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Submarine HMS H 31 (N 31)

25 Jan 1940
HMS H 31 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Portland with trawlers. (1)

26 Jan 1940
HMS H 31 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) departed Portland for Sheerness. She was escorted by HMS Wolborough (Cdr.(Retd.) J.S. Hoffman, RN) and HMS Stella Sirius. (1)

27 Jan 1940
HMS H 31 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) arrived at the Sheerness Dockyard where she was taken in hand for refit. (1)

Submarine HMS H 32 (N 32)

5 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted independent exercises off Portland. (2)

6 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted independent exercises off Portland. (2)

8 Feb 1940
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Portland with HMS Topaze (Lt.Cdr. J.N. Hambly, MBE, RN) and HMS Hertfordshire (Skr. A.H. Sandford, RNR). (2)

13 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Portland. (2)

14 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Portland. (2)

19 Feb 1940
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Portland with HMS Wakeful (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, RN) and HMS Wild Swan (Lt.Cdr. J.L. Younghusband, DSC, RN). (2)

22 Feb 1940
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Portland with HMS St. Modwen. (2)

27 Feb 1940
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Portland with HMS Valena (Capt. W.H. Poole, RNR) and HMS Wistaria (Skr. H.C. Aisthorpe, RNR). (2)

28 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) A/S independent exercises off Portland with HMS Havelock (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSC, RN). (2)

29 Feb 1940
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Portland with HMS St. Modwen. (2)

6 Mar 1940
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Portland with HMS Valena (Capt. W.H. Poole, RNR) and HMS Conqueror (Capt.(Retd.) E.T.R. Chambers, RN). (3)

7 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) A/S exercises off Portland with HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. N.J.V. Thew, RN) and HMS Vimiera (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, RN). (3)

8 Mar 1940
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Portland with HMS Valena (Capt. W.H. Poole, RNR) and HMS Conqueror (Capt.(Retd.) E.T.R. Chambers, RN). (3)

9 Mar 1940
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Portland with HMS Havelock (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSC, RN) and HMS Hesperus (Lt.Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, RN). (3)

15 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Portland. (3)

16 Mar 1940
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Portland with HMS Hertfordshire (Skr. A.H. Sandford, RNR) and HMS Olvina (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Cuthbertson, RNR). (3)

18 Mar 1940
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Portland with HMS Olvina (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Cuthbertson, RNR). (3)

28 Mar 1940
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Portland with HMS Conqueror (Capt.(Retd.) E.T.R. Chambers, RN) and HMS St. Modwen (Cdr.(Retd.) W.A. Ford, RN). (3)

29 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Portland. (3)

30 Mar 1940
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Portland with HMS Highlander (Cdr. W.A. Dallmeyer, RN). (3)

1 Apr 1940
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Portland. (4)

2 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Portland with HMS Valena (Capt. W.H. Poole, RNR). (4)

3 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Portland with HMS Acheron (Lt.Cdr. R.W.F. Northcott, RN) and HMS Malcolm (Capt. T.E. Halsey, RN). (4)

4 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Portland with HMS Highlander (Cdr. W.A. Dallmeyer, RN). (4)

5 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Portland with HMS Kingfisher (Lt.Cdr. G.A.M.V. Harrison, RN). (4)

10 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Portland. (4)

11 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Portland. (4)

12 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Portland. (4)

13 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Portland. (4)

18 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Portland. (4)

19 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Portland. (4)

20 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Portland. (4)

22 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Portland with HMS Conqueror (Capt.(Retd.) E.T.R. Chambers, RN). (4)

27 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) departed Portland for Sheerness. (4)

30 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) arrived at the Sheerness Dockyard where she was taken in hand for refit. (4)

Submarine HMS H 31 (N 31)

12 Jun 1940
HMS H 31 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth. These included a practice attack on HMS White Bear (Capt. R. Gill, RD, RNR). (5)

13 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 31 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth. These included a practice attack on HMS White Bear (Capt. R. Gill, RD, RNR). (5)

19 Jun 1940
HMS H 31 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) departed Blyth for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the North Sea near the north coast of The Netherlands.

For the daily positions of HMS H 31 during this patrol see the map below. Do note that the map is incomplete as there are no positions noted in the log for several days.

(6)

1 Jul 1940
HMS H 31 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Blyth. (6)

14 Jul 1940
HMS H 31 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) departed Blyth for her 6th war patrol. Again she was ordered to patrol in the North Sea near the north coast of The Netherlands.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS H 31 during this patrol see the map below.

(6)

18 Jul 1940 (position 53.28, 5.01)
HMS H 31 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) torpedoed and sank the German auxiliary patrol vessel UJ 126 / Steiermark (422 GRT, built 1938) in the North Sea north-west of the Island of Terschelling, Netherlands in position 53°28'N, 05°01'E.

The other two trawlers were UJ 125 / Johs. Klatte and UJ 128 / Franken. Besides hunting the attacker they picked up 37 survivors. 9 crew of UJ 126 died.

0633 hours - Sighted three trawlers bearing red 135° to 160°. Own course 165°. Started attack.

0737 hours - Fired one torpedo.

0739 hours - The enemy started a hunt. Only two ships were heard hunting.

0742 hours - Depth charging started. A total of four were dropped in ten minutes. The enemy was heard hunting until around 1000 hours whan HE started to fade out.

1015 hours - No more HE heard.

1130 hours - Came to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. (6)

26 Jul 1940
HMS H 31 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Blyth. (6)

Submarine HMS Upholder (N 99)

30 Oct 1940
Around 0930A/30, Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) departed her builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Surprise (Capt.(Retd.) E. Stubbs, RN). (7)

31 Oct 1940
Around 1450A/31, Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. She had earlier picked up a trials party at Greenock and conducted trials in the Clyde area before entering Holy Loch. Following successful completion of these trials she was commissioned in full / taken over from the shipyard at Holy Loch. (7)

2 Nov 1940
HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (7)

3 Nov 1940
HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. Upon completion of these exercises she proceeded to the torpedo range at Arrochar. (7)

5 Nov 1940
HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (7)

6 Nov 1940
HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (7)

7 Nov 1940
HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (7)

8 Nov 1940
HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) proceeded from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (7)

9 Nov 1940
HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. Upon completion of these exercises she proceeded to Rothesay. (7)

12 Nov 1940
HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (7)

13 Nov 1940
HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HrMs Z 8 (Lt.Cdr. P.A. de Boer, RNN) acted as target.

These were followed by night attack exercises with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (7)

14 Nov 1940
HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (7)

15 Nov 1940
HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) acted as target. HMS Upholder proceeded to Holy Loch on completion of the exercises. (7)

21 Nov 1940
Around 0850A/21, HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) departed Holy Loch for Portsmouth.

Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN). The submarines were escorted by HMS Surprise (Capt.(Retd.) E.Stubbs, RN).

HMS Taku parted company around 0335A/23. HMS Surprise then proceeded to Plymouth most likely still escorting HMS Upholder part of her way to Portsmouth. (8)

24 Nov 1940
Around 1230A/24, HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN), arrived at Portsmouth (Haslar Creek).

She had been joined by an escort, [identity not given in the log of HMS Upholder], around 0840/24. (8)

25 Nov 1940
HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) is docked in the floating dock at Portsmouth for a propeller change. (8)

26 Nov 1940
HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) is undocked, conducted propeller trials which were not satisfactory and she was docked again in the floating dock. (8)

27 Nov 1940
HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) is undocked, conducted propeller trials which again were not satisfactory and she was docked yet again in the floating dock. (8)

29 Nov 1940
HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) is undocked. (8)

7 Dec 1940
HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (8)

10 Dec 1940
Around 1330A/10, HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) departed Portsmouth for Gibraltar. On the 14th HMS Upholder was ordered to take up a patrol position of the North coast of Spain near Gijon making this passage her 1st war patrol.

She was escorted out until 1740A/10 by HMS Kingston Amber (Skr. J. Flett, RNR). (9)

10 Dec 1940
For the daily positions of HMS Upholder during her 1st war patrol see the map below.

14 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) is ordered (Vice-Admiral Submarines signal timed 0332A/14) to proceed with despatch to position 43°44'N, 05°32'W (north of Gijon, Spain). HMS Upholder was to attack and then report enemy tranports approaching Gijon from the north-east. She was not to enter Spanish territorial waters and not to molest Spanish coastal trade. (10)

17 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN), HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) and HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. P.R. Ward, RN) are ordered to leave patrol and continue their passage to Gibraltar.

25 Dec 1940
HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) is docked at Gibraltar. (9)

28 Dec 1940
HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) is undocked. (9)

1 Jan 1941
Around 2215A/1, HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) departed from Gibraltar for her 2nd war patrol. She is to take up a patrol position with HMS Triumph (Lt.Cdr. W.J.W. Woods, RN) and HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. P.R. Ward, RN) to the West of Gibraltar off Cape Spartel.

This was most likely to intercept Vichy-French warships that might sortie from Casablanca to operate against Allied shipping as a reprisal for actions against Vichy-French convoys.

HMS Upholder was to patrol in position 000° - Malabata - 6 nautical miles. (11)

2 Jan 1941
HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) is recalled to Gibraltar where she arrived around 1540A/2. (12)

3 Jan 1941
Around 1830A/3, HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) departed from Gibraltar for her 3rd war patrol and subsequent passage to Malta. HMS Upholder and HMS Triumph (Lt.Cdr. W.J.W. Woods, RN) are to provide cover for convoy 'Excess' to Malta. Upholder is ordered to patrol from 38°20'N, 07°50'E (dawn 9/1) to 38°30'N, 09°20'E (dusk 9/1). She actually reaches the area one day ahead of schedule but the patrol is uneventful.

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

(13)

12 Jan 1941
Around 0730A/12, HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Malta. The patrol / passage had been uneventful only a few aircraft had been sighted. (13)

24 Jan 1941
Around 1715A/24, HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) departed Malta for her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol between Kerkennah and Tripoli.

Before departure compass adjustment trials were carried out.

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

(14)

26 Jan 1941
HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) attacked a convoy with four torpedoes off Kerkennah. No hits were obtained.

A return convoy of troopships was expected, which was made up of the troop transports Esperia (11398 GRT, built 1920), Conte Rosso (17897 GRT, built 1922), Marco Polo (12567 GRT, built 1912) and Victoria (13098 GRT, built 1931) escorted by the destroyers Luca Tarigo, Saetta and Freccia. This convoy had left Tripoli around 1900B/25 and arrived at Naples around 1000B/27). This was most likely the convoy that was attacked by Upholder but there is no confirmation. It seems likely that in the darkness Lt. Wanklyn did not see the entire convoy.

0030A/26 - Sighted Kerkennah no.4 Buoy (34°51'N, 11°50'E) and adjusted position.

0125A/26 - Heard loud H.E., 160 revs - bearing 090° and assumed this to be the expected convoy.

0130A/26 - H.E. moving left. Altered course to intercept. Sighted one merchant vessel and one destroyer.

0135A/26 - Fired two torpedoes from No.1 and No.2 tubes at the merchant vessel, range 2500 yards.

0136A/26 - Turned away to avoid the destroyer. Sighted two more merchant vessels astern of the first merchant vessel.

0147A/26 - Fired two torpedoes from No.3 and No.4 tubes at the rear ship, range 3000 yards.

0149A/26 - Dived.

0500A/26 - Sighted a darkened trawler. Dived and picked up the HE of two trawlers.

0522A/26 - Surfaced after the HE had faded out but dived again when a trawler was seen laying stopped only 1000 yards astern. Set course to proceed 15 miles to the south-south-east. (14)

27 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2120A/27, when to the west of Tripoli (in approximate position 33°00'N, 12°35'E), HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN), sighted a flickering light to the southward and subsequently made out three merchant vessels.

HMS Upholder gave chase but the attack was broken off at 2210A/27 when the range had decreased to 3000 yards as the ships were considered to be empty. (14)

28 Jan 1941
At 0430A/28 HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) torpedoed and damaged the German transport Duisburg (7389 GRT, built 1928), south of the Kerkennah Shallows. The damaged ship was towed into Tripoli, 20 nautical miles away by her escort, the Italian armed merchant cruiser Caralis (3510 GRT, built 1928).

The German transport Ingo (3950 GRT, built 1926) was also part of this convoy that was on passage from Naples to Tripoli. The Ingo had however been sunk the previous afternoon by a Swordfish torpedo aircraft near Kerkenah, Tunisia in position 34°27'N, 11°48'E.

0413A/28 - Sighted two ships bearing 290°, steering 095°. Started attack.

0427A/28 - Fired two torpedoes from No.1 and 2 tubes at the rear ship from 900 yards. The second torpedo hit the target forward.

0650A/28 - Sighted the target, a merchant vessel of 8000 tons, laying stopped down by the bow with her forecastle under water to within 50 feet from her bridge. It was thought that the ship would sink. Upholder moved to the west. (14)

29 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0420A/29, while patrolling to the west of Tripoli, HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) heard and sighted a destroyer / torpedo boat. The enemy vessel remained in the vicinity until 0730A/29 when it returned to Tripoli.

At 1000A/29, three minesweepers were seen to be operating in the area. They were lost from sight around 1400A/29. (14)

30 Jan 1941 (position 32.55, 12.41)
HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) attacks the Italian transport Motia (2336 GRT, built 1918) and the Italian tanker Delfin (5210 GRT, built 1918) escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Orione and Aldebaran west of Tripoli, Libya in position 32°55'N, 12°41'E. All torpedoes fired missed their target and following the attack HMS Upholder was depth charged for 15 minutes by the Aldebaran. HMS Upholder was not damaged. The enemy convoy had departed Palermo on 27 January for Tripoli.

