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Submarine HMS H 34 (N 34)

17 Sep 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) conducted A/S exercises of Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Cdr.(Retd.) W.A. Ford, RN) and HMS Topaze (Lt.Cdr. John J.N. Hambly, MBE, RN).

Upon completion of these exercises Lt. Napier took command of HMS H 34 vice Lt. Collett. (1)

18 Sep 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises of Campbeltown with HMS Carina (Cdr.(Retd.) T.St.V.F. Tyler, RN) and HMS Tuscarora (Capt.(Retd.) E.C. Stubbs, RN). (1)

19 Sep 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises of Campbeltown with HMS Lady Sharazad (Cdr.(Retd.) A.G. Venables, RN) and HMS Topaze (Lt.Cdr. John J.N. Hambly, MBE, RN). (1)

20 Sep 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises of Campbeltown with HMS Lady Sharazad (Cdr.(Retd.) A.G. Venables, RN) and HMS Carina (Cdr.(Retd.) T.St.V.F. Tyler, RN). (1)

21 Sep 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises of Campbeltown with HMS Topaze (Lt.Cdr. John J.N. Hambly, MBE, RN) and HMS Carina (Cdr.(Retd.) T.St.V.F. Tyler, RN). (1)

23 Sep 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises of Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Capt.(Retd.) E.C. Stubbs, RN) and HMS Terje 1 (Skr. C. Coultas, DSC, RNR). (1)

24 Sep 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises of Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Capt.(Retd.) E.C. Stubbs, RN) and HMS Terje 1 (Skr. C. Coultas, DSC, RNR). (1)

25 Sep 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises of Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Capt.(Retd.) E.C. Stubbs, RN) and HMS Terje 1 (Skr. C. Coultas, DSC, RNR). (1)

26 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises of Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Terje 2 (Ch.Skr. G.R. Gale, RNR). (1)

27 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises of Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Capt.(Retd.) E.C. Stubbs, RN), HMS Lady Sharazad (Cdr.(Retd.) A.G. Venables, RN) and HMS Terje 1 (Skr. C. Coultas, DSC, RNR). (1)

28 Sep 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises of Campbeltown with HMS Topaze (Lt.Cdr. John J.N. Hambly, MBE, RN) and HMS Terje 2 (Ch.Skr. G.R. Gale, RNR). Upon completion of these exercises HMS H 34 proceeded to Rothesay. (1)

2 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Rothesay for Scapa Flow. She is escorted by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (2)

4 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (2)

6 Oct 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises off / at Scapa Flow with HMS Quorn (Lt. E.A.F. Drought, RN) and HMS Cleveland (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN). (2)

7 Oct 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises off / at Scapa Flow with HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.M. Burrough, CB, RN) and HMS Cleveland (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN). (2)

8 Oct 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises off / at Scapa Flow with HMS Quorn (Lt. E.A.F. Drought, RN) and HMS Cleveland (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN). (2)

10 Oct 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises off / at Scapa Flow with HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.M. Burrough, CB, RN) and HMS Quorn (Lt. E.A.F. Drought, RN). (2)

13 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises off / at Scapa Flow with with local defence craft, HMS Douglas (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G. Crossley, RN). (2)

14 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises off / at Scapa Flow with with local defence craft, HMS Douglas (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G. Crossley, RN). (2)

15 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises off / at Scapa Flow with HMS Eskimo (Cdr. St.J.A. Micklethwait, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Cleveland (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN). (2)

16 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted special trials off / at Scapa Flow with HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN) and HMS Mendip (A/Cdr. G.N. Rolfe, DSC, RN). (2)

17 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises off / at Scapa Flow with with local defence craft, HMS Douglas (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G. Crossley, RN) and HMS Quorn (Lt. E.A.F. Drought, RN). (2)

18 Oct 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises off / at Scapa Flow with HMS Quorn (Lt. E.A.F. Drought, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN) and HMS Mendip (A/Cdr. G.N. Rolfe, DSC, RN). (2)

19 Oct 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises off / at Scapa Flow with HMS Quorn (Lt. E.A.F. Drought, RN). (2)

20 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Rothesay. She joined convoy EN 12 around dusk for passage through the Minches. (2)

27 Oct 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Rothesay. She was escorted in (from 1025 hours) by the Dutch torpedo boat HrMs Z 8 (Lt.Cdr. P.A. de Boer, RNN). (2)

3 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Rothesay for Tobermory. She was escorted by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (3)

4 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Tobermory. (3)

5 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Candytuft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR). (3)

10 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Snapdragon (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Hulton, RN) and FFL Chevreul (Lt. F.P.E. Fourlinnie). (3)

12 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Star of India (Cdr.(Retd.) S.F. Russell, RN) and HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RNR). (3)

13 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Star of India (Cdr.(Retd.) S.F. Russell, RN). (3)

14 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Snapdragon (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Hulton, RN) and HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RNR). (3)

15 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) proceeded from Tobermory to Oban and back to Tobermory. HMS H 34 proceeded to Oban to fuel. She was escorted by HMS Spindrift (Ch.Skr. A. Gove, RNR). (3)

16 Nov 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with FFL Chevreul (Lt. F.P.E. Fourlinnie). (3)

19 Nov 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Heather (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G.C. Gibson, RN) and HMS Rumba (T/Lt. N.E. Hendy, RNVR). (3)

21 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Heather (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G.C. Gibson, RN) and HMS Rumba (T/Lt. N.E. Hendy, RNVR). (3)

22 Nov 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Star of India (Cdr.(Retd.) S.F. Russell, RN) and HMS Heather (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G.C. Gibson, RN). (3)

25 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Freesia (Lt.Cdr. T.G. Hill, RNR) and HMS Van Oost. (3)

27 Nov 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Jones, RNR) and HMS Van Oost. (3)

1 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed obermory for Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS Freesia (Lt.Cdr. T.G. Hill, RNR). (4)

2 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (4)

16 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. (4)

17 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises of Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). The exercises had to be broken off as due to a malfuntion H 34 flooded her main engines. (4)

18 Dec 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Rothesay for repairs. (4)

19 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
After repairs, HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN), shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. (4)

20 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises of Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (4)

21 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises of Campbeltown with HMS Terje 1 (Skr. C. Coultas, DSC, RNR). (4)

22 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Rothesay. (4)

24 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (4)

30 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Rothesay for Rosyth. She made the passage in convoy. (4)

2 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Rosyth. (5)

4 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Rosyth for Sheerness. She made the passage in convoy FS 79. (5)

