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Submarine HNMS O 23 (P 23)

28 Sep 1940
Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN, temporary took over command of HrMs O 23 from Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel due to the last one being sick. (1)

5 Oct 1940
Around 1400A/5, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Dundee for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the south-west coast of Norway near Bergen.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(2)

9 Oct 1940 (position 60.32, 4.01)
At 0500A/9, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN), grounded at 70 feet near position 60°32'N, 04°01'E. She immediately surfaced and it was noticed that she was much nearer to the coast then thought being offset due to the strong current. She dived again and remained close inshore during the day. No major damage was caused to the submarine during the grounding though. (2)

14 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was followed in her movements for about an hours by what is thought to be an enemy A/S trawler. This trawler then kept patrolling in practically the same spot the entire day. A black buoy was also seen in the area which may have been dropped by this vessel. (2)

15 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was again followed in her movements for about 2.5 hours by what is thought to be an enemy A/S vessel. (2)

16 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the afternoon, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) sighted a trawler close to Fedjeosen, to the north of Bergen. (2)

18 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1800A/18, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) left patrol to return to Dundee. (2)

20 Oct 1940
Around 1400A/20, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Dundee. (2)

21 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) is wiped (degaussed) at Dundee. (3)

31 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Dundee. (3)

4 Nov 1940
Around 1300A/4, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Dundee for her 4th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the south-west coast of Norway near Bergen.

On departure some independent exercises were carried out near Bell Rock until around 1800A/4.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(2)

6 Nov 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was ordered, in the Vice Admiral Submarines signal timed 1218A/6, to patrol slightly further to the south then in her original orders. She is now to patrol near position 60°00'N, 03°20'E. (2)

7 Nov 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was ordered to patrol even further to the south off Stavanger, Norway. (59°00'N, 03°50'E). (2)

13 Nov 1940
Between 1923A/13 and 1930A/13, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) heard the sound of explosions. On surfacing at 1949A/13 a fire was seen bearing 130°. It was also thought that a ship was seen. O 23 dived until 2010A/13 but nothing further was observed.

HrMs O 23 was also ordered to patrol a little further to the south, off Obrestadt, Norway in position 58°31'N, 05°25'E. (Vice Admiral Submarines signal timed 1852A/13) (2)

15 Nov 1940
At 1045A/15, when in approximate position 58°40'N, 05°18'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) sighted a northbound merchant vessel close inshore. The range could not be closed sufficiently in time to attack.

This may have been the German merchant vessel Bahia (4117 GRT, built 1927) which had departed Kristiansand around 1020B/14 for Haugesund where she arrived around 1700A/15. She was escorted by the auxiliary M/S trawler M 1104 / Jan Hubert (460 GRT, built 1937).

At 2050A/15, in approximate position 58°36'N, 05°20'E, HrMs O 23 sighted three ships bearing 145°. Commenced attack on what was thought to be a northbound convoy.

At 2107A/15, the attack was broken off and O 23 turned away at high speed. It had been seen that the ships were all trawlers, thought to be auxiliary A/S vessels.

The German auxiliary A/S trawler UJ 177 / Nordmeer (465 GRT, built 1938) and the German auxiliary M/S trawler M 1107 / Carl Stangen (433 GRT, built 1937) were on patrol between the Feistein Lighthouse and Egersund and may have been the ships sighted. (4)

16 Nov 1940
At 1245A/16, in approximate position 58°35'N, 05°24'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) sighted a merchant vessel in ballast and a tug which was possibly towing the merchant vessel. They were south bound and were escorted by three A/S trawlers. It was not possible to attack as the range was too great and they were already too far ahead.

This must have been the damaged German merchant vessel Barenfels (7569 GRT, built 1921) being towed by the tugs Taifun (276 GRT, built 1937), Seefalke (570 GRT, built 1924) and the auxiliary patrol vessel V 5107 / Sturm (151 GRT, built 1938). On departure from Stavanger (for Kristiansand) around 0920B/16, they were escorted by the A/S trawlers UJ 176 / Danzig (476 GRT, built 1937), UJ 178 / Faröer (470 GRT, built 1937), UJ 179 / Carl Kampf (600 GRT, built 1940) and the auxiliary patrol vessel V 5103 / Orkan (?). (5)

17 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1900A/17, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) left patrol to return to Dundee. (2)

19 Nov 1940
Around 1100A/19, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) ended her 4th war patrol at Dundee. (2)

