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Submarine ORP Wilk (N 63)

9 Jun 1940
With her refit completed, ORP Wilk (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) proceeded from Dundee to Rosyth.

At Rosyth she commenced a post refit work-up period. (1)

16 Jun 1940
ORP Wilk (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) conducted exercises in the Firth of Forth together with HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. H.A.V. Haggard, RN).

On completion of the exercises ORP Wilk returned to Rosyth while HMS Truant proceeded on patrol. (2)

18 Jun 1940
ORP Wilk (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) departed Rosyth for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in an area known as ' north of J '. which was near position 57°00'N, 05°50'E.

She was to take over this patrol area from the Dutch submarine HrMs O 13 (Lt.Cdr. E.H. Vorster, RNN) which had been ordered to vacate this area on 19 June 1940 and return to Rosyth. (3)

20 Jun 1940
At 0025A/20, when in position 56°50'N, 03°37'E, ORP Wilk (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) was severely shaken and the after part of the submarine was lifted out of the water by what was first thought to be an explosion. Wilk's forward motion was checked twice within three seconds. Wilk continued to shutter for about ten seconds.

Although it was first thought that the stern was lifted out of the water it was later considered to be due to striking a submerged submarine. Ratings in the forward half of the submarine reported wire scraping along the hull. The officer of the watch subsequently reported that he had seen a dark shape which disappeared before Wilk reached it.

A very severe jarring effect was felt which broke some electric light bulbs, threw ratings out of their hammocks in the after end of the ships and put the Sperry compass out of action.

A main engine circulating water pipe split as did the connection between the main line and the after mining tank which was found to be leaking from the sea probably due to distortion from the after hydroplane shaft which passes through it.

About 10 tons of water entered the engine room before the leaks could be located and repaired.

Very severe vibration occurred when the port shaft was started and its use had to be discontinued thereafter.

Considerable vibration also occurred in the starboard shaft which could not be run at speeds of over 5 knots.

The after hydroplanes were damaged and could only be operated though 8 degrees in either direction.

It is not clear what ORP Wilk had hit but there is a possibility that this might have been the Dutch submarine HrMs O 13 (Lt.Cdr. E.H. Vorster, RNN) which was en-route from the patrol area ORP Wilk was to take over to Dundee and failed to return from patrol.

The wreck of HrMs O 13 is yet to be found and it is hoped that one day the discovery of the wreck can clear up the matter if ORP Wilk had hit HrMs O 13 yes or no.

At 1600A/20, ORP Wilk arrived in the ' waiting ' position 57°00'N, 04°46'E. It had been decided to try to continue the patrol.

21 Jun 1940
At 0600A/21, ORP Wilk (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) proceeded to try to intercept an enemy submarine that had been report in Admiralty signals 1700Z/20 and 0002Z/21.

[We have not seen this signal but these signals may refer to a submarine sighting by an aircraft at 2035A/20 in position 57°50'N, 03°38'E. This might have been either ORP Wilk herself, HrMs O 13 (Lt.Cdr. E.H. Vorster, RNN) returning from patrol or the German U-99 which was also passing through this general area.] (4)

22 Jun 1940
At 2300A/22, ORP Wilk (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) surfaced for the night. Due to the damage sustained on the 20th and the difficulties encountered during the last two day it had been decided to abandon the patrol and to return to Rosyth. (4)

24 Jun 1940
At 1400A/24, ORP Wilk (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) sighted the Longstone lighthouse bearing 150° at a range of 7 nautical miles. It was then realised that Wilk was about 50 nautical miles out of position due to the fact that the magnatic compass must have been affected due to the shock it had endured on the 20th. (4)

25 Jun 1940
At 1100A/25, ORP Wilk (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) ended her 3rd war patrol at Rosyth. (4)

26 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the morning, the damaged ORP Wilk (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki), departed Dundee for Rosyth where she arrived later the same day. (5)

29 Jun 1940
ORP Wilk (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) is docked in the floating dock at Rosyth. (6)

5 Jul 1940
ORP Wilk (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) is undocked. (7)

7 Jul 1940
ORP Wilk (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) conducted exercises in the Firth of Forth. (8)

9 Jul 1940
ORP Wilk (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki was to have departed for her 4th war patrol but her sailing had to be delayed due to defective main motors. (8)

10 Jul 1940
At 2000A/10, ORP Wilk (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) departed Rosyth for her 4th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol to the south of area C 1. (4)

16 Jul 1940 (position 57.24, 6.15)
At 2000A/16, ORP Wilk (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) sighted an unidentified aircraft in position 57°24'N, 06°15'E. She promptly dived deep but a bomb was dropped very close. (4)

21 Jul 1940 (position 57.51, 6.03)
At 0630A/21, ORP Wilk (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) sighted a German Donier 18 aircraft proceeding southwards two to three miles away.

