Frederick Henry Sherwood DSC, RCNVR
| Born | 25 Jun 1914 | ||
| Died | 14 May 2013 | (98) | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
 | Ranks
Retired: 24 Jul 1946 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for Frederick Henry Sherwood, RCNVR
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS P 556 (P 556) | Lt.Cdr. | Submarine | 17 Mar 1943 | 19 Jun 1943 |
| HMS Spiteful (P 227) | Lt.Cdr. | Submarine | 21 Jul 1943 | 24 Jul 1946 |
Career information
LtCdr (Ret'd) Frederick Henry Sherwood passed away peacefully in Ottawa, Ontario Canada on May 14th, 2013.
In August 2014 'Fred' Sherwood's wartime memoirs were published. "Its Not the Ships" is available at www.its-not-the-ships.com
Events related to this officer
Submarine HMS Spiteful (P 227)
7 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) proceeded from Greenock to Holy Loch where she was docked in AFD 7 to adjust the ballast. (1)
12 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) was undocked and then conducted trials in the Clyde area. (1)
12 Oct 1943
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (1)
13 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)
15 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) shifted from Holy Loch to the torpedo firing range at Arrochar. (1)
16 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (1)
17 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (1)
18 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (1)
20 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Having completed her torpedo discharge trials, HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR), shifted from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (1)
22 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)
23 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)
24 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh followed by log trials in Loch Long. (1)
26 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. On completion of these exercises she proceeded to Holy Loch. (1)
28 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (1)
29 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted S.T.U. (mine detection) trials off Fairlie. (1)
30 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) made a practice attack on HMS Stratagem (T/Lt. R.L. Willoughby, RNR).
She then conducted night shadowing exercises together with HMS Storm (T/Lt. E.P. Young, DSC, RNVR) and HrMs K XV (Lt.Cdr. Baron C.W.T. van Boetzelaer, RNN) while HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as target. (1)
31 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) proceeded to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (1)
1 Nov 1943
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She made the passage North together with the Dutch submarine HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN). They were escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN). (2)
3 Nov 1943
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) arrived at Scapa Flow to participate in A/S exercises. (2)
4 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. (2)
5 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMIS Cauvery (A/Cdr. A.W. Beeton, RIN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN) and another vessel. (2)
6 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Oribi (Lt.Cdr. J.C.A. Ingram, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Urchin (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, DSC, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard DSC, RCN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN). (2)
8 Nov 1943
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN), HMS Hardy (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN), HMS Kempenfelt (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Marjoribanks, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. W.H. Selby, DSC, RN) and HMS Termagant (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Scatchard, DSC, RN).
HMS Bellona also carried out gunnery exercises. (3)
9 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), HMS Kempenfelt (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Marjoribanks, RN), HMIS Cauvery (A/Cdr. A.W. Beeton, RIN) and HMS Hussar (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Biggs, DSO, DSC, RN). (2)
10 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Virago (Lt.Cdr. A.J.R. White, RN). (2)
11 Nov 1943
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted attack exercises at Scapa Flow during which HMS Termagant (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Scatchard, DSC, RN) served as target. (2)
12 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Urchin (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Virago (Lt.Cdr. A.J.R. White, RN). (2)
13 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Ariadne (Capt. Lord Ashbourne, RN), HMS Tuscan (Lt.Cdr. C.H.de B. Newby, RN), HMS Virago (Lt.Cdr. A.J.R. White, RN), HMIS Cauvery (A/Cdr. A.W. Beeton, RIN) and another vessel. (2)
14 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Urchin (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Virago (Lt.Cdr. A.J.R. White, RN). (2)
16 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. (2)
17 Nov 1943
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Urchin (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, DSC, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. S.V. Storheill, RNorN), HMIS Cauvery (A/Cdr. A.W. Beeton, RIN) and HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, DSO and Bar, RN).
