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Submarine HMS L 23 (N 23)

2 Oct 1941
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) is docked at Dundee while nearing the completion of her refit. (1)

3 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) is undocked. (1)

9 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Having completed her refit, HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted post-refit trials off Dundee. (1)

12 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Dundee for Blyth. She was escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). (1)

13 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Blyth. Here she was assigned to training new submarine crews. (2)

4 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

5 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

6 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

7 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

15 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

18 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

19 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

21 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

22 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

25 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

26 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

27 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

28 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

2 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (4)

3 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (4)

4 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (4)

5 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (4)

9 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (4)

10 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (4)

11 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (4)

12 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (4)

16 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (4)

17 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (4)

19 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (4)

30 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (4)

31 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (4)

1 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (5)

2 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (5)

6 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (5)

7 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (5)

8 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (5)

9 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (5)

Submarine HMS United (P 44)

1 Apr 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) and HMS P 615 (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) departed their builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. They were escorted by HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN). (6)

2 Apr 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (6)

4 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area. (6)

5 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area. (6)

7 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Arrochar. (6)

8 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (6)

9 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (6)

10 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) proceeded from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (6)

12 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area. (6)

14 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) serving as the target. (6)

15 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) serving as the target. (6)

16 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Ardrossan. (6)

17 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) is docked at Ardrossan for a propeller change. (6)

18 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) is undocked and then immediately proceeded from Ardrossan to Holy Loch. (6)

19 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area. (6)

23 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area. (6)

24 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area. (6)

25 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. (6)

27 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) serving as the target. (6)

29 Apr 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Holy Loch for Gibraltar. Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS H 43 (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN).

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 44 during this passage see the map below.

(7)

1 May 1942
At 1930 hours, HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN), parted company with her escort HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN) in position 270°, Wolf Rock, 4 nautical miles. (7)

7 May 1942 (position 45.06, 12.58)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) attacked the inbound German submarine U-157 about 220 nautical miles north-west of Cape Finisterre, Spain in position 45°06'N, 12°58'W. Four torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -1)
1546 hours - Sighted an eastbound enemy submarine at a range of 3000 yards on the starboard quarter. Started attack.

1552 hours - Fired a salvo of four torpedoes from 5000 yards. No hits were obtained.

[The Germans reported four torpedo tracks and were able to evade them. The attack was however reported in German Grid BE 3424, approximately 49°57'N, 15°25'W, which is probably in error]. (7)

11 May 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. She was escorted in by HMS Leyland (T/Lt. A.K. Nears, RNR). (7)

16 May 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) was docked in No.3 dock at Gibraltar. (8)

19 May 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) was undocked. (8)

21 May 1942
P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar together with HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon DSC, RN) and HMS Partridge (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, OBE, RN). (8)

22 May 1942
P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar together with HMS Coltsfoot (Lt.Cdr. the Hon. W.K. Rous, RNVR) and HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A. Foxall, RNR). (8)

24 May 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 1st war patrol (also 1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Alboran Sea. This was a work-up patrol.

For the daily positions of HMS P 44 during this patrol see the map below.

(7)

31 May 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) ended her 1st war patrol (also 1st in the Mediterranean) at Gibraltar. (7)

4 Jun 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 2nd war patrol (also 2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol between Sardinia and Sicily, one of several submarines deployed to cover operation Harpoon.

For the daily positions of HMS P 44 during this patrol see the map below.

(9)

24 Jun 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol (also 2nd in the Mediterranean) at Gibraltar. (9)

10 Jul 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta.

For the daily positions of HMS P 44 during this passage see the map below.

(10)

21 Jul 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Malta. (10)

1 Aug 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Malta for her 3rd war patrol (also 3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Kuriat.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 44 during this patrol see the map below.

(10)

2 Aug 1942 (position 35.40, 12.18)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) attacked a merchant vessel with four torpedoes in approximate position 35°40'N, 12°18'E. The target was then engaged with the gun but the action had to be broken off after two hits had been obtained. This was the Italian auxiliary F 64 / Petsamo (305 GRT, built 1924) travelling from Lampedusa to Pantelleria. As she opened fire on the submarine, five crew members and a German passenger escaped in a lifeboat. They were later picked up by the Italian torpedo boat Circe and were prosecuted for dereliction of duty.

(All times are zone -2)
2230 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 040°. Altered course to investigate.

2250 hours - The contact was seen to be a vessel of 2000 to 3000 tons on a course of 275°. Range was closed as fast as possible.

2320 hours - Range was now 3000 yards. Fired torpedoes, three were intended but due to an error in drill all four tubes were in fact fired. An explosion was heard after 5m 20s after firing the first torpedo but all should have crossed the target line long before this. It is thought all torpedoes missed ahead of the target. As the enemy did not appear to have noticed the attack it was closed to 2000 yards and fire was then opened with the gun.

After two hits had been scored the vessel altered towards and also opened fire. This gunfire was at first wildly. It now appeared that the vessel might be a trawler or auxiliary vessel ant it seemed prudent to break off the engagement.

2345 hours - Broke off the action and dived. Immediately started reloading the torpedo tubes. HE was heard for 30 minutes but then faded out. (10)

3 Aug 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) attacked an escorted merchant vessel off Kuriat. Four torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained. The target has not yet (August 2016) been identified.

(All times are zone -2)
2220 hours - Sighted the lights of a vessel on a northerly course steering up from south of Kuriat Island and 6 nautical miles from the shore. 10 Minutes later she was seen to be accompanied by a second vessel. When north of Kuriat they altered course to the west. It might be that they were Vichy-French but they were now outside territorial waters and travelling at night so it was decided to attack.

