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Submarine HMS H 43 (N 43)

26 Jul 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. (1)

27 Jul 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (1)

28 Jul 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS L'Incomprise (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.S. Deveson, RNR). (1)

29 Jul 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (1)

30 Jul 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (1)

31 Jul 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (1)

2 Aug 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (2)

2 Aug 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (2)

3 Aug 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). (2)

4 Aug 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. E. Gleave, RNR). (2)

5 Aug 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). (2)

6 Aug 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR). (2)

7 Aug 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS L'Incomprise (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.S. Deveson, RNR). (2)

9 Aug 1942
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) C.E. Lowther, RAN). The exercises had to be broken off due to defects in H 43 which then proceeded to Rothesay for repairs. (2)

Submarine HMS H 34 (N 34)

25 Aug 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Rothesay for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Z 5 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR). (3)

27 Aug 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (3)

28 Aug 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Argonaut (Capt. E.W.L. Longley-Cook, RN), HNoMS Eskdale (Lt.Cdr. S.V. Storheill, RNorN) and possibly other vessels. (3)

29 Aug 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Onslow (Capt H.T. Armstrong, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Opportune (Cdr. M.L. Power, OBE, RN). (3)

31 Aug 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (3)

1 Sep 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (4)

2 Sep 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. These exercises included a practice attack on the battleship HMS Anson (Capt. H.R.G. Kinahan, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral Sir B. Fraser, CB, KBE, RN) and her screen of six destroyers; HMS Onslow (Capt H.T. Armstrong, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Opportune (Cdr. M.L. Power, OBE, RN), HMS Eskimo (Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) and HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN).

On completion of the exercises the destroyers HMS Ashanti (Cdr. R.G. Onslow, DSO, RN) and HMS Somali (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, DSC and Bar, RN) also joined after which the surface ships all set course for Hvalfjord, Iceland. (4)

3 Sep 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (4)

5 Sep 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (4)

7 Sep 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (4)

8 Sep 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (4)

9 Sep 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Argonaut (Capt. E.W.L. Longley-Cook, RN) and A/S trawlers. (4)

10 Sep 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (4)

12 Sep 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (4)

13 Sep 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (4)

14 Sep 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (4)

15 Sep 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (4)

16 Sep 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (4)

17 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMS Blean (Lt. N.J. Parker, RN) and HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, DSO, RN). (4)

18 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Tanatside (Lt.Cdr. F.D. Brown, RN) and HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN). Also a practice attack was carried out on HMS Bermuda (Capt. T.H. Back, RN). (4)

19 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, DSO, RN), HMS Blean (Lt. N.J. Parker, RN), HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN) and HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN). (4)

21 Sep 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (4)

22 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Oribi (Cdr. J.E.H. McBeath, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN) and HMS Holcombe (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN). (4)

24 Sep 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (4)

25 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Holcombe (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN) and HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN). (4)

26 Sep 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN) and HMS Tanatside (Lt.Cdr. F.D. Brown, RN). (4)

28 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with vessels from the Local Defence and later with HMS Penylan (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN) and HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN). (4)

29 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with vessels from the Local Defence. (4)

30 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN) and HMS Middleton (Lt. C.S. Battersby, RN). Also a practice attack was carried out on HMS Berwick (Capt. G.H. Faulkner, DSC, RN). (4)

1 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Holcombe (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN), HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, DSO, RN), HMS Martin (Cdr. C.R.P. Thomson, DSO, RN) and HMS Escapade (Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN). (5)

2 Oct 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Martin (Cdr. C.R.P. Thomson, DSO, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN) and HrMs Isaac Sweers (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNN). (5)

3 Oct 1942
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HrMs Isaac Sweers (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Eskimo (Capt. J.W.M. Eaton, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN). (5)

5 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC, RN), HMS Wheatland (Lt.Cdr. R.deL. Brooke, DSC, RN), HMS Penylan (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN) and HMS Blean (Lt. N.J. Parker, RN). (5)

6 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Escapade (Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN), HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, RN), HMS Musketeer (D.T. Dowler, DSC, RN) and HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN). (5)

7 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with vessels from the Local Defence and later with HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC, RN) and HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN). (5)