7 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Sheerness where she was taken in had for refit by the Royal Dockyard. (5)

Submarine HMS Rorqual (N 74)

3 Jun 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta for her 1st storage trip.

Rorqual had on board:
2 officers
21 other ranks
1 Maltese civilian

147 bags of mail
2 tons of naval stores including medical stores
1478 cases of aviation spirit
15 tons of bulk aviation spirit
45 tons of bulk kerosene
2 coils of wire

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

(6)

12 Jun 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Malta. (6)

14 Jun 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria.

Rorqual had on board:
2 officers
3 dockyard officials
12 other ranks

46 cases of QF 4" HE shells
100 cases of 4" shrapnel shells
130 bags of mail
30 seaman's bags
2.5 tons of naval stores
Several parts of machinery

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

(6)

21 Jun 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Alexandria ending her 1st storage trip. (6)

25 Jun 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta for her 2nd storage trip.

Rorqual had on board:
3 army officers
18 army and RAF other ranks

50 tons of aviation spirit in cans
14 tons of aviation spirit in bulk
11700 gallons of kerosene in bulk

7 tons of stores made up of:
90 bags of mail
foamite refills
Hoses
Army clothing
2 U-class submarine propellers

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

(6)

2 Jul 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Malta. Rorqual arrived with several defects that needed repairs. (6)

4 Jul 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) entered No.5 dock at Malta. (6)

5 Jul 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) was docked down in No.5 dock at Malta. (6)

10 Jul 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) was undocked. She then conducted some trials / exercises off Malta. (6)

12 Jul 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria. On this return trip from her 2nd storage trip she was ordered to patrol along the coast of North Africa making this her 15th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean).

Rorqual also had stores on board:
3 naval officers
15 naval and army ratings

1 trawler propeller
40 boxes of 4.5" ammunition
1 machinery piece for HMS Coventry
40 bags of mail
48 cases of N.S.O. stores
60 magazines for RAF guns

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

(6)

19 Jul 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) ended her 15th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (6)

31 Jul 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta for her 3rd storage trip.

Rorqual had on board:
1 naval officer
1 army officer
18 other ranks

1500 cases of aviation spirit
4680 gallons of aviation spirit in bulk
17285 gallons of kerosene in bulk
1 ton of junction boxes
2 tons of mail
6 tons of stores

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

(6)

4 Aug 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) is ordered to take up a patrol position about 200 nautical miles to the east-south-east of Malta to intercept an expected southbound enemy tanker.

Rorqual's 3rd storage trip now became her 16th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean). (6)

6 Aug 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) is ordered to continue her passage to Malta. (6)

12 Aug 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Malta with several days delay, 3 days due to her being ordered to patrol for 3 days and 3 days due to defects to her starboard engine air compressor. (6)

21 Aug 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) embarked 50 mines. (6)

22 Aug 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for her 17th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Greece and to lay a minefield.

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

(6)

25 Aug 1941
Between 0936 and 1015 hours (zone -3) HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 50 mines off Cape Skinari, Greece (275°, Cape Skinari, 8 nautical miles). (6)

28 Aug 1941 (position 36.25, 21.01)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Cilicia (2747 GRT, built 1928) which was proceeding unescorted in company with Alfredo Oriani (3059 GRT, built 1918) about 40 nautical miles south-south-west of Schiza Island in position 36°25'N, 21°01'E.

Cilicia had observed a torpedo track on the port side and immediately turned to starboard but was struck by two torpedoes and sank in 30 seconds. The two ships had initially been escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Antares but she left them before dawn.

(All times are zone -3)
1843 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 220°. Altered course to close. The smoke was soon afterwards seen to come from one large merchant vessel and one moderate large merchant vessel. No escort was seen.

1853 hours - Started attack on the largest vessel.

1938 hours - Fired three torpedoes at the leading ship from 1100 yards. It is thought that three hits were obtained.

1940 hours - The leading ship was seen to be hidden by yellowish-brown smoke.
Fired three torpedoes at the second ship. She was now very close.

1941 hours - Went deep.

1942 hours - Rorqual was rammed. The enemy struck the periscope standards. Both periscopes were damaged. Rorqual remained deep until 2145 hours. With all periscope now damaged and all torpedoes expended course was now set of Alexandria. (6)

2 Sep 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) ended her 17th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (6)

29 Sep 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (7)

1 Oct 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Alexandria for the Great Bitter Lakes where she was to embark a full outfit of 50 mines.

Before course was set to the east exercises were carried out with HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN), and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN).

This is Rorqual's 18th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean). After embarking the mines she was to patrol in the Southern Aegean and lay a minefield in the Gulf of Athens. Upon completion of this patrol she was to proceed to Malta. Rorqual was due for refit and was to proceed to the U.K.

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

(6)

2 Oct 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Port Said. She embarked a pilot and the proceeded through the Suez Canal to the Great Bitter Lakes where 50 mines were embarked. The next day she proceeded on her 18th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean). (6)

8 Oct 1941
Between 1129 and 1212 hours (zone -3) HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 50 mines in the Gulf of Athens near position 37°29'N, 23°53'E. The mines were laid from the above position in a direction of 330° for 2.7 nautical miles. They were laid at a depth of 8 feet with a spacing of 300 feet.

In the morning hours a convoy had been sighted but it was not attacked as it passed within a mile from the position where the minefield had to be laid. (6)

12 Oct 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) ended her 18th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (6)

17 Oct 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for her 19th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean). She is ordered to lay mines off Cape Ferrato, Sardinia and off Cavoli Island. Upon completion of this patrol she was to proceed to Gibraltar.

In the evening Rorqual returned to Malta with a fractured pipe in the turning gear of the forward hydroplanes.

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

(6)

18 Oct 1941
After repairs HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta to resume her 19th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean). (6)

19 Oct 1941
In the early evening the Italian torpedo-boat Altair ran into a minefield laid by Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) on 8 October 1941 in the Gulf of Athens. Altair sank the next morning while in tow.

Altair was part of the escort of a convoy [Città di Agrigento, Città di Marsala, Tagliamento and the German Salzburg, also escorted by the auxiliary Barletta and the torpedo boats Lupo and Monzambano, they were on passage from Piraeus to Suda] when she was mined. Lupo attempted in vain to tow Altair, she sank near Gaidero Light and thirteen men were killed.

20 Oct 1941
The Italian torpedo-boat Aldebaran sailed to the assistance of Altair but also ran into a minefield and sank in the Gulf of Athens. The minefield was laid by Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) on 8 October 1941. Ten lives were lost.