2340 hours - Fired a salvo of four torpedoes at the target, by now seen to be a merchant vessel of about 7000 tons escorted by a torpedo-boat. No hits were obtained. The torpedo-boat boat then swiched on a searchlight so P 44 dived. (10)

5 Aug 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (also 3rd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (10)

9 Aug 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Malta for her 4th war patrol (also 4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol south of Lampedusa. Later she was to form part of a line with HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN), HMS P 31 (Lt. J.B.de B. Kershaw, DSO, RN), HMS P 34 (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSC, RN), HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) and HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN). They provided cover during the passage of the Pedestal convoy.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 44 during this patrol see the map below.

(10)

18 Aug 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian transport ship Rosolino Pilo (8326 GRT, built 1942) 50 nautical miles bearing 190 of Pantellaria. The Italian ship was already damaged in a previous attack by British aircraft. Rosolino Pilo had been escorted by the Italian destroyers Maestrale and Gioberti and was en-route from Trapani to Tripoli. She had a civilian crew of fifty, a naval crew of thirty-two Italians and thirty-nine as well as 110 German passengers. There were no casualties as they had evacuated long before P 44 with the exception of Captain Oreste Tomassi and four sailors who had remained on board and left just shortly before the submarine finished her off.

(All times are zone -2)
17 August 1942
In the evening P 44 was ordered to investigate the scene of a successful RAF attack on a merchant vessel in position 295°, Lampion Island, 16 nautical miles.

2050 hours - Set course to comply with the orders. Several new positions were signalled later on.

2234 hours - Sighted a flare. Closed the scene as it had been signalled that the RA would drop flares over the damaged ship.

2239 hours - A second flare was fired. Sighted the target in the light of the flare. More flares were dropped at 2246, 2250, 2303 and 2307 hours.

2307 hours - The merchant vessel could now clearly be seen in the light of the last flare. Range was 6 nautical miles. Closed. No escort was seen and the merchant, of 7000 to 8000 tons, was stopped and down by the stern. She was in position 302°, Lampion Island, 29 nautical miles.

18 August 1942
0009 hours - Fired one torpedo from 1500 yards. The result was gratifying, if unexpected. The explosion of the torpedo was followed instantaneously by another of gigantic proportions as the whole merchant ship exploded. As the commanding officer left the bridge a violent hot blast reached P 44 and debris was already clattering on the casing and before it was possible to dive, a report of the motor room was received of water coming in fast. P 44 therefore remained on the surface as no escort seemed to be present and when the hailstorm of debris had descended, it was found that the bridge was partially wrecked by a 12 foot length of one-inch frame embedded in the starboard side. Jumping wire had parted and loop and main aerials broken. In addition, upper steering was wrecked. There was no sign of the merchant ship.

The pressure hull aft was examined and a 6" gash was found which was then caulked with wood and cotton waste.

A signal was then sent to Malta reporting the situation.

1309 hours - Received orders to return to Malta. Set course accordingly. (10)

19 Aug 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (also 4th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (10)

6 Sep 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Malta for her 5th war patrol (also 5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Misurata.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 44 during this patrol see the map below.

(10)

13 Sep 1942 (position 32.24, 15.26)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) attacked the Italian merchant vessel Ascianghi (610 GRT, built 1922) with two and later one torpedo. All torpedoes missed despite the claim for one hit. Ascianghi was unescorted and on a trip from Tripoli to Benghazi which she reached on the 15th.

(All times are zone -2)
0925 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 270°. Went to the southward at speed for 60 minutes to intercept.

1030 hours - Mast and funnel were now distinguishable. Range could however not be estimated due to the mirage.

1112 hours - In position 32°24'N, 15°26'E fired two torpedoes from 700 yards. One hit as obtained. The ship stopped. P 44 retired into deeper water. The ship was abandoned and had started to list.

1132 hours - Decided to return to finish her off. Shortly afterwards she got underway again and made off towards the shore.

1204 hours - P 44 had followed her and fired another torpedo from 2500 yards which missed. Decided to return after dark to finish her off with gunfire as it seemed likely she was going to beach herself.

The enemy was however not seen again. (10)

17 Sep 1942 (position 32.30, 14.24)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) sank the Italian salvage vessel Rostro (333 GRT, built 1917) and the Italian auxiliary A/S schooner V 39/Giovanna (158 GRT) west of Zliten, Libya.

(All times are zone -2)
0925 hours - Sighted masts of a sailing vessel bearing 252°.

0943 hours - Sighted masts of a steamer astern of the sailing vessel. The sailing vessel was by now seen to be a two-masted vessel proceeding under her own power. Started attack.

1031 hours - In position 32°40'N, 14°40'E fired two torpedoes from 1000 yards at the merchant vessel. One explosion was heard and HE of the target ceased. It started again 10 minutes later.

1050 hours - Observed the merchant vessel to be down by the stern heading for the shore. Shortly afterwards both vessels were seen to anchor near the shore. Decided to return after dusk to destroy them with gunfire.

1955 hours - Surfaced 2 nautical miles from the shore and ran in towards the enemy while firing with the gun. They were very difficult to make out against the land and this made the gun action very difficult. After a while decided to fire one torpedo against each ship.

2036 and 2037 hours - Fired a torpedo at each ship from 900 and 800 yards. Both ships were hit and sank at once in position 32°35'N, 14°24'E. (10)

19 Sep 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (also 5th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (10)

28 Sep 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Malta for her 6th war patrol (also 6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the south Calabrian coast.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 44 during this patrol see the map below.

(10)

30 Sep 1942 (position 37.52, 15.58)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) attacked an escorted merchant vessel near Cape Spartivento, Calabria, Italy. A total of four torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained. This was the German Ruhr (5954 GRT, built 1925) which was narrowly missed. She was escorted by the destroyers Antonio da Noli and Freccia and they were on a trip from Messina to Patras.