At 0655A/21, ORP Wilk sighted a tanker and a destroyer or other escort vessel right beneath the aircraft. Wilk then proceeded at best submerged speed to close the tanker. At the next periscope observation three more destroyers or escort vessels were sighted. The tanker passed at about 4000 yards outside the extreme torpedo range. Two of the escorts however passed Wilk at a distance of about 6 cables which remained at periscope depth with all machinery stopped, except the main motors. The tanker, thought to be of 10000/12000 GRT, and the escorts disappeared stearing 180°. No enemy report was made as the force had already been reported by aircraft shortly before. Position was 57°51'N, 06°03'E. (4)

22 Jul 1940 (position 57.28, 5.28)
At 0825A/22, ORP Wilk (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) sighted an unidentified aircraft in position 57°28'N, 05°28'E. Wilk herself was also sighted as 5 minutes later, after she had dived, three explosions were heard and felt rather close astern and abaft. Wilk was a 60 feet at the time of the explosions. The fore hatch lifted, the gyro compass was disturbed and two electric light bulbs broke.

Wilk left patrol in the evening. (4)

23 Jul 1940
At 1345A/23, ORP Wilk (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki), which was on the surface, sighted an unidentified aircraft [no position given in the patrol report]. Wilk dived to 120 feet but apparently had been sighted as a salvo of six bombs was dropped very closely.

At 1835A/23, ORP Wilk, which was again on the surface, sighted two unidentified aircraft. Wilk then fired two idetification granades. The aircraft then turned towards and were identified as German Donier 18's. Wilk dived and three minutes later three explosions were heard close by. [Again no position given in the patrol report.] (4)

24 Jul 1940
In the afternoon, ORP Wilk (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) ended her 4th war patrol at Rosyth. (4)

26 Jul 1940
ORP Wilk (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) is docked in the floating dock at the Rosyth Dockyard. (7)

30 Jul 1940
ORP Wilk (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) is undocked. (7)

Submarine ORP Sokol (N 97)

27 Jan 1941
Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) departed her builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (9)

28 Jan 1941
Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training.

Following succesful trials on this day she was accepted for service.

[Data for the trials and exercises during this period is taken from the logs of January and February 1941 from the depot ship HMS Titania.] (9)

29 Jan 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) [apparently] conducted trials and exercises in the Clyde area. (10)

30 Jan 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) [apparently] conducted trials and exercises in the Clyde area. (10)

31 Jan 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) departed Holy Loch, [presumably] for the Arrochar torpedo range for torpedo discharge trials. (10)

4 Feb 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) returned to Holy Loch, [presumably] from the Arrochar torpedo range after torpedo discharge trials there. (11)

6 Feb 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) departed Holy Loch [presumably] for exercises in the Clyde area or at Campbeltown. (11)

8 Feb 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) returned to Holy Loch [presumably] from exercises in the Clyde area or at Campbeltown. (11)

9 Feb 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) [apparently] conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (11)

10 Feb 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) [apparently] conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (11)

11 Feb 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) [apparently] conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (11)

14 Feb 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) [apparently] conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (11)

15 Feb 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) departed Holy Loch [presumably] for exercises in the Clyde area. (11)

16 Feb 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) returend to Holy Loch [presumably] from exercises in the Clyde area. (11)

17 Feb 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) [apparently] conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (11)

18 Feb 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) departed Holy Loch for Dundee. She was escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (12)

20 Feb 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) arrived at Dundee. (12)

22 Feb 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) proceeded from Dundee to Rosyth. She is to participate in A/S exercises in the Firth of Forth. (12)

28 Feb 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) is docked in the floating dock at Rosyth. (7)

5 Mar 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) is undocked. (7)

19 Mar 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) proceeded from Rosyth to Dundee.

23 Mar 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) and HMS Undaunted (Lt. J.L. Livesey, RN) escorted by HMS Leda (Cdr. R.C.V. Ross, DSO, RN), departed Dundee for Harwich. They were joined off Blyth by HMS Sealion (Cdr. B. Bryant, DSC, RN) and HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN). (9)