21 Oct 1941
Between 1702 and 1716 hours (zone -1), HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 10 mines off Cavoli Island, off south-east Sardinia. The mines were laid from a position 129°, Cavoli Island light, 1.8 nautical miles. The minefield was a mile long and laid in a direction of 227°. The mines were laid at 8 feet at 600 feet spacing. (6)

22 Oct 1941
Between 1611 and 1642 hours (zone -1), HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 40 mines off Cape Ferrato, Sardinia. The mines were laid from a position 144°, Cape Ferrato light, 1.1 nautical miles. The minefield was two miles long and laid in a direction of 115°. The mines were laid at 8 feet at 300 feet spacing.

In the morning a convoy was sighted near the position the minefield was to be laid therefore the convoy was not attacked. HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 40 mines off Capo Ferrato, south-east Sardinia.

By 25 October, the auxiliary minesweeper V.44 / Pietro Padre R. located fourteen mines but the minefield probably caused the loss of the Italian merchant Salpi (2710 GRT, built 1920) on 9 February 1942. The claim that Salpi was sunk by HMS Upholder (in Hezlet and in Navi Mercantili Perdute) is an error. This vessel was proceeding with Nirvo and Albisola escorted by the auxiliary Loredan from Civitavecchia to Cagliari when she ran into the minefield 2 nautical miles bearing 100° of Cape Ferrato, initially she was reported to have been torpedoed, hence the subsequent confusion. Eleven men were killed and twenty survivors were picked up. Five days later the Italian minesweeper R.D. 41 located another British mine in the same area. (6)

26 Oct 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) ended her 19th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean) at Gibraltar. (6)

28 Oct 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Gibraltar for Holy Loch.

No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (8)

3 Nov 1941
In the morning HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) made rendez-vous off Trevose Head with her escort HMS La Capricieuse (former French) (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). (9)

4 Nov 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (10)

14 Nov 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Holy Loch for her 20th war patrol. She is ordered to lay two minefields to the West of La Rochelle, France. Rorqual was escorted south through the Irish Sea by HMS White Bear (Cdr. (retired) C.C. Flemming, RN) until 2000/15.

It had been decided to send Rorqual on a minelaying mission (F.D. 34) in the Bay of Biscay as there was some delay in her being excepted at a dockyard for her refit.

No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (6)

18 Nov 1941 (position 46.06, 1.57)
Between 2303 and 2326 hours (zone -1), HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 29 mines in 5 groups of 5 and one group of 4 within a circle of one mile radius from position 46°05'5"N, 01°57'5"W. Flooders were set for 23 December 1941. (6)

19 Nov 1941 (position 45.57, 1.48)
Between 0051 and 0105 hours (zone -1), HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 21 mines in three groups of 5 and one group of 6 within a circle of one mile radius from position 45°56'5"N, 01°47'5"W. Flooders were set for 23 December 1941.

Shortly afterwards two torpedoes were seen approaching. These could be evaded. As no enemy submarine was in the area the 'torpedoes' sighted were most likely porpoises. (6)

22 Nov 1941
At 0830 hours (zone -1), HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) made rendez-vous with HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) off Wolf Rock. Cutty Sark was however unable to proceed northwards owning to the weather conditions. It was decided that Rorqual would proceed alone and that Cutty Sark would catch up later which was done at 1730 hours near Trevose Head. (6)

24 Nov 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) ended her 20th war patrol at Holy Loch. (6)

28 Nov 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Holy Loch for Plymouth. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(retired) R.H. Mack, RN). (10)

30 Nov 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Plymouth where she was to refit at the Devonport Dockyard. (10)

22 Dec 1941 (position 32.40, 15.00)
The minefield (50 mines) laid by HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) east of Misrata, Libya near position 32°40'N, 15°00'E on 9 November 1940 may have accounted for the losses of the Italian Cadamosto (1010 GRT, built 1905) and the German Spezia (1825 GRT, built 1924) that sank off Misrata, Libya on this day.

Submarine HMS Tigris (N 63)

30 Jan 1942
Around 1000A/30, HMS Tigris (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed from Holy Loch for her 14th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Central Norway (Trondheim area) as the German battleship Tirpitz had moved from the Baltic to Norway.

She was escorted out by HMS Hugh Walpole (T/Lt. J. Mackenzie, RNR) until 1600/1.

[no log is available so no map can be displayed.] (11)

13 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2030A/13, HMS Tigris (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) left patrol to return to Lerwick. (12)

15 Feb 1942
Around 1200A/15, HMS Tigris (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) ended her 14th war patrol at Lerwick. She departed later this day (around 1800A/15) for Holy Loch together with HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN). They are escorted by HMS Beaumaris (Lt.Cdr. D.S. Campbell, RNVR). (12)

18 Feb 1942
Around 1100A/18, HMS Tigris (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (13)

20 Feb 1942
Around 0945A/20, HMS Tigris (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed from Holy Loch for Plymouth. She was escorted by the British corvette HMS Petunia (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rayner, RD, RNR). Trident was to refit at the Devonport Dockyard. (14)

22 Feb 1942
HMS Tigris (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Plymouthw where she to refit at the Devonport Dockyard. (13)

Submarine HMS Rorqual (N 74)

8 Jun 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (15)

9 Jun 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (15)

10 Jun 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. These included night exercises during the night of 10 and 11 June 1942. (15)

27 Jun 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (15)

2 Jul 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (16)

6 Jul 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Plymouth for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (16)

8 Jul 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a short work-up period. (16)

10 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (15)

12 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (15)

14 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area and speed trials on the Arran measured mile. (15)

15 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (15)

21 Jul 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Holy Loch for Plymouth. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (16)

23 Jul 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at the Devonport Dockyard at Plymouth. (16)

27 Jul 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Plymouth for Gibraltar. She was escorted by HMS Lord Stonehaven (Skr. A.F.S. Jenner, RNR) until 0015/28.

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

(6)

5 Aug 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (6)

14 Aug 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta.

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

(17)

23 Aug 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Malta. (17)

26 Aug 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for her 21th war patrol (17th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to lay a minefield off Corfu and then to proceed to Beirut where she was to join the 1st Submarine flotilla.

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

(6)

30 Aug 1942 (position 39.15, 20.21)
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) laid a minefield of 15 mines south-east of Corfu. 50 mines were intended but the minelaying gear malfunctioned and 35 mines got stuck.