(All times are zone -2)
0850 hours - Sighted a 4000 ton merchant vessel escorted by two destroyers (one Navigatori-class ahead and one Maestrale-class on the starboard side). They were on an easterly course, hugging the coast. Range was 5 nautical miles. Started attack.

0920 hours - In position 37°52'N, 15°58'E fired three torpedoes from 3000 yards. No hits were obtained.

0945 hours - Fired one torpedo. This one also missed. (10)

1 Oct 1942 (position 38.15, 16.17)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) torpedoed and (further) damaged the Italian merchant Ravenna (1148 GRT, built 1888) near Locri, Calabria, Italy. The Ravenna was beahed after air attack and a fire on 29 September 1942.

(All times are zone -2)
0700 hours - Sighted a merchant vessel aground in the position stated in yesterdays signal from Capt. S.10. A MAS boat was patrolling to seaward and a schooner was alongside. Also two aircraft were patrolling overhead. Tried to obtain a suitable firing position for nearly 2 hours.

0855 hours - In position 38°15'N, 16°17'E fired one torpedo from 2000 yards. Heard it hit.

0858 hours - Fired another torpedo at a second vessel that had meanwhile been sighted half a mile to the south. This vessel was believed to be a tug or salvage vessel. This torpedo missed.

0940 hours - The merchant vessel was seen to be deeper in the water with the tug standing by. The schooner that had been sunk could no longer be seen. (10)

2 Oct 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) attacked the Italian water tanker Oristano (280 GRT, built 1914) with gunfire off Cape Colonne. The action was broken off when shore batteries (197th Battery, 76cm guns) opened up an accurate gunfire and the auxiliary submarine chaser Maria arrived on the scene.

(All times are zone -2)
1800 hours - When 2 nautical miles east of Cape Colonne sighted a small steamer of less then 500 tons rounding the cape from the south. Chased her inshore to engage with the gun.

1823 hours - To pursue her any further would bring P 44 too close to Crotone so surfaced at 2500 yards range and opened fire. After only 3 minutes, shore batteries opened an accurate fire. P 44 had fired 11 rounds and was just fining the range when the action had broken off. P 44 then retired to seaward. (10)

6 Oct 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (also 6th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (10)

13 Oct 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Malta for her 7th war patrol (also 7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the east of Misurata.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 44 during this patrol see the map below.

(10)

17 Oct 1942
In the evening HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) received orders to proceed to a position about 110 nautical miles to the north of Tripoli, Libya (33°41'N, 13°03'E) to intercept an important southbound enemy convoy. (10)

20 Oct 1942 (position 34.03, 12.35)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) attacked an escorted ship about 80 nautical miles north-north-west of Tripoli, Libya. Three torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained. This was the Italian tanker Saturno (5029 GRT, built 1914) escorted by the destroyers Antonio Da Noli and Antonio Pigafetta. Da Noli sighted the torpedo tracks and the submerging submarine and dropped a few depth charges. She cruised the area for four hours and believed the submarine to have been damaged.

(All times are zone -1)
0128 hours - Sighted a ship at a range of 2.5 nautical miles. Two destroyers were also seen to be in the area. It was decided to attack at once on the surface.

0131 hours - In position 34°03'N, 12°35'E fired three torpedoes.

0132 hours - Dived. Two explosions were heard 3m 15s and 3m 25s after firing the first torpedo. These are thought to be hits but the results were not observed.

Following the attack both destroyers were heard searching but never gained contact. A few depth charges were dropped but these were not close at all. (10)

22 Oct 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (also 7th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (10)

23 Oct 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) was docked in No.3 dock at Malta. (11)

30 Oct 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) was undocked. (11)

2 Nov 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Malta for her 8th war patrol (also 8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the north of Sicily to form part of a line of submarines to provide cover during the Allied landings in North Africa (Operation Torch).

She departed Malta together with HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) and HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN). They were escorted out by HMS Speedy (Lt. J.G. Brookes, DSC, RN).

No log is available for this patrol so no map can be displayed. (10)

8 Nov 1942 (position 38.15, 12.47)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) attacks the damaged Italian light cruiser Attilio Regolo with two torpedoes of Capo San Vito, Sicily, Italy in position 38°15'N, 12°47'E. The torpedoes missed their target.

The Attilio Regolo had lost her bow due to an attack earlier that day by HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN). Attilio Regolo had laid a minefield to the east of Cape Bon together with the Italian destroyers Antonio Pigafetta, Antonio da Noli, Nicolo Zeno, Ascari, Mitragliere and Corazziere.

After being torpedoed by P 46 she was taken in tow by the tugs Monfalcone, Maurizio, Liguria and Trieste. A fifth tug, Poliferno joined from Palermo at 1730 hours. They were now escorted by the destroyers Pigafetta, Da Noli and Zeno [Ascari, Mitragliere and Corazziere had left them to return to Messina] reinforced by the Italian torpedo boats Cigno and Giuseppe Cesare Abba. [Torpedo boat Lince arriving from Palermo was in sight but had not yet joined the formation while Abba may have stayed behind on an A/S search] and MAS 544 and MAS 549. Regolo reported the torpedo tracks and the destroyers Zeno and Da Noli were detached to hunt the submarine but made no contact.

(All times are zone -1)
1025 hours - Heard a loud explosion and saw a column of water and an enormous cloud of smoke bearing 110°. Closed to investigate.

1200 hours - Nothing could be seen yet due to a lot of smoke.

1356 hours - Sighted a cruiser bearing 126° at a range of 6 nautical miles. It was thought she was proceeding south. Went deep to close at speed.

