - In position 320°, Cape Milazzo, 4 nautical miles, a ship was sighted steering straight towards. P 42 went deep (80 feet) and speeded up to get off track. She appeared to be a naval tug.

0938 - 0953 hours - Five depth charges were dropped but none was close enough to cause damage.

0954 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The same ship was in sight bearing 059° going away.

1115 hoúrs - When in position 000°, Cape Milazzo, 4 nautical miles, sighted smoke bearing 070°.

1145 hours - A Cant.Z.501 aircraft was seen to circle round the smoke which was now seen to be a small ship (one funnel, one mast) zigzagging.

1211 hours - The vessel was seen to be a naval craft (similar to Crotone) and closing on a steady bearing, although still zigzagging. The aircraft continued to circle.

1222 hours - Went to 80 feet.

1225 hours - Depth charging commenced. Went to 120 feet. Attempted to keep stern on. After a pattern of depth charges was dropped burst of speed were used to get clear. Later a second vessel joined in and there may have even been more vessels present.

1448 hours - Depth charging ceased. A total of 50 having been dropped in this second attack.

1500 hours - Remained at 120 feet while steering 030°.

1821 hours - Depth charging recommenced (our position was now 353°, Cape Milazzo, 9.7 nautical miles) and continued until 1914 hours. 15 Depth charges were dropped in this third attack.

2000 hours - Altered course to 050°.

2228 hours - Surfaced in position 007°, Cape Milazzo, 17 nautical miles. Nothing in sight. In all 70 depth charges had been dropped, many near enough to shake the boat, but none so close that any cork fell down. As far as is known no damage had been done to P 42. (15)

13 Aug 1942 (position 38.43, 14.57)
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Italian heavy cruiser Bolzano and the Italian light cruiser Muzio Attendolo in the Ionian Sea off the north coast of Sicily in position 38°43'N, 14°57'E. They were in company with the heavy cruisers Trieste and Gorizia (the latter was just moving away to launch a seaplane) and were escorted by the destroyers Ascari, Aviere, Camicia Nera, Corsaro, Fuciliere, Geniere, Grecale and Legionario.

Bolzano was hit in an oil tank and her magazines had to be flooded (nine killed and twenty wounded). She was beached at Panarea Island and refloated about a month later. Attendolo had a large part of her bow wrecked.

(All times are zone -2)
0730 hours - When in position 38°43'N, 14°57'E HE was heard bearing 230°.

0743 hours - Sighted a large number of ships bearing 230° steering straight towards. The centre column consisted of four large ships, two 8" cruisers and possibly two 6" cruisers. The escort consisted of 8 modern destroyers. Started attack.

0804 hours - Fired four torpedoes from yards at the nearest 8" cruiser. Two 6" cruisers were beyond the target and if torpedoes missed there was a good possibility of hitting the other ships beyond. P 42 went deep on firing and altered course 90° to starboard and increased speed for 5 minutes. It was thought two hits were obtained on the nearest 8" cruiser, and with luck the 'overs' may have hit one of the other cruisers.

0809 hours - Intensive depth charging started, went to 120 feet and crept away.

0900 hours - The 40th charge was dropped. By this time the enemy seemed to have lost contact, and to be drawing astern. However, depth charging continued for 8 hours and 31 minutes, the explosions becoming more distant and less frequent as time drew on.

1640 hours - The last depth charge was dropped at a considerable distance. The day's total came to 105. Only some superficial damage was sustained.

1900 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. (15)

18 Aug 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (also 5th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (15)

31 Aug 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) departed Malta for her 6th war patrol (also 6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to destroy a railway bridge to the north of Taormina, Sicily. She was also to conduct a special operation off Crotone, Calabria, Italy.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 42 during this patrol see the map below.

(15)

3 Sep 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) arrived off the Railway bridge she was to destroy by firing a torpedo at its base. This was however impossible as the river was dry and the bridge was 200 feet inland from the shore. Also if the river had not been dry the torpedo most likely would have been deflected by the current. (15)

5 Sep 1942
During the night of 5/6 September 1942 HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) landed a raiding party (Captain R. Wilson, D.S.O., R,A. and Bombardier Brittlebank) to use miniature torpedoes on shipping inside Crotone harbour. At 2340/5 the folbot with the party was launched. At 0050/6 two flashes were observed inside the harbour. One miniature torpedo (actually a limpet with an electric motor) was released but the two men could not make their getaway in time and were captured. The experiment with miniature torpedo was not repeated. Soon afterwards a fast motorboat was heard approaching forcing P 42 to dive. The vessel was seen to be an 'E-boat' which then commenced a hunt. The enemy obtained contact but no depth charges were dropped. P 42 was therefore not on the surface to pick up the raiding party and they were not seen again. (15)

8 Sep 1942
In the evening HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) tried to bombard a railway viaduct near Starletti Point, Calabria, Italy. They tried to wait for a passing train but none showed up. While waiting P 42 had been set to the north and this had not been noticed. So when they tried to take the viaduct under fire they were out of position. Fire was then opened on a road but without success. [Italian sources reported no damage to the viaduct.] (15)

9 Sep 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) attacked an enemy convoy that had just left the harbour of Crotone. Two torpedoes were fired against a merchant vessel but no hits were obtained. These were Leonardo Palomba (1110 GRT, 1899) and Loreto (1055 GRT, built 1912) on passage from Crotone to Messsina escorted by the torpedo boat Giuseppe Sirtori. The torpedo boat attempted to hunt the submarine but without success.

