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Allies in WWII

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Submarine HMS Otway (N 51)

22 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. Upon completion of these exercises Lt.Cdr. Harvey took over command from Lt. Clutterbuck. (1)

Submarine HMS L 23 (N 23)

15 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)

21 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)

22 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)

23 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)

27 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)

28 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)

30 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (2)

4 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

5 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

16 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

19 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

20 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

24 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

25 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

26 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

27 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (3)

3 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (4)

Submarine HMS Otus (N 92)

4 May 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Hurworth (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, RN) and HMS Airedale (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN). (5)

5 May 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Airedale (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN), HMS Sikh (Capt. St.J.A. Micklethwait, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.T. Jellicoe, DSC, RN). (5)

7 May 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Kingston Cyanite (Skr. J.A. Cornelius, RNR) and HMS Kingston Coral (Ch.Skr. I. Mackintosh, MBE, RNR). (5)

9 May 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.T. Jellicoe, DSC, RN).

HMS Jackal returned to Alexandria at 1855 hours. She had already sailed for (these) exercises at 1900/8. (5)

21 May 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Hayes, DSO, RN) and HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. L.StG. Rich, RN). (5)

22 May 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Kingston Cyanite (Skr. J.A. Cornelius, RNR) and HMS Kingston Coral (Ch.Skr. I. Mackintosh, MBE, RNR). (5)

26 May 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Erica (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Riley, RNR) and another vessel who's name is unreadable in the log of HMS Otus. (5)

27 May 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Airedale (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) and HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN).

No logs are available for HMS Otus from June 1942 to April 1943 so her exact movements (on a day to day basis) are currently unknown to us). (5)

30 Jun 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed Alexandria for Haifa. The exact date she arrived at Alexandria is currently unknown to us. Her orders were to arrived at Haifa at 0530 on 5 July 1942.

No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed.

27 Jul 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed Haifa for her 3rd storage trip to Malta. Following this she was to proceed to the U.K. to refit.

No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (6)

7 Aug 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Malta. (6)

10 Aug 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar.

No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (6)

20 Aug 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. Upon arriving at Gibraltar she hit the north mole damaging her stem. (6)

1 Sep 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed Gibraltar for Holy Loch.

No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (7)

10 Sep 1942
At 0530 hours, HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN), made rendez-vous with her escort, HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN), off Trevose Head. They then proceeded northwards through the Irish Sea. (7)

11 Sep 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (7)

13 Sep 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed Holy Loch together with her escort, HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). They were to proceed northwards through the Minches. HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) was also in company during the passage north as she was to proceed to Lerwick.

Escort was taken over at 0800/16 by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). During passage south along the Scottish east coast HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) was also in company. (7)

17 Sep 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Blyth. (7)

21 Sep 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) shifted from Blyth to Newcastle upon Tyne where she was to refit. (8)

Submarine HMS Torbay (N 79)

20 Nov 1942
With her refit completed HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from the Devonport Dockyard.

She first conducted D/G and compass adjustment trials off Plymouth during which she was escorted by HMS Jasper (T/Lt. W.T. Hodson, RNVR).

She then left Plymouth around 1500A/20 for Holy Loch. During the passage to Holy Loch she was escorted by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN). HMS Otway (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) was also in company until 0813A/23 when she was detached to Barrow-in-Furness. (9)

23 Nov 1942
Around 2145A/23, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Holy Loch from Plymouth.

At Holy Loch she was to begin a period of post-refit trials and training. (9)

24 Nov 1942
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Upon completion of these trials she returned to Holy Loch. (9)

27 Nov 1942
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted trials and exercises in the Clyde area. She was escorted, for safety reasons, by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN) (9)

29 Nov 1942
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Shortly before these trials commenced HMS Torbay briefly grounded with her stern. (9)

30 Nov 1942
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (9)

2 Dec 1942
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted mine laying (from the torpedo tubes) exercises in completion of which she proceeded from Loch Long to Holy Loch. (10)

6 Dec 1942
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (10)

7 Dec 1942
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. Upon completion of these trials she proceeded to Holy Loch. (10)

8 Dec 1942
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted STU trials (mine detection) in the Clyde area. On completion of these STU trials attack exercises were carried out during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN) acted as target. (10)

9 Dec 1942
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (10)

10 Dec 1942
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) proceeded from Rothesay to Kames Bay where she was docked in AFD 7. (10)

11 Dec 1942
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is undocked at Kames Bay. She then conducted A/S exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Bulldog (Cdr. M. Richmond, OBE, DSO, RN).

These A/S exercises were then followed by night encounter exercises with HMS Z 5 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR). (10)

13 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1400A/13, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN), HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) and ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) J.K.S. Koziolkowski, DSC) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. They were escorted by HMS Cape Palliser (Lt. B.T. Wortley, RNR). (11)

16 Dec 1942
Around 0930A/16, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Lerwick from Holy Loch.

She then departed from Lerwick for her 13th war patrol around 1900A/16. This is the 1st war patrol of her 2nd commission after her refit. She is to patrol off the coast of northern Norway during the passage of convoy JW 51A.

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

(11)

1 Jan 1943
Around 1240A/1, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ended her 13th war patrol at Lerwick. (11)

2 Jan 1943
Around 1200A/2, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN), HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) and HMS P 223 (Lt. G.D.N. Milner, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. They were escorted by HMS Ayrshire (T/Lt. R.W.H. Elsden, RNVR). (11)

4 Jan 1943
Around 1030A/4, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Holy Loch from Lerwick. (11)

8 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Loch Goil. (12)

9 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil on completion of which she returned to Holy Loch. (12)

12 Jan 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Kames Bay where she was immediately docked in AFD 7. Both propellers were to be changed. (12)

13 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is undocked at Kames Bay. She then proceeded to Helensburg for D/G trials on completion of which she proceeded to Holy Loch. (12)

17 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. (12)

19 Jan 1943
Around 0015A/19, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Holy Loch for Gibraltar.

Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS P 312 (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) and HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN). They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN).

HMS Cutty Sark parted company with the submarines around 1530A/21.

For the daily positions of HMS Torbay during this passage see the map below.

(13)

29 Jan 1943
Around 1000A/29, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Holy Loch. (13)

31 Jan 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. W.B. Piggott, OBE, RD, RNR) and HMS Hussar (Lt. R.C. Biggs, DSO, DSC, RN). (12)

1 Feb 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar with motor launches. (14)

2 Feb 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Gibraltar. (14)

5 Feb 1943
Around 1300A/5, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Gibraltar for her 14th war patrol. This is the first Mediterranean patrol of her 2nd commission. She is to perform a work-up patrol off Valencia. On departure gunnery exercises were carried out.

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

(11)

7 Feb 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) fired two rounds at the Spanish submarine General Sanjuro, one hit the forward hydroplane causing slight damage, the two submarines later collided, Torbay getting a small dent.

1345A/7 - While dived sighted a 1500 ton Spanish ship at 2000 yards coming straight towards. Went to 80 feet until she passed Torbay.

1405A/7 - Returned to periscope depth 38°18'N, 00°06'E. The ship was sighted to the South-West and on the same bearing a submarine was sighted steering 180° at 4000 yards. It was first thought that the submarine was escorted by the merchant vessel. Examination of Janes Fighting ships (1940 edition) showed no Spanish submarine resembling the one sighted, which could be seen to have two guns and large periscope standards and resemble the Italian Archimede class. There was no report of a Spanish submarine in this area just an intelligence report of the General Sanjuro that was on passage from Almeria to presumably Cartagena escorted by Torpedo Boat nr. 7. None of these conditions were fulfilled and when it was seen that the submarines course was diverting from the merchant vessel it was decided (at 1420 hours) to give chase on the surface.

1600A/7 - Torbay now had the range closed to 6000 yards and it was intended to open fire as Lt. Clutterbuck was confident it was an Italian submarine unable to dive. This belief was strengthened by the fact she appeared to be listing to port and was down by the stern. This was afterwards found to be an optical delusion. It was a mystery why she had not opened fire with her after gun and this was thought to be because morale on the Italian submarine to be very low. Lt. Clutterbuck ordered to submarine to stop by Aldis lamp but this had no effect. At 1610 hours the submarine set course to 310° without decreasing speed. Lt. Clutterbuck took this as an effort to place her in the sun and bring both guns to bear. On Torbay the tubes were brought to the ready and at 1615 hours the order open fire was given. The first round fired hit her the hydroplanes but then the gun malfunctioned. The second round was not fired until one and a half minute later and went over. It was then seen that a large number of men were on the bridge of the submarine which enhanced Lt. Clutterbuck's belief that it was an Italian submarine about to surrender so fire was ceased. Torbay closed and prepared to board. It was then seen that Spanish colours were painted on the conning tower so the sub was asked (by Aldis lamp) for her name. No good form of communication could be established so Torbay continued to close end on. The submarines were now very close and the Spanish submarine now drifted towards Torbay hitting Torbay's bow with her after casing but no damage was done other than a small dent. The identity of the submarine was now established.

1615A/7 - Torbay now proceeded to the eastward to clear the area. (11)

11 Feb 1943 (position 39.58, 0.11)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoed and sank the Danish merchant (in German service) Grete (1563 GRT, built 1931) off Cape Oropesa, Spain.

0815A/11 - While on patrol near Cape Oropesa in position 39°58'N, 00°11'E sighted a very deep laden merchant ship bearing 270° steering 040°, range was 8000 yards. The vessel appeared to be the Danish Grete. National markings were seen on the bow and quarter but these did not appear to be Spanish. As her plotted course and position was outside territorial waters started an attack.

