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Minelayer HMS Manxman (M 70)

23 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed her builders yard for work-up exercises at Scapa Flow. (1)

24 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow to commence a period of work-up exercises. (1)

10 Jul 1941
Around 1900B/10, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Scapa Flow for the Clyde. (2)

11 Jul 1941
Around 0900B/11, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Greenock from Scapa Flow. (2)

13 Jul 1941
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Greenock for Gibraltar. She was to join convoy WS 9C for part of the way.

[See the event ' Convoy WS 9C ' for 12 July 1941 for more info on this convoy.] (1)

19 Jul 1941
Around 0530B/19, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Greenock. (1)

5 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2230B/5, HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN) and HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Gibraltar for the U.K.

They parted company around 1700B/9. (3)

10 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0825B/10, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Port ZA (Loch Alsh) from Gibraltar. (4)

15 Aug 1941
Around 1830A/15, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) for Milford Haven. While at Port ZA she had been disguised as a French destroyer of the Chacal-class. (4)

16 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Milford Haven from Port ZA (Loch Alsh). (5)

17 Aug 1941
After having embarked mines, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed from Milford Haven around 1730A/17 for Gibraltar. (5)

21 Aug 1941
Around 2230A/10, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Milford Haven. (5)

30 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0630A/30, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Port ZA (Loch Alsh) from Gibraltar. (4)

2 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1910A/2, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) for Scapa Flow where she arrived early the following day. (4)

9 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0615A/9, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) for Scapa Flow where she arrived later the same day. On board was the Rear Admiral Minelaying, Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, OBE, RN, which was to visit the C-in-C, Home Fleet, A/Adm. J.C. Tovey, KCB, DSO, RN. (4)

10 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1535A/10, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN, with the Rear Admiral Minelaying, Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, OBE, RN on board) arrived at Port ZA (Loch Alsh) from Scapa Flow. (4)

15 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1305A/15, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) for Milford Haven. (4)

17 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Milford Haven from Port ZA (Loch Alsh). After embarking mines she departed for Plymouth later the same day where she also arrived later on this day before departing on a minelaying operation. (6)

17 Sep 1941

Minelaying operation HF.

Minelaying operation off Brittany, France.

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Plymouth around 2015A/17.

Between 0042A/18 and 0209A/18 a total of 157 mines were laid in groups within an area enclosed by parallels 49°02'N, 48°57'N and meridians 03°08'W, 03°20'W. 74 of the mines were fitted with delayed release sinkers set to operate in groups of 28 September, 3, 8 and 13 October. Sprockets were fitted to 19 units and grapnels to a further 19. Flooders were set to operate on 28 October 1941.

On completion of the minelay, HMS Manxman proceeded to Portsmouth arriving A.M. on the 18th. (5)

19 Sep 1941

Minelaying operation JT.

Minelaying operation off Le Havre, France.

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Portsmouth around 1900A/19.

At 0012A/20, she commenced laying a minefield of 156 mines in groups within an area enclosed by parallels 49°33'N, 49°37'N and meridians 00°01'E, 00°03'W. Delayed release sinkers were fitted to 80 of the mines set to operate in groups of 20 on 30th September, 5th, 10th and 15th October. 16 Of the remainder were fitted with sprockets and 16 with grapnels. All mines were laid at a depth of 8 feet and set to flood on 30 October 1941.

On completion of the minelay HMS Manxman returned to Portsmouth at 35 knots. (5)

21 Sep 1941

Minelaying operation JU.

Minelaying operation off Dieppe, France.

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Portsmouth around 1745A/21.

At 2226A/21, she commenced laying a minefield of 156 mines in groups within an area enclosed by parallels 50°00'N, 50°07'N and meridians 01°01'E, 00°50'E. Delayed release sinkers were fitted to 80 of the mines set to operate in groups of 20 on 1st, 6th, 11th and 16th October. 16 Of the remainder were fitted with sprockets and 16 with grapnels. All mines were laid at a depth of 8 feet and set to flood on 1 November 1941.

On completion of the lay HMS Manxman set course for Port ZA (Loch Alsh) via Milford Haven. (5)

22 Sep 1941
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Milford Haven from a minelay off Dieppe (Operation JU). After embarking mines she departed for Port ZA (Loch Alsh) later the same day. (1)

23 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1853A/23, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Port ZA (Loch Alsh) from Milford Haven. (4)

27 Sep 1941

Minelaying operation SN 16A.