(All times are zone -2)
1822 hours - A ship was seen leaving the harbour. The ship soon turned to the south and was seen to be escorted.

1840 hours - A second ship was seen leaving the harbour. This ship joined the first ship and it's escort. Both ships were of about 2000 tons and were laden. They were escorted by an older type torpedo-boat.

1922 hours - Fired two torpedoes (old Mark II type) from 4500 yards at the second ship. No hits were obtained.

1950 hours - The torpedo-boat commenced a hunt. Four depth charges were dropped at considerable intervals.

2115 hours - All was quiet now.

2147 hours - Surfaced and retired from the coast. (15)

13 Sep 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (also 6th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (15)

25 Sep 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) departed Malta for her 7th war patrol (also 7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol near Misurata, Libya.

For the daily positions of HMS P 42 during this patrol see the map below.

(16)

4 Oct 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (also 7th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. Only a convoy of three small vessels was sighted in low visibility and was not attacked. (16)

11 Oct 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) departed Malta for her 8th war patrol (also 8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the east of Tripoli.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 42 during this patrol see the map below.

(16)

17 Oct 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) attacked the stranded and damaged German merchant Amsterdam (8673 GRT, built 1921) off Khoms with three torpedoes. No hits were obtained.

In the evening orders were received to proceed to the Lampedusa area to intercept a southbound convoy.

(All times are zone -2)
1300 hours - Received Capt.S10's 1159A/17 ordering P 42 to torpedo the ship beached off Khoms. Started to close Khoms.

1445 hours - Sighted a Partenope-class torpedo-boat and several aircraft patrolling up and down the coast off Khoms.

1500 hours - Sighted the beached ship in approximate position 5 cables north-east of Khoms main lighthouse. Due to shallow water and the patrol it was not possible to close much further.

1533 hours - Fired a torpedo from 5000 yards. No result was heard or seen.

1538 hours - Fired a second torpedo. No track was seen and it is considered this torpedo failed to run.

1547 hours - Fired a third torpedo from a range of 4000 yards. Again no result was seen or heard. Withdrew to seaward. (16)

19 Oct 1942 (position 34.45, 12.31)
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) attacked a convoy north-west of Tripoli, Libya in position 34°45'N 12°31'E. All the torpedoes missed. The target was Saturno (5022 GRT, built 1914) which had the first two torpedoes missing under her and manoeuvred to avoid the next two. She was in company of Titania (5397 GRT, built 1918) and Capo Orso (3149 GRT, 1916), escorted by the destroyers Ascari, Antonio Da Noli and Antonio Pigafetta. The Titania was sunk early the next day by HMS Safari (Cdr. B. Bryant, DSC, RN) east of Tunisia in position 34°45'N, 12°31'E.

(All times are zone -2)
1405 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 290°. Ran in to intercept.

1430 hours - The course of the convoy was estimated as 135°. Started attack. The convoy zigged twice first to 155° and shortly before firing to 175°. Three escorting aircraft were seen. The convoy consisted of one large merchant vessel of 7000 ton, a tanker of 8000 tons and a smaller merchant vessel. Escort was provided by fleet destroyers of which 3 (possibly 4) were seen.

1510 hours - Fired a salvo of four torpedoes. Two were aimed at the 7000 ton merchant, one at the tanker and one at the smaller merchant vessel. Range was estimated as being 8000 yards. Two explosions were heard 7m 10s and 7m 45s. These sounded like torpedo hits. P 42 went to 70 feet on firing and increased to full speed and altered course to get off the torpedo tracks.

1521 hours - An accurate and swift counter attack started. 20 Depth charges were dropped. All were close and caused serious damage to P 42.

1537 hours - The last depth charge was dropped.

1600 hours - The hunt by three destroyers continued although no depth charges were dropped.

1620 hours - No more HE or Asdic transmissions were heard.

1720 hours - Came to periscope depth. Nothing in sight.

In the evening P 42 set course towards Malta. The damage sustained by the depth charging was to great and the patrol had to be abandoned. (16)

20 Oct 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (also 8th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16)

15 Nov 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) departed Malta for her 9th war patrol (also 9th in the Mediterranean), she was escorted out by HMS Speedy (Lt. J.G. Brookes, DSC, RN). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Genoa.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 42 during this patrol see the map below.