0420A/30 - While patrolling to the west of Tripoli a destroyer / torpedo boat was first heard and then sighted proceeding westwards. It is thought this escort might rendesvous with an incoming convoy.

0915A/30 - Three minesweepers were seen operating in the area.

1604A/30 - Heard HE bearing 295°. Shortly afterwards sighted a convoy of two ships approaching from the Westward (298°) escorted by a single funnel destroyer and another unidentified escort vessel. Started attack. Enemy course was 085°, range was 8000 yards.

1620A/30 - Fired two torpedoes at the largest ship from 4000 yards. Went deep upon firing.

1623A/30 - Heard one loud explosion, the HE of the target ceased.

1624A/30 - The counter attack started and lasted 15 minutes. Upholder went to 220 feet. In all 25 depth charges were dropped.

1730A/30 - The enemy departed the area. (14)

1 Feb 1941
Around 0700A/1, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (14)

3 Feb 1941
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) is docked in No.1 graving dock at the Malta Dockyard. (15)

5 Feb 1941
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) is undocked. (15)

12 Feb 1941
Around 1100A/12, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) departed Malta for her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Tripoli.

Upon leaving Malta she carried out a dummy attack on and A/S exercises with HMS Havock (Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, DSC, RN).

Upholder also encoutered HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. H.A.V. Haggard, RN) South of Malta.

1916A/12 - In position 35°26'N, 14°17'E, Upholder sighted an unidentified submarine steering North. Started attack. The target was closed to 2000 yards before the challenge was made three times. No reply was received. Lt. Wanklyn withheld fire as the target looked like a T-class submarine. This was quite correct as the submarine in question was HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. H.A.V. Haggard, RN).

1925A/12 - The challenge was made another time, again no reply.

1930A/12 - Broke off the attack. (14)

12 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Upholder during her 3rd war patrol see the map below.

14 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0615A/14, north of Tripoli, in position 33°08'N, 13°15'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) sighted an enemy vessel, thought to be a Generali-class torpedo boat patrolling. The enemy returned to Tripoli around 1015A/14.

At 0935A/14, two trawlers were seen patrolling in the swept channel. (14)

16 Feb 1941
At 0845A/16, while west of Tripoli in approximate position 32°55'N, 12°45'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) sighted what is thought to be an Italian Palestro-class torpedo boat proceeding westwards.

At 0945A/16, a single trawler was seen passing to the eastward. (14)

17 Feb 1941
At 0905A/17, while west of Tripoli in approximate position 32°55'N, 12°38'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) sighted an armed yacht proceeding westwards. (14)

18 Feb 1941
At 1200A/18, while west of Tripoli in position 32°54'N, 12°48'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) sighted what is thought to be a small mud hopper or water carrier proceeding close inshore towards Tripoli. (14)

19 Feb 1941 (position 32.52, 12.48)
Late in the evening, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) attacked a convoy West of Tripoli, Libya. Two torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained. The target was the German transport Heraklea (1927 GRT, built 1922). She was in convoy with the German transports Arta (2452 GRT, built 1922), Menes (5609 GRT, built 1926) and Maritza (2910 GRT, built) escorted by the Italian destroyers Freccia and Saetta. Heraklea sighted the two torpedo tracks and turned sharply to starboard to comb the tracks.

0250A/19 - In position 32°50'N, 12°49'E, sighted a merchant vessel and one escort proceeding eastwards. These ships must have kept very close inshore and were almost invisible against the shore line. No attack could be made from this position and the ships passed well out of range.

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0645A/19 - Just west of Tripoli, sighted two small tankers escorted by what is thought to be a Generale-class torpedo boat and a Cant Z.501 flying boat. The convoy was steering 250° along the searched channel but at 0650A/19 the convoy altered 70° to starboard in position 32°54'N, 13°01'E. Range was 12000 yards which could not be closed further then to 6000 yards.

This must have been the Italian tankers Berbera (2093 GRT, built 1931) and Caucaso (2082 GRT, built 1921) escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Giuseppe La Farina which had just left Tripoli for Palermo.

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1030A/19 - Sighed three minesweepers operating in the area.

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2310A/19 - Near position 32°52'N, 12°48'E sighted a convoy of three merchant vessels escorted by three destroyers / torpedo boats disposed ahead and on either beam. Enemy course was 095°. The leading destroyer was seen to be a Spica-class torpedo boat. Started attack on the leading merchant vessel.

2326A/19 - Fired two torpedoes from 1500 yards and dived to 180 feet. No explosions. (14)

20 Feb 1941
At 1200A/20, while west of Tripoli in position 32°58'N, 12°59'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) sighted an armed yacht proceeding towards Tripoli. This was the same ship that had proceeded westwards from Tripoli on the 17th. (14)

21 Feb 1941
At 1850A/21, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) left patrol as ordered in the Cdr. S 1's signal timed 1143A/21, to return to Malta as far as practical along the enemy convoy route. She was to proceed through positions 33° 00'N, 12°10'E, 33°50'N, 011°58'E and 35°32'N, 14°12'E. (14)

23 Feb 1941
Around 1130B/23, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (14)

3 Mar 1941
Around 1800B/3, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) departed Malta for her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Tripoli. On departure exercises were carried out with HMS Jade (?). (14)

3 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)

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

4 Mar 1941
At 1330B/4, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) arrived in position 34°40'N, 12°46'E to patrol near this position on the direct convoy route from Pantelleria to Tripoli.

In a signal timed 1845B/4, the Cdr. S 1 informed HMS Upholder that a convoy of five merchant vessels escorted by two destroyers had been sighted 20 nautical miles north-east of Marittimo Island at 1530B/4 proceeding on course 260° at 6 knots.

This must have referred to the convoy (Naples to Tripoli) made up of the transports Adana (German, 4176 GRT, built 1922), Aegina (German, 2453 GRT, built 1922), Arta (German, 2452 GRT, built 1922) and Sabaudia (Italian, 1703 GRT, built 1911) escorted by the Italian destroyers Luca Tarigo, Freccia, and the Italian torpedo boat Castore.

At 2245B/4, HMS Upholder set course 166° at 10.5 knots to comply with Cdr. S 1's signal timed 2116B/4 ordering patrol and proceed with despatch to area 'Y' within 50 nautical miles of the Tripoli main lighthouse, between bearings 320° and 30°. (14)

5 Mar 1941
At 0900B/5, while north of Tripoli, in approximate position 33°11'N, 13°11'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) sighted smoke to the southward which subsequently were seen to be coming from two sets of three minesweepers which were operating in the area. Around 1150B/5, they were seen to return to Tripoli.

At 1405B/5, in approximate position 33°12'N, 13°12'E, three merchant vessels, escorted by an Eritra-class sloop type vessel, two destroyers / torpedo boats and a Cant. Z.501 aircraft, were seen. Course of the convoy was 010°. The merchant vessels were of about 3000-4000 tons.

At 1435B/5, the convoy altered course to 325°. As the ships were only of medium size and were empty the convoy was not attacked to save the torpedoes for inbound ships with cargo coming from Italy.

At 2220B/5, two destroyers / torpedo boats were sighted to the northwest steering 145° at 20 knots. These were probably the destroyers / torpedo boats that had been with the convoy now returning to Tripoli.

The convoy sighted was en-route from Tripoli to Naples and was made up of the transports Castellon (German, 2086 GRT, built 1935), Maritza (Italian, 2910 GRT, built 1936), Ruhr (German, 5954 GRT, built 1926) which were escorted by the Italian armed merchant cruiser Ramb III (3667 GRT, built 1938) and the Italian torpedo boats Pegaso and Orione. (14)

6 Mar 1941
At 2000B/6, north of Tripoli, in position 33°15'N, 13°10'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) heard HE bearing 120°. A ship, thought to be a trawler, was subsequently sighed. (14)

7 Mar 1941
At 0300B/7, while still patrolling to the north of Tripoli, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) sighted a small ship thought to be a trawler. HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) closed to investigate. The enemy vessel was proceeding northwards. No HE was picked up.

At 0320B/7, the trawler turned towards so HMS Upholder dived and took evasive action.

At 0410B/7, HMS Upholder surfaced and resumed patrol.

At 0700B/7, the trawler was seen to return to Tripoli.

At 0900B/7, three minesweepers were seen operating in the area.

At 1450B/7, a Navigatori-class destroyer was seen to the southward. She appeared to be carrying out a full power trial. The range could not be closed to less then 8000 yards. The destroyer returned to Tripoli around 1730B/7.

At 2015B/7, a trawler was seen bearing 130° at long range. (14)

8 Mar 1941 (position 33.15, 13.10)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) attacked a convoy north of Tripoli with two torpedoes. No hits were obtained.

The target may have been Tugnin F. (425 GRT, 1919) escorted by Pave and Capodoglio but it is not confirmed.

0750B/8 - In position 33°15'N, 13°10'E sighted three ships approaching from the Northward. Enemy course was 173°, speed 9 knots. They proved to be a small tug, one 1500 tons diesel vessel and an armed trawler. Started attack.

0830B/8 - Fired two torpedoes at the 1500 tons ship. No hits were obtained.

0845B/8 - Commenced to reload and resumed patrol.

2000B/8 - Left patrol to return to Malta proceeding along the enemy convoy route as long as possible. (14)

10 Mar 1941
Around 1030B/10, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (14)

19 Mar 1941
Around 1800B/19, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) departed Malta for her 7th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to perform a survey off the East coast of Sicily.

She was escorted out until 0035B/20 by HMS Fermoy (Lt.Cdr. J.G.D. Wetherfield, RN) and HMS Abingdon (Lt. G.A. Simmers, RNR).

HMS Upholder was not to carry out attacks on enemy ships unless they were very valuable targets. (14)

19 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)

For the daily positions of HMS Upholder during her 7th war patrol see the map below.

21 Mar 1941
At 0800B/21, in position 37°47'N, 15°22'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) commenced the survey of the east coast of Sicily.

At 1030B/21, three schooners, each of about 400 tons, were sighted steering northwards very close inshore. Also completed the survey.

At 2015B/21, commenced a night survey which was completed at 2130B/21. On completion of the survey course was set for the south to patrol between Capes Passaro and Murro di Porco. (14)

22 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2200B/22, south-south-west of Cape Murro di Porco, in position 36°52'N, 15°23'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) sighted a small hospital ship proceeding on course 190°. The hospital ship was correctly lighted. (14)

23 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1445B/23, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) sighted the same small hospital ship returning northwards on course 028°. (14)

25 Mar 1941
Around 0715B/25, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (14)

3 Apr 1941
Around 1845B/3, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) departed Malta for her 8th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the east coast of Tunisia.

On departure two practice attacks were carried out on an A/S trawler. [This must have been either HMS Beryl, HMS Coral or HMS Jade.] (14)

3 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Upholder during her 8th war patrol see the map below.

5 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0500B/5, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) arrived in her patrol area. (14)

7 Apr 1941
The Cdr. S.1., in a signal timed 1902B/7, informed HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) and HMS Upright (Lt. E.D. Norman, DSC, RN) that two enemy transports and two escorts had been reported at 1448B/7 in position 33°45'N, 13°13'E proceeding on course 315° at 10 knots.

This must have referred to the convoy on passage from Tripoli to Naples and made up of the transports Amsterdam (German, 8673 GRT, built 1921) and Giulia (Italian, 5921 GRT, built 1926). They were escorted by the torpedo boats Calliope, Castore, and Generale Antonio Cascino. (16)

9 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0008B/9, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) received the Cdr. S 1's signal timed 2313B/8 ordering her the proceed to area 'H' (36°10'N, 10°50'E - 000° - 40 nautical miles - 30 nautical miles). Course was set accordingly.

At 0545B/9, HMS Upholder dived and proceeded submerged at 4 knots towards Kelibia Point.

At 1310B/9, the Cdr. S 1's signal timed 0937B/9 was received. This ordered HMS Upholder to patrol in area 'L' (37°00'N, 11°00'E - 000° - 40 nautical miles - 30 nautical miles).

At 1730B/9, Kalibia Point was passed. Many explosions had been heard all afternoon, mostly at quarter hour intervals, probably indicating the passage of a convoy out of sight. (14)

10 Apr 1941 (position 37.09, 11.08)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) made two torpedo attacks on merchant vessels off Cape Bon, Tunisia. No hits were obtained in either attack.

The target of the first attack was thought to be the Italian transport Andalusia (4454 GRT, built 1907), this is however not possible as the Andalusia had sought refuge in the Canary Islands and remained there until 1944). The target might have been the Honor (5303 GRT, built 1919) which had sailed from Sfax at 0200B/9 carrying phosphate for Pozzuoli.

The target of the second attack was the Italian transport Antonietta Lauro (5428 GRT, built 1928) and the tanker in ballast was the Italian Capacitas (5371 GRT, built 1920). They reported being attacked in position 37°09'N, 11°10'E.

1050B/10 - In position 37°01'N, 11°08'E sighted a single fully laden merchant vessel of about 5000 tons. She was stearing a course of 355° at 9 knots. Closed to attack.

1155B/10 - In position 37°09'N, 11°08'E the target altered course. Range was now 7000 yards.

1204B/10- Fired two torpedoes from 6400 yards. No hits were obtained.

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

1415B/10 - In position 37°10'N, 11°12'E sighted two merchant vessels stearing a course of 230° at a speed of 10.5 knots. Closed at speed to attack.