On completion of these exercises HMS Spiteful departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (2)
19 Nov 1943
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) arrived at Holy Loch. (2)
23 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) shifted from Holy Loch to Lamlash. (2)
24 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) shifted from Lamlash to Larne. (2)
25 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted RDF (radar) trials in the Clyde area with HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN). On completion of these trials HMS Spiteful proceeded to Campbeltown. (1)
25 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMCS Agassiz (T/Lt. E.M. More, RCNR) and HMS Celandine (Lt. W.E. Warwick, RNR). (2)
26 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Larne with an Escort Group. (2)
27 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted A/S off Larne with aircraft. (2)
29 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted attack exercises off Larne on a dummy convoy. (2)
30 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted attack exercises off Larne on a dummy convoy. (2)
1 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted exercises off Larne. (4)
2 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted exercises off Larne. (4)
5 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. (4)
10 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN), the tanker Empire Maccoll (9133 GRT, built 1943) and HMS Vampire (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) served as targets. (4)
11 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN) and HMS Vampire (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) served as the targets. (4)
12 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted a deep dive trial in the Clyde area. (4)
16 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (4)
17 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. On completion of these trials she proceeded to Holy Loch. (4)
22 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR) and HMS La Flore (Lt. J. Mayling, RN) served as target. (4)
23 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as target. (4)
27 Dec 1943
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She was escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN). (5)
29 Dec 1943
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) arrived at Lerwick. She departed later the same day on her 1st war patrol. An anti-uboat patrol to the North-East of the Shetlands.
For the daily positions of HMS Spiteful during this patrol see the map below.
(5)
12 Jan 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. (5)
13 Jan 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Breda (Lt.Cdr. G.G. Slade, RN). (6)
16 Jan 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) arrived at Holy Loch. (6)
21 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (6)
28 Jan 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) shifted from Holy Loch to Ardrossan where repairs were to be carried out. Also a new battery was fitted. (6)
11 Feb 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) returned to Holy Loch. (7)
12 Feb 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) was docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (7)
14 Feb 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) was undocked. (7)
17 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted D/F calibration trials in the Clyde area. (7)
18 Feb 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) returned to her builders yard for more repairs. (7)
26 Feb 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) returned to Holy Loch. (7)
29 Feb 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Holy Loch for Gibraltar. This was later changed to Casablanca.
This was the first leg of her trip to the Far East.
For the daily positions of HMS Spiteful during this passage see the map below.
(7)
13 Mar 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Casablanca for Gibraltar. (8)
14 Mar 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) arrived at Gibraltar. (8)
17 Mar 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Gibraltar for Malta. She made the passage in convoy KMS 44. (8)
22 Mar 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) arrived at Malta. (8)
25 Mar 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Malta for Port Said. (8)
30 Mar 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) arrived at Port Said. (8)
3 Apr 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) transited the Suez Canal Southbound. (9)
4 Apr 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Suez for Aden. (9)
10 Apr 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) arrived at Aden. (9)
13 Apr 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Aden. (9)
14 Apr 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Aden bound for Colombo. She was later ordered to proceed to Trincomalee. (9)
26 Apr 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) arrived at Trincomalee. (9)
6 May 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (10)
7 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted noise trials at Trincomalee. (10)
11 May 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (10)
13 May 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (10)
14 May 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Trincomalee for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off Port Blair. She was escorted out by the Italian sloop Eritrea. (5)
14 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily positions of HMS Spiteful during her 2nd patrol see the map below.
1 Jun 1944
At 1547 hours (zone -6.5) HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) surfaced off Port Blair to 'shoot up' the Governor's Residence. Range was 2000 yards. 9 rounds were fired off which 8 fell in the target area. The gun jammed when the 10th round was fired. At 1550 hours the action was ended and Spiteful dived and cleared the area. (5)
5 Jun 1944
HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Trincomalee. She was escorted in by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. F.R. Crawford, RNVR).
(5)
6 Jun 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) was docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (11)
8 Jun 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) was undocked. (11)
20 Jun 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) and HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included gunnery exercises and practice attacks on each other. (11)
21 Jun 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Trincomalee for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Strait. She was escorted out by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. F.R. Crawford, RNVR). (5)
21 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Spiteful during her 3rd war patrol see the map below.
29 Jun 1944 (position 4.22, 98.20)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) attacked a convoy of coasters with 3 torpedoes in the Malacca Strait. No hits were obtained.
(All times are zone -6.5) 1045 hours - In position 04°22'N, 98°20'E sighted the same convoy of 7 coasters as sighted yesterday. Also 19 small motor sampans, launches, etc. were present. An air escort of 2 Kates was patrolling the area. Started a torpedo attack on the coasters.
1150 hours - Fired 3 torpedoes at the 3rd coaster in line. No hits were obtained. No counter attack followed. (5)
30 Jun 1944 (position 4.45, 98.01)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) attacked the same convoy as was attacked yesterday, but this time with gunfire. Only two shots could be fired before an aircraft forced Spiteful to break off the action and dive to safety.
