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Submarine HNMS O 24 (P 24)

17 Mar 1942
During her refit at Dundee HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) is docked. (1)

30 Apr 1942
HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) is undocked. She continued her refit at Dundee. (1)

29 May 1942
During her refit at Dundee HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) is docked. (1)

3 Jun 1942
HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) is undocked. She continued her refit at Dundee. (1)

16 Jun 1942
HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted post refit trials off Dundee. (1)

17 Jun 1942
HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted torpedo firing trials off Dundee. She also runs aground sustaining some minor damage to her keel. (1)

18 Jun 1942
HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted torpedo firing trials off Dundee. (1)

19 Jun 1942
HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted gunnery exercises off Dundee. (1)

22 Jun 1942
During 22 and 23 June, HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN), conducted A/S exercises off Methill with the A/S trawler HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). (1)

29 Jun 1942
Around 1615A/29 HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed Dundee for Holy Loch.

Around 1900A/29, she joined HMS P 37 (Lt. H. Winter, RN) and her escort, the A/S trawler HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR).

O 24 and Loch Monteith were both to proceed to Holy Loch. P 37 was to proceed direct to Gibraltar to join the Mediterranean fleet. (1)

2 Jul 1942
Around 1200A/2, HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (1)

4 Jul 1942
HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

5 Jul 1942
During 5 and 6 July 1942, HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted torpedo firing trials off Arrochar in Loch Long. (1)

8 Jul 1942
HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted radar trials in the Clyde area. (1)

9 Jul 1942
HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted radar trials in the Clyde area. She also made some practice attacks on HMS Alecto (Cdr. J.R.S. Brown, RN). (1)

10 Jul 1942
HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted radar trials in the Clyde area. She also made some practice attacks HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). (1)

11 Jul 1942
HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted sound trials in Loch Goil. (1)

14 Jul 1942
HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted radar trials in the Clyde area together with motor torpedo boats (MTB's), HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) and HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN). (1)

16 Jul 1942
HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde areaon HMS Alecto (Cdr. J.R.S. Brown, RN) that is being escorted by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN), motor torpedo boats (MTB's) and aircraft. (1)

19 Jul 1942
Around 0935B/19, HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed Holy Loch for Gibraltar. This is the first leg of the trip to the Far East. She is escorted through the Irish Sea by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (1)

19 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily positions of HrMs O 24 during the passage from the U.K. to Ceylon see the map below.

20 Jul 1942
Around 2355B/20, off Bishops Rock, HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) parted company with her escort, HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN), and proceeded to Gibraltar. (1)

22 Jul 1942
At 0300B/22, HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) sighted the small Irish merchant vessel Edenvale (443 GRT, built 1936) en-route from Lisbon (departed 19 July) to Dublin (arrived 26 July).

One hour later, in position 49°30'N, 10°46'W, a large fishing fleet, of about 15 vessels with lights at full brilliancy was sighted. No markings were seen on these vessels.

At 1617B/22, in position 49°05'N, 12°46'W, a cruiser was sighted proceeding on a course of 45° at 15 knots and an attack was started but the attack was abandoned when it was seen that the cruiser was HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN) which was en-route from Gibraltar (departed 20 July) to Plymouth (arrived 23 July). HrMs O 24 had not been informed about this cruisers movements. (2)

28 Jul 1942
Around 1515A/28, HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar. She was escorted in by the British corvette HMS Coltsfoot (Lt.Cdr. the Hon. W.K. Rous, RNVR) which had joined around 1215A/28. (1)

3 Aug 1942
Around 1300A/3, HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed Gibraltar for Freetown. (3)

9 Aug 1942 (position 11.00, -17.20)
At 1745Z/9, HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) sights a convoy near position 11°00'N, 17°20'W and at 1820Z/9 O 24 was taken under fire by one of the escorts but she soon establish her identity and fire was ceased. The convoy was WS 21. (3)

10 Aug 1942
Around 1700Z/10, HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) arrived at Freetown from Gibraltar. (3)

12 Aug 1942
Around 0800Z/12, HrMs O 24 (Lt. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed Freetown for Simonstown. She is escorted out until 1040Z/12 by HMS ML 271. (3)

21 Aug 1942
At 0635A/21, near position 24°40'S, 05°20'E, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) sighted a merchant vessel bearing 150°. Course of the merchant was 190°. O 24 signalled her identity to the merchant vessel but dispite this she was taken under fire at 0700A/21. O 24 dived at 0705A/21. The merchant vessel was hard to be signalling and was found out to be the American Narbo (6085 GRT, built 1920). She gave the position as 24°51'S, 05°18'E. (4)

24 Aug 1942
Around 1540B/24, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) arrived at Simonstown from Freetown. (3)

6 Sep 1942
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted radar trials in False Bay. (3)

7 Sep 1942
Around 0900B/7, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed Simonstown for exercises and passage to East London. On completion of the exercises shortly after 1100B/7, she is joined by the minesweeper / sloop Commandant Duboc which was to escort the submarine. En-route to East London exercises with aircraft were carried out. (3)

9 Sep 1942
Around 1200B/9, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) and Commandant Duboc arrived at East London from Simonstown. (3)

16 Sep 1942
Around 0730B/16, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed East London for Mauritius. She is escorted by the Free French corvette Commandant Detroyat until 1600B/17. (3)

22 Sep 1942
Around 0815D/22, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) arrived at Mauritius from Port Elizabeth. (3)

24 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted exercises off Mauritius. (3)

25 Sep 1942
Around 0130A/25, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed Port Louis, Mauritius for Colombo. (3)

3 Oct 1942
Around 0845FG/3, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) arrived at Colombo from Mauritius. (3)

18 Oct 1942
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) is docked at Colombo. (3)

20 Oct 1942
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) is undocked. (3)

22 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) is wiped (degaussed) at Colombo. (3)

23 Oct 1942
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted gunnery exercises off Colombo. (3)

25 Oct 1942
Around 1815FG/25, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed Colombo for her 13th war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Stait.

