Ernest John Donaldson Turner DSO, DSC, RN
| Birth details unknown |
 | Ranks
Retired: 22 Apr 1968 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for Ernest John Donaldson Turner, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS L 23 (N 23) | Lt. | Submarine | 20 Apr 1942 | 22 Jun 1942 |
| HMS Sibyl (P 217) | Lt. | Submarine | Jun 1942 | 13 Jan 1944 |
| HMS Sibyl (P 217) | Lt. | Submarine | 18 Feb 1944 | 27 Jun 1944 |
| HMS Affray (P 421) | A/Lt.Cdr. | Submarine | 2 Apr 1945 | 12 Mar 1946 |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Submarine HMS L 23 (N 23)
23 Apr 1942
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN). (1)
23 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (1)
25 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (1)
27 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (1)
28 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (1)
29 Apr 1942
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN) and HMS Liverpool (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN). (1)
30 Apr 1942
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN) and local defence craft. (1)
1 May 1942
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Blyth. She is escorted by HMS Scalby Wyke (Skr. C.A. Grimmer, RNR). (2)
2 May 1942
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) arrived at Blyth. (2)
4 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)
5 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)
6 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)
7 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)
8 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)
12 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)
13 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)
14 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)
15 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)
18 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)
19 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)
20 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)
21 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)
22 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)
26 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)
27 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)
28 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)
29 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)
1 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)
2 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)
3 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)
4 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)
5 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)
6 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)
9 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)
10 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)
11 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)
12 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)
15 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)
16 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)
17 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)
18 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)
19 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)
Submarine HMS Sibyl (P 217)
12 Aug 1942
P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed her builders yard for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (4)
12 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (5)
13 Aug 1942
P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) arrives at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (4)
14 Aug 1942
P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises and trials in the Clyde area. These had to be broken off due to a defective fuel pump. (6)
15 Aug 1942
P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises and trials in the Clyde area. (6)
16 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted full speed trials on the Arran measured mile following which she was commissioned at Holy Loch. (6)
18 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (6)
19 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (6)
20 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted night exercises in the Clyde area. Upon completion of these she returned to Holy Loch. (6)
22 Aug 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to the torpedo firing range at Arrochar (Loch Long). (6)
23 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (6)
24 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (6)
25 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (6)
26 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (6)
27 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) shifted from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (6)
28 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery and D/F trials in the Clyde area. (6)
29 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted sound trials in Loch Goil. (6)
30 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted speed trials on the Arran measured mile. (6)
2 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN) served as the target. (5)
3 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as the target. These also included night exercises. (5)
4 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted night exercises in the Clyde area. On completion of these she returned to Holy Loch. (5)
5 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN) served as the target. (5)
6 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted log calibration trials in Loch Long. (5)
8 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Campbeltown. (5)
9 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (5)
10 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (5)
11 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. These were followed by night attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as the target. (5)
13 Sep 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made the passage North through the Minches together with HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN). They were escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (7)
15 Sep 1942
At 0945 hours HMS Leicester City (T/Lt. C.E. Irving, RNVR) took over the escort of HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) towards Lerwick.
P 217 arrived at Lerwick at 2200 hours. (7)
16 Sep 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Norway to the North of Bergen.
For the daily positions of HMS P 217 during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
23 Sep 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. The patrol had been uneventful. (8)
24 Sep 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN), HMS Unique (Lt. R.E. Boddington, RN) and HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN). They were escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (7)
26 Sep 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (7)
3 Oct 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) and HMS P 228 (Lt. I.L.M. McGeogh, RN) both departed Holy Loch for passage to Gibraltar.
They were escorted South through the Irish Sea by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR).
En-route both submarines were ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay. The passage to Gibraltar was therefore HMS P 217's 2nd war patrol.
For the daily positions of HMS P 217 during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
7 Oct 1942
At 1841 hours HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) was ordered to patrol off Ferrol, Spain to intercept the German blockade breaker Belgrano that was to leave Ferrol. (8)
9 Oct 1942 (position 44.33, 9.47)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) encountered a submarine in the Bay of Biscay. The enemy dived before an attack could be started. We have so far been unable to place an enemy submarine near this position.
(All times are zone -1) 0551 hours - In position 44°33'N, 09°47'E sighted a white phosphorescent wake. The conning tower of a uboat was then sighted. Enemy course was 080°, range 1000 yards.