1448B/10 - Fired three torpedoes at the second ship from 1850 yards, a half laden merchant vessel of about 6000 tons. The other ship was a tanker of about 4000 tons in ballast.

1449B/10 - The target was observed combing the tracks of the torpedoes. No hits were obtained.

1600B/10 - Moved to the north-east to clear the compromised position.

2345B/10 - Sighted two, two-funnelled, destroyers (Navigatori-class ?) approaching at high speed on a course of 210°. HMS Upholder dived and took evasive action.

0005B/11 - The destroyers turned to course 050° and proceeded towards Sicily.

0025B/11 - HMS Upholder surfaced and resumed the battery charge.

0145B/11 - The same two destroyers were seen approaching on course 230°. HMS Upholder again dived and took evasive action. The destroyers however soon retired on course 030°.

0210B/11 - HMS Upholder surfaced and resumed patrol. (14)

11 Apr 1941 (position 37.22, 11.20)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) made a torpedo attack on an unidentified laden merchant vessel off Cape Bon, Tunisia. No hits were obtained.

This was probably the Italian Agata (2282 GRT, built 1901) loaded with phosphate which had sailed from Sousse at 0500B/11 for Palermo where she arrived at 1800B/12.

2150B/11 - In position 37°22'N, 11°20'E sighted a 4500 ton laden merchant vessel stearing a course of 030° at a speed of 8 knots. Closed to attack.

2205B/11 - Dived to complete the attack.

2231B/11 - Fired three torpedoes from 2000 yards. One of the torpedoes had a gyro failure while another broke surface. This resulted in no hits being obtained.

2250B/11 - Surfaced after the torpedo with the gyro failure had stopped running. It was now too late for gun action. Upholder now had no torpedoes remaining. Lt. Wanklyn decided to remain on patrol to observe convoy movements. (14)

12 Apr 1941
At 1435B/12, in position 37°07'N, 11°11'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) sighted a convoy of five transports escorted by three Italian Navigatori-class destroyers. As Upholder was out of torpedoes she could not attack but she made an enemy report on her mast aerial. She received no reply so at 1528 hours she surfaced to transmit the enemy report on her main aerial despite that four aircraft were patrolling the area. Unfortunately no reply was received yet again. Upholder then dived again and proceeded to the north-east while the convoy moved to the south-west.

This convoy was made up of the German transports Ankara (4768 GRT, built 1937), Marburg (7564 GRT, built 1928), Kybfels (7764 GRT, built 1937), Reichenfels (7744 GRT, built 1936) and the Italian transport Calitea (4013 GRT, 1933). They were escorted by the Italian destroyers Ugolino Vivaldi, Antonio da Noli and Lanzerotto Malocello.

At 2345B12, Upholder intercepted enemy reports from aircraft and sighted parachute flares to the south. She increased speed and turned to intercept this convoy. At 0153 hours on the 13th she sighted a convoy three miles to the west of Pantelleria steering north. Upholder tried to pass an enemy report. At 0212B/13, Upholder fired star shell across the convoys bow to make it turn back. She dived when the escorts approached. Three minutes later the convoy was seen to turn south. An enemy report was made again but no reply was received. At 0300 hours an other enemy report was made. Finally a reply was received from HMS Medway.

This convoy was most likely the one made up of the German transports Castellon (2086 GRT, built 1935), Arcturus (2576 GRT, built 1937), Wachtfels (8467 GRT, built 1928) and Leverkusen (7382 GRT, built 1928) escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Orione, Orsa and Procione. This convoy was on passage from Tripoli to Naples. (14)

14 Apr 1941
Around 0745B/14, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (14)

21 Apr 1941
Around 1900B/21, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) departed Malta for her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the East coast of Tunisia.

On departure from Malta exercises were carried out with HMS Abingdon (Lt. G.A. Simmers, RNR). (14)

21 Apr 1941

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Upholder during her 9th war patrol see the map below.

22 Apr 1941
At 1930B/22, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN), which is patrolling near Lampedusa, sighted smoke between Lampedusa and Lampione Island. This is thought to be a small vessel proceeding back to Lampedusa.

In a signal timed 1323B/22, the S.O. (S) Malta [Senior Officer Submarines Malta] ordered HMS Upholder to remain in the vicinity of Lampedusa until 1200B/23 to endeavour to intercept two Italian cruisers and two destroyers which were expected to arrive around 0600B/23 steering a course of 045° towards the Island.

[From this signal it is obvious were well aware of Italian naval movements through having broken the Italian naval cypher.]

The cruisers and destroyers referred to must have been the Italian light cruisers Giovanni delle Bande Nere and Luigi Cadorna and the Italian destroyers Scirocco and Maestrale. These ships were providing distant cover for a convoy from Naples / Palermo to Tripoli which was made up of the transports Arcturus (German, 2576 GRT, built 1937), Castellon (German, 2086 GRT, built 1935), Giulia (Italian, 5921 GRT, built 1926) and Leverkusen (German, 7382 GRT, built 1928) which were escorted by the destroyers Folgore, Saetta, Strale and Turbine. (14)

23 Apr 1941
At 0855B/23, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) sighted what are thought to be two Crotone-class minelayers, an armed yacht, one brig and one smack leaving Lampedusa harbour.

At 1200B/23, the same group of ships was encountered near position 35°22'N, 12°19'E. HMS Upholder kept clear of the area while setting course for Kerkennah.

In a signal, timed 1820B/23, the S.O. (S) Malta informed HMS Upholder that the enemy cover force movements were delayed 24 hours. HMS Upholder was thus to remain in the vicinity of position 35°26'N, 12°28'E until 1200B/24 and then she was to proceed to Kerkennah. It was also stated that at 1200B/23, a convoy of four merchant ships and three torpedo boats had passed Marettimo bound for Tripoli via Kerkennah.

At 0025B/24, HMS Upholder set course to return to the Lampedusa area in accordance with the above signal.

She then left for the Kerkennah area at 1200B/24 also in accordance with the above signal. The enemy cruiser force had not been sighted. (14)

25 Apr 1941 (position 34.57, 11.44)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian transport Antonietta Lauro (5428 GRT, built 1928), carrying phosphate, 2.5 nautical miles bearing 125° from Kerkennah Buoy no.3, Tunisia in position 34°57'N, 11°44'E.

In position 34°57'N, 11°44'E, sighted an armed trawler steering 140°.

1455B/25 - Sighted a large merchant vessel to the south-south-west stearing 070°. Closed to attack.

1505B/25 - The merchant vessel altered course to 320°. Closed at full submerged speed.

1533B/25 - Fired two torpedoes from 700 yards. Half a minute later a heavy explosion occurred which broke most of the lamp bulbs forward. It was intended to fire a third torpedo but this was was withheld.

1534B/25 - Retired to the north-east. Observed the target settling.

1700B/25 - Returned to the target to finish her off with a third torpedo if needed. Her after deck was well awash and she was sinking.

1715B/25 - Retired to the north-east again.

2230B/25 - Received the V.A. Malta's [Vice-Admiral Malta] signal timed 2024B/25, ordering the destruction of an enemy destroyer and merchant vessel that are aground on the Kerkennah bank. The weather was however too rough to attempt to locate these ships in the dark in shallow water. (14)

26 Apr 1941
At 2144B/26, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) destroys the wreck (with demolition charges) of the grounded German transport Arta (2452 GRT, built 1922) off Kerkennah, Tunisia in position 34°54.5'N, 11°37'E.

Before blowing up the ship the captains safe was blown up and the papers in it were taken. (14)

27 Apr 1941
At 1950B/27, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) surfaced and tried to close the wreck of the Italian destroyer Lampo torpedoed and sunk in shallow waters by British destroyers during the action against the 'Tarigo'-convoy (16 April). At 2040 hours, the submarine ran aground in 15 feet of water some 4000 yards short of her target and the attempt was abandoned. (14)

1 May 1941 (position 34.38, 11.39)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) torpedoed and sank the German transport Arcturus (2576 GRT, built 1937) and torpedoed and damaged the German transport Leverkusen (7382 GRT, built 1928) off Kerkennah, Tunisia.

Later the same day Upholder again torpedoed the Leverkusen finally sinking her.

The convoy attacked by HMS Upholder was, besides the two above mentioned ship, made up of the German transports Castellon (2086 GRT, built 1935), Wachtfels (8467 GRT, built 1928) and the Italian transport Giulia (5921 GRT, built 1926). They were escorted by the Italian destroyers Turbine, Folgore, Saetta and Strale.

0815B/1 - In position 34°36'N, 11°41'E, sighted a large merchant vessel to the west-north-west steering 080° at 15 knots. Upholder closed to attack but the enemy altered course away to 025° making an attack not longer possible. The vessel sighted was most likely the Italian armed merchant cruiser Ramb III (3667 GRT, built 1938) on passage from Tripoli to Naples.

1108B/1- In position 34°38'N 11°39'E sighted a convoy of five merchant vessels and four destroyers to the westward. Closed at full submerged speed to attack.

1131B/1 - The convoy was seen to be disposed in two columns. Two Dardo-class destroyers were seen ahead and two Turbine-class destroyers were seen on the starboard beam and quarter.

1132B/1 - Fired four torpedoes at the leading ship in the near column, whose bow overlapped with the stern of the leading ship in the far column. Range was 2800 yards. Upon firing Upholder retired to the south.

1141B/1 - Three explosions were heard.

1155B/1 - Sighted a 'Fels line' ship of over 6000 tons sink rapidly by the stern. Another large ship was seen to be listing heavily and down by the bow.

1445B/1 - The damaged ship was seen to be still afloat and on an even keel. She was underway slowly with one of the destroyers nearby. She was dropped depth charges at random.

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

1730B/1 - Surfaced and sent out an enemy report. The damaged merchant was in sight in position 34°45'N, 11°42'E.

1755B/1 - Dived at a range of 16000 yards to attack and finish off the damaged ship.

1901B/1 - Fired two torpedoes from 1200 yards. Both appeared to hit the target.

1915B/1 - Depth charging started but it could also be the ships boilers exploding in the case she was not diesel driven.

1940B/1 - Only the ships stern was now out of the water. The destroyer was standing by.

1945B/1 - The ship sank.

2100B/1 - Surfaced. As Upholder was now out of torpedoes course was set to Malta. A report was passed to Alexandria to report the situation. (14)

3 May 1941
Around 0650B/3, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (14)

15 May 1941
Around 1935B/15, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) departed Malta for her 10th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol south of the Straits of Messina.

On departure a practice attack was carried out on an A/S trawler. [This must have been either HMS Beryl, HMS Coral or HMS Jade.] (17)

15 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Upholder during her 10th war patrol see the map below.

19 May 1941
At 0855B/19, near Capo dell'Armi, in position 37°49'N, 15°38'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) sighted a convoy of three small merchant vessels and an escorting destroyer / torpedo boat proceeding on course 300° [obviously making for the Straits of Messina]. A Cant. Z.501 was also patrolling over the convoy.

At 0930B/19, HMS Upholder which had tried to close to make an attack, had to break off this attempt as the range could not be closed sufficiently. (17)

20 May 1941 (position 37.57, 15.40)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) fires four torpedoes at a convoy near Capo dell'Armi in position 37°57'N, 15°40'E. The torpedoes however miss their target.

Italian records indicate that the freighter Dielpi (1520 GRT, built 1912) escorted by the armed merchant cruiser Attilio Deffenu (3510 GRT, built 1929) was missed by three torpedoes, the tankers Utilitas (5310 GRT, built 1918) and Urano (5512 GR, built 1923) were also in company. The convoy was proceeding from Messina to Taranto but Dielpi escorted by Deffenu was diverted to Crotone before the armed merchant cruiser rejoined the two tankers and resumed their trip to Taranto.

1835B/20 - Sighted a convoy of one escort vessel, two medium seized tankers and one merchant vessel in position 37°57'N, 15°40'E. Enemy course was 140°, speed 9 knots. Closed to attack the leading tanker, a ship of about 4000 tons.

0845B/20 - While south-west of Melito di Porto Salvo, in position 37°54'N, 15°44'E, sighted two small briggs steering 120° under auxiliary power.

1150B/20 - Sighted three small steam boats in the same position also proceeding on course 120°.

1844B/20 - Fired three torpedoes from a range of 7000 yards. Four torpedoes were intended but no.3 torpedo cap refused to open.

1850B/20 - Heard an explosion, possibly a torpedo hit but as Upholder dived to 150 feet upon firing the result could not be seen. Upholder meanwhile retired to the south-w11est.

1855B/20 to 1915B/20 - Six depth charges were dropped about a mile away. (17)

21 May 1941
At 0530B/21, east of Augusta, Sicily, in approximate position 37°14'N, 15°40'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) sighted smoke to the southward. A ship was sighed shortly afterwards which eventually was seen to be a hospital ship, thought to be either Sicilia (Italian, 9646 GRT, built 1924) or Toscana (9429 GRT, built 1923). The hospital ship passed a mile to the westward at 0630B/21 steering 350° at 10 knots. (17)

23 May 1941 (position 37.56, 15.36)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) torpedoed and damaged the French tanker Capitaine Damiani (4818 GRT, built 1921) near Capo dell Armi. The damaged ship was towed to Messina by the other French tanker in the convoy the Alberta (3357 GRT, built 1938).

1159B/20 - In position 37°56'N, 15°36'E sighted two tankers and one escort vessel. Closed to attack.

1220B/20 - The escort was seen to return to Messina. It was noticed that the French colours were painted on the ships sides.