For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 24 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

1 Nov 1942 (position 6.39, 98.49)
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) attacked a Japanese merchant vessel with two torpedoes about 60 nautical miles west-north-west of Langkawi in position 06°39'N, 98°49'E. Two torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.

0335FG/1 - Sighted a silhoutte, bearing 055°, that was slightly darker in the shade than the island of the Butang group. Turned towards to investigate and brought the tubes to the ready.

0355FG/1 - The silhoutte was now thought to be a 4000 tons merchant vessel. Started attack.

0402FG/1 - In position 06°39'N, 98°49'E fired two torpedoes from 2500 yards. The first torpedo broke surface after 200 yards and zigged away. The second torpedo ran correctly but missed. It is believed the target never noticed the attack. Enemy course was 320° at 10 knots. (5)

3 Nov 1942
At 1410FG/3, when in position 05°33'N, 99°57'E, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) sighted a vessel of about 1500 tons bearing 063° leaving the Penang north channel. Range was about 12 nautical miles. Enemy course was 320° at 8 knots. Closed to investigate but no attack was not possible due to the range and also due to the special instructions received as it was expected that an enemy submarine would return to Pengang from patrol. [This may have referred to I-27 which arrived at Penang from a patrol in the Indian Ocean on 7 November.] (5)

6 Nov 1942 (position 5.36, 99.45)
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) attacked a Japanese merchant vessel with two torpedoes about 45 nautical miles west-north-west of Penang in position 05°36'N, 99°45'E. No hits were obtained.

0635FG/6 - Heard strong HE in the hydrophones bearing 245°. Turned towards.

0650FG/6 - Sighted mastheads and funnel bearing 258°, range 12000 yards, enemy course 108°. Started attack. The target was a modern passenger-cargo ship of about 7000 tons.

0721FG/6 - In position 05°36'N, 99°45'E fired two torpedoes from 2000 yards. The first torpedo stayed just under the surface but the second torpedo jumped at least 20 feet clear of the water. The target increased speed and turned away two minutes after the first torpedo was fired. No hits were obtained. (5)

7 Nov 1942
At 0011FG/7, when west-south-west of Langkawi, in position 06°05'N, 99°11'E, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) sighed smoke bearing 230° and shortly afterwards a small silhouette bearing 220°. I was thought to be an enemy patrol vessel and was evaded. (5)

8 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0735FG/8, when west of Penang, in position 05°30'N, 99°49'E, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) a Japanese submarine chaser was sighted bearing 055°. Enemy course was 130° at slow speed.

At 1130FG/8, another Japanese submarine chaser of the same type but with two masts was sighted bearing 130°. Enemy course was 275°. HrMs O 24 altered course to evade and the enemy passed 1800 yards astern.

At 1415FG/8, the first submarine chaser sighted was still in sight, now bearing 200°, another yet another submarine chaser was sighted. This one was smaller. Bearing was 264°.

At 1435FG/8, the two-masted submarine chaser was again seen.

Around 1700FG/8, O 24 which had retired northward, lost contact with all the enemy A/S vessels. (5)

11 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0730FG/11, while patrolling off Diamond Point, northern Sumatra, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) sighted smoke bearing 128°. An attack was started. The target was seen to be a coaster of about 1200 tons proceeding on course 290° at 10 knots. She eventually passed 400 yards astern. She was not attacked with torpedoes as she was not considered worth a torpedo and another smoke feather was seen bearing 270°. O 24 now proceeded to attack this target which developed into an old coaster of about 500 tons flying the Japanese flag. Again this ship was not attacked as she was not considered worth a torpedo and it was thought bigger game may still show up but this did not happen.

That evening, O 24 left patrol to return to Colombo. (5)

16 Nov 1942
Around 1130FG/16, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) ended her 13th war patrol at Colombo. (5)

1 Dec 1942
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted torpedo firing exercises off Colombo. (3)

2 Dec 1942
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted torpedo firing exercises off Colombo. (3)

6 Dec 1942
Around 2100FG/6, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed Colombo for her 14th war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She was to land a party of ten off Tremoen (Trumon) on the West coast of Sumatra.

Before proceeding on patrol landing exercises were carried out off Colombo during the night of 6/7 December. The exercise was completed around 0400FG/6 and O 24 then proceeded on patrol.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 24 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

12 Dec 1942
Late in the evening HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) landed a Dutch party of 12 off Tremoen (Trumon) on the West coast of Sumatra.

Stores were landed early on the 13th.

Early on the 14th the whole party was re-embarked.

2105FG/12, Stopped in position 270° - Tremoen Island - 900 yards. Depth of the water was 4.5 fathoms.

2113FG/12, Landing party off. They landed 300 yards south of the position selected.

0045FG/13, One canoe returned which info that all was quiet. The submarine could not be sighted from the shore.

0110FG/13, The canoe left for the shore. O 24 then left the vicinity of the island to charge the batteries.

0505FG/13, Dived to return to Tremoen Island.

0930FG/13, Sighted a sailing vessel steering southwards 6 nautical miles to the south of Tremoen Island.