20 Nov 1940
Now off the sick list, Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, again takes up command of HrMs O 23. (6)

30 Dec 1941
During her refit at Dundee by the Caledon Dockyard HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) is docked again. This time in the East Graving Dock. (7)

4 Jan 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) is undocked. She continued her refit at Dundee by the Caledon Dockyard. (7)

8 Feb 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted trials on the river Tay near Broughtly Ferry. (7)

11 Feb 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted trials on the river Tay near Broughtly Ferry. (7)

12 Feb 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted trials on the river Tay near Broughtly Ferry. (7)

14 Feb 1942
During 14 to 17 February HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted several trials in the Tay and Forth sanctuaries. (7)

22 Feb 1942
With her refit and initial trials completed, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN), departs Dundee for Holy Loch for a period of training. During the passage she is escorted by the British ASW trawler HMS Quadrille (T/Lt. N.T. Chetwood, RNVR). (7)

24 Feb 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) arrives at Holy Loch where she begins a period of training. (7)

27 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted torpedo firing trials with captured German torpedoes off Arrochar. (7)

28 Feb 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted torpedo firing trials with captured German torpedoes off Arrochar. Upon completion of these O 23 proceeded to Holy Loch. (7)

2 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted noise trails at Loch Goil. (7)

3 Mar 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (7)

4 Mar 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted speed trails on the measured mile in Loch Long. (7)

10 Mar 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (7)

11 Mar 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (7)

12 Mar 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. The target was HMS Adamant (Capt. R.S. Warne, RN) which was escorted by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN) and HMS Z 5 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR).

Following these exercises more attack exercises were carried out during the night with HMS Z 5. (7)

13 Mar 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (7)

16 Mar 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departs Holy Loch for the Far East. The fist leg of this passage is to Gibraltar. O 23 is escorted by the British destroyer HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. H.G.D. de Chair, RN) that is en-route to Portsmouth for a refit. They were also joined by the British submarine HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) that was en-route to Plymouth before departing on a war patrol in the Bay of Biscay.

During the passage through the Irish Sea extreme thick fog is encountered and the ships were delayed as they had to anchor bacause of the low visibility. As O 23 loses her anchor early on the 18th all three ships made for Milford Haven where the anchor of O 23 is inspected before proceeding after a few hours.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this passage see the map below.

(7)

24 Mar 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar. (7)

28 Mar 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Gibraltar for Alexandria. (7)

1 Apr 1942 (position 38.29, 7.40)
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) encounters a submarine South-West of Sardinia, Italy near position 38°29'N, 07°40'E. Before an attack could be started the other submarine submerged. O 23 did the same and for an hour she hunted the other submarine but no contact could be made.

According to Italian sources the other submarine was the Italian Aradam that dived immediately upon seeing another submarine as it was not certain if it was a friendly or an enemy submarine.

(All times are zone -1)
0045 hours - Near position 38°29'N, 07°40'E sighted a submarine bearing 240°. The course of the other submarine was 340°. Closed on the surface.

0052 hours - The other submarine dived.

0054 hours - O 23 also dived and obtained contact with the hydrophones but no definite bearing or range could be obtained.

0156 hours - O 23 surfaced and continued her passage towards Alexandria. (7)

9 Apr 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) arrived at Alexandria. Passage to the Far East has to be delayed as repairs to O 23 required her to be docked. (7)

23 Apr 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was docked in the Gabari dock at Alexandria. (7)

24 Apr 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was undocked. (7)

25 Apr 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Alexandria for Port Said. (7)

26 Apr 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) arrived at Port Said and entered the Suez Canal. (7)

1 May 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) arrived at Aden. (7)

2 May 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Aden for Colombo. (7)

9 May 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) arrived at Colombo. (7)

13 May 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Colombo for Bombay together with the Dutch submarine tender HrMs Colombia (Capt. J.L.K. Hoeke, RNN) and the Dutch submarine HrMs O 19 (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bach Kolling, RNN(R)). They were escorted by the British destroyer HMS Scout (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN).

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this passage see the map below.

(7)

16 May 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) arrives at Bombay for repairs. (7)

3 Jul 1942
With her repairs completed HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted trials off Bombay. (8)

5 Jul 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Bombay for Colombo. She makes the passage together with HrMs K XIV (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN). Both submarines were escorted by the Australian minesweeper HMAS Lismore (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Crawford, RANR(S)).

