Laid down (40)

1936: Destroyer Sampson (DD 394)

1939: ASW Whaler Buttermere (FY 205)

1941: Escort destroyer Limbourne (L 57) - Minesweeper Qualicum (J 138) - Motor torpedo boat PT 36

1942: Submarine chaser Jaguarão (CS 55) - Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 293 (MTB 293) - Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 294 (MTB 294) - Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 293 (MTB 293) - Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 294 (MTB 294) - Minesweeper Admirable (AM 136) - Minesweeper Adopt (AM 137) - Minesweeper Advocate (AM 138) - Minesweeper Agent (AM 139) - Submarine chaser SC-1003 (SC-1003) - Submarine chaser SC-1004 (SC-1004) - Submarine chaser SC-682 (SC-682) - Submarine chaser SC-711 (SC-711) - Submarine chaser SC-726 (SC-726) - Submarine chaser SC-765 (SC-765) - Submarine chaser SC-768 (SC-768) - Submarine chaser SC-769 (SC-769)

1943: Destroyer Lagos (R 44) - Landing Craft Tank LCT 664 (LCT 664) - Corvette Rushen Castle (K 372) - Submarine Tiara (P 351) - Submarine Baya (318) - Minesweeper Signet (AM 302) - Minesweeper Skirmish (AM 303)

1944: Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-1061 (LCI(L)-1061) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-677 (LCI(L)-677) - Landing craft tank LCT 1045 (LCT 1045) - Landing craft tank LCT 1046 (LCT 1046) - Landing craft tank LCT 688 (LCT 688) - Landing craft tank LCT 829 (LCT 829) - Landing craft tank LCT 898 (LCT 898) - Tank landing ship LST 627 (LST 627) - Tank landing ship LST 703 (LST 703) - Tank landing ship LST 998 (LST 998) - Tank landing ship LST 999 (LST 999)

Launched (36)

1913: MS Trawler Sargon (FY 572)

1919: Minesweeper Peacock (AM 46)

1932: Destroyer Diamond (H 22)

1933: Submarine K XVI - Submarine M-2

1936: ASW Trawler Cape Comorin (FY 143) - Destroyer Hyperion (H 97) - ASW Trawler Lord Hotham (FY 113)

1939: Destroyer Sims (i) (DD 409)

1940: Corvette La Bastiaise

1942: Rescue Tug Aimwell (W 113)

1943: MS Trawler Bryher (T 350) - Landing Craft Tank LCT 710 (LCT 710) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-351 (LCI(L)-351) - Motor torpedo boat PT 331 - Submarine chaser SC-1322 (SC-1322)

1944: Frigate Capilano (K 409) - Landing Craft Tank LCT 7085 (LCT 7085) - Destroyer Escort George E. Davis (DE 357) - Destroyer Hyman (DD 732) - Minesweeper Intrique (AM 253) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-674 (LCI(L)-674) - Landing craft tank LCT 1070 (LCT 1070) - Landing craft tank LCT 897 (LCT 897) - Tank landing ship LST 1012 (LST 1012) - Tank landing ship LST 663 (LST 663) - Tank landing ship LST 739 (LST 739) - Tank landing ship LST 740 (LST 740) - Tank landing ship LST 910 (LST 910) - Motor torpedo boat PT 533 - Salvage vessel Seize (ARS 26) - Salvage vessel Snatch (ARS 27) - Minesweeper YMS-420 (YMS-420) - Minesweeper YMS-459 (YMS-459)

1945: Destroyer Henley (ii) (DD 762) - Destroyer Turner (iii) (DD 834)

Commissioned (27)

1927: Patrol vessel McLane (WPC 146)

1930: Destroyer Bordelais

1931: Destroyer Brazen (H 80) - Destroyer Bulldog (H 91)

1939: Large destroyer Mogador

1940: Sloop Parramatta (L 44 / U 44) - Corvette Periwinkle (K 55)

1941: Corvette Chilliwack (K 131) - Motor Launch ML 226 (ML 226)

1943: Boom defence vessel Barglow (Z 205) - Minesweeper BYMS 2171 (J 971) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-310 (LCI(L)-310) - Destroyer Mahratta (G 23) - Motor Gun Boat MGB 662 (MGB 662) - Frigate Nene (K 270) - Destroyer Tyrian (R 67) - Motor torpedo boat PT 324 - Minesweeper YMS-266 (YMS-266)