Minelaying operation for the laying of a minefield off Aberdeen.

The fast minelayers HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) around 1945A/27.

During daylight on the 28th, a total of 314 mines were laid at a depth of 10 feet along a line joining positions;
A) 57°12.54'N, 00°57.12'W.
B) 57°06.36'N, 01°05.02'W.

The minelayers returned to Port ZA around 0017A/29. (4)

2 Oct 1941

Minelaying operation SN 16B.

Minelaying operation for the laying of a minefield off the east coast of the U.K.

The fast minelayers HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) around 1935A/2.

During daylight on the 3rd, a total of 313 mines were laid at a depth of 10 feet along a line joining positions;
A) 57°22.36'N, 00°49.42'W.
B) 57°16.00'N, 00°57.30'W.

The minelayers returned to Port ZA around 2228A/3. (4)

8 Oct 1941

Minelaying operation SN 16C.

Minelaying operation for the laying of a minefield off the east coast of the U.K.

The fast minelayers HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) around 1904A/8.

During daylight on the 9th, a total of 314 mines were laid at a depth of 10 feet along a line joining positions;
A) 57°32.42'N, 00°41.42'W.
B) 57°26.06'N, 00°50.24'W.

The minelayers returned to Port ZA around 0120A/10. (4)

12 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1135A/12, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) for Milford Haven where they arrived at following day to embark mines. (4)

14 Oct 1941
Having embarked mines HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) proceeded from Milford Haven (departed 1400A/14) to Plymouth. (7)

21 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Minelaying operation HG.

Minelaying operation off Lorient, France.

The fast minelayers HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) departed Plymouth around 1330A/21. The operation had already been postponed twice due to unsuitable weather conditions.

Minelaying began around 2300A/21 and a total of 314 mines were laid in groups within an area enclosed by lines joining positions;
A) 47°40'N, 03°40'W.
B) 47°20'N, 03°35'W.
C) 47°32'N, 04°05'W.

Mines were laid at a depth of 6 feet and flooders were set to operate on 1 December 1941. The delayed release sinkers were arranged to operate in groups in intervals.

On completion of the minelay, HMS Manxman and HMS Welshman returned to Plymouth arriving around 1000A/22. (5)

23 Oct 1941
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) proceeded from Plymouth to Portsmouth where they arrived around 0720A/23. (8)

25 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Minelaying operations JX A and JX B.

Minelaying operations off Northern France (near Dieppe) .

After a delay of one day due to unsuitable weather conditions, the fast minelayers HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) departed Portsmouth around 1700A/25. They parted company of the Nap to lay their respective minefields as follows;

Minelaying operation JX A.

This minefield of 156 mines was laid by HMS Welshman near Saint-Valery-en-Caux. The mines were laid along a line joining positions;
A) 49°57.7'N, 00°30.5'E.
B) 49°53.4'N, 00°35.3'E.
C) 49°56.3'N, 00°39.4'E.

Delayed release sinkers were to the mines and set to operate in groups on 3rd, 8th, 13th, 18th and 23rd November. Sprockets and grapnels were fitted to one mine in five. All mines were laid at a depth of 6 feet and flooders were set to operate on 4 December 1941.

On completion of the minelay HMS Welshman proceeded to Plymouth where she arrived around 0838A/26.

Minelaying operation JX B.

This minefield of 156 mines was laid by HMS Manxman near Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. The mines were laid within an area bounded by line joining positions;
A) 50°18'N, 01°11'E.
B) 50°15'N, 01°18'E.
C) 50°10'N, 01°11'E.
D) 50°13'N, 01°05'E.

Delayed release sinkers were fitted to 52 mines and set to operate in groups of 13 on 4th, 9th, 14th and 19th November. Sprockets and grapnels were fitted 20 mines each. All mines were laid at a depth of 6 feet and flooders were set to operate on 4 December 1941.