0553 hours - The enemy dived. Closed to ram.
0554 hours - Passed over the top of the uboat. As we passed over the top white phosphorescent bubbles could be seen showing the position of the uboat and also the course he was steering.
0558 hours - Dived. (8)
10 Oct 1942 (position 43.27, -8.33)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) attacked the German blockade breaker Belgrano (4318 GRT, built 1922) off El Ferrol, Spain in position 43°27'N, 08°33'W. No hits were obtained due to two torpedoes, out of the salvo of four, had gyro failures.
(All times are zone -1) 2140 hours - In position 43°27'N, 08°33'W the Officer of the Watch sighted a phosphorescent wake. Shortly afterwards sighted the silhouette of a darkened motor vessel. Enemy course was 290°. Started attack.
2148 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 1000 yards. The tracks of the torpedoes could be seen quite clearly due to their phosphorescent wake. The first two torpedoes passed ahead of the target. The third torpedo turned off to the right. If she had not done so she would have hit the target. The fourth torpedo was seen to circle.
2150 hours - Dived to avoid being hit by our own torpedoes suffering from a gyro failure. This was very wise as two minutes later one of them passed overhead. (8)
15 Oct 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Gibraltar. (8)
1 Nov 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Southern France and to perform a special operation.
For the daily positions of HMS P 217 during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
8 Nov 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted special operation 'Neptune'. At 0200 hours (zone -1), near Cannes, the crew of a small boat casted off from the shore and came towards. In two trips 7 persons were brought on board, including a women. These 7 persons were part of the staff of French general Giraud and were to be taken to Algiers. (8)
11 Nov 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) arrived at Algiers. (8)
12 Nov 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for Gibraltar. She took passage in convoy MKS 1. (8)
14 Nov 1942 (position 36.04, -3.55)
At 0514 hours (zone -1), in position 36°04'N, 03°55'W, HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) a lookout reported a dark object. Lt. Turner was in the control room at that moment. By the time he came on the bridge the conning tower of a German uboat (this was U-73) was seen passing down the starboard side at a range of 300 yards. The Officer of the Watch had ordered starboard wheel, Lt. Turner then ordered hard starboard and full speed in the hope of ramming the German uboat that had just torpedoed the merchant vessel Lanande. The uboat however dived and P 217 passed overhead shortly afterwards. The stern escort vessel was only 3 cables away and P 217 signalled the position of the uboat to her by signal lamp and then got out of the way to rejoin the convoy later on.
At 1200 hours HMS P 217 ended her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) when she entered Gibraltar. (8)
22 Nov 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 217 during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
27 Nov 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) was ordered to patrol off the Gulf of Tunis. (8)
3 Dec 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) was ordered to patrol off Naples. (8)
5 Dec 1942 (position 40.27, 14.02)
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) attacked an Italian convoy about 10 nautical miles South-West of the island of Capri, Italy. Three hits were claimed but this was not the case. The ships attacked were the Italian merchants Honestas (4932 GRT, built 1920) and Sant'Antioco (4994 GRT, built 1919). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Groppo and Orione.
(All times are zone -1) 1435 hours - Sighted the funnels and masts of 2 merchant ships escorted by 3 destroyers of torpedo boats bearing 140°. Range was 14000 yards. Started attack.
1515 hours - In position 40°27'N, 14°02'E fired 4 torpedoes from 6000 yards.
1520 hours - 3 Explosions were heard thought to be torpedo hits.
1535 hours - Depth charging commenced.
1545 hours - As the depth charges were not dropped very close returned to periscope depth. Saw that the destroyers / torpedo boats were hunting. There was no sign of the 2 merchant ships.
1730 hours - Depth charging ceased. 62 Had been dropped but no damage was caused by them.
Groppo reported missed by a torpedo and hunted the submarine without visible result and rejoined the convoy. The search was taken over by submarine chasers from the local defence. (8)
14 Dec 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (8)
27 Dec 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Naples.
For the daily positions of HMS P 217 during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
13 Jan 1943
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. She had sighted only two destroyers and small vessels. (8)
24 Jan 1943
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) is docked at Algiers. The date she was undocked is not known to us at the moment. (9)
3 Feb 1943
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Naples.