1227FG/13, Bottomed in 20 fathoms to prevent damage from the swell.

1730FG/13, Came to periscope depth to check our position. Then bottomed again until 1925FG/13.

1925FG/13, Surfaced and proceeded, trimmed down, to the same position as the previous night.

0034FG/14, sighted the emergency signal ' indicate position ' from one of the canoes from the shore party. Answered this signal.

0050FG/14, one canoe returned on board. It was announces that the entire party would return shortly. As the submarine was almost invisible, even at a short distance so full buoyancy was obtained.

Between 0105FG/14 and 0130FG/14, three canoes with the complete landing party returned. One canoe had been wrecked and was beyond repair).

At 0140FG/14, O 24 began to retire from the area. (5)

18 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) inspected the aerodrome at Sabang and also Sabang Bay. A small coaster was sighted but no torpedoes were fired as the target was not considered worth it. (5)

24 Dec 1942
Around 1230FG/24, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) ended her 14th war patrol at Colombo. She was escorted in by HMS Overdale Wyke (?) which had joined around 1000FG/24. (5)

2 Jan 1943
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) is docked at Colombo. (6)

6 Jan 1943
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) is undocked. (6)

13 Jan 1943
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo. (6)

14 Jan 1943
Around 2115FG/14, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed Colombo for her 15th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She was to land a party of six men on the Andaman Islands.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 24 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

19 Jan 1943
Late on this day HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) landed a British party of six men on Middle Andaman Island [No further details available]. The operation was completed around 0025FG/20 when O 24 set course to return to Colombo. (5)

24 Jan 1943
Around 1130FG/24, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) ended her 15th war patrol at Colombo. She was escorted in by HMS Hoxa (T/Lt. H.P Davies, RNR) which had joined around 0915FG/24. (5)

2 Feb 1943
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo. These included A/S exercises with escort vessels. (6)

3 Feb 1943
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo. These included attack and A/S exercises. (6)

7 Feb 1943
Around 2100FG/7, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed Colombo for her 16th war patrol (4th in the Far East). She was to land a party of seven on the North coast of Sumatra and then to patrol in the Malacca Straits.

For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 24 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

13 Feb 1943
In the evening, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN), tries to land a Dutch party of 7 men off Lhoksemawe on the North coast of Sumatra. As the beach can not be approached with the canoes due to the heavy swell so they all returned to O 24 and the operation was abandoned. [No further details available.] (5)

18 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2030FG/18, west of Penang, in approximate position 05°25'N, 99°49'E, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN), sighted a small silhouette bearing 150°. Initially turned away as this ship was closing head on. As the range opened O 24 manoeuvred around to identify the contact.

By 2119FG/18, the range had closed again to 5000 yard but identification was still not possible so at 2126 O 24 dived to close the range submerged. Soft but distinct HE was picked up thought to be some sort of auxiliary engine. Also it was thought that a ping was heard twice. The contact was now thought to be some sort of auxiliary patrol vessel.

O 24 surfaced at 2233FG/18 and proceeded northwards for charging. (5)

19 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1545FG/19, north-west of Penang, in approximate position 05°37'5"N, 99°45'2"E, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN), sighted two trawlers bearing 130°. They were steering 310° at 8 knots. O 24 opened the range to 1500 yards and observed the trawlers closely. They were numbered C 3 and C 5.

At 1915FG/19, HrMs O 24, having surfaced at 1902FG/18, sighted a small silhouette bearing 020°. O 24 then evaded as it was thought to be one of the trawlers sighted earlier in the day. She remained more or less patrolling in the same position and was lost from sight at 1950FG/19. (5)

20 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1243FG/20, north-west of Penang, in approximate position 05°38'N, 99°44'E, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN), sighted a fishing junk assisted by two or three rowing boats bearing 157°. They were not attacked. (5)

21 Feb 1943 (position 7.52, 98.16)
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) sank the Japanese coaster Bandai Maru (165 GRT) with gunfire west of Phuket Island in position 07°52'N, 98°16'E.

1245FG/21 - In position 07°38'N, 98°13'E sighted smoke bearing 063°.

1317FG/21 - Sighted mastheads bearing 043°. Enemy course was approximately 285°, speed 10 knots.

1335FG/21 - The ships superstructure was now just visible over the horizon.

1353FG/21 - Surfaced for gun action, closed.

1400FG/21 - Opened fire with the gun from 7000 yards. It was thought the target was a 3000 to 4000 tons ship (!).

1410FG/21 - After several hits the ship headed for shore to beach herself. She was now head down and listing heavily to port.

1417FG/21 - Ceased fire after 49 rounds. The ship sank bow first in position 07°52'N, 98°16'E shortly afterwards.

O 24 then left patrol to return to Colombo later the same day. (5)

26 Feb 1943
Around 1615FG/26, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) ended her 16th war patrol at Colombo. She was escorted in by HMS Hoxa (T/Lt. H.P Davies, RNR) which had joined around 1415FG/26. (5)

12 Mar 1943
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo. (6)

16 Mar 1943
Around 2100FG/16, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed Colombo for her 17th war patrol (5th in the Far East). She was to land a party of eleven men on Middle Andaman Island and to contact the party she had landed on 14 January 1943.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 24 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

21 Mar 1943
Late on this day HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) landed a British party of eleven men (Bunkum II) on Middle Andaman Island. During the next days stores were landed. [No further details available]. (5)

25 Mar 1943
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) completed her special operation. She then set course to return to Colombo. (5)

29 Mar 1943
Around 1740FG/29, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) ended her 17th war patrol at Colombo. She was escorted in by HMS Overdale Wyke (?) which had joined around 1445FG/29. (5)

4 Apr 1943
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) is docked at Colombo. (6)

8 Apr 1943
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) is undocked. (6)

12 Apr 1943
Around 2100FG/12, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed Colombo for her 18th war patrol (6th in the Far East). She was to land two party's, one British of two men and one Dutch of six men on the coast of North-West Sumatra (details of special operations 'Valour' and 'Matriarch' that were carried out between 17 and 20 April, have so far not been found in the Archives).