Rorqual also torpedoed the Italian merchant Monstella (5311 GRT, built 1918) in the Ionian Sea South of Corfu in position 39°15'N, 20°21'E. This vessel was proceeding in convoy with Costante C. and Nerucci escorted by the auxiliary Brioni, they were on a trip from Brindisi to Preveza. Seven men were killed but she was escorted by Brioni and towed by three tugs and beached in Corfu but was a constructive total loss.

(All times are zone -2)
0450 hours - Dived in position 120°, Anti Paxos lighthouse, 8.5 nautical miles and continued toward the minelaying position.

1108 hours - Arrived in the position for the lay but fouled by fishing vessels. Carried out a fresh approach.

1253 hours - Laid the first mine in position 39°17'N, 20°18'E.

1326 hours - Completed the lay. As the lay was finished a loud noise was heard overhead and shuddering and a heavy strain was felt on the minelaying unit. It was now suspected for the first time that the lay might not have been successful but no confirmation could be obtained until after surfacing. At 2015 hours Rorqual surfaced and it was found that 25 mines were still inside the casing due to a malfunction.

1520 hours - Heard H.E. and shortly afterwards sighted a convoy made up of a modern merchant vessel of about 3000 tons followed by two 1000 tons merchant vessels. A 4000 tons merchant made up the rear of the line. Air escort was present but no surface escort could be seen. It was decided to attack the rear ship. This was an old fashioned tramp of 4000 tons, lightly laden.

1534 hours - In position 39°15'N, 20°21'E fired two torpedoes from 3500 yards. One certain and probably a second hit was heard.

1545 hours - A counter attack was started in which 16 depth charges were dropped. Rorqual meanwhile retired to the southward at 80 feet. It now seems to look like that the first ship in the line was an Armed Merchant Cruiser.

1615 hours - No further depth charges were heard. Returned to periscope depth.

1622 hours - Sighted the target stopped and low in the water on an even keel. The A.M.C. was also stopped and between Rorqual and the target. The aircraft was circling overhead. Went to 80 feet again.

1730 hours - Came to periscope depth. The target was now seen to be sinking. She was down by the stern with the poop deck awash. The A.M.C. and aircraft were still standing by.

1900 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The target could no longer be seen. (6)

7 Sep 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) ended her 21th war patrol (17th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (6)

24 Sep 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Beirut for Malta. This was her 4th storage trip to Malta.

The main items of her cargo were:
45 tons of aviation spirit
11 Mark VIII torpedoes
8 18" aircraft torpedoes
5 tons of dehydrated vegetables
1,5 tons of carbide
Tinned provisions, special RAF stores and mail.

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

(6)

2 Oct 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Malta. (6)

4 Oct 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for Beirut.

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

(6)

6 Oct 1942 (position 34.58, 19.21)
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) encountered an enemy destroyer or possibly a submarine. She managed to evade the enemy.

This was the Italian submarine Antonio Sciesa which fired a single torpedo but missed.

(All times are zone -3)
2212 hours - In position 34°58'N, 19°21'E, Rorqual sighted a flashing light on the port quarter. No ship was visible. It was thought this might be HMS Parthian. Turned stern on.

2213 hours - Made challenge GIL - D. Reply M received (this was the first letter of the correct reply).

2218 hours - Single letter M repeated.

2220 hours - It is thought a single depth charge was dropped, but is is possible that it was a torpedo exploding.

2224 hours - It is thought that a destroyer was seen to be approaching from right astern, range 3000 yards.

2225 hours - Dived. The enemy did not start a hunt and was not even heard to stop in the vicinity. Maybe it was a submarine.

2330 hours - Surfaced and proceeded. (6)

12 Oct 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Beirut. (6)

22 Oct 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Beirut for Malta. This was her 5th storage trip to Malta.

The main items of her cargo were:
50 tons of aviation spirit
20 tons of oil fuel
12 Mark VIII torpedoes
8 18" aircraft torpedoes
10 tons of dehydrated vegetables
Leather, carbide and RAF stores.

The same evening, the submarine released two pigeons for communication trials with Beirut. One reached its destination but the other returned to the submarine. Three homing pigeons were brought to Malta.

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

(6)

26 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0210 hours, HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) was informed that a Beaufort bomber had crashed ten miles away in position 33°48'N, 24°48'E. The position was reached at 0315 hours and a thorough search was carried out until 1845 hours but without success.

30 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Malta. (6)

1 Nov 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for Port Said. Rorqual had left all her torpedoes at Malta where there was a shortage of torpedoes.

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

(6)

8 Nov 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Port Said. (6)

10 Nov 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) was docked at Port Said. (18)

13 Nov 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) was undocked. (18)

14 Nov 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Port Said for Beirut.

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

(18)

16 Nov 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Beirut. (18)

24 Nov 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Beirut for Malta. She was temporary detached to the 10th Submarine flotilla.

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

(18)

6 Dec 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for her 22th war patrol (18th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to lay mines off the Cani Rocks.

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

(6)

8 Dec 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 36 mines off Cani Rocks, north-east of Bizerte, Tunisia.

(All times are zone -1)
1241 hours - Laid the first mine in position 167°, Cani Rocks, 5.2 nautical miles.

Completed the lay of 29 mines, laid 340°, 1.4 nautical miles from the first mine. Depth of the mines was set at 15 feet. Spacing between the mines 300 feet. Proceeded to lay the second group of mines.

1403 hours - Laid the first mine of the second group in position 140°, Cani Rocks, 5.8 nautical miles. Seven mines were laid in a direction of 150°, 300 feet apart. After laying the 7th mine indications were observed that the remaining mines were not leaving the rails. Inspection after dark showed this to be the case and 14 mines were found in the casing.

1417 hours - Began withdrawal from the area.

The claim that this minefield caused the loss Italian auxiliary minesweeper AS 99 / Zani on 21 December is an error, this vessel probably was the victim of an air-laid mine at the entrance of La Goulette, possibly laid by Marauders of 14 Squadron. (6)

9 Dec 1942
In the early morning hours HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) sent a signal report on her minelaying operation. Course was then set towards Cagliari, Sardinia.

In the evening another signal was sent that Rorqual had 14 mines remaining. She was then ordered to lay these near Cavoli Island. However before the mines could be laid Rorqual was ordered on the 12th to patrol off Naples. (6)

12 Dec 1942 (position 39.56, 11.58)
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) reported being attacked with a salvo of torpedoes. Three torpedoes passed underneath. Looks like a lucky escape.