On completion of the minelay HMS Manxman proceeded to Portsmouth where she arrived around 0830A/26. At Portsmouth she was then taken in hand for some minor engine repairs. (9)

31 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Portsmouth for Port ZA (Loch Alsh. (1)

1 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1730A/1, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Port ZA (Loch Alsh from Portsmouth. (4)

4 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Having embarked mines HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) around 2310A/4 for Scapa Flow. (4)

5 Nov 1941
Around 0800A/5, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Port ZA (Loch Alsh). At Scapa they were on short notice to lay mines in Norwegian waters in case German large naval units were on the move. (2)

21 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1700A/21, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Port ZA (Loch Alsh). (2)

22 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0915A/22, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Port ZA (Loch Alsh) from Scapa Flow. At Port ZA she commenced boiler cleaning. (4)

3 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0930A/3, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1700A/3. (2)

9 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0045A/9, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Milford Haven. (2)

10 Dec 1941
Around 1225A/10, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Milford Haven from Scapa Flow. (10)

12 Dec 1941
Around 1400A/12, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Milford Haven for Gibraltar. On board were urgently required stores and personnel. (7)

16 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0200A/16, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Milford Haven. (11)

17 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1615A/17, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Gibraltar for Milford Haven. (11)

20 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1010A/20, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrivd at Milford Haven from Gibraltar. (11)

22 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Minelaying operation HJ 3.

Minelaying operation off Brest, France.

The fast minelayers HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) departed Milford Haven around 1135A/22.

They passed Wolf Rock at 1827A/22 and course was set to the initial position at 25 knots in ideal conditions.

Minelaying began at 0040A/23 and was compeleted at 0121A/23. A total of 316 mines were laid along a line extending for 8.9 nautical miles in a direction of 165° from position 47°24'N, 05°42.9'W, thence for 0.9 miles in a direction of 140° and thence for 0.2 miles in a direction of 090°.

All mines were set of six feet with flooders to operate on 1 February 1942. Sprockets and grapnels were fitted to one mine in five.

Both minelayers experienced delays during the minelay caused by bad drill and this resulted in the last 20 mines being laid in waters over 100 feet deep.

On completion of the minelay HMS Welshman returned to Milford Haven where she arrived around 1340A/23.

HMS Manxman proceeded to Liverpool where she was taken in hand repairs and also for half yearly docking by the Harland and Wolff shipyard. She arrived at Liverpool around 1420A/24. (7)

29 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Liverpool for Port ZA (Loch Alsh). (12)

30 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0945A/30, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Port ZA (Loch Alsh) from Liverpool. (12)

1 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) for Milford Haven. (1)

2 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1720A/2, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived a Milford Haven from Port ZA (Loch Alsh). (13)

3 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Minelaying operation HJ 4.

Minelaying operation off Lorient, France.

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Milford Haven for this operation around 1130A/3.

The sky was overcast but during the lay bright moonlight flooded the scene but the minelay is not thought to have been detected by the enemy.

A total of 156 mines were laid on a broad zig-zag within a rectangle contained by lines joining positions;
A) 47°29.2'N, 03°53.5'W.
B) 47°34.0'N, 03°49.0'W.
C) 47°28.0'N, 03°37.0'W.
D) 47°23.7'N, 03°41.8'W.

Mines were set to a depth of six feet with flooders set to operate on 16 March 1942. Sprocket and grapnels were fitted to one mine in five.

On completion of the minelay HMS Manxman returned to Milford Haven where she arrived around 1352A/4. (14)

5 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Minelaying operation HL 1.

Minelaying operation off Ile Vierge, France.

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Milford Haven for this operation around 1400A/5.

A total of 156 mines were laid in a continuous zig-zag within an area bounded by lines joining positions; A) 48°47.3'N, 04°25'W.
B) 48°47.3'N, 04°22'W.
C) 48°43.7'N, 04°22'W.
D) 48°43.7'N, 04°25'W.

All mines were set to a depth of eight feet, with flooders set to operate on 17 March 1942. Sprockets and grapnels were fitted to one mine in five. 67 Mines were fitted with delay release sinkers arranged in groups each day from 6th-15th February.

HMS Manxman arrived back at Milford Haven at 0937A/6. (14)

7 Feb 1942

Minelaying operation HL 2.

Minelaying operation off Ile de Batz, France.

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Milford Haven for this operation around 1315A/7.

A total of 156 mines were laid on an zig-zag line within an area bounded by lines joining positions;
A) 48°53.0'N, 04°02.7'W.
B) 48°54.0'N, 03°58.0'W.
C) 48°50.0'N, 03°55.5'W.
D) 48°49.0'N, 03°59.5'W.

All mines were set to a depth of six feet, with flooders set to operate on 20 March 1942. Sprockets and grapnels were fitted to one mine in five. Delayed release was arranged for a group each day from 9th-18th February.

HMS Manxman arrived back at Milford Haven at 0839A/8. (14)

10 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Minelaying operation HJ 5.