For the daily positions of HMS P 217 during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
20 Feb 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. No targets of interest were sighted. (8)
4 Mar 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 7th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the North of Sicily.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Sibyl during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
14 Mar 1943 (position 38.16, 13.10)
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Pegli (1595 GRT, built 1910) 6 nautical miles bearing 270° of Cape Gallo, Sicily, Italy in position 38°16'N, 13°10'E. (38°14'N, 13°13'E According to Italian sources). Pegli was on a trip from Trapani to Palermo escorted by the corvettes Persefone and Cicogna.
(All times are zone -1) 0901 hours - In position 38°16'N, 13°09'E sighted the masts and funnel of a medium seized merchant ship escorted by 1 destroyer / torpedo boat and 2 floatplanes. Range was 7000 yards. Started attack.
0949 hours - In position 38°16'N, 13°10'E fired 4 torpedoes from 1800 yards. 2 Explosions were heard.
0955 hours - The escort dropped 10 depth charges fairly close. Another pattern of 10 depth charges was dropped a little later but this was not as close as the first pattern.
1051 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Saw the merchant vessel very low in the water with a heavy list and on fire. The escort was standing by her and had given up the hunt.
1130 hours - Had another look. The merchant vessel had sunk and the escort was picking up the survivors. Went deep again and retired to the North. Another escort later joined and Sibyl was hunted through most of the afternoon. A total of 95 depth charges were dropped on her during this day.
Persefone attacked the submarine with four patterns of depth charges. She was later joined in the hunt by the corvette Antilope. (8)
21 Mar 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (8)
2 Apr 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 8th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the North of Sicily.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Sibyl during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
11 Apr 1943 (position 38.19, 13.00)
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) fired four torpedoes against a convoy on a passage from Trapani to Palermo and consisting of the German Carbet (ex French, 3689 GRT, built 1920), the Italians Giovanni Bottiglieri (990 GRT, built 1905), Macerata (ex French Lacydon, ex La Résolue, 705 GRT, built 1910) and the naval tanker Prometeo (1200 tons, built 1920) escorted by the torpedo boat Pegaso (escort leader), the destroyer Augusto Riboty, the submarine chasers Bivona and UJ 2210 and the minesweeper M 6524 about 10 nautical miles north-north-west of Punta Raisi, Sicily, Italy in position 38°19'N, 13°00'E. All torpedoes missed astern of their targets.
(All times are zone -1) 1330 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 240° with aircraft circling overhead. Altered course towards.
1430 hours - Heard Asdic impulses right ahead. Sighted masts of ships sighted steering in a North-East direction from Capo San Vito.
1450 hours - It was now seen that a convoy of 3 merchant ships escorted by 6 destroyers and a large number of aircraft including float planes and fighters. Started attack.
1554 hours - In position 38°19'N, 13°00'E fired 4 torpedoes from 5000 to 6000 yards. Went deep on firing.
1600 hours - Heard a loud explosion.
1612 hours - A counter attack commenced. Depth charges were dropped fairly close.
1638 hours - Depth charging ceased. 36 Depth charges had been dropped causing some minor damage to the port exhaust trunking.
Carbet sighted a periscope and opened fire with her 20mm gun. UJ 2210 stationed astern on the right flank of the convoy, sighted three torpedo tracks and put the helm hard to port to avoid them and they missed 40-60 metres astern. The submarine chaser combed the tracks, obtained a sonar contact and dropped a pattern of depth charges. An Italian aircraft dropped two bombs but missed. UJ 2210 made a second run with depth charges and claimed the submarine sunk. (8)
16 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0149 hours HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN), north of Marettimo, was detected by a Wellington bomber using ASV radar. Fortunately it only dropped a smoke float.
20 Apr 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (8)
3 May 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the South-East and South of Sardinia.
For the daily positions of HMS Sibyl during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
19 May 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. The patrol has been uneventful. (8)
1 Jun 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 10th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the East coast of Corsica and to conduct a special operation.
For the daily positions of HMS Sibyl during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
9 Jun 1943
In the early morning hours HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) carried out special operation 'Leg'. 2 French agents were landed and 5 agents were taken off. Upon leaving the area after the completion of the operation a rifle shot was heard and also machine gun fire. (8)
16 Jun 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (8)
28 Jun 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 11th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the East coast of Corsica. She was also ordered to carry out a special operation before taking up her patrol position.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Sibyl during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
4 Jul 1943
During the evening HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) landed an agent on the East coast of Corsica. (8)
5 Jul 1943 (position 42.46, 9.38)
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) attacked but missed the Italian merchant Rossini (2424 GRT, built 1928) with 4 torpedoes about 10 nautical miles North-East of Bastia, Corsica. She was on passage from Bastia to Leghorn, escorted by the German SG 10.