(5)

16 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Between 16 and 21 April, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) carried out special operations 'Valour' and 'Matriarch' off the west coast of Sumatra. [No further details available.] (5)

25 Apr 1943
Around 1000FG/25, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) ended her 18th war patrol at Colombo. She was escorted in by the auxiliary patrol trawler HMS Okapi (?) which had joined around 0735FG/25. (5)

8 May 1943
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo. (7)

11 May 1943
Around 2100FG/11, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed Colombo for her 19th war patrol (7th in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol North of Sumatra and in the Malacca Straits.

For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 24 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

13 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1315FG/13, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) received a signal to proceed with despatch to Sabang and establish patrol off that place. (5)

15 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the afternoon, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN), arrived off Sabang. She entered the outer bay but no big ships were sighted in Sabang harbour. The only vessels that were underway which were sighted were a ferry and a motor launch. (5)

16 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0535FG/16, just to the north-north-east of Sabang, in position 05°57'7"N, 95°22'3"E, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN), sighted two A/S trawlers bearing 050° at a range of 2000 yards. Their course was 215° at 8 knots. These trawlers passed astern and then entered Sabang.

At 0745FG/16, the ferry to Sumatra was seen leaving Sabang.

At 1725FG/16, east-north-east of Sabang, in position 05°55'2"N, 95°24'6"E, O 24 sighted an A/S trawler bearing 245° at a range of 4.5 nautical miles. Enemy course was 115° at 8 knots. She passed to the south of O 24 at a range of 2 nautical miles. (5)

19 May 1943 (position 5.38, 96.46)
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) attacked a Japanese merchant vessel with four torpedoes off the North coast of Sumatra in position 05°38'N, 96°46'E. All torpedoes fired missed the target.

2322FG/18 - in position 05°44'5"N, 96°13'5"E, sighted a small silhouette bearing 144°. Turned towards to close.

2335FG/18 - Dived to investigate at a closer range.

2348FG/18 - Surfaced as the range increased. Started to shadow the contact and come into an attack position.

0222FG/18 - O 24 was now 3 nautical miles ahead of the ship. Course of the enemy was 090° at 7 knots. It was suspected to be a patrol craft.

0240FG/19 - In position 05°40'N, 96°45'E sighted the ship looming up out of a rain squall bearing 134°. Range was approximately 3.5 nautical miles. Enemy course was 285°. Turned towards.

0243FG/19 - Dived.

0253FG/19 - In position 05°38'N, 96°46'E fired four torpedoes from 1500 yards. No hits were obtained on the target that was thought to be a 2000 tons merchant vessel.

0324FG/19 - Surfaced to gave chase as the attack appeared to have been unobserved.

0514FG/19 - As no attack position could be gained before daylight and an A/S trawler was seen to be escorting the merchant vessel the chase was abandoned. (5)

20 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1940FG/20, north-east of Belawan, Sumatra, in position 04°22'N, 99°05'5"E, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) sighted a ship bearing 153°. Turned towards to investigate. O 24 then dived for a closer inspection which resulted in that the ship was thought to be a patrol vessel.

At 2015FG/20, O 24 set course to continue her passage tto the Sembilan Islands. (5)

21 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
On requist of the leader of the Gustavus I party, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) kept a patrol to the north-west of Pangkor Island to search for a suitable junk for the party. Only a trading junk was sighted which was not suitable. (8)

22 May 1943
At 0340FG/22 and later again at 0430FG/22, smoke was sighted which eventually was seen to come from a tug towing two 100 tons barges. No attack was made. At 2055FG/22, now off the One Fathom Bank, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) launched the members of party Gustavus I (one British officer and five Chinese) in their canoes to board a junk. As the junk was not suitable the party returned to O 24 at 0026FG/23.

It was then decided to put the party on land instead of on a junk. (8)

23 May 1943
At 0256FG/23, while en route to Dinding Island and currently in position 03°27'2"N, 100°22'6"E, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN), sighted two silhouettes bearing 345°. O 24 turned towards and it was subsequently seen that it were indeed two ships on a course towards the One Fathom Bank. As the battery charge had not yet been completed O 24 set course to intercept them there.

At 0555FG/23, in position 03°07'5"N, 100°34'7"E, a small ship escorted by an A/S trawler were seen bearing 334°. An attack was started despite the fact that the small ship looked like the Q-ship (submarine trap) reported earlier by HrMs O 21. On opening range to the westward during the attack it was seen that it was a small convoy made up of the A/S trawler, a small tramp like vessel of about 1200 tons and two coasters of approximately 600 to 700 tons. None of these ships were considered torpedo targets as these would run under. They were also too heavily armed to be attacked with the gun so the attack was reluctantly broken off. Course of this convoy was 150° at 7 knots.

At 1119FG/23, a trading junk was seen bearing 063°. No action was taken.