8 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, DSO, RN), HMS Ashanti (Cdr. R.G. Onslow, DSO, RN) and HMS Eskimo (Capt. J.W.M. Eaton, DSO, DSC, RN). (5)

10 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) exercises at / off Scapa Flow. Upon completion of these exercises HMS H 34 set course for Rothesay. During the passage to Rothesay she was escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN) (5)

13 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (5)

15 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) proceeded from Rothesay to Ardrishaig where exercises were carried out with ML's. (5)

16 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Ardrishaig with ML's. Upon completion of these exercises HMS H 34 returned to Rothesay. (5)

19 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) is docked at Rothesay. (5)

23 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) is undocked. (5)

25 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo (salvo) firing exercises in the Clyde area. (5)

27 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) proceeded from Rothesay to Campbeltown. She then conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR) and HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR). (5)

28 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (5)

29 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR), HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR), HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR) and HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J. Windram, RNR). (5)

30 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN) and HMS Spaniel. (5)

1 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Spaniel. (6)

2 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (6)

3 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR) and HMS Spaniel. (6)

4 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN), HMS Spaniel, HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (6)

5 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel, HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (6)

6 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Spaniel. (6)

8 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR) and HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN). (6)

9 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN) and HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (6)

10 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J. Windram, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (6)

Submarine HMS Satyr (P 214)

14 Feb 1943
HMS Satyr (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted trials off Greenock, Scotland. (7)

15 Feb 1943
HMS Satyr (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) shifted from Greenock to Holy Loch to begin a training period off the West coast of Scotland. (7)

16 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Satyr (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (7)

17 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Satyr (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (7)

18 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Satyr (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. Then followed a deep dive trial and finally night attack exercises with HMS Usurper (Lt. D.R.O. Mott, DSC, RN). (7)

19 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Satyr (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (7)

20 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Satyr (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted S.T.U. trials off Fairlie. (7)

21 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Satyr (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (7)

23 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Satyr (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to the torpedo range at Arrochar. (7)

25 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Satyr (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (7)

26 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Satyr (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (7)

27 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Satyr (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Upon completion of these HMS Satyr proceeded to Holy Loch. (7)

5 Mar 1943
HMS Satyr (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) served as target. (8)

6 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Satyr (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt.Cdr. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN) served as target. (8)

7 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Satyr (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (A/Skr.Lt. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (8)

8 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Satyr (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (8)

9 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Satyr (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil followed by D/G trials off Helensburgh. (8)

10 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Satyr (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Skate (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN) served as target. (8)

11 Mar 1943
HMS Satyr (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) served as target. Also night attack exercises were carried out during which HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) served as target. (8)

12 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Satyr (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) proceeded to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (8)

13 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Satyr (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) served as target. These also included night exercises. (8)

14 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Satyr (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) proceeded to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (8)

Submarine HMS Otus (N 92)

20 May 1943
With her refit completed, HMS Otus (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) shifted from the Tyne to Blyth. (9)

22 May 1943
With her refit completed, HMS Otus (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth. (9)

25 May 1943
With her refit completed, HMS Otus (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth. (9)

26 May 1943
HMS Otus (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Blyth for Rothesay. An unknown vessel escorted her until 1900 hours, when HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR) took over the escort.

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

(9)

29 May 1943
HMS Otus (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Rothesay. She was assigned to training duties with the 7th Submarine Flotilla. (9)

31 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otus (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (9)

1 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otus (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (10)

1 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otus (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (10)

3 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Eade, RNR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (10)

Submarine HMS Sea Nymph (P 223)

6 Jun 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) is undocked. (11)

18 Jun 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) shifted from Ardrossan to Holy Loch. (11)

21 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included a practice attack on HMS Kingfisher (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) G.H. Gandy, RN). (11)

22 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course). (11)

23 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted RDF trials off Campbeltown. She put into Campbeltown on completion of these exercises. (11)

24 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Holy Loch. (11)

25 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Proteus (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) served as the target. (12)

28 Jun 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for her 4th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay.

The passage South through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Surf (Lt. D. Lambert, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN).

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

(13)

13 Jul 1943 (position 45.45, -5.19)
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) fires a full salvo of 6 torpedoes at the German submarines U-592 and U-669 in the Bay of Biscay in position 45°45'N, 05°19'W. The torpedoes however miss their target(s).