However no German or Italian submarine was in the area. There is a distinct possibility that the attacker might have been HMS P 222 mistaken Rorqual for an enemy submarine. This is however unlikely. More likely is that no torpedoes were fired against Rorqual at all and that the torpedoes sighted were in fact porpoises.

(All times are zone -1)
2119 hours - In position 39°56'N, 11°58'E the Officer of the watch sighted a bow wave bearing 150°.

2120 hours - Torpedo tracks were sighted approaching from the starboard side. The helm was put hard to port. But before Rorqual began to turn three torpedo tracks passed underneath aft of the bridge.

2121 hours - A fourth torpedo was sighted. This torpedo did not run straight. The track passed under the gun tower and curved away to the right.

2123 hours - The enemy was not sighted. Dived. (6)

14 Dec 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) attacked an enemy merchant vessel off Ischia Island. No hits were obtained.

This was probably the Italian merchant Nino Padre (4171 GRT, built 1913) proceeding from Naples to Gaeta.

(All times are zone -1)
1030 hours - Sighted a single unescorted merchant vessel coasting south of Ischia. Set course to intercept. The ship was an old one of 3000 tons, probably in ballast.

1101 hours - In position 279°, Imperatore Point, 4.2 nautical miles, fired three torpedoes from 4000 yards. Two violent explosions occurred 1 minute and 1 minute and 40 seconds after firing. These brought down glass and corking. It seems that two of the three torpedoes went straight to the bottom. A third explosion followed at the correct running interval to hit the shore. The merchant ship was not hit. (6)

17 Dec 1942 (position 40.46, 13.46)
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 11 mines off Ischia Island, near Naples, Italy.

(All times are zone -1)
1053 hours - Started laying the remaining 11 mines from position 40°46'N, 13°46'E. The mines were laid in a direction of 070° for 0,7 nautical miles. The mines were set at 15 feet, 350 feet apart.

1102 hours - Laid the last mine. Cleared the area. (6)

18 Dec 1942 (position 40.53, 13.39)
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Italian auxiliary Piero Foscari (3423 GRT, built 1928) in the Gulf of Gaeta, Italy north-east of Ischia island in position 40°53'N, 13°39'E.

She was escorting the merchants Orione (1144 GRT, built 1921) and Prode (1244 GRT, built 1903) from Naples to Civitavecchia. The Italian vessel was seriously damaged and was towed to Gaeta.

(All times are zone -1)
1909 hours - Surfaced in position 317°, Imperatore Point, 9 nautical miles. Immediately on surfacing sighted one large and two small ships approaching from the south. Dived.

Shortly afterwards the enemy was seen to be a merchant vessel of about 2500/3000 tons escorted by two E-boats.

1941 hours - Fired three torpedoes from 1500 yards. One hit was heard after the correct running time.

1951 hours - Heard one single loud explosion, possibly a depth charge or a torpedo exploding at the end of her run.

2040 hours - Tapping was heard such as Rorqual was hunted. Set course to the north. Tapping gradually faded out. (6)

23 Dec 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) ended her 22th war patrol (18th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (6)

10 Jan 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted exercises off Malta. (19)

14 Jan 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for her 23th war patrol (19th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to lay a minefield off Cani Rocks, Tunisia and to patrol to the south of Calabria afterwards.

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

(6)

17 Jan 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) started laying a minefield off Cani Rocks. Three mines were laid but a malfunction forced Rorqual to abort the minelaying operation.

(All times are zone -1)
1430 hours - Arrived in the selected position for our minefield, 069°, Cani Rocks, 3 nautical miles in a direction of 330°. Attempted to start the minelaying operation but the mining doors jammed open and could not be cleared. Three mines were in fact forced through but there was no certain indication for this, and heavy strain came on the minelaying unit. Abandoned the lay and cleared the area.

In the evening the mining doors were inspected. They were forced slightly further open but could not be cleared completely. Three mines were set safe. A trial lay of two mines was then undertaken with success. The third safe was not laid and armed again. It was decided to go ahead with the laying of the remaining 45 mines. (6)

18 Jan 1943
The German troop transport Ankara (4768 GRT, built 1937) sank about 5 nautical miles north-east of Cani Island. HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 45 mines on this day but it is debatable if the German ship was her victim and perhaps more likely that the mine was laid by the minelayer Manxman in the same area on 29 November 1942. Ankara was on a trip from Palermo to Bizerta escorted by the Italian destroyer Saetta (escort leader) and the Italian torpedo boat Uragano when a mine detonated under her stern at 1410 hours. This ship had a charmed life, eluding several attempts to dispose of her by British and allied forces but her luck had now run out. By 1447 hours, Saetta had managed to take her in tow but had great difficulty as the German ship was sinking from the stern. At 1505 hours Uragano came alongside and with great skill took all her passengers (26 Italians and 92 Germans military personnel) but at 1530 hours she finally sank. Her crew had exhibited great courage and discipline, they remained calm to the end and Saetta managed to recover all 109 men. During this trip Ankara had carried 153 vehicles, 47 motorcycles, 160 tons of petrol, 666 tons of ammunitions and 800 tons of stores. She was the only ship capable of lifting and carrying Tiger tanks and her loss was a significant blow to Axis forces in Tunisia.

(All times are zone -1)
1135 hours - In position 075°, Cani Rocks light, 5 nautical miles. Laid mines on a line 343° for 1.2 nautical miles, thence 020° for 1.2 nautical miles. The mines were spaced 300 feet apart and set at a depth of 15 feet.

1207 hours - Lay completed. Set course to clear the area. Over an hour later a convoy was heard near the position where the mines had been laid. Also aircraft were seen patrolling the area. Rorqual went deep. (6)

24 Jan 1943 (position 38.28, 16.40)
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) attacked an escorted merchant vessel with four torpedoes east of Punta Stilo. No hits were obtained.

This was most probably the Italian tanker Thorsheimer (ex Norwegian 9955 GRT, built 1935) escorted by the destroyers Lubiana and Francesco Stocco proceeding at 13 knots from Taranto to Messina. Apparently the tanker was disguised as an ordinary merchantman [warsailors.com]. The attack was unobserved.

(All times are zone -1)
1130 hours - In position 38°28'5"N, 16°40'E sighted a merchant vessel escorted by a Generali-class torpedo-boat and three Cant Z-501 aircraft approaching from the Northward. The enemy was hugging the coast very closely. The sea was glass calm. Started attack.