(16)

17 Nov 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) was ordered to patrol to the North of Sicily instead of the Gulf of Genoa. (16)

21 Nov 1942 (position 38.20, 13.20)
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN) attacked an enemy convoy to the north of Palermo, Sicily. Four torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained. The target was the transport Liv (3068 GRT, built 1896, former Norwegian) in company with Favorita (3576 GRT, built 1916) escorted by the auxiliary Cattaro (1275 GRT, built 1933). The next day, Favorita was hit by a Wellington torpedo bomber and finished off by the submarine HMS P 228.

(All times are zone -2)
0756 hours - Sighted two CANT Z 501 aircraft.

0758 hours -Sighed smoke bearing 120°, closed.

0837 hours - A convoy of three ships was now in sight to the north-west. Started attack. Enemy course was 335°, speed 10 knots. The original plan of attack was spoiled by a zig (the first) of the leading ship, which turned out to be a small Armed Merchant Cruiser.

0930 hours - In position 38°20'N, 13°20'E fired four torpedoes at the two cargo vessels of the convoy. Range was about 2000 yards. No results. These ships were 4000-5000 tons in displacement.

0936 hours - A counter attack was started. Fifteen depth charges were dropped, none was very close.

1103 hours - The last depth charge was dropped. P 42 meanwhile was withdrawing to the west. (16)

25 Nov 1942
In the early morning hours HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, RN) bombarded a railway viaduct immediately north of Cape Suvero lighthouse. A southbound train was just crossing this viaduct. Unfortunately, the gun jammed after the second round. The shoot had to be abandoned and retired from the coast. (16)

5 Dec 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (also 9th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16)

20 Dec 1942
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, RN) departed Malta for her 10th war patrol (also 10th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Naples.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 42 during this patrol see the map below.

(16)

26 Dec 1942 (position 40.41, 13.47)
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, RN) attacked an enemy convoy south-west of Ischia Island. Four torpedoes were fired and the German merchant Djebel Dira (2835 GRT, built 1930, former French) was hit and damaged. She was escorted by the auxiliary Cattaro (1275 GRT, built 1933). The tug Titano was sent to her assistance and towed her to Naples.

(All times are zone -2)
1130 hours - Sighted smoke which soon turned out to be a convoy of two medium seized merchant ships, and one small merchant vessel, escorted by an armed merchant cruiser of about 2000 tons. Started attack.

1231 hours - In position 40°41'N, 13°47'E fired four torpedoes from yards. One hit was obtained on the leading merchant vessel which was of about 5000 tons. P 42 had gone deep on firing.

1240 hours - The counter attack of four depth charges was ineffective. On board P 42 they could hardly believe it, they usually got a much bigger pounding.

1310 hours - Returned to periscope depth and observed that the ship hit had about 50 feet of her bow missing and was stopped bow down. The AMC was escorting the other ship towards Naples while the third ship stood by the damaged one. The local schooner patrol had also arrived on the scene. P 42 cleared the area. (16)

27 Dec 1942
Just after sunset (1648 hours, zone -2) HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, RN) surfaced to engage a rail viaduct over a deep ravine half a mile east of Pietra di Nante (position 40°07'5"N, 15°11'E). In 10 minutes 68 rounds were fired from 1000 yards. Twenty-three hits were observed on the viaduct or its supports. Seven hits were observed on the power house. Overhead wires were also brought down. In fact, the telegraph lines were cut, the bridge slightly damaged and a corporal was wounded. (16)

6 Jan 1943
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (also 10th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16)

16 Jan 1943
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, RN) departed Malta for her 11th war patrol (also 11th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Gabes.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 42 during this patrol see the map below.

(16)

19 Jan 1943 (position 33.45, 11.12)
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Italian merchant Edda (6107 GRT, built 1924) near Gerba, Tunisia in position 33°45'N, 11°12'E. She was en-route from Tripoli to Sfax. She was escorted by the Italian torpedo boat San Martino and patrol vessel Eso. She was taken in tow by San Martino and later by the tug Ciclope but Edda and escort Eso were sunk later the same day by Allied aircraft.

(All times are zone -1)
1650 hours - Masts and smoke was visible bearing 150°. This was soon seen to be a convoy made up of a 5000 ton merchant ship escorted by two torpedo-boats. Started attack.

1748 hours - In position 33°45'N, 11°12'E fired four torpedoes from yards. One hit was obtained. The counter attack was slight and started 10 minutes after firing. In 12 minutes 7 single depth charges were dropped but none were close.

1808 hours - A periscope look showed both escorts, one hunting and one standing by the damaged ship which was in a sinking condition with her stern down.