(All times are zone -1) 2020 hours - Sighted a motor vessel escorted by an Armed Merchant Cruiser. Also aircraft were seen overhead. Enemy course was 068°. Started attack.
2051 hours - In position 42°46'N, 09°38'E fired 4 torpedoes from 5000 yards. Went deep on firing.
2057 hours - Heard a loud explosion thought to be a torpedo hit. A double explosion was heard almost 2 minutes later.
2120 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The light was too bad to observe the results of the attack.
Rossini reported two torpedo tracks while SG 10 only heard two underwater explosions. (8)
6 Jul 1943 (position 42.50, 9.37)
At 0313 hours (zone -1), in position 42°50'N, 09°37'E, HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) spotted a Motor Torpedo Boat coming towards. Sibyl crash dived and 1 minute later 6 depth charges were dropped nearby but caused no damage.
The attacking boat has not yet been identified. (8)
18 Jul 1943 (position 39.03, 9.49)
At 1733 hours, in position 39°03'N, 09°49'E, HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) destroyed by gunfire a derelict Cant Z.1007 which had been abandoned by her crew.
22 Jul 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 11th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (8)
26 Jul 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) is docked in No.2 dock at Algiers. (10)
31 Jul 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) is undocked. (10)
17 Aug 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 12th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to conduct a special operation in the Gulf of Genoa and afterwards to patrol between Corsica and the Italian Mainland.
For the daily positions of HMS Sibyl during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
20 Aug 1943
During the evening HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) completed the first part of her special operation (Operation 'Uvula').
Small containers were put overboard in shallow water. These containers most likely held sabotage materials for the Italian Resistance but we are not sure of that. Operation 'Uvula' was prepared by Massingham (SOE organisation in French North Africa, based in Algiers). (8)
22 Aug 1943
During the evening HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) completed the second (and final) part of her special operation (Operation 'Uvula')
It had been intended to complete the operation the previous night but a fleet of small fishing vessels was sighted in the area so the second part of the operation had to be postponed. (8)
3 Sep 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 12th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (8)
18 Sep 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 13th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Genoa and later off Bastia, Corsica.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Sibyl during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
22 Sep 1943 (position 44.11, 9.24)
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) fires four torpedoes against the German merchant Lorenz L.-M. Russ (1448 GRT, built 1925) some 5 nautical miles south of Sestri Levante, Liguria, Italy in position 44°11'N, 09°24'E. No hits were obtained.
(All times are zone -1) 0824 hours - Sighted the masts of two vessels coast crawling towards Genoa.
0843 hours - The ships were identified as a 1500 tons merchant vessel escorted by what is thought to be an 'Ostia-class' minelayer.
0917 hours - In position 44°11'N, 09°24'E fired four torpedoes at the merchant vessel. Heard one explosion.
0933 hours - When about to return to periscope depth a pattern of seven depth charges was dropped so remained deep.
1000 hours - Returned to periscope depth. No ships in sight. Two aircraft were patrolling the area.
The escort was the German SG 11. They were en-route from Leghorn to Genoa. Lorenz L.-M. Russ sighted three torpedo tracks and turned sharply to starboard, the torpedoes missed ahead. (8)
23 Sep 1943 (position 44.13, 9.14)
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant St. Nazaire (2910 GRT, built 1919, former French) about 8 nautical miles west of Sestri Levante, Italy in position 44°13'N, 09°14'E. St. Nazaire was escorted by the German minesweepers R 38 and R 187 and they were on passage from Genoa to La Spezia.
(All times are zone -1) 1541 hours - Sighted a merchant vessel coast crawling to the South-East. Started attack.
1613 hours - Identified the vessel as being of 3000 tons. She was flying the German ensign.
1632 hours - In position 44°13'N, 09°14'E fired four torpedoes from 3600 yards. One hit was obtained.
1642 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Sighted the target burning fiercely with a large column of black smoke coming from it.
1653 hours - The enemy blew up and sank. Set course to clear the area.
R 38 and R 187 rescued 21 survivors, 38 were missing. (8)
29 Sep 1943 (position 42.43, 9.40)
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) attacked a German landing barge off Bastia, Corsica with a torpedo. Unfortunately it ran under.
