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Career information

Tomkinson was Royal Navy and Royal Marines Golf Champion in 1939.

He married Myrtle Alice Land in April, 1940.

In 1975 a building was named after him at HMS Dolphin in Gosport.

For the patrol from 25 August to 1 September 1941, the “Aquitania” patrol, where Tomkinson later continued his attack on a convoy having had to surface with a torpedo stuck smoking in the bow tube. One of the reviewing senior officers wrote (sadly we have not identified the initials) “I should like to record it as my opinion that Tomkinson in this second attack gave one of the most outstanding displays of courage yet given by a submarine CO in this war.”, Tomkinson was awarded 2 years seniority as well as the mention in despatches. The two years seniority was most likely awarded instead of a second bar to the DSO possibly upon Tomkinson's own request. His seniority of Lt.Cdr. was thus backdated as of 1 January 1942 to 1 October 1939 [Editors note: we can't display this in the ranks section].

Tomkinson never received decorations for the damaging of the Vittorio Veneto on 14 December 1941 and the sinking of the Giovanni delle Bande Nere on 1 April 1942. Most likely two more bar to the DSO would have been awarded but his death prevented this. It also seems likely that, given the fact that Malta was being heavily bombed during this time and the sinking of the depot ship HMS Medway, paperwork regarding more awards might have been lost.

His date of death was officially 6 May, 1942 as this was when HMS Urge was reported overdue, but we now know it was actually 27 April, 1942, the date she sailed from Malta to Alexandria.

Submarine HMS H 33 (N 33)

18 Jun 1940
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. (1)

20 Jun 1940
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. These included a practice attack on HMS Tuscarora (Capt.(Retd.) E.C. Stubbs, RN). (1)

21 Jun 1940
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. These included a practice attack on HMS Tuscarora (Capt.(Retd.) E.C. Stubbs, RN). (1)

22 Jun 1940
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. (1)

25 Jun 1940
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. (1)

26 Jun 1940
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. These included a practice attack on HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (1)

27 Jun 1940
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. These included a practice attack on HMS Tuscarora (Capt.(Retd.) E.C. Stubbs, RN). (1)

28 Jun 1940
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. These included a practice attack on HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (1)

2 Jul 1940
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. These included a practice attack on HMS Tuscarora (Capt.(Retd.) E.C. Stubbs, RN) and HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (2)

3 Jul 1940
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. These included a practice attack on HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (2)

4 Jul 1940
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. These included a practice attack on HMS Carina (Cdr.(Retd.) T.St.V.F. Tyler, RN). (2)

5 Jul 1940
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. These included a practice attack on HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (2)

9 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

10 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. These included a practice attack on HMS Angle (Lt. A.N. Blundell, RNR). (2)

12 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. These included a practice attack on HMS Carina (Cdr.(Retd.) T.St.V.F. Tyler, RN). (2)

13 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Rothesay. (2)

15 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

17 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. (2)

18 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. These included a practice attack on HMS Angle (Lt. A.N. Blundell, RNR). (2)

19 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

20 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

22 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. These included a practice attack on HMS Topaze (Lt.Cdr. John J.N. Hambly, MBE, RN). (2)

23 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. These included a practice attack on HMS Topaze (Lt.Cdr. John J.N. Hambly, MBE, RN). Upon completion of these exercises HMS H 33 proceeded to Rothesay. (2)

28 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. (2)

29 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

30 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

1 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. (3)

2 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. These included a practice attack on HMS Tuscarora (Capt.(Retd.) E.C. Stubbs, RN). (3)

3 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. Upon completion of these exercises HMS H 33 proceeded to Rothesay. (3)

Submarine HMS Urge (N 17)

11 Dec 1940
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) departed her builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. She is escorted by the armed yacht HMS Troubadour (Cdr.(Retd.) D.H. Milward, DSO, RNR). (4)

12 Dec 1940
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training in the Clyde area.

[As no logs are available of HMS Urge before August 1941, no details of this training can be given.] (5)

4 Jan 1941
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) departed Holy Loch for Dundee. Off Rothesay HMS Seawolf (Lt. P.L. Field, RN) joined which was to proceed to Blyth. The submarines were escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (6)

7 Jan 1941
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) arrived at Dundee. (5)

11 Jan 1941
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) departed Dundee for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Thirlmere (T/S.Lt. R.C.R. Mortimore, RNVR). (7)

12 Jan 1941
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. Here she is to participate in A/S training. Also attack exercises would be made. (7)

8 Feb 1941
Around 1400A/8, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) departed Scapa Flow for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Vest Fjord off the Lofoten.

At 2255A/8, a signal was received from the Flag Officer Submarines (FOS) ordering HMS Urge to patrol off the south-west coast of Norway (Stadlanded and Utvaer) instead. Course was set accordingly.

[No log is available so it is not possible to display a map of her movements during this patrol.] (8)

12 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In a signal timed 2101A/12, F.O.S. (Flag Officer Submarines), HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) and FFS Minerve (Lt. P.M. Sonneville) were ordered to leave patrol forthwith so as to arrive at Dundee A.M. on the 12th.

15 Feb 1941
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Dundee. It had been uneventful. (8)

25 Feb 1941
Around 1600A/25, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) departed Dundee for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Fro-Havet, Norway.

[No log is available so it is not possible to display a map of her movements during this patrol.] (8)

5 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1800A/5, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) left patrol. She was to proceed southwards down the Norwegian coast until the vicinity of Stadtlandet and from there return to Dundee. (8)

6 Mar 1941
At 1805A/6, north of the Bjornsund lighthouse, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) sighted what are thought to be two German motor minesweepers (R-boats) proceeding northwards towards Trondheim.

This were most likely boats of the 5th R-Boat Flotilla which was on passage from Floro to Trondheim. Later, at 2000 hours in the evening, they were ordered to proceed to Alesund but as they had already passed that place a little over two hours ago they proceeded to Molde instead where they arrived around 2120 hours.

Eight R-boats of the 5th R-Boat Flotilla were on passage through this area, this were; R-54, R-55, R-56, R-57, R-63, R-89, R-90 and R-91. (9)

9 Mar 1941
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) made a short call at Lerwick to land Sub.Lt. A.A. Catlow, RN who has injured his leg. (8)

12 Mar 1941
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Dundee. Again the patrol had been uneventful. (8)

31 Mar 1941
Around 1700A/31, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) departed Dundee for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by Dutch torpedo boat HrMs Z 5 (Lt.Cdr. P.A. de Boer, RNN). (10)

1 Apr 1941
Around 1515A/1, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow to participate in A/S training. Her escort, the Dutch torpedo boat HrMs Z 5 (Lt.Cdr. P.A. de Boer, RNN) also entered Scapa Flow. (10)

5 Apr 1941
Around 1700A/5, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) and HMS L 23 (Lt. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) departed Scapa Flow for Dundee. They were escorted by Dutch torpedo boat HrMs Z 5 (Lt.Cdr. P.A. de Boer, RNN). (10)

6 Apr 1941
Around 1400A/6, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) and HMS L 23 (Lt. L.F.L. Hill, RNR), and their escort, the Dutch torpedo boat HrMs Z 5 (Lt.Cdr. P.A. de Boer, RNN), arrived Dundee. (7)

8 Apr 1941
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) departed Dundee for Sheerness. (7)

10 Apr 1941
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) arrived at Sheerness. (7)

11 Apr 1941
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) departed Sheerness for Portsmouth. (7)

12 Apr 1941
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (7)

14 Apr 1941
Around 1730A/14, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) departed Portsmouth for Gibraltar. She was to proceed to Malta to join the 1st submarine flotilla.

[No log is available so it is not possible to display a map of her movements during this passage.] (8)

18 Apr 1941 (position 46.51, -8.29)
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian tanker Franco Martelli (10535 GRT, built 1939) in the Bay of Biscay in position 46°51'N, 08°29'W.

Of the tankers crew of thirty-four, one was missing presumed killed.

1124A/18 - Heard HE bearing 240°.

1127A/18 - In position 46°51'N, 08°29'W sighted a large tanker at a range of 5000 yards. Started attack. There was no escort.

1137A/18 - Fired two torpedoes from 1500 yards. The second torpedo hit in the engine room. As the ship then stopped but did not sink another torpedo was fired that hit under the bridge.

1212A/18 - The tanker was seen to sink.

The Franco Martelli was a blockade breaker and was en-route from Recife, Brasil to Bordeaux, France. (8)

23 Apr 1941
Around 0845A/23, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Portsmouth. (8)

28 Apr 1941
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta.

[No log and / or passage report is available so it is not possible to display a map of her movements during this passage.] (5)

6 May 1941
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) arrived at Malta.

[As far as is known the passage from Gibraltar had been uneventful.] (5)

14 May 1941
Around 2040B/14, on completion of exercises, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) departed Malta for her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off between Tunisia and Lampedusa Island. [Area 'L' within a radius of 40 nautical miles of the Lampedusa lighthouse to north-westward of a line running 072°/252°, through position 35°30'N, 12°00'E.]

[No log is available so it is not possible to display a map of her movements during this patrol.] (8)

15 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1900B/15, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) arrived in her patrol area. (8)

16 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1605B/16, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) received the Cdr. S 1's signal timed 1435B/16, that seven merchant vessels were expected to leave Sfax northbound P.M. on this day. (8)

20 May 1941 (position 35.44, 11.59)
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) attacked a convoy with four torpedoes about 40 nautical miles north-west of Lampedusa Island in position 35°44'N, 11°59'E. The torpedoes however missed their targets despite the British claim that two ships, a troopships and an oiler had been sunk.

According to Italian sources the destroyer Euro combed the torpedo tracks and dropped depth charges, claiming the submarine sunk but Urge escaped without damage.

The convoy attacked was made up of the German transports Preussen (8224 GRT, built 1922), Sparta (1724 GRT, built 1927), Italian transport Capo Orso (3149 GRT, built 1916) and the Italian tankers Panuco (7750 GRT, built 1941), Castelverde (6958 GRT, built 1921), and Superga (6154 GRT, built 1923) [26.Seetranport convoy]. They were escorted by the Italian destroyers Folgore, Euro, Fulmine, Strale and Turbine.

0932B/20 - Sighted a destroyer bearing 020° with other ships astern. Enemy course was 100°.

0934B/20 - This destroyer turned out to be the starboard screen ship of a force of two Italian light cruisers escorted by three destroyers. They passed at a range of 6 nautical miles. [This was the cover force for the convoy (see below). It was made up of the Italian light cruisers Luigi di Savoia Duca Degli Abruzzi and Giuseppe Garibaldi. They were escorted by the Italian destroyers Granatiere, Alpino and Bersagliere.] Shortly afterwards another ship was sighted bearing 315°. She was however too far off to be identified.

0940B/20 - Sighted an enemy flying boat bearing 080°, range 800 yards and coming straight towards. Went to 90 feet and altered course.