1424 hours - Returned to periscope depth. It was seen that the cruiser was not proceeding to the south but on a course of 070°. She was being towed stern first as her bow was badly damaged. P 44 was now in a bad position to attack.

1545 hours - Range had now been closed to 3.5 nautical miles. The cruiser was nearly bows on with a large number of destroyers and torpedo-boats circling round her. Decided to fire two torpedoes as it seemed unlikely to close any further without being detected.

1549 hours - In position 38°15'N, 12°47'E fired two torpedoes.

1556 hours - Heard a torpedo explosion giving a running range of 8200 yards.

1558 hours - Heard another torpedo explosion. It is thought that the first torpedo explosion might have been a hit.

1645 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The cruiser was not seen. (10)

11 Nov 1942 (position 38.12, 12.46)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) attacked a merchant vessel with two torpedoes off Cape San Vito in position 38°12'N, 12°46'E. Both torpedoes missed. This was the Italian freighter Cerere (1198 GRT, built 1920) which observed the two torpedo tracks.

(All times are zone -1)
1258 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 105°. Soon afterwards sighted that this was coming from a 2000 tons merchant vessel steering a course of 265°. Range was 5 nautical miles. Started attack.

1349 hours - In position 38°12'N, 12°46'E fired two torpedoes from 900 yards. Both missed. (10)

13 Nov 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (also 8th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (10)

18 Nov 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Malta for her 9th war patrol (also 9th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol between Misurata and Burat.

No log is available for this patrol so no map can be displayed. (10)

21 Nov 1942 (position 31.27, 15.45)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) attacked the Italian submarine Santorre di Santarosa with four torpedoes off Buerat. All torpedoes missed.

Later the same day P 44 engaged shipping inside the harbour with the deck gun damaging the Italian sailing vessel Littoria (129 GRT, built 1920).

(All times are zone -1)
0727 hours - In position 31°27'N, 15°45'E sighted up sun, the conning tower of a submarine baring 090°. Enemy course was 265°. Range was 6000 yards. Enemy speed appeared to be very high. Started attack.

0737 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 2000 yards. All missed and most likely the torpedoes ran aground on a sand bank.

-------------------------------------------

0940 hours - Grounded off the harbour entrance. Came up to 10 feet and retired to seaward. No fire came from the shore though despite the fact that P 44 was visible for 5 minutes.

-------------------------------------------

1340 hours - Sighted the enemy submarine leaving the harbour. She could not be intercepted as P 44 was too far to the west. Most likely the approach from the west of this morning of this submarine was due to a bad landfall.

-------------------------------------------

1745 hours - Surfaced and closed the harbour entrance. Three or four small ships were sighted in the harbour in the forenoon. Decided for gun action in the hope of sinking some of these and if possible the pier before the reply would come too hot.

1803 hours - Opened fire on a 150 ton schooner, the largest vessel visible from a range of 1000 yards. Scored ten to twelve hits out of sixteen rounds fired. Then shifted target to the pier and a small steamer alongside it. After firing twelve rounds for six hits some small arms fire opened up from the beach, followed by light and erratic field gun fire. At the same time the gun malfunctioned.

1807 hours - Broke off the action and retired to the seaward. The schooner was seen to be smoke and to be lower in the water. She may have settled on the bottom. (10)

23 Nov 1942 (position 32.31, 15.07)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) attacked a convoy of small vessels to the north of Misurata. The attack had to be broken off shortly after it started when P 44's gun again jammed and enemy opposition was fierce. The convoy was made up of the German R-boat R 15, the German barges F 545 and F 546 and several other small vessels. R 15 dropped a few depth charges.

(All times are zone -1)
0521 hours - While north of Misurata in position 32°31'N, 15°07'E sighted six ships to the southward. Closed to engage with the gun as they were too small to torpedo.

0544 hours - Opened fire from 800 yards at the rear vessel thought to be a lighter in tow of a tug. At the same moment, the leading vessel come into the moon and was seen to be an E-boat. Both the E-boat and the lighter, now seen to be a self propelled barge, opened a hot fire. At this moment the gun again jammed. P 44 then dived.

0546 hours - After diving 5 depth charges were dropped, all fairly close. It was now thought that the convoy was made up of one E-boat, three self propelled barges and two or three small steamers. The hunt was short and no more depth charges were dropped. (10)

26 Nov 1942 (position 33.24, 12.33)
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) attacked an escorted merchant vessel with two torpedoes about 50 nautical miles north-west of Tripoli, Libya. No hits were obtained. This was most probably the motor vessel Brindisi (1976 GRT, buit 1931) escorted by the torpedo boats Animoso and Giacomo Medici. They had sailed from Tripoli for Sfax and Trapani. At 0230 hours, Brindisi had an accidental fire in No.1 Boiler Room but it was quickly extinguished and does not appear to have been related to P 44’s attack which was unobserved.

(All times are zone -1)
0112 hours - In position 33°24'N, 12°33'E sighted 3 ships bearing 105°. Range was 6 nautical miles.

0125 hours - The targets were identified as a medium seized merchant vessel escorted by two torpedo-boats. Enemy course was estimated to be 315°, range 2.5 nautical miles. Closed at full speed.

0150 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 5000 yards. After 1,5 minutes a faint explosion was heard which was thought to be one of the torpedoes exploding on hitting the bottom in 75 fathoms.

0211 hours - Surfaced and chased the enemy but his speed was to great.

0255 hours - Lost touch. Set course to patrol to the south-east. (10)

30 Nov 1942
HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (also 9th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (10)

Submarine HMS Unison (P 43)

8 Sep 1943
HMS Unison (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Malta for passage to the U.K.

Off Malta she joined convoy KMS 24.