24 Mar 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki), HMS Undaunted (Lt. J.L. Livesey, RN), HMS Sealion (Cdr. B. Bryant, DSC, RN) and HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Harwich. (9)

25 Mar 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki), HMS Undaunted (Lt. J.L. Livesey, RN), HMS Sealion (Cdr. B. Bryant, DSC, RN) and HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Harwich for Portsmouth. They were escorted by HMS Sheldrake (Cdr.(Retd.) E.H. Hopkinson, RN). (9)

26 Mar 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) arrived at Portsmouth. She departed for her 1st war patrol later the same day. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay about 250 to 300 miles west of Brest. (13)

15 Apr 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) ended her 1st war patrol, which had been mainly uneventful, at Portsmouth.

20 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) is docked at the Portsmouth Dockyard. [Date of undocking currently unknown to us.] (14)

7 May 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) departed Portsmouth for her 2nd war patrol. Before proceeding on patrol a deep dive was made off Start Point to test the recent repairs to her pressure hull.

Sokol was again ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay. (15)

24 May 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) ended her 2nd war patrol at Portsmouth. Once again the patrol had been mainly uneventful. A lot of fishing vessels had been sighted as well as a few enemy patrol vessels which were evaded. (16)

5 Jun 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) departed Portsmouth for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay. (16)

23 Jun 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) ended her 3rd war patrol at Portsmouth. Again the patrol had been uneventful, mainly fishing vessels and aircraft having been sighted. Visibility was also poor throughout that patrol. (16)

7 Jul 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) departed Portsmouth for her 4th war patrol. Once again she was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay. (16)

15 Jul 1941 (position 46.41, -2.30)
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) attacked the German naval tanker Ermland (11232 GRT, built 1940) with four torpedoes west of Île d'Yeu, France. No hits were obtained.

The Ermland had departed La Pallace around 2140B/14 and arrived at St. Nazaire around 0800B/15. She was escorted by the German minesweepers M 18 and M 30. The attack had not been observed by the Germans.

0405A/15 - Sighted what is thought to be a 10000 tons supply ship at a range of 2500 yards. She was escorted by what were thought to be two destroyers. Enemy course was 010° at 12 knots. Started attack.

0424A/15 - In position 46°41'N, 02°30'W fired four torpedoes from 1000 yards. No hits were obtained. No counter attack with depth charges followed though it was thought that single gunshots were heard at 0440 and 0445 hours. (17)

23 Jul 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) ended her 4th war patrol at Portsmouth. (16)

12 Aug 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) departed Portsmouth for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay. Before proceeding on patrol exercises had been carried out. (16)

16 Aug 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) is ordered to proceed to position 45°30'N, 02°00'W to try to intercept an Italian submarine returning to Bordeaux. This italian submarine had been D/F'd while making an enemy report the day before.

The submarine in quistion was Benedetto Brin which appeared to have encountered HMS Parthian (Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) the previous day. (16)

26 Aug 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) ended her 5th war patrol at Portsmouth. (16)

2 Sep 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) departed Portsmouth for Gibraltar. Sokol was to proceed to Malta to join the 10th Submarine Flotilla based there. (18)

15 Sep 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) arrived at Gibraltar. (12)

19 Sep 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) departed Gibraltar for her 6th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). Sokol was to patrol off Cape San Vito, Sicily to provide cover for convoy opertion Halberd. Upon completion of her patrol she was to proceed to Malta. (16)

25 Sep 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) arrived in her patrol area. (16)

1 Oct 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) ended her 6th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16)

4 Oct 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) departed Malta for her 7th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to proceed to position 33°45'N, 12°46'E to search for the crew of a crashed RAF Blenheim bomber. (16)

6 Oct 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) ended her 7th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. Weather conditions had not been very good and they had been unable to locate the aircrew. The accuracy of the position ORP Sokol was to conduct the seach was questioned by the Commanding Officer of the 10th Submarine Flotilla, Capt. G.W.G. Simpson, RN. (16)

9 Oct 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) departed Malta for her 8th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the southward of Lampion Island to intercept an enemy convoy en-route to Tripoli from Naples.