1229B/20 - Fired three torpedoes at the rear tanker, the bigger one.

1231B/20 - One torpedo hit the target.

1250B/20 - Observed the targert settling by the stern. The other tanker took avoiding action and the escort returned at full speed while dropping depth charges. Upholder now went to 150 feet and retired to the south-east. The hunt continued during the whole afternoon. In all 26 depth charges were dropped but none was close. (17)

24 May 1941 (position 36.41, 15.42)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) attacked a heavily escorted troop convoy, 10 nautical miles east of Siracusa, Sicily, Italy in position 36°41'N, 15°42'E and torpedoed and sank the Italian liner (used as troop transport) Conte Rosso (17879 GRT, built 1922). HMS Upholder was heavily depth charged following this attack.

The convoy HMS Upholder attacked was made up, besides of the above mention liner, of the liners Esperia (11398 GRT, built 1920), Marco Polo (12272 GRT, built 1912) and Victoria (13098 GRT, built 1931). They were escorted by the Italian destroyer Freccia as well as the Italian torpedo boats Orsa, Procione and Pegaso. The number of victims varies slightly according to sources, perhaps the more precise figures are 1291 killed or missing and 1441 survivors picked up.

2030B/24 - Sighted three very large two-funnel liners in position 36°48'N, 15°42'E. Course was 215°. Closed to attack. It was later seen that there were at least four destroyers but most likely six.

2043B/24 - Fired the last two torpedoes at the centre ship which was the biggest. The nearest destroyer (a Grecale-class) was then only 400 yards ahead. Upholder went to 150 feet upon firing and retired to the East. Two explosions were heard about a minute after firing.

2047B/24 - Depth charging started. In all 37 depth charges were dropped. The last four at 2107 hours were very close. No damage was sustained.

2120B/24 to 2125B/24 - The target was heard to sink.

2250B/24 - Surfaced and passed a report to Malta. There was a strong smell of fuel oil in the breeze upon surfacing. Now out of torpedoes, HMS Upholder set course to return to Malta. (17)

26 May 1941
Around 0845B/26, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (17)

27 May 1941
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) is docked in No.2 graving dock at Malta. (18)

3 Jun 1941
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) is undocked. (18)

17 Jun 1941
Around 0715B/17, HMS Upholder (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) ended her 11th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean), which had been uneventful, at Malta. (17)

24 Jun 1941
Around 2200B/24, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) departed Malta for her 12th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol east of Sicily to intercept an important Italian convoy to Tripoli. [patrolling a line north and south running through position 36°50'N, 15°48'E.]

On departure from Malta gunnery exercises were carried out.

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

(17)

25 Jun 1941
At 2148B/25, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) sighted two large ships silhouetted against a searchlight, but the submarine could not get into an attacking position.

Since 2125B/25, a lot of AA fire was seen which continued until around 2215B/25.

The ships seen must have been part of an Italian convoy 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 which was on passage from Naples to Tripoli. Due to the enemy air activity 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. (17)

26 Jun 1941
At 1300B/26, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) is recalled to Malta. (17)

27 Jun 1941
Around 0710B/27, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) ended her 12th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (17)

28 Jun 1941
Around 2000B/28, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) departed Malta for her 13th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol South of the Straits of Messina.

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

(17)

30 Jun 1941
At 0810B/30, in approximate position 37°50'N, 15°43'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) sighted a two-masted brig steering 240° passing close to the southward possibly bound for Riposto, Sicily.

At 1250B/30, in position 37°55'N, 15°36'E, a grey painted merchant vessel escorted by two destroyers, a Cant. Z.501 and a Savoia 81 aircraft were seen. They were steering south. They were too far off to be attacked.

At 1710B/30, in position 37°45'N, 15°56'E, a hospital ship was sighted thought to be either Sicilia (Italian, 9646 GRT, built 1924) or Toscana (9429 GRT, built 1923). She was steering 325° at about 15 knots.

At 2000B/30, in position 37°50'N, 15°44'E, what is thought to be a Spica-class torpedo boat was seen passing to the westward close inshore. (17)

1 Jul 1941 (position 37.53, 15.47)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) attacked but missed what was thought to be an Italian armed merchant cruiser with three torpedoes in position 37°53'N, 15°47'E.

According to Italian sources this was probably the Italian auxiliary Egitto (3220 GRT, built 1929). She was escorting the German transports Bellona (1297 GRT, built 1929) and Tinos (2827 GRT, built 1914), they had sailed at 2230B/30 from Crotone for Messina.

0600B/1 - Sighted a single funnel liner near position 37°52'N, 15°52'E steering 210°. The vessel soon proved to be an armed merchant cruiser of the 'Citta di Genova' which zigged about 90° every 5 minutes.

0615B/1 - Sighted three merchant vessels close inshore. One was about 3000 tons and two were about 2000 tons.

0634B/1 - In position 37°53'N, 15°47'E fired three torpedoes at the armed merchant cruiser from only 250 yards. It appeared they ran under due to the short range.

0639B/1 - One explosion occurred fairly close, followed by two more nearly 15 minutes later. It appeared from the HE that a destroyer dropped these depth charges. Several hours later (1230B/1) a Spica-class torpedo boat was seen in the same area. (17)

2 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0640B/2, in approximate position 37°50'N, 15°54'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) sighted two destroyers, thought to be Soldati-class, proceeding eastwards close inshore.

At 1030B/2, two small brigs were seen close inshore. They were either fishing or minesweeping.

At midnight HMS Upholder departed this area to proceed to 'area M' (north of 36°40'N and west of 16°10'E.) (17)

3 Jul 1941 (position 37.55, 15.44)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) torpedoed the Italian transport Laura C (6181 GRT, built 1923) off Saline Ioniche, Calabria, in position 37°55'N, 15°44'E.

According to Italian sources she was in convoy with Mameli (2682 GRT, 1889), both from Taranto and Pugliola (2974 GRT, 1917) which had joined from Crotone and escorted by the torpedo-boat Altair and the minesweeper Arborea. They were proceeding to Messina. Laura C. was indeed hit by two torpedoes, the ship was taken in tow to be run ashore but sank in deep water. Of her crew of 38, there were three wounded, three killed and three missing. Altair hunted the submarine, dropping 18 depth charges in four runs, and claimed it probably sunk.

0440B/3 - In position 37°46'N, 15°48'E, sighted a single-funnel destroyer proceeding westwards on course 295° at 28 knots.

0640B/3 - In position 37°50'N, 15°43'E, sighted a tanker escorted by an armed merchant cruiser approaching from the eastward. They were hugging the coast. Upholder closed to attack.

0720B/3 - Broke of the attack when the range was 4500 yards. The tanker was about to change course to round Cape dell Armi. The tanker was seen to be Vichy French and was escorted by an Italian armed merchant cruiser of the 'Citta di Genova-class'. They were keeping only about 600 yards from the shore.

1030B/3 - Sighted smoke near Cape Spartivento.

1100B/3 - Made out three merchants, an armed merchant cruiser and a destroyer. Started attack.

1125B/3 - The destroyer dropped a single depth charge. It was noticed that both the destroyer and the armed merchant cruiser were zig-zagging wildly about 3000 yards outside the convoy.

1135B/3 - The destroyer turned straight towards Upholder at 27 knots. Lt.Cdr. Wanklyn dived to 45 feet and altered course.

1139B/3 - Returned to periscope depth as the destroyer was heard to pass to the westward.

1142B/3 - In position 37°54'N, 15°44'E, fired three torpedoes against the centre ship in the convoy, a heavily laden, grey painted cargo vessel of about 5500 tons. Two hits were obtained and Upholder went to 150 feet and retired to the eastward.

1147B/3 - Depth charging started. 18 depth charges were fired but none were very close.

1320B/3 - The target was seen, abandoned and alone with the upper decks awash. A Cant flying boat was patrolling nearby.

1640B/3 - Sighted an Albatros-class submarine chaser to the westward. She was closing at a speed of 9 knots.

1755B/3 - The submarine chaser turned away at a range of 3000 yards. She appeared to be in contact with 'something' and attacked with 27 depth charges.

1950B/3 - When in position 37°40'N, 15°55'E, sighed two Soldati-class destroyers proceeding eastwards (course 090°) close inshore. (17)

6 Jul 1941
At 1030B/6, in approximate position 37°50'N, 16°00'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) sighted smoke bearing 150° moving to the northward. HMS Upholder closed to investigate.

At 1230B/6, the smoke was seen moving westwards.

At 1320B/6, in position 37°48'N, 15°58'E, it was seen that the smoke came from motor minesweeper type vessels proceeding now on course 310°.

Around 2130B/6, HMS Upholder surfaced after a day of submerged patrol and set course to return to Malta. (17)

8 Jul 1941
Around 0645B/8, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) ended her 13th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (17)

11 Jul 1941
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) is docked in No.5 Dock at Malta. (19)

14 Jul 1941
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) was undocked. (19)

17 Jul 1941
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN), HMS Upright (Lt. J.S. Wraith, DSC, RN), HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) and HMS Utmost (Lt.Cdr. R.D. Cayley, RN) conducted exercises off Malta with HMS Beryl (?). (19)

19 Jul 1941
Around 2200B/19, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) departed Malta for her 14th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol north of Marettimo Island.

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

(17)

24 Jul 1941 (position 38.08, 12.37)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Italian transport Dandolo (4964 GRT, built 1921), 2.5 nautical miles north-west of Barone, eastern Sicily in position 38°08'N, 12°37'E. She was escorted by the torpedo boat Giuseppe Missori which dropped 17 depth charges, the Cant Z.501 2/144 dropped an antisubmarine bomb at 1815 and a second one at 1840. The damaged Italian ship was towed to Trapani by the tugs Nettuno, Liguria and Ciclope and made port and was repaired.

1250B/24, west of Cape San Vito, in position 38°07'N, 12°35'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) sighted one brig, a small steam tug and a yacht proceeding westwards.

1355B/24 - In position 38°06'N, 12°33'E sighted a Generale-class torpedo boat and one medium seized laden merchant vessel proceeding Eastward along the 'safety route'. Closed at full speed.

1418B/24 - Fired three torpedoes at the merchant vessel from 5000 yards.

1422B/24 - One torpedo hit the target. The torpedo boat replied with 17 depth charges spread over the next two hours. Upholder meanwhile retired to the North-West at 150 feet.

1530B/24 - Returned to periscope depth. Observed the target stopped and settling by the stern with the torpedo boat patrolling to the seaward of her. (17)

25 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1700B/25, while east of Marettimo Island, in position 37°58'N, 12°08'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) sighted a trawler proceeding towards the Island. (17)

26 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1000B/26, while patrolling just to the west of Cape San Vito, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) sighted smoke in the direction of Trapani which developed into three minesweepers sweeping the 'safety route'.

At 1215B/26, the minesweepers altered course rounding Cape San Vito.

At 1330B/26, the minesweepers passed HMS Upholder on their return sweep back to Trapani. (17)

27 Jul 1941
At 1145B/27, in position 38°17'N, 12°15'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) sighted a 4000 tons merchant vessel escorted by a Cant. Z.501 flying boat. Enemy course was 080°. No attack was made so as to not give the submarines position away as a southbound enemy convoy was expected.

The expected southbound convoy must have been the one that departed Naples in the afternoon of this day bound for Tripoli. It was made up of the following transports Amsterdam (German, 8673 GRT, built 1921), Bainsizza (Italian, 7933 GRT, built 1930), Col di Lana (Italian, 5891 GRT, built 1926) and Spezia (German, 1825 GRT, built 1924) and escorted by the destroyers Freccia, Dardo, Strale. On the 28th the destroyer Turbine joined. Distant cover for this convoy would be provided by the light cruisers Raimondo Montecuccoli, Giuseppe Garibaldi and the destroyers Granatiere and Bersagliere (17)

28 Jul 1941 (position 38.04, 11.57)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) fired four torpedoes at an Italian task force, hitting the light cruiser Giuseppe Garibaldi. The cruiser was hit in the bow and took 700 tons of water but did not sink. She managed to reach Palermo and was later repaired in Naples and was out of action for a considerable time.

The task-force sighted by HMS Upholder was made up of the above mentioned cruiser Giuseppe Garibaldi, the cruiser Raimondo Montecuccoli. The destroyers were the Granatiere and Bersagliere. The Bersagliere dropped 11 depth charges at the spot from where the torpedo tracks appear to have initiated and was then drawn to a spot where an escorting aircraft had fired a burst of machine gun and dropped a further pattern of four depth charges.

1940B/28 - Sighted two cruisers and two destroyers to the Southward. Enemy course was 355°, speed was estimated to be 22 knots.

1950B/28 - Asdic gave 230 revs., this exquals a speed of 28 knots. The leading cruiser could now no longer be attacked from this position so selected the second cruiser as the target.

1951B/28 - In position 38°04'N, 11°57'E fired four torpedoes from 4000 yards.

1955B/28 - Heard two heavy explosions thought to be hits. Upholder meanwhile retired to the north-east at 150 feet.

1957B/28 - Depth charges were dropped by one of the destroyers. The other destroyer apparently guarded the cruiser and dropped several single depth charges. In all 38 depth charges were dropped some were quite close but no damage was done.