(All times are zone -2)
0841 hours - The Officer Of the Watch reported a large shape ahead.

0842 hours - HE was heard close ahead on the port bow.

0845 hours - Sighted 2 U-boats bearing 150° at a range of 1000 yards. Started attack.

0848 hours - Fired a salvo of 6 torpedoes from a range of 4000 yards. The U-boats were close together and it was hoped that a hit might be obtained despite the 170° track.

0856 hours - Heard a loud metallic explosion that was hoped to be a hit. This was followed by small explosions and hissing noises. Only 1 U-boat was seen and heard after this explosion and it was thought the other one was hit and sunk but this was not the case. (13)

20 Jul 1943
At 1300 hours, HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) made rendez-vous with her escort, HMS White Bear (Cdr. J.F. Drake, RNR), off the Scilly Islands. (13)

22 Jul 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Holy Loch. (13)

26 Jul 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) is docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (14)

28 Jul 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) is undocked. (14)

3 Aug 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay for an anti-Uboat patrol.

Passage South through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Syrtis (Lt M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN) and HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) until 1250/5. They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN).

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

(13)

19 Aug 1943
At 0700 hours, HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN), made rendez-vous with HMS Syrtis (Lt M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN) and their escort HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN). (13)

20 Aug 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Holy Loch. (13)

30 Aug 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Port HHZ (Loch Cairnbawn). She made the passage together with HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN). They were escorted by HMS Alecto (Cdr.(Retd.) K.M. Greig, DSO, DSC, RN). (15)

31 Aug 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Port HHZ where she was to participate in exercises with midged submarines. (15)

1 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Port HHZ. (16)

11 Sep 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Port HHZ for her 6th war patrol. She is to tow midget submarine X 8 to the entrance to the Alten Fjord in Northern Norway.

Sea Nymph and X 8 are part of Operation Source. An attack by six midget submarines on the German battleship Tirpitz.

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

(17)

15 Sep 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) lost her tow, midget submarine X 8. A search was commenced. (17)

16 Sep 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) found midget submarine X 8. She was taken in tow again. (17)

18 Sep 1943 (position 71.41, 18.11)
At 0350 hours, HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) scuttled midget submarine X 8 in position 71°41'N, 18°11'E as she was unable to dive and therefore unable to take part in the operation. (17)

8 Oct 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Lerwick.

She departed later the same day for the Clyde. She was escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN).

Off Scapa Flow they were joined by HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN). (17)

10 Oct 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Kames Bay. (18)

11 Oct 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) shifted from Kames Bay to Holy Loch. (18)

20 Oct 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) is docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (18)

22 Oct 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) is undocked. (18)

2 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (19)

3 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in the Clyde area. (19)

4 Nov 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in the Clyde area. (19)

5 Nov 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in the Clyde area. (19)

6 Nov 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (19)

11 Nov 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made the passage together with HMS Storm (T/Lt. E.P. Young, DSC, RNVR), HMS Sceptre (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, MBE, DSC, RN) and HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, RN). They were escorted by the British minesweeper HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN). (19)

13 Nov 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (19)

15 Nov 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for 7th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Northern Norway.

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

(13)

7 Dec 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at Lerwick.

She departed later the same day for Holy Loch together with HMS Sceptre (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR) until around 1000/08 when HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN) took over the escort. (13)

10 Dec 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (20)

15 Dec 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) is docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (20)

20 Dec 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) is undocked. (20)

22 Dec 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made the passage together with HMS Sceptre (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, MBE, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR). (20)

24 Dec 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (20)

28 Dec 1943
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for her 8th war patrol. She was ordered to carry out a special operation.

Sea Nymph proceeded to Lunna Voe on this day.

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

(13)

28 Dec 1943
After embarking agents and stores HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Lunna Voe. (13)

7 Jan 1944
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) transferred agents and stores to a fishing vessel in Breisundet, Norway. (13)

10 Jan 1944
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) ended her 8th war patrol at Lerwick. (13)

16 Jan 1944
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for her 9th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bodø area.

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

(13)

25 Jan 1944 (position 66.43, 13.08)
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) attacked an escorted merchant vessel South of Svinvær, Rødøy, Norway. 4 Torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -1)
1146 hours - Asdic reported a ship. Started attack.