0850A/11 - As the identity of the ship was by now established fired two torpedoes from 3000 yards. One torpedo hit the target that was seen to sink at 0920A/11. Torbay retired to the southward.

1950A/11 - Torbay surfaced in position 090° - Cape Canet - 21.5 nautical miles (approximately 39°40'N, 00°15'E) and left patrol to proceed to Algiers. (11)

13 Feb 1943
Around 0845A/13, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ended her 14th war patrol at Algiers. She was escorted in by HMML 458 (T/Lt. J.W. Curtis, RNVR) which had joined her at 0715A/13. (11)

22 Feb 1943
Around 1700A/22, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Algiers for her 15th war patrol (this is the 2nd Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Genoa.

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

(11)

25 Feb 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) damaged the Italian auxiliary minesweeper Monte Argentario (80 GRT) with gunfire off Ajaccio, Corsica, France.

0900A/25 - A wooden motor vessel, about 80 feet long, painted grey and flying the Italian colours came out of Ajaccio and headed seaward. She was towing a small target with red sails. The wooden motor vessel had a small gun forward. Decided to let the target go in the hope of a better target.

1000A/25 - Nothing of interest was visible in Ajaccio harbour.

1150A/25 - The vessel sighted earlier was seen returning and as there was nothing bigger in Ajaccio and Torbay would leave this area the next night, Lt. Clutterbuck decided to attack it after all. Surfaced about 1500 yards away, fired seventeen rounds for only two hits. The ship was driven ashore by it's crew. The action was broken off when Torbay was fired upon by a shore battery. (11)

26 Feb 1943 (position 43.27, 8.08)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sank the transport Mariaeck (German former French Oasis, 1327 GRT, built 1938) with gunfire about 30 nautical miles south of Cape Mele, Italy in position 43°27'N, 08°08'E.

Torbay also torpedoed and sank the Spanish merchant vessel (under German control) Juan de Astigarraga (3561 GRT, built 1929) in position 180° - Cape Mele - 1.5 nautical miles.

0250A/26 - In position 43°27'N, 08°08'E sighted a darkened ship to the eastward.

0300A/26 - The ship was identified as the French Oasis.

0310A/26 - Three torpedoes were fired from 1000 yards, all missed or ran under.

0314A/26 - Engaged the target with the deck gun.

0320A/26 - Fired a fourth torpedo which also missed. After firing 66 rounds the ship was left well ablaze.

0500A/26 - The blaze, which had been distinctly visible up to this time, was suddenly extinguished, and it was considered that the target sank at this time.

...........................................................................

0640A/26 - Sighted what is thought to be a German S or R boat. Dived in position 150 - Cape Mele - 7 nautical miles. This craft stopped about 1000 yards from Torbay's diving position and carried out a vague hunt. It appeared she was never in contact. [We have been unable to identify this vessel.]

0750A/26 - The enemy vessel was now hull down to the north-west. It was thought the enemy had sighed Torbay before we sighed the enemy.

...........................................................................

1410A/26 - Sighted a deeply laden merchant ship 5000 yards to the westward staring 044°. Spanish markings could be seen on the bow. The vessel is estimated at around 4000 tons. Closed at speed.

1430A/26 - Fired four torpedoes from 1600 yards resulting in two hits. Shortly after firing two explosions were heard nearby resulting in slight damage to Torbay. After coming to periscope depth it was seen that the ship was escorted by two aircraft. The bow of the target was just above the water, the rest was below the waves. Torbay retired to the seaward. Aircraft were seen patrolling the area for the remainder of the afternoon. (11)

27 Feb 1943 (position 43.37, 9.25)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sank the Italian auxiliary patrol vessel V 276 / Baicin (173 GRT) with demolition charges and Oerlikon fire about 35 nautical miles south-west of La Spezia, Italy in position 43°37'N, 09°25'E.

Off the entrance to Bastia harbour, Torbay also attacked and missed the transport Rossini (Italian, 2424 GRT, built 1928) who was in convoy with the transport Francesco Crispi (Italian, 7464 GRT, built 1926) escorted by the Italian auxiliary Filippo Grimani (3431 GRT, built 1928), the torpedo boat Giuseppe La Masa and the motor torpedo boat MAS 558

0130A/27 - In position 47°37'N, 09°25'E sighted a darkened ship to the eastward. The target was identified as an A/S schooner. The ship was stopped and no sails were set. Crept closer to 100 yards on the motors without stirring up any signs of life on board.

0150A/27 - Opened fire with the Vickers gun and the 4" gun. the 4" gunfire was extremely inaccurate, 10 rounds being fired for only one hit. The crew of the schooner wasted no time in abandoning their ship. The schooner was boarded and a sack of books weighted and ready for dumping overboard was recovered. The vessel was inspected and was found to be a brigantine of about 80 tons had a new looking engine and a sound detector on the forecastle. The machine guns were not in their mountings. A demolition charge was set under the engine and fire was set in several places. Several rounds of Oerlikon fire were also fired in the schooner.

0240A/27 - Torbay proceeded southward. The vessel was later seen to blow up.

...........................................................................

1155A/27 - An aircraft flew over Bastia from coming from seaward. This was thought to be an escort of a convoy whose smoke could now be seen to the Eastward. The smoke was soon seen to come from a 200 ton coaster escorted by what was thought to be an ex-French sloop of the Elan class serving under Italian colours. Lt. Clutterbuck decided to let them pass hoping for bigger prey.

1400A/27 - Manoeuvred in a position to take a look in Bastia harbour.

1519A/27 - While examining the possibility of firing a torpedo into the harbour another convoy was seen approaching Bastia. This consisted of a two-funnelled ship and two merchant ships in ballast escorted by a torpedo boat and a MAS boat. Range was 15000 yards. An aircraft was seen overhead but this soon left.

1545A/27 - The two-funnelled ship, that had been selected as the target, zigged at a range of 5000 yards putting Torbay right ahead. Torbay manoeuvred into an attack position. During the attack four torpedoes were fired (first one, then two and then one) all missed their target.

Torbay was depth charged after the attack but received no damage. Fourteen depth charges in all were dropped. Torbay retired to the east. (11)

28 Feb 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoed and sank the transport Ischia (Italian, 5101 GRT, built 1907) off Portofino, Italy.

0900A/28 - A very small tug was seen close inshore steaming up and down towing a trawl. This was in indication that there were no mines in this area.

0930A/28 - A three-masted schooner was seen skirt close round Portofino Light into Rapallo Bay. This vessel had passed inshore of HMS Torbay and had not been seen earlier against the land.

1220A/28 - Heard H.E. to the north and sighted a merchant vessel of about 5000 ton approach. The vessel was painted grey and had a gun on the poop. She was steering 290° to pass close to Portofino. Range was 16000 yards. An attack was started.

1255A/28 - Fired two torpedoes at the ship (one other torpedo was fired in error) from 1000 yards. Both torpedoes hit the target that sunk. Torbay retired from the scene. (11)

1 Mar 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) bombards oil storage tanks at the Italian city of Imperia.

1745A/1 - An motor torpedo boat was sighted to leave the harbour and proceeding at high speed in the direction of Cape Mele.

1815A/1 - Surfaced to bombard oil storage tanks at the Italian city of Imperia. There were some problems with the deck gun and after firing only 5 rounds Torbay was taken under fire by shore batteries. Torbay submerged after only being on the surface of three minutes. The Italians reported damage to the city of Imperia as well as to the railway station but make no mention of oil storage tanks.

2045A/1 - Surfaced and set course for the Bastia area. (11)

2 Mar 1943
At 1200A/2, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conduced a periscope reconnaissance of the harbour of Bastia. All ships from the convoy that had entered on 27 February were still there. Torbay commenced to patrol at the end of the swept channel.

At 1300A/2, a large modern armed trawler was seen to pass five nautical miles to the seaward steering 160°. Diesel HE could be picked up at 400 revs and later at 360 revs. She passed out of range. This may have been the German auxiliary patrol vessel UJ 2202 which was a former French trawler and was diesel engined. She was en-route from Marseille to Naples. It is also possible that it was one of the following; UJ 2203, UJ 2204 and UJ 2207 who arrived in Naples at 1327B/3 from an A/S search in the Gulf of Genoa but most likely these would have been in company. (11)

3 Mar 1943 (position 42.50, 9.37)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) attacked a convoy of Bastia, Corsica in position 42°50'N, 09°37'E. One torpedo is fired that missed its target.

This convoy was made up of was the motorship Rossini (Italian, 2425 GRT, built 1928) and the passenger ship Francesco Crispi (Italian, 7625 GRT, built 1926) escorted by the Italian auxiliary Filippo Grimani (3431 GRT, built 1928) and the Italian torpedo boat Giuseppe La Masa (and the motor torpedo boat MAS 558 just in the proximity of Bastia) They had sailed from Bastia at 0642B/3 and arrived at Leghorn at 1530B/3. At 0930B/3, Francesco Crispi opened fire with machine guns and signalled the presence of a submarine. La Masa dropped two depth charges for intimidation and cruised the area but sighted nothing. Believing it to be a false alarm, she rejoined the convoy. MAS 558 searched the area and returned to Bastia at 1220B/3.

0845A/3 - In position 42°50'N, 09°37'E sighted a convoy to the south-west. It had come out of Bastia and was steering 020°. Started an attack. The convoy was made up of two transports, a smaller one of about 1500 tons and a larger one with two funnels. They were escorted by what was thought to be an armed merchant cruiser and a destroyer / torpedo boat.