(All times are zone -1) 1400 hours - Sighted five German landing barges. Decided to carry out an attack on one of them with a torpedo set shallow.
1415 hours - In position 42°43'N, 09°40'E fired no. 1 tube from 500 yards. The torpedo ran towards the target but no explosion followed and it must have run under.
[The convoy attacked was made up of six barges, F 611, F 553, F 554, F 619, F 610 and F 622. F 610 reported being missed about 15 metres astern by a single torpedo at 1412 (1512 hours, German time). They were en-route from Bastia to Piombino. F 610 reported that a torpedo missed her by 15 metres.] (8)
30 Sep 1943 (position 42.43, 9.40)
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the German depot ship (Mutterschiff) Hummer (ex: M 7022, 278 GRT, former French Auguste Denise, built 1919) north-east of Bastia, Corsica, France in position 42°43'N, 09°40'E.
(All times are zone -1) 1400 hours - Sighted the masts and funnel of a ship leaving Bastia harbour. Enemy course was 075°. Started attack.
1416 hours - Identified the target as a large trawler, camouflaged and packed with enemy troops.
1426 hours - In position 42°43'N, 09°40'E fired two torpedoes from 1100 yards. One hit was obtained.
1428 hours - Sighted that the enemy had been hit and had sunk. Several survivors were seen on a raft, others were swimming in the water. Set course to the North to clear the area.
We do not know the number of casualties and survivors, if any, from this vessel. (8)
4 Oct 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 13th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (8)
22 Oct 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for Malta. The passage was made together with HMS Sportsman (Lt. R. Gatehouse, DSC, RN) in convoy KMS 29.
For the daily positions of HMS Sibyl during this passage see the map below.
(11)
25 Oct 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (11)
26 Oct 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for Beirut.
For the daily positions of HMS Sibyl during this passage see the map below.
(11)
31 Oct 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Beirut. (11)
5 Nov 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Beirut for Haifa. (12)
6 Nov 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Haifa where she is immediately docked. (12)
7 Nov 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) is undocked at Haifa. She immediately departed for her 14th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Sibyl during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
14 Nov 1943 (position 38.25, 25.23)
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) sank the Greek sailing vessel SAL 352 / Stefanos (150 GRT) with gunfire South-West of Psara, Greece.
(All times are zone -2) 1947 hours - Sighted a caique in the moonlight. Turned towards to investigate.
2010 hours - The caique had now been overtaken and was seen to fly the Greek ensign with the German commandeer pennant inferior. Boarded her. Her crew of 3 was taken on board. Cargo was bags of raisins and empty drums.
2035 hours - Sank the caique with gunfire in position 38°25'N, 25°23'E. (8)
15 Nov 1943 (position 39.39, 25.33)
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) sank the Greek sailing vessel MY 227 / Agia Trias (70 GRT) with gunfire South-East of Limnos, Greece.
(All times are zone -2)
2130 hours - Sighted a dark object. Altered course to get astern of the object and place it in the path of the moon.
2147 hours - Identified the object as a medium seized caique.
2200 hours - In position 39°39'N, 25°33'E opened fire from 2000 yards.
2212 hours - The caique sank. Closed the wreckage but found no survivors.
Actually, seven survivors reached the coast, four were missing. (8)
18 Nov 1943 (position 39.27, 25.11)
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) sank the Greek sailing vessel MY 662 / Kanelos (20 GRT) with gunfire off Strati, Greece.
Later the same day she sank the sailing vessel HYD 140 / Agios Dimitrios (20 GRT) with gunfire South-East of the Kassandra peninsula, Greece.
(All times are zone -2) 0650 hours - In position 39°27'N, 25°11'E sighted a small caique steering North-West.
0700 hours - The caique was ordered alongside. She was carrying a cargo of olive oil and soap to Saloniki from Mitylene. The crew was taken off and the caique was then sunk by gunfire.
