Clifford Raymond Pelly DSC, RN

Birth details unknown
Died  22 Nov 1944HMS Stratagem


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Ranks

1 Aug 1938 S.Lt.
16 Feb 1940 Lt.

Decorations

29 Feb 1944 DSC

Warship Commands listed for Clifford Raymond Pelly, RN


ShipRankTypeFromTo
HMS Sturgeon (N 73)Lt.Submarine12 Sep 194131 Oct 1941
HMS P 511 (P 511)Lt.Submarine30 Aug 194219 Mar 1943
HMS Seadog (P 216)Lt.Submarine23 Mar 1943Feb 1944 ?
HMS Stratagem (P 234)Lt.Submarine27 Mar 194425 Aug 1944
HMS Stratagem (P 234)Lt.Submarine6 Oct 194422 Nov 1944 (+)

Career information

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

Events related to this officer

Submarine HMS P 511 (P 511)


30 Aug 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. K.H Joy, RNR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. Upon completion of these exercises Lt. Pelly took over as Commanding Officer from Lt. Joy. (1)

31 Aug 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (1)

1 Sep 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

2 Sep 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

3 Sep 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

4 Sep 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

6 Sep 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

7 Sep 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

8 Sep 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) departed Campbeltown for Rothesay. (2)

9 Sep 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (2)

19 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. (2)

20 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

21 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

22 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

23 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

24 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

25 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

27 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

28 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

29 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

30 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

1 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

2 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

4 Oct 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR) and HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J. Windram, RNR). (3)

5 Oct 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS L'Incomprise (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.S. Deveson, RNR) and HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). (3)

6 Oct 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (3)

7 Oct 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (3)

8 Oct 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). Upon completion of these exercises she proceeded to Rothesay. (3)

11 Oct 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) departed Holy Loch for passage to Sheerness. The passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) and HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) that were both to proceed to Gibraltar. They were escorted by HMS Northern Pride (T/Lt. A.L.F. Bell, RNR). (3)

14 Oct 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) arrived at Falmouth. She departed for Portsmouth later the same day. (3)

16 Oct 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (3)

18 Oct 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) departed Portsmouth for Sheerness. (3)

19 Oct 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) arrived at Sheerness. (3)

20 Oct 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) was taken in hand for refit at the Sheerness Dockyard. (3)

22 Oct 1942
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) was docked at the Sheerness Dockyard. (3)

8 Feb 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) shifted from the Sheerness Dockyard to the Chatham Dockyard. (4)

15 Feb 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) departed the Chatham Dockyard for Sheerness. (4)

18 Feb 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) departed Sheerness for Portsmouth. She made the passage in convoy. (4)

19 Feb 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (4)

20 Feb 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (4)

22 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) departed Portsmouth for Plymouth. She was escorted by HMS Kingston Topaz (Skr. A. Flett, RNR). (4)

23 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) arrived at Plymouth. (4)

24 Feb 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (4)

25 Feb 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Plymouth with HMS Grimsby Town (Skr. W.A. Cormack, RNR), HMS Kingston Chrysoberyl (Skr.Lt. M.A. Smith, RD, RNR) and HMS Ambrose Pare (Skr. J.W. Morris, RNR). (4)

26 Feb 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Plymouth with HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN), ORP Krakowiak (Lt.Cdr. W. Maracewicz) and later with HMS Cornelian (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S. Gorrell, RNR). (4)

28 Feb 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Plymouth with HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN), HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.E.C.G. Baines, RN) and later with HMS St. Kilda (A/Skr.Lt. R.G. Utting, RNR), HMS Sheppey (T/A/Lt.Cdr. D. McNeil, RNVR), HMS Ensay (T/Lt. K.J. Reece, RNVR) and HMS La Nantaise (Skr. S.J. Cory, RNR). (4)

1 Mar 1943
During 1/2 March 1943, HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN), conducted A/S exercises off Plymouth with aircraft. These exercises included night exercises. Also a practice attack was made on HMS Northcoates (T/Lt. A.G. Hallows, RNVR) (5)

4 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Plymouth with aircraft. (5)

6 Mar 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Plymouth with HMS Rowan (T/Lt. R.O. Moore, RNVR), HMS Lord Essenden (A/Skr.Lt. F.A. Yeomans, RNR), HMS Cape Comorin (T/Lt. N.L. Brown, RNVR) and HMS Ambrose Pare (Skr. J.W. Morris, RNR). (5)

7 Mar 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) departed Plymouth for Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS Kihna (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR). (5)

9 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (5)

10 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. (5)

11 Mar 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Altair (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) W.R.T. Clements, RNR) and HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (5)