1814 hours - The escorts could still be seen but no transport. Went to 70 feet as a torpedo-boat was closing. Withdrew to the seaward. (16)

21 Jan 1943
HMS Unbroken (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, RN) was recalled as surface ships and MTB's are going to operate alongside the Tunisian coastline. (16)

23 Jan 1943
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, RN) ended her 11th war patrol (also 11th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16)

25 Jan 1943
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, RN) departed Malta for her 12th war patrol (also 12th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to conduct special operation Felicity (or Felice) in the Gulf of Hammamet.

For the daily positions of HMS P 42 during this patrol see the map below.

(16)

28 Jan 1943
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, RN) landed a raiding party (Captain J. Eyre, Lieutenan P.H. Thomas of 4th battalion, the Bluffs, and six Fighting French commandos) that was to destroy a railway bridge near the town of Hammamet. The party was landed successfully but flares fired and gunfire on the shore made it obvious that they had been discovered. P 42 wisely retired from the area. The commandos were all captured. (16)

30 Jan 1943
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, RN) ended her 12th war patrol (also 12th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16)

12 Feb 1943
HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, RN) departed Malta for her 13th war patrol (also 13th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol between Kuriat and Hammamet.

For the daily positions of HMS P 42 during this patrol see the map below.

(16)

27 Feb 1943
HMS Unbroken (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, RN) ended her 13th war patrol (also 13th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. Only small vessels were sighted. (16)

11 Mar 1943
HMS Unbroken (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, RN) departed Malta for her 14th war patrol (also 14th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Hammamet.

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

(16)

18 Mar 1943
At 1732 hours (zone -1) HMS Unbroken (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, RN) fired a torpedo at shipping inside Sousse harbour. The torpedo ran correctly but exploded on hitting the boom. The targets were the German Skotfoss (1465 GRT, built 1917, ex Norwegian) and the Italian Orsolina Bottiglieri (883 GRT, built 1899). (16)

19 Mar 1943
HMS Unbroken (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, RN) ended her 14th war patrol (also 14th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16)

26 Mar 1943
HMS Unbroken (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, RN) departed Malta for her 15th war patrol (also 15th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the south coast of Italy.

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

(16)

3 Apr 1943 (position 37.46, 15.38)
HMS Unbroken (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, RN) attacked the German destroyer Hermes (former Greek Vasilefs Georgios) with torpedoes about 20 nautical miles south of Cape Spartivento in position 37°46'N, 15°38'E. Unfortunately, the torpedoes miss the target.

(All times are zone -1)
1405 hours - Heard good HE bearing 110°. Nothing in sight although visibility was maximum.

1415 hours - Sighted masts of a warship on the bearing of the HE. Started attack. Enemy course was 262°. The target was thought to be an Italian Regolo-class light cruiser.

1501 hours - In position 37°48'N, 15°48'E fired a salvo of four torpedoes from 6000 yards. No hits were obtained. (16)

4 Apr 1943 (position 38.15, 16.30)
HMS Unbroken (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, RN) torpedoed and damaged the German (former Norwegian) tanker Regina (9545 GRT, built 1937) off Punta Stilo, Sicily, Italy in position 38°15'N, 16°30'E. She was with the Italian Carbonello A.(1593 GRT, built 1942) and escorted by the torpedo boats Angelo Bassini, Climene and destroyer Augusto Riboty. Hit by two torpedoes on the port side, she attempted to return to Taranto. The tug Vigoroso was sailed to assist her but she had to be beached near Punta Stilo. Climene hunted the submarine delivering a first attack with nine depth charges, followed by another with eleven more. Oil was observed coming to the surface and the torpedo boat assumed the submarine sunk but this was not the case.

(All times are zone -1)
1415 hours - Heard A/S impulses. Diving stations were ordered and the boat prepared for depth charging.

1428 hours - By now it was obvious that several ships were in the vicinity, so P 42 went to periscope depth in order to have a look at the opposition.

1429 hours - In a 10-second look through the small periscope. Lt. Mars was rather surprised to see two torpedo-boats on the starboard quarter and one on the port, three aircraft and right astern a very large tanker. Started attack.

1434 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 2500 yards. A torpedo explosion was heard 2m 24s after firing the first torpedo.

1436 hours - The counter attack started. The first depth charges were fairly close.

1457 hours - The counter attack was over. 25 depth charges in all had been dropped. (16)

7 Apr 1943
HMS Unbroken (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, RN) ended her 15th war patrol (also 15th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16)

Submarine HMS Thule (P 325)

9 May 1944
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Plymouth for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (17)

10 May 1944
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch for a period of trials and training. (17)

12 May 1944
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (17)

13 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted speed trials on the Arran measured mile. (17)

16 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (17)

17 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (17)

18 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (17)

21 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HHMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar where she was to conduct her torpedo discharge trials. (17)

22 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo disharge trials off Arrochar. (17)

23 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo disharge trials off Arrochar. (17)

24 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo disharge trials off Arrochar. (17)

25 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo disharge trials off Arrochar. (17)

26 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo disharge trials off Arrochar. (17)

27 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo disharge trials off Arrochar. (17)

29 May 1944
Having completed her torpedo discharge trials, HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN), shifted from Arrochar to Holy Loch.