At 1300FG/23, in position 03°15'7"N, 100°32'5"E, the same A/S trawler that had been with the convoy sighted that morning, was sighted bearing 085° at a range of 3 nautical miles. Enemy course was 340° at 6 knots. (5)

24 May 1943
Several junk were sighted on this day but as still no suitable junk had been found, at 2038FG/24, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN), launched the members of party Gustavus I on the coast of Malaya in the Dindings area. The submarine then waited until 2100FG/24 but no distress signals were received so O 24 then left the area to continue her patrol. (8)

31 May 1943
Around 1020FG/31, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) ended her 19th war patrol at Colombo. On the 25th and 27th she had suffered defects to the starboard main engine for which repairs needed to be undertaken. (5)

15 Jun 1943
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) is docked at Colombo. (7)

24 Jun 1943
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) is undocked. (7)

14 Jul 1943
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted engine trials, radar trials and exercises off Colombo. (7)

20 Jul 1943
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo. (7)

30 Jul 1943
Around 1800FG/30, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed Colombo for her 20th war patrol (8th in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Straits.

For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 24 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

31 Jul 1943 (position 5.46, 81.14)
At 1110FG/31, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) is shelled in error by the Greek merchant Point Clear (4839 GRT, built 1920) south of Ceylon in position 05°46'N, 81°14'E. No damage was sustained. (5)

4 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0638FG/4, north of Sumatra, in position 05°57'N, 97°15'E, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) sighted smoke bearing 355°. She then turned towards and soon mastheads and funnels of two ships were sighted proceeding on a course of approximately 090°. Range was about 7 nautical miles. The ships hulls were never sighted so most likely the ships were small. She first ship had the engine aft and the seconds one had a tall funnel. Both had single masts and both were coal burners. No HE was picked up.

At 0825FG/4, they were lost from sight. (5)

10 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0238FG/10, in position 03°24'N, 100°29'E, a small silhouette was sighted bearing 090° at a short range of about 1200 yards. HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) then crash dived and loud HE was picked up. No depth charge attack followed fortunately. The contact was thought to be a trawler or motor launch type vessel. (5)

11 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0425FG/11, in position 03°17'N, 100°28'E, a silhouette was sighted bearing 070° and three minutes later HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) turned towards to attack. The contact then turned head on at a range of yards so O 24 crash dived and turned away.

Very loud HE then passed down the port side but the HE stopped at 0453FG/11 and was then intermittently heard until 0940FG/11 when it disappeared in bearing 123° towards the One Fathom Bank.

The enemy was never sighted through the periscope. The only thing seen was smoke and a mast top. It was thought to be some sort of patrol vessel. (5)

12 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2315FG/12, in position 03°34'N, 100°23'E, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) sighted smoke bearing 160°. HrMs O 24 turned towards to investigate.

At 0102FG/13, HrMs O 24 dived. It was thought the contact was a patrol vessel and HrMs O 24 tried to close to investigate but around 0230FG/13, contact was lost on bearing 240°. (5)

13 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1820FG/13, in position 03°12'N, 100°36'E, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) picked up distinct HE bearing 120°.

At 1910FG/13, the HE was now on bearing 090. O 24 surfaced but nothing was sighted. O 24 then proceeded northwards.

At 2240FG/13, in position 03°38'N, 100°25'E, a small vessel was sighted bearing 060°. It was thought to be a trawler type patrol vessel and was not attacked. The ship eventually disappeared on bearing 020°. (5)

15 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1640FG/15, in position 03°36'N, 100°37'E, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) sighted a convoy of three tranports and an escorting trawler bearing 090° at a range of 7 nautical miles. O 24 turned to the north to try to cut them off and attack but no favourable attack position could be obtained. The three transports were thought to be of around 5000, 4000 and 3000 tons respectively.

At 1910FG/15, O 24 surfaced and set off in pursuit at 14.5 knots.

At 2350FG/15, the convoy was again sighted bearing 120° at a range of 5 nautical miles. An attack was started.

The course of the convoy was estimated at 340° at 10 knots. O 24 then dived to complete the attack but immediately on doing so loud noises were heard which made it impossible to pick up the convoy's HE.

Also light conditions were such that the enemy was not visible through the periscope and the attack was abandoned at 0032FG/16.

At 0056FG/16, O 24 surfaced and again set off in pursuit of the enemy convoy. Also a quick inspection of the submarine casing was made as it was thought a fishing net had been caught but nothing was seen.

At 0430FG/16, the convoy was sighted bearing 040° passing the south entrance to Penang. The pursuit was now broken off. (5)

16 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1100FG/16, in position 04°57'N, 100°05'E, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) sighted a trawler bearing 030°. Enemy course was 165° at 10 knots.

At 1635FG/16, smoke was sighted bearing 003° and an attack was started.

At 1730FG/16, the ship was identified as a hospital ship, thought to be the Japanese Baikal Maru (5243 GRT, built 1921). [This ship was not in the area so it must have been another one.] The ships course was 165° at 10 knots. The attack was then abandoned. (5)

17 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1740FG/17, in position 03°51'N, 100°26'E, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) sighted a ship bearing 277° at a rang of 3000 yards. An attack was started but it quickly had to be abandoned.

The ship was thought to be a Japanese sloop (frigate) of the Shimushu-class. Enemy course was 145° at 12 knots.

This may have been the Shimushu herself as she was in the area. (5)

19 Aug 1943 (position 4.01, 100.25)
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) attacked the German supply ship Quito (1230 GRT, built 1938) (offsite link) with four torpedoes west of the Sembilan Islands in position 04°01'N, 100°25'E . No hits were obtained as Quito was able to evade the torpedoes.