2200B/28 - Nothing in sight. Surfaced and passed a report to Malta. (17)

29 Jul 1941 (position 38.28, 12.14)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) attacked a convoy North-East of Cape San Vito, in position 38°28'N, 12°14'E with her last remaining torpedo. The torpedo however did not hit the intended target. This convoy was probably the one consisting of Ernesto (7399 GRT, built 1914), Nita (6803 GRT, built 1913), Castelverde (5270 GRT, built 1919), Aquitania (4971 GRT, built 1924) and Nirvo (5270 GRT, built 1919) escorted by the destroyers Folgore, Saetta and Fulmine, they had sailed from Tripoli for Naples. The attack was unobserved.

0320B/29 - Sighted a convoy of four merchant ships escorted by three or four destroyers to the southward. Enemy course was 030° at 9 knots. Closed to attack.

0335B/29 - When about to fire torpedoes a destroyer came straight towards so the attack had to be broken off.

0346B/29 - Surfaced.

0352B/29 - In position 38°28'N, 12°14'E fired the last torpedo at a group of two ships and a destroyer. The torpedo appeared to miss ahead. Retired to the southward on the surface. Made an enemy report and set course to return to Malta. (17)

31 Jul 1941
Around 1815B/31, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) ended her 14th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (17)

15 Aug 1941
Around 1630B/15, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) departed Malta for her 15th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Marettimo Island.

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

(17)

16 Aug 1941
At 1615B/16, in position 37°45'N, 12°08'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) heard HE (310 revs) to the northward. Nothing could be seen through the periscope.

At 1650B/16, a trawler and two brigs were seen approaching from the south-west approaching on course 055°. This was thought to be a minesweeping party proceeding towards Trapani.

At 2115B/16, HMS Upholder surfaced and patrolled on the convoy route to the west of Marettimo Island as a southbound enemy convoy to North Africa was expected.

The expected convoy departed Naples during the night of 15/16 August 1941 bound for Tripoli. It was made up of the following transports Caffaro (Italian, 6476 GRT, built 1924), Giulia (Italian, 5921 GRT, built 1926), Maddalena Odero (Italian, 5545 GRT, built 1921), Marin Sanudo (Italian, 5958 GRT, built 1926), Nicolò Odero (Italian, 6003 GRT, built 1925) and the tanker Minatitland (Italian, 7651 GRT, built 1941). It was escorted by the Italian destroyers Freccia, Euro, Dardo and the Italian torpedo boats Procione, Pegaso and Sirtori. HMS Upholder however never sighted the convoy and it was thought it must have passed to the east of Merettimo Island. (20)

18 Aug 1941
At 1030B/18, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) received the S.O. Submarines Malta's signal timed 0905B/18 that a northbound enemy convoy was expected at dusk in the Marettimo area. Lt.Cdr. Wanklyn decided to remain to the north-west of the island. The convoy was however not seen.

This must have referred to the convoy made up of the transports Aquitania (Italian, 4971 GRT, built 1924), Castelverde (Italian, 5270 GRT, built 1919), Ernesto (Italian, 7399 GRT, built 1914), Ninuccia (Italian, 4583 GRT, built 1910), Nirvo (Italian, 5270 GRT, built 1919) and the tanker Pozarica (Italian, 7799 GRT, built 1940). The convoy was on passage from Tripoli to Naples and was escorted by the Italian destroyers Folgore, Strale, Fulmine, Lanzerotto Malocello and the Italian torpedo boat Orsa. (17)

20 Aug 1941 (position 38.09, 12.39)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian transport Enotria (852 GRT, built 1907) off Cape San Vito, Italy.

According to Italian sources the vessel was carrying 900 tons of sand on a trip from Palermo to Savona and was escorted by the auxiliary Gronco (F 37). Gronco rescued the survivors and landed them at Trapani, two sailors were missing.

0800B/20 - A small tug passed to the eastward.

0850B/20 - Sighted a merchant vessel and an escorting trawler in position 38°09'N, 12°39'E proceeding eastwards. Started attack.

0931B/20 - Fired two torpedoes at the merchant vessel, a cargo vessel of about 2000 tons.

0932B/20 - One torpedo hit the target. Upholder retired to the south-south-west.

1013B/20 - Only the trawler and one aircraft were now in sight. The merchant vessel had sunk. The trawler had dropped four depth charges.

1200B/20 - Observed the trawler returning to Trapani. (17)

21 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In a signal, timed 1340B/21, the S.O. (S) [Senior Officer Submarines] Malta ordered HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) to patrol off Cape San Vito where a northbound convoy was expected around 1445B/22.

This referred to a fast (17 knot) convoy proceeding from Tripoli to Naples / Palermo. This convoy was made up of the transports Andrea Gritti (Italian, 6338 GRT, built 1939), Francesco Barbaro (Italian, 6343 GRT, built 1940), Rialto (Italian, 6099 GRT, built 1927), Sebastiano Venier (Italian, 6311 GRT, built 1940) and Vettor Pisani (Italian, 6339 GRT, built 1939). They were escorted by the Italian destroyers Freccia, Euro, Dardo and the Italian torpedo boat Procione. (21)

22 Aug 1941
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian transport Lussin (3988 GRT, built 1912) about 2 nautical miles north-west of Cape San Vito, Sicily, Italy.

Lussin was towing the small tanker Alcione (521 GRT, built 1915) in company with the transport Alberto Fassio (2289 GRT, 1914) and they were escorted by the torpedo boats Cigno and Pegaso. Lussin sank in two minutes, Pegaso depth charged the submarine while Cigno rescued the survivors. The escorting Z.501 seaplane (No.3 of 144^Squadriglia) also dropped two antisubmarine bombs on the torpedo track's point of origin but did not observe results.

1545B/22 - In position 38°15'N, 12°51'E, sighted a convoy of three ships. They were all laden tankers. The leading ship appeared to be the fleet oiler Tarvisio of 10915 GRT [this was not the case]. She was dazzle painted and four enormous drums were secured to her boat deck. These drums were about 20 feet in diameter and about 30 feet long. Started attack.

1629B/22 - Fired a salvo of four torpedoes at the leading ship from 4000 yards.

1632B/22 - Two hits were obtained. Upholder retired at speed to the North-West.

1635B/22 - A counter attack followed. 48 Depth charges were dropped in the next 8 minutes. Some were quite close causing minor damage. 13 More depth charges were dropped during the next 90 minutes but none were quite close.

1815B/22 - Observed a flying boat still patrolling in the area.

1930B/22 - In position 38°20'N, 12°30'E, a Spica-class destroyer was sighted proceeding on course 075° at 28 knots. (17)

23 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2120B/23, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) received the S.O. (S) Malta's signal timed 1855B/23 which ordered her to proceed with despatch to position 38°30'N, 12°00'E to intercept enemy battleships which were reported to be at sea as the Italian expected that a convoy was on passage from Gibraltar to Malta.

The enemy battleships were the Littorio and Vittorio Veneto escorted by five destroyers. (21)

24 Aug 1941 (position 38.30, 12.00)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) fires two torpedoes at an Italian light cruiser off the north-west tip of Sicily in position 38°30'N, 12°00'E. Both torpedoes however miss their target.

The force attacked by HMS Upholder was made up of the Luigi di Savoia Duca Degli Abruzzi,Muzio Attendolo, Raimondo Montecuccoli escorted by the destroyers Folgore, Fulmine, Dardo, Freccia and Strale. The Duca Degli Abruzzi reported two torpedo tracks which passed about 50 meters ahead so she most likely had been the target.

1020B/24 - Sighted tops of three heavy ships and several destroyers bearing 070° steering 215° at 25 knots.

1034B/24 - Fired two torpedoes at the rear ship from 5500 yards. The squadron appeared to comprise a Cavour-class battleship followed by two Montecuccoli-class light cruisers in line ahead escorted by 6 destroyers. Later it was thought that the leading ship was a Garibaldi-class cruiser.

1039B/24 - Heard one explosion thought to be a torpedo hitting the target. Half a minute later depth charges were dropped. Upholder meanwhile retired at speed to the North-North-East. In all 32 depth charges were dropped but none were very close.

Early in the afternoon HMS Upholder left patrol to return to Malta. On the way back a train sabotage operation was to be carried out, if possible, on the south coast of Sicily. (17)

25 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1330B/25, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) came to periscope depth off Cape San Marco to survey the coast for a suitable position in which to blow up the railway. Chose the first bay to the east of Cape Palermo about 3 miles to the east of Sciacca.

At 2100B/25, HMS Upholder surfaced 7 miles from the coast and commenced a 2 hour battery charge.

At 2350B/25, the Folbot was brought onto the casing. Meanwhile HMS Upholder had closed the coast.

At 0015B/25, the demolition party left for the beach.

Between 0032B/25 and 0040B/25 single revolver shots accompanied by barking and shouts were heard.

Also two rifle shots were seen to hit the water near the submarine. It was thought that the party had been killed or captured.

At 0205B/25, the blue torch of the Folbot was seen making recognition signals and 10 minutes later, after having recovered the Folbot and the party, HMS Upholder was able to leave the area.

The party reported that they landed at 0020B/25. On climbing the first slope the party was detected by a dog and as the animal started barking the enemy was soon aware of the party. Non the less the party continued inland but the railway could not be found and was later seen to be further inland than had been explected. Meanwhile more dogs and guards / farmers were searching the area. The party returned to the beach at 0200B/25 and then returned to the submarine. (17)

27 Aug 1941
Around 0700B/27, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) ended her 15th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (17)

29 Aug 1941
Around 1900B/29, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) departed Malta for her 16th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol on the convoy route Messina - Tripoli to intercept an important troop convoy to Tripoli.

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

(17)

31 Aug 1941 (position 32.50, 13.55)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) fired four torpedoes against the Italian troop transports Oceania (19507 GRT, built 1933) and Neptunia (19475 GRT, built 1932) east of Tripoli, Libya. All four torpedoes fired missed their targets.

The convoy attacked by HMS Upholder was, besides the two above mention troop transports made up of the Italian troop transport Victoria (13098 GRT, built 1931). They were escorted by the destroyers Aviere, Camicia Nera, Vincenzo Gioberti, Antonio da Noli, Antoniotto Usodimare and Emanuelle Pessagno.

0510B/31 - Fast HE was heard intermittently to the southward.

0525B/31 - sighted one torpedo boat on the starboard beam and one motor torpedo boat ahead.

0625B/31 - Two motor torpedo boats were still in sight to the south-west.

0630B/31 - Heard HE to the eastward. Sighted two aircraft and smoke from two ships bearing 078°. Assumed the enemy's mean line of advance to be 270°. Course was altered to the northward to close.

0643B/31 - Noticed the enemy's course to be 250° and shortly afterwards it became 225°. Closed but it became obvious that the range would be very great unless the convoy would made a zig towards. The convoy consisted of a two-funnel liner, probably Marco Polo and the Neptunia and Oceania in two columns. They were escorted by at least four destroyers.

0710B/31 - In position 32°50'N, 13°55'E fired a salvo of four torpedoes at the Neptunia and Oceania. Estimated range was 6000 to 7000 yards. No hits were obtained.

0716B/31 - Counter attack started. Two destroyers dropped 23 depth charges until 0730 hours. Upholder meanwhile retired to the north as she was to return to Malta. (17)

1 Sep 1941
Around 2100B/1, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) ended her 16th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (17)

6 Sep 1941
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) is docked in No.2 graving dock at Malta. (22)

9 Sep 1941
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) is undocked. (22)

10 Sep 1941
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) conducted practice attacks off Malta on HMS Abingdon (Lt. G.A. Simmers, RNR). (22)

16 Sep 1941
Around 1515B/16, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) departed Malta for her 17th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol on the convoy route Messina - Tripoli to intercept an important troop convoy to Tripoli.

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

(23)

18 Sep 1941 (position 33.01, 14.49)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian troop transports Neptunia (19475 GRT, built 1932) and Oceania (19507 GRT, built 1933) some 70 nautical miles east-north-east of Tripoli, Libya in position 33°01'N, 14°49'E.

These troop transports were part of a heavily guarded convoy sailing from Taranto to Tripoli. The sailing and routing had been betrayed by ULTRA and four submarines were positioned on the track, Upholder was in the best position and beat the other ones to the punch.

The convoy attacked by Upholder was made up of the above mentioned troop transports as well as the Vulcania (24469 GRT, built 1928). They were escorted by the destroyers Nicoloso da Recco, Antonio da Noli, Antoniotto Usodimare and Emanuelle Pessagno, Vincenzo Gioberti and Alfredo Oriani. A large scale rescue operation was organised and 5395 survivors were picked up by the six destroyers and the torpedo boat Clio which was sailed from Tripoli, 384 were killed or missing (the numbers may not be exact as not all sources agree).

0350B/18 - Sighted convoy of three liners escorted by four destroyers bearing 045°. Range was about 6 nautical miles. Closed to attack.

0406B/18 - In position 33°01'N, 14°49'E fired four torpedoes from 5000 yards.

0408B/18 - Dived and retired to the south.

0410B/18 to 0411B/18 - Two explosions were heard. Two of the liners had been hit by one torpedo each. No depth charges were dropped following the attack.

0445B/18 - Surfaced and sighted one large vessel stopped in the area of the attack. One destroyer was nearby. A second large vessel was making to the westward at 5 knots with another destroyer as escort. Set course to the East to reach a favourable attack position to attack again after dawn when the torpedo tubes would have been reloaded.

0530B/18 - Dived and approached while reloading in the meantime.

0630B/18 - Sighted one Oceania-class ship still stropped with one destroyer nearby. Closed to attack.

0756B/18 - When about to open fire a Navigatori-class destroyer was spotted close by. Went deep. The destroyer went overhead when Upholder was at 45 feet but did not drop any depth charges.