0930A/3 - Fired the one remaining bow torpedo at the rear ship of the convoy from 5000 yards but it did not found it's target. Now out of bow torpedoes, Lt. Clutterbuck decided to leave patrol.

1130A/3 - What looked like an MASB appeared from the north-east. This boat had either sighted the periscope or knew pretty well where HMS Torbay was. By the time his HE was no longer heard and on return to periscope depth this craft was seen about a mile to the south but it soon made off towards Bastia. (11)

7 Mar 1943
Around 1030A/7, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ended her 15th war patrol at Algiers. (11)

19 Mar 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Algiers. These included gunnery exercises on a towed target and A/S exercises with HMS Juliet (Lt. L.B. Moffatt, RNR) and two ML's. (15)

20 Mar 1943
Around 1830A/20, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Algiers for her 16th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Tyrrhanian Sea to the North of Sicily.

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

(11)

25 Mar 1943
At 0211A/25, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) received Capt. S 10's signal timed 0140A/25, which stated that aircraft had reported a stationary ship in position 39°35'N, 14°35'E at 2103A/24. Course was set accordingly and HMS Torbay arrived in this position around 0600A/25 but nothing was seen.

The reporteed position appears to be quite off. This must have been the tanker President Herrenschmidt (German, former French, former Norwegian, 9103 GRT, built 1932). She had been torpedoed by HMS Tribune on 22 March 1943. She was taken in tow by the torpedo boat Sirio, then by the tugs Salvatore Primo and Athleta and escorted by UJ 2205 and UJ 2208 who had sailed from Naples to assist. They arrived in Naples at 0325B/25 so the signal arrived too late for HMS Torbay. (16)

26 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0516A/26, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) dived 7 nautical miles to the southwest of Cape Palinuro.

At 0700A/26, two small coasters were sighted close inshore. HMS Torbay was not in a position to cut them off without depleting the battery so Lt. Clutterbuck decided not to attempt to attack them. (11)

27 Mar 1943
At 1440A/27, to the north of Cape Bonifati, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sighted a steam tug of about 200 tons steering north close inshore at very slow speed. It later increased speed to 8 knots. HMS Torbay closed to attack with the gun but it was then seen that the tug was armed with three guns resembling Oerlikons. Also depth charges were seen to be fitted. In the likelihood that if HMS Torbay surfaced, fire would be opened by shore batteries, HMS Torbay would be forced to break off the action and submerge before serious damage was done to the tug which then would bee able to counter attack with the depth charged. It was therefore decided not to surface for gun action. [We have been unable to identify this vessel.] (11)

28 Mar 1943 (position 39.05, 15.46)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoed and sank the French (in German control) transport Lillois (3680 GRT, built 1910) off Cape Scalea, Italy in position 39°48'N, 15°43'E (230° - Cape Scalea - 3 nautical miles). Lillois was in convoy with the French (in German control) transport Nantaise (1798 GRT, built 1920). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Sirio.

They had sailed from Torre Del Greco (a suburb of Naples) for Trieste. Lillois was sunk by two torpedo hits. Sirio dropped eight depth charges but did not stop to rescue the survivors as the coast was close and a number of local vessels could do the task. There were sixteen survivors and eleven victims. Sirio proceeded in company with Nantaise and reached Bari at 1635B/7 April.

0950A/28 - Sighted a convoy of two 1500 - 2000 tons merchant ships. Distance was 9 nautical miles steering 140° towards Cape Scalea. The escort was a torpedo boat of the Climene(Spica)-class that was zig-zagging between 2000 and 4000 yards on the seaward beam of the merchant ships which were in line ahead one mile apart. They were coast crawling. Started an attack.

1038A/28 - Fired four torpedoes from 2600 yards against the rear merchant ship. Two hits were heard. The torpedo boat carried out an ineffective counter attack. six depth charges were dropped but these were not very close.

1130A/28 - Returned to periscope depth. The target had disappeared and the other ship could be seen going on with the torpedo escorting on her beam.

1915A/28 - Surfaced 17 miles to the west of Cirella Island. Capt. S 8's signal timed 1410A/28 was received which ordered HMS Torbay to patrol between 14° and 15° and south of 40°10'N. Course was set to seaward to comply. (11)

31 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2152A/31, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) received Capt. S 8's signal timed 1248A/31, which ordered her to patrol south of 40°10'N and between 12°E and 14°E after 2000A/1. Lt. Clutterbuck decided before proceeding to this new area to spent one more day on the coastal route so course was set to the east. (11)

1 Apr 1943 (position 40.15, 14.54)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) unsuccessfully attacked a transport in position 160° - Licosa Point - 7 nautical miles. [we have been unable to identify this vessel.]

Later this day Torbay sank the Italian fishing vessel Madonna di Porto Salvo (21 GRT) with gunfire in position 170° - Licosa Point - 8 nautical miles (approximately 40°15'N, 14°54'E).

0445A/1 - Closed the coast to the south of Licosa Point. Sighted what was thought to be an E-boat but this was later seen to be a fishing vessel.

0616A/1 - Heard HE to the south-east. Sighted a 1200 ton merchant vessel steering 310°, range 4000 yards, speed 7 knots. Torbay was perfectly placed for an attack. An escorting E-boat was on the targets seaward beam so caused no problem.

0636A/1 - Fired three torpedoes. All torpedoes ran straight but none hit. The E-boat, and another one not previously sighted, counter-attacked. Nine depth charges were dropped but none of these was close.

0800A/1 - Sighted three fishing boats.

1000A/1 - Surfaced and sank a fishing boat with gunfire.

1020A/1 - Set course to the south-west on the surface.

1040A/1 - Dived for three approaching aircraft.

1900A/1 - Surfaced in position 40°03'N, 14°20'E. Steered west for the new patrol area. (11)

3 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1905A/3, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) received Capt. S 8's signal timed 1426A/3, ordering her to leave patrol P.M. on the 4th. (11)

4 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1900A/4, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) surfaced after a day of submerged patrol in position 39°30'N, 13°00'E. Course was then set to return to Algiers by the route ordered. (11)

7 Apr 1943
At 2250A/7, well to the north-east of Algiers, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) obtained a radar contact at a range of 1500 yards. HMS Torbay then closed the bearing and when the range was 900 yards a U-boat was sighted. There was a heavy swell running and the night was very dark. As a result the gunlayer could not get the target in view until the range was down to 750 yards. The U-boat was not presenting a torpedo target. By now the enemy had also sighted HMS Torbay, and before gun action could commence, had dived in position 38°19'N, 04°20'E.

The enemy submarine was the Italian Wolframio. (11)

8 Apr 1943
Around 1100A/8, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ended her 16th war patrol at Algiers.

She was escorted in and had met the escort (identity not known) around 0900A/8. (11)

18 Apr 1943
Around 2000A/18, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is damaged by an enemy air raid on Algiers harbour. A bomb landed 15 feet to the starboard side of the conning tower. Damage was severe; 148 battery cells were cracked, the starboard saddle tanks were bent and leaking, the gyro compass was broken, several electrical defects, several defects to the high pressure air system, defects to the telemotor system and several there were many smaller defects.

21 Apr 1943
After patching up the damage sustained in the air raid on the 18th, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Algiers for Gibraltar where she will be repaired. She was being towed by Hengist. They joined convoy GUS 6A for passage.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy GUS 6A ' for 21 April 1943.] (17)

21 Apr 1943

Convoy GUS 6A.

This convoy departed Algiers on 21 April 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Fort Ellice (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Harry Lane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), J.E.B. Stuart (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), John Steele (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Walker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Matthew Maury (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Rufus W. Peckham (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), William A. Graham (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), William A. Richardson (American, 7258 GRT, built 1942), William C. Endicott (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), William Cullen Bryant (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Zebulon Pike (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

The damaged submarine HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) in tow of the tug Hengist was also part of the convoy as was the RFA tanker Dingledale (8145 GRT, built 1941).

On departure from Algiers the convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Eggesford (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Austin, RN), corvette HMS Pentstemon (T/Lt. D.C. Williams, RNVR) and the minesweepers HMS Bude (Lt. F.A.J. Andrew, RN), HMS Rhyl (Cdr. L.J.S. Ede, DSO, RN) and HMS Fantome (Capt. J.W. Boutwood, RN).

On 22 April 1943, following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Oran / Mers-el-Kebir; Exchange (American, 6737 GRT, built 1940), Fluor Spar (American, 5562 GRT, built 1919), George Davis (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and William M. Stewart (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

Also joining was the motor minesweeper HMS MMS 20 (T/Lt. H.A. Ledeboer, RNR) for passage to Gibraltar.

The escort was reinforced by the destroyer HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Liddesdale (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Mackenzie, RNR).

On 23 April 1943, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar; Artemis Ward (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Esso Bayonne (American (tanker), 7698 GRT, built 1937), Joel Chandler Harris (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Rhea (French (tanker), 7813 GRT, built 1928) and Tide Water (American (tanker), 8886 GRT, built 1930).

Also joining from Gibraltar were the fleet tanker USS Enoree (T/Cdr. W.S. Campbell, USN) and the destroyers USS Charles Ausburne (T/Cdr. L.K. Reynolds, USN) and USS Spence (T/Cdr. H.J. Armstrong, Jr., USN).

HMS Torbay, still being towed by the Hengist, and MMS 20 then parted company and entered Gibraltar.