12 Mar 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (5)

14 Mar 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Altair (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) W.R.T. Clements, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (5)

15 Mar 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR). (5)

16 Mar 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR). (5)

17 Mar 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel, HMS Bretwalda (Skr.Lt. J.R. Coultas, RD, RNR), HMS Shemara (Cdr.(retired) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Altair (Lt.Cdr. (retired) W.R.T. Clements, RNR). (5)

18 Mar 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (5)

19 Mar 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN) and HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR). Upon completion of these exercises Lt. Launders took over as Commanding Officer from Lt. Pelly. (5)


Submarine HMS Seadog (P 216)


25 Apr 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) returned to Holy Loch. (6)

14 May 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She made the passage North through the Minches together with HMS Tuna (Lt. D.S.R. Martin, RN) and HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN). They were escorted by HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR). (7)

16 May 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow to participate in A/S training. (6)

29 May 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) shifted from Scapa Flow to Lerwick. She made the passage together with HMS Tally-Ho (Lt.Cdr. L.W.A. Bennington, DSO, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR). (7)

2 Jun 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) departed Lerwick for her 4th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Norwegian Sea for an anti-Uboat patrol.

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

(8)

6 Jun 1943 (position 64.14, 1.05)
At 1612 hours, in position 64°24'N, 01°05'E, HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) sighted a 'Type 9' U-boat. An attack was started but the U-boat dived before torpedoes could be fired. The U-boat sighted was most likely U-536 which was passing through the area and was indeed a 'Type 9' U-boat. (8)

10 Jun 1943 (position 64.18, 1.31)
At 0032 hours HE was heard by HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN). A good contact was obtained by Asdics. At 0046 hours one torpedo was fired which was heard to explode at the end of the run. Position was 64°18'N, 01°31'E. If this was indeed a German U-boat it might have been U-417 which was sunk by an aircraft the next day further to the West. (8)

18 Jun 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Lerwick. (8)

26 Jun 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) departed Lerwick for her 5th war patrol. She proceeded to Lumna Voe for folbot exercises. She departed Lumna Voe later the same day for Spitsbergen where she was to pick up Norwegian commandoes operating there (operation Corncrake).

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

(8)

2 Jul 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) picked up the Norwegian commandoes. (8)

4 Jul 1943 (position 75.43, 16.00)
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) attacked but missed the German U-boat U-586 with 6 torpedoes South of Spitsbergen.

(All times are zone -1)
0952 hours - In position 75°43'N, 16°00'E sighted a 500 tons U-boat on the surface at a range of 2500 yards. Started attack.

1007 hours - Fired 6 torpedoes from 3000 yards. On firing Seadog lost depth control and broke surface. The U-boat zigged violently and made off stern on at high speed.

1015 hours - Went deep to avoid being attack with the U-boats stern tubes.

1036 hours - Surfaced and gave chase. Opened fire with the deck gun from 8000 yards. Fired 16 rounds but obtained no hits before the enemy dived at 1057 hours.

(8)

11 Jul 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Lerwick. (8)

13 Jul 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) departed Lerwick for Dundee. (6)

14 Jul 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) arrived at Dundee. (6)

31 Jul 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) departed Dundee for Holy Loch. (6)

2 Aug 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (6)

3 Aug 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) departed the Clyde for her 6th 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 Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) until 1250/5. They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (8)

3 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Seadog during her 6th war patrol see the map below.

13 Aug 1943 (position 45.50, -4.40)
At 2115 hours HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) boarded the small French fishing vessel St. Moquet / LS 819 in position 45°50'N, 04°40'W. The ships papers were examened and the crew was interrogated. The ship was then released and they gave Seadog 12 tunny fish which made a nice meal. (8)

17 Aug 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) made rendez-vous with HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR) and HMS Satyr (Lt. T.S. Weston, RN) later also joined off Bishops Rock. They then proceeded towards Dundee. (8)

21 Aug 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Dundee. (8)

2 Sep 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) departed Dundee for Scapa Flow. (6)

3 Sep 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (6)

15 Sep 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) embarked a Norwegian party of 9 men and stores at Scapa Flow. She then set course for Lerwick escorted by HMS Scalby Wyke (Skr. A. Mackay, RNR). (8)

16 Sep 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) arrived at Lerwick. She departed for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to perform a special operation to land the Norwegian relief party.

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

(8)

25 Sep 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) landed the Norwegian party on Spitsbergen. (8)

1 Oct 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at Lerwick. (8)

2 Oct 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) departed Lerwick for Scapa Flow. (7)

3 Oct 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. She departed for Dundee later the same day. (7)

4 Oct 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) arrived at Dundee. (7)

13 Oct 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) departed Dundee for Lerwick. (7)

14 Oct 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) arrived at Lerwick. She departed for her 8th war patrol later the same day. She was ordered to patrol off Andøy, Norway.