1944: Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 437 (MTB 437) - Minesweeper Compel (AM 162) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-587 (LCI(L)-587) - Tank landing ship LST 604 (LST 604) - Destroyer Escort O'Flaherty (DE 340) - Destroyer Escort Rall (DE 304) - Net tender Satinleaf (AN 43) - Submarine chaser SC-1474 (SC-1474)

1945: Medium landing ship LSM 481 (LSM 481)

1940: Destroyer Glowworm (H 92)

1942: Mooring vessel Moor - MS Whaler Svana (FY 1707) - ASW Whaler Thorgrim

1943: Oiler Kanawha (AO 1)

1945: Patrol craft PGM-18 (PGM-18) - Minesweeper YMS-103 (YMS-103)

More information on Allied Warships losses.

1940

Heavy cruiser HMS York: After a German force of warships was sighted which the Admiralty thought to be proceeding to the North-Atlantic, HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Berwick (Capt. I.M. Palmer, DSC, RN), HMS York (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN) and HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN), disembarked their troops and set out to sea around 1300A/8 and proceed north to intercept. In the evening, around 2100A/8, they were joined near Rattray Head by the French light cruiser Emile Bertin (Capt. R.M.J. Battet) and the large destroyers Maille Breze (Cdr. H.M.E.A. Glotin) and Tartu (Capt. J.M. Chomel). By then it had become apparent that the Germans were proceeding to invade Norway and the cruisers were ordered to proceed towards the Home Fleet which was also at sea. They joined the Fleet around mid-morning on the 9th.

Light cruiser HMS Calypso: HMS Calypso (Capt. H.A. Rowley, RN) arrived at Malta from patrol.

Light cruiser HMS Diomede: HMS Diomede (Commodore C.G.B. Coltart, CVO, RN) arrived at Arica, Chile.

Heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins: Around 0945PQ/8, HMS Hawkins (Capt. E. Rotherham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral Sir H. Harwood, KCB, OBE, RN) arrived at Montevideo from patrol.

Light cruiser HMAS Hobart: During 8/9 April 1940, several sections of HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN) are fumigated.

Light cruiser HMAS Sydney: Around 0720H/8, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) returned to Fremantle after escort / cover duties.

Light cruiser HMS Gloucester: HMS Gloucester (Capt. F.R. Garside, CBE, RN) arrived at Simonstown, South Africa.

Submarine HNMS O 15: HrMs O 15 (Lt. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) shifted from Willemstad, Curacao to Oranjestad, Aruba.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Ark Royal: Between 0920B/8 and 0945B/8, the aircraft carriers HMS Ark Royal (Capt. A.J. Power, RN) and HMS Glorious (Capt. G. D’Oyly-Hughes, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.V. Wells, CB, DSO, RN) [Vice-Admiral Wells had transferred his flag to Glorious for these exercises] departed Alexandria for flying exercises off Alexandria. At 0800B/8, the destroyers HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) and HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN) had departed Alexandria to escort the carriers. Around 1700B/9, HMS Ark Royal and HMS Westcott returned to Alexandria. Around 0200B/10, HMS Glorious and HMS Bulldog returned to Alexandria.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Canton: HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, RN) is undocked.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Corfu: HMS Corfu (Capt. W.G. Agnew, RN) is ordered to return to Greenock.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Queen of Bermuda: Around 0800P/8, HMS Queen of Bermuda (Capt. G.A.B. Hawkins, MVO, DSC, RN) and HMS Dunnottar Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.E.H. Spencer-Cooper, RN) made rendezvous to the south of Cabo Frio in position 23°27'S, 42°08'W. The German naval engineer taken prisoner on 2 April was then transferred from HMS Queen of Bermuda to HMS Dunnottar Castle. Both armed merchant cruisers then resumed their patrols with HMS Queen of Bermuda proceeded to the River Plate area.

Submarine HMS Thistle: At 16.20 hours HMS Thistle (Lt.Cdr. W.F. Haselfoot, RN) is sighted by HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) and they proceed on surface briefly in company before being forced down by aircraft. During the evening, Thistle was ordered to patrol off Skudesnes Fjord.

Submarine HMS Ursula: HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) departed Blyth for her 8th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the west coast of Denmark / entrance to the Skagerrak. For the daily positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Parthian: HMS Parthian (Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rimington, RN) arrived at Singapore.