On the 24th the Casablanca section of the convoy joined, it was made up of the following merchant vessels; Caleb Strong (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Elorn (French, 5482 GRT, built 1930), Empire Cobbett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John M. Schofield (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Richard H. Alvey (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Robert F. Stockton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and William F. Cody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

They were escorted by the destroyers USS Stevenson (T/Cdr. F.E. Wilson, USN, with COMDESRON 19, T/Capt. J. Connor, USN, on board), USS Stockton ( T/Cdr. R.E. Braddy, Jr., USN), USS Ringgold (T/Cdr. T.F. Conley, Jr., USN), USS Schroeder (T/Cdr. B.L. Austin, USN), USS Foote () and USS Claxton (T/Cdr. H.F. Stout, USN) which then joined the convoy relieving the British escorts which then proceeded to Gibraltar where they arrived on the 25th, except HMS Boreas which arrived at Casablanca on the 24th.

During 1 May 1943, USS Enoree fuelled all eight destroyers.

The convoy arrived in Hampton Roads on 8 May 1943.

23 Apr 1943
Around 2300A/23, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) and Hengist arrived at Gibraltar from Algiers.

HMS Torbay was then taken in hand for repairs at the Gibraltar Dockyard. (17)

28 Apr 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is docked at the Gibraltar Dockyard in No.2 graving dock. (17)

30 Apr 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is undocked. (17)

17 May 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is docked at the Gibraltar Dockyard, again in No.2 graving dock. (18)

18 Jun 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is undocked. (19)

21 Jun 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted post repair trials off Gibraltar. (19)

22 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is wiped at Gibraltar following which D/G trials were carried out. (19)

25 Jun 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (19)

26 Jun 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Gibraltar.

Around 1700B/26, HMS Torbay departed from Gibraltar for Algiers. On departure exercises were carried out. (19)

1 Jul 1943
Around 0815B/1, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Algiers from Gibraltar. She was escorted in by HMS Ensay (T/Lt. R.J.M. Eden, RNVR) which had joined at 0620B/1. (20)

9 Jul 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Algiers. During a deep dive the amidships external torpedo tubes No.9 and 10 were found to be leaking. (20)

10 Jul 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) another deep dive off Algiers which now was successful. The amidships external tubes were no longer leaking as they had been doing the previous day. (20)

11 Jul 1943
Around 2000B/11, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Algiers for her 17th war patrol (this is the 4th Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). She is to patrol in the Northern part of the Tyrrhenian Sea near Civitavecchia.

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

(11)

17 Jul 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sank the Italian sailing vessel Pozzalo (127 GRT) bearing 250° - Cape Linaro - 9 nautical miles. (5 nautical miles bearing 270° from Torre Chiaruccia according to Italian sources)

1838B/17 - Surfaced in position 250° - Cape Linaro - 9 nautical miles and sank schooner with gunfire. 44 rounds were required. Torbay was fired upon by shore batteries so she dived. The schooner was seen to sink through the periscope. (21)

18 Jul 1943 (position 41.34, 12.05)
Around dawn, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sighed a large armed trawler near Cape Linaro. This was most likely the German auxiliary A/S trawler UJ 2208 which had departed Civitavecchia for an A/S hunt together with two Italian corvettes, the Gazzella and Euterpe.

HMS Torbay sank the Italian auxiliary patrol vessel V 90/San Girolamo (109 GRT) with gunfire in position 41°34'N, 12°05'E. The whole crew of the San Girolamo (fourteen men) were rescued by the Gazzella.

0513B/17 - Dived in position 250° - Cape Linaro - 14 nautical miles on sighting a vessel which turned out to be a heavily armed trawler which looked like a former French grand bank trawler. Two guns were seen forward and three aft. She was proceeding south at 6 knots. This ship was larger then an ordinary trawler.

0630B/17 - A new type of escort vessel resembling a bit a Hunt-class destroyer [probably one of the new Italian corvettes] was sighted. She passed inshore steering to the north-west. It was seen to stop for a while a few miles to the north-west.

Shortly after having sighted this vessel another one of the same type was seen proceeding to the northwest at 18 knots. She passed 5 nautical miles to the seaward. She then joined the other one and they then both made off to the north-west. Meanwhile also the armed trawler was seen to return and proceeded northward close inshore.

1330B/17 - The two 'Hunts' [corvettes] were sighted again to thee northwest. They were sweeping to the southwest at slow speed but soon disappeared again.

2100B/17 - Sighted a schooner to the southward. She appeared to be patrolling so was most likely an auxiliary A/S vessel.

2120B/17 - Surfaced and set off in pursuit of the schooner that was no longer visible.

2230B/17 - Found the schooner again and sank it with 28 rounds of the 4" gun and 2 pans of Oerlikon. (21)

19 Jul 1943
In approximate position 42°09'N, 11°20'E, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) fires four torpedoes at the French transport (in Axis service) San Pedro (5947 GRT, built 1931) escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Pegaso and Nicola Fabrizi but all torpedoes missed their target. The enemy convoy was on passage from Naples to Livorno.'

0025B/19 - Sighted a ship bearing 230°. Altered course to close.

0032B/19 - Identified the ship as one of the 'Hunt-class' [Italian corvette] A/S vessels of which two had been sighted yesterday. The enemy was approaching fast coming directly towards. Dived. No HE could be picked up so the enemy had possibly stopped waiting for the submarine to surface so decided to stay down. This could have been either Euterpe or Gazzella.

0140B/19 - Surfaced. A small ship was just in sight to the north-west. Decided to circumnavigate it as Lt. Clutterbuck wished to get to the north-west for today's diving billet. It was thought the vessel sighted was the same one that had put Torbay down. The enemy was steering 310° at 6 knots possibly hoping to catch the submarine charging on the surface.

0300B/19 - The enemy was no longer in sight, having been overtaken on the surface on the landward side.

0520B/19 - Dived 18 miles to the west of Civitavecchia and steered northwards.

0827B/19 - Sighted a camouflaged 5000 ton transport at 7000 yards steering 315° at 10 knots. The ship was in ballast. Two torpedo boats were escorting the transport. Closed for attack.

0933B/19 - In position 115° - Giannutri Island lighthouse - 9 nautical miles, fired four torpedoes from 3500 yards. All torpedoes missed but one of the escorting torpedo boats came towards at high speed. However no depth charges were dropped and no hunt materialised.

1010B/19 - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight.

1427B/19 - Again an enemy 'Hunt-class' A/S vessel [corvette] was sighted coming towards from the south-east. She however turned back before she reached the position of HMS Torbay. This was Euterpe as Gazzella was operating farther south.

2147B/19 - Surfaced and proceeded southwards to charge having patrolled all day to the south-south-east of Giannutri. (11)

20 Jul 1943
At 1000B/20, to the south of Giannutri Island, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sighed a lit hospital ship to the westward proceeding to the north-north-east.

Around 2130B/20, the hospital ship Virgilio (Italian, 11718 GRT, built 1928) arrived at Leghorn (Livorno) with 780 wounded German soldiers so most likely this had been the ship sighted. (22)

22 Jul 1943
At 0850B/22, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sighed smoke and masts of a vessel steering 130° round the Argentario Promontory. HMS Torbay altered course to intercept. The contact turned out to be a small steam trawler of about 80 tons. It was decided not to attack this small target so as not to give away the submarines position and also to observe where this ship was fishing. She eventually disappeared to the south-east trawling.

At 1245B/22, what is thought to be a German type E-boat flying the Italian flag was seen passing close inshore proceeding to the north-west at 25 knots. [We have been unable to identify this vessel.] (11)

23 Jul 1943 (position 42.04, 11.47)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoed and sank the transport Aderno (Italian, 2609 BRT, built 1912, former British Ardeola) off Civitavecchia, Italy in position 42°04'N, 11°47'E.

The Aderno was in convoy with transport Colleville (German (former French), 2012 GRT, built 1922) escorted by the German torpedo boat TA-11, the German auxiliary A/S vessels UJ-2203 and UJ-2208 and the Italian torpedo boat Aliseo which was the escort leader. The convoy was en-route from Naples to Portoferraio.

Aderno sank in one minute. The torpedo boats Aliseo (under the command of former submarine ace Capitano di Fregata Carlo Fecia di Cossato), TA 11 and auxiliary patrol vessel UJ 2203 rushed to the presumed spot of the submarine but the sonar revealed no echo. Colleville took refuge in Civitavecchia while Aliseo sent a lifeboat to pick up the survivors who were later transferred to sailing vessels coming from Civitavecchia.

0500B/23 - Dived in position 7 miles to the south-south-west of Cape Linaro.

0730B/23 - Three E-boats passed on course 320° at high speed.

1800B/23 - A schooner was seen proceeding to the north-west close inshore and then to enter Civitavecchia

1820B/23 - Sighted smoke and air escort to the south-east. This was soon identified as a convoy consisting of one passenger/cargo ship of about 8000 tons and one 2000 ton merchant ship. They were escorted by one A/S trawler and two torpedo boats. Two aircraft were seen overhead. The largest ship was selected as target and an attack was started.

1940B/23 - In position 275° - Linaro Point - 2.2 nautical miles fired a salvo of four torpedoes from 1000 yards. Three hits were heard nearly a minute after firing. Torbay went to 250 feet and retired to the southward. No counter attack followed. (11)

25 Jul 1943
At 0515B/25, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) dived 6 nautical miles to the west of Civitavecchia. The masts and funnel of the same fishing trawler that had been sighted on 22 July were seen to the north-west. Decided not to chase and attack this vessel.