Earlier in the day, two ships, believed to be (A/S) trawlers, had been sighted. They were not attacked.

1432FG/19 - In position 04°05'N, 100°25'E, two ships were sighted bearing 135°. An attack was started and it was later thought the ships were trawlers. Enemy course was 340°. Range came down to 2000 yards. The attack was abandond.

1704FG/19 - In position 04°01'N, 100°25'E sighted a ship bearing 137°, range was only 3000 yards (No HE had been heard as the hydrophones did not work correctly). Enemy course was 340°. O 24 swung hard to starboard to get in a favourable attack position.

1719FG/19 - Fired four torpedoes from 2500 yards.

1721FG/19 - The target was seen to turn hard to starboard and smoked heavily as speed was increased to full power. She managed to evade the torpedoes. (5)

20 Aug 1943 (position 5.09, 100.10)
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries) torpedoed and sank the Japanese auxiliary gunboat Chosa Maru (2538 GRT, built 1921) (offsite link) 8 nautical miles south-west of Penang, Malaya in position 05°09'N, 100°10'E.

The Chosa Maru had left Penang a few hours before when the Japanese heard of the attack on the German Quito the day before.

Earlier what was thought to be a Chidori-class torpedo boat had been seen leaving Penang. This was most likely the minelayer Hatsutaka (offsite link).

1349FG/20 - while off the southern entrance to Penang, in position 05°08'N, 100°04'5"E, a ship was seen bearing 017°. Started attack. The ship appeared to be a Japanese Chidori-class torpedo boat proceeding on a course of 170° at 14 knots. Range was 2000 yards. Broke off the attack.

1500FG/20 - Sighted a ship bearing 007°. Range was 6 nautical miles, enemy course 180°. Started attack.

1517FG/20 - The target altered course to 160°. Continued attack.

1552FG/20 - In position 05°09'N, 100°10'E fired four torpedoes from 4500 yards. One hit was obtained.

1604FG/20 - The target was seen to sink stern first.

HrMs O 24 left patrol to return to Colombo that evening. (5)

29 Aug 1943
Around 1200FG/29, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) ended her 20th war patrol at Colombo. She was escorted in by the auxiliary patrol trawler HMS Okapi (?) which had joined around 1020FG/29. (5)

12 Sep 1943
Around 1730FG/12, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed Colombo for her 21th war patrol (9th in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Straits and to conduct special operation 'Gustavus IV'.

For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 24 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

19 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1535FG/19, while patrolling off the southern entrance to Penang, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) sighed smoke bearing 100°. O 24 commenced to close to attack but the attack was later broken off when it was seen that the target was thought to be a Japanese submarine chaser. (5)

20 Sep 1943
Shortly after sunset O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) contacted the junk of Gustavus Party III off the Sembilan Islands. Stores were put aboard this junk as well as the members of Gustavus party IV.

A few hours before sunset O 24 had spotted a Japanese convoy but she was not allowed to attack in the area of the rendezvous with the Gustavus III party.

1315FG/20 - Sighted a junk to the south of Pulau Lanang corresponding with the description given in the orders. O 24 closed and recognised the leader of the Gustavus III party. The junk was anchored in position 03°58'7"N, 100°32'6"E.

1415FG/20 - Sighted a convoy. No attack was made in accordance with the restrictions on attacking in the patrol orders. The convoy consisted of three merchant vessels of around 2000, 3000 and 5000 tons. They were escorted by two trawlers and an aircraft. Their course was north at 9 knots.

1848FG/20 - Surfaced 300 yards to the south of the junk.

1915FG/20 - The leader of the Gustavus IV party left the submarine in a Folbot to contact the junk.

1930FG/20 - The Folbot returned with the leaders of both parties in it. It was decided that both would return to the junk. The leader of the Gustavus III party then handed over his report. Meanwhile the leader of the Gustavus IV party took some stores over to the junk and returned with one Chinese member of the party that was to return to Ceylon.

2000FG/20 - The leaders of both parties now left O 24 to proceed to the junk and the operation was completed. O 24 then made off to chase the convoy but this was not sighted again. (8)

23 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0950FG/23, in approximate position 03°42'N, 100°38'E, smoke was sighted inshore which came from a small coastal vessel. No action was taken. (5)

24 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0701FG/24, in position 03°42'N, 100°48'E, again smoke was sighted inshore which came from a small coastal vessel and yet again no action was taken. (5)

25 Sep 1943
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) encounters a Japanese submarine about 20 nautical miles south-west of Penang in position 05°08'N, 100°02'E. Due to the bad visibility the submarine was sighted at very close range. An attack with torpedoes was not possible. O 24 could not be brought in position to fire torpedoes before contact was lost in the bad visibility.

The submarine in question was most likely the Japanese submarine I-27 (offsite link) that had departed Penang shortly before for Singapore for an overhaul.

1920FG/25 - In position 05°08'N, 100°02'E sighted a phosphorecent patch bearing green 70°, bearing rapidly decreasing aft, range estimated 250 yards. When the bearing drew further aft, a darker blot was spotten in the patch and a sharp bow wave was discovered, suggesting a fair speed. Although the first impression was that of a submarine chaser or torpedo boat but in a lightning flash about half a minute after the first sighting a Japanese submarine was sighted passing within 100 yards astern. enemy course was 180°, speed 16 knots. The submarine was thought to be of the I-61 class.