Minelaying operation in the Bay of Biscay.

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Milford Haven for this operation around 1353A/10.

While passing through the St. George's Channel fire was opened on German aircraft which were attacking a convoy.

HMS Manxman proceeded to the position of the lay at 28 knots in perfect weather.

Minelaying started at 0214A/11. A total of 156 mines were laid along a zig-zag line within an area bounded by the parallels 47°22'N, 47°16.5'N and meridians 05°45.5'W, 05°32'W.

Mines were set to a depth of six feet with flooders set to operate on 23 March 1942. Sprockets and grapnels were fitted to one mine in three.

On completion of the minelay HMS Manxman returned to Milford Haven where she arrived around 1331A/11. (14)

14 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Minelaying operation HJ 7.

Minelaying operation in the Bay of Biscay.

The fast minelayers HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) departed Milford Haven for this operation around 1351A/14.

They passed Wolf Rock at 2005A/14 and then proceeded at 28 knots to the laying area. The C-in-C Plymouth warned them of a homeward bound enemy submarine near position 48°00'N, 08°00'W but nothing was seen though (C-in-C Plymouth's signal timed 1944A/14). This signal most likely referred to U-86 which arrived at Brest around 1300B/15.

The lay was carried out in good weather conditions between 0102A/15 and 0126A/15. HMS Manxman was stationed four cables astern on the port beam of HMS Welshman. A total of 314 mines were laid in two lines in a direction of 207° within a rectangle enclosed by lines joining positions;
A) 47°46.3'N, 07°03.1'W.
B) 47°45.5'N, 07°00.4'W.
C) 47°36.6'N, 07°05.6'W.
D) 47°37.4'N, 07°07.3'W.

Mines were set to a depth of six feet with flooders set to operate on 27 March 1942. Sprockets and grapnels were fitted to one mine in three. Delayed release was arranged for 40 mines on 15 February.

On completion of the minelay HMS Manxman and HMS Welshman returned to Milford Haven where they arrived around 1301A/15. (14)

17 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Minelaying operation HJ 8.

Minelaying operation in the Bay of Biscay.

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Milford Haven for this operation around 1330A/17.

In the early hours of the 18th, in ideal weather conditions, HMS Manxman laid a total of 156 mines along a zig-zag line within a rectangle bounded by lines joining positions;
A) 47.54'N, 07.06'W.
B) 47.56'N, 07.14'W.
C) 48.06'N, 07.06'W.
D) 48.04'N, 06.58'W.

Mines were set to a depth of six feet with flooders set to operate on 30 March 1942. Sprockets and grapnels were fitted to one mine in three.

On completion of the minelay HMS Manxman returned to Milford Haven where she arrived around 1110A/18. (14)

19 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
After having loaded mines, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) proceeded from Milford Haven to Plymouth. (5)

20 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Minelaying operation HJ 9.

Minelaying operation in the Bay of Biscay.

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Plymouth for this operation around 1930A/20.

In the early hours of the 21st HMS Manxman laid a total of 156 mines along a zig-zag line within a rectangle bounded by lines joining positions;
A) 47.38'N, 06.48'W.
B) 47.49'N, 06.40'W.
C) 47.47'N, 06.32'W.
D) 47.36'N, 06.40'W.

Mines were set to a depth of six feet with flooders set to operate on 2 April 1942. Sprockets and grapnels were fitted to one mine in three.

On completion of the minelay HMS Manxman set course for Port ZA (Loch Alsh) where she arrived on 22 February 1942. (15)

6 Mar 1942

Minelaying operation SN 18A.

Minelaying operation for the laying of a minefield off the east coast of the U.K.

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) around 1000A/6.

Commencing around 0300A/7, a total of 158 mines were laid in a line extending for 4.2 nautical miles bearing 180° from position 56°36.7'N, 01°33.1'W. Depth of the mines was set at 10 feet.

HMS Manxman arrived at Rosyth AM on the 7th. (16)

8 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Rosyth for Port ZA (Loch Alsh). (1)

9 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Port ZA (Loch Alsh) from Rosyth.

After embarking mines she proceeded to Scapa Flow later the same day. At Scapa Flow she was kept ready at short notice for possible minelaying operations off Norway if required when German heavy units were on the move. (1)

26 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Port ZA (Loch Alsh). (17)

27 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Port ZA (Loch Alsh) from Scapa Flow. (17)

30 Mar 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) proceeded from Port ZA (Loch Alsh) to Tobermory for A/S training.