At 1400B/25, HMS Torbay closed the harbour of Civitavecchia to investigate. Four medium seized merchant vessels were seen to be in the harbour. All were protected by jetties.

At 1645B/25, an Orsa-class torpedo boat appeared out of the mist which was now forming over the land. She was steering southwards at 20 knots. No HE was picked up. It was not considered justified to fire torpedoes at a fast, shallow draft target at the range she passed.

This was the Italian torpedo boat Aliseo who sailed from Civitavecchia for Gaeta at 2310B/25.

At 2105B/25, HMS Torbay surfaced and set course to the southern part of the patrol area and then onwards to Algiers. (11)

31 Jul 1943
Around 0825B/31, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ended her 17th war patrol at Algiers.

She had been escorted in by HMS Mousa (Lt. D.J. Hutton, DSC, RNVR) which had joined at 0640B/31. (11)

13 Aug 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted a full power and a dive trial off Algiers. (23)

15 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted a full power trial off Algiers. (23)

17 Aug 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted exercises off Algiers. Also a full power trial was carried out. (23)

21 Aug 1943
Around 1200B/21, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Algiers bound for Malta. She makes the passage in convoy KMS 23.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy OS 53 / KMS 23 ' for 9 August 1943.] (11)

24 Aug 1943
Around 1920B/24, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Malta. (11)

25 Aug 1943
Around 1500B/25, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Malta for her for her 18th war patrol (this is the 5th Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). She is to patrol in the Aegean.

She left Malta together with HMS Unsparing (Lt. A.D. Piper, DSC and 2 bars, RNR) which was to proceeed on patrol in the Adriatic. They were escorted out by HMS BYMS 2028 (Skr. J.R. Clark, RNR) until 1700B/25 when they all parted company. (11)

25 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Torbay during her 18th war patrol see the map below.

31 Aug 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sank the Italian sailing vessel Columbo (15 GRT) with gunfire 15 nautical miles west of Kos, Greece.

0600C/31 - Dived 5 nautical miles south-west of Krikelo Point, Kos and steered Northward. A 40 ton schooner under Italian colours was soon sighted steering under sail and power towards Stampalia. Course was altered to intercept.

1200C/31 - In position 290° - Krikelo Point - 15 nautical miles surfaced and sank it with 21 rounds of gunfire. (11)

1 Sep 1943
At 0445C/1, to the west of Patmos, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) picked up turbine HE and subsequently sighted a destroyer passing at a range of 3000 yards. The enemy was proceeding on a course of 120° at 15 knots.

This was the Italian destroyer Euro which arrived at Leros around 0515B/1 from Piraeus which she had departed at 1814B/31 . (24)

2 Sep 1943 (position 37.11, 26.20)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoed and sank the small transport Versilia (Italian, 591 GRT, built 1880) off Patmos Island, Greece in position 240° - Saraki Rock - 2 nautical miles. [German sources give the position as 37°15'N, 26°43'E]

The convoy Versilia was in convoy with the transport Silva (Italian, 646 GRT, built 1889), the Italian auxiliary Pola (451 GRT, built 1941). they were escorted by the German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ 2110. They were en-route from Piraeus via Syros to Leros.

0440C/2 - Radar detected an echo at 2500 yards in position 270° - Cape Yenupa (Patmos) - 6 nautical miles. Soon four small ships were seen. Stopped the engines and sniffed around a bit on the motors. They were at first thought to be E-boats as no HE could be heard and the bearings did not seem to change. After a time they were identified as 4 small steam ships steering 125° at 7 knots. Set a course as to be ahead of them at dawn.

0609C/2 - It was getting rather light and the convoy could no longer be seen against Patmos when Torbay dived 3,5 nautical miles ahead of it for what was thought to be an e-boat but what later turned out to be a small sailing vessel.

0631C/2 - The convoy came into sight again. The ships were at first thought to be too small to be torpedo targets and as the leader looked a torpedo boat it was feared that no attack would be possible. As it grew lighter however the ships turned out to be two 700 tons steamers and one of about 1000 tons. They were all laden. There was an escort ahead. Started an attack.

0656C/2 - In position 240° - Saraki Rock - 2 nautical miles, fired four torpedoes at the 1000 ton ship. A fifth torpedo was fired at one of the other ships. The results were two hits on the 1000 ton ship. Torbay now went deep.

0720C/2 - During the next ten minutes six random depth charges were dropped but these were not close. Torbay retired from the area.

0840C/2 - Two E-boats, thought to be one German-type and one Italian-type and a He 115 aircraft came out from Leros and searched about 2 nautical miles astern of HMS Torbay. Later the escort vessel, or a ship like her, came out and the E-boats and aircraft made off at speed to Port Laki. [German sources give that an E-boat, two MAS boats and an aircraft were sent out to search for the attacker.]

1359C/2 - Torbay surfaced to refresh the air inside the boat. Nine minutes later an aircraft was sighted coming towards which dropped two sticks of four bombs each while HMS Torbay was diving in position 37°09'N, 26°20'E. The first stick of bombs was fairly accurate but no damage was sustained. [German sources reported that the attacking aircraft sighted on oil slick after the attack.] (24)

5 Sep 1943
At 0612C/5, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) dived five nautical miles to the west of Patmos. Set course towards the Lipsi Channel.

At 1020C/5, when HMS Torbay was two nautical miles south-west of Cape Yenupa a small steamer was seen coming out of the Lipso Channel. She was later seen to be a small steam trawler of 200 tons and was thought to be just a fishing vessel. She was not attacked.

At 1800C/5, a vessel similar to the convoy escort sighted on 2 September passed out of range to the north-eastward steering north-west at 12 knots. This ship could not be closed further then 10000 yards. When the enemy was close to Patmos Island she steered 280°. This may have been UJ 2110 which was indeed the same escort as seen on 2 September.

Possibly UJ 2102, GA 41 and GA 42 were also in the area.

At 2032C/5, HMS Torbay surfaced and steered to the north-westward.

At 2225C/5, when in position 255° - Cape Yunepa - 7 nautical miles, radar detected a contact which was soon seen to be a transport 8000 yards to the south-east steering 295° at 10.5 knots. HMS Torbay was on her port bow. As the moon was setting to the west it was decided to attack from the eastwards. Radar also detected four escorts, and two were sighted to port of the transport and one to starboard. The fourth could not be seen. It was too dark for a submerged attack and hard to make out the escorts. Lt. Clutterbuck decided to cross the enemy's bow but at the last minute it was realised that HMS Torbay was on the targets quarter. It was therefore necessary to get on a track at once and fire across her bow. A destroyer however came too close so at ...

2255C/5, HMS Torbay dived under the impression that the submarine must have been sighted but apparently not.

2309C/5, HMS Torbay surfaced to give chase at Torbay's full speed which was 11 knots which soon proved to be not enough to circumnavigate the escort to approach from ahead. By now the moon had set and as it was pretty dark, Lt. Clutterbuck hoped to sneak up between the two after escorts.

0041C/6, When two miles southwest of Cape Papas, Ikaria it was evident that the plan had failed when one of the escorts turned towards at a range of 1200 yards thus Torbay had to dive. She was then attacked by three of the escorts. A total of 43 depth charges were counted but no damage was sustained.

The convoy sighed by HMS Torbay was made up of the transport Sinfra (German (former French), 4470 GRT, built 1929) which was escorted by the Italian destroyers Turbine, Francesco Crispi and the German auxiliary submarine chasers UJ 2104 and UJ 2110 on passage from Leros to Piraeus. It was Turbine which had detected the submarine at 2340B/5.

0208C/6, As the enemy was gone now, Torbay surfaced to charge and return to the Patmos area. Shortly afterwards a small motor minesweeper was sighted apparently sweeping the channel past Patmos. (24)

7 Sep 1943
From 1825C/7 to 1845C/7, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) fires 93 rounds at a bauxite loading station on the south-east coast of Amorgos Island. (11)

8 Sep 1943
At 1500C/8, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sighted a motor minesweeper which looked like of the same type as had been seen on the 6th. The enemy was seen proceeding from Leros to Port Griko. The enemy was chased at full submerged speed until within half a mile from Cape Elias when the enemy turned to enter Port Griko. The range had never been closer than 3000 yards.

At 2030C/8, HMS Torbay surfaced and set course for the Scarpanto Channel to leave patrol and proceed to Beirut. (11)

9 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0850C/9, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN), which was proceeding submerged through the Scarpanto Channel at 250 feet, struck ground in position 35°56'N, 27°29'E. Some damage to the port propeller was sustained. (11)

11 Sep 1943
Around 1630C/11, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ended her 18th war patrol at Beirut.

In the early morning hours she finds and tries to sink a derelict dismasted schooner. This is most likely the wreck of this schooner attacked 4 days before by German U-boat U-596.

0845C/11 - Found derelict dismasted schooner of the usual Egyptian type No. D.169, completely waterlogged and damaged by fire in position 34°05'N, 34°22'E. Considered it a danger to navigation so fired a 25lb demolition charge in the poop well. This seemed to do little damage beyond scattering debris although it reduced buoyancy aft considerably. The cargo of oil drums held her up. (11)

21 Sep 1943
Around 1000C/21, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Beirut bound for Port Said to dock. (25)

22 Sep 1943
Around 1130C/22, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Port Said where she was almost immediately docked into the Suez Canal's Company floating dock. (25)

2 Oct 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is undocked. (26)

4 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted D/G trials off Port Said. (26)

5 Oct 1943
Around 1745C/5, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Port Said bound for Beirut. (26)

6 Oct 1943
Around 1630C/6, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Beirut from Port Said. (26)

10 Oct 1943
Around 0830C/10, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Beirut for her 19th war patrol (this is the 6th Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). She is to patrol in the Aegean. On departure some gunnery exercises were carried out.