1158 hours - In position 66°43'N, 13°08'E fired 4 torpedoes against a merchant ship of 1000 to 1500 tons that was escorted by a trawler. Range was 2750 yards. No hits were obtained.

1210 hours - The target and the trawler were seen proceeding as before. The attack appears to have been not noticed.

The target might have been the Norwegian merchant (in German service) Kong Dag (1862 GRT, built 1923, offsite link), escorted by the German patrol vessel V-6104. (13)

30 Jan 1944
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) ended her 9th war patrol at Lerwick. (13)

31 Jan 1944
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (21)

2 Feb 1944
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (22)

4 Feb 1944
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) is docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (22)

7 Feb 1944
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) is undocked. (22)

19 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN) served as target. (22)

20 Feb 1944
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) and HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) departed the Clyde for Lerwick and Scapa Flow respectively. They made the passage north through the Minches together with HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) which they joined off Sandra Island. They were escorted by HMS Wallflower (Lt. G.R. Greaves, RNR).

Around 1145A/21, HMS Sea Nymph parted company to proceed to Lerwick escorted by HMS Wallflower. HMS Tudor entered Scapa Flow. HrMs O 21 was joined at 1330A/21 by HMS Lord Ashfield (T/Lt. J.B. Morpeth, RNR) which was to escort her to Dundee. (22)

21 Feb 1944
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (22)

22 Feb 1944
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for her 10th war patrol. She was ordered to perform a special operation and then to patrol in the Bodø area afterwards.

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

(13)

25 Feb 1944
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) receives a signal that the special operation is cancelled. (13)

1 Mar 1944 (position 66.42, 13.12)
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) fires four torpedoes against the Norwegian merchant Jupiter (2471 GRT, offsite link, built 1916) near Bodø, Norway. All torpedoes fired missed their target.

(All times are zone -1)
0923 hours - In position 66°42'N, 13°11'E sighted a Northbound convoy made up of a 5000 tons merchant vessel and two 1000 tons merchant vessel. Escort was thought to be a torpedo boat and an armed whaler. Range was 8000 yards. Started attack.

1139 hours - In position 66°42'N, 13°12'E fired four torpedoes from 1400 yards. It is thought that one hit was obtained. Seanymph went deep on firing and retired to the West.

[The escort was made up of the German minesweeper M 132 and the German auxiliary patrol vessel V 5714]. (13)

3 Mar 1944 (position 66.43, 13.07)
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) fires four torpedoes against the German merchant Levante (4769 GRT, built 1939) near Bodø, Norway. All torpedoes fired missed their target.

(All times are zone -1)
0908 hours - Sighted a large Northbound merchant vessel of about 7000 tons. She was escorted by two M-class minesweepers. Started attack.

0918 hours - In position 66°43'N, 13°07'5"E fired five torpedoes from 2700 yards. Went deep on firing. It was thought that a hit had been obtained. A counter attack followed but this caused no damage to Sea Nymph.

[The escorts were indeed two German minesweepers, M 205 and M 253]. (13)

8 Mar 1944
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) ended her 10th war patrol at Lerwick. (13)

9 Mar 1944
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She made the passage South together with HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) which joined early next morning off Scapa Flow. They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (23)

11 Mar 1944
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (23)

Submarine HMS Rorqual (N 74)

6 Aug 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) shifted from Portsmouth to Yarmouth. (24)

7 Aug 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Yarmouth for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN). (24)

9 Aug 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (24)

12 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (24)

13 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (24)

14 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (24)

15 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to the torpedo firing range at Arrochar. (24)

16 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted minelaying trials off Arrochar. (24)

20 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials at Loch Goil. (24)

21 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted S.T.U. (mine detection) trials off Fairlie. (24)

22 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. (24)

23 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted radar exercises off Campbeltown. (24)

24 Aug 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted radar exercises off Campbeltown. (24)

25 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted radar exercises off Campbeltown. Upon completion of these Rorqual proceeded to Holy Loch. (24)

29 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted D/G tials off Helensburgh. (24)

30 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted log calibration trials in the Clyde area. (24)

1 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. (25)

2 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. These incuded night attacks. (25)