0947B/20 - Returned to periscope depth. The ship previously sighted was now seen to be a destroyer. She was zig-zagging ahead of a convoy of four ships. Enemy course was 135° at a speed of 12 knots. Five destroyers were escorting this convoy. Started attack in which four torpedoes were fired. Went deep on firing. Three hits were claimed and it was thought a 7000 tons tanker and 9000 tons troopship had been sunk. The fourth torpedo is thought to have hit at a range of 500 yards. A terrific explosion followed causing minor damage to Urge and injuring several of her crew. Urge meanwhile had gone to 278 feet. 10 Depth charges were dropped during the next 10 minutes but none were very close.

1135B/20 - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. (8)

21 May 1941 (position 35.42, 12.24)
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) attacked an Italian task force of two light cruisers escorted by three destroyers about 15 nautical miles north-east of Lampedusa in position 35°42'N, 12°24'E. The destroyer Alpino reported being missed by two torpedoes. It was thought a destroyer had been sunk.

This was the same task force as seen yesterday. It was made up of the Italian light cruisers Luigi di Savoia Duca Degli Abruzzi and Giuseppe Garibaldi. They were escorted by the Italian destroyers Granatiere, Alpino and Bersagliere.

0815B/21 - Sighted smoke bearing 160°. Changed course to investigate.

1040B/21 - No more smoke could be seen. Altered course to 050°.

1300B/21 - In position 35°42'N, 12°24'E heard HE bearing 130°. Sighted two Italian light cruisers escorted by three destroyers on that bearing. Enemy course was 270°, speed 22 knots, range 8000 yards. Started attack.

1304B/21 - Fired four torpedoes from 6000 yards.

1309B/21 - Heard two torpedoes exploding. A destroyer was then heard coming towards at high speed. She dropped 13 depth charges. She then stopped to listen but soon afterwards went off at high speed.

1318B/21 - Heard two explosions, most likely the other two torpedoes exploding at the end of their run.

1335B/21 - Depth charging stopped.

1401B/21 - Returned to periscope depth. An flying boat was patrolling the area so went deep again. (8)

22 May 1941
Around 0730B/22, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)

1 Jun 1941
Around 1930B/1, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) departed Malta for her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off between Tunisia and Lampedusa Island, the same patrol area as her previous patrol (Area 'L').

[No log is available so it is not possible to display a map of her movements during this patrol.] (11)

2 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1108B/2, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) entered her patrol area in position 35°44'N, 12°52'E. (11)

3 Jun 1941
In a signal timed 1110B/3, the Cdr. S.1 informed HMS Ursula (Lt. I.L.M. McGeoch, RN), HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) and HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) that at 0920B/3 three cruisers and four destroyers had been spotted in position 36°20'N, 12°10'E proceeding on course 030° at 15 knots and at 0930B/3 six merchant vessels and six destroyers had been sighted in position 36°15'N, 12°15'E proceeding on course 190° at 12 knots.

This must have referred to a cover force made up of the Italian light cruisers Luigi di Savoia Duca Degli Abruzzi, Giuseppe Garibaldi and the destroyers Granatiere, Fuciliere, Bersagliere and Alpino.

They were covering a convoy made up of the Italian transports Aquitania (4971 GRT, built 1924), Beatrice C. (7015 GRT, built 1920), Caffaro (6476 GRT, built 1924), Montello (6117 GRT, built 1927), Nirvo (5270 GRT, built 1919) and the Italian tanker Poza Rica (7799 GRT, built 1940). The close escort of this convoy was made up of the destroyers Aviere, Camicia Nera, Geniere and Dardo. The torpedo boat Giuseppe Missori sailed from Tripoli at 1215B/2 to meet the convoy and reinforce the escort.

The convoy was attacked in the afternoon by British aircraft during which the Montello was sunk and the Beatrice C. was heavily damaged and later scuttled as she could not be salvaged.

The convoy had sailed from Naples 1730B/1 - 1930B/1 and arrived at Tripoli at 1145B/4 - 1237B/4 (except the two transports which were sunk and Camicia Nera who returned to Naples after finishing off Beatrice C.). (12)

4 Jun 1941
At 0425B/4, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) sighted a patrol vessel bearing 350°, range half a mile. Enemy course was 320° at a speed of around 18 knots. The vessel was diesel driven. Lt. Tomkinson decided to patrol along her track all day.

At 1352B/4, north-west of Lampione Island, in position 35°52'N, 12°03'E, a convoy made up of four transports of about 5000 tons average escorted by four destroyers was sighted. The transports were in ballast. Course of the convoy was 350° at 10 knots. At 1415B/4, this convoy changed course to 320°.

This must have been the convoy made up of the transports Andrea Gritti (Italian, 6338 GRT, built 1939), Ankara (German, 4768 GRT, built 1937), Rialto (Italian, 6099 GRT, built 1927) and Sebastiano Venier (Italian, 6311 GRT, built 1940) which had departed Tripoli the previous evening for Naples. This convoy was escorted by the Italian destroyers Antonio da Noli, Ugolino Vivaldi and the torpedo boat Castore.

The motor torpedo boat MAS 533 sailed from Lampedusa at 0620B/4 and returned at 1800B/4, she may have reinforced the escort for a while.

The convoy had sailed from Tripoli for Naples at 2000B/3 - 2035B/3 and were expected off Lampedusa at 1215B/4, they arrived at Naples at 1450B/5 - 1500B/5 (except Castore who was detached and arrived at Augusta at 1518B/5). (11)

6 Jun 1941
At 1150B/6, while patrolling north-north-west of Lampione Island, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN), sighted two unescorted transports (passenger/cargo ships) of about 7000 tons bearing 050° - range about 7 nautical miles. Estimated course of the enemy was 200° at 13 knots. HMS Urge ran in fast for 10 minutes.

At 1204B/6, the enemy altered course to 180°. HMS Urge continued to run in.

At 1218B/6, the enemy altered course to 160°. Range was now about 6 nautical miles and as HMS Urge was very broad on their bow the attack was broken off.

We have been unable to identify these vessels. (11)

8 Jun 1941
At 1147B/8, while patrolling north-north-west of Lampione Island, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN), four trawlers sweeping in line abreast. Enemy course was 320° from close westward of Lampione Island. They were later seen to alter course to 010°. HMS Urge proceeded southwards to enter the track of the minesweepers to patrol along their track.

[We have been unable to identify these minesweepers.] (11)

9 Jun 1941 (position 35.39, 12.11)
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) attacked an enemy convoy about 20 nautical miles north-west of Lampedusa Island. The attack however fails.

According to Italian sources these may have been Milano (Italian, 4152 GRT, built 1913), Tabarca (Italian, 630 GRT, built 1919) and fishing vessel Nuova Eleonora escorted by the auxiliary Maggiore Macchi. They were on passage from Tripoli to Trapani.

0855B/9 - North-north-west of Lampione Island, sighted a merchant vessel of about 4000 tons in ballast escorted by a Navigatori-class destroyer bearing 160° at a range of 6 nautical miles. Enemy course was 270° at 10 knots.

This was the transport Capo Orso (Italian, 3149 GRT, built 1916) escorted by the destroyer Alvise da Mosto. They had sailed from Tripoli at 1433B/8 and reached Naples at 1700B/10.

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1345B/9 - Sighted three merchant vessels and one trawler on bearing 283°, distance about 6 nautical miles. Enemy course was 140° at a speed of 11 knots. Started attack.

1433B/9 - In position 35°39'N, 12°11'E fired one torpedo, from 400 yards, at the second ship in a line of three. The torpedo missed.

1435B/9 - Fired two torpedoes, from 500 yards, at the third ship, both missed. No counter attack followed.

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At 2233B/9 - Urge received the Cdr. S.1's signal timed 1248B/9, ordering her to return to Malta A.M. on the 12th. Urge left patrol during the night of 10/11 June to comply with this signal. (11)

12 Jun 1941
Around 0700B/12, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (11)

23 Jun 1941
Around 2115B/23, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) departed Malta for her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol south of the Straits of Messina in area 'M' between the east coast of Sicily, south of the toe of Italy and position 36°40'N, 16°10'E. She also carried a raiding party that was to be landed on the East coast of Sicily to wreck a train in a tunnel if the opportunity arose.

[No log is available so it is not possible to display a map of her movements during this patrol.] (11)

24 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1515B/24, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) entered her patrol area in position 36°40'N, 15°35'E. She continued to proceed northwards. (11)

25 Jun 1941
At 0030B/25, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) received the Cdr. S.1's signal timed 2150B/24, ordering her to proceed with despatch to position 37°13'N, 15°35'E (east of Augusta).

An enemy troop convoy was due to leave Naples for Tripoli passing through the Messina Strait.

The convoy referred to was made up of the troop transports Esperia (11398 GRT, built 1920), Marco Polo (12567 GRT, built 1912), Oceania (19507 GRT, built 1933) and Neptunia (19475 GRT, built 1932) escorted by the destroyers Aviere, Geniere, Vincenzo Gioberti and Antonio da Noli. The torpedo boat Calliope sailed from Messina to reinforce the escort. Due to the enemy air activity to the south of Messina the convoy broke off their passage and proceeded to Taranto. A distant cover force made up of the heavy cruisers Trieste, Gorizia and escorted by the destroyers Corazziere, Carabiniere and Ascari was also deployed. (11)

27 Jun 1941
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) landed the train wrecking party (Lt. R. Wilson, R.A. and Marine W.G. Hughes) off Taormina, Sicily, Italy. The operation was successfull.

27 June 1941
0705B/27 - south-south-west of Capo dell'Armi, two destroyers, thought to be of the Soldati-class at a range of 6 nautical miles. Enemy course was 018° at 13.5 knots.

No such destroyers are in the area as far as we could determine. Perhaps the ships sighted were the Italian naval tanker Marte (2502 GRT, built 1892) escorted by the torpedo boat Giuseppe Dezza. They had sailed from Augusta at 2247B/26 and reached Messina at 0805B/27.

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2151B/27 - Surfaced in position 37°52'N, 15°25'5"E.

2220B/27 - Rigged and manned the Folbot (folding kayak) on the forecasing. Trimmed down and ran in towards the beach.

2324B/27 - Floated the Folbot off 1350 yards from the shore. Then retired on nautical mile to the seaward.

28 June 1941
0100B/28 - Proceeded back to within 1400 yards from the beach.

0141B/28 - Picked up the Folbot and ran out to seaward again.

0151B/28 - A train was seen approaching the tunnel where the charge was placed and shortly afterwards a brilliant flash was seen as the engine set off the charge.

The war diaries of the Comando Supremo confirm that a train carrying goods was partially derailed 30 km south of Messina on the Messina-Catania line. There were a few wounded but the track was promptly repaired and service resumed. (11)

28 Jun 1941
At 0330B/28, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) sighted a hospital ship coming southwards from Messina. When clear of the land the ship changed course to 100°.