Because of defects HrMs K XIV returned to Bombay the next day.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this passage see the map below.

(8)

9 Jul 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) and her escort, the Australian minesweeper HMAS Lismore (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Crawford, RANR(S)), both arrive at Colombo. (8)

14 Jul 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) carries out an A/S exercises off Colombo with the British sloops HMS Falmouth (Cdr. U.H.R. James, RN) and HMS Shoreham (Cdr. E. Hewitt, RD, RNR). (8)

15 Jul 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) carries out an A/S exercises off Colombo with the British sloops HMS Falmouth (Cdr. U.H.R. James, RN) and HMS Shoreham (Cdr. E. Hewitt, RD, RNR). (8)

19 Jul 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Colombo for her 14th war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Staits.

For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(2)

27 Jul 1942 (position 5.07, 98.50)
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) damaged the small Japanese merchant Shofuku Maru No.2 (729 GRT, built 1937) with gunfire about 10 nautical miles South-West of Penang, Malaya in position 05°07'N, 100°04'E.

(All times are zone -6)
0641 hours - Sighted a ship bearing 190°, range 5 nautical miles. The ship was steering North. Started attack. When the ship came closer it was seen to be a small coastal vessel of about 800 to 1000 tons.

0725 hours - In position 05°07'N, 100°04'E fired two torpedoes from 700 yards. One of the torpedoes was sene to run on the surface several times and to run slightly to Starboard. Both torpedoes missed.

0731 hours - Surfaced behind the target to attack it with gunfire.

0732 hours - Fired the first shot from 800 yards. The target was not armed.

0739 hours - When the 10th round was being loaded in the gun it jammed and could not be freed so gunfire had to be discontinued. By now one hit on the ships stern had been obtained.

0741 hours - Opened fire with the Oerlikon. but this too jammed after 80 rounds. Several hits had been observed. The action had now to be broken off. Withdrew to seaward. (2)

29 Jul 1942 (position 5.37, 98.50)
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) fires four torpedoes at the Japanese heavy cruisers Kumano and Suzuya escorted by the destroyers Oyashio, Hayashio and Kuroshio (all offsite links) in the Straits of Malacca about 10 nautical miles West-South-West of Pulau Perak in position 05°37'N, 98°50'E. The torpedoes missed their targets and O 23 is depth charged but manages to escape without damage.

(All times are zone -6)
0525 hours - Sighted two cruisers thought to be of the Takao-class (but later thought to be Mogami-class, and this was correct) and four destroyers bearing 185°, distance 7 nautical miles. Enemy course was 325°. Started attack altough a favourable attack position most likely could not be obtained.

After a few minutes the enemy ships had altered course towards on a zig-zag. Unfortunately this course was only steered for a very short time. Range could not be closed further then 5500 yards.

0600 hours - In position 05°37'N, 98°50'E fired four torpedoes from 5500 yards. No torpedo explosions were heard.

0612 hours - Heard two explosions thought to be depth charges. Upon returning to periscope depth one cruiser and one destroyer were seen to have altered towards. Lt.Cdr. Valkenburg quickly set up an attack with the stern torpedo tubes but before these could be fired depth control was lost and O 23 went to a greater depth. In the meantime several depth charges were dropped.

0848 hours - After having heard no HE for half an hour returned to periscope depth. One destroyer was seen bearing 310°, distance 4 nautical miles. She appeared to be searching for the attacking submarine. O 23 retired in the opposite direction.

1043 hours - Returned to periscope depth to have another look. Two destroyers and two submarine chasers were seen half a mile ahead. Lt.Cdr. Valkenburg took evasive action and went deep again.

1200 hours - Returned to periscope depth to hsve another look. Nothing in sight.

During the evening two patrolling destroyers were evaded twice. (2)

2 Aug 1942 (position 5.36, 99.48)
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) attacked a Japanese convoy and torpedoed and heavily damaged the Japanese army cargo ship Zenyo Maru (6440 GRT, built 1937, offsite link) about 30 nautical miles North-West of Penang, Malaya in position 05°36'N, 99°48'E. The Japanese ship burns out and was later towed to Singapore. She was declared a total loss.

(All times are zone -6)
0840 hours - Sighted a convoy made up of one armed merchant with guns forward and aft that was acting as escort. This ship was followed by four merchant vessels. Started attack.