3 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) proceeded to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (25)

13 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (25)

4 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted engine trials in Loch Long. (26)

6 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted engine trials in Loch Long. (26)

8 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (26)

9 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. These included night attacks. (26)

10 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) proceeded to Larne on completion of last night's exercises. (26)

11 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (26)

12 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (26)

13 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (26)

14 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (26)

15 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (26)

16 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. (26)

17 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (26)

18 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted minelaying trails off Arrochar and noise trials at Loch Goil. (26)

19 Oct 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) was docked in AFD 20 at Holy Loch. (26)

21 Oct 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) was undocked. (26)

21 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (26)

23 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch and arrived at Rothesay Bay.

24 Oct 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Rothesay Bay for Gibraltar. This was the first leg of her trip to the Far East.

For this passage Rorqual joined convoy KMS-67.

For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during the passage to the far east see the map below.

(26)

2 Nov 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (27)

8 Nov 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta. She made the passage in a convoy [Identity of the convoy not known at the moment but most likely it was UGS 58.] (27)

13 Nov 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (27)

15 Nov 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Malta for Port Said. (27)

19 Nov 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said. (27)

27 Nov 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Port Said for Aden. (27)

2 Dec 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden. (28)

3 Dec 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Aden for Trincomalee. (28)

14 Dec 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (28)

28 Dec 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 30th war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to lay two minefields off Phuket, Siam.

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

(29)

3 Jan 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) laid 50 mines (minefield ML 022) off Phuket, Siam.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0645 hours - Laid the first mine of the first minefield of 25 mines in position 07°44'8"N, 98°16'9"E. 24 Mines were then laid from this first mine in a direction of 040°, 350 feet apart.

0702 hours - Laid the 25th mine in position 07°45'8"N, 98°17'7"E.

0719 hours - Laid the first mine of the second minefield of 25 mines in position 07°46'3"N, 98°17'4"E. 24 Mines were then laid from this first mine in a direction of 220°, 350 feet apart.

0738 hours - Laid the 25th mine in position 07°45'2"N, 98°16'7"E. (29)

4 Jan 1945
During the night of 3/4 January 1945 HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) laid another 10 mines (minefield ML 023) off Phuket, Siam. These mines were laid from the torpedo tubes.

(All times are zone -6.5)
3 January 1945
2317 hours - Laid the 1st of the first field of 4 mines in position 08°12'4"N, 98°16'2"E. Three more mines were laid in direction 054°, spacing was 1000 feet. The last mine was laid in position 08°12'7"N, 98°16'7"E.

2346 hours - Laid the 1st of the second field of 4 mines in position 08°13'N, 98°16'7"E. Three more mines were laid in direction 245°, spacing was 1000 feet. The last mine was laid in position 08°12'8"N, 98°16'2"E.

4 January 1945
0010 hours - Laid the 1st of the third field of 4 mines in position 08°13'3"N, 98°16'2"E. Three more mines were laid in direction 060°, spacing was 1000 feet. The last mine was laid in position 08°13'5"N, 98°16'5"E. (29)

8 Jan 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) ended her 30th war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (29)

18 Jan 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 31th war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She was ordered to lay two minefields off the Nancowry Strait, Nicobar Islands.

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

(29)

22 Jan 1945
During the night of 22/23 January 1945 HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) laid 50 mines (minefield ML 026) in Nancowry Strait to the north-east of Port Blair, Andaman Islands.

A further 12 mines (minefield ML 027) were then laid from her torpedo tubes.

(All times are zone -6.5)
22 January 1945
2324 hours - Laid the first mine of the first minefield (ML 026) of 25 mines in position 11°52'5"N, 93°02'2"E. 24 Mines were then laid from this first mine in a direction of 199°, 325 feet apart.

2338 hours - Laid the 25th mine.

23 January 1945
0001 hours - Laid the first mine of the second minefield (ML 026) of 25 mines in position 11°52'82"N, 93°01'28"E. 24 Mines were then laid from this first mine in a direction of 214°, 318 feet apart.

0014 hours - Laid the 25th mine.

0107 hours - Laid the first of the first field (ML 027) of 4 mines in position 11°47'4"N, 93°05'37"E. Three more mines were laid in direction 322°, spacing was 600 feet.