Submarine HMS Phoenix: HMS Phoenix (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Nowell, RN) arrived at Singapore.

Submarine HMS Proteus: HMS Proteus (Lt.Cdr. R.T. Gordon-Duff, RN) arrived at Singapore.

Submarine HMS Clyde: HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) is ordered to patrol off the south-west coast of Norway making this her 6th war patrol. No map can be displayed as there is no log available for HMS Clyde for this period.

Submarine HMS Seal: Late in the evening HMS Seal (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Lonsdale, RN) collided with the Estonian merchant Otto (1954 GRT, built 1918) in thick fog. Seal sustained minor damage and was able to remain on patrol.

Submarine HMS Swordfish: HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Blyth. She had sighted only neutral vessels.

Submarine HMS Spearfish: HMS Spearfish (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Forbes, RN) was ordered to patrol close west of the Skaw.

Submarine HMS Triton: At dawn, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) sighted four large trawlers approaching the Skaw from the south. These are thought to be German auxiliary A/S trawlers. They remained in the vicinity of the Skaw all day. Visibility was not good and they were difficult to identify through the periscope. HMS Triton patrolled a bit further to the south then intended to avoid them. These were most likely auxiliary A/S trawlers from the 11th UJ flotilla of which six which were operating in the area at this time. These six were UJ-111, UJ-112, UJ-114, UJ-115, UJ-116 and UJ-176. Later that day, HMS Triton fires a full salvo of ten bow torpedoes at the German heavy cruiser Blücher East of Skagen. However all torpedoes fired missed the target. Position was approximately 57°40'N, 11°00'E. Blücher was the flagship of a force which was en-route to Oslo. This force was further made up of the heavy cruiser (pocket battleship) Lützow, Emden and the torpedo boats Albatros, Kondor and Möwe. 1650A/8, Sighted two heavy German warships approaching from the westward. Closed and started attack. The leading ship was thought to be Gneisenau but it was not possible to get into an attack position for an attack on this ship. It was therefore decided to attack the second ship which was somewhat astern. Shortly afterwards the leading ship changed course and now presented a better target then before. An attack was now started on the leading, more important, ship. 1758A/8, fired a full bow salvo of ten torpedoes (six internal and four external) from 7500 yards. Shortly after firing the ASDIC reported that the target had increased speed from 14 to 20 knots. All torpedoes therefore missed astern. The attack was noticed by the Germans where torpedo tracks were seen around 1900B/8. [note time zone B= German (Berlin) time.]

Submarine HMS Trident: HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) intercepted the German tanker Stedingen (former Posidonia, 8036 GRT, built 1939) south of the Oslo fjord in position 58°57'N, 10°25'E. The Germans scuttled their ship and it was finished off by a torpedo from HMS Trident. 1200A/8 - Sighted a large laden tanker steaming westward outside territorial waters. The vessel was thought to be a German auxiliary vessel. 1215A/8 - Surfaced about one nautical mile of the targets port quarter and fired a blank shot. The ship turned to starboard and headed for territorial waters while increasing speed. Two live rounds were now fired but these fell just short of the bridge. This caused her to stop her engines. The crew abandoned ship and made for shore. They were stopped and the ship's captain was taken prisoner. The tanker was now lower in the water and in a sinking condition. The captain confirmed that they had scuttled the ship. Lt.Cdr. Seale decided to fire one torpedo to finish her off. The tanker sank at 1315A/8.

Submarine HMS Taku: HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at Loch Long.

Submarine HMS Triad: Around 0920A/8, HMS Triad (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Skagerrak. For the daily and attack positions of HMS Triad during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Truant: At 1653A/8, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Hutchinson, RN) surfaced near Kristiansand in thick fog. At 2023A/8, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Hutchinson, RN) received an enemy report from HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) timed 1800A/8. Due to the thick fog a good listening watch had been set to listen for the expected enemy. At 2140A/8, HMS Truant dived so as to be able to keep a better listening watch. At 2143A/8, HE was picked up which developed into five ships steering east and passing close to HMS Truant. They were not seen in the thick fog though. At 2230A/8, HE was picked up to the north-east. This contact developed into at least seven ships steering westwards. Two of these ships appeared to have reciprocating engines. No ships could be seen due to the thick fog. The HE picked up was most likely from the German 'Group IV' which were to land troops at Kristiansand. It was made up of the light cruiser Karlsruhe, torpedo boats Luchs, Greif, Seeadler, motor torpedo boat tender Tsingtau and the motor torpedo boats S 9, S 14, S 16, S 30, S 31, S 32, S 33. The transports Wiegand (5869 GRT, built 1922), Westsee (5911 GRT, built 1914), Kreta (2359 GRT, built 1923), August Leonhardt (2593 GRT, built 1922) were also part of the force that were to land at Kristiansand. At 2312A/8, HMS Truant surfaced but found that the visibility had still not improved. HE was now heard on both sides but nothing could be seen. At 2318A/8, HMS Truant dived again so as not to be caught by surprise on the surface. At 2345A/8, A/S impulses were picked up. [Continued on 9 April 1940.]