--------------------------------------
1245 hours - Surfaced in position 39°42'N, 24°07'E and stopped a small caique. She was bound from Stavros to Piraeus with a cargo of rice. She was sunk with gunfire after taking on board the crew. (8)
25 Nov 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 14th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (8)
8 Dec 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Beirut for Port Said. (13)
9 Dec 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said. (13)
10 Dec 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) is docked at Port Said for a propeller change. (13)
11 Dec 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) is undocked. (13)
20 Dec 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Beirut. (13)
23 Dec 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Beirut. (13)
24 Dec 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Beirut for her 15th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean and to perform a special operation.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Sibyl during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
26 Dec 1943
The special operation that HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) was to perform is cancelled. (8)
31 Dec 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) is ordered to proceed to Kastelorizo, Greece to land the party that was to conduct the special operation. (8)
1 Jan 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) landed the special operation party at Kasteloriso. She departed to return to her patrol area later the same day. (8)
8 Jan 1944 (position 39.36, 26.01)
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire North-West of Cape Baba, Turkey.
(All times are zone -2) 1200 hours - Surfaced in position 39°36'N, 26°01'E and sank a 30 tons caique with gunfire. The caique was not flying an ensign. Took 5 survivors on board. Another caique flying the Turkish ensign was seen to run itself aground but was later seen to come off again.
So far the identity of the caique sunk is unknown and she might well have been Turkish. There is no more information on the survivors in the patrol report. (8)
9 Jan 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) sank the Greek sailing vessel SAM 32 / Taxiarchis with gunfire off Baba Burnu, Turkey.
(All times are zone -2) 0119 hours - In position 39°35'N, 25°50'E sighted a 200 tons schooner steering towards Mitylene. Manoeuvred to get the schooner between the moon and the submarine.
0138 hours - Opened fire on the schooner.
0140 hours - After four rounds the schooner burst into flames and sank immediately. Survivors were then picked up. She had been carrying petrol in drums and was en route to Mudros. (8)
13 Jan 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 15th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (8)
2 Mar 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) is docked in No.1 dock at Malta for repairs to her propellers. (14)
10 Mar 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) is undocked. (14)
21 Mar 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 17th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to carry out two special operations off Cephalonia, Greece (operation 'Clerk' and a beach reconnaissance).
For the daily positions of HMS Sibyl during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
23 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2030 hours, HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) landed at Loortha Bay two MI9 agents Captain E.J.A. Lunn and Sergeant J. Gilmour from SBS (deception operation ‘Clerk’). Because of the strong surf, they could not return to the submarine. They made contacts with the local inhabitants and members of the ELAS and EDES resistance organisations. They were finally re-embarked on 22 April by an L.C.I. near Trikasteron and brought to Monopoli.
26 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2030 hours, HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) landed at Ortholita Bay Captain Kennard and Sergeant Preece from SBS for special beach reconnaissance (operation Zeppelin). They were recovered at 2050 hours.
28 Mar 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 17th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)
1 Apr 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. She made the passage in convoy GUS 35.
Sibyl was to return to the U.K. to refit.
For the daily positions of HMS Sibyl during this passage see the map below.
(15)
6 Apr 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (15)
9 Apr 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Cyclamen (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Frogbrook, RNR) until 2315/11 when she parted company in position 43°00'N, 13°22'W.
For the daily positions of HMS Sibyl during this passage see the map below.
(8)
17 Apr 1944
At 0630 hours, off Land's End, HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) made rendez-vous with HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN), FFS Rubis and their escort HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR). Course was then set for Holy Loch. (8)
18 Apr 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) lost contact with the other ships an put into Holyhead. She departed for Holy Loch later the same day with the other ships. (8)
19 Apr 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (8)
22 Apr 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for passage to Dundee. She made the passage together with HrMs O 19 (Lt.Cdr. A. van Karnebeek, RNN) and HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN).
O 19 was also to proceed to Dundee and Strongbow was to proceed to Lerwick to begin her 1st war patrol from there.
They were escorted by HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR). (15)
24 Apr 1944
At 0700 hours HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR) took over the escort of HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) and HrMs O 19 (Lt.Cdr. A. van Karnebeek, RNN) to Dundee. (15)
25 Apr 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Dundee. (15)
7 May 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) shifted from Dundee to Blyth where she was to refit. She was escorted by HMS ML 229 (T/Lt. W.C.R. Walsh, RNVR). (16)
11 May 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) commenced her refit at Blyth. (16)
Sources
- ADM 173/17283
- ADM 173/17284
- ADM 173/17285
- ADM 173/17547
- ADM 173/17448
- ADM 173/17447
- ADM 173/17548
- ADM 199/1875
- ADM 199/1919
- ADM 173/18065
- ADM 173/18068
- ADM 173/18069
- ADM 173/18070
- ADM 173/18736
- ADM 173/18737
- ADM 173/18738
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
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