(All times are zone -6.5) 0643 hours - Sighted the convoy of 7 coasters again in position 04°45'N, 98°01'E. Closed submerged at speed.
0835 hours - Surfaced for gun action. Range was 7000 yards. Two rounds were fired at the same coaster that was missed by torpedoes yesterday before an aircraft was detected.
0837 hours - Dived.
0838 hours - One loud explosion very close causing minor damage.
0840 hours - One loud explosion further away. Retired to the seaward and deeper water. (5)
2 Jul 1944 (position 4.36, 99.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire in the Malacca Strait in position 04°36'N, 99°00'E.
(All times are zone -6.5) 1449 hours - Surfaced in position 04°36'N, 99°00'E 500 yards on the Port quarter of junk Sulee Thye (registered in Singapore, No. 950). She had three masts and was heavily laden. A shot with the deck gun was put through the sail before the crew of 6 abandoned ship and approached the submarine in their small boat. The Captain was taken prisoner and the others were given provisions and a direction for land. The junk was then sunk with 22 rounds. (5)
15 Jul 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) ended her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. She was escorted in by the Italian sloop Eritrea. (5)
29 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted noise trials at Trincomalee. (12)
1 Aug 1944
During 1 and 2 August 1944, HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) and HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR), conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included gunnery exercises and practice attacks on each other. (13)
5 Aug 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Trincomalee for her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off North-West Sumatra and to proceed to Fremantle, Australia upon completion of this short patrol. She was escorted out by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. F.R. Crawford, RNVR). (5)
5 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Spiteful during her 4th war patrol see the map below.
16 Aug 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) left her patrol area to proceed to Fremantle. (5)
19 Aug 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) is ordered to reconnoitre Christmas Island. (5)
22 Aug 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) bombarded oil storage tanks at Christmas Island.
(All times are zone -6.5) 0929 hours - Dived in position 10°11'S, 105°38'E and closed Christmas Island.
1230 hours - No shipping was seen in Flying Fish Cove. Three oil storage tanks were seen and selected as target for a gun action.
1734 hours - Surfaced for gun action. 5 Rounds were fired for 2 or 3 hits. The enemy also opened fire with three guns and machine guns.
1737 hours - Dived and set course for Australia. (5)
26 Aug 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) took on board fuel at Exmouth Gulf. (5)
30 Aug 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) ended her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Fremantle, Australia. (5)
14 Sep 1944
During 14 and 15 September 1944, HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR), conducted gunnery and attack exercises off Fremantle with HMAS Mildura (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Little, RANR(S)), these included night exercises. (14)
22 Sep 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Fremantle for her 5th war patrol (4th in the Far East and 1st in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol in the Sunda Strait. Before proceeding on patrol exercises were carried out with HMAS Ipswich (T/Lt. R.H. Creasey, RANR(S)). (5)
22 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily positions of HMS Spiteful during her 5th war patrol see the map below.
26 Sep 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) topped off with fuel at Exmouth Gulf before proceeding to her patrol area. (5)
27 Sep 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Exmouth Gulf only after some engine repairs that delayed her 24 hours. (5)
1 Oct 1944
While en-route to the Sunda Strait HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) made a reconnaissance of Christmas Island. Nothing of interest was sighted. (5)
25 Oct 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) ended her 5th war patrol (4th in the Far East and 1st in the South-West Pacific area) at Fremantle. The patrol had been uneventful. (5)
4 Nov 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) was put on the slipway at Fremantle. (15)
6 Nov 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) was put back in the water. (15)
12 Nov 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) was docked at Fremantle. She was undocked later the same day. (15)
16 Nov 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Fremantle for her 6th war patrol (5th in the Far East and 2nd in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Boni. Later she was ordered to patrol in Makassar Strait.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Spiteful during this patrol see the map below.
(5)
24 Nov 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) arrived at Darwin to top off fuel and provisions and to land an injured crewmember and take on board a replacement that had been flown in from Fremantle. (5)
25 Nov 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Darwin for her patrol area. (5)
14 Dec 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) took of one crewmember of a small sailing vessel. The vessel was then allowed to proceed. (5)
14 Dec 1944 (position -5.23, 117.20)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) sank a coaster with gunfire in the Java Sea, South of Makassar Strait.