0926 hours - In position 05°33'N, 99°48'E fired one torpedo on the first merchant ship behind the escort from 800 yards. Unfortunately the torpedo ran straight to the bottom and detonated 7 seconds after firing. No damage was caused to O 23. After this explosion the escort immediately turned away followed by the first merchant ship.

0930 hours - The second merchant ship however waited several minutes so this was fired upon with two torpedoes from the training torpedo tubes. Range was 900 yards. Two faint explosions were heard 50 and 60 seconds after firing which was the correct running range.

0935 hours - Two stern torpedoes were fired on the last ship from 1000 yards. A huge explosion occured amidships on thuis ship 60 seconds after firing. This ship was at once full ablaze. The other ships were now seen to have turned to the North. Depth charges were dropped at irregular intervals most likely by the escort.

As the ship that was hit did not appeared to be sinking it was decided to finish it off with the deck gun. However the escort turned back and dropped depth charges, some of which were quite close. The gun attack was abandoned and O 23 went deep and cleared the area. (2)

10 Aug 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) ended her 14th war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Colombo. (2)

24 Aug 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was docked in the inner graving dock at Colombo. (9)

29 Aug 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was undocked. (9)

1 Sep 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Colombo for her 15th war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Andaman Sea, Malacca Staits and North-West coast of Sumatra.

For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(2)

9 Sep 1942 (position 7.30, 98.03)
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) made a torpedo attack on a Japanese merchant vessel about 40 nautical miles South-West of Phuket in position 07°30'N, 98°03'E. Two torpedoes were fired but both missed their target.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0900 hours - Heard HE bearing 300° but nothing could be seen in that direction due to heavy rain squalls.

0910 hours - Sighted, for a very short moment, a merchant ship bearing 292°, distance 4 nautical miles. Started attack. The ship was later seen to be of about 3000 to 4000 tons and was armed with a gun forward and aft. Decided to attack dispite a minumum chance of succes owning to the possible bad depth keeping of the torpedoes in the bad weather.

0945 hours - In position 07°30'N, 98°03'E fired two torpedoes from 1700 yards. Two detonations were heard 6 and 7.5 minutes after firing the first torpedo. These were end of run detonations. After the first explosion the target made off to the South in a direction of 150° and started zig-zagging. (2)

19 Sep 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) ended her 15th war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Colombo. (2)

17 Oct 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Colombo for her 16th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Staits.

For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(2)

25 Oct 1942 (position 5.28, 99.56)
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) torpedoed and damaged the Japanese merchant Shinyu Maru (4622 GRT, built 1919) off Penang, Malaya in position 05°28'N, 99°56'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0840 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 158°.

0850 hours - Sighted a ship bearing 163°, distance about 15 nautical miles. The ships course appeared to be South-West.

0905 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 170°. This smoke appeared to be from four ships, distance about 15 nautical miles, they were also on a South-Westerly course. These ships were all merchant vessels of about 5000 tons. It was later seen that an A/S trawler was also in the area.

1118 hours - Initially thought they were heading toward Rangoon but at a signal from the trawler all ships set course for the Northern entance of Penang. Started attack.

1145 hours - In position 05°34'N, 99°54'E fired two bow torpedoes at the first ship of the convoy behind the A/S trawler. Range was 1300 yards. One hit was observed just before the bridge. The ship was seen to list to Port and also to turn round to Port. Immediately after firing the second torpedo Lt.Cdr. Valkenburg turned O 23 to attack the second ship line with the two remaining bow torpedoes. It was his intention to attack the third ship with the two torpedoes in the training (deck) torpedo tubes and the fourth ship with the two torpedoes in the stern torpedo tubes.

1147 hours - Fired two bow torpedoes at the second ship in line. Range was also 1300 yards. Immediately after firing the first torpedo the first ship in line was hit by the first salvo. This resulted in the second ship altering course and increasing speed so both torpedoes missed. As the third and fourth ship also altered course the attack on them was abandoned. The convoy now fled to seaward and was later seen to make a detour to the North before entering Penang.

1151 hours - Fired one torpedo from the training tubes at the damaged merchant ship. Range on firing was 1100 yards. The torpedo was not seen to run and did not explode.

1159 hours - Fired one torpedo from the stern tubes at the damaged merchant ship from 1100 yards. One minute after firing an explosion occured about 20 yards before the stem of the ship.

1201 hours - Fired the second and last torpedo from the stern torpedo tubes at the damaged merchant ship from 1100 yards. This one exploded about 20 yards abaft the stem of the ship 68 seconds after firing. Both these last torpedoes exploded very near to the target and possibly hit the bottom.