0124 hours - Laid the first of the second field (ML 027) of 4 mines in position 11°47'63"N, 93°05'1"E. Three more mines were laid in direction 338°, spacing was 800 feet.

0124 hours - Laid the first of the third field (ML 027) of 4 mines in position 11°47'8"N, 93°05'22"E. Three more mines were laid in direction 121°, spacing was 800 feet. (29)

23 Jan 1945
Following the laying of the mines HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) is ordered to conduct air/sea rescue duties in the Andaman Sea. (29)

1 Feb 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) ended her 31th war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (29)

11 Feb 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) is fumigated at Trincomalee. (30)

16 Feb 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (30)

3 Mar 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (31)

6 Mar 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These exercises included laying a dummy minefield. (31)

8 Mar 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (31)

18 Mar 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 32th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She was to patrol off the West coast of Sumatra and to conduct two special operations, Operation Meridian and Operation Caprice.

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

(29)

24 Mar 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) carried out the first phase of special operation 'Caprice III'.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1730 hours - Sighted four natives off the beach of Trega Island in a canoe. They displayed the correct identification signals.

They successfully made contact and stores were landed early in the evening. The operation was completed by 2015 hours. (29)

25 Mar 1945 (position -1.34, 99.11)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire west of Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0805 hours - Sighted a sail bearing 185°. It was south bound.

1100 hours - The sail turned out to be a schooner, size unknown, steering for Siberut Bay. Followed in to investigate.

1354 hours - Surfaced to engage a 25 tons tongkang with the deck gun. The tongkang was at anchor in shallow water in position 01°34'1"S, 99°12'E so boarding was out of the question. Four of the crew were already paddling to the shore in their Canoe and the remainder had jumped overboard by the time the first round of 4" went over.

1358 hours - After 20 rounds the first hit was obtained. It brought the mast down.

1407 hours - Dived after having fired 60 rounds for only 4 hits.

1410 hours - The tongkang was seen to sink. (29)

27 Mar 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) destroyed two coasters and damaged a third with gunfire off the west coast of Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies to the south of Bengkulu.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1445 hours - Sighted a convoy of two coasters (one steel, 500 tons, 1 wooden, 350 tons) escorted by a possible armed trawler (500 tons) bearing 090°. They were in line ahead, coast crawling very close to the shore. The leading ship was in position 04°03'8"S, 102°23'7"E.

1525 hours - Fired the first of four torpedoes from 600 yards. All torpedoes missed. One coaster was seen to increase speed, they must have seen the tracks. Avoiding action was taken but no counter attack followed.

1533 hours - It was now seen that the 'armed trawler' was another coaster so decided for gun action.

1536 hours - Surfaced and engaged the rear coaster, a modern ship of 500 tons, from 1800 yards. All ships turned for the beach. After 60 rounds the coaster was beached high and dry, having received about 15 hits.

1546 hours - Shifted target to the 350 tons coaster (second in line). Range was 2200 yards. The crew abandoned ship leaving the engines ahead and an anchor down. She was circling around her anchor very close inshore. 38 Rounds were fired at her for 10 hits. A small fire was started and she was holed in various places.

1552 hours - Shifted fire to the first ship of the line, a 500 tons coaster. She was by now beached and abandoned. No definite hits were seen out of the 6 rounds fired.

1557 hours - Dived and retired to seaward to get out of this shallow water before enemy aircraft might arrive.

1632 hours - No aircraft activity having materialised decided to have a go with the remaining ammunition so surfaced to engage the second (350 tons) coaster again. Fired 10 rounds which started another small fire, but as she was built from wood she did not sink.

1640 hours - Fired 12 rounds at the beached 500 tons coaster (that had been the first of the line). 4 More hits were obtained.

1649 hours - Sighted an aircraft which was soon afterwards seen to turn towards.

1650 hours - Dived in 9 fathoms of water and ran to seaward.

1655 hours - The aircraft was seen to dive towards the periscope. We expected the worst but nothing happened. The aircraft was not sighted again.