(All times are zone -8) 1730 hours - In position 05°11S, 117°13'E sighted the mast of a ship to the Southward. Closed to investigate. This soon was seen to be a 150-200 tons coaster with a diesel engine. Altered course to get ahead of her and dived to close submerged however the coaster had sighted Spiteful and made off to the South-East. Set off in pursuit on the surface.
1824 hours - Opened fire from 4500 yards. The 6th round was a hit. In all 118 rounds were fired and at least 80 hits were obtained before she sank at 1855 hours in position 05°23'S, 117°20'E. No survivors were seen. (5)
15 Dec 1944 (position -7.12, 116.15)
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) attacked a Japanese merchant vessel with a salvo of 6 torpedoes in the Java Sea to the East of the Kangean Islands. No hits were obtained. Spiteful was depth charged but sustained no damage.
(All times are zone -8) 0938 hours - Sighted a mast bearing 260°. This proved to be a destroyer weaving ahead of a merchant ship. Enemy course was 080°. Further inspection showed that the merchant vessel was a mineweeper. The masts of a third ship were seen astern. This was thought to be a merchant vessel so started an attack on this ship. However this later proved to be a small escort. A Rufe aircraft was also patrolling the area. Target was now shifted to the 2nd ship again but the most favourable attack position was now gone.
1035 hours - In position 07°12'S, 116°15'E fired 6 torpedoes at the merchant vessel (first thought to be a minesweeper) from 4000 yards. All missed.
1039 hours - A counter attack followed. 18 Depth charges were dropped but none were close.
1250 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight except for a Rufe aircraft that was patrolling the area. (5)
16 Dec 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) passed Lombok Strait Southbound submerged during daylight hours. (5)
23 Dec 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) ended her 6th war patrol (5th in the Far East and 2nd in the South-West Pacific area) at Fremantle. (5)
9 Jan 1945
During 9 and 10 January 1945 HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted exercises off Fremantle, these included night exercises. (16)
12 Jan 1945
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Fremantle for her 7th war patrol (6th in the Far East and 3rd in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol off Singapore. She was also to perform air/sea rescue duties in that area. Before proceeding on patrol she conducted exercises together with HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) and HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN). Practice attacks were made on HMAS Dubbo (T/Lt. F.W. Roberts, RANR(S)), HMAS Inverell (Lt. A.I. Chapman, RANR(S)), HMAS Warrnambool (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) E.J.B. Wight, RAN) and USS Hutchinson.
For the daily positions of HMS Spiteful during this patrol see the map below.
(5)
16 Jan 1945
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) topped off with fuel at Exmouth Gulf before proceeding to her patrol area. (5)
20 Jan 1945
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) passed Lombok Strait Northbound. Most of the passage was made submerged and the last part on the surface after sunset. (5)
10 Feb 1945
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) passed Lombok Strait Southbound submerged during daylight hours. (5)
17 Feb 1945
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) ended her 7th war patrol (6th in the Far East and 3rd in the South-West Pacific area) at Fremantle. The patrol had been uneventful. (5)
16 Mar 1945
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Fremantle for Trincomalee. This is the first leg of the trip back to the U.K. where she was to refit.
For the daily positions of HMS Spiteful during this passage see the map below.
(17)
30 Mar 1945
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) arrived at Trincomalee. (17)
9 Apr 1945
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Trincomalee for Aden. (18)
20 Apr 1945
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) arrived at Aden. (18)
26 Apr 1945
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Aden for Port Said. She returned after a few hours with engine problems that needed repairs before she could continue the passage to the U.K. (18)
29 Apr 1945
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Aden for Port Said. (18)
4 May 1945
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) arrived at Port Said. (19)
7 May 1945
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Port Said for Malta. (19)
11 May 1945
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) arrived at Malta. (19)
13 May 1945
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Malta for Gibraltar. (19)
17 May 1945
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) arrived at Gibraltar. (19)
25 May 1945
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) departed Gibraltar for Plymouth. (19)
31 May 1945
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) arrived at Plymouth where she was to refit at the Devonport Dockyard. (19)
Sources
- ADM 173/18095
- ADM 173/18096
- ADM 53/117022 + ADM 173/18096
- ADM 173/18097
- ADM 199/1870
- ADM 173/18792
- ADM 173/18793
- ADM 173/18794
- ADM 173/18795
- ADM 173/18796
- ADM 173/18797
- ADM 173/18798
- ADM 173/18799
- ADM 173/18800
- ADM 173/18802
- ADM 173/19704
- ADM 173/19706
- ADM 173/19707
- ADM 173/19708
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
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