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

(8)

29 Oct 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) ended her 8th war patrol at Lerwick. (8)

31 Oct 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) departed Lerwick for Dundee. Passage south was made together with HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN). They were escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). Off Scapa Flow they were joined by HMS Tuna (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) and HMS Uther (Lt. P.S. Beale, RN). (7)

1 Nov 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) arrived at Dundee. (6)

3 Nov 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) is docked at Dundee. (6)

12 Nov 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) is undocked. (6)

18 Nov 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) departed Dundee for Lerwick. She was escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). (7)

19 Nov 1943
HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR) collided with a ship from a convoy. She and HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) put into Aberdeen. Passage was continued later the same day. (7)

20 Nov 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) arrived at Lerwick. She departed later the same day for her 9th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Northern Norway.

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

(8)

7 Dec 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) ended her 9th war patrol at Lerwick. (8)

8 Dec 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) departed Lerwick for Dundee. (6)

9 Dec 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) arrived at Dundee. (6)

24 Dec 1943
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) arrived at Lerwick. She departed later the same day for her 10th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Stadlandlet, Norway.

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

(8)

28 Dec 1943 (position 62.15, 5.09)
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) torpedoed and sank the German transport ship Oldenburg (8537 GRT, built 1923) about 2.5 nautical miles east-north-east of Honningsvåg, Selje, Norway in position 62°15'N, 05°09'E.

(All times are zone -1)
1113 hours - Sighted a a convoy made up of 2 merchant vessels (4000 and 2500 tons) escorted by a minesweeper. Started attack on the 4000 tons merchant vessel. During the attack sighted a laden 8000 tons merchant vessel escorted by 2 trawlers. Broke off the attack on the 4000 tons merchant and started an attack on this new, larger, vessel.

1200 hours - Fired a full salvo of 6 torpedoes from 2500 yards.

1202 hours - 3 Hits were obtained on the target.

1206 hours - The escorts commenced a counter attack.

1245 hours - The counter attack ended. 19 Depth charges had been dropped.

1339 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Sighted a trawler stopped in the position where the merchant vessel had been torpedoed.

1345 hours - Set course to clear the area.

According to German sources the convoy consisted of the above mentioned Oldenburg as well as Olga Siemers (3347 GRT, built 1923) and Rogn (845 GRT, built 1941). They were escorted by the minesweeper M 433 and the patrol vessels V 5101, UJ 1703 and UJ 1709.

Oldenburg was hit 2 or 3 times (reports differ) and M 433 reported being missed by two torpedoes. Oldenburg had a crew of 57 plus 26 gun crew. Of her crew 51 were rescued including two wounded, two were killed and four were missing, while 25 of the gun crew survived, only one was a fatality. Following the attack Seadog was hunted by the patrol vessels UJ 1703, UJ 1709 and V 5311 (8)

2 Jan 1944 (position 62.15, 5.05)
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) attacked a Northbound enemy convoy off of Honningsvåg, Selje, Norway with 3 torpedoes. No hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -1)
Sighted a Northbound convoy of 3 merchant vessels of 2000, 2500 and 3500 tons and 2 escorts, close inshore. Started attack.

1150 hours - In position 62°15'N, 05°05'E fired 3 torpedoes from 2400 to 2900 yards at the 1st and 2nd merchant ship which were overlapping. It was thought that a hit was obtained and a merchant was sunk but actually no hits were obtained. No counter attack with depth charges followed although a hunt was commenced and it appeared that one of the escorts was briely in contact with Seadog.

According to German sources this convoy was mde up of Erika Fritzen (4168 GRT, built 1905), Lynx (1367 GRT, built 1925) and Cambronne (3026 GRT, built 1919) proceeding to Aalsesund escorted by the patrol vessels V 5308 and V 5105. V 5308 reported a loud explosion astern. (8)

3 Jan 1944 (position 62.16, 5.14)
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) attacked the German tanker Schleswig (10242 GRT, built 1942) in a convoy off Selje, Norway. The torpedoes ran underneath the target.

(All times are zone -1)
1113 hours - Sighted a convoy 3 to 4 nautical miles away. It was made up of a 6000 tons tanker and a 4000 tons merchant vessel. Escort was provided by a torpedo boat and 4 A/S trawlers. Started attack.

1140 hours - In position 62°16'N, 05°14'E fired 3 torpedoes from 700 yards at the tanker. The torpedoes appeared to have run underneath the target. A counter attack followed in which 8 depth charges were dropped but these were not close.