The convoy Sokol was to intercept proceeded from Naples (departed 8 October) to Tripoli. It was made up of the transports Giulia (5921 GRT, built 1926), Casaregis (6485 GRT, built 1924), Zena (5219 GRT, built 1914), Bainsizza (7933 GRT, built 1930) and the tanker Proserpina (4870 GRT, built 1926). It was escorted by the destroyers Granatiere (Capt. Capponi), Fuciliere, Bersagliere and Alpino. Torpedo aircraft from Malta managed to attack the convoy twice and were able to sink the Zena and Casaregis. Bainsizza had to put into Trapani with engine trouble. (16)

11 Oct 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) ended her 8th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16)

23 Oct 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) departed Malta for her 9th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea. (16)

27 Oct 1941
While operating south of Naples, ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki), tried to attack a merchant vessel of about 3000 tons. When about to fire torpedoes the merchant vessel disappeared behind some rocks close to the shore so reluctantly the attack had to be broken off.

(All times are zone A/-1).

0815 hours - Sighted a merchant vessel of 3000 tons very near to Cape Campenella. Enemy course 090°, bearing 320°, range 3 nautical miles. Started attack but the ship went through the rocks by the mainland so the attack had to be broken off. Remained patrolling by Bocca Picollo about 3 miles from the land but visibility was not good. Fog at times dense, and heavy rain. (16)

28 Oct 1941 (position 40.42, 13.47)
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) fired four torpedoes against the Italian armed merchant cruiser Città di Palermo (5413 GRT, built 1930) west Ischia Island, Italy in position 40°42'N, 13°47'E. The torpedoes missed their target.

(All times are zone A/-1)
1030 hours - Sighted a convoy made up of a liner and four cargo vessels. They were escorted by two destroyers. Started attack.

1048 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 6000 yards. Sokol broke surface shortly after firing. She remained at 10 feet for about 30 seconds.

1054 hours - One explosion was heard, this was thought to be a hit.

1100 hours - Sokol was now at 240 feet. 10 depth charges were dropped about 2 nautical miles astern. (16)

2 Nov 1941 (position 38.22, 12.20)
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) sank the Italian merchant vessel Balilla (2469 GRT, built 1920) about 20 nautical miles north-west of Capo San Vito, Sicily, Italy near position 38°22'N, 12°20'E. Balilla was en-route from Sousse, Tunisia to Palermo, Sicily.

(All times are zone -1)
0138 hours - In position 38°05'N, 12°03'E sighted one vessel 10 nautical miles north of Marittimo at a range of about 4 nautical miles. Enemy course was 070°.

0140 hours - Dived to hear the HE, 70 revs.

0145 hours - Surfaced and closed. The target was seen to be a 3000 ton merchant vessel.

0158 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 1000 yards. No hits.

0201 hours - Closed to 400 yards.

0203 hours - Fired another torpedo but it had a gyro failure. The ship was now stopped and being abandoned.

0204 hours - Closed the vessel even further. Fired 34 rounds. All were hits. The last 20 were fired from only 50 yards and aimed at the waterline.

0215 hours - Resumed course to return to Malta. (16)

3 Nov 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) ended her 9th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16)

13 Nov 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) departed Malta for her 10th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the west coast of Greece. Other submarines were also operating in the area on a patrol line Sokol was also to be part of so as to intercept enemy convoys to Benghazi. (16)

17 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0300B/17, ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) received a signal timed 1731B/16 from Capt. S.1 ordering Sokol to patrol in position 38°01'N, 20°13'E. (16)

18 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1600B/18, ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) received a signal timed 1113B/18 from Capt. S.1 ordering Sokol to patrol off Navarino Bay. (16)

19 Nov 1941
At 0830 hours (zone B/-2), ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki), ran into the net defence of Navarino Bay while attempting to enter the bay to attack enemy ships inside it. She managed to break out of the net defence and retired to seaward having sustained some minor damage. (16)

21 Nov 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) attacked but missed the Italian destroyer Strale inside Navarino Bay. It was however thought the destroyer had been sunk as breaking up noises had been heard.

Later the same day she attacked an Italian convoy south-west of Sapientza Island but no hits were obtained. This convoy was made up of the merchant vessels Tinos (German, 2826 GRT, built 1914) and Bolsena (Italian, 2384 GRT, built 1918). It was escorted by the destroyer Strale and the torpedo boat Orione en route from Navarino to Benghazi.

(All times are zone B/-2)
1205 hours - Closed the entrance to Navarino Bay. Two destroyers were seen inside the bay, an Avieri (Soldati) class and a Spica class (torpedo boat). No merchant ships was seen from our position. Decided to attack the Avieri class destroyer.