[No logs are available for HMS Thule after May 1944, therefore no further details can be given other then currently listed.] (17)

2 Aug 1944
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch for her 1st war patrol (work-up patrol). She is to patrol in the North Atlantic. Main purpose of this patrol is to test new equipment for submarines, LORAN (Long Range Navigation, a radio navigation system) and radar decoy balloons.

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

(18)

13 Aug 1944
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Holy Loch. (18)

4 Sep 1944
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch for her passage to the Far East. The first leg of this trip is to Gibraltar.

No logs are available for HMS Thule so no map of this passage can be displayed. (19)

12 Sep 1944
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (19)

18 Sep 1944
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Gibraltar bound for Malta. (19)

23 Sep 1944
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (19)

27 Sep 1944
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Malta bound for Port Said. (19)

1 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said from Malta. (19)

2 Oct 1944
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Port Said bound for Aden. She made the southbound passage of the Suez Canal on this day. (19)

7 Oct 1944
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden. (19)

10 Oct 1944
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Aden bound for Trincomalee. (19)

20 Oct 1944
HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. Before she proceeded on patrol she was docked for a propeller change (dates unknown to us for the moment). (19)

7 Nov 1944
HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Far East). She is to patrol off the West coast of Siam and Malaya. She is also to perform a special operation in the Langkawi area.

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

(18)

12 Nov 1944
HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) receives a signal that the special operation is cancelled. (18)

16 Nov 1944
On board HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) stoker Thomas Acton died of heat exhaustion. His body was committed to the deep after sunset. (18)

19 Nov 1944
On board HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) the Chief Stoker had fallen ill with similar symptoms than the late stoker Acton (see 16 November). Lt. Mars now suspected a contagious or infectious disease, possibly cholera. A signal was made to base about the situation. (18)

20 Nov 1944
In the early morning hours HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) was ordered to abandon her patrol and to return to Trincomalee. (18)

21 Nov 1944
Shortly after 1400 hours, HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN), makes a rendezvous with HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. G.B. Barstow, RN) in position 07°04'N, 91°00'E. A doctor as transferred to Thule. He concludes that there is no cholera on board but due to the large number of sick men aboard Thule it is decided to proceed to Trincomalee. (18)

23 Nov 1944
HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Trincomalee. Bofore she proceeded on her next patrol Thule was docked (dates unknown to us for the moment). (18)

11 Dec 1944
HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She is to patrol in the Northern Malacca Straits. She is also ordered to lay a minefield.

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

(18)

16 Dec 1944
HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) lays 12 mines to the North of Terutan Island.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1830 hours - An hour after sunset surfaced in position 319° Pulo Lela light 5.6 nautical miles. The light was not burning. Set course to reach a position in 7 fathoms of water between Pulo Lela and Goh Tama to lay the minefield.

1938 hours - Laid the first row of 4 mines. 600 feet apart in a line bearing 150° from position 044° Pulo Lela light 19 cables in 7 fathoms of water.

2010 hours - Laid the second row of 4 mines. 600 feet apart in a line bearing 260°from position 050° Pulo Lela light 14 cables in 8.5 fathoms of water.

2049 hours - Laid the third and last row of 4 mines. 600 feet apart in a line bearing 280°from position 030 Pulo Lela light 15 cables in 9 fathoms of water.

2054 hours - Finished mine laying. Set course to clear the area. (18)

17 Dec 1944 (position 6.17, 99.06)
HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) sank a sampan in position 06°17'N, 99°06'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1610 hours - Surfaced in position 06°24'N, 98°55'E to look for junks.

1720 hours - Chased what was thought to be a small junk. By the time it had been identified as a large sampan Thule had been seen by the crew. To avoid compromise sank the sampan in position 06°17'N, 99°06'E and took the crew of four Chinese crew prisoner. (18)

19 Dec 1944 (position 6.02, 98.43)
HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) sank 4 sailing vessels with gunfire in position 06°02'N, 98°43'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0743 hours - Surfaced in position 06°02'N, 98°42'E and chased a junk.

0800 to 0900 hours - In position 06°02'N, 98°43'E sank three Chinese twakows and one Trengganu sailing vessel with gunfire. Picked up 13 survivors. One of the Twakows was unladen. The other vessels carried; Coconut oil and sugar, Rice, Unknown but the vessel was very low in the water and her deck was stacked with white sacks.

0908 hours - Withdrew from the islands on the surface.

1120 hours - Dived in position 05°52'N, 99°27'E.

1715 hours - Surfaced in position 05°45'N, 99°35'E and searched for craft to which some of the survivors could be transferred, but without success.