[No further details available on the A/S exercises other then currently displayed.] (17)

6 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) proceeded from Tobermory to Port ZA (Loch Alsh). (12)

9 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) for Plymouth. (1)

10 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Plymouth from Port ZA (Loch Alsh). (1)

18 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Plymouth for Gibraltar.

HMS Manxman is to proceed to the East Indies Station. (1)

21 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Plymouth. (1)

22 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Gibraltar for Freetown. (1)

27 Apr 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Freetown from Gibraltar. (1)

28 Apr 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Freetown for Takoradi. (1)

29 Apr 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Takoradi from Freetown. (1)

30 Apr 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Takoradi for Simonstown. (1)

7 May 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Simonstown from Takoradi. (1)

8 May 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Simonstown for Durban. (1)

9 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Durban from Simonstown. (1)

10 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Durban to join 'Force F' off Madagascar. (18)

13 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Diego Suarez from Durban. She departed for Kilindini / Mombasa later the same day. (19)

15 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1700C/15, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa from Diego Suarez. (20)

25 May 1942
Around 1000C/25, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Port Victoria, Seychelles. (21)

27 May 1942
Around 1000C/25, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles from Kilindini / Mombasa. (1)

28 May 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Port Victoria, Seychelles for Colombo. (1)

1 Jun 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Colombo from Port Victoria, Seychelles. (1)

7 Jun 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Colombo for Bombay. (1)

9 Jun 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Bombay from Colombo. (1)

17 Jun 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Bombay for Colombo. (1)

19 Jun 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Colombo from Bombay. (1)

20 Jun 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. (1)

21 Jun 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Trincomalee from Colombo. (1)

23 Jun 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Trincomalee for Addu Atoll. (1)

26 Jun 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Addu Atoll from Trincomalee. (1)

4 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Addu Atoll for Trincomalee. (1)

6 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Trincomalee from Addu Atoll. (1)

8 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Trincomalee for Calcutta. (1)

11 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Calcutta from Trincomalee. (1)

14 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Calcutta for Visakhapatnam. (1)

16 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Visakhapatnam from Calcutta. (1)

18 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Visakhapatnam for Madras. (1)

19 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Madras from Visakhapatnam. (22)

21 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Madras for Colombo. (22)

22 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Colombo from Madras. (22)

29 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Colombo for Madras. (22)

30 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Madras from Colombo. (22)

3 Aug 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Madras for Colombo.

While en-route she was ordered to join Force A of the Eastern Fleet. [See the event ' Operation Stab ' for 30 July 1942 for more info.] (22)

1 Sep 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Diego Suarez. (1)

3 Sep 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Diego Suarez from Kilindini / Mombasa. (1)

9 Sep 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Diego Suarez, presumably for operations in conjunction with Operation Stream, the landings at Majunga, Madagascar.

[No further infomation available on Operation Stream for the moment, further research is required.] (1)

18 Sep 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) returned to Diego Suarez for oprations. She departed again later the same day, presumably for operations in conjuction with operation Jane.

The date she returned to Diego Suarez is currently not known to us.

[No further infomation available on Operation Jane for the moment, further research is required.] (1)

27 Sep 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Diego Suarez for Tamatave.

She returned to Diego Suarez on 3 October 1942. (1)

4 Oct 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Diego Suarez for Kilindini / Mombasa. (1)

6 Oct 1942
Around 1025C/6, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa from Diego Suarez. (23)

16 Oct 1942
Around 1710C/16, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Kilinidini / Mombasa for Aden. HMS Manxman is to proceed to the Mediterranean for the upcoming operation ' Torch '. (24)

20 Oct 1942
Around 0940C/20, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Aden from Kilindini / Mombasa.

Around 1725C/20, she left Aden for Suez. (25)

23 Oct 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Suez from Aden. (1)

30 Oct 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) transited the Suez Canal northbound and arrived at Port Said. (1)

10 Nov 1942
Around 0700B/10, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN), HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, RN), HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) and HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, OBE, RN) proceeded from Port Said to Alexandria where they arrived after dark the same day. (26)

11 Nov 1942

Operation MH 1.

Around 0500B/11, the fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) and HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, OBE, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta.

On board HMS Manxman was 350 tons of foodstuff, including powdered milk, dried cereals and preserved meat as well as 200 military personnel.