1201 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 5000 yards. All torpedoes missed. Took avoiding action but no oounter attack developed. It is thought that the speed of the enemy was underestimated. (6)

29 Jan 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) attacked an enemy merchant vessel with four and later two torpedoes east of Bavalino, Calabria, Italy. It is possible that in the first salvo of four torpedoes a hit was obtained but that the torpedo was a dud.

The target was the German Gerda Toft (ex Danish, 1960 GRt, built 1930) which had sailed from Reggio (Calabria) and joined up with the German Fronsac (ex French, 518 GRT, built 1906) from Messina and were making their way to Taranto. Gerda Toft reported missed ahead by three torpedoes at 1445 hours and again by two torpedoes at 1510 hours.

(All times are zone -1)
1350 hours - In position 38°07'N, 16°12'E sighted two vessels rounding Cape Spartivento. These proved to be a 3000 tons merchant vessel in ballast and a 500 tons vessel. They were escorted by a Cant 506B seaplane.

1403 hours - Started attack on the 3000 tons merchant vessel.

1439 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 2700 yards. 2 Minutes 43 seconds after firing a dull thud was heard. Three torpedoes were later heard to strike the land. It is thought a torpedo hit had been obtained but that is was a dud.

1456 hours - The enemy made a navigational alteration of course to starboard. Decided to attack with the two remaining torpedoes.

1501 hours - Started a second attack.

1511 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 4000 yards. Target was once again the larger vessel. No explosions were heard.

1513 hours - The escorting aircraft was seen flying down the torpedo tracks towards the target firing white Verey lights. It is likely that this enabled the enemy to take avoiding action. Rorqual meanwhile withdrew to seaward. (6)

30 Jan 1943
At 1257 hours (zone -1), HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) bombarded a railway bridge over the mouth of the river Ancinale near position 38°41'N, 16°34'E. Sixteen rounds had been fired at the bridge for 3 hits before Rorqual was forced to dive when an enemy shore battery opened fire. While diving Rorqual was hit on the bridge causing some damage.

The coastal battery 130 at Soverate opened fire on the submarine and claimed -correctly- to have scored a probable hit on the submarine. From Crotone the auxiliary submarine chasers Malinska and Maria Geraldo were sent to hunt the submarine assisted by four seaplanes. Rorqual, her forward periscope inoperable, had already vacated the area and cut short her patrol by one day. (6)

2 Feb 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) ended her 23th war patrol (19th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (6)

22 Feb 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for her 24th war patrol (20th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to lay a minefield off Marittimo Island and then to proceed to Haifa to embark a new outfit of mines.

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

(6)

24 Feb 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 2 minefields of 25 mines each near Marittimo Island.

(All times are zone -1)
0805 hours - Started laying the first minefield. The first mine was laid in position 143°, Libeccio light (Marittimo), 5.4 nautical miles in a direction of 135° for 1.3 nautical miles. The mines were set at 12 feet and were spaced 300 feet apart.

0822 hours - Completed laying the first minefield.

0827 hours - Started laying the second minefield. The first mine of this field was laid in position 138°, Libeccio light (Marittimo), 7.2 nautical miles in a direction of 092° for 1.5 nautical miles. The mines had the same settings as the mines in the first field.

0856 hours - Completed the lay. Set course to clear the area. (6)

5 Mar 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Haifa. (6)

9 Mar 1943
After embarking 50 mines HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Haifa for Malta. (6)

16 Mar 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Malta. (6)

19 Mar 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for a minelaying mission of Trapani, Sicily. (6)

22 Mar 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 50 mines off Trapani, Sicily, Italy.

(All times are zone -1)
1203 hours - Laid the first mine in position 38°03'6"N, 12°30'2"E and continued to lay mines in a direction of 316° for 1.4 nautical miles and then 294° for one mile. A total of 50 mines were laid set at a depth of 10 feet, spaced 300 feet apart.

1238 hours - Completed the lay.

The first victim of this minefield was apparently the auxiliary minesweeper G.19 / Giorgio (196 GRT, built 1912) at 0800 hours on 24 March. (6)

24 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The Italian auxiliary minesweeper G.19 / Giorgio (196 GRT, 1912) sank 0800 hours after hitting a mine laid on 22 March by the British submarine HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN).

26 Mar 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) ended her 24th war patrol (20th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (6)

4 Apr 1943
The Italian merchant Carbonello A. (1593 GRT, built 1943) was not mined at Trapani on 4 April 1943 as reported elsewhere, this error was caused by the misinterpretation of an Ultra signal. She was on passage from Brindisi to Crotone at that time and was undamaged.

9 Apr 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Algiers for Malta. This was her 6th storage trip to Malta.

Rorqual had 31 torpedoes on board (including her own outfit) as well as 10 tons of stores.

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

(6)

15 Apr 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Malta. (6)

18 Apr 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for her 25th war patrol (21th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to lay a minefield to the West of Sicily.

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

(6)

21 Apr 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 50 mines off Favignana Island to the west of Sicily, Italy.

(All times are zone -1)
1100 hours - Laid the first mine of the first line in position 37°57'3"N, 12°13'3"E. 25 Mines were laid in direction 154° for 1.5 nautical miles. The mines were laid at a depth of 10 feet and were spaced 300 feet apart.

1116 hours - Completed the lay of the first line of mines. Proceeded to the position for the second line of mines.

1208 hours - Laid the first mine of the second line in position 37°58'7"N, 12°14'5"E. 25 Mines were then laid in direction 152° for 1.2 nautical miles with the same settings as the first line.

1226 hours - Completed the lay of the second line of mines. Rorqual then cleared the area.

The minefield was reported by HR-Bootsgruppe (Trapani) on 30 April and two mines had been detonated. HR stood for Hummerboot or lobster-boat, these patrol boats were used for coastal defence and boat 6613 was based at Trapani at the time and was probably the one who gave the alarm. (6)

24 Apr 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Malta to embark a new outfit of mines. (6)

27 Apr 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta to lay another 50 mines in the Marettimo area. (6)

30 Apr 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) laid another 50 mines off Favignana Island, to the west of Sicily, Italy.

This minefield may have caused the loss of the Italian schooner Sempre Avanti (135 GRT, built 1904) on 5 May 1943.

(All times are zone -1)
0957 hours - Laid the first mine of the first line of 25 mines in position 38°02'1"N, 12°12'1"E. The mines were laid in a direction of 137° for 1.3 nautical miles. Depth settings were 10 feet, spacing between the mines was 300 feet.

1014 hours - Laid the 25th mine and set course for the position where the second line of 25 mines were to be laid.

1405 hours - Laid the first mine of the second line in position 38°00'8'N, 12°03'1"E. 25 mines were laid in direction 312° for 1.3 nautical miles. The settings were the same as for the first line of mines.