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

(11)

14 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0600C/14, while patrolling of Leros, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sighed a small dark shape to the north and a chase now commenced. The contact turned out to be a motor fishing schooner with the masts removed. She was caught just off the entrance to Alinda Bay. She was challenged but no reply came and a burst of tracer was then fired across her bow. An exchange of 'bad language' soon provided it to be a British special service vessel (LS 8) of the Levant Schooner Flotilla returning to Leros from a mission.

It was thought the submarine encountered by the LS 8 had been HMS Trooper which was subsquently thought to have been lost on mines off Leros. (11)

15 Oct 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sank the Greek (German controlled) caique Pir 130 / Poseidon with gunfire east of Leros, Greece.

Following this sinking Torbay had an encounter with the German Q-ship GA 45. Torbay's periscope was sighted first by GA 45 which dropped five depth-charges very close. Later Torbay surfaced intending to dispose of GA 45 with her gun but the German vessel was very alert and opened an accurate fire as soon as the submarine surfaced and forced her to break off the action. She did not drop any further depth-charges which led Lt. Clutterbuck of Torbay to conclude that she was out of depth-charges. The submarine was not damaged during this encounter although the Germans claimed to have destroyed the submarine.

1345C/15 - A caique, flying the Nazi flag, of about 50 tons appeared round Asipa Point from the Southward apparently bound for Palaio.

1400C/15 - Surfaced and engaged the target at a range of 2500 yards. After 30 rounds she was on fire from fore to aft and aground. Torbay was now taken under fire so Lt. Clutterbuck dived and withdrew.

A short while later three landing craft were seen approaching from the direction of Kos. A schooner joined them from the South of Kalymnos. Torbay's periscope was sighted by a crewmember of the schooner which quickly turned towards. She dropped 5 depth charges that were very close. This force was later seen to return to Kos. Lt. Clutterbuck decided to engage the schooner with the deck gun but as soon as Torbay surfaced she was taken under a very accurate fire from the schooner by a concealed gun of about 12 pounder size. Now also a shore battery joined in so Torbay dived again and retired to the north-east. (11)

16 Oct 1943 (position 36.59, 26.10)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoed and sank the transport Kari (German, former French Ste. Colette, former Norwegian Kari, offsite link, 1925 GRT, built 1920) east of Naxos, Greece in position 36°59'N, 26°10'E.

The convoy was made up of the above mentioned Kari and the Trapani (German, 1855 GRT, built 1926). The were escorted by the German auxiliary submarine chasers UJ-2109, UJ-2110 and the motor minesweeper R-211.

1225C/16 - Sighted a convoy consisting of two merchant ships of about 1000 tons each, half loaded and escorted by what looked like an Albatros-class torpedo boat to starboard and an UJ type escort to port, Also two aircraft were seen overhead. The ships were in line abreast steering 105° for the Kinaros channel at 7 knots.

1258C/16 - In position 36°59'N, 26°10'E fired four torpedoes from 1400 yards at one of the merchant ships. Torbay went deep as to dive under the convoy. Two hits were heard. One of the aircraft dropped a bomb at the firing position followed by 17 depth charges from the UJ-boat. The first few were fairly close but no damage was done. (11)

23 Oct 1943
At 1115C/23, when about 5 nautical miles north-east of Merminga Rock, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) started an attack on two vessels with were steering at 12 knots from Syros to the channel between Paros and Naxos. On closing to 2500 yards, they were identified as an UJ boat which was a converted whale catcher and a small diesel engined vessel resembling the Italian minesweeper Vigilante. Weather conditions were difficult to attack these small targets so it was decided not to do so in the hope they might return escorting bigger prey but nothing developed.

The were probably the German auxiliary patrol vessels GA 06 and GA 54 who sailed at 0800B/23 from Syros and were ordered to search for the crew of a Junker 88 which made a forced landing near Kufo. Other vessels in the area at that time were GA 42 (which arrived at Syros at 1630/23) or GA 01 (which was in the Naxos area). UJ 2102 was at Syros. (11)

24 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1130C/24, when about 5 nautical miles north of Korakas Point, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) a very small steamer was sighted which was probably a tug. She was coast crawling eastwards towards the Naxos - Paros Channel into which it eventually turned. It could not be attacked as she was too far off. (11)

25 Oct 1943
At 0900C/25, when about 4 nautical miles east of Merminga Rock, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) saw a small vessel coming out of the Paros - Naxos Channel. It appeared to be a diesel lighter of about 100 tons with a small funnel aft and a large bridge with a mast and Nazi ensign. The ship was transmitting on Asdic. Eventually the ship made off on course 310° for Syros.

At 1830C/25, as the sun was setting, the same ship was seen to come back retracing its course. It was too small to be attacked with a torpedo and it was too heavily armed to make it a suitable gun target thus no attack was made.

This was most probably the auxiliary patrol vessel GA 01 which had left Naxos for Syros at 0555B/25 with 17 German soldiers and 12 Italian PoWs.

At 1925C/25, HMS Torbay surfaced and left the area to return to Beirut. (11)

26 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the day, HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) made the southbound passage of the Kaso Strait submerged. (11)

28 Oct 1943
Around 1130C/28, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ended her 19th war patrol at Beirut. (11)

3 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is wiped (degaussed) at Beirut. (27)

15 Nov 1943
Around 1045B/15, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Beirut for her 20th war patrol (this is the 7th Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). Once again she is to patrol in the Aegean.

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

(11)

18 Nov 1943
At 1940B/18, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) radar detected two contacts and soon after sighted two small dark ships against the background of Ikaria. They had however also seen the submarine and one of them opened fire with a gun but the shot fell nowhere near. HMS Torbay dived 10 miles west of Cape Papas. The enemy seemed to be a diesel auxiliary A/S craft and an E-boat. A pattern of four depth charges was then dropped but a good way off.

At 2200B/18, HMS Torbay surfaced to continue her passage northwards.

The enemy ships encountered were the German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ 2110 and the motor minesweepers R 210 which were en-route from Ikaria to Syros with 230-240 Italian POW's on board. They arrived at Syros at 2400B/18. (28)

19 Nov 1943
At 0615B/19, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) dived to the west of Skyros.

At 1000B/19, a small cutter rigged caique was seen approaching from the direction of Cape Doro. It later disappeared to the north-east over a shoal. It appeared to be fishing and was not molested with.

At 1300B/19, HMS Torbay surfaced after having received Capt. S 1's signal timed 1043B/19, which ordered her to patrol off Mykonos.

At 2145B/19, course was set to return to the northwards after Capt. S 1's signal timed 1847B/19 was received cancelling the previous orders.

At 2345B/19, another small sailing vessel was sighted but it was not considered worth attacking. (11)

21 Nov 1943 (position 39.30, 24.10)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sank the Greek caique Chios 87 / Panagia (29 GRT) with gunfire west of Psathoura Island, Greece in position 39°30'N, 24°10'E.

0130B/21 - In position 110° - Piperi Island - 14 nautical miles stopped a 30 tons westbound auxiliary schooner rigged caique with a burst of machine gun fire overhead. Fired one round of 4" which missed. The crew then abandoned ship but saw that six men and two women were crowded into a small dinghy. Boarded and found the cargo to consist of grain and dried peas in bags and a little other foodstuff. As the transportation of food to Greece had been allowed by HM Government decided not to sink the ship. Some paperwork was removed.

0630B/21 - Dived north of Psathoura Island.

1015B/21 - Surfaced and fired fourteen rounds of 4" at a 50 ton auxiliary schooner rigged as a caique. The crew abandoned ship soon after. The caique was boarded in the hope to retrieve charts and other documents but the boarding party was just aboard when the vessel sank like a stone so they had to get back to Torbay in a hurry.

Torbay then made off in the direction of another caique that had been sighted three miles to the north but on closing it was found to be very small. When alongside it proved to carry only four barrels of wine. They were allowed to proceed and were instructed to pick up the survivors from the caique that had just been sunk. (11)

22 Nov 1943 (position 39.24, 23.24)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoed and sank a German floating dock north of Skiathos Island, Greece in position 39°24'N, 23°24'E.

1230B/22 - Saw smoke in the Skiatos channel and turned towards.

Identified the target a 300-400 foot floating dock towed by three tugs (so far unidentified) with six escorts. (These were GM-74, GM-64, GM-65 and GM-69, MAL-12 and R-139)

1546B/22 - In position 004° - Cape Sepia - 9 nautical miles fired two torpedoes at the three tugs that formed a long continuous target and three torpedoes at the floating dock. This resulted in no hits. Most likely all torpedoes ran under as the range was only 1500 yards. The torpedoes had been set to 8 feet. The attack was not noticed by the enemy.

1633B/22 - Fired another two torpedoes at the floating dock from 1000 yards . These torpedoes were set to 0 feet. This resulted in two hits. No counter attack followed. Most likely they thought the dock was mined. (11)

26 Nov 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) fires three torpedoes at the transport Salomea (German, former Greek Evangelos Nomikos, 751 GRT, built 1897) off Lemnos island, Greece. All three torpedoes missed their target.

0645B/26 - Sighted a 1000 ton merchant ship to the south-west steering course 340°, distance 6 nautical miles. Started an attack.