On leaving the boom, HMS Manxman grounded but was soon towed clear by a tug. As she had no apparent damage it was decided to go ahead with the operation.

After dark, the escort destroyers parted company and returned to Alexandria arriving on the 12th. HMS Manxman then proceeded unescorted at high speed. (26)

12 Nov 1942
Around 1700A/12, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta from Alexandria. She was swept in by HMS Hythe (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Miller, RN). (26)

25 Nov 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Malta for Algiers. (27)

26 Nov 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Algiers from Malta. (27)

29 Nov 1942

Minelaying operation off Cani Rocks.

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Algiers around 0730A/29 to lay a minefield near the Cani Rocks.

When off Bone the paravanes were streamed and speed was increased to 28 knots. At 1950A/29, she passed four nautical miles to the south of Galita Island. The night was clear with bright starlight and good visibility. At 2014A/29, what appeared to be a motor torpedo boat was sighted 300 yards on the starboard bow and course was altered sharply to starboard to comb a possible torpedo. HMS Manxman passed close under the stern of the craft and deliberately avoided the ram. The First Lieutenant, from aft, reported that he saw many depth charges on deck but no torpedoes and that the craft closely resembled one of the British motor launches. At 2152A/29, HMS Manxman turned to the south again.

Between 2234A/29 and 2251A/29 a total of 156 mines were laid at a depth of 15 feet and with grapnels fitted to 18 of the mines, within a rectangle bounded by lines joining positions;
A) 37°21.5'N, 10°12.6'E.
B) 37°22.8'N, 10°17.0'E.
C) 37°18.2'N, 10°19.2'E.
D) 37°17.0'N, 10°14.6'E.

The mines were laid in three groups within the rectangle;
1) 81 mines, extending for 2 miles in direction 150° from position 37°20.4'N, 10°14.5'E.
2) 39 mines, extending for 9.5 cables in direction 350° from position 37°18.8'N, 10°16.3'E.
3) 36 mines, extending for 8.75 cables in direction 350° from position 37°20.7'N, 10°16.0'E.

The moon rose as the last mines were being laid. On completion of the lay HMS Manxman retired at 32 knots, passing to the north of Galita Island and arriving at Algiers at 1400A/30.

Two ships were sunk when they hit mines from this field, the transport Menes (German, 5609 GRT, built 1926) hit a mine and sank on 3 December 1942. The hospital ship Graz (German (former Greek), 1870 GRT, built 1927) hit a mine and sank on 5 December 1942. (5)

1 Dec 1942 (position 36.39, 0.15)
The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Algiers for Gibraltar.

At 1705A/1, (time in the German report) in position 36°39'N, 00°15'E German U-boat U-375 fired a spread of four torpedoes at HMS Manxman, which was identified as a London class cruiser, and heard two hits after 51 seconds despite the fact that the British ship was zig-zagging at 21 knots. Two coups de grace fired at 1741A/1 and 1842A/1 missed.

At the time of the torpedoing HMS Manxman was steaming at 21 knots on a mean course of 284°, carrying out a zig-zag and with Asdic watch set. At 1702A/1, (time in the British report) a lookout sighted a torpedo approaching and it was seen to pass close astern from port to starboard, running shallow. About three seconds later another torpedo struck the ship on the port side abreast the engine room and she stopped with a heavy list to starboard, both engine and gear rooms being flooded. A further attack was expected at any moment and everything possible was done to discourage the enemy submarine. The whole armament was fired into the water whenever anything was heard on the Asdic and at dusk the fast motorboat was lowered to drop depth charges round the ship to simulate the arrival of escorts.

At 2315A/1, the destroyer HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived which took the ship in tow. An hour later course was set for Oran. By that time the destroyer HMS Eskimo (Capt. J.W.M. Eaton, DSO, DSC, RN) had also joined. At 0520A/2 the tug HMRT Restive (Lt. D.M. Richards, RNR) had joined to assist. HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN) also joined for A/S protection and at 1300A/2 HMS Manxman arrived at Oran still in tow. (28)

18 Dec 1942
After some temporary repairs, the damaged fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Oran for Gibraltar. She is being towed by the tugs HMS Nimble and HMRT Salvonia. Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN) and HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN).

HMS Pathfinder and HMS Puckeridge were later detached and returned to Oran.

The tow arrived at Gibraltar around 1300A/20. At Gibraltar HMS Manxman was taken in hand for further temporary repairs to make her fit to proceed to the UK for permanent repairs. (29)

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