1433 hours - Laid the last mine. Set course to return to Malta. (6)

2 May 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) ended her 25th war patrol (21th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (6)

5 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The Italian schooner Sempre Avanti (135 GRT, built 1904) sinks off Favignana Island possibly after hitting a mine laid by HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) on 30 April 1943.

12 May 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for her 26th war patrol (22th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to lay two minefields of 25 mines each off Punta Stilo, Calabria, Italy.

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

(6)

15 May 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) laid a total of 50 mines off Punta Stilo, Calabria, Italy.

The minefield was located a week later and some of the mines were destroyed.

(All times are zone -2)
0942 hours - Laid the first mine of the first line of 25 mines in position 055°, Punta Stilo lighthouse, 2.1 miles. The mines were laid in a direction of 092° for 1.5 nautical miles. Depth setting was 10 feet.

1001 hours - Completed laying the first line of 25 mines. Set course for the position of the second line.

1159 hours - Began laying the second line of 25 mines in position 145°, Punta Stilo lighthouse, 1.9 miles. The mines were laid in a direction of 149° for 1.4 nautical miles.

1217 hours - Lay completed. Set course to return to Malta. (6)

18 May 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) ended her 26th war patrol (22th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (6)

22 May 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for Port Said.

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

(20)

30 May 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Port Said where she was immediately docked. (20)

15 Jun 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) was undocked. (21)

23 Jun 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Port Said for Haifa. (21)

24 Jun 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Haifa. (21)

25 Jun 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Haifa for her 27th war patrol (23th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to lay a minefield off the Kassandra peninsula and to patrol in the Northern Aegean.

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

(6)

2 Jul 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) laid 29 mines off the Gulf of Kassandra, Greece.

The minefield was discovered by the minelayer Bulgaria on 5 July. Four auxiliary minesweepers of the 12th Flotilla (GM 53, GM 56, GM 57 and GM 64) were sent to clear it but GM 53 (former Greek SAL 150/Taxiardus) blew up on one of the mines, four men were killed and four survived.

(All times are zone -3)
1057 hours - Laid the first mine in position 296°, Kassandra Point, 2.0 nautical miles. 29 mines were laid in direction 240° for 0.8 nautical mile, thence 270° for 0.8 nautical mile. Depth setting was 10 feet, spacing 300 feet.

1120 hours - Lay completed. Set course to the South of Kassandra Point. (6)

3 Jul 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) laid her remaining 21 mines in the Skiathos Channel.

(All times are zone -3)
0957 hours - Laid the first mine in position 349°, Cape Sepias, 5.1 nautical miles. 21 mines were laid in direction 100°, over a total length of 1.2 nautical miles. The settings were the same as the day before.

1012 hours - Completed minelaying. Patrolled the northern approach to the Skiathos Channel for the remainder of the day. (6)

7 Jul 1943 (position 39.55, 25.50)
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) torpedoed and sank the German tanker Wilhemsburg (7020 GRT, former Greece Petrakis Nomikou, built 1914) about 5 nautical miles west of Tenedos Island, Greece in position 39°55'N, 25°50'E.

(All times are zone -3)
0510 hours - While Rorqual was in position 310° Ponente light (Tenedos) 13 nautical miles, two destroyers were sighted 4 nautical miles away slowly proceeding towards the Dardanelles. Lt.Cdr. Napier judged that this must be the escort for the expected convoy.

0703 hours - Smoke was seen coming from the straits and the destroyers made off to close the straits.

0802 hours - The convoy was seen to form up. It consisted of a large tanker, the two destroyers sighted earlier, a corvette with three aircraft overhead.

0859 hours - Fired four torpedoes. Two hits were obtained. Immediately after the attack 16 depth charges were dropped. They were near enough to do some light damage such as to lights and some minor fittings.

1025 hours - Another 10 depth charges were dropped but these were not at all close.

1050 hours - Rorqual returned to periscope depth. The corvette was seen hunting about two nautical miles away. Nothing else was in sight.

[The convoy attacked was made up of the above mentioned Wilhemsburg as well as the German merchant Gerda Toft (1960 GRT, former Danish, built 1930). They were escorted by the Italian destroyer Turbine, the Italian torpedo-boat Monzambano as well as the German auxiliary submarine chasers UJ-2102 and UJ-2104. They were on a trip from the Dardanelles to Piraeus.] (6)

8 Jul 1943
At 1800 hours (zone -3), HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) bombarded the Stratoni Iron Works. 47 Rounds were fired. Some damage must have been caused. (6)

14 Jul 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) ended her 27th war patrol (23th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (6)

28 Jul 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) departed Beirut for Haifa to embark 50 mines there before proceeding on patrol. (6)

29 Jul 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) departed Haifa for her 28th war patrol (24th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to lay mines in the Northern Aegean and afterwards to patrol these waters.

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

(6)

5 Aug 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) laid 29 mines off the Gulf of Saloniki, Greece.

(All times are zone -3)
0934 hours - Laid the first mine in position 40°14'5"N, 22°58'1"E. Laid a line of 29 mines for 1.9 nautical miles in direction 059°. The mines were set at a depth of 12 feet and were spaced 400 feet apart.

1005 hours - Laid the list mine. Set course to patrol down the supposed enemy approach route to Saloniki. (6)

6 Aug 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) laid her remaining 21 mines off Lemnos, Greece.

(All times are zone -3)
2032 hours - Laid the first mine in position 39°43'8"N, 25°22'6"E. 21 Mines were laid in direction 038° extending 1.2 nautical miles. The mines were spaced 350 apart and were laid at a depth of 12 feet.

2053 hours - Laid the last mine in position 39°44'8"N, 25°23'8"E. Set course to withdraw to the south-east. (6)

7 Aug 1943 (position 39.51, 25.48)
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant Nantaise (1798 GRT, built 1920, former French) in the Aegean Sea in position 39°51'N, 25°48'E.

She was on a trip from Varna to Piraeus in company with Thisbé (ex French, 1782 GRT, built 1925) and five submarine chasers of the 21 UJ-Flottille (UJ 2104, leader, UJ 2101, UJ 2102, UJ 2105 and UJ 2110) and four boats of 11.R-Flottille (R 34, R 194, R 195 and R 210).

(All times are zone -3)
1815 hours - Sighted smoke. Altered course to investigate. Sighted vessels approaching from the Dardanelles.