At 1520B/28, the Cdr. S.1's signal timed 1327B/28 was received. This ordered Urge to patrol in position 37°55'N, 15°35'E as Vichy French naval unit, including a battleship and cruisers and escorted by destroyers were expected to pass Messina for Syria.

French Official History does not mention any battleship squadron going to Syria or the intent to do so. After the sinking of the destroyer Chevalier Paul, the destroyer Vauquelin sailed from Toulon on 16 June and arrived at Beirut on 21 June. On 28 June, the French Admiralty planned to send two submarines to Beirut (Diane and Argonaute) but this was cancelled and they did not sail. The Armistice Commission would never have allowed that a battleship / cruiser squadron go to Syria from fear they might join the Free French.

At 2102B/28, HE was picked up coming southwards from the Straits of Messina. Nothing could be seen though. It is thought to have been a merchant vessel escorted by destroyers. Course and speed of the contact was estimated as being 180° at 16 knots.

We have been unable to identify the source of this HE. Only the torpedo boat Aretusa arrived at Messina at 0140B/29 from Brindisi. She was thus going northwards. (13)

29 Jun 1941 (position 37.55, 15.35)
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) attacked the Italian heavy cruisers Trieste and Gorizia (Third Cruiser Division) with four torpedoes east of Sicily in position 37°55'N, 15°35'E. They were screened by the destroyers Carabiniere, Ascari and Corazziere. Trieste reported being missed by three torpedoes. They had sailed from Taranto at 1600B/27 - 1727B/27 and reached Messina at 1110B/29 - 1200B/29.

0855B/29 - Sighted two Italian heavy cruisers escorted by four destroyers bearing 195°, distance six nautical miles, course 360°, speed 24 knots.

0914B/29 - Fired four torpedoes from 5000 yards at the leading cruiser. Two hits were heard and the British thought to have hit and sunk the cruiser. This was however not the case.

0921B/29 - The first of sixty-four depth charges was dropped but none were very close.

1130B/29 - Depth charging ceased. (11)

30 Jun 1941
At 1035B/30, south of the strait of Messina, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) sighted a three-masted schooner bearing 215° at a range of 3.5 nautical miles. Enemy course was 100°.

At 1300B/30, a merchant ship of 5000-6000 tons escorted by two destroyers were seen bearing 100° at a range of 2.5 nautical miles. An aircraft was also seen patrolling over the convoy. Estimated course and speed of the enemy were 160° at 10 knots. Lt. Tomkinson decided not to fire as there were only four torpedoes left onboard and the ship was in the patrol billet of HMS Upholder [which also sighted the ship but could not attack as she was too far away to do so.]

This was most likely the Capo Orso (Italian, 3149 GRT, built 1916) escorted by the torpedo boat Cigno. They had sailed from Naples at 1630-1700B/29 for Benghazi, they were reinforced by the submarine chaser Albatros from Messina for local escort. Later, at 0600B/1, Cigno turned back to Messina, arriving there at 1430B/1). Capo Orso arrived at Benghazi at 0730B/3.

At 1740B/30, a hospital ship was sighted proceeding on course 310° towards Messina.

This was most likely the Italian Arno (8024 GRT, built 1912) who sailed from Benghazi at 1530B/29 and reached Naples at 0815B/1 July. (11)

1 Jul 1941
At 1255B/1, south of the Strait of Messina, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) sighted a destroyer close inshore of the coast of the Italian mainland proceeding towards Messina. This was Cigno returning (see 30 June 1941). (11)

2 Jul 1941 (position 37.48, 15.21)
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) fires three torpedoes at ' what is identified as ' an armed merchant cruiser south of the Straits of Messina in position 37°48'N, 15°21'E. All torpedoes fired missed their target.

The vessels attacked were the armed merchant cruiser Egitto (3329 GRT, built 1928) escorting the transport Dea Mazzella (3082 GRT, built 1919) on a trip from Catania to Messina. Egitto observed one torpedo exploding on the coast and two torpedoes in fairly good condition were later recovered on the beach.

The torpedo boat Cigno was sent to the area to hunt for the submarine but found nothing.

0350B/3 - Received the Senior Officer Submarines Malta's signal timed 1120B/1, ordering HMS Urge to patrol north of 37°00'N, and between Sicily and 15°45'E.

0421B/3 - Dived in position 37°54'N, 15°34'E, setting course for Capo Sant'Alessio, Sicily to inspect the place where the railway had been damaged and also to investigate the coastal shipping route.

1355B/2 - Sighted a merchant vessel of about 4000-5000 tons proceeding on course 030° at 8 knots. It was about 1.5 miles from shore. A large armed merchant cruiser of about 9000 tons was escorting the merchant vessel to seaward doing a continuous zig. Started an attack on this armed merchant cruiser.

1410B/2 - Fired four torpedoes at the armed merchant cruiser from 3000 yards. 3 1/2 minutes later one hit was heard.

1419B/2 - Two torpedoes were heard to explode on the shore.

1425B/2 - Both ships continued on northwards at about 8 knots. No damage could be seen from the rang they were now at.

Now out of torpedoes course was set to return to Malta. Due to problems with the W/T set a signal to inform Malta of this could not be passed.

2247B/2 - North-east of Augusta, Sicily in position 37°22'N, 15°35'E, a motor torpedo boat was seen laying stopped about 2 miles away. HMS Urge dived and took evasive action. [We have been unable to identify this motor torpedo boat.] (11)

3 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0145B/3, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) received the Senior Officer Submarines Malta's signal timed 0145B/2, ordering her to return to Malta to arrive A.M. on the 4th. (11)

4 Jul 1941
Around 0700B/4, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (11)

18 Jul 1941
Around 2200B/18, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) departed Malta for her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Palermo, Sicily, Italy.

[No log is available so it is not possible to display a map of her movements during this patrol.] (11)

20 Jul 1941
At 2220B/20, near Marettimo Island, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) sighted a submarine bearing 320° range about 2 nautical miles. It was at first thought the submarine was proceeding eastwards and HMS Urge turned to starboard to attack. Shorty afterwards the enemy disappeared from view, the night being very dark and from the change of bearing it became apparent that the course of the enemy was around 280°. At 0310B/20, a signal was passed to Malta reporting this submarine.

[There were no Italian submarine at sea in this area.] (11)

22 Jul 1941
At 1700B/22, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) sighted a merchant ship of about 2500 tons and in ballast. It was escorted by a destroyer / torpedo boat and an aircraft. Enemy course was 120° and they were rounding Cape Gallo. When approximately 4 nautical miles past Cape Gallo the enemy changed course to 204° making for Palermo.

Possibly this was the transport Penelope (Italian, 1160 GRT, built 1907). She sailed from Trapani at 0615B/8 for Palermo. The torpedo boat Lira is recorded to have sailed from Palermo at 0640B/22 and returned at 1800B/22. She may have escorted in Penelope but it is just a guess as there is no record of this. (11)

23 Jul 1941
In the early morning, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) sighted three minesweepers leaving Palermo proceeding eastwards and passing close inshore to Mongerbino. Thence they proceeded north-east along the coastal route which was followed to position 070° - Cape Gallo - 4.3 nautical miles. This sweeping force consisted of an old type destroyer, a minesweeping trawler and a three-masted schooner. [We have been unable to identify these vessels.]

At 0815B/23, two small coasters, escorted by an aircraft, passed Cape Gallo on course 020° at 8 knots. [We have been unable to identify these vessels.]

At 1100B/23, an unescorted merchant vessel of about 1000 tons rounded cape Gallo. It proceeded along the coastal route on course 300°. [We have been unable to identify this vessel.]

At 1515B/23, a Partenope-class destroyer was seen rounding Cape Gallo and proceeding westwards. This was the Centauro, She sailed from Palermo at 0855B/23 and arrived at Trapani at 1848B/23. (11)

24 Jul 1941 (position 38.15, 13.21)
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) attacked an unescorted convoy of two small merchant vessels off Palermo, Sicily, Italy in position 38°15'N, 13°21'E. Two torpedoes were fired at the 2nd merchant vessel in line but these missed.

This was the Doris Ursino (891 GRT, 1886) who reported the two torpedoes missed astern. She was following a pilot vessel to Palermo.

0735B/24 - Sighted a steam minesweeping trawler and two motor schooners leaving Palermo sweeping in line abreast. Course after leaving harbour was 020°, then 280° passing 2 miles off Cape Gallo. [We have been unable to identify these vessels.]

1125B/24 - The minesweepers passed on their return to harbour.

1145B/24 - An armed trawler was seen patrolling amongst a fleet of fishing vessels to the north of Cape Gallo. [We have been unable to identify this vessel.]

1338B/24 - While 2 nautical miles north-east of Capo Gallo, Sicily, Italy sighted two small (about 2500 tons) laden merchant vessels. No escort was present. enemy course was 120°. Started attack on the 2nd ship.

1403B/24 - In position 38°15'N, 13°21'E fired two torpedoes but they missed astern due to the speed being underestimated. Retired to the north-east. (11)

26 Jul 1941
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) has to abandon her war patrol as Lt. Tomkinson is very ill. Course is set towards Malta. (11)

29 Jul 1941
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (11)

18 Aug 1941
Around 1515B/18, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) departed Malta for her 8th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the North of Pantelleria to intercept an important enemy troop convoy.

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

(11)

19 Aug 1941 (position 37.04, 11.51)
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) tried to attack a convoy of large liners about 15 nautical miles north-north-west of Pantelleria in position 37°04'N, 11°51'E. She was spotted from the air and depth charged by destroyers. She managed to slip away unharmed.

This convoy consisted of the liners Marco Polo (12567 GRT, built 1912), Esperia (11398 GRT, built 1920), Neptunia (19475 GRT, built 1932) and Oceania (19507 GRT, built 1933) escorted by the destroyers Ugolino Vivaldi, Nicoloso Da Recco, Vincenzo Gioberti, Alfredo Oriani, Maestrale, Grecale and Scirocco and the torpedo boat Giuseppe Dezza that had joined from Trapani, managed to squeeze between Urge and Unbeaten with only the latter managing a long range attack.

1815B/19 - In position 37°04'N, 11°51'E sighted an Italian Savoia S.79 aircraft circling bearning 320°. Distance 0.5 nautical miles. Went to 85 feet.

1824B/19 - Returned to periscope depth.

1826B/19 - Sighted a convoy of four large liners bearing 030°. Range was about 7000 to 8000 yards. Enemy course was 180°. Started attack. A large destroyer was sighted coming towards Urge. It was thought the aircraft sighted at 1815 hours had reported a submarine contact.

1832B/19 - Lost trim and before it was regained the destroyer was heard approaching at high speed.

1836B/19 - The destroyer passed overhead and dropped four depth charges. A second destroyer was then heard to join the hunt. More depth charges were dropped while Urge withdrew to the North-West.