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

(12)

10 Sep 1943
At 0900 hours, HMS Unison (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) sighted the Italian Battlefleet on her way to surrender at Malta. (12)

13 Sep 1943
HMS Unison (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (12)

16 Sep 1943
HMS Unison (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Gibraltar for Plymouth with a brief patrol off Cádiz making this her 19th war patrol. Only two Spanish vessels were sighted.

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

(12)

28 Sep 1943
HMS Unison (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Plymouth. (12)

20 Oct 1943
HMS Unison (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) was taken in hand for refit at the Devonport Dockyard. (13)

Submarine HMS Supreme (P 252)

18 May 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed her builders yard at Liverpool for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Kingston Turquoise (A/Skr.Lt. G. Murray, RNR). (14)

19 May 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (14)

23 Jun 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She made the passage together with HMS Subtle (Lt. B.J.B. Andrew, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Sardonyx (A/Lt.Cdr. T.A. Easton, RNVR). (15)

25 Jun 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow to participate in A/S exercises. (15)

26 Jun 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Nubian (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Pack-Beresford, RN). (15)

28 Jun 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Ophelia (T/Lt. D.J. Duncan, RNVR) and HMS Hazel (T/Lt. J.J. Good, RNR). (15)

29 Jun 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted independent exercises at Scapa Flow. (15)

30 Jun 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Volage (Cdr. L.G. Durlacher, OBE, RN). (15)

2 Jul 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises with HMS Trusty (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN).

Later the same day she departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (16)

4 Jul 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (16)

2 Aug 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Holy Loch for her 1st war patrol. This is an anti-uboat patrol in the Northern North Sea.

She made the passage North through the Minches escorted by HMS Sardonyx (A/Lt.Cdr. T.A. Easton, RNVR).

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

HMS Supreme 1st war patrol click here for bigger map (17)

4 Aug 1944
At 1040 hours (zone -2) and in position 59°00N, 01°00'W HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) parted company. Supreme then proceeded to her patrol aera. (17)

19 Aug 1944
Around 1330 hours (zone -2), HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) and HMS Upshot (Lt. H.W. Wilkinson, RN), made rendez-vous with their escort HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) in position 58°50'N, 01°00'W. They then proceeded to Holy Loch. (18)

21 Aug 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Holy Loch. (17)

26 Aug 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) was docked at Holy Loch. (19)

29 Aug 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) was undocked. (19)

3 Sep 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Holy Loch for Gibraltar. This was the first leg of the trip to the Far East.

She made the passage to Gibraltar together with HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent) in convoy OS 82 / KMS 62 which they joined South of Ireland. During the passage South through the Irish Sea they were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR).

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

HMS Supreme passage Holy Loch - Trincomalee click here for bigger map (20)

12 Sep 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (20)

18 Sep 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta.

She made the passage to Malta together with HMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent) in convoy UGS 53. (20)

23 Sep 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Malta. (20)

27 Sep 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Malta for Port Said. (20)

1 Oct 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Port Said. (21)

5 Oct 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Port Said for Aden. (21)

10 Oct 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Aden. (21)

13 Oct 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Aden for Trincomalee. Before proceeding she conducted A/S exercises with HMS Plym (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A. Foxall, RNR), HMS Trent (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.G. Rankin, DSC, RNR) and HMS Falmouth (Lt.Cdr. E.A. Woodhead, RD, RNR). (21)

24 Oct 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. She required some engine repairs before she could be sent on patrol. (21)

10 Nov 1944
During 10 and 11 November 1944 HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night exercises. During these exercises practice attacks were made on HMS Renown (Capt. B.C.B. Brooke, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral A.J. Power, KCB, CVO, RN, second in command of the Eastern Fleet). (22)

13 Nov 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (22)

15 Nov 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off Port Blair and Phuket.

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

HMS Supreme 2nd war patrol click here for bigger map (17)

19 Nov 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) tried to attack a small merchant vessel of Port Blair, the attack however had to be broken off.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1345 hours - In position 11°39'N, 92°54'E sighted 2 aircraft to the North-East. Looked like something was about to show up. Started to close Port Blair harbour.

1455 hours - Sighted mast bearing 340°. This turned out to be a submarine chaser.

1505 hours - Sighted mast of a small merchant vessel steering 210°, close inshore. 3 Aircraft were now flying overhead. Two escorts were now seen. Range to the merchant vessel was 9000 yards. Started attack.

1507 hours - The Port escort had altered round to seaward. The 3 aircraft were circling overhead.

1510 hours - The escort came straight towards and Lt. Barlow thought Supreme had been detected. When the range was 2000 yards he went deep with the intention to return to periscope depth after he had passed. However depth control was lost due to an error in drill and it took several minutes before depth control was regained. By now the chance for a torpedo attack was gone and it had to be broken off. (17)

20 Nov 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) is ordered to patrol in the Phuket / Butang area. (17)

24 Nov 1944 (position 7.46, 98.47)
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire in the Phuket area.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1545 hours - In position 07°46'N, 98°47'E sighted the sails of a junk 6 nautical miles to the Northward. She was drifting with the tide. Closed.

1800 hours - The junk was still in sight. The water was too shallow to close submerged so surfaced and closed in the moonlight.

1843 hours - Opened fire with the gun from 3000 yards. The 2nd and 3rd round brought down the mast and after about 7 hits she sank. (17)

26 Nov 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) was ordered to perform air/sea rescue duties to the West of Phuket. (17)

27 Nov 1944 (position 7.44, 98.48)
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire in the Phuket area.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1715 hours - In position 07°44'N, 98°48'E sighted a Northbound junk. Distance was 7 nautical miles. Closed submerged.

1807 hours - Surfaced at a range of 1000 yards and opened fire. She soon catched fire and most likely the cargo was petrol.