1825 hours - Identified the targets as a convoy made up of two merchant vessels of about 2500 tons escorted by three A/S trawlers and two E-boats. Two aircraft were also seen patrolling overhead. Started attack.

1852 hours - In position 39°51'N, 25°48'E fired four torpedoes at the rear merchant ship from 4000 yards. She was laden and had a deck cargo of timber. One hit was obtained. Took avoiding action.

1920 hours - Returned to periscope depth as no counter attack had developed. The target was stopped and down by the bow. The seemed little doubt that she would sink. As the A/S vessel were hunting went deep again and retired from the area. 6 Depth charges were dropped but none was near.

2050 hours - Returned to periscope depth again. The target was not seen anymore. Only one A/S vessel was in sight well to the southward. (6)

8 Aug 1943
In the evening HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) bombarded a factory at Khrouso, Greece. When the factory was on fire and hidden by smoke fire was shifted to the pier and a caique that was moored besides it. The caique Evangelistria was straddled several times but not directly hit. When smoke had cleared fire was re-opened on the factory until it was again completely shrouded. Fire was then shifted to the caique again and she was twice hit and dismasted.

1848 hours - Ceased fire after 82 rounds had been fired. (6)

16 Aug 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) ended her 28th war patrol (24th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (6)

30 Aug 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) departed Beirut for Haifa. (22)

31 Aug 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) arrived at Haifa and shortly after laid a dummy minefield off the harbour. (22)

2 Sep 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) departed Haifa for her 29th war patrol (25th in the Mediterranean). Again she was ordered to lay mines in the Northern Aegean and to patrol these waters.

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

(6)

7 Sep 1943 (position 39.22, 23.25)
The German merchant Perigord (5391 GRT, built 1921, former French P.L.M. 24) sank in the Aegean some 10 nautical miles north of Skiathos Island, Greece in position 39°22'N, 23°25'E on a mine laid by the British submarine HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) on 2 July 1943.

9 Sep 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) laid 15 mines in the Trikeri Channel, Greece.

(All times are zone -3)
1052 hours - Laid the first mine in position 39°04'40"N, 23°15'20"E. 15 Mines were laid in direction 128°, extending 0.6 nautical miles. The mines were set at a depth of 12 feet.

1104 hours - Completed the lay. Set course to withdraw through the Skopelos Channel.

The minefield was discovered on 25 September and was cleared completely three days later. (6)

10 Sep 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) laid another 15 mines, this time in the Skiathos Channel.

(All times are zone -3)
1131 hours - Laid the first of a group of 5 mines centered within two cables from position 39°11'8"N, 23°23'7"E.

1152 hours - Laid the first of a second group of 5 mines centered within two cables from position 39°12'5"N, 23°23'1"E.

1202 hours - Laid the first of a third group of 5 mines centered within two cables from position 39°12'5"N, 23°22'7"E. All mines were set at a depth of 12 feet.

1205 hours - Completed minelaying. (6)

11 Sep 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) laid her remaining 20 mines off Lemnos, Greece.

(All times are zone -3)
1214 hours - Laid first mine in position 294°, Cape Planka lighthouse (Lemnos), 1.3 nautical miles. 20 Mines were laid in direction 012°extending for 1.1 nautical miles. Depth setting was 12 feet.

1230 hours - Completed minelaying. Set course to patrol to the north of Lemnos for the remainder of the day. (6)

12 Sep 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) bombarded the Stratoni Iron Works with gunfire and the base of the loading crane with a torpedo.

(All times are zone -3)
1515 hours - Fired a torpedo at the base of the loading crane. The torpedo just missed it due to the strong current.

1516 hours - Surfaced and opened fire. 50 Rounds of HE were fired from 2000 yards at the two main groups of iron roofed buildings. 45 Rounds were seen to hit. Fire was then shifted to the loading crane and a large storage tank to the rear of it. 41 Rounds were fired at these targets. The crane was repeatedly hit.

1535 hours - Ceased fire. Withdrew on the surface.

1620 hours - Dived and continued to withdraw submerged. (6)

13 Sep 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) briefly bombarded the harbour of Kastro, Lemnos, Greece. The action however had to be broken off when shore batteries were to open a heavy fire on Rorqual.

(All times are zone -3)
1422 hours - Surfaced for gun action and opened fire on a caique at anchor in the bay which was at once straddled.

1428 hours - It had now be seen that the harbour was heavily defended by shore batteries. The Germans were seen to man their guns and as Rorqual was a sitting rabbit the action was broken off before any damage could be done to her. Rorqual withdrew to the west.

Admiral Aegean reported that four rounds (sic, only three were fired) had fallen on Kastro but caused no damage. (6)

20 Sep 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) ended her 29th war patrol (25th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (6)

5 Oct 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) departed Beirut for Malta. Rorqual was to proceed to the U.K. to refit.

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

(23)

9 Oct 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta. (23)

13 Oct 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) departed Malta to return to Beirut. Rorqual was recalled as she was urgently needed for supply trips to Leros.

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

(23)

18 Oct 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) arrived at Beirut. (23)

20 Oct 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) departed Beirut for her 6th storage trip, this time not to Malta but to Leros.

Rorqual had on board:
6 Bofors guns and mountings
1 'Jeep'
35 tons of ammunition
15 tons of petrol

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

(6)

21 Oct 1943 (position 34.35, 28.18)
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) is bombed by three German Arado floatplanes in position 34°35'N, 28°18'E. Each aircraft dropped 4 bombs or depth charges. These were close enough to cause some minor damage (6)

23 Oct 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) arrived at Leros. During the night of 23/24 October the stores were unloaded. (6)

24 Oct 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) departed Leros to return to Beirut. (6)

27 Oct 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) arrived at Beirut. (6)

8 Nov 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) departed Beirut for Haifa. (24)

9 Nov 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) arrived at Haifa where she was immediately docked. (24)

10 Nov 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) was undocked and returned to Beirut. (24)

21 Nov 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) departed Beirut for Malta. Rorqual was now finally to return to the U.K. to refit.

The log of HMS Rorqual for November 1943 does not give positions so no map can be displayed. (24)

25 Nov 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta. (24)

Submarine HMS Safari (P 211)

12 Mar 1945
HMS Safari (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) in the Clyde area. (25)

13 Mar 1945
HMS Safari (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) in the Clyde area. (25)

14 Mar 1945
HMS Safari (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) in the Clyde area. (25)

15 Mar 1945
HMS Safari (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (25)

16 Mar 1945
HMS Safari (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, DSC, RN) returned to Rothesay on completion of last night's exercises. (25)

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