1925B/19 - The last depth charges were dropped. HE faded out soon afterwards.

2102B/19 - Surfaced and set course to return to Malta. (11)

20 Aug 1941
Around 1845B/20, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (11)

25 Aug 1941
Around 1630B/25, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) departed Malta for her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

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

(11)

26 Aug 1941
In a signal timed 1245B/26, the Senior Officer Submarines Malta, informed HMS Upright (Lt. J.S. Wraith, DSC, RN) and HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) that an 8 knot southbound convoy escorted by a destroyer and a torpedo boat was expected off Marittimo about 0500B/27.

HMS Upright was to intercept in position 38°43'N, 12°35'E at about 2000B/26. HMS Urge was to patrol between position ' L' [38°16'N, 12°08'E] and Marittimo until 0800B/27 then to carry out original programme. HMS Upright was to remain east of 012°10'E between 38°20'N and 38°30'N until HMS Urge and HMS Triumph (Cdr. W.J.W. Woods, RN) had passed [HMS Triumph was already off the north-coast of Sicily though].

The convoy referred to was on passage from Naples to Tripoli and was made up of the transports Aquitania (Italian, 4971 GRT, built 1924), Col di Lana (Italian, 5891 GRT, built 1926), Ernesto (Italian, 7399 GRT, built 1914), Riv (Italian, 6650 GRT, built 1921) and the tanker Poza Rica (Italian, 7799 GRT, built 1940). It was escorted by the destroyers Euro, Alfredo Oriani and the torpedo boats Procione, Orsa and Clio.

This convoy had sailed from Naples at 0245B/26 - 0500B/26 and reached Tripoli around 1300B/29. It was reinforced by the torpedo boat Pegaso from Palermo at 0600B/27 (thus before the attack by HMS Urge).

HMS Urge attacked this convoy the following day. (14)

27 Aug 1941 (position 38.11, 12.07)
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Italian passenger ship Aquitania (4971 GRT, built 1924) about 10 nautical miles north of Marettimo Island in position 38°11'N, 12°07'E. In the same attack the Italian tanker Poza Rica (7799 GRT, built 1940) was missed.

The convoy, on passage from Naples to Tripoli, also included the Italian transports Col di Lana (5891 GRT, built 1926), Ernesto (7399 GRT, built 1914) and Riv (6650 GRT, built 1921). It was escorted by the destroyers Euro and Alfredo Oriani and the torpedo boats Procione, Orsa, Pegaso and Clio. Aquitania was taken in tow by Orsa and Clio had observed the submarine breaking surface at a distance of 3000 metres (probably due to loss of trim while firing the torpedoes) and rushed to the attack preceded by an escorting CANT Z.501 of 144^Squadriglia which dropped a bomb. The submarine had already submerged again and Clio dropped six depth charges then observed a second escorting aircraft dropping a bomb and followed with six more depth charges in the same spot, claiming the submarine certainly damaged if not sunk. Procione also turned back and dropped seven depth charges. Clio then escorted Aquitania to Trapani, three tugs had also joined to assist her.

0630B/27 - Sighted a convoy of five merchant vessels and three escorts. Also two aircraft were patrolling overhead. Started attack.

0642B/27 - In position 38°11'N, 12°07'E fired four torpedoes against a merchant vessel of about 6000 tons. Range was 4500 yards. Ths ship was the leading ship of the nearest column. The leading ship of the rear column was in the line of fire as well and was a tanker of about 5000 tons.

0643B/27 - The torpedo in no.3 tube, which as fired last, only went half out of the tube and ran in that position. As a result Urge broached while displaying an 'angry' smoking torpedo at the foe. Fortunately the torpedo left the tube when Urge got level after surfacing. Urge then dived once more at a steep angle while the nearest escort came rushing towards from 3000 yards. Three torpedo explosions were heard thought to be one hit on the merchant vessel (thought correctly to be Aquitania) and two on the tanker. A depth charge attack now followed in which 20 depth charges were dropped but these caused no damage. Urge meanwhile withdrew to the North-West. Later the torpedo tubes were reloaded but not no.3 tube. It had been decided not to use this tube anymore during this patrol. (11)

28 Aug 1941
In a signal timed 1711B/28, the Senior Officer Submarines Malta, informed HMS Upright (Lt. J.S. Wraith, DSC, RN) and HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) of the following.

A 17-knot (troop) convoy including the Italian troop transport (liner) Oceania (19507 GRT, built 1933) leaves Naples probably late P.M./29 arriving Marittimo area mid-day/30.

HMS Urge remain in the Naples vicinity north of 40°N until dawn/30 then to the south-east according to programme.

HMS Upright patrol in the vicinity of position 38°07'N, 12°00'E until fast convoy passes or until 2359B/30, then move to vicinity of position 38°09'N, 12°36'E. 12-knot northbound convoy probably due Marittimo about 2000B/31 and Naples mid-day /1 (September). Information is rather vague.

The fast troop convoy from Naples to Tripoli, referred to was made up of the troop transports Oceania (19507 GRT, built 1933), Neptunia (19475 GRT, built 1932) and Victoria (13098 GRT, built 1931) escorted by the destroyers Aviere, Camicia Nera, Vincenzo Gioberti, Antonio da Noli, Antoniotto Usodimare and Emanuele Pessagno. On leaving Naples on the 29th it was attacked by HMS Urge. The Oceani-convoy sailed from Naples at 0910B/29 - 1100B/29 and reached Tripoli at 0940B/31 - 1100B/31.

The other, northbound, convoy (Tripoli-Trapani/Naples) referred to was made up the Italian transports Caffaro (6476 GRT, built 1924), Giulia (5921 GRT, built 1926), Marin Sanudo (5958 GRT, built 1926), Nicolo Odero (6003 GRT, built 1925) and the Italian tanker Minatitlán (7651 GRT, built 1941). The Italian auxiliary magnetic minesweeper Eritrea (2517 GRT, built 1918) was also part of this convoy which was escorted by the Italian destroyers Alfredo Oriani, Euro and the Italian torpedo boats Calliope, Orsa and Pegaso. The Caffaro-convoy sailed from Tripoli at 1745B29 - 1835B/29 and reached Naples at 1240B - 1435B/1. (14)

29 Aug 1941 (position 40.25, 14.25)
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) fires three torpedoes against the Italian troop transport Victoria (13098 GRT, built 1931) about 10 nautical miles South-East of Capri Island, Italy in position 40°25'N, 14°25'E. All torpedoes missed their target altough the British thought to have obtained one hit.

According to Italian sources the other ships were Oceania (19507 GRT, built 1933) and Neptunia (19475 GRT, built 1932) escorted by the destroyers Aviere, Antonio da Noli, Camicia Nera, Vincenzo Gioberti, Antoniotto Usodimare and Emanuele Pessagno.

1200B/29 - Sighted three large liners with a destroyer escort going south through Bocca Piccola. Once clear they altered course to 215° and formed two columns. The far column consisted of two Oceania type lines and the nearest one was believed to be Duilio type. Three destroyers were seen to be escorting. No aircraft were seen. Started attack on the two funnelled liner in the Port column.

1214B/29 - The Port wing destroyer came nearer. Went to 50 feet to evade as it was thought Urge had not been detected so far.

1216B/29 - Returned to periscope depth after the destroyer had passed.

1218B/29 - In position 40°25'N, 14°25'E fired three torpedoes from 4000 yards.

1221B/29 - Heard one hit.

1224B/29 - Depth charging started but none came very close.

1228B/29 - Heard one heavy explosion.

1229B/29 - Heard another heavy explosion.

1230B/29 - Heard explosions as of ships boilers bursting.

1236B/29 - A very heavy explosion occurred which shook the whole boat.

1255B/29 - The last depth charge was dropped. In all 26 had been dropped. Urge withdrew to the South-East. Later the sole remaining torpedo was loaded.

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1720B/29 - Sighted a coasting schooner with two lookouts on her bridge and a box-like hut aft. She had come out in a sweep from the Bocca Piccola and returned there. Obviously this was an auxiliary A/S schooner. (11)

1 Sep 1941
At 0300B/1, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) sighted a hospital ship on the horizon steering a course of approximately 210°. She appeared to have rounded the south-east corner of Sicily and to be making for Lampedusa.

This was the hospital ship Virgilio (Italian, 11718 GRT, built 1926). She had sailed from Augusta at 1705B/31 to search for survivors of Egadi (861 GRT/1929) sunk by a RAF torpedo bomber at 0015B/31, 30 miles north-west of Lampedusa. ?

Around 1000B/1, HMS Urge ended her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (11)

2 Sep 1941
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) is docked in No.2 dock at Malta. (15)

6 Sep 1941
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) is undocked. (15)

19 Sep 1941
During the morning hours, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN), conducted exercises off Malta. These included gunnery exercises. (15)

22 Sep 1941
Around 1630B/22, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) departed Malta for her 10th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Palermo, Sicily, Italy. She is also to conduct a special operation.

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

(16)

24 Sep 1941
HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) attacked an enemy merchant vessel off Cape Gallo, Sicily, Italy with one torpedo. No hit was obtained as the torpedo had a gyro failure.

A wild guess on the ships identity is that it may have been the ferry Ustica (Italian, 400 GRT, built 1911) which had sailed from Palermo at 0700B/24 and reached Ustica at 1130B/24. Maricotraf records only the outgoing trip and not the return trip. It is possible that she was returning to Palermo on the same day. Course 165° would be consistent with a vessel travelling from Ustica to Palermo.

1640B/24 - While Urge was well inshore just westward of Cape Gallo a merchant vessel of about 2500 tons was sighted. Enemy course was 165°. Started attack.

1701B/24 - Fired one torpedo from 300 yards. It was thought to have run under the target until loud HE was heard on the port side that was the torpedo circling due to a gyro failure.

1710B/24 - The torpedo exploded on the bottom shaking Urge violently.

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

During the night of 24 to 25 September an agent was landed near Cape Gallo. The agent was a Frenchman and carried a radio transmitter and the sum of 100000 lires. He hid the transmitter and money and went to Palermo but was almost immediately taken under surveillance by the secret police and watched for six days. As he returned to his cache he was caught and collaborated with the Abwehr in a “funkspiel” or radio game. The torpedo boats Giuseppe Dezza and Generale Antonio Cascino were sent to intercept the submarine and almost succeeded. (16)

26 Sep 1941
At 1315B/26, just to the east of Palermo Bay, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN), sighted an armed trawler and two auxiliary schooners sweeping for mines. They were later seen to return to Palermo.

[We have been unable to identify these vessels.] (16)

27 Sep 1941
At 0830B/27, just to the east of Palermo Bay, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) again sighted the usual armed trawler and two auxiliary schooners sweeping for mines. They were later seen to return to Palermo.' [We have been unable to identify these vessels.]