0700B/26 - Dived and continued to run in at high speed.

0825B/26 - Fired the stern tube from 1100 yards. No hit.

0908B/26 - In position 135° Cape Irene 6 nautical miles fired two bow torpedoes from 800 yards, one again no hits. The attack was now abandoned as the battery was now very low. The target was later seen to enter Mudros.

Following this attack HMS Torbay proceeded southwards to patrol off Samos. (11)

27 Nov 1943 (position 37.47, 26.38)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoed and sank the transport Palma (German (former Italian Polcevera), 2609 GRT, built 1920) off Karlovassi, Samos, Greece in position 37°47'N, 26°38'E. Palma had been escorted by the German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ-2110 and the motor minesweeper R-210. They had just left Karlovasi.

0700B/27 - Saw an empty 1000 ton merchant ship anchored off the harbour and steered towards.

0717B/27 - The ship was now under way so waited to see which way she would go. She turned on a course of 260 and later 240 and worked up to 8 knots. Ran in at speed on a course of 210°, later fining up to 195°. A small escort vessel, perhaps a corvette, transmitting on 15kcs, took station ahead. There was another diesel powered escort astern but this was never seen.

0800B/27 - In position 270° - Karlovasi - 5 nautical miles fired two torpedoes set to two feet aimed at the two masts from 1000 yards. Both torpedoes were heard to hit after running for 50 seconds.

0805B/27 to 0840B/27 - Counter attacked by 4, 7 and 9 depth charges. The after periscope flooded and some leaks started. Torbay touched bottom at about 240 feet while making off.

1100B/27 - The A/S craft seemed to have lost contact and on returning to periscope depth the 'corvette' was seen 5 nautical miles astern with three Arado seaplanes searching. Made off to the north-west and then to the west. (11)

3 Dec 1943
Around 0800B/3, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ended her 20th war patrol at Beirut. (11)

17 Dec 1943
Around 1345B/17, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Beirut for her 21th war patrol (this is the 8th Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). Once again she is to patrol in the Aegean.

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

(11)

22 Dec 1943
At 1515B/22, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sighted an UJ-boat and two smaller steamers coming close round Cape Stavros and subsequently entering Candia (Iraklion). An attack was started but the range could not be sufficiently closed so it was broken off.

The ships sighted were the German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ 2105, German auxiliary patrol vessel GA 04 and the tug HP 51 which were on passage from Suda Bay to Iraklion.

At 1800B/22, when about to surface HE was picked up as were Asdic impulses which were thought to be from the UJ boat. She came very close to HMS Torbay and appeared to be in contact for a while. She was shaken off after about half an hour.

This was indeed UJ 2105 leaving Candia. She was however not alone as GA 04 also left Candia. They were escorting the transports Lisa (German (former Italian Livenza), 5828 GRT, built 1922) and Tanais (German (former Greek), 1545 GRT, built 1907) towards Piraeus. Shortly after departure the torpedo boat TA 17 (former Italian San Martino) also joined. On board the Lisa were 655 Italian POW's and 40 German soldiers going on leave. They apparently slipped by HMS Torbay unnoticed. (29)

23 Dec 1943
A 0800B/23, while patrolling of Standia, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) two motor minesweepers were seen sweeping a channel from Candia (Iraklion) in a direction 007° to a point 1 mile of the western point of Standia and then in direction 270° for 6 nautical miles.

They were estimated to be of about 50 tons, camouflaged, with an Oerlikon gun forward and a machine gun and two depth charges aft.

At 1100B/23, the motor minesweepers were seen to return to their position near Standia and then sweep to the western end of their channel for a second time. After this they appeared to return to harbour. [We have been unable to identify these vessels.]

At 1227B/23, an aircraft signal, timed 0825B/23 was received which stated that a northbound enemy convoy had been sighted northwest of Milos. It thus seemed likely now to Lt. Clutterbuck that the enemy convoy had slipped by the previous evening while Torbay had been kept down by the UJ boat.

During the afternoon a few small caiques were seen approaching Candia (Iraklion) from the west. (11)

25 Dec 1943
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) damaged the Greek caique Samos 19 / Ioannis Kutufaris with gunfire off Cape Stavros, Crete, Greece. The caique was hit by two shells but they failed to explode. According to German sources one mast was broken and there was some damage to the cargo but the crew was well, no fatalities or injuries. The harbour at Candia was closed and only reopened on 28 December.

1600C/25 - Surfaced in position bearing 315° - Candia Light - 5 nautical miles and fired 19 rounds at an Eastbound schooner rigged caique. Torbay was taken under fire from about four guns from the shore. This fire was very accurate. The caique also fired with a machine gun. The action was broken off and Torbay dived to avoid being damaged by the enemy gunfire. (30)

1 Jan 1944
At 1142B/1, north of Piscopi Island (now called Tilos Island), in position 36°32'N, 27°23'E, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sighted what were thought to be a large and a smaller vessel to the east through the rain. Also HE was picked up. Range was about 2000 to 3000 yards. They were coming straight towards. HMS Torbay altered course to the northward to run out at speed while submerged.

At 1145B/1, three ships were heard transmitting on Asdics.

At 1150B/1, two of these appeared to be in contact and came very close keeping HMS Torbay down. They were most likely diesel craft through HE could not be picked up.

At 1202B/1, HMS Torbay returned to periscope depth as the enemy had passed to the westwards. Violent rain had reduced the visibility to a few hundred yards so there was nothing in sight.

At 1210B/1, Lt. Clutterbuck decided to surface and try to get ahead of them in the rain, but an aircraft chose that minute to fly close past and cause a delay.

At 1224B/1, HMS Torbay surfaced and set off to the westward at full speed. An ememy report was passed. Rain squalls were coming and going.

At 1345B/1, HMS Torbay was coming close to Kandelioussa Island. Visibility had cleared to at least five nautical miles in intermittent patches on all bearings. Nothing could however be seen and also the A/S impulses were no longer heard. The search for the enemy was now abandoned and course was set for the eastward.

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

3 Jan 1944
At 2000B/3, after having patrolled north of Chalki Island for two days, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) left patrol to return to Beirut. (11)

5 Jan 1944
Around 1500B/5, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ended her 21th war patrol at Beirut. (11)

14 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is wiped (degaussed) at Beirut. (31)

20 Jan 1944
Around 1330B/20, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Beirut for her 22th war patrol (this is the 9th Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). Patrol area is once again the Aegean.

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

(11)

26 Jan 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) fired five torpedoes against the transport Leda (German (former Italian Leopardi), 4572 GRT, built 1943) south of Amorgos Island, Greece. All torpedoes fired missed their target. Leda was escorted at that time by the German destroyer TA 14 (former Italian Turbine), German torpedo boat TA 16 (former Italian Castelfidardo) and the German motor minesweepers R 194 and R 211. The convoy was en-route from Piraeus to Leros. On board the Leda were 500 German troops and stores. TA 16 noticed the attack but no action was taken by the escort leader TA 14 which at that time was suffering from a power failure.

0220B/26 - Heard A/S impulses to the north-west.

0230B/26 - Heard HE on the same bearing. Radar soon picked up echoes at 10000 yards.

0240B/26 - Sighted one ship and two destroyers ahead, course about 270°, to pass South of Cape Papas. The ship could be seen to be a medium seized motor vessel with the funnel amidships.

0252B/26 - In position 215° - Cape Papas - 4.5 nautical miles, range 3500 yards fired five torpedoes. Dived. No hits. There was no counter attack.

1110B/26 - Sighted smoke which developed into a Turbine-class destroyer and a Curtatone-class torpedo boat. This were TA 14 and TA 16 returning from Leros to Piraeus. On board TA 14 were 200 Italian POW's and on board TA 16 were 150 Italian POW's. (32)

31 Jan 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) sank a Greek sailing vessel with gunfire south of Lemnos Island, Greece. [This caique has so far not been identified.]

2100B/31 - Saw two 18 foot caiques in position 155° - Cape Irene - 9 nautical miles. One had an engine and was towing the other. The cargo consisted of empty drums and fuel cans. Put the crew in the motor less one and destroyed the other with the motor by fire. It was not considered worth it destroying the other one as the five Greeks would have to be taken aboard. (11)

5 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0500B/5, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) left patrol to return to Beirut. (11)

7 Feb 1944
Around 1430B/7, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ended her 22th war patrol at Beirut. (11)

9 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
While loading torpedoes at Beirut on board HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) a torpedo was dropped damaging the rails. (33)

10 Feb 1944
Around 1800B/10, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Beirut bound for Port Said. (33)

11 Feb 1944
Around 1915B/11, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Port Said from Beirut. (33)

12 Feb 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is docked at Port Said in the Suez Canal's Company floating dock. (33)

16 Feb 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is undocked. (33)

24 Feb 1944
Around 1500A/24, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Port Said for her 23th war patrol (this is the 10th Mediterranean war patrol of her 2nd commission). She is to patrol in the western Aegean. The patrol is to end at Malta as following this patrol HMS Torbay is to return to the U.K. to refit.

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

(11)

29 Feb 1944

Convoy MKS 42

This convoy departed Port Said on 29 February 1944.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tanker; British Soldier (British (tanker), 5564 GRT, built 1918), Cyrus W. Field (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Dallington Court (British, 6889 GRT, built 1929), Empire Path (British, 6140 GRT, built 1943), Everleigh (British, 5222 GRT, built 1930), Hugh Williamson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and Marwarri (British, 8067 GRT, built 1935).