1204 hours - The ship was seen to steam slowly away towards Penang escorted by the A/S trawler. O 23 meanwhile cleared the area

Depth charges now exploded between 1200 and 1223 hours but none did any damage. Through none were seen it was thought that aircraft were now hunting O 23. (2)

7 Nov 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) ended her 16th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Colombo. (2)

28 Nov 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Colombo for her 17th war patrol (4th in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Staits.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(2)

20 Dec 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) ended her 17th war patrol (4th in the Far East) at Colombo. O 23 suffers from many defects and will be refitted at Colombo before she is able to go on patrol again. (2)

22 Dec 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was docked in the inner graving dock at Colombo. (10)

2 Jan 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was undocked. (11)

14 Feb 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was again docked in the inner graving dock at Colombo. (11)

18 Feb 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was undocked. (11)

4 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted engine trials off Colombo. (11)

8 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo. (11)

9 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo with HMS Devonshire (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN) which had just left the dry dock.

On completion of the exercises HMS Devonshire set course to proceed to the Seychelles. (12)

10 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo with HMS Overdale Wyke, HMS Hoxa (T/Lt. H.P Davies, RNR), HMS Okapi and HMIS Rajputana (Lt W.G. Coltham, RIN). (11)

11 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo with HMAS Gawler (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) W.J. Seymour, RAN). (11)

13 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo with HMS Scout (Lt. R.G. Woodward, RN). (11)

15 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo with HMS Overdale Wyke and HMS Verbena (Lt. J.R. Freeman, RNR). (11)

16 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo. Practice attacks were made on the Dutch accomodation / depot ship Plancius by all the officers of O 23. (11)

20 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo with HMS Tulip (Lt. C.W. Leadbetter, RNR), HMS Hoxa (T/Lt. H.P Davies, RNR) and HMS Okapi. (11)

22 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo with HMS Overdale Wyke, HMS Okapi and HMAS Tamworth (T/Lt. W.H. Deans, RANR(S)). (11)

24 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo with HMS Tulip (Lt. C.W. Leadbetter, RNR). (11)

25 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo. Practice attacks were made on the Dutch stores ship HrMs Zuiderkruis by all the officers of O 23. (11)

26 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo with HMS Hoxa (T/Lt. H.P Davies, RNR) and HMAS Tamworth (T/Lt. W.H. Deans, RANR(S)). (11)

30 Mar 1943
During the night of 30-31 March 1943 HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted night exercises off Colombo. (11)

1 Apr 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo with HMS Tulip (Lt. C.W. Leadbetter, RNR) and HMS Overdale Wyke. (11)

3 Apr 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo with HMS Scout (Lt. R.G. Woodward, RN) and HMAS Lismore (T/Lt. L.C.G. Lever, RANR(S)). (11)

7 Apr 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo with HMS Hoxa (T/Lt. H.P Davies, RNR) and HMS HDML 1082 (T/Lt. G.G. MacPherson, RNVR).

During the night of 7 to 8 April 1943 HrMs O 23 conducted night exercises off Colombo. (11)

9 Apr 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo. (11)

12 Apr 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo with HMS Verbena (Lt. J.R. Freeman, RNR). (11)

23 Apr 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo with HMAS Maryborough (A/Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Lismore (T/Lt. L.C.G. Lever, RANR(S)). (11)

27 Apr 1943
During the night of 27-28 April 1943 HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted night exercises off Colombo. (11)

14 May 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) is slightly damaged when the Dutch accomodation / depot ship Plancius slips here moorings during strong winds. O 23 was moored alongside and was damaged by a buoy. A diver found some damage to the sumarine which required her to dock again for repairs. (11)

16 May 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was docked at Colombo. (11)

18 May 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was undocked.

During the night of 18-19 May 1943 O 23 conducted night exercises off Colombo.

After 5 months of waiting for spare parts to arrive and repairs O 23 is fit for operational patrols again. (11)

22 May 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Colombo for her 18th war patrol (5th in the Far East). She was to patrol in the Northern entrance to the Malacca Straits.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(2)

6 Jun 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) ended her 18th war patrol (5th in the Far East) at Colombo. (2)

15 Jun 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Colombo for her 19th war patrol (6th in the Far East). She was to patrol in the Malacca Straits and to carry out a special operation.