At 1100B/27, a camouflaged motor vessel of about 2000 tons was seen in position 200° - Palermo breakwater - 2 nautical miles. The enemy vessel was steering 090°. Five minutes later the ship was seen to turn and enter Palermo harbour. [We have been unable to identify this vessel.]

At 1200B/27, minesweepers were seen rounding Cape Gallo. (17)

28 Sep 1941
At 0025B/28, while north of Palermo, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) sighted an illuminated hospital ship proceeding on course 285°. She later altered course to the north-west.

At 0820B/28, the usual minesweeping flotilla of one trawler and two schooners was seen doing their thing.

At 1720B/28, a Generali-class torpedo boat was approaching Cape Gallo from the north-west. Shortly afterwards she rounded Cape Gallo and disappeared.

This was most likely the Nicola Fabrizi. She sailed from Palermo at 0200B/28 and returned at 1810B/28.

At 1830B/28, a motor vessel was seen steering 090° north of Cape Gallo. It was thought to be the hospital ship Virgilio (Italian, 11718 GRT, built 1928).

This was indeed most probably the Virgilio which had thus also been sighted at 0025B/28. She sailed from Augusta for Palermo on 27 September. On 28 September, she was diverted to search for survivors of eight Italian fighter aircraft which had crashed near Ustica.

At 2135B/28, the Capt. S.10's signal timed 1820B/28, was received which ordered HMS Urge to patrol in position 38°31'N, 13°25'E as it was thought the Italian battlefleet, which had been at sea would return to harbour, battleships to Naples and cruisers to Messina. Course was set accordingly and HMS Urge arrived in the ordered position at 2325B/28. (17)

29 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2110B/29, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) received the Capt. S.10's signal timed 1617B/29 which ordered her to resume her normal patrol. Course was set towards Cape Zafferano to resume patrol off Palermo. (16)

30 Sep 1941
At 1400B/30, HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) sighted the usual minesweeping flotilla of one trawler and two schooners doing their thing off Palermo Bay.

At 2220B/30, while in position 38°15'N, 13°17'E, a vessel was seen rounding Cape Gallo and proceeding westwards. It was thought it may have been a destroyer or torpedo boat. HMS Urge dived to evade.

This was the torpedo boat Generale Antonino Cascino. She sailed from Messina at 1300B/30 and arrived at Trapani at 0010B/1. She had been ordered to hunt for a submarine reported near Femmine Island (HMS Urge, this was the rendezvous point with Agent Rossi). (16)

1 Oct 1941
During the night of 1 to 2 October 1941, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) tried to pick up the agent (agent Rossi) that was landed a week before off Cape Gallo, Sicily, Italy. The attempt was unsuccessful as Urge was ambushed by the Italians.

Besides the Generale Antonino Cascino (see 30 September) the following forces were deployed;
Following a submarine sighting (035° - Cape San Vito – 17 miles [this was HMS Trusty (Lt.Cdr. W.D.A. King, DSO, DSC, RN)], the torpedo boat Giuseppe Dezza carried out an A/S from Trapani (she sailed at 0313B/28 and returned at 1715B/28).
On the same day, the torpedo boat Nicola Fabrizi carried out an A/S search from Palermo (she sailed at 0200B/28 and returned at 1810B/28). She was actually looking for survivors (with MAS 543 and hospital ship Virgilio) of eight Italian aircraft which had crashed near Ustica (she picked up one survivor and one corpse). There was an air raid on Palermo (2040B/28 to 0100B/29), Fabrizi was damaged by a near-miss (1 killed, 6 wounded, including the C.O.).
On 30 September, Dezza was transferred from Trapani to Palermo (sailed at 1440B/30 and arrived at 1840B/30). She may have briefly participated in the search for HMS Urge.
The torpedo boat Cigno sailed from Trapani at 1715B/1 for an A/S search and arrived at Palermo at 0820B/2. She may have been the destroyer sighted by HMS Urge. A submarine was reported by Marina Messina to have been sighted at 2400B/1, 3 miles north of Cape Gallo (this must have been HMS Urge). It does not say the source but it was either by the Carabinieri who killed Lloyd or perhaps by Cigno.
The torpedo boat Perseo was at Palermo but was not deployed.

1315B/1 - The usual minesweeping flotilla of an armed trawler and two auxiliary schooners was seen sweeping. They were seen to return towards Palermo at 1420B/1.

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

2230B/1 - Started to run in towards the land.

2340B/1 - Stopped when about 1200 yards from the shore and launched the Folbot with S/Lt. B.N.T. Lloyd, RN to pick up the agent.

0001B/2 - Gunfire was heard coming from the shore. At the same time a destroyer was seen to the seaward.

0005B/2 - Flash explosions were seen on the shore which appeared to be signals. It was now thought that Urge has been lured into a trap. According to Italian sources Sub. Lt. Lloyd was killed at this time.

0017B/2 - Urge went ahead, dived and went out of the bay as the destroyer came rushing in.

0021B/2 - The destroyer passed close astern.

0200B/2 - Surfaced. The destroyer was seen to the south, laying stopped in the position Urge had been laying in to wait for the return of the folbot.

Given what just happened Lt.Cdr. Tomkinson decided to retire from the area and patrol on the Naples - Cape San Vito route. (16)

3 Oct 1941 (position 38.43, 12.52)
HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) attacked the German submarine U-331 with four torpedoes about 12 nautical miles West of Ustica Island, Italy. The Germans had sighted one torpedo track.

0830B/3 - In position 38°43'N, 12°52'E sighted an object bearing 260° about 5 nautical miles away. It was thought to be a submarine which was confirmed shortly afterwards. Started attack.

0856B/2 - From a range of 1300 yards fired a salvo of four torpedoes at the submarine which was thought to be an Italian Gemma-class submarine proceeding on the surface on a course of 78° at 11.5 knots. Three lookouts were seen on her conning tower and she was slightly trimmed down. One of the torpedoes fired had a gyro failure and passed down Urge's Port side. Urge then surfaced for gun action but when she did so the enemy turned away and dived.

0903B/2 - A heavy explosion occured near Urge, this was the torpedo with the gyro failure exploding at the end of the run.

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1950B/2 - Left patrol to return to Malta. (18)

4 Oct 1941
At 0355B/4, south of Marettimo Island, in position 37°50'N, 12°02'E, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) sighted a destroyer / torpedo boat. HMS Urge dived and took avoiding action, but must have been sighted as the enemy started a hunt which lasted for 35 minutes. No depth charges were dropped though.

The 'destroyer' was actually the submarine Fratelli Bandiera (T.V. (Lt.) C. Forni). She tried to attack with torpedoes and gun but the enemy submarine dived too quickly (40 seconds) and contact was lost. (16)

5 Oct 1941
Around 1630B/5, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16)

14 Oct 1941
Around 1810A/14, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) departed Malta for her 11th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the south-east coast of Sicily, in position 128° - Cape Murro di Porco - 9.5 nautical miles, to intercept three Italian destroyers of the Navigatori-class there are thought to make a high speed run to North Africa with supplies.

This referred to the destroyers Emanuele Pessagno (310 troops), Antonio Da Noli (295 troops) and Nicolò Zeno (268 troops) sailed from Augusta at 1830B/15 - 1850B/15. They were transporting German troops to Benghazi where they arrived at 1630B/16 - 2030B/16.

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

(16)

15 Oct 1941
At 0850A/15, well to the south-east of Cape Murro di Porco in approximate position 36°45'N 15°34'E, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) sighted a southbound hospital ship proceeding on course 190°. It was thought to be the Virgilio (Italian, 11718 GRT, built 1928).

This was indeed the Virgilio which had sailed at 0730B/15 from Augusta for Tripoli.

At 2200A/15, nothing had been sighted, HMS Urge left patrol to return to Malta in accordance with her patrol orders. (16)

16 Oct 1941
Around 1130A/16, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) ended her 11th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16)

18 Oct 1941
Around 1530A/18, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) departed Malta for her 12th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the East coast of Tunisia between Kuriat and Lampion Island in Area 'K'. (35°18'N, 11°11'E - 345° - 30 - 60)

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

(16)

19 Oct 1941
At 1105A/19, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) sighted a schooner entering Lampedusa harbour. [We have been unable to identify this vessel.]

At 1900A/19, Urge entered her patrol area and continued on to the westward. (16)

20 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2220A/20, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) received Capt. S 10's signal timed 1645A/20 which reported a northbound enemy convoy of a transport, a tanker and three destroyers as escort. HMS Urge was to patrol in position 35°40'N, 12°07'E. It was expected the convoy would pass through this position around 0800A/21.

In a signal timed 2105A/20, Capt. S 10's ordered HMS Urge to patrol in position 35°40'N, 11°54'E, where it was now expected the convoy would pass through around 0900A/21.

These signals referred to the convoy made up of the tanker Proserpina (Italian, former French Beauce, 4869 GRT, built 1926) and the transport Giulia (Italian, 5921 GRT, built 1925) escorted by the destroyers Nicoloso Da Recco, Folgore and Antoniotto Usodimare. They had departed from Tripoli at 1555B/20-1730B/20 for Naples but were ordered back when it was learned that an enemy force of two cruisers and two destroyers was at sea. They returned to Tripoli at 1320B/21-1325B/21.

The enemy force referred to by the Italians was ' Force K ', made up of the light cruisers HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. A.D. Nicholl, RN) and the destroyers HMS Lance (Lt.Cdr. R.W.F. Northcott, RN) and HMS Lively (Lt.Cdr. W.F.E. Hussey, DSC, RN) which were on passage from Gibraltar to Malta. (19)

22 Oct 1941 (position 35.50, 11.06)
HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) attacked the small Italian merchant vessel Falco (343 GRT, built 1919) near Kuriat in position 35°45'N, 11°06'E. According to Italian sources she was unharmed, the other vessels were the motor auxiliary sailing vessel Illiria escorted by the minesweepers Angelo Musco (R.26), Italia (G.90) and Maria di Piedigrotta (R.122). They had sailed from Pantelleria for Tripoli. Illaria and/or Italia dropped a few depth charges.

Later on this day HMS Urge also torpedoed and further damaged the Italian merchant bessel Marigola (5996 GRT, built 1906) off Kuriat, Tunisia in position 35°50'N, 11°06'E. The Marigola was already grounded after being torpedoed by aircraft on 24 September 1941. Five of her crew were slightly wounded, she was later raised by the French.

0630B/22 - Sighted a merchant vessel of about 1500 tons with the escort of one large 3-masted schooner and four small auxiliary schooners. All these schooners were armed. Started attack on the merchant vessel.

0700B/22 - Fired three torpedoes. No hits were obtained but the ship turned towards the shore. The crew was then seen to abandon her taking to the schooners. The schooners then started to patrol to seaward.

0756B/22 - Urge meanwhile had been brought round. A single torpedo was then fired from 3000 yards. This torpedo was heard to hit after just over 2 minutes.