On departure from Port Said they were escorted by the corvettes HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR) and HMS La Malouine (Lt. W.A. Ives, RNR).

On 1 March 1944, the following transports / tanker departed Alexandria and joined the convoy; Bradford City (British, 4953 GRT, built 1936), Clydefield (British (tanker), 7365 GRT, built 1928), Fort Erie (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Fort Hudson's Hope (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Greystoke Castle (British, 5853 GRT, built 1928), Johilla (British, 4042 GRT, built 1937), Pellicula (British (tanker), 6254 GRT, built 1936), Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sofala (British, 1031 GRT, built 1937) and Umgeni (British, 8180 GRT, built 1942).

On departure from Port Said they were escorted by the frigate HMS Barle (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) and the corvette HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR).

On 4 March 1944, the Sofala arrived at Benghazi after having been detached from the convoy.

On 5 March 1944, the following ships departed Augusta to join the convoy; Aelbert Cuyp (Dutch, 7086 GRT, built 1942), Benito Juarez (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Clark Mills (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Coombe Hill (British, 7268 GRT, built 1942), Cornelius Harnett (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Crosby S. Noyes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Daniel Huger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Diplodon (British (tanker), 8149 GRT, built 1941), Dromus (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938), Edward Rutledge (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Empire Grebe (British, 5736 GRT, built 1918), Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942), Fort Cadotte (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Frans Hals (Dutch, 6626 GRT, built 1941), Frontenac (British, 7148 GRT, built 1943), Havkong (Norwegian, 9666 GRT, built 1937), Helmwood (British, 2156 GRT, built 1923), John Dickinson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John P. Poe (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), John Walker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Kyklades (Greek, 7157 GRT, built 1941), Linge (Dutch, 2114 GRT, built 1928), Morrison R. Waite (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Richard Montgomery (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samos (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Nelson Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Kent (American, 7187 GRT, built 1942) and William Sturgis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On 6 March 1944, the following ships arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; British Soldier, Clydefield, Dallington Court, Empire Path, Everleigh, Fort Erie, Fort Hudson's Hope, Hugh Williamson and Samphire.

On 6 March 1944, the submarines HMS Torbay and (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) and ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) J.K.S. Koziolkowski, DSC) departed Malta and joined the convoy.

Also the Kyklades was detached to proceed to Tripoli.

Around 1900A/7, off the Gulf of Tunis the AA cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. G.R. Waymouth, RN) joined the escort.

On 8 March 1944, the Clark Mills and Cyrus W. Field were detached to Bizerta while the following ships joined the convoy coming from that place; Armilla (Dutch (tanker), 3007 GRT, built 1931), Brighton (British, 5359 GRT, built 1928), Empire Gain (British (tanker), 3738 GRT, built 194), Empire Nerissa (British, 7086 GRT, built 1943), Empire Southey (British, 7041 GRT, built 1942), James McCosh (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Richmond Mumford Pearson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

On 8 March 1944, the Empire Grebe, Empire Guinevere, Fort Cadotte, Helmwood and Linge were detached to Bone while the following ships joined the convoy coming from that place; Empire Gareth (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942), Empire Thackeray (British, 2865 GRT, built 1942) and Fort Norman (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942).

On 8 March 1944, the Brighton was detached to Philippeville while the Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924) joined coming from that place.

On 9 March 1944, the Edward Rutledge and Empire Gareth were detached to Bougie.

Around 2030A/9, near Algiers, HMS Delhi was detached to proceed independently to Mers-el-Kebir.

On 10 March 1944, the Coombe Hill, Diplodon, Dromus, Empire Gain, Frans Hals, Fronenac and Havkong were detached to Algiers while the following ships joined from that place; Bosworth (British, 6672 GRT, built 1919), Cuba (British, 11420 GRT, 1923), Empire Simba (British, 5691 GRT, built 1919), Gouverneur General Lepine (French, 3509 GRT, built 1923), Gudrun Maersk (British, 2294 GRT, built 1937) and Spindletop (British, 1155 GRT, built 1943).

On 11 March 1944, the Benito Juarez, Cornelius Harnett, Crosby S. Noyes, Daniel Huger, Empire Southey, James McCosh, John Dickinson, John P. Poe, John Walker, Morrison R. Waite, Richard Montgomery, Richmond Mumford Pearson, Samos, Spindleton, Thomas Nelson Page, William Kent and William Sturgis were detached to Oran while the following ships joined from that place; Capitaine Paul Lemerle (French, 4945 GRT, built 1925) and Kingsborough (British, 3368 GRT, built 1928).

The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 12 March 1944.

3 Mar 1944
Around 1345A/3, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ended her 23th war patrol, that was blank, at Malta. (11)

6 Mar 1944
Around 0200A/6, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Malta bound for Gibraltar. She is to return to the U.K. for a refit. She joined convoy MKS 42 around 1110A/6 for the passage to Gibraltar.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy MKS 42 ' for 29 February 1944.]

For the daily positions of HMS Torbay during this passage see the map below.

(11)

12 Mar 1944
Around 0345A/12, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) anchored in Gibraltar Bay. She entered harbour later that morning. (11)

15 Mar 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Gibraltar. (34)

17 Mar 1944
HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Gibraltar. (34)

20 Mar 1944
Around 0630A/20, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) and ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) J.K.S. Koziolkowski, DSC) departed Gibraltar for Plymouth. The submarines were escorted by the armed yacht HMS Evadne (T/Lt. H.N. Taylor, RNR) until 0200A/24. (35)

30 Mar 1944
Around 2030A/30, HMS Torbay and (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) and ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) J.K.S. Koziolkowski, DSC) arrived at Plymouth. They were escorted in by HMS Ambrose Pare (Ch.Skr. J.W. Morris, RNR). (35)

31 Mar 1944
Around 0600A/31, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Devonport (Plymouth) for Portsmouth where she arrived around 1800A/31. She was escorted by the French patrol vessel Chasseur 10. (11)

1 Apr 1944
Around 1000A/1, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) departed from Portsmouth bound for Sheerness. She made the passage in convoy CE 256. (11)

2 Apr 1944
Around 1125B/2, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) arrived at Sheerness. (36)

3 Apr 1944
In the morning, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) proceeded from Sheerness to the Chatham Dockyard where she is to refit. (36)

Submarine HMS Truncheon (P 353)

19 May 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) departed from Plymouth for Holy Loch. (37)

21 May 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Holy Loch for a period of trials and training. (37)

22 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (37)

24 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted full power trials on the Arran measured mile. (37)

26 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (37)

27 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (37)

28 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (37)

30 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) served as the target. (37)

31 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted noise trials at Loch Goil. (37)

2 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. (38)

3 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her exercises. (38)

4 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (38)

5 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (38)

6 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) served as the target. (38)

9 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar where she was to conduct her torpedo discharge trials. (38)

10 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (38)

11 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (38)

12 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (38)

13 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (38)

14 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Upon completion of these trials HMS Truncheon returned to Holy Loch. (38)

16 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar for more torpedo discharge trials which were conducted in the afternoon. (38)

18 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) shifted from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (38)

19 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (38)

20 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. (38)

20 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted S.T.U. (mine detection) trials in the Clyde area. (39)

21 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted night radar exercises in the Clyde area. Upon completion of these exercises HMS Truncheon returned to Holy Loch. (38)

22 Jun 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) departed from Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. (38)

23 Jun 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (38)

25 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted independent exercises at Scapa Flow. (38)

26 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Myngs (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN) and HMS Oribi (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Hopper, DSC, RN). (38)

27 Jun 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMCS Ontario (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, DSO, RCN) and HMS Myngs (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN). (38)

29 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow. (38)

30 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow. (38)

3 Jul 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted A/S and attack exercises at Scapa Flow with HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN).

HrMs Van Galen also conducted gunnery exercises. (40)

4 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow. (39)

6 Jul 1945
In the morning, HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Onslaught (Cdr. R.T. Paul, CBE, RN).

In the afternoon HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) also joined the exercises.

The destroyers also conducted torpedo firing exercises.

In the evening HrMs Van Galen conducted speed trials on the measured mile. She then left Scapa Flow for exercises in the Pentland Firth and returned to Scapa Flow the following morning. (40)

8 Jul 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) departed from Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. (39)

9 Jul 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (39)

10 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) trials in Gare Loch with the surrendered German submarine U-1171 (Lt. W. St.G. Anderson, DSC and Bar, RNR). (39)

16 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her exercises. (39)

18 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (39)

19 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) and HMS Icarus (Cdr.(Retd.) M.W. Ewart-Wentworth, RN) served as the targets. (39)

24 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her exercises. (39)

27 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Icarus (Cdr.(Retd.) M.W. Ewart-Wentworth, RN) served as the target. Following these attack exercises, gunnery exercises were carried out. (39)

28 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (39)

7 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. These were followed by night radar exercises with HMS Brilliant (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR). (41)

8 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her exercises. (41)

3 Sep 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (42)

7 Sep 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) departed from Holy Loch for the Far East. The first leg of the trip is to Gibraltar. (42)

12 Sep 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (42)

13 Sep 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) departed from Gibraltar for Malta. (42)

17 Sep 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta. (42)

22 Sep 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) departed from Malta for Port Said. (42)

27 Sep 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Said. (42)

5 Oct 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) passes the Suez Canal and starts her trip to Aden. (43)

10 Oct 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Aden. (43)

13 Oct 1945
HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) departed from Aden bound for Colombo. From Colombo she goes to Singapore. (43)

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