O 24 turned hard to starboard to present the stern tubes but contact was lost almost immediately in the very poor visibility and no torpedoes could be fired. (5)

29 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) left patrol to return to Colombo. (5)

3 Oct 1943
Around 0945FG/3, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) ended her 21th war patrol at Colombo. She was escorted in by HMS Overdale Wyke (?) which had joined around 0745FG/3. (5)

21 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) is wiped (degaussed) at Colombo. (9)

25 Oct 1943
Around 1520FG/10, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed Colombo for her 22th war patrol (10th in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Straits and to conduct special operation 'Gustavus V'.

On departure D/G trials were carried out.

For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 24 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

31 Oct 1943 (position 4.36, 98.31)
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) attacked a Japanese merchant vessel of 4000-5000 tons off the north-east coast of Sumatra in position 04°36'N, 98°31'E. Four torpedoes were fired but the target was able to evade the torpedoes.

0400FG/31 - In position 04°36'N, 98°31'E sighted smoke bearing 210°. Turned towards and started attack. The target was identified as a merchant vessel of 4000-5000 tons.

0410FG/31 - An escort vessel was seen behind the target.

0412FG/31 - Fired four torpedoes from 3500 yards. The torpedo tracks were clearly visible due to phosphorescence. The target was seen to turn towards and evade the torpedoes. No counter attack followed. (5)

1 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
A.M. on 1 November 1943, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) arrived in the rendezvous position and although several junks were seen none showed the correct identification markings. (8)

2 Nov 1943
After dark on this day HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) contacted the junk that was used by the Gustavus party's. Stores were sent over as well as one person of the Gustavus V party.

1140FG/2 - Sighted a junk near the rendezvous position showing the correct recognition signal. Closed and recognised one Chinese member of the Gustavus I party. Then proceeded clear as some more junks were in the area and then return at dusk.

1844FG/2 - Surfaced and took the Folbot on to the deck.

1915FG/2 - Commenced to close the junk but then sighted a second junk so turned away.

2000FG/2 - Closed again for a second attempt.

2001FG/2 - Launched the Folbot with the leader of the Gustavus V party. He returned 8 minutes later with a member of the party but when coming alongside the Folbot turned over and sank. Whilst trying to salvage it O 24 had to proceed clear as another junk was seen to be approaching the rendezvous.

The spare Folbot was then brought onto the deck as well as some dinghies to be used to transfer stores. Two dinghies however collapsed while doing so.

2159FG/2 - As it proved impossible to transfer the stores with the dinghies in the existing weather conditions the junk was taken alongside and the stores were transferred directly. The operation was completed at 2313FG/2 when the leader of the Gustavus V party and the contact man from the earlier party left the submarine and the junk was cast off.

O 24 then left the area to proceed southwards. (8)

3 Nov 1943 (position 3.14, 100.38)
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) attacks a Japanse light cruiser of the Kuma-class with four torpedoes in the Malacca Straits in position 03°14'N, 100°38'E. No hits were obtained. The cruiser is thought to be either Kitakami or Oi (offsite links). The escorting destroyers might have been Uranami and Shikinami (offsite links).

1225FG/3 - In position 03°12'N, 100°40'E, sighted a modern Japanese submarine chaser bearing 337°. Enemy course was 155° at 12 knots. This submarine chaser eventually passed astern at a range of 1800 yards and then disappeared.

1345FG/3 - Heard faint HE bearing 330°. Altered course to close. the HE soon faded away.

1420FG/3 - Heard HE in bearing 340°. It soon faded away again.

1517FG/3 - In position 03°14'N, 100°38'E sighted mastheads bearing 303°. Turned towards.

1521FG/3 - Identified the target as a Japanese light cruiser of the Kuma-class. She was escorted by two destroyers. Range was 8 nautical miles. Enemy course was 125°, speed 15 knots.

1543FG/3 - Fired four torpedoes from 7000 yards. One torpedo ran close to the surface and showed a considerable wake. Not hits were obtained as the cruiser altered course three minutes after firing the torpedoes. No counter attack followed. (5)

4 Nov 1943
At 0600FG/4, in position 03°50'N, 99°39'E, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) sighted a modern type submarine chaser bearing 265°. Enemy course was 080°.

At 0635FG/4, the submarine chaser was seen laying stopped bearing 340° at a range of 900 yards. Position was 03°45'N, 99°46'E. Although no attack was made she stayed in the neighbourhood conducting sweeps until 1534FG/4 when she made off in direction 330°.

At 2140FG/4, in position 03°37'N, 100°07'E, a silhouette was sighted bearing 030°. O 24 alter course to 200° as it was thought to be a submarine chaser.

At 2203FG/4, the enemy was now bearing 045°. O 24 then altered course to 140° to reach an attack position. The target then altered course towards so O 24 turned away to course 225° and increased speed.

At 2220FG/4, the submarine chaser fired flares and dropped two depth charges.

At 2225FG/4, O 24 increased to full speed (15 knots) on her two main engines.

At 2240FG/4, the submarine chaser was lost from sight in bearing 045°. (5)

5 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2255FG/5, in position 03°51'N, 100°05'E, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) sighted two submarine chasers bearing 240°. They were sweeping eastwards. They were lost from sight in bearing 220°. (5)

6 Nov 1943
At 0335FG/6, in position 04°10'N, 99°37'E, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) sighted a silhouette bearing 128° at a range of 1500 yards. It was believed to be a destroyer. Enemy course was 200° at slow speed. O 24 was not sighted by the enemy. (5)

11 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) left patrol to return to Colombo. (5)

15 Nov 1943
Around 1215FG/15, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) ended her 22th war patrol at Colombo. O 24 was unfit for further patrols due to various defects. She would now be sent to the U.S.A. for a refit.