0759B/18 - Dived under the target while at 70 feet to obtain a new attack position.

0851B/18 - In position 32°58'N, 14°50'E fired two torpedoes from 2000 yards. Both hit. The liner [Oceania] sank after 8 minutes. Again no counter attack by the destroyers followed.

1025B/18 - Two destroyers were still in sight continually stopping and starting their engines. They were picking up survivors.

2340B/18 - Received Capt. S 10's signal timed 2140B/18 ordering HMS Upholder to return to Malta. (23)

20 Sep 1941
Around 0700B/20, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) ended her 17th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (23)

23 Sep 1941
Around 1700B/23, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) departed Malta for her 18th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Marettimo / Cape San Vito area.

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

(23)

24 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1230B/24, while in approximate position 37°37'N, 12°26'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) heard HE to the westward and sighted smoke of minesweepers in the swept channel proceeding on a course of 045° towards the gap between Favignana and the mainland of Sicily. (23)

25 Sep 1941
At 0530B/25, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) dived off Cape San Vito to observe the coastal route.

At 0820B/25, smoke was sighted from the direction of Trapani.

At 0915B/25, a trawler and a tug were observed sweeping the coastal 'safety' route.

At 1200B/25, the ships seen at 0915B/25 returned to Trapani followed by a brig and two small steam boats.

At 2010B/25, HMS Upholder surfaced and proceeded towards latitude 38°30'N, to await the expected passage of Italian warships which would try to attack the 'Halberd-convoy' on passage from Gibraltar to Malta. (23)

27 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2000B/25, HMS Upholder set course to proceed to position 40°33'N, 13°59'E (off the Gulf of Naples), in accordance with Capt. S 10's signal timed 1715B/27.

During the last days HMS Upholder had sighted nothing of the enemy at all. (23)

29 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0520B/29, while patrolling of the Gulf of Naples, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN), sighted an object on bearing 320° moving slowly to the southwest.

At 0527B/29, HMS Upholder dived.

At 0550B/29, the object was seen to be a large two-masted schooner, making no HE, and behaving like a 'Q-ship'. The vessel remained in sight all day, zigzagging with sails furled, across the area.

At 2200B/29, HMS Upholder left patrol to return to Malta in accordance with Capt. S 10's signal timed 1617B/29. (23)

2 Oct 1941
Around 1145B/2, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) ended her 18th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (23)

18 Oct 1941
Around 1450A/18, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) departed Malta for her 19th war patrol (17th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Kerkennah.

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

(23)

20 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0905A/20, while north-east of Kerkennah, in position 34°58'N, 11°44'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) sighted a three-masted schooner of about 500 tons steering southwards keeping close to the Kerkennah bank. Range could not be closed to less then 4500 yards when the submerged chase was abandoned. It was considered the target may well have been Vichy-French.

At 2210A/20, Capt. S 10's signal timed 2105A/20 was received ordering HMS Upholder to patrol in position 34°40'N, 12°20'E to intercept a northbound tanker and merchant vessel escorted by three destroyers. (23)

24 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
0730A/24, in position 34°52'N, 11°47'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) sighted a small motor hospital ship steering a course of 335° at 10 knots.

At 1515A/24, in position 34°58'N, 11°44'E, the same hospital ship was seen, now steering 135°. At No.4 buoy the ship was seen to alter course to 220°. (23)

25 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0925A/25, north-east of Kerkennah, in position 34°59'N, 11°47'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) sighted a tanker and a destroyer steering 137°. These ships developed into the Vichy-French transport (engine aft) P.L.M. 20 (4865 GRT, built 1920) and the Vichy-French torpedo boat La Pomone. They round No.4 buoy and then altered course to 215° to proceed to Sfax. (23)

26 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1830A/26, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) left patrol to return to Malta. (23)

27 Oct 1941
Around 1100A/27, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) ended her 19th war patrol (17th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (23)

7 Nov 1941
Around 1715A/7, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) departed Malta for her 20th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Ionian Sea to operate against enemy convoys to Benghazi.

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

(23)

8 Nov 1941 (position 36.19, 16.22)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) attacks an Italian submarine with torpedoes some 60 nautical miles south-east of Capo Passero, Sicily, Italy in position 36°19'N, 16°22'E. The target was not hit despite Upholders claim.

The attack was carried out by the officer of the watch Lt. J.H. Norman, RNVR. The submarine was almost certainly the Luigi Settembrini (Capitano di Corvetta Mario Resio) on patrol off Cape Passero; the attack was unobserved.

0403A/8 - In position 36°19'N, 16°22'E sighted a submarine bearing 030°, range about 4000 yards. Enemy course was 180°, speed approximately 8 knots.

0405A/8 - Altered course towards and dived. Started attack.

0410A/8 - The target appeared to be an Italian submarine of the Perla, Sirena or Argonauta class.

0418A/8 - Fired four torpedoes from 1500 yards.

0419A/8 - Heard a heavy explosion. HE ceased and was replaced by a whistling noise of main ballast being blown.

0423A/8 - The submarine was still in sight but stopped. Started to reload a torpedo tube as soon as possible.

0428A/8 - The submarine disappeared from vieuw. Shortly afterwards Upholders periscope passed through an oil patch.

0437A/8 - One torpedo tube was reloaded (in just 14 minutes !). Surfaced and proceeded back through the attack area. Noting further was seen or heard. (23)

9 Nov 1941 (position 37.08, 18.30)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) torpedoed the Italian destroyer Libeccio (1615 tons, built 1934), engaged in the rescue of survivors from the Duisburg convoy, destroyed the previous night by Force "K" out of Malta. The destroyer had the stern blown off and was taken in tow by the Italian destroyer Euro but a few hours later the bulkheads gave way and she sank in position 36°50'N, 18°10'E (according to Italian sources).

Later the same day Upholder attacked two Trento-class heavy cruisers with three torpedoes. No hits were obtained despite the claim for a hit on one of the escorting destroyers. According to Italian sources this task force was made up of the heavy cruiser Trento and Trieste escorted by destroyers Granatiere, Fuciliere, Bersagliere and Alpino.]

0604A/9 - Started an attack on a group of three destroyers, two 'Soldati'-class and one Turbine-class.

0645A/9 - In position 37°08'N, 18°30'E fired one torpedo at a destroyer of the 'Soldati'-class from 2000 yards.

0646A/9 - The torpedo hit the target in the stern. Five depth charges were dropped following this attack. The Turbine-class destroyer proceeded to circle the damaged ship while the other 'Soldati'-class destrroyer went alongside and took off the damaged destroyers crew. Upholder retired to the North-East at 70 feet.

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

1026A/9 - In position 37°10'N, 18°37'E came to periscope depth to investigate heavy HE and sighted two Trento-class cruisers bearing 120°. The cruisers passed out of range.

1040A/9 - Closed the damaged destroyer that was torpedoed a few hours earlier. She was in tow of the Turbine-class destroyer. It was hoped that the cruisers might come in again.

1055A/9 - Sighted the cruisers approaching, bearing 250°. Started attack.

1108A/9 - Fired the last three torpedoes at the rear cruiser from 2500 yards. One of these had a gyro failure and was heard to pass twice overhead as Upholder had gone deep on firing.

1111A/9 - Two torpedo explosions were heard 25 seconds apart.

1119A/9 - Heard the noise of a ship breaking up in deep water.

1130A/9 - Sighted both cruisers still afloat and undamaged but with only one destroyer in company (two had seen before). It was thought that the other destroyer had been hit and that the breaking up noises heard were that of the destroyer sinking. [This was however not the case, these last three torpedoes fired all missed, the breaking up noises heard were indeed from a destroyer sinking but this was the damaged destroyer from the earlier attack]. (23)

11 Nov 1941
Around 0830A/11, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) ended her 20th war patrol (18th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (23)

24 Nov 1941
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Malta with the corvette HMS Gloxinia (Lt.Cdr. A.J.C. Pomeroy, RNVR). (24)

25 Nov 1941
Around 1815B/25, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) departed Malta for her 21th war patrol (19th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol south of the Straits of Messina near position 37°50'N, 15°45'E.

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

(23)

27 Nov 1941 (position 37.47, 15.44)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) attacked a large tanker with four torpedoes near Capo dell'Armi in position 37°47'N, 15°44'E. All torpedoes missed the target. This was probably the tanker Iridio Mantovani (10540 GRT, built 1939).

0730B/27 - In position 37°47'N, 15°44'E sighted a large tanker escorted by two destroyers steering a course of 270°. Closed to attack.

0740B/27 - The enemy altered course to 335°. The escort was now seen to be one Partenope-class torpedo boat stationed ahead and one Generale-class torpedo boat astern. The tanker was seen to be 7000 to 8000 tons and appeared to be a new ship.

0745B/27 - Fired four torpedoes from 2800 yards. All torpedoes missed as the speed was underestimated.

0805B/27 - Heard one explosion, most likely a depth charge. (23)

29 Nov 1941
At 0250B/29, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) received Capt. S 1's signal timed 0131B/29, ordering her to patrol off Cape Colonne. Course was set accordingly.

At 2200B/29, the N.O.I.C. [Naval Officer In Command] Malta's signal timed 0530B/29 was received. It ordered HMS Upholder to patrol in position 39°13'N, 17°29'E as part of a patrol line with HMS P 31 (Lt. J.B.de B. Kershaw, RN) and HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN). (23)

30 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0630B/30, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) dived to patrol in the ordered patrol position. (23)

1 Dec 1941 (position 39.08, 17.31)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) attacked an Italian light cruiser off the Gulf of Taranto. Four torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.

The enemy force sighted by HMS Upholder was made up of the light cruisers Raimondo Montecuccoli, Emanuelle Filiberto Duca d’Aosta and Muzio Attendolo escorted by the destroyers Aviere, Bersagliere, Fuciliere, Geniere and Granatiere.

0437B/1 - In position 39°08'N, 17°31'E sighted three cruisers and about five destroyers. Enemy course was 030°. Closed to attack.

0445B/1 - Enemy zigged straight towards.

0447B/1 - Dived to complete the attack through the periscope.

0501B/1 - Fired four torpedoes at the rear cruiser from about 1000 yards. No hits were obtained.

0510B/1 - Heard one explosion, most likely a depth charge.

0545B/1 - Surfaced to pass an enemy report to Malta but failed to establish communication.

2100B/1 - Set course to return to Malta as Upholder was out of torpedoes. Attempts to reach Malta by W/T had failed all day. (23)

3 Dec 1941
Around 1315B/3, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) ended her 21th war patrol (19th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (23)

12 Dec 1941
Around 1400B/12, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) departed Malta for her 22th war patrol (20th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Ionion Sea to intercept an expected enemy convoy from Taranto to Tripoli.

On leaving Malta the orders were to patrol in position 37°13'N, 18°58'E as part of a patrol line which was made up of, besides HMS Upholder, ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki), HMS P 31 (Lt. J.B.de B. Kershaw, RN) and HMS P 34 (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSC, RN).

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

(23)

14 Dec 1941
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) is ordered (Capt. S 10's signal timed 2153B/14) to a new patrol position south of the toe of Italy (south-east of the Straits of Messina).

She arrived in position 37°47'N, 16°05'E at 0300B/16. (23)

17 Dec 1941
At 2200A/17, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) received Capt. S 10's signal timed 1912B/17 ordering her to patrol in position 37°50'N, 15°45'E. Course was set to comply. (23)

18 Dec 1941
At 0800A/18, in position 37°52'N, 15°37'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) sighted a motor torpedo boat proceeding northwards (course 000°).

At 1320A/18, in position 37°54'N, 15°45'E, an armed trawler was seen proceeding westwards along the coast.

At 2310A/18, picked up the HE of a destroyer / torpedo boat approaching from the direction of Messina.

At 2322A/18, in position 37°53'N, 16°02'E, sighted a destroyer / torpedo boat steering 090°. (23)

19 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0515A/19, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) received Capt. S 10's signal ordering her to patrol in position 37°37'N, 16°03'E. (23)

20 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0200A/20, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) set course to patrol off Augusta.

At 0640A/20, HMS Upholder dived to patrol near position 37°11'N, 15°23'E.

Early in the afternoon it was seen that Italian shore batteries were conducting gunnery exercises on targets that were being towed by a small tug.

HMS Upholder left patrol to return to Malta later the same day. (23)

21 Dec 1941
Around 0840B/21, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) ended her 22th war patrol (20th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. She was alsmost immediately put into No.1 graving dock. (25)

27 Dec 1941
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) is undocked. (25)

29 Dec 1941
HMS Upholder, with Lt. C.P. Norman, RN temporary in command (to give Lt.Cdr. Wanklyn a rest during her next patrol) and HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Malta with HMS Beryl.

When returning from the exercises around 1630B/29, they were attacked by German Me 109 fighter aircraft of 6 JG/53. HMS Urge dived in time but on HMS Upholder the crew on the bridge were reading a signal from a shore signal station and did not notice the approaching aircraft (the message was to warn Upholder about the approaching aircraft). Lt. Norman was hit by gunfire from one of the German fighters and was wounded. Despite his wounds he managed to shut the top hatch as Upholder crash dived. When Upholder arrived back at Malta he was taken to hospital and Lt.Cdr. Wanklyn assumed command again, his rest during Upholders next patrol being cancelled.

(25)

29 Dec 1941
HMS Upholder, with Lt. C.P. Norman, RN temporary in command (to give Lt.Cdr. Wanklyn a rest during her next patrol) and HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Malta with HMS Beryl.