1815 hours - The junk was sinking slowly. No survivors were seen. Retired to the South. (17)

29 Nov 1944 (position 6.39, 99.28)
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) sank three sailing vessels with gunfire and demolition charges in the Langkawi area.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1625 hours - In position 06°39'N, 99°28'E sighted a small junk bearing 300°, range was 2.5 nautical miles. Closed submerged.

1639 hours - Surfaced and sank the junk with gunfire. 8 Hits were scored out of 10 rounds. On surfacing another junk was sighted about 5 nautical miles to the North. Set off in pursuit.

1705 hours - Opened fire at this 2nd junk from 4000 yards. The crew immediately abandoned ship. The deck cargo of petrol caught fire but she would not sink so came alongside and placed demolition charges.

1743 hours - The demolition charges left the junk sinking slowly. Set course for a 3rd junk that meanwhile had been sighted.

1814 hours - Closed this junk, a large one, and sank her in 2.5 minutes after 13 hits. Cleared the area to the Westward. (17)

1 Dec 1944 (position 5.54, 100.05)
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire between Penang and Langkawi.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1320 hours - In position 05°54'N, 100°05'E sighted a junk bearing 300°. Closed submerged.

1325 hours - Surfaced and opened fire.

1356 hours - The junk sank. 33 Rounds were fired for 17 hits. Only 7 rounds were now remaining. (17)

12 Dec 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (17)

30 Dec 1944
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) was docked at Trincomalee. (23)

1 Jan 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) was undocked. (24)

3 Jan 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (24)

4 Jan 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (24)

5 Jan 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off the Nicobar and Andaman Islands.

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

HMS Supreme 3rd war patrol click here for bigger map (17)

6 Jan 1945
At 0500 hours (zone -6.5) HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) intercepted a signal from HMS Stygian that she was returing with the badly damaged HMS Shakespeare. As the signal was received incomplete it was thought that both submarines were damaged. As their route lay close to Supreme's it was decided to close in case assistance was required. Later a signal was received in which it became clear that only Shakespeare was damaged. As Supreme was almost in the position where the other submarines were it was decided to continue. At 1451 hours, in position 08°50'N, 85°06'E, HMS Stygian and HMS Shakespeare were sighted. Identities were exchanged but no assistance was required and Supreme continued passage to her patrol area. (17)

10 Jan 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) is ordered to conduct air/sea rescue duties in an area to the East of Great Nicobar Island and to the North of Sabang. (17)

11 Jan 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) concluded her air/sea rescue duties and resumed patrol. (17)

19 Jan 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) damaged a coaster with gunfire just South of Port Blair. The coaster was beached.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1004 hours - A coaster was seen coming out of Port Blair harbour and proceeding to the South. Closed submerged to attack with torpedoes.

1154 hours - As the target was gaining surfaced and set off in chase. The target was seen to be a modern coaster of about 500 tons. Range was about 6 nautical miles.

1204 hours - Opened fire. The vessel altered course to return to Port Blair. The coaster returned fire with a gun and machine guns.

1221 hours - The target beached itself after being hit several times.

1246 hours - Shore batteries who had been firing for 20 minutes now began to find the range.

1247 hours - Dived in position 11°34'N, 92°46'E. Aircraft were seen patrolling the area for a while. Decided to wait until nightfall to finish off the beached coaster. It was later found to be too dark to see the coaster and finish her off. It was decided to remain in the area and have another go at her tomorrow. (17)

20 Jan 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) damaged another coaster with gunfire off Port Blair.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0536 hours - Dived in position 11°36'N, 92°36'E and approached the beached coaster intending to surfaced as soon as she was sighted.

0615 hours - In position 11°36'N, 92°46'E sighted an A/S trawler to the seaward clearly guarding the beached ship. The trawler later made off towards Port Blair so closed again.

0725 hours - Another vessel was seen approaching from the South. Decided to attack this target first.

0755 hours - The coaster stopped. An ML was seen coming from Port Blair.

0803 hours - Surfaced and engaged the coaster. After 7 minutes the damaged coaster beached herself. There were now 2 damaged coasters on the beach. The ML meanwhile had retired towards Port Blair.

0824 hours - The gun malfunctioned so the destruction of the beached coasters could not be completed. (17)

22 Jan 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) damaged (or destroyed) a coaster with gunfire at Car Nicobar Island. A torpedo fired earlier had prematured.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0611 hours - Dived in position 09°17'N, 92°43'E and entered Sawi Bay. Found a coaster laying about one mile off shore. Closed. Decided to fire 1 torpedo.

1306 hours - Fired 1 torpedo from 1600 yards. The torpedo exploded after having run only 600 yards. This was most likely caused by the swell in the shallow water. Decided to attack with the gun later.

1836 hours - Surfaced and opened fire with the deck gun which was not easy in the swell. The coaster had been beached after the torpedo explosion. After putting 20 rounds into her broke off the action and retired to seaward. (17)

29 Jan 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (17)

17 Feb 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (25)

19 Feb 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Strait.

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

HMS Supreme 4th war patrol click here for bigger map (17)

1 Mar 1945 (position 3.38, 99.13)
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire of the east coast of Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0715 hours - In position 03°38'N, 99°13'E sighted a Southbound tongkang.

0738 hours - Surfaced and sank the tongkang of 12 tons with demolition charges. The captain was taken prisoner. The remaining crew of 3 took to their small boat. (17)

2 Mar 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted air/sea rescue duties in the Malacca Straits in position 04°01'N, 99°16'E. (17)

4 Mar 1945 (position 4.00, 98.39)
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) destroyed a sailing vessel with gunfire of the east coast of Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0905 hours - Surfaced in position 04°00'N, 98°39'E and engaged a motor junk of 30 tons which was proceeding North.

0930 hours - The junk was grounded with the upper deck awash after 10 hits.