Light cruiser HMS Neptune: HMS Neptune (Capt. J.A.V. Morse, DSO, RN) departed Simonstown for Freetown. She was escorting the whale factory ships Southern Princess (British, 12156 GRT, built 1915) and Terje Viken (British, 20638 GRT, built 1936) as well as ten whale catchers which were with the factory ships.

Battlecruiser HMS Repulse: At 0915/8, the C-in-C Home Fleet, detached HMS Repulse (Capt. E.J. Spooner, DSO, RN), HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Yates, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, RN), HMS Eskimo (Cdr. St.J.A. Micklethwait, DSO, RN), HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. R.G.K. Knowling, RN) to proceed at high best speed to go to the assistance of the destroyer HMS Glowworm (Lt.Cdr. G.B. Roope, RN) which had reported being in action with enemy warships. At 1956/8 HMS Repulse, HMS Penelope, HMS Bedouin, HMS Eskimo, HMS Punjabi and HMS Kimberley were ordered north to join the 'Renown' force off Vestfjord.

Destroyer HMAS Vampire: HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) conducted gunnery, torpedo firing and A/S exercises off Malta.

Destroyer HMAS Vendetta: Around 0850B/8, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. They were recalled at 1953B/8 and arrived back at Malta around 1330B/9.

Destroyer HMAS Voyager: HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) is docked at Malta.

Destroyer HMAS Waterhen: HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) and the transport Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936) arrived at Marseilles. HMAS Waterhen then departed Marseilles later the same day to return to Malta.

Destroyer HMS Valentine (i): HMS Valentine (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan, RAN) conducted four runs over the D/G range at Portland.

Destroyer HMS Defender: HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN) is sent out from Freetown to assist in a submarine hunt after two A/S trawlers reported a contact. The contact was later classified as non-sub.

Heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire: Around 1645B/8, HMS Shropshire (Capt. A.W.la T. Bisset, RN) departed Capetown to cover the transport Suffolk (British, 11145 GRT, built 1939) during part of her passage to Australia. This ship was carrying gold bullion.

Submarine ORP Orzel: ORP Orzel (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) J. Grudzinski, DSO) torpedoed and sank the German (troop) transport Rio de Janeiro (5261 GRT, built 1914) south-south-east of Lillesand, Norway in position 58°08'N 08°29'E. 0945A/8, Sighted a suspicious merchant vessel to the south. Closed to investigate. The vessel was seen to fly no ensign and was proceeding on a course of 240°. She was high in the water indicating very little cargo. 1100A/8, Closed enough to read the ships name which was Rio de Janeiro with place of registration being Hamburg. 1110A/8, Surfaced and signalled the vessel to stop which she did. 1112A/8, Ordered the vessel to sent a boat. There appeared to be very little movement on board so fired warning shots with the Lewis guns which unfortunately was the only armament available as the deck gun is still inoperative. 1120A/8, Ordered the vessel to abandon ship in 15 minutes. 1130A/8, A boat was lowered but it made very little attempt to close Orzel. So ordered the vessel once more to abandon ship and that they had 5 minutes left to do so before a torpedo would be fired. 1135A/8, Sighted a Norwegian motor boat approaching. There was still no sign of movement on board the merchant vessel. 1145A/8, Fired a torpedo while the Norwegian motor boat was still clear. a slight explosion was seen and the vessel heeled. She was still 1.8 nautical miles outside territorial waters. 1150A/8, Dived. The vessel showed no signs of sinking. More boats were seen to be lowered. 1155A/8, Sighted a Norwegian aircraft approaching. Orzel circled underwater to give the enemy crew time to pull clear before finishing off the ship with a second torpedo which blew up to ship on hitting. At 1610A/8, Orzel received a signal ordering her to patrol south of Lindesnes near position 57°50'N, 07°00'E.