When returning from the exercises around 1630B/29, they were attacked by German Me 109 fighter aircraft of 6 JG/53. HMS Urge dived in time but on HMS Upholder the crew on the bridge were reading a signal from a shore signal station and did not notice the approaching aircraft (the message was to warn Upholder about the approaching aircraft). Lt. Norman was hit by gunfire from one of the German fighters and was wounded. Despite his wounds he managed to shut the top hatch as Upholder crash dived. When Upholder arrived back at Malta he was taken to hospital and Lt.Cdr. Wanklyn assumed command again, his rest during Upholders next patrol being cancelled.

(25)

31 Dec 1941
Around 1845B/31, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) departed Malta for her 23th war patrol (21th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol North of Sicily.

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

(23)

2 Jan 1942
At 0345B/2, well to the south of Marettimo Island, in position 37°38'N, 12°05'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) sighted the smoke of what are though to be minesweepers.

At 0525B/2, south-west of Marettimo Island, in position 37°54'N, 11°52'E, HMS Upholder sighted a submarine proceeding on a main course of 130° but zigzagging. Range was about 7000 yards. Dived and closed in the bright moonlight.

At 0550B/2, the target was identified as being HMS Una (Lt. D.S.R. Martin, RN) and the attack was broken off. [HMS Una had also sighted HMS Upholder.]

At 1145B/2, when north-west of Levanzo Island, in position 38°08'N, 12°16'E, HMS Upholder sighted smoke to the westward of Marettimo Island. The source never came into sight but owing to its movements it acted like a minesweeper. The enemy vessel proceeded as far north as 38°05'E then turning down the east side of the island. (23)

3 Jan 1942 (position 38.18, 13.18)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) fired three torpedoes at a merchant vessel of about 4000 tons near Cape Gallo, Sicily, Italy. No hits were obtained. The target has so far not been positively identified.

Possible targets are; Numidia (4391 GRT, built 1913) escorted by the torpedo-boat Nicola Fabrizi sailed from Palermo for Cagliari at 1100/2 (but unless an error in the given time, it has to be rejected. As the target was bound for Cagliari there indeed might be a mistake in the time, perhaps not 11 AM but 11 PM.)

Another option is the tanker Panuco (7750 GRT, built 1941) escorted by the torpedo-boat Generale Achille Papa sailed from Palermo at 1700B/3 but for Naples and these ships should be clear of the area by this time as well. Besides that the route of the target makes no sense if it was indeed this tanker. For the moment (March 2018) no further information is available to us. The information is based on Maricotraf files which give the movements of ships.

0500B/3 - In position 38°14'N, 12°50'E an armed trawler was sighted steering 265°. Dived to close to investigate. It was a modern vessel, possibly diesel driven as she had a motor ship funnel.

1018B/3 - In position 38°12'N, 12°52'E sighted three brigs and an armed tug. They were steering 270° at about 5 knots. They passed close inshore off Cape San Vito.

1045B/3 - Sighted three minesweepers operating in the 'safety route' coming from Trapani.

1145B/3 - The minesweepers were seen to turn back towards Trapani on reaching position 38°13'N, 12°42'E.

2315B/3 - In position 38°14'N, 13°22'E sighted two ships rounding Cape Gallo. Enemy course was 300°. Started attack. The two ships were soon seen to be a merchant vessel of about 4000 tons with an escort vessel.

2355B/3 - In position 38°18'N, 13°18'E fired three torpedoes from about 2400 yards. All torpedoes missed.

0001B/3 - An explosion was heard. The escort vessel was seen returning but never started a search. The merchant vessel proceeded unescorted.

0015B/3 - Commenced to reload. The merchant vessel meanwhile proceeded on course 295° probably bound for Cagliari, Sardinia. (23)

4 Jan 1942 (position 38.07, 13.52)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) torpedoed the Italian transport Sirio (5223 BRT, built 1921) carrying 8000 tons of coal from Messina to Palermo for the railway system, 4 nautical miles north-west of Cefalu, Sicily, Italy in position 38°07'N, 13°52'E. Sirio was skilfully handled, opened fire on the submarine and managed to frustrate further attempts to finish her off. The ship remained afloat and manage to limp to Palermo at 5.5 knots.

0405B/4 - In position 38°07'N, 13°43'E sighted two objects to the southward which looked like two approaching destroyers. It however turned out to be a small coaster or tanker making for Palermo.

0535B/4 - In position 38°07'N, 14°00'E sighted a 'tanker' (this was incorrect, possibly Sirio looked like a tanker). Enemy course was 280°.

0537B/4 - Dived to attack (due to the bright moonlight).

0540B/4 - No.1 torpedo tube was being blown up (to other 3 tubes already were). However the torpedo in the tube ran hot causing a complete loss of trim.

0544B/4 - Fired no.3 and no.1 torpedo tube. One of the torpedoes sank to the bottom and exploded underneath Upholder. Fortunately the depth of the water was about 500 fathoms and little damage was done.

0545B/4 - Continued the attack and crossed the bow of the 'tanker' to attack from the other side.

0612B/4 - In position 38°07'N, 13°52'E fired no.2 and no.3 tube from a range of 1000 yards. One of the torpedoes hit the 'tanker' amidships but the 'tanker' did not stop. She yawed heavily several times and at 0620 hours stopped to lower two boats. She then proceeded towards the coast.

0640B/4 - The 'tanker' turned westwards again.

0647B/4 - Surfaced for gun action but Upholder was sighted at once and taken under fire.

0651B/4 - Dived again while the damaged target managed to escape.

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2225B/4 - In position 38°06'N, 14°15'E sighted what is thought to be a motor torpedo boat.

2231B/4 - Dived to pass clear of this vessel which was patrolling in a north-south direction and vice versa. (23)

5 Jan 1942 (position 38.22, 15.22)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian submarine Ammiraglio Saint Bon (Capitano di Corvetta Gustavo Miniero) (1461 tons) north-east of Milazzo, Sicily, 38°22'N, 15°22'E.

0150B/5, In position 38°11'N, 14°52'E, a motor boat was sighted. This was thought to be a fishing smack.

0530B/5 - In position 38°21'N, 15°22'E. sighted a vessel what was thought to be an A/S trawler approaching rapidly from the southward. Dived immediately.

0534B/5 - Identified the target as a two gun submarine which was zigging constantly between 260° and 360°. The targets speed was estimated to be 15 knots. Started attack.

0538B/5 - The speed of the target was now thought to be 12 knots.

0539B/5 - In position 38°22'N, 15°22'E fired the last torpedo aimed at the targets conning tower. The torpedo hit the target just before the forward gun. She sank very quickly.

0546B/5 - Surfaced in the attack position and picked up three survivors. (59 were killed or missing).

0601B/5 - Dived and set course to pass to the south of Vulcano Island.

0940B/5 - Sighed a small steamer of about 1500 tons apparently crossing from Millazzo to Lipari.

1210B/5 - Sighted the torpedo boat Centauro close to the northward of Cape Millazzo apparently searching along the route to Palermo. (23)

6 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1025B/6, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) minesweepers operating in the 'safety route' between Trapani and Cape San Vito.

At 1125B/6, in position 38°10'N, 12°32'E, two Navigatori-class destroyers were seen passing eastwards along the 'safety route' with a Cant Z.501 patrolling overhead.

At 1845B/6, HMS Upholder surfaced and commenced the return passage to Malta. (23)

8 Jan 1942
Around 0900B/8, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) ended her 23th war patrol (21th in the Mediterranean) at Malta.

At 0645B/8 a Ju. 88 aircraft dropped a stick of five bombs about 200 yards on the starboard quarter. (23)

14 Jan 1942
Around 1830B/14, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) departed Malta for her 24th war patrol (22th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the Gulf of Taranto in position 39°30'N, 17°31'E as part of a patrol line together with HMS Una (Lt. D.S.R. Martin, RN) and HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN).

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

(26)

16 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0520B/16, south-east of Cape Colonna, in position 38°53'N, 17°26'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) sighted a hospital ship proceeding on course 195°. (26)

20 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1630B/20, in position 39°33'N, 17°22'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) sighted the masts of a large ship moving northwards.

At 1655B/20, HMS Upholder surfaced to have a better look at the enemy vessel. A large motor vessel of about 10000 tons and an escorting destroyer could be made out. Enemy course was 015° at approximately 15 knots. (26)

21 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0001B/21, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) left patrol to return to Malta. (26)

23 Jan 1942
Around 0830B/23, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) ended her 24th war patrol (22th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (26)

1 Feb 1942
Around 1910B/1, HMS Upholder (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) departed Malta for her 25th war patrol (23th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the north of Sicily.

Lt. Norman was temporary in command of HMS Upholder to give Lt.Cdr. Wanklyn a rest.

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

(26)

13 Feb 1942
Around 0740B/13, HMS Upholder (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) ended her 25th war patrol (23th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (26)

21 Feb 1942
Around 2120B/21, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) departed Malta for her 26th war patrol (24th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol near Tripoli, Libya as part of a patrol line made up of seven other submarines which were to intercept an important enemy convoy. The other submarines were HMS Unbeaten (Lt.Cdr. E.A. Woodward, RN), HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) and HMS P 36 (Lt. H.N. Edmonds, DSC, RN) which just like HMS Upholder departed Malta for this operation. They were to form the line with four submarines which were already on patrol; HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN), HMS P 34 (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSC, RN), HMS P 38 (Lt. R.J. Hemingway, DSC, RN) and HMS P 39 (Lt. N. Marriott, DSC, RN).

The convoy that was to be attacked was the Italian 'Operation K 7'. There were two convoys and two cover forces deployed in this operation;
One convoy departed Messina around 1730B/21 and was made up of the transports Monginevro (Italian, 5324 GRT, built 1940), Ravello (Italian, 6142 GRT, built 1941) and Unione (Italian, 6070 GRT, built 1942) escorted by the Italian destroyers Ugolino Vivaldi, Lanzerotto Malocello, Nicolò Zeno, Premuda, Strale and the Italian torpedo boat Pallade.

The other convoy departed Corfu around 1330B/21 and was made up of the tanker Giulio Giordani (Italian, 10534 GRT, built 1939) and the transports Lerici (Italian, 6070 GRT, built 1941) and Monviso (Italian, 5322 GRT, built 1941) escorted by the Italian destroyers Antonio Pigafetta, Emanuele Pessagno, Antoniotto Usodimare, Maestrale, Scirocco and the torpedo boat Circe.

A cover group departed Messina around 1830B/21 and was made up of the heavy cruisers Gorizia, Trento, light cruiser Giovanni Delle Bande Nere escorted by the destroyers Alpino, Antonio Da Noli and Alfredo Oriani.

The second cover group departed Taranto around 1600B/21 and was made up of the battleship Duilio and the destroyers Aviere, Ascari, Camicia NeraGeniere.

The two convoys merged around 1000B/22. (26)

21 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Upholder during her 26th war patrol see the map below.

23 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0700B/23, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) dived 12 nautical miles north of her ordered patrol position. She had been delayed due to the weather conditions. Visibility was poor.

At 0810B/23, a Cant. Z 506 B was seen patrolling in position 32°55'N, 14°48'E. No shipping was in sight but it was most likely that this seaplane was part of the air escort of the imported convoy that was expected.

At 0904B/23, fast HE was picked up bearing 190° moving westwards. Nothing was in sight with a maximum visibility of 5000 yards. The HE moved to the northward and then to the eastward.

At 0957B/23, a long series of depth charges started.

At 1000B/23, HMS Upholder was finally in her ordered patrol position.

At 1034B/23, HE was picked up moving eastward.

At 2145B/23, Capt. S 10's signal 0530B/30 was received. This ordered HMS Upholder to patrol in position 150° - 16 nautical miles from her original patrol position. This signal had not been received earlier as HMS Upholder had been dived and earlier that day, at 0800B/23 only a part had been received due to bad atmospheric conditions. (26)

24 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2230B/24, while north-west of Tripoli, in position 33°09'N, 12°47'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) sighted two ships bearing 210°. Enemy course was 335° at 15 knots. HMS Upholder gave chase at full speed om course 280° and closed to 3000 yards.

At 2315B/24, both ships were identified as two destroyers / torpedo boats. The chase was then broken off. (26)

25 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0900B/24, while north-west of Tripoli, in position 32°55'N, 12°56'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) sighed a small auxiliary brig steering westwards.

This vessel was seen returning towards Tripoli at 1210B/24. (26)

26 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0508B/26, while west of Tripoli, in position 32°52'N, 12°58'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) sighted an object to the westward and an attack was started. The target was thought to be a submarine at first but was soon seen to be two small destroyers / torpedo boats. It was noticed that from the bridges of these ships some cigarette ends were thrown overboard.

At 0512B/26, HMS Upholder dived to avoid being sighted. The destroyers / torpedo boats appeared to be hunting.

At 0530B/26, HMS Upholder surfaced when the enemy got clear but on surfacing found them laying stopped 1000 yards to the southward.

At 0531B/26, HMS Upholder dived again and A/S transmissions were picked up but the enemy was not in contact.

At 0800B/26, two Spica-class torpedo boats were observed to return to Tripoli from their patrol close inshore.

At 0930B/26, the torpedo boat Generale Antonio Cantore was seen coming down the swept channel from the direction of Tripoli.