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

1042B/22 - Sighted a merchant ship of about 4000 tons of Kuriat. Proceeded to the north to investigate but it was impossible to get close enough while dived. Decided to wait until dusk and then to proceed close in on the surface.

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

1815B/22 - Surfaced and closed.

1834B/22 - Fired one torpedo set to 8 feet from 3700 yards.

1837B/22 - The torpedo hit amidships and a black column of smoke rose 100 feet into the air. (16)

26 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1630A/26, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) received Capt. S 10's signal timed 1135A/26 recalling her from patrol. She was ordered to proceed through position 35°45'N, 12°40'E. Course was immediately set to return to Malta. (19)

28 Oct 1941
Around 0630B/28, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) ended her 12th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. On the return passage to Malta a fuel leak had been discovered. About 10 tons of fuel had been lost due to this leak. A docking was required to repair the leak. (16)

1 Nov 1941
HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) is docked in No.1 dock at Malta. (20)

6 Nov 1941
HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) is undocked. (20)

8 Nov 1941
Around 1730B/8, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) departed Malta for her 13th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Ionian Sea in position 37°50'N, 19°27'E.

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

(16)

9 Nov 1941
At 2030B/9, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) received Capt. S.10's signal timed 1813B/9, which had information on two damaged enemy merchant vessels either of which might be attacked.

At 1341B/9, a damaged merchant ship had been seen in position 37°16'N, 17°56'E. She was laying stopped.

At 1456B/9, another damaged merchant ship had been seen in position 37°26'N, 18°06'E. This ships was proceeding on course 095° at 3 knots.

On receiving the signal a searchlight was seen bearing 050°. Urge altered course to 040° to intercept and get down moon from it.

At 2310B/9, Capt. S.10's signal timed 2103B/9 was received which ordered HMS Urge to patrol in position 'M' (37°41'5"N, 19°37'5"E). Course was set according and Urge proceeded on course 069° to proceed to the position ordered. (16)

10 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0230B/10, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) saw that the searchlight previously sighted was from a hospital ship obviously searching for survivors of the convoy which had been decimated by ' Force K ' the previous night. Course was altered to pass south of this hospital ship and keep clear of the searchlight.

Between 0330 and 0530B/10 a lot of fuel and wreckage were seen floating on the surface.

At 0530B/10, a burning ship was sighted about 15 nautical miles away to the south-east. She continued to burn all through the day and was still burning the next night. Aircraft which were searching for survivors were sighted throughout the day. (16)

11 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0230B/11, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) arrived in her ordered patrol position (37°41'5"N, 19°37'5"E) (16)

14 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In a signal timed 1006B/14, Capt. S.10 ordered HMS Upright (Lt. J.S. Wraith, DSC, RN), HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) and HMS P 34 (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSC, RN) to shift the patrol line 053 - 27 miles to be in position to intercept two fast southbound supply ships.

This must have referred to the convoy made up of the troop transports (naval auxiliaries) Città di Genova (Italian, 5413 GRT, built 1930) and Città di Napoli (5418 GRT, built 1929) which were to proceed from Taranto to Benghasi escorted by the destroyers Antonio Pigafetta and Giovanni da Verrazzano. (21)

14 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1600B/14, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) arrived in the ordered position (37°59'N, 20°06'E). (16)

15 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1200B/15, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) altered course to 233° to regain her original patrol position. Nothing had been seen of the enemy convoy though patrolling enemy aircraft had been sighted.

At 2100B/15, HMS Urge was back in her original patrol position (37°41'5"N, 19°37'5"E). (16)

17 Nov 1941 (position 37.57, 19.47)
HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) made a torpedo attack on a convoy about 40 nautical miles West of Cephalonia Island, Greece. No hits were obtained.

This was most probably the convoy made up of the transport vessels Tinos (German, 2826 GRT, built 1914) and the Bolsena (Italian, 2384 GRT, built 1918) escorted by the torpedo boat Orione on their way to Benghazi via Navarino.

0130B/17 - On receipt of Capt. S.10's signal timed 1731B/16, HMS Urge set course to proceed to position 38°03'N, 19°58'E. A new patrol was set up to intercept a southbound enemy convoy.

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1225B/17 - Sighted two southbound merchant ships of about 3500 tons escorted by one destroyer bearing 300°, distance approximately 8 nautical miles. Started attack.

1302B/17 - In position 37°57'N, 19°47'E fired three torpedoes at the rear ship from about 5000 yards. No hits were obtained.

1310B/17 - Four depth charges were dropped.

1325B/17 - The convoy appeared to proceed undamaged.

1644B/17 - Surfaced to make an enemy report.

1651B/17 - Dived and returned to the ordered patrol position. (16)

18 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2340B/18, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) received Capt. S.1's signal timed 1641A(?)/18, ordering her to return to Malta through positions 38°13'N, 20°00'E, 38°18'N, 19°21'E and 35°51'N, 15°15'E. (16)

21 Nov 1941
Around 0800B/21, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) ended her 13th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16)

6 Dec 1941
HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) is docked in No.1 dock at Malta. (22)

9 Dec 1941
HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) is undocked. (22)

10 Dec 1941
Around 1400B/10, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Malta for her 14th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the south of the Strait of Messina (37°55'N, 15°30'E).

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

(16)

11 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1045B/11, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived in position 37°55'N, 15°30'E and commenced patrolling in the vicinty. (16)

12 Dec 1941
At 1055B/12, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) went deep for an aircraft which dropped a bomb fairly close at 1108B/12 and another one at 1111B/12. It was considered possible HMS Urge had been detected at periscope depth.

At 1123B/12, when HMS Urge returned to periscope depth two large transports were sighted escorted by two destroyers. They were proceeding southwards at about 16 knots keeping close to the Calabrian Coast and thus out of attacking range. During the day several patrolling aircraft as well as two A/S schooners were sighted. An enemy report on the two transports was passed at 2230B/12.

The transports were the Fabio Filzi (6836 GRT, built 1940) and Carlo del Greco (6837 GRT, built 1941) escorted by the destroyers Nicoloso da Recco and Antoniotto Usodimare. They were on passage from Messina to Naples. This convoy was attacked by HMS Upright (Lt. J.S. Wraith, DSC, RN) the following day which sank both transports near Taranto.

At 1925B/12, HMS Urge surfaced near a motor torpedo boat which was laying stopped. Urge dived again and withdrew to the southeast surfacing again at 2030B/12. (16)

14 Dec 1941 (position 37.52, 15.30)
HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Italian battleship Vittorio Veneto (41167 tons, built 1940) about 10 nautical miles west-south-west of Capo dell'Armi in position 37°52'N, 15°30'E.

The force attacked by HMS Urge was made up of the Italian battleships Vittorio Veneto and Littorio. They were escorted by the Italian destroyers Granatiere, Fuciliere, Bersagliere and Alpino as well as the Italian torpedo boats Centauro and Clio. Vittorio Veneto was hit on the port side creating a hole 9 m x 14 m under the rear 15” turret, 40 men were killed and 16 were slightly wounded. She still managed to make 21 knots and reach Taranto.

0840B/14 - Came to periscope depth after hearing HE. Sighted two battleships, thought to be of the Cavour-class, screened by four destroyers proceeding southwards through the Strait of Messina at 17 knots. Started attack.

0858B/14 - Fired four torpedoes at the rear battleship from 3000 yards.

0901B/14 - Heard two (possibly three) explosions at the correct running range. A counter attack in which 40 depth charges were dropped followed during the next half hour.

1000B/14- Commenced to reload the torpedo tubes.

1240B/14 - Made an enemy report twice on the mast aerial.

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

2255B/14 - Encountered two motor torpedo boats. Dived to evade detection. (16)

15 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0145B/15, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) reveived Capt. S 10's signal timed 2153B/14 which ordered her to patrol in 'area F', 37°30'N, 15°09°E, 000° - 40 - 30. She was to concentrate on position 37°51'N, 15°37'E. Course was set to comply with these orders.

During the day Urge patrolled near position 37°51'N, 15°37'E. (23)

17 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0045B/17, south of Cape dell Armi, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) heard two motor torpedo boats transmitting on Asdics and hunting. This went on until 0150B/17. In the latter stages three boats were taking part.

At 1925B/17, a motor torpedo boat was seen firing red recognition flares close to the southward. HMS Urge dived for 1.5 hours.

At 2345B/17, an aircraft dropped a flare fairly close. The aircraft then flew directly overhead at low altitude. Urge then dived for 15 minutes. (16)

18 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0400B/18, south of Cape dell Armi, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) sighted the track of a torpedo just ahead. Urge crash dived. HE of motor torpedo boats was picked up. Between one and three were patrolling in the area until 0630B/18. They were also heard to be using Asdics.

HMS Urge ran to the southward during the day to clear the area.

At 2000B/18, the now surfaced HMS Urge was put down for 55 minutes due to patrolling motor torpedo boats.

At 2214B/18, a signal was passed to Capt. S.10 that HMS Urge had to withdraw from her patrol position due to enemy A/S activity. (16)

19 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0100B/19, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) set course to return to her patrol position.

At 0240B/19, HMS Urge dived for a motor torpedo boat which fired white Very lights.

At 0400B/19, HMS Urge surfaced and continued her passage northwards.

At 0440B/19, HMS Urge had to dive for an aircraft which dropped a flare fairly close. The aircraft then flew overhead and HMS Urge dived.

At 0820B/19, Capt. S.10's signal timed 0351B/19 was received which ordered HMS Urge to patrol in position 37°30'N, 15°58'E. Course was set accordingly and HMS Urge arrived in her new patrol position at 1230B/19.

At 1730B/19, HMS Urge is ordered to leave patrol and return to Malta.

At 1900B/19, HMS Urge set course to return to Malta.

At 1930B/19, HMS Urge was forced to dive for 15 minutes when an aircraft flare was dropped near her.

At 1947B/19, just after surfacing a motor torpedo boat was heard close by. Urge again dived, now for half an hour.

At 2015B/19, HMS Urge surfaced and continued her passage southwards. (16)

20 Dec 1941
Around 1100B/20, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 14th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean) at Malta.

She had arrived off Malta around 0910B/20 but 20 minutes later she had to dive for half an hour as an air raid was in progress and bombs were being dropped.

At 1015B/20, a second was of enemy bombers was seen approaching Malta and HMS Urge again had to dive but now for 20 minutes. (16)

22 Jan 1942
Around 2300B/22, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Malta for her 16th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol the approaches of Tripoli to intercept an important enemy convoy.

The convoy referred to was made up of the transports Monginevro (Italian, 5324 GRT, built 1940), Monviso (Italian, 5322 GRT, built 1941), Ravello (Italian, 6142 GRT, built 1941), Vettor Pisani (Italian, 6339 GRT, built 1939) and Victoria (Italian, 13098 GRT, built 1931) en-route from Italy to Tripoli (Ravello returned to Messina due to defects). They were escorted by the destroyers Ugolino Vivaldi, Lanzerotto Malocello, Antonio da Noli, Aviere, Camicia Nera, Geniere and the torpedo boats Orsa and Castore.