For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(2)

17 Jun 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) makes a short call at Trincomalee to take on board material and 2 British army officers and 3 Chinese for the special operation. (2)

25 Jun 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) carries out Special Operation GUSTAVUS II. A rendez-vouz, South of the Sembilan Islands, was made with a junk to transfer some of the persons taken on board in Trincomalee. Some of the crew of the junk were taken on board O 23 for return passage to Colombo. No stores were needed so these were not transferred. (2)

26 Jun 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) makes a torpedo attack on a small empty Japanese tanker near the One Fathom Bank in the Malacca Staits in position 03°02'N, 100°40'E

(All times are zone -6.5)
1517 hours - Surfaced for a surface patrol in the area. Immediately sighted a ship through the periscope. It was not seen from the bridge. The ship was in bearing 118°, distance was about 8 nautical miles, enemy course was about 300°.

1520 hours - Dived and commenced an attack as soon as the ship became visible through the periscope. It was first thought to be very large but when it came closer it was seen to be a small empty tanker of about 1000 tons or possibly even less.

1614 hours - In position 03°02'N, 100°40'E fired two torpedoes from 700 yards. No hits were obtained and it is quite likely the torpedoes ran under. The target made a sharp alteration towards and fearing a counter attack with depth charges O 23 had to take evasive action. After a few minutes the target altered course and zig-zagged away. It was decided not to surface for gun action as the tanker was armed and the element of surprise was now gone. (2)

6 Jul 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) ended her 19th war patrol (6th in the Far East) at Colombo. (2)

24 Jul 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Colombo for her 20th war patrol (7th in the Far East). She was to patrol off Port Blair and in the Malacca Straits. She was also ordered to carry out a special operation.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(2)

28 Jul 1943 (position 10.50, 93.02)
At 0426 hours (zone -6.5) HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) encounters the Japanese light cruiser Kashii (offsite link) about 30 nautical miles West off Little Andaman Island in position 10°50'N, 93°02'E. O 23 was unable to attack as she was most likely spotted and the Japanese took evasive action. (2)

4 Aug 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) carries out Special Operation GUSTAVUS III. A rendez-vouz, South of the Sembilan Islands, was made with the same junk as on 25 June 1943 to transfer some of the persons taken on board in Colombo. Also stores were transferred to the junk. (2)

5 Aug 1943
At 1920 hours (zone -6.5) HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) sights a ship very nearby about 30 nautical miles South-South-West of Penang near position 04°55'N, 100°05'E. The torpedo tubes could not be brought to the ready quickly enough for an attack. O 23 surfaced and gave chase but she was spotted by the enemy and attacked with gunfire. O 23 had to submerge and was depth charged by an escort vessel but she suffered no damage and was able to slip away. (2)

16 Aug 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) ended her 20th war patrol (7th in the Far East) at Colombo. (2)

24 Aug 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was docked in the inner graving dock at Colombo. (11)

31 Aug 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was undocked. (11)

8 Sep 1943
As some repairs were made to the pressure hull of HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN), she made a deep dive off Colombo today. No problems were found. (11)

11 Sep 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Colombo for Aden. This is the first leg of the trip to the U.K. where she was to refit.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this passage see the map below.

(2)

21 Sep 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) arrived at Aden. (2)

22 Sep 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Aden for Port Said. (2)

27 Sep 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) arrived at Port Said. (2)

3 Oct 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Port Said for Malta. (2)

7 Oct 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) arrived at Malta. (2)

8 Oct 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. She makes the passage in convoy MKS-27. (2)

14 Oct 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar. (2)

20 Oct 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Gibraltar for Holy Loch. (2)

29 Oct 1943
Early in the morning, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN), makes rendez-vouz off Bishops Rock with her escort, the British minesweeper HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN). (2)

30 Oct 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) arrived at Holy Loch. (2)

1 Nov 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Holy Loch for Dundee. She makes the passage together with the British submarine HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR). The submarines are escorted by the British minesweeper HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN).

Early on the 3rd, off Scapa Flow, the other two ships left O-23 and the British ASW trawler HMS Thornwick Bay (A/Skr.Lt. J. Windram, RNR) took over the escort. (2)

4 Nov 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) arrived at Dundee. (2)

16 Nov 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) shifted from Dundee to Grangemouth where she was to refit. (13)

27 Jan 1944
During her refit by the Grangemouth Dockyard HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) is docked. (13)

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