At 1405B/26, the Generale Antonio Cantore was seen to return to Tripoli at 20 knots. (26)

27 Feb 1942 (position 32.55, 12.42)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian transport Tembien (5584 GRT, built 1914) about 25 nautical miles west of Tripoli, Libya in position 32°55'N, 12°42'E. She carried 468 POW's and was escorted by the Italian destroyer Strale. The destroyer hunted the submarine dropping nine depth charges before starting to rescue the survivors. She was later joined in her efforts by the auxiliary Laurana and the torpedo boats Clio and Generale Antonio Cantore. In all 390 POW's, 68 Italians and 10 Germans drowned.

0900B/27 - Two minesweepers were seen in the searched channel coming from the direction of Tripoli. They were later seen to return to Tripoli. They were seen to be a tug and an auxiliary brig.

1845B/27 - In position 32°55'N, 12°46'E, heard faint HE bearing 060° and sighted a large merchant vessel and one destroyer / torpedo boat in the haze. Enemy course was 280°. Started attack.

1905B/27 - In position 32°56'N, 12°43'E fired three torpedoes at the merchant vessel that was of about 5500 tons, half passenger type and she was dazzle painted.

1907B/27 - Two torpedo hits were obtained. The escort shortly increased speed and started depth charging but stopped after dropping eight depth charges to pick up survivors.

1925B/27 - Heard the ship breaking up.

1950B/27 - The escort moved off towards Tripoli. (26)

3 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1900B/3, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) left patrol to return to Malta. (27)

5 Mar 1942
Around 0650B/5, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) ended her 26th war patrol (24th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (26)

14 Mar 1942
Around 1930B/14, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) departed Malta for her 27th war patrol (25th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the Gulf of Taranto.

At 2215B/14, east-north-east of Malta, in position 36°01'N, 14°56'E, a motor torpedo boat was seen proceeding southwards at high speed. HMS Upholder dived until the HE disappeared. It was thought this may have been XMAS (a captured Italian MAS boat which was used mainly for special operations and air/sea rescue duties out of Malta) which was known to be at sea.

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

(26)

16 Mar 1942
As the convoy HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) was ordered (Capt. S 10's signal timed 2039B/16) to operate against was delayed she was ordered to patrol off Brindisi for one day (on the 18th). (26)

17 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1245B/17, south of the Strait of Otranto, in position 39°52'N, 18°58'E, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) sighted two destroyers proceeding southwards on a course of 190° at 25 knots. (26)

18 Mar 1942 (position 40.45, 17.56)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian submarine Tricheco east of Brindisi in the southern Adriatic in position 40°42'N, 17°57'E.

0830B/18 - In position 40°42'N, 18°00'E, sighted two auxiliary minesweepers proceeding on a course of 110°. They passed Brindisi and then continued on course 120°.

1407B/18 - In position 40°43'N, 17°59'E, a sloop was seen steering southwards on a course of 185°.

1457B/18 - In position 40°42'N, 17°57'E, sighted a small merchant vessel and one escort steering 110° at 7 knots. Started attack. The merchant vessel entered Brindisi harbour at 1520B/18 having zigged away twice and the attack was broken off. She passed at a range of 3500 yards.

1535B/18 - In position 40°41'N, 17°57'E sighted a Perla class submarine steering for Brindisi and attempted to attack but could not close to less than 5000 yards. This submarine was Ondina (T.V. Gabriele Andolfi) returning to Brindisi after morning exercises.

1708B/18 - In position 40°45'N, 17°57'E sighted another submarine steering 185° at 12 knots. Started attack.

1726B/18 - Fired four torpedoes from 550 yards. Two hits were obtained and the submarine quickly sank. [According to Italian sources the submarine was under Capitano di Corvetta Giovanni Cunsolo and had sailed from Augusta for Brindisi. Four officers (including Cunsolo) and seven ratings were picked up by the transport Nazario Sauro and the sailing vessel S. Spiridione. One officer and 37 ratings were lost.]

1830B/18 - Several small vessels were seen searching the attack area.

2045B/18 - Surfaced and ran to the eastwards after reloading.

2205B/18 - Encountered a motor torpedo boat patrol. HMS Upholder dived to run clear but they remained in close company for about an hour. (26)

19 Mar 1942 (position 40.18, 18.28)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) sank the Italian auxiliary minesweeper B.14/Maria (22 GRT) with gunfire, about 10 nautical miles north of Otranto, Italy.

0737B/19 - In position 40°18'N, 18°28'E sighted four small craft which turned out to be a diesel trawler and three fishing smacks. Closed for gun action.

0843B/19 - Surfaced 100 yards from the trawler and gestured the crew to abandon ship. Seven Rounds were fired from 50 yards for six hits. The vessel caught fire and settled having three large holes on the waterline.

0858B/19 - Dived and retired to the east. (26)

20 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1700B/20, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) arrived in the Gulf of Taranto in position 39°50'N, 17°21'E as had been ordered in Capt. S 10's signal timed 1411B/18. (26)

22 Mar 1942
At 0215B/22, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) heard the HE of a motor torpedo boat passing from the north to the east. Nothing could be seen though.

At 0420B/22, the motor torpedo boat returned to the northward. At the same time HE of a destroyer / torpedo boat (280 revs) proceeded eastwards.

At 0650B/22, the HE of a motor torpedo boat was picked up moving northwards. Again nothing could be seen. (26)

23 Mar 1942 (position 40.11, 17.00)
HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) fired four torpedoes against the Italian battleship Littorio in the Gulf of Taranto in position 40°11'N, 17°00'E. No hits were obtained. According to Italian sources Littorio was escorted by the destroyers Antonio Pigafetta, Bersagliere and Ascari and proceeding to Taranto. A torpedo track was observed crossing 200 meters ahead of the battleship.

1230B/23 - Arrived in position 40°12'N, 17°03'E as ordered in Capt. S 10's signal timed 2339B/22 to intercept the reported damaged battleship.

1720B/23 - Heard heavy HE bearing 180° moving west fast. Closed at full speed. Visibility was very poor in the heavy rain and high sea.

1736B/23 - In position 40°11'N, 17°00'E sighted a battleship [Littorio] steering 360° at 20 knots.

1738B/23 - Fired four torpedoes from 4000 yards but the battleship zigged away after firing so all torpedoes missed.

2000B/23 - Surfaced and passed a report to Malta. (26)

26 Mar 1942
Around 1645B/26, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) ended her 27th war patrol (25th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (26)

6 Apr 1942
Around 2000B/6, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) departed Malta for her 28th war patrol (26h in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to carry out a special operation (details to follow) and then to patrol off Tripoli, Libya.

This was to be her last patrol before returning to the U.K. to refit.

Most likely HMS Upholder was lost on a mine as her route to intercept the Monreale/Unione convoy on 13 April (following an ULTRA intercept) would have brought her close to an Italian minefield laid by the destroyers Alvise Da Mosto and Giovanni da Verrazzano on 1st May 1941 (section d AN of the "T" minefield).

Another possibility has been suggested by Mr. Francesco Mattesini, naval historian accredited to the Italian Navy Historical Office. On 14 April 1942 a submarine was detected by the air escorts while approaching a convoy south-east of Malta. The planes were 2 Messerschmitt Bf.110 of 8/ZG.26 and 2 Do.17 of 10/ZG.26. They attacked the submerged boat and within a very short time sighted a dark patch surfacing, indicative of leaking oil. The planes dropped smoke floats on the position, 34°47'N, 16°55'E. No further sound or echo was obtained after this time. We consider it however highly unlikely that Upholder was near this position as she was ordered to operate much farther to the south-west.

Note: the attack of Italian torpedo boat Pegaso was made against a dolphin(!). The mammal was positively identified by a plane overhead but the observer's report has only been recently discovered in the Italian Naval archives by Mr. Mattesini.

9 Apr 1942
In the evening, Captain Robert Wilson, RM and Lance Corporal Charles Parker of the Beds and Herts Regiment landed two SIS agents by Folbots near Sousse, Tunisia. The two SIS agents (the Egyptian Victor Mantoura and the Syrian Georges de Dryère) were to enter Libya through Tunisia for intelligence activities but both were arrested by the Vichy police. Captain Wilson and Lance Corporal Parker returned to HMS Upholder after having landed the agents.

HMS Upholder reported the operation completed in her signal timed 2301B/9 addressed to Capt. S 10 and repeated to HMS Unbeaten.

11 Apr 1942
At 0340B/11, in position 35°34'N, 12°17'E, Captain Wilson was transferred from HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) to HMS Unbeaten (Lt.Cdr. E.A. Woodward, DSO, RN). HMS Unbeaten was on passage from Malta to Gibraltar. Wilson was the last man to see the crew of HMS Upholder. Lance Corporal Parker remained on board HMS Upholder and was lost with the submarine.

On the two submarines parting company, as to her patrol orders, HMS Upholder was to patrol in ' area T ' to the south of 34°40'N and between 11°00'E and 12°50'E.

The extreme south-east area of ' Area T ' seems the most interesting area and we presume Lt.Cdr. Wanklyn to have thought likewise. Also while proceeding to this area an important enemy convoy route (as given in Upholders patrol orders) could be followed as far a was possible.

For some data regarding HMS Upholder's last war patrol plotted on a map see the map below;

11 Apr 1942
In a signal timed 2155B/11, Capt. S.10 informed HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) that at 2100B/11 a transport (motor vessel) and a destroyer had been sighted in position 33°19'N, 12°53'E, proceeding on course 345° at 15 knots.

This must have referred to the Italian transport Gino Allegri (6836 GRT, built 1941) which had departed Tripoli around 1900B/11 for Naples escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Centauro.

It is to be expected that Lt.Cdr. Wanklyn would try to intercept this ship during the night of 11/12 April. No attacks were however reported by the Italians though it is always possible that one was made which was not observed.

Having either made a failed attack on this convoy or having failed to intercept this convoy at all it seems likely that Lt.Cdr. Wanklyn would proceeded further to the south. It would be logical for him to proceed to the south-east part of area T as HMS Upholder would now be near the eastern edge anyway. Enemy convoys leaving Tripoli would most likely all proceed through the south-eastern part of area T before taking one of several possible convoy routes. Lt.Cdr. Wanklyn had also patrolled that area as recently as February 1942 and had succeeded in sinking an enemy transport back then.

HMS Urge was en-route to patrol in the area between Pantelleria and Lampione Islands. An area where the reported convoy was expected through proceed through so HMS Urge continued her pasage. While still en-route to this area HMS Urge encountered a southbound convoy late in the morning of the 12th and attacked it. [See the page of HMS Urge for the details.] HMS Urge made no direct enemy report on this convoy for just after the attack a large modern transport was seen proceeding to the north-west. This must have been the Gino Allegri and her escort. [There is no mention of an escort in the patrol report of HMS Urge which never came closer then 5 to 6 nautical miles.] At 2250B/12, HMS Urge finally cleared a signal to Capt. S.10 giving details of her exploits that day and also reporting the southbound convoy.

Apparently no signal was send to HMS Upholder regarding this southbound convoy so she must have been unaware of it. (28)

12 Apr 1942
In a signal timed 2252B/12, the Capt. S.10 signalled the following orders to HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN) and HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN).

They were to take up the following positions by midnight during the night of 14/15 April.

HMS Urge proceed through position 35°00'N, 13°10'E to position 'X' which was 33°11'N, 14°09'E.

HMS Upholder proceed through position 33°25'N, 13°10'E to position 'Y' which was 33°10'N, 14°23'E.

HMS Thrasher proceed through position 32°50'N, 16°00'E to position 'Y' which was 33°09'N, 14°37'E.

Object of interception is an important convoy, expected mean line of advance 235° through position 'X' about dawn on the 15th. If forced to retire HMS Urge was to keep west of 14°15'E, HMS Thrasher east of 14°30'E and HMS Upholder between these longitudes.

In a signal timed 1026B/13, Capt. S.10 informed the submarines that the mean line of advance of the convoy would be 235° through position 'Y' about dawn on the 15th. Apparently there had been a mistake in the original signal.

The important convoy referred to was en-route from Italy to Tripoli. It was made up of the transports Vettor Pisani (Italian, 6339 GRT, built 1939) and Reichenfels (German, 7744 GRT, built 1936). They had departed Naples around 0730B/13 for Tripoli. They were escorted by the Italian destroyers Antonio Pigafetta, Nicolo Zeno and the torpedo boat Pegaso.

The convoy merged with two more convoys, the first convoy to join was made up of the transport Reginaldo Giuliani (Italian, 6837 GRT, built 1942) which had departed Brindisi around 1000B/13, escorted by the Italian destroyer Mitragliere and the Italian torpedo boat Arethusa. On these three convoys merging the Arethusa parted company.

Later also a convoy made up of the transport transport Ravello (Italian, 6142 GRT, built 1941) joined. It had had departed Taranto around 1200B/13 escorted by the Italian destroyers Freccia and Turbine.

The combined convoy arrived at Tripoli around 0930B/15.

13 Apr 1942
In a signal timed 1015B/13, the Capt. S.10 signalled the following orders to HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, VC, DSO, RN).

Patrol between 33°08'N, 12°56'E and 33°10'N, 12°00'E for westbound traffic until necessary to comply with my 2252B/12.

It was expected that two enemy fast transports would leave Tripoli after having discharged their cargoes. Around 1900B/13, indeed the transports Monreale (Italian, 5323 GRT, built 1941) and Unione ((Italian, 6070 GRT, built 1942) departed Tripoli for Naples escorted by the Italian destroyer Premuda and the Italian torpedo boat Lince. This convoy arrived safely at Naples around 1140B/15 although the Lince had proceeded to Cagliari due to the heavy weather that was encountered.

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