2000 hours - One of the survivors died of his wounds. He was buried at sea. (18)

21 Dec 1944 (position 4.50, 100.20)
HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) destroyed 8 twakows and a lighter with ramming and gunfire around position 04°50'N, 100°20'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0300 hours - Transferred 6 survivors to a fishing sampan.

0550 hours - Obtained a fix in position 04°23'N, 100°20'E. Decided to make a sweep up the coast towards Penang sinking junks.

0623 hours - Sank a Chinese twakow with gunfire, no survivors taken as they took to their boat.

0626 hours - Dived in position 04°24'N, 100°22'E for seaplanes patrolling to the Eastward.

0640 hours - Surfaced to attack a junk.

0646 hours - Sank a Chinese twakow with gunfire and took survivors.

0707 hours - Left a Chinese twakow dismasted and waterlogged having fired 19 rounds at it. She would not sink despite being very low in the water. The crew took to a boat.

Decided that ramming would be more economical.

0731 hours - Sank a Chinese twakow by ramming, took survivors.

0744 hours - Sank a Chinese twakow by ramming, took survivors.

0812 hours - Transferred 12 of the survivors to another twakow. Mutilated her riggings to delay her arrival in Dindings.

0815 hours - Dived in position 04°25'N, 100°23'E for a single seaplane to the South.

1017 hours - Surfaced and sank Chinese twakow by ramming, rescued survivors.

1144 hours - Sank another twakow by ramming, rescued survivors.

1156 hours - Sighted a lighter making for shallow water.

1212 hours - Sank the lighter from 3000 yards with gunfire. 37 rounds were fired.

1219 hours - Dived in position 04°45'N, 100°18'E for an aircraft to the Eastward.

1236 hours - Surfaced and closed a twakow.

1251 hours - Sank this twakow through ramming. Rescued survivors. One of these died soon after being picked up. Gave him a hasty burial.

1300 hours - Made to the Westward with the idea of closing a twakow to transfer survivors.

1338 hours - Sighted smoke in the Southern entrance to Penang and smoke and a mast approaching from the North-West. The game was up. Dived in position 04°53'N, 100°08'E. The mast developed into a submarine chaser. When astern he stopped and pointed towards. He had detected Thule.

1422 hours - The enemy was using Asdic. Went to 90 feet and changed course.

1434 hours - The first pattern of four depth charges were dropped quite close. Some minor damage was caused.

1545 hours - The submarine chaser passed over the control room and dropped a pattern of three depth charges rather late. One again very close causing some more minor damage. The enemy however had enough and HE soon faded.

1745 hours - Came to periscope depth. Only a distant junk was sighted.

1817 hours - Surfaced in position 04°53'N, 99°54'E and steered towards Pulo Perak to clear the area.

2000 hours - Stopped a fishing sampan and transferred 12 survivors. After the depth charging they were extremely glad to go. (18)

24 Dec 1944 (position 4.30, 100.12)
HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) sank 5 sampans through ramming around position 04°30'N, 100°12'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0530 hours - Dived in position 04°45N, 99°51E and closed the coast to the South-East for another run against the coastal traffic between Dindings and Penang.

1330 hours - Surfaced in position 04°37'N, 100°05'E and chased 2 junks. These however turned out to be large seagoing sampans.

1412 hours - Sank sampan through ramming, rescued the crew.

1426 hours - Sank sampan through ramming, rescued the crew.

1510 hours - Dived in position 04°30N, 100°12E for an aircraft approaching from the North-East.

1527 hours - Surfaced and continued the hunt.

1733 hours - Sank sampan through ramming, rescued the crew.

1800 hours - Sank sampan through ramming, rescued the crew.

1812 hours - Nothing in sight. Retired to the seaward to find a suitable craft to transfer 14 of the survivors.

2015 hours - Closed two large sampans and sank one by ramming. Ditched a ton of rice from the second and took her in tow to increase her distance from the harbour.

2315 hours - The tow parted. Transferred 18 survivors to the sampan with a supply of water. Cut her rigging to delay her arrival in harbour giving Thule time to operate in the same area tomorrow. In the end nothing would come of this as the area was heavily patrolled by aircraft the next day. (18)

28 Dec 1944 (position 5.50, 100.04)
HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) attacks the Japanese submarine RO-113 (offsite link) about 20 nautical miles North-North-West of Penang in position 05°50'N, 100°04'E . Lt.Cdr. Mars claims a kill but the torpedoes have exploded prematurely so the submarine escapes unharmed.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0825 hours - Sighted a seaplane circling on a bearing of 310° and approaching gradually. Altered course to investigate.

0851 hours - Although nothing could be seen or heard it was clear that this floatplane was escorting something. Prepared to attack.

0909 hours - Heard HE on the Starboard beam drawing aft. Changed course to attack.