The result of the attacks was as follows:
One 500 tons coaster beached and burnt out
One 350 tons coaster burnt out and probably sunk
One 500 tons coaster beached and damaged. (29)

28 Mar 1945
During 28 and 29 March 1945 HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) carried out special operation 'Meridian'. Downed airmen were to be picked up near the mouth of the Nasal River but they failed to show up at the rendez-vous. (29)

30 Mar 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) destroyed the beached coaster from the action of the 27th with gunfire.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1631 hours - Surfaced and engaged the beached coaster from the gun action of the 27th. Range was 2500 yards. The coaster was already more damaged than first thought. The coaster caught fire again and two more holes were put into her side.

1640 hours - Dived. The coaster is considered to be a total loss. It was also seen that the 350 tons coaster was on its side with only one mast showing. (29)

2 Apr 1945 (position -1.12, 100.21)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) sank two sailing vessels with demolition charges off the west coast of Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0710 hours - In position 01°12'S, 100°21'E sighted two sets of sails of reasonable size bearing 075 degrees. They were north bound. Closed the sails which turned out to be two 10 tons tongkangs.

0901 hours - Surfaced and sank both tongkangs with demolition charges. They were carrying 10 tons of rice and were bound for Padang.

0931 hours - Dived and retired to the westward. (29)

3 Apr 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) carried out the second phase of special operation 'Caprice III'.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1430 hours - Sighted a white shirt displayed in the palm trees on Trega Island, showing all well.

1858 hours - Surfaced and made contact.

1915 hours - Commenced unloading the remaining stores.

1951 hours - Completed unloading. Dived and cleared the area. (29)

13 Apr 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) ended her 32th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Fremantle, Australia. (29)

25 Apr 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) is put on the slipway at Fremantle. (32)

28 Apr 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) is put back in the water. (32)

30 Apr 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Fremantle for her 33th war patrol (4th in the Far East and 1st in the south-east Pacific area). She was ordered to lay a minefield of Batavia, Java, Netherlands East Indies.

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

(29)

10 May 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) laid three minefields minefield off Batavia, Java, Netherlands East Indies.

(All times are zone -9)
0033 hours - Started the lay. Laid the first mine in position 05°11'3"S, 106°05'3"E. Continued laying mines spaced 500 feet apart on an arc having a base 5500 yards in a direction of 257°.

0120 hours - Laid the 12th and last mine of this field in position 05°11'8"S, 106°02'6"E.

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

1440 hours - Laid the first of 18 live mines in position 05°47'28"S, 106°35'30"E. Mines were spaced 230 feet along an arc of base length 3800 yards in a direction of 207°.

1510 hours - Laid the 18th mine in position 05°49'03"S, 106°34'41"E.

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

1750 hours - Laid the first of 26 live mines in position 05°51'26"S, 106°27'47"E. Mines were spaced 240 feet along an arc of base length 6000 yards in a direction of 014°.

1826 hours - Laid the 26th mine in position 05°48'34"S, 106°28'30"E. (29)

11 May 1945 (position -5.54, 105.47)
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) sank a coaster with gunfire in the Sunda Strait.

(All times are zone -9)
0930 hours - In position 05°51'S, 105°57'E. Sighted a coaster bearing 260°.

1000 hours - Started a torpedo attack.

1023 hours - By now the target was seen to be a 700 tons coaster, heavily laden, armed with machine guns and flying the Japanese flag.

1029 hours - Surfaced for gun action. Range was 2200 yards.

1034 hours - The target was sinking after 15 hits out of 21 rounds fired. Dived. There had been no return fire.

1036 hours - The target sank in position 05°54'S, 105°47'2"E. (29)

20 May 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) ended her 33th war patrol (4th in the Far East and 1st in the south-east Pacific area) at Fremantle. (29)

3 Jun 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Fremantle to return to the U.K. There was no suitable employment on the Far East station for a large submarine like Rorqual. She was not suited to operate in the shallow waters British submarines were now operating in so it had been decided to send her home. The first leg of the trip was to Trincomalee.

For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during the passage back to the U.K. see the map below.

(33)

17 Jun 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (33)

20 Jun 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for Port Said. (33)

6 Jul 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said. (34)

11 Jul 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Port Said for Gibraltar. (34)

18 Jul 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (34)

19 Jul 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Portsmouth. (34)

24 Jul 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (34)

28 Jul 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) is put in reserve at Portsmouth. (34)

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