According to German sources the convoy was made up ofthe above mentioned Schleswig as well as Aquila (3550 GRT, built 1908), Triton (1620 GRT, built 1920) and Hans Leonhardt (4174 GRT, built 1922) escorted by the gunboat K 2, the minesweepers M 411, M 489, M 5207 and the patrol boats V 5302 and V 5304. Two torpedoes were sighted. (8)

4 Jan 1944
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) ended her 10th war patrol at Lerwick. (8)

5 Jan 1944
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) departed Lerwick for Dundee. (6)

6 Jan 1944
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) arrived at Dundee. (6)

18 Jan 1944
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) departed Dundee for Lerwick. (6)

19 Jan 1944
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) arrived at Lerwick. She departed for her 11th war patrol later the same day. She was ordered to patrol in the Stavanger area, Norway.

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

(8)

21 Jan 1944 (position 59.17, 4.51)
At 0222 hours, HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN), grounded off Utsire, Norway in approximate position 59°17'N, 04°51'E. She got off after 8 minutes. Due to the damage sustained it was decided after a while that the patrol had to be abandoned. (8)

23 Jan 1944
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) ended her 11th war patrol at Lerwick. (8)

25 Jan 1944
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) and HrMs O 15 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) departed Lerwick for Dundee. They were escorted by HMS Lord Ashfield (T/Lt. J.B. Morpeth, RNR). (9)

26 Jan 1944
HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) arrived at Dundee. It was decided that repairs would be undertaken at Dundee and that Seadog would be refitted at the same time. (6)


Submarine HMS Stratagem (P 234)


29 Mar 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) shifted from Portsmouth to Yarmouth (Isle of Wight). (10)

30 Mar 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) shifted from Yarmouth (Isle of Wight) to Plymouth. (10)

31 Mar 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for passage to Gibraltar. En-route she was ordered to take up a patrol position in a 10 nautical mile radius from position 40°50'N, 12°00'W making this passage her 2nd war patrol.

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

(11)

14 Apr 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Gibraltar. (11)

18 Apr 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta.

She made the passage together with HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) and HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN). The submarines made the passage to Malta in convoy USG 38.

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

(12)

2 May 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Malta together with HMS Exmoor (Lt. D.D. Howson, RN) and HMS Brocklesby (Lt. K.R.S. Leadlay, RN). (13)

5 May 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Malta together with HMS Albacore (Lt. Lt. K.H. Higson, DSC, RNR) and HMS Tenacious (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN). (13)

11 May 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) departed Malta for Port Said. (13)

16 May 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said. (13)

19 May 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) departed Port Said for Aden. (13)

25 May 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden. (13)

27 May 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) departed Aden for Trincomalee. (13)

10 Jun 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (14)

24 Jun 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) conducted attack and A/S exercises off Trincomalee together with HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, DSC, RN) and HMS Racehorse (Cdr. J.J. Casement, DSC, RN). (14)

25 Jun 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises off Trincomalee during which the Italian sloop Eritrea served as target. (14)

27 Jun 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off the Andaman Island. She was escorted out by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. F.R. Crawford, RNVR). (11)

27 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Stratagem during her 3rd war patrol see the map below.

1 Jul 1944 (position 11.36, 92.50)
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) attacked an escorted Japanese merchant vessel off Port Blair with 4 torpedoes. No hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1330 hours - In position 11°36'N, 92°50'E sighted the top of a funnel and smoke bearing 043°, range 8 nautical miles. Enemy course was thought to be 270°. Ran in at speed.

1343 hours - Targets course was now seen to be 247°. Range was now 12000 yards. The target was thought to be a merchant vessel of about 1100 tons. Started attack.

1346 hours - Three escorts were seen, 2 were thought to be torpedo boats and the other was an A/S trawler.

1406 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 5100 yards.

1410 hours - An explosion was heard and it was thought to be a possible hit on the target (this was not the case).

1411 hours - A counter attack was commenced by the torpedo boats in which 6 depth charges were dropped. 4 Of these were close but caused no damage.

1426 hours - All HE ceased.

1436 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Only the two 'torpedo boats' were seen roughly in our firing position. Cleared the area to the South-East. (11)

2 Jul 1944 (position 11.37, 92.54)
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) attacked an escorted Japanese merchant vessel leaving Port Blair. 6 Torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1303 hours - In position 11°37'N, 92°54'E sighted a 2000 tons merchant vessel escorted by two submarine chasers emerging from Port Blair's Southern entrance on a course of 120°. Range was 14000 yards. Started attack.