0912 hours - Sighted a Japanese RO-100 class submarine on a course of 135°, distance 1000 yards. Had to fire a stern shot.

0913 hours - In position 05°50'N, 100°04'E fired three stern torpedoes.

0914 hours - A torpedo was seen to explode and the target was enveloped in the explosion and a cloud of spray. The HE ceased and was not heard again.

Meanwhile the aircraft was seen closing so Thule went to 60 feet and altered course. No counter attack followed. (18)

29 Dec 1944 (position 6.18, 98.28)
HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) sank a Twakow through ramming in position 06°18'N, 98°28'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1008 hours - Surfaced in position 06°18'N, 98°28'E to attack a junk.

1016 hours - Rammed and capsized a Chinese twakow which was Northbound and unladen. Picked up 4 survivors. (18)

4 Jan 1945
HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. Bofore she proceeded on her next patrol Thule was docked (dates unknown to us for the moment). (18)

23 Jan 1945
HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She is to carry out a special operation and to patrol in the South China Sea.

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

(18)

6 Feb 1945
HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) carries out special operation Carpenter II. A party was landed on the East coast of Malaya.

(All times are zone -8)
2000 hours - Surfaced in position 01°37'N, 104°19'E 4.5 nautical miles bearing 076° from the fire on the beach that became visible immediately upon surfacing. Steered slowly towards the fire on motors.

2033 hours - Stopped in the selected spot and made preparations for the launching of the party.

2240 hours - Completed the operation when three members of a previous party were picked up.

2245 hours - Proceeded to seaward.

11 Feb 1945 (position 0.01, 106.48)
HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) fires 6 torpedoes against a merchant vessel in the South China Sea in position 00°01'N, 106°48'E. All torpedoes fired missed their target.

(All times are zone -8)
1200 hours - Smoke was sighted bearing 256°. Started to close.

1355 hours - Started attack.

1438 hours - Fired 6 torpedoes against the merchant vessel. This was an old type single funnel, three island merchant vessel of about 2000 tons. It was escorted by an old destroyer, a modern looking trawler and another unidentified vessel. Torpedoes were fired from 4000 yards. All missed maybe due to the first torpedo running on the surface for 400 yards quite near the closest escort.

1441 hours - At 90 feet.

1448 hours - Two depth charges were dropped but were not close.

1524 hours - One depth charge was dropped, way off.

1540 hours - Came to periscope depth. Only smoke could be sighted. The intention to surface and chase was abandoned when a seaplane arrived and patrolled the area. (18)

24 Feb 1945
HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. Bofore she proceeded on her next patrol Thule was docked (dates unknown to us for the moment). (18)

23 Mar 1945
HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 5th war patrol (4th in the Far East). She is to perform a special operation (eventually the special operation was abandoned, details to follow) and to patrol off the West coast of Siam and Malaya.

Upon completion of this patrol Thule was to proceed to Fremantle, Australia but this order was cancelled on 15 April 1945 and she was ordered to return to Trincomalee instead.

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

(18)

28 Mar 1945 (position 6.29, 98.12)
HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) sank two junks with demolition charges off the west coast of Siam.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1224 hours - Sighted a junk. Altered course to close.

1336 hours - Sunk a 5 ton junk with demolition charges in position 06°29'N, 98°12'E. She was empty but the crew and the papers were taken on board for investigation.

1532 hours - Altered course to close when 2 junks were sighted.

1634 hours - Sank a 5 ton junk with demolition charges in position 06°13'N, 98°21'E after searching the vessel. The crew was taken on boars for investigation.

1640 hours - Searched the second vessel and questioned the crew.

1656 hours - Placed the crew and the crew of the vessel sunk at 1634 hours on this vessel and released them. (18)

1 Apr 1945 (position 4.26, 100.18)
HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire of the west coast of Siam.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0940 hours - Examined and subsequently sank a 3 ton sampan in position 04°26'N, 100°18'E. The cargo was about 3 tons of rice. Examined a second sampan of similar size. Ditched 2.5 tons of rice from her and set her free having put the crew of the first sampan on board with sufficiently rice and water. (18)

3 Apr 1945 (position 4.25, 100.15)
HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) sank two sailing vessels with gunfire of the west coast of Siam.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1813 hours - Surfaced in position 04°25'N, 100°15'E and closed a small junk. This turned out to be a seagoing sampan of 3 tons carrying some 2 tons of rice. This vessel was examined and found unsuitable for the special operation so was sunk with a demolition charge after her crew of two had been taken on board HMS Thule.