She was escorted in [name of the escort not known] and had been joined by the escort around 0950FG/15. (5)

18 Nov 1943
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) is docked at Colombo. (10)

19 Nov 1943
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) is undocked. (10)

3 Dec 1943
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) is again docked at Colombo. (10)

9 Dec 1943
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) is undocked. (10)

20 Dec 1943
Around 1800FG/20, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed Colombo for Aden. She was to proceed to the U.S.A. for a refit.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 24 during this passage see the map below.

(10)

26 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1130D/26, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) and HMS Aster (Lt.Cdr. W.L. Smith, RNR) mad rendezvous to the north-east of Socotra in approximate position 14°40'N, 54°45'E.

They were to proceed to Aden in company. (10)

28 Dec 1943
Around 1330C/28, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) and HMS Aster (Lt.Cdr. W.L. Smith, RNR) arrived at Aden. (10)

29 Dec 1943
Around 0730C/29, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed Aden for Suez. She was escorted until 0620C/30 by HMS Verbena (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.G.G.G. Riches, RNVR) with which also A/S exercises were carried out. (10)

2 Jan 1944
Around 1520C/2, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) arrived at Suez from Aden. (10)

3 Jan 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) transits the Suez Canal and arrived at Port Said. (10)

8 Jan 1944
Around 1030B/8, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed Port Said for Malta. (10)

13 Jan 1944
Around 0815A/13, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) arrived at Malta from Port Said. (10)

17 Jan 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed Malta for Gibraltar.

She joined convoy KMF 27A for the passage. O 24 was escorted to the rendezvous with the convoy by HMS Falk (T/Lt. W. Metcalfe, RNVR).

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy KMF 27A ' for 14 January 1944.] (10)

19 Jan 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) made a short stop at Algiers. She departed for Gibraltar after only a few hours in port. (10)

21 Jan 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar from Malta having made the passage in convoy KMF 27A. (10)

29 Jan 1944
Around 0800A/29, the submarines HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN), Goffredo Mameli (Lt. C. Buldrini), Tito Speri (Lt. C. Celli), Enrico Dandolo (Lt. A. Turcio), Marea (Lt. A.M. Russo) and Vortice (Lt. G. Manunta) departed Gibraltar for Bermuda.

They were escorted by the destroyer escort USS Neunzer (T/Lt. J.E. Greenbacker, USN).

HrMs O 24 was to remain with the other vessels until reaching 10°W.

Around 2110A/29, speed had to be reduced due to engine problems on board the Tito Speri. HrMs O 24 was then detached to proceed independently. (11)

10 Feb 1944
Around 1030P/10, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) arrived at Bermuda from Gibraltar. (12)

17 Feb 1944
Around 1600P/17, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed Bermuda for Philadelphia. She is escorted by USS Haines (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Powell, USNR). (12)

20 Feb 1944
Around 0700Q/20, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) and USS Haines (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Powell, USNR) arrived in the Delaware river estuary from Bermuda.

HrMs O 24 then proceeded to the Philadelphia Navy Yard where she was to refit.

USS Haines went to sea again to proceed to the Boston Navy Yard where she would be taken in hand for post work up repairs. (12)

6 May 1944
During her refit at the Philadelphia Navy Yard HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) is put on the slip. (12)

7 Jun 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) is put back in the water. (12)

7 Aug 1944
During 7 and 8 August 1944 HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted post refit trials on the Delaware river. (12)

16 Aug 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) ended her refit at the Philadephia Navy Yard. She departed Philadelphia for the submarine base at New London that day.

She was escorted but no details are given in the log of O 24. (12)

17 Aug 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) arrived at the U.S. submarine base at New London for a period of trials and training. (12)

19 Aug 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (12)

20 Aug 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (12)

21 Aug 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted speed trials off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (12)

23 Aug 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (12)

25 Aug 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (12)

27 Aug 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (12)

28 Aug 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted RDF trials off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (12)

29 Aug 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (12)

30 Aug 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (12)

2 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (12)

3 Sep 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (12)

4 Sep 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (12)

8 Sep 1944
Around 1400Q/8, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed New London for St. Johns, Canada. She was escorted by the British minesweeper HMS Coquette (A/Lt.Cdr. C.D. Abbott, RNR).

For the daily positions of HrMs O 24 during this passage see the map below.

(12)

12 Sep 1944
Around 1030P/12, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) and HMS Coquette (A/Lt.Cdr. C.D. Abbott, RNR) arrived at St.Johns from New London. (12)

14 Sep 1944
Around 0930P/14, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed St.Johns for the United Kingdom. She was escorted by the British minesweeper HMS Coquette (A/Lt.Cdr. C.D. Abbott, DSC, RNR). (12)

21 Sep 1944
Around 2045A/21, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) arrived at Holy Loch to commence a training period.

During the passage from St. Johns she had been ahead of shedule and not reported this. For this Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries was criticized as the submarine and her escort were under total attack and bombing restrictions so as to prevent a re-occurance of what had happened to the French submarine Perle (12)

29 Sep 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (12)

30 Sep 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (12)

1 Oct 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted sound trials at Loch Goil. (12)

4 Oct 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (12)

5 Oct 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area including night exercises and exercises with aircraft. (12)

6 Oct 1944
HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (12)

8 Oct 1944
Around 1000A/8, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) departed Holy Loch for Barrow-in-Furness for a short refit and some repairs. She arrived at Barrow-in-Furness around 0400A/9.

She was escorted by HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (12)

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