A close cover force for this convoy was made up of the light cruisers Emanuele Filiberto Duca d'Aosta, Muzio Attendolo and Raimondo Montecuccoli and the destroyers Alpino, Bersagliere, Carabiniere and Fuciliere.

A distant cover force for this convoy was made up of the battleship Duilio and the destroyers Antonio Pigafetta, Alfredo Oriani, Scirocco and Ascari.

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

(24)

24 Jan 1942
At 0207B/24, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived in the ordered patrol position. Having proceeded with all despatch since 1830B/23.

At 0532B/24, aircraft flares were seen bearing 080° and at 0550B/24 a torpedo hit was heard. This was probably the transport Victoria (Italian, 13098 GRT, built 1931) being hit and sunk by British Albacore torpedo aircraft.

At 0710B/24, HMS Urge dived.

At 0753B/24, HE was picked up and masts were seen to the southward believed to be three merchant vessels, three Condottieri-class cruisers and four destroyers, all spread out.

At 0859B/24, a torpedo hit was heard which was thought to be HMS P 36 (Lt. H.N. Edmonds, DSC, RN) attacking which was indeed correct.

At 1900B/24, HMS Urge set course for Malta in accordance with the recall signal that had been received. She was to arrive at Malta at dawn on the 26th. (24)

26 Jan 1942
Around 0730B/26, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Malta.

She departed again to resume her patrol around 1915B/26. She was now to patrol in an area off the east coast of Sicily from Syracuse to the Straits of Messina. (24)

27 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0700B/27, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) commenced to patrol in position 37°54'N, 15°25'E to intercept enemy submarines operating from Augusta. (24)

29 Jan 1942
At 0421B/29, east of Syracuse, in position 37°04'N, 13°34'E, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) sighted a submarine bearing 080° at a range of about 4 nautical miles. She was down moon from HMS Urge. The submarines course was approximately 350°. Urge closed at 9 knots for 10 minutes. During this time the enemy had turned end on as the range did not decrease. And as HMS Urge was up moon the attack was broken off. (24)

1 Feb 1942 (position 37.56, 15.42)
HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) attacked an enemy convoy off Capo dell Armi, Calabria, Italy in position 37°56'N, 15°42'E. A hit is claimed but in fact all torpedoes missed the target.

The target was the German transport Trapani (1855 GRT, in convoy with the Italian tanker Rondine (6077 GRT, 1924) escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Aretusa and Dezza. Aretusa dropped depth charges and claimed to have seriously damaged the submarine.

1015B/1 - Heard a distant depth charge.

1025B/1 - Another distant depth charge was heard. Also sighted a flying boat to the Eastward. Looked like something was coming towards Urge.

1027B/1 - Sighted the upperworks of a ship that was hugging the coast. Shortly afterwards it was seen to be a convoy of a 3500 tons merchant vessel and two small merchant vessel of about 1000 tons escorted by three destroyers. Started attack.

1053B/1 - Fired three torpedoes from 7000 yards at the 3500 tons merchant vessel.

1057B/1 - Heard one hit.

1058B/1 - Heard one torpedo hitting the rocks. A counter attack with 29 depth charges now followed.

1130B/1 - Returned to periscope depth to find one destroyer circling round to position where the target had been hit. No other ships were in sight. Withdrew to the South-East and reloaded the torpedo tubes. (24)

2 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1950B/2, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) left patrol to return to Malta. (24)

3 Feb 1942
Around 0730B/3, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 16th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (24)

12 Feb 1942
Around 1930B/12, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Malta for her 17th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to perform two special operations and to patrol to the north of Sicily.

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

(24)

16 Feb 1942
HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) landed one of the three agents she had to land near Tunis, Tunisia. The landing of the other two agents had to be abandoned due to the worsening weather.

2020B/16 - Sent in the Folbot with Capt. Wilson and one of the three agents. A slight swell made this difficult.

2125B/16 - The Folbot returned half full of water but had to be abandoned when she broke while being hoisted aboard. Due to the weather the landing of the other two agents had to be abandoned for this night. May be the next night would bring calmer weather.

2130B/16 - Withdrew to the centre of the Gulf of Tunis. (24)

17 Feb 1942
During the evening, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN), again tried to land the two remaining agents but the weather was still not suitable. It was decided to postpone the landing for another day. (24)

18 Feb 1942
During the day Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN noticed that the weather became even worse and that it would be impossible to land the two remaining agents. Course was set to the North of Sicily where a parcel had to be delivered to another agent. Weather conditions became even worse and it was decided to remain in the Gulf of Tunis to ride out this gale on the surface. (24)

19 Feb 1942
HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) was now able to proceed towards the north of Sicily and course was set accordingly. (24)

22 Feb 1942
At 0100B/22, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) started to close the landing position to the east of Cape St. Vito. This was the same agent that was to be contacted on 1 October 1941 when it looked like the enemy was patrolling the area trying to lure the submarine into a trap. HMS Urge came into the Gulf about 3 miles off the land proceeding at 2 knots well trimmed down, listening on Asdics and with an extra lookout on the bridge.

At 0140B/22, when about 3 miles north-west of Cala Rossa, HE was picked up on the Asdics on a bearing of 070°. Shortly afterwards a motor torpedo boat was seen on this bearing proceeding slowly southwards.

At 0142B/22, HMS Urge dived and proceeded slowly out of the Gulf on course 340°. The E-boat was heard proceeding down the coast in spasms and eventually stopped on the bearing of Calo Rossa.

At 0214B/22, HE was heard again on the same bearing as earlier.

At 0405B/22, Fast HE was heard to the south-east lasting for about ten minutes.

At 0657B/22, an A/S trawler was seen coming out of the Gulf on a course of about 060° and about 2 miles from the shore. It appeared as if this vessel had also been near Cala Rossa. In view of all these unusual activities, it was decided to abandon the landing and shift patrol just to the west of Cape San Vito. Urge then proceeded westwards along the coastal traffic route during the day. A few trawlers were seen patrolling in the area during the day.

At 1945B/22, fast HE was heard on bearing 350°. Thought to be a destroyer proceeding at high speed.

At 1955B/22, more HE was heard behind the original HE.

At 1957B/22, Urge surfaced and saw very dimly a largish ship with a destroyer ahead and possible also one astern about 5 miles to the northward. Enemy course was about 090°. They passed about 6.5 miles north of Cape San Vito.

At 2130B/22, a signal was received ordering HMS Urge to leave patrol around noon the following day and return to Malta (24)

23 Feb 1942
At 1945B/23, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN), after having patrolled 5 miles north-east of Cape St. Vito, left patrol to return to Malta. (24)

24 Feb 1942
At 1010B/24, when about 15 miles south of Favignana Island, two destroyers were sighted believed to be the Italian Maestrale and Antonio Pigafetta. They were proceeding northwards at around 24 knots. At the same time smoke was seen coming from between Marittimo and Favignana Islands. It was hoped this was a southbound convoy from Palermo so no action was taken against the destroyers. In fact the southbound ships were an old destroyer escorting two small ships of about 600 tons. Again smoke was sighted to the north and it was decided not to fire at the small ships in case the two destroyers were going to escort southward an important ship.

At 1130B/24, it was seen that the origin of the smoke was a tug towing a schooner to Marittimo. Urge remained patrolling in the area until 1800B/24 but no convoy came her way.

At 1430B/24, a trawler and two schooner minesweepers passed going north. (24)

26 Feb 1942
Around 0700B/26, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 17th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean) at Malta.

She was then taken in hand at the Malta Dockyard where the port generator was replaced. (24)

9 Mar 1942
Around 1945B/9, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Malta for her 18th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Southern part of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

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

(24)

10 Mar 1942
At 2145B/10, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) received Capt. S.10's signal timed 1859B/10 which reported that a large, damaged enemy merchant ship was being towed from Pantelleria to Trapani. It was expected the ship would arrive at Trapani around 2300B/10. Urge increased speed to full to try to intercept.

This must have referred to the damaged Italian transport Luciano Manara (8103 GRT, built 1942) which had been attacked near Pantelleria by three Albacores and three Swordfish aircraft in which she sustained damage from a torpedo. The ship was on passage from Trapani to Tripoli and was escorted by the destroyer Antoniotto Usodimare and the torpedo-boats Polluce and Centauro. The damaged ship then proceeded to Palermo assisted by the tug Nereo.

' Force K ' from Malta, made up of the light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. M.S. Slattery, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. A.D. Nicholl, RN) and the destroyer HMS Kingston (Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) was also deployed to attack the convoy but failed to find it. (24)

11 Mar 1942
At 0035B/11, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) sighted flares bearing 310°, distant about 10 to 15 miles. Nothing was seen of the damaged ship but a loud explosion was heard at about 0220B/11.

At 0340B/11, a destroyer was sighted going southwards at high speed towards Pantelleria.

At 0535B/11 - HMS Urge passed Marittimo Island and set course for Naples.

At 1950B/11, on surfacing the port generator was found to be defective. At 2030B/11, due to the defect course was reversed to return to Malta. At 2150B/11, a signal was passed to Capt. S.10 informing him of this. (24)

12 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0421B/12, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) dived for 20 minutes to evade a destroyer patrolling off Marittimo.

At 0830B/12, three minesweepers en-route from Trapani to Pantelleria were sighted proceeding on course 200°.

At 2300B/12, a very powerful searchlight was sweeping to seawards from Cape San Marco, Sicily for about 40 minutes. (24)

14 Mar 1942
Around 0700B/14, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 18th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (24)

23 Mar 1942
Around 0530B/23, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Malta for her 19th war patrol (17th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the southern part of the Tyrrhenian Sea. On board was also a party which was to try to wreck a train.

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

(24)

24 Mar 1942
At 2100B/24, south-west of Marsala, Sicily, in position 37°30'N, 12°10'E, two northbound schooners were seen by HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN). Did not attack as to not compromise the route taken by the submarine. (25)

26 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2300B/26, south-south-east of Capri, in position 40°22'N, 14°20'E, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) sighted a schooner laying stopped to the east. Also an unidentified small ship was seen to the northward. The schooner was not attacked so as to not give away the submarines presence. (25)

27 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the day, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) sighted several small schooners tunny fishing in Salerno Bay. (24)

28 Mar 1942
At 1100B/28, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) sighted a destroyer and a flying boat patrolling about 10 miles to the south-west of the Bocca Piccola. Again several tunny fishing schooners were seen in the neighbourhood.

At 1330B/28, the destroyer and flying boat returned to Naples Bay keeping to the northward of Capri Island. (24)

29 Mar 1942 (position 40.04, 15.07)
During the night of 29 / 30 March 1942, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) landed a raiding party to wreck a train. This was succesful.