1329 hours - Fired 6 torpedoes at the merchant vessel.

1334 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Saw that the whole convoy had altered course 90 degrees to port and that the submarine chasers began making a lot of smoke to speed up and were soon proceeding in our direction.

1338 hours - Heard 6 torpedoes hit the land.

1400 hours - Observed both submarine chasers hunting astern 3000 to 4000 yards away. The merchant vessel was now escorted by an A/S trawler and was 7000 yards away proceeding on a course of 140°.

1615 hours - Lost sight of the target. Wanted to surface and chase but the submarine chasers were still in sight behind us.

1630 hours - The chasers set off to rejoin the merchant ship and A/S trawler. They passed at a range of 2000 yards.

1728 hours - Surfaced in position 11°29'N, 92°58'E and gave chase.

1750 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 165°.

1805 hours - Sighted the masts and funnel of the merchant vessel.

1853 hours - The port wing escort fired two white rockets. Maybee we were sighted.

1915 hours - One of the submarine chasers parted company and proceeded at speed in a Northerly direction.

2018 hours - It was now completely dark. started to close the enemy's track.

2200 hours - Thought to be 5 nautical miles ahead of the enemy. Turned to make contact again but sighted nothing. Set a course for the most likely track of the enemy with the hope to catch him tomorrow. (11)

4 Jul 1944 (position 8.59, 92.46)
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) attacked the same escorted merchant vessel as 2 days ago but now to the South of Car Nicobar Island. The last 2 bow torpedoes were fired and a hit was claimed but could not be observed. The Japanese do not report a loss on this day.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0526 hours - Dived in position 09°22'N, 92°40E and closed Car Nicobar where our merchant vessel we had attacked two days ago most likely was. Closed Sawi Bay, the place where she most likely would be.

0924 hours - By now it had become clear that she was not in Sawi Bay. Set course to the South of Car Nicobar.

1638 hours - Sighted the masts and funnel of our by now well known merchant bearing 115 degrees, range 7 nautical miles. Enemy course was 220°. Position 09°06'N, 92°45'E.

1705 hours - Heavy rain reduced visibility to 2 nautical miles.

1709 hours - Surfaced in position 09°02'N, 92°44'E.

1714 hours - Visibility increased and sighted a submarine chaser ahead of the target, range was 5 nautical miles. Dived.

1744 hours - Sighted the target alter course away to 185°. The starboard wing escort was flying two pendants and altered course towards Stratagem. Remained at periscope depth to watch proceedings.

1822 hours - All escorts were now with the target again who now altered course to 230° and the attack was resumed.

1839 hours - In position 08°59'N, 92°46'E fired the 2 remaining torpedoes.

1846 hours - Heard one torpedo explosion thought to be a hit. The results could not be observed. No counter attack followed. (11)

7 Jul 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Trincomalee. She was escorted in by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. F.R. Crawford, RNVR). (11)

22 Jul 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) was docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (15)

24 Jul 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) was undocked. (15)

25 Jul 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) was docked again in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (15)

27 Jul 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) was undocked. (15)

28 Jul 1944
During 28 and 29 July 1944, HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) and HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN), both conducted exercises off Trincomalee during which they made practice attacks on each other. Also practice attacks were made during which HMIS Pansy (Lt. R.G. Main, RINR) served as the target. These included night exercises. (15)

31 Jul 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Siam. She was escorted out by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. F.R. Crawford, RNVR). (11)

31 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily positions of HMS Stratagem during her 4th war patrol see the map below.

22 Aug 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. She was escorted in by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. F.R. Crawford, RNVR). (11)

10 Nov 1944
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 6th war patrol (4th in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Strait. (11)

19 Nov 1944 (position 1.36, 102.53)
HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese tanker Nichinan Maru (1945 GRT, built 1943) in the Malacca Strait in position 01°36'N, 102°53'E.

This ship was in a convoy from Singapore to Pangkalan Susu, Sumatra with Shonan Maru (1029 GRT, built 1942), Ritsuei Maru (2901 GRT, built 1944), Shoei Maru (2854 GRT, built 1944) and Ayayuki Maru (2854 GRT, built 1944). Escort was provided by the minesweeper W-34.

Sources

  1. ADM 173/17497
  2. ADM 173/17498
  3. ADM 173/17499
  4. ADM 173/17921
  5. ADM 173/17922
  6. ADM 199/2570
  7. ADM 199/627
  8. ADM 199/1871
  9. ADM 199/1385
  10. ADM 173/18842
  11. ADM 199/1874
  12. ADM 173/18843
  13. ADM 173/18844
  14. ADM 173/18845
  15. ADM 173/18846

ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.


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