0956 hours - Dived in position 04°06'N, 98°37'E. (17)

5 Mar 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) sank a sailing vessel with demolition charges of the east coast of Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0215 hours - In position 03°58'N, 99°06'E sighted a vessel bearing 210°, range 5 nautical miles. It was soon identified as a tongkang. Stopped her and embarked the crew, took a sample of the cargo and sank her with demolition charges.

0330 hours - Proceeded. (17)

6 Mar 1945 (position 3.34, 99.17)
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire of the east coast of Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0900 hours - In position 03°34'N, 99°17'E surfaced to engage a 35 tons junk.

0925 hours - The junk sank. (17)

10 Mar 1945 (position 4.30, 98.16)
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) destroyed a beached coaster with gunfire of the east coast of Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1732 hours - Surfaced in position 04°30'N, 98°16'E and bombarded a beached coaster.

1808 hours - Dived after having obtained about 15 hits and some near misses. (17)

15 Mar 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (17)

21 Mar 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Trincomalee for Fremantle, Australia.

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

HMS Supreme passage Trincomalee - Fremantle click here for bigger map (26)

4 Apr 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Fremantle. (27)

6 Apr 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) was put on the slipway at Fremantle. (27)

7 Apr 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) was put back in the water. (27)

16 Apr 1945
During 16 and 17 April 1945 HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. These included night exercises. (27)

21 Apr 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Fremantle for her 5th war patrol (4th in the Far East and 1st in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to proceed to Subic Bay, Philippines and to patrol in the Java Sea, South China Sea and Gulf of Siam en-route.

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

HMS Supreme 5th war patrol click here for bigger map (17)

25 Apr 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) topped off with fuel at Exmouth Gulf. (17)

29 Apr 1945
During the night of 29/30 April 1945 HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) passed Lombok Strait Northbound. (17)

30 Apr 1945 (position -7.25, 115.45)
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) attacked an enemy merchant vessel in a convoy to the South of Kangean Island. 5 Torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -9)
1105 hours - In position 07°34'S, 115°41'E sighted smoke bearing 338°. Closed at speed.

1155 hours - It was now clear that the smoke was a convoy of a 1500 tons merchant vessel with funnel aft, an old fashioned passenger-cargo steamer, 2 trawlers, a destroyer escort and 2 Jake aircraft were circling overhead. Started attack.

1301 hours - In position 07°25'S, 115°45'E fired 5 torpedoes at the 1500 tons merchant vessel. No hits were obtained, most likely the tracks were seen and evaded in the flat calm sea.

1335 hours - The only counter attack was 1 single depth charge. Returned to periscope depth and saw the convoy making for Kangean Island. Decided to trail them but they were not seen again although during the evening Supreme was detected by the destroyer escort and depth charged but no damage was caused. (17)

2 May 1945 (position -4.48, 111.03)
At 1315 hours (zone -9) HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) was detected and bombed by a Japanese Jake aircraft in the central Java Sea in position 04°48'S, 111°03'E. Two bombs were dropped while Supreme crash dived. The bombs exploded close abeam but caused no damage. (17)

7 May 1945 (position 6.18, 102.05)
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) sank a coaster and a sailing vessel with gunfire in the Gulf of Siam. A second coaster was heavily damaged if not destroyed.

(All times are zone -9)
0850 hours - In position 06°21'N, 102°08'E sighted a mast bearing 272°. Closed to investigate.

0926 hours - Identified the mast as belonging to a junk. At the same time two heavily camouflaged coasters were seen inshore and only 3 nautical miles away.

0932 hours - Surfaced and engaged the leading coaster from 3000 yards, she immediately turned inshore.

0939 hours - The coaster, estimated to be of 300 tons, was satisfactory damaged so turned our attention to the junk, which looked new and of 50 tons. The second coaster meanwhile was still 3 nautical miles away. She was laying stopped and was firing at Supreme with a gun (thought to be a 12pdr). The crew of the junk abandoned ship while she was taken under fire.

0946 hours - The junk sank in position 06°18'N, 102°05'E and fire was shifted to the first coaster again.

0957 hours - After 30 rounds, for about 20 hits, the coaster was sinking in position 06°16'N, 102°05'E. Fire was then shifted to the other coaster, which was also of 300 tons and whose fire was now getting more accurate. Also Oerlikon and Vickers guns were used. She turned towards the shore and was hit many times and was on fire. She could not be closed any further as the water was now very shallow.

1008 hours - Turned away to seaward to make for deeper water. (17)

8 May 1945 (position 6.51, 101.38)
While trying to attack an enemy convoy HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) was detected by its escort and depth charged. Damage was caused but she remained on patrol.

(All times are zone -9)
0930 hours - In position 06°51'N, 101°38'E sighted smoke bearing 341° and one Jake aircraft circling. Closed to investigate. This contact was later seen to be a merchant vessel of 1000 tons with 3 escorts, a PT boat or small submarine chaser, a large submarine chaser and a trawler.

1126 hours - Detected by the large submarine chaser, forced deep and attacked with depth charges. Supreme hit bottom at 55 feet and the escort passed right overhead. The first pattern of depth charges fell very close and caused considerable damage. Course was set to make for deeper water. A second pattern of depth charges soon followed and was also quite close causing more damage. More depth charges followed but these were not close. The Port screw became very noisy and from now on only the Starbord one was used.

1300 hours - All was quiet now.