An enemy ship was sighted shortly afterwards and attacked with three torpedoes that all missed. A gun action followed in which three hits were obtained. As the enemy gunfire drew nearer the action had to be broken off.

This was the Italian merchant vessel Pugliola (2974 GRT, built 1917) on passage from Messina to Naples; she was slightly damaged by a single shell and two rounds of MG fire. She returned fire with two rounds (not three as claimed by Tomkinson) and forced the submarine to submerge. Two auxiliary patrol boats Angelini and Eolo were sent to hunt the submarine but they were not equipped with hydrophones and they soon abandoned the chase.

29 March 1942
2335B/29 - Arrived to within half a mile of the shore just north of Pisciotta, Italy. The Folbot party of two (Lt. T.G.A. Walker of Hertforshire regiment and Sgt. H.H.V. Penn) cast off and arrived on the shore 15 minutes later.

30 March 1942
0032B/30 - The Folbot party returned. They had successfully placed their charge under the railway line.

0055B/30 - An electric train hit the charge. The engine blew up and came falling down the embankment. During the approach of the train a ship of about 3000 tons was sighted to the seaward. Enemy course was 320° and she was about 3 nautical miles from the land.

0056B/30 - In position 40°04'N, 15°07'5"E fired three torpedoes from 3500 yards. All three torpedoes missed as the enemy most likely saw the tracks. The gun was now manned and a chase started.

0114B/30 - Fire was opened at a range of 2000 to 2500 yards. 16 Rounds were fired for 3 hits.

0118B/30 - The enemy meanwhile had also opened fire and was now straddling Urge so it was decided to break off the action and dive. (24)

1 Apr 1942 (position 38.37, 15.22)
HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian light cruiser Giovanni delle Bande Nere 11 nautical miles south-east of Stromboli, Italy.

The cruiser had been on passage from Messina to la Spezia, escorted by the destroyer Aviere and the torpedo boat Libra. A third escort, the destroyer Fuciliere, had just turned back because of defects. Of her passengers and crew, 381 were lost. A large scale rescue operation was quickly organised, the hospital ship Capri, the auxiliary Lago Tana and the torpedo boats Pallade and Centauro joining Aviere and Libra and rescuing a total of 391 survivors.

0830B/1 - Sighted a flying boat coming up from Messina along the route to Naples. Went to 85 feet.

0841B/1 - Returned to periscope depth after hearing faint HE. Sighted the fore top of a warship.

0844B/1 - Identified the warship as a 8" cruiser with an escort of two destroyers steering about 330° at 21 knots. Started attack.

0854B/1 - In position 38°37'5"N, 15°22'E fired four torpedoes from 5000 yards. One hit was obtained.

0907B/1 - The first depth charges were dropped out of a total of 38 but none was close. Breaking up noises were heard.

0940B/1 - Returned to periscope depth. Saw the two destroyers and three flying boats. There was no sign of the cruiser. Urge went deep again and withdrew to the westward.

2200B/1 - Passed a signal to Capt. S.10 reporting the sinking of the cruiser. (24)

3 Apr 1942
While patrolling off the north coast of Sicily, between Cape Gallo and Cape St. Vito, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) sighted an Italian destroyer and three German R-boats during the day. All were westbound. [The times these ships were sighted are not noted in the patrol report and as HMS Urge was lost later in this month no log is available as this went down with the submarine.]

At 2017B/3, on surfacing, HMS Urge left patrol and set course to Malta.

The R-boats sighted on this day must have been the R-9, R-14 and R-15 from the 6th R-boat Flotilla which were on passage from Messina (departed 0800B/3) to Trapani (arrived 1845B/3). (26)

6 Apr 1942
Around 0745B/6, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 19th war patrol (17th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (24)

11 Apr 1942
Around 0530B/11, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Malta for her 20th war patrol (18th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol south of Pantelleria up to Lampione Island. (24)

12 Apr 1942 (position 36.21, 12.39)
HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) made a torpedo attack on an enemy convoy about 30 nautical mile south-east of Pantelleria. No hits were obtained.

According to Italian sources these were the German transport Amsterdam (8673 GRT, built 1921) and Giulia (5921 GRT, built 1926) escorted by the destroyer Italian destroyer Premuda and the Italian torpedo boat Clio. From Giulia three torpedo tracks were observed and from Clio two explosions were heard.

0718B/12 - Heard distant depth charging from now on.

1105B/12 - Heard HE.

1108B/12 - In position 36°21'N, 12°39'E sighted two merchant ships of about 7000 tons bearing 005°. Distance was about 8000 yards. The escort consisted of two destroyers and two flying boats. Started attack.

1120B/12 - Fired four torpedoes from 5000 yards. Just after firing a flying boat passed over Urge and she must have sighted the tracks and warned the convoy as HE stopped immediately and the ships started manouvering. No torpedo hits were therefore obtained.

1143B/12 - Returned to periscope depth to find the convoy steaming south unscatched. (24)

13 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0100B/13, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) received the Capt. S.10's signal timed 2252B/12. Course was set to comply with the orders in this signal. Speed was set at 9.5 knots to reach this position in time to intercept the expected convoy. (24)

15 Apr 1942
At 0001B/15, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) is still 3 nautical miles to the north of the ordered patrol position (X = 33°11'N, 14°09'E).

HMS Urge sighted no shipping during the day. Patrolling aircraft had been sighted around 0230/0300 hours.

At 1800B/15, Capt. S.10's signal timed 1347B/15 was received which ordered HMS Urge to patrol to the south of Lampedusa and later to shift to the area north of that island.

At 2030B/15, HMS Urge surfaced and proceeded on course 321° to comply with the above signal. (24)

18 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2210B/18, north-west of Linosa Island, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) sighted and dived for a large motor torpedo boat on course 130° at 18 to 20 knots. At 2239B/18, HMS Urge surfaced and proceeded to the westward keeping 5 miles to the south of the traffic route. (24)

19 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2345B/19, south-south-east of Pantellaria, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) sighted and dived for a patrolling motor torpedo boat. HMS Urge surfaced after one hour and fifteen minutes. (24)

21 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1300B/21, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) left patrol to return to Malta. (24)

22 Apr 1942
Around 2000B/22, HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 20th war patrol (18th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (24)

27 Apr 1942
HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) left Malta before dawn (her sailing orders give the time as 0445B/27) on 27 April 1942 for Alexandria. Due to the constant bombing of Malta the 10th submarine flotilla shifted her base to Alexandria. Passage was to be made via Malta's North-East Channel (course 071° from St. Elmo Light), then via
(a) 36°00'N, 14°53'E
(b) 35°51'N, 15°15'E
(c) 34°55’N, 20°05’E
(d) 34°53'N, 20°28'E
(expected to pass this last point at 0700B/30 April)
(e) 32°12'N, 29°06'E
thence to Alexandria. Her speed of advance was to be 90 miles per day. HMS Urge was to arrive at Alexandria on 6 May 1942 but she failed to do so.

It has been claimed that the submarine was sunk by seven Italian CR.42 fighter planes from 153^Squadriglia off Ras El Hilal (Libya) on the morning of 29 April (the time was later given as 0800 hours). The claim originated with a telephone call from Comandante Dadone at Superareo to Tenente di vascello Barich at Supermarina. Dadone just stated that a submarine shelling an Axis convoy at Ras El Hilal was sighted and attacked by CR.52 (sic) fighters. Upon checking for the identity of the convoy Supermarina assumed that it was the Italian schooner San Giusto on her way to Derna as she could have been in the area. However, there was no confirmation from this vessel that she had been attacked and she was not in convoy (her file at the Ufficio Storico makes no mention of such an attack). Ras Hilal was usually visited by Alexandria-based submarines from the First Flotilla on their way to patrol off Benghazi. On 14 May 1942, San Giusto would actually be sunk by one of them (HMS Turbulent) at Ras El Hilal.

Information from Captain Manfredi to the German Naval Command in Italy stated that the convoy attacked at Ras El Hilal on 29 April consisted of three German MFPs (MFP 150, 154 and 156) and that it was attacked at 20 hours (which contradicted the earlier report, so even Manfredi appears to have been misinformed). To add to the confusion, although these three F-lighters were indeed in the area, German records do not confirm any attack although they do mention that Manfredi had reported such an attack.

Was HMS Urge sunk in this attack? It is quite unlikely, she had sailed in the early hours of 27 April and at a speed of advance of 90 miles per day (according to her orders), her route was straight to Alexandria and she had no compelling reason to be at Ras El Hilal on 29 April. In addition she was supposed to be in 34°53'N, 20°28'E at 0700B/30 April and this would have made her still some 150 miles short from Ras El Hilal had Tomkinson decided to go there. She could not have been at Ras El Hilal on 29 April unless Tomkinson had decided to contravene his orders and go at full speed on the surface night and day (allied submarines were instructed to travel on the surface only during the hours of darkness) and she would have had to beat speed records for “U” class submarines. Why would Tomkinson choose to risk his submarine and go to Ras El Hilal, an anchorage usually frequented by small vessels? Allied submarines had usually strict orders to follow their assigned routes otherwise they could easily be mistaken for enemy and they had more to fear from RAF bombers then from Axis aircraft, the latter having proven to be largely ineffective in fighting submarines. The CR.42 fighters of the Regia Aeronautica, armed with two 50 kg bombs, were unlikely to cause lethal damage to a submarine. The CANT Z.501 of the Regia Marina armed with two 160 kg depth charges were more apt to sink or damage a submarine and although several submarines were damaged by them, none is known to have been sunk.

Was there another submarine at Ras El Hilal? Apparently not, and submarines were frequently reported in areas where it is certain that none operated. Axis and Allied records contain many reports of attacks on non-existent submarines so the claim by the CR.42 fighters is not uncommon. In fact, at 1630 hours on 1 May, a CANT seaplane and a CA.311 fighter reported attacking a submarine just off Benghazi but made no claims of sinking. Had Tomkinson decided to disobey his orders, Benghazi would have made more sense than Ras El Hilal and the submarine could have been there at that time but again this is unlikely. (27)

27 Apr 1942 (position 32.53, 22.11)
On 1 May 2015 it was reported that the wreck of the HMS Urge had been found off Ras al Hilal, Libya.

The editor of this website and Mr. Platon Alexiades considered it likely that the wreck detected was actually that of the German submarine U-205 that foundered there while under tow by the British corvette HMS Gloxinia.

On 30 October 2019 it was announced (offsite link) that the wreck of HMS Urge has been found off Malta. The claim of her being 'found' off Ras al Hilal, Libya therefore proved to be incorrect. HMS Urge apparently fell victim to a mine laid by the German 3rd Schnellbootflottille on 20 April 1942 (MT 13 minefield). Thirty-two crew members and twelve passengers perished, there were no survivors.

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