2051 hours - Sank a two masted junk by ramming in position 04°23'N, 100°15'E. Her estimated size was 8 tons with a cargo of 5 tons of rice. (18)

16 Apr 1945
On board HMS Thule (Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) one rating collapsed from heat stroke. He had to be revived by artificial respiration. A signal was sent requesting medical aid being sent towards Thule. (18)

18 Apr 1945
HMS Thule (Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) made rendezvous with HMS Terpsichore (Cdr. R.T. White, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) in position 07°25'N, 83°18'E. The sick rating was transferred. (18)

19 Apr 1945
HMS Thule (Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (4th in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (18)

15 May 1945
HMS Thule (Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 6th war patrol (5th in the Far East). She was ordered to perform a special operation (Carpenter III) and to patrol in the South China Sea.

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

(18)

30 May 1945
HMS Thule (Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) carries out operation Carpenter III off the East coast of Malaya.

(All times are zone -9)
2127 hours - Surfaced five miles from the rendezvous position. Closed to 2.5 nautical miles.

2213 hours - Started the landing operations.

0130 hours (31 May) - Completed the operations. Proceeded clear of the coast. In all 19 persons were landed and 11 taken on board. 8000 Lbs of stores were also landed. (18)

14 Jun 1945
HMS Thule (Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (5th in the Far East) at Fremantle, Australia. Bofore she proceeded on her next patrol Thule was either docked or put on the slipway (dates unknown to us for the moment). (18)

5 Jul 1945
HMS Thule (Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Fremantle for her 7th war patrol (1st in the Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol in the Java Sea.

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

(18)

9 Jul 1945
HMS Thule (Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) enters Onslow, Australia to disembark a wounded crewmember and to make some minor repairs. She departed again after a few hours. (18)

14 Jul 1945 (position -7.50, 114.30)
HMS Thule (Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) destroys a Japanese coaster with gunfire North of Bali in position 07°50'S, 114°30'E. Upon diving after this action Thule is bombed by a Japanese aircraft but sustains no damage.

(All times are zone -9)
1426 hours - Surfaced in position 07°50'S, 114°30'E to gun a small Southbound coaster of 150 tons. Range was 6000 yards. The enemy sighted Thule immediately upon surfacing and opened fire with his light automatic guns. The range of these was however only 5000 yards. Thule closed and the enemy made off to the shore. The target was difficult to see against the shore. After about 100 rounds of 4" for a few hits the fire of the enemy was silenced. Thule then checked her fire while closing. A further 70 rounds were fired from 2000 to 1500 yards, about 50% were hits. The enemy was left burning on the beach and was considered a total loss.

1612 hours - Dived in position 07°55'S, 114°36'E.

1614 hours - Bombed by a Japanese aircraft that came out of the sun. It was not seen before. No damage was sustained. (18)

17 Jul 1945 (position -6.50, 109.43)
HMS Thule (Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) destroys a coaster, on a slip, with gunfire off Pekalongan, Java, Netherlands East Indies near position 06°50'S, 109°43'E.

(All times are zone -9)
1946 hours - Surfaced in position 06°50'S, 109°43'E and closed the slip with the coaster on it to 2000 yards.

1957 hours - Opened fire with the 4" gun.

2005 hours - Ceased fire after obtaining about 40 hits out of 57 rounds fired. The ship on the slip was considered a total loss. Some near misses most likely damaged the slipway as well. There was no opposition from the shore at all. (18)

19 Jul 1945 (position -6.11, 108.14)
HMS Thule (Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) sank a lugger with gunfire off the north coast of Java, Netherlands East Indies in position 06°11'S, 108°14'E.

(All times are zone -9)
1511 hours - Surfaced in position 06°11'S, 108°14'E. Gunned and sank a 100 tons wooden lugger. Her cargo was oil and it was still burning on the surface 5 hours later. 39 round of 4" were fired for 20 hits. (18)

20 Jul 1945 (position -6.14, 108.16)
HMS Thule (Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) sank a coaster with gunfire of the north coast of Java, Netherlands East Indies in position 06°13'45"S, 108°16'25"E.

(All times are zone -9)
1335 hours - Surfaced in position 06°12'S, 108°16'E. Closed the coast and gunned a 150 ton coaster, which was unladen and Westbound. The enemy made for the beach. She was hit about 25 times (for 42 rounds expended) and sank at 1346 hours until the hatches were awash. The wreck is in position 06°13'45"S, 108°16'25"E.

1353 hours - Bombed by a Japanese aircraft. Two bombs were dropped that landed 200 yards astern. Dived. The aircraft was not picked up on radar that was blanketed by shore and mountain echoes. (18)

31 Jul 1945
HMS Thule (Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (1st in the Pacific area) at Fremantle. This was Thule's last war patrol. After VJ-day she made some visits to Australian ports. She left Australia mid-October for Hong Kong. Early November she departed for the U.K. She arrived in the U.K. for refit late December 1945. (19)

You can help improve officers Alastair Campbell Gillespie Mars's page
Click here to Submit events/comments/updates for this officer.
Please use this if you spot mistakes or want to improve his page.

• Front page
• About
• Contact us
• FAQ
• Glossary
• What's new

 © 1995 - 2024 Guðmundur Helgason