1540 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 4000 yards.

1542 hours - Fired a third torpedo but it had a gyro failure and it ran across Sokol which was fortunately not hit.

1543 hours - Heard two torpedo explosions thought to be hits as further gurgling sounds and smaller explosions were heard on the Asdic. Sokol retired to the north-west.

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

2315 hours - In position 10 miles 270° Cape Sapienza sighted one destroyer and three merchant vessels in convoy at a range of about 4000 yards. Course south-west, estimated speed 10 knots. It was a very dark night and the convoy was invisible from time to time against the clouds on the horizon.

2320 hours - The convoy altered course to the south. Gave chase at full speed - but still trimmed down.

2335 hours - The convoy altered course to the south-west again. Range 6000 to 7000 yards.

2338 hours - Fired three torpedoes at 20 second interval on 125 degree track, point of aim was the leading ship of the convoy. Altered course 90 degrees after firing.

2340 hours - Dived for trim and reloading.

2345 hours - Heard two loud explosions at 3 seconds interval followed by a grating or grinding noise (heard only on the Asdic) for 2 minutes. (16)

27 Nov 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) ended her 10th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16)

12 Dec 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) departed Malta for her 11th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to to patrol in the Ionian Sea in a patrol line with HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN), HMS P 31 (Lt. J.B.de B. Kershaw, RN) and HMS P 34 (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSC, RN). Sokol was to proceed to position 37°21'N, 19°22'E which was the easternmost position of the patrol line. (16)

15 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0030B/15, ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) set course to proceed to the northward. The patrol line being disbanded. (16)

16 Dec 1941
At dawn on the 16th, ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) was off the Gulf of Taranto in position 39°24'N, 18°13'E with HMS Unbeaten (Lt. Cdr. E.A. Woodward, RN) and HMS P 31 (Lt. J.B.de B. Kershaw, RN) bearing 220° 12 miles and 24 miles respectively from ORP Sokol. (16)

19 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the 18th the patrol line was changed slightly by Capt. S.10.

At 0930B/19, ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) heard HMS Unbeaten (Lt. Cdr. E.A. Woodward, RN), still in the central billet of the patrol line) calling both HMS P 31 (Lt. J.B.de B. Kershaw, RN) and ORP Sokol on SS/T. Sokol's Asdic transmission failed, which was very unfortunate, since their relative positions could not be checked. HMS Unbeaten was 240° from ORP Sokol at this time.

At 1100B/19, visibility became bad with slight rain. By 1135B/19 a heavy rain storm had developed on a calm sea and the resultant noise on the sea surface made Asdic ineffective. At 1150B/19, the rain storm had deceased and HE could be heard on a bearing 220°. At noon, with Sokol in approximate position 39°14'N, 17°49'E, the enemy fleet was sighted bearing 235° comprising two battleships in line ahead, two cruisers also in line ahead disposed to starboard of the battleships and ten destroyers escorting them. Also ten aircraft were patrolling overhead. The range to the nearest line of cruisers was 10000 yards. Enemy's course was 295°, speed 20 knots. At 1215B/19 the enemy fleet altered course to the northward and disappeared.

These heavy ships passed between ORP Sokol and HMS Unbeaten which latter gives his noon position as 39°13'N, 17°42'E. HMS Unbeaten had sighted smoke at this time bearing 040°. Unfortunately at this time the rain storm complained of by ORP Sokol had moved over HMS Unbeaten and the enemy's alteration to northward at 1215B/19 must have taken him between the two submarines out of range of both.

Weather had been poor and cloudy for two day. Submarines were out of sight of land and the enemy fleet passed through the submarine patrol line in the midst of a rain storm and it was this last misfortune which prevented either submarine attacking.

The enemy fleet sighted by ORP Sokol was made up of the battleships Littorio, Andrea Doria, Guilio Cesare, heavy cruisers Gorizia, Trento and the destroyers Granatiere, Bersagliere, Fuciliere, Alpino, Corazziere, Carabiniere, Antoniotto Usodimare, Maestrale, Alfredo Oriani and Vincenzo Gioberti. (16)

20 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0001B/20, ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) departed her patrol area to return to Malta via Punta Stilo. (16)

23 Dec 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) ended her 11th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16)

4 Jan 1942
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) departed Malta for her 12th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Taranto in a patrol line together with HMS Unbeaten (Lt.Cdr. E.A. Woodward, RN) and HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN).