1400 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. The low power periscope was out of action and the high power periscope was also slightly damaged. Decided to remain on patrol. (17)

27 May 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (4th in the Far East and 1st in the South-West Pacific area) at Subic Bay, Philippines. She returned to base with only 1266 gallons of fuel remaining. (17)

16 Jun 1945
During 16 and 17 June 1945 HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Subic Bay. These included night exercises. (28)

17 Jun 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) was docked at Subic Bay in floating dock USS ARD-12. (28)

19 Jun 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) was undocked. (28)

22 Jun 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Subic Bay for her 6th war patrol (5th in the Far East and 2nd in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Siam in a wolf pack with HMS Selene (Lt.Cdr. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) and HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) as well as the US submarine USS Charr (Cdr. F.D. Boyle, USN).

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

HMS Supreme 6th war patrol click here for bigger map (17)

30 Jun 1945 (position 1.07, 101.40)
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) attacked two small merchant vessels in convoy in the Gulf of Siam. No hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -9)
1055 hours - In position 11°07'N, 101°40'E sighted the expected convoy of two small merchant vessels of 800 tons and two submarine chasers. Started attack.

1143 hours - Fired 6 torpedoes from 800 yards at both merchant vessels. No hits were obtained and the torpedoes must have ran under as it was seen too late that they were in ballast.

1230 hours - Saw the convoy returing. Decided not to fire torpedoes again as these would also have ran under and to chase them.

1527 hours - Surfaced in position 11°20'N, 101°57'E and chased after the convoy. (17)

1 Jul 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) attacked with gunfire the same Japanese convoy as was attacked yesterday. Several hits were obtained on a submarine chaser before the action had to be broken off and Supreme dived to safety. She was depth charged but no damage was caused by the counter attack.

(All times are zone -9)
1130 hours - After searching all moring sighted 'our convoý' at anchor in Salad Bay (11°42'N, 102°32'E) on the West coast of Koh Kut. They were anchored in 4 fathoms of water and were laying with their bows to the shore. Supreme was able to close to 1600 yards but could not fire torpedoes from that position. Decided to attack with gunfire. One chaser was anchored to seaward and this was selected as the first target.

1416 hours - Surfaced in position 11°44'N, 102°32'E and opened fire on the submarine chaser. Range was 1600 yards. We met a very prompt return fire from the chaser and the merchant vessels and a 3" gun on the shore. This was a little to much for us so at ...

1420 hours - Dived. 5 Hits had been obtained on the submarine chaser. This vessel and the Merchants were sprayed with Oerlikon and Vickers gunfire. She second submarine chaser was soon underway, came towards and dropped 23 depth charges but these were not very close. Supreme meanwhile retired to the South at 60 feet.

1720 hours - Returned to the anchorage but the convoy had left. (17)

12 Jul 1945 (position 11.12, 99.36)
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) destroyed a sailing vessel with gunfire in the Gulf of Siam.

(All times are zone -9)
1920 hours - In position 11°12'N, 99°36'E sighted a 60 tons lugger bearing 240°, range 4 nautical miles. Closed submerged.

1930 hours - Surfaced and engaged the lugger. She beached herself. We left her on the rocks badly holed after 15 hits. (17)

14 Jul 1945 (position 10.42, 99.29)
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) sank a tug and a lighter with gunfire in the Gulf of Siam.

(All times are zone -9)
1430 hours - In position 10°42'N, 99°29'E sighted a small vessel to the South, range was about 4 nautical miles. Closed submerged.

1440 hours - Surfaced and engaged the target which turned out to be a 50 tons tug towing a lighter. Range was 6000 yards.

1455 hours - Both targets sank leaving a lot of oil drums floating. (17)

15 Jul 1945 (position 10.14, 99.17)
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) sank three coasters with gunfire in the Gulf of Siam.

(All times are zone -9)
1014 hours - In position 10°14'N, 99°17'E sighted the mast of a coaster bearing 280 degrees. Range 5 nautical miles. The enemy was steering North.

1031 hours - When the coaster temporarily disappeared behind an Island, surfaced and closed at speed.

1043 hours - Opened fire with the gun from 3600 yards.

1052 hours - The coaster, 300 tons in size, was on fire and sinking in position 10°18'N, 99°14'E. 35 Hits had been obtained.

1110 hours - Dived.

--------------------------------------

1203 hours - In position 10°16'N, 99°18'E sighted 2 more coasters coming South. Range was 9 nautical miles.

1245 hours - When the leading coaster was 2400 yards away, surfaced and opened fire. 8 Rounds were enough to stop this coaster of 300 tons. Target was now shifted to the second coaster (estimated to be 500 tons) that was 2 nautical miles away and making for the nearest island. When she was hit for the first time she reached land. After 20 hits she was on fire.

1255 hours - Returned to the first coaster and closed her to 800 yards. 17 Hits were obtained before she was well on fire.

1328 hours - Dived. (17)

25 Jul 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (5th in the Far East and 2nd in the South-West Pacific area) at Subic Bay. (17)

1 Aug 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) was docked at Subic Bay. (29)

2 Aug 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) was undocked. (29)

27 Aug 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Subic Bay for Hong Kong. (29)

30 Aug 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Hong Kong. (29)

12 Sep 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Hong Kong for Trincomalee. (17)

25 Sep 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (17)

27 Sep 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) was docked at Trincomalee for repairs. (30)

28 Sep 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) was undocked. (30)

1 Oct 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Trincomalee for Aden. (17)

10 Oct 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Aden. She departed for Port Said later the same day. (17)

15 Oct 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Suez. (17)

16 Oct 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) transited the Suez Canal Northbound and arrived at Port Said. (17)

19 Oct 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Port Said for Alexandria. (17)

20 Oct 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Alexandria. (17)

27 Oct 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta. (17)

30 Oct 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Malta. (17)

2 Nov 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. (17)

5 Nov 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (17)

8 Nov 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) departed Gibraltar for Portsmouth. (17)

13 Nov 1945
HMS Supreme (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Barlow, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. She was paid off into reserve on 8 December 1945. (17)

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