Later ORP Sokol patrolled off the coast of Calabria in the area near Crotone. (16)

16 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0130B/16, ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) arrived in position 40°07'N, 17°17'E to patrol in that area as ordered by Capt. S.10 in a signal received on 13 January. (16)

20 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0001B/20, ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) left patrol to return to Malta. (16)

21 Jan 1942
At 1330B/21, in position 36°41'N, 16°07'E, ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki), heard HE of 160 rpm bearing 140°. Nothing was seen, but as the sea was rough, an attempt was made to come to 20 feet to have another look, and Sokol broke surface. A periscope and jumping wire was seen bearing 110° at 2000 yards. Altered course towards it, but it disappeared and no further HE was heard.

The closest submarine at this moment was the British HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) but she reported nothing at this time. (16)

22 Jan 1942
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) ended her 12th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16)

6 Feb 1942
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) departed Malta for her 13th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol east of Tunisia. (16)

12 Feb 1942 (position 34.15, 10.55)
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) sank the Italian auxiliary patrol vessel Giuseppina (392 GRT) with gunfire about 30 nautical miles south of Sfax, Tunisia in position 34°15'N, 10°55'E.

(All times are zone B/-2)
1620 hours - Sighted three masts of a sailing vessel bearing 230°. Range was 3 nautical miles. Enemy course 340°. The schooner was within French territorial waters.

1721 hours - The schooner stopped and displayed navigation lights. She was still within French territorial waters.

1746 hours - The schooner switched off her navigation lights and got underway again.

1925 hours - Surfaced. Full speed ahead to intercept. Range to the schooner was about 6 nautical miles.

2020 hours - Went to action stations.

2100 hours - Fired 3 rounds at the schooner from 300 yards, 2 hits were obtained. The schooner stopped at once and the crew abandoned ship.

2115 hours - Sent over a boarding party. They took off a whole bunch of papers. Two holds were found loaded with coal.

2120 hours - The boarding party left the schooner having placed a demolition charge.

2115 hours - A terrific explosion blew the stern of the schooner. Position was 34°15'N, 10°55'E. Sokol then cleared the area. (16)

14 Feb 1942 (position 33.18, 12.00)
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) attacked an Italian destroyer or torpedo boat with three torpedoes north of Zuara, Libya. No hits were obtained.

(All times are zone B/-2)
0115 hours - In position 33°18'N, 12°00'E a silhoutte was sighted bearing 230°, range 3 nautical miles.

0152 hours - Started attack. The target was probably a destroyer.

0157 hours - Fired a salvo of three torpedoes from 2000 / 2500 yards. The third torpedo had a gyro failure and ran 45° to starboard. No hits were obtained. The target continued on its way and the attack appeared no to have been noticed. (16)

19 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2030B/19, ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) left patrol to return to Malta. (16)

20 Feb 1942
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) ended her 13th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16)

26 Mar 1942
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) was near-missed during an air raid on Malta. (19)

1 Apr 1942
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) is damaged during an air raid on Malta. (19)

17 Apr 1942
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki, DSO) departed Malta for Gibraltar where she was to be repaired. During the passage only the port propeller could be used due to damage to the starboard one. (16)

28 Apr 1942
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki, DSO) arrived at Gibraltar for repairs. (16)

18 Jun 1942
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki, DSO) conducted DG trials off Gibraltar. (20)

21 Jun 1942
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki, DSO) departed Gibraltar for Holy Loch. During her repairs at Gibraltar it had been decided to sent Sokol back to the U.K. for a full refit. She was escorted out until 0200A/21, by the special service vessel HMS Minna (T/Lt.Cdr. T. Mather, RNR). (21)

25 Jun 1942
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki, DSO) is diverted to patrol off Ferrol to intercept a damaged U-boat which had arrived there with damage, this was U-105. (19)

30 Jun 1942
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki, DSO) is ordered to continue her passage to the U.K. The German U-boat U-105 had departed from Ferrol on 28 June. (19)

9 Jul 1942
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki, DSO) arrived at Holy Loch. During the passage north through the Irish Sea she had been escorted by HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN). (19)

12 Jul 1942
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki, DSO) departed Holy Loch for Blyth via a stopover at Lerwick on the 14th. She was escorted by HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN) all the way. (19)

15 Jul 1942
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki, DSO) arrived at Blyth where she was to refit. (19)

18 Jul 1942
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki, DSO) was taken in hand for refit at Blyth. (12)

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