Destroyer HMS Decoy: HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, RN) conducted exercises off Dakar with aircraft from HMS Hermes (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN). HMS Hermes did not go to sea though and remained in harbour.

Destroyer HNoMS Aeger: HNoMS Aeger stopped and inspected the German transport vessel Roda (6780 GRT) at Ulsnes in Stavanger, Norway. Aeger arrested Roda and ordered Roda to sail to Riska in Stavanger. Roda refused. The Commanding Officer of Aeger Nils Larsen Bruun decided to sink Roda. After the crew from Roda was safe in lifeboats, HNoMS Aeger fired 25 shells (10cm) at Roda sinking her. Roda was loaded with AA guns and ammo.

1941

Heavy cruiser HMS London: Convoy SL 71. This convoy departed Freetown on 8 April 1941. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Abosso (British, 11330 GRT, built 1935), Adda (British, 7816 GRT, built 1922), Afrika (British, 8597 GRT, built 1920), Baron Erskine (British, 3657 GRT, built 1930), Baron Fairlie (British, 6706 GRT, built 1925), Bhima (British, 5280 GRT, built 1939), British Hussar (British (tanker), 6944 GRT, built 1923), City of Auckland (British, 8336 GRT, built 1914), City of Christchurch (British, 6009 GRT, built 1915), City of Yokohama (British, 7341 GRT, built 1922), Clan MacTaggart (British, 7622 GRT, built 1920), Dagfred (Norwegian, 4434 GRT, built 1930), Egton (British, 4363 GRT, built 1938), Empire Governor (British, 8657 GRT, built 1925), Empire Progress (British, 5249 GRT, built 1918), Evinos (Greek, 5627 GRT, built 1919), Grangepark (British, 5132 GRT, built 1919), Gudvin (Norwegian, 1824 GRT, built 1918), Janeta (British, 4312 GRT, built 1929), Jedmoor (British, 4392 GRT, built 1928), Kurdistan (British, 5844 GRT, built 1928), Leonidas N. Condylis (Greek, 3923 GRT, built 1912), Lisbeth (Norwegian, 2732 GRT, built 1922), Lise (Norwegian (tanker), 6826 GRT, built 1931), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), MacGregor Laird (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930), Margalau (British, 4541 GRT, built 1926), Meerkerk (Dutch, 7995 GRT, built 1916), Mount Mycale (British, 3556 GRT, built 1907), Myrtlebank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925), Nagpore (British, 5283 GRT, built 1920), New Brooklyn (British, 6546 GRT, built 1920), New Westminster City (British, 4747 GRT, built 1929), Newton Ash (British, 4625 GRT, built 1925), Nigerian (British, 5423 GRT, built 1936), Peribonk (British, 5673 GRT, built 1937), Princesa (British, 8731 GRT, built 1918), Ravnefjell (British, 1339 GRT, built 1938), Rhesus (British, 6530 GRT, built 1911), River Lugar (British, 5423 GRT, built 1937), Ross (British, 4878 GRT, built 1936), Sandown Castle (British, 7607 GRT, built 1921), Santiago (Panamanian, 3864 GRT, built 1908), St. Lindsay (British, 5370 GRT, built 1921), Stad Arnhem (Dutch, 3819 GRT, built 1920), Thorshov (Norwegian (tanker), 9955 GRT, built 1935), Tysa (Dutch, 5327 GRT, built 1938) and Veerhaven (Dutch, 5291 GRT, built 1930). On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Cilicia (Capt.(Retd.) V.B. Cardwell, OBE, RN) and the corvettes HMS Clematis (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Crocus (Lt.Cdr. E. Wheeler, RNR), HMS Cyclamen (Lt. H.N. Lawson, RNR) and HMS Marguerite (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Blundell, RNR). Around 1515N/10, in approximate position 07°38'N, 18°30'W, the light cruiser HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN) joined the convoy escort. Around 0630N/17, in approximate position 20°40'N, 28°00'W, the four corvettes parted company with the convoy. They were to proceed to Bathurst to fuel. Around 1000NZ(+0.5)/23, in position 36°20'N, 23°00'W, the heavy cruiser HMS London (Capt. R.M. Servaes, CBE, RN) joined the convoy escort and shortly afterwards HMS Mauritius parted company with the convoy. Around 0530N/29, the destroyers HMS Lincoln (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN), HMS Sherwood (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN) joined the convoy in position 49°48'N, 23°03'W and shortly afterwards the armed boarding vessel HMS Malvernian (Cdr. J.W.B. Robertson, RNR) also joined the convoy. Around 0810A/29, HMS London parted company with the convoy and set course for Scapa Flow. Around 0430A/30, the destroyer HMS Beagle, (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, DSO and Bar, RN) and escort destroyer HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN) joined the convoy. Around 0645A/30, the corvette HMS Sunflower (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RNR) joined the convoy. Around 0715A/30, the corvette HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR) joined the convoy. Around 0930A/30, HMS Cilicia parted company with the convoy in position 52°42'N, 20°32'W. After the departure of HMS Cilicia more local A/S escorts arrived early in the afternoon, these were the destroyers HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN), HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Rockingham (Lt. A.H.T. Johns, RN), sloop HMS Londonderry (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, RN), corvette HMS Freesia (Lt.Cdr. T.P.G. Crick, RN) and the A/S yacht HMS Philante (Capt.(Retd.) H.S. Bowlby, RN). The convoy was then split up into a fast and slow section. The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 3 May 1941.

Heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk: HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) returned to Hvalfjord from patrol.

Light cruiser HMS Capetown: HMS Capetown (Capt. P.H.G. James, RN) is torpedoed and damaged near Massawa, Eritrea by the Italian motor torpedo boat MAS 213. [For more information see the event ' Operation Atmosphere and the torpedoing of HMS Capetown ' for 1 April 1941.]

Light cruiser HMS Dauntless: HMS Dauntless (Capt. G.D. Moore, RAN) departed Singapore for Penang.

Light cruiser HMS Dunedin: HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) departed Plymouth for Gibraltar.

Light cruiser HMAS Perth: At daybreak, HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, RN) and HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN) arrived at Suda Bay from Piraeus. They departed again around 1700B/8, to patrol in the western Aegean.

Light cruiser HMAS Sydney: HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) is undocked.

Light cruiser HMS Glasgow: Around 1800D/8, HMS Glasgow (Capt. H. Hickling, RN) departed Port Victoria, Seychelles. She is escorting the transport Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924). They were to make rendezvous with convoy WS 6 which they did around noon on the 10th. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 6 ' for 8 March 1941.]

Light cruiser HMS Newcastle: Around 1815ON(+1.5)/8, HMS Cumberland (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H. Pegram, DSO, RN) and HMS Newcastle (Capt. E.A. Aylmer, DSC, RN), parted company with each other. HMS Cumberland is to continue her patrol while HMS Newcastle is to proceed to St. Helena to fuel and then proceed on convoy escort duty.

Submarine HNMS O 21: Convoy OG 58. This convoy was assembled to the west of the North Channel on 8 April 1941 and was made up of ships from four sections; the Milford Haven, Liverpool, Clyde and Oban sections. The Milford Haven section (sailed 5 April 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adjutant (British, 1931 GRT, built 1922), Baron Carnegie (British, 3178 GRT, built 1925), City of Dublin (British, 1095 GRT, built 1882), Empire Cormorant (British, 5760 GRT, built 1918), Flynderborg (Norwegian, 2022 GRT, built 1930), Forest (British, 4998 GRT, built 1937), Inverness (British, 4897 GRT, built 1940), Lanahrone (Irish, 1221 GRT, built 1928), Modavia (British, 4858 GRT, built 1927), Neva (Swedish, 1456 GRT, buil 1928), Senta (Swedish, 1497 GRT, built 1905), Sheaf Mount (British, 5017 GRT, built 1924) and Vanellus (British, 1886 GRT, built 1921). The Liverpool section (sailed 6 April 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels; Algerian (British, 2315 GRT, built 1924), Bifrost (Swedish, 1781 GRT, built 1923), Bruse Jarl (Norwegian, 1890 GRT, built 1923), Empire Kestrel (British, 2674 GRT, built 1919), Ilissos (Greek, 4724 GRT, built 1915), Norita (Swedish, 1516 GRT, built 1924), South Wales (British, 5619 GRT, built 1929), Torfinn Jarl (Norwegian, 1480 GRT, built 1922) and Ulla (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930). The Clyde section (sailed 7 April 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels; Brisk (Norwegian, 1594 GRT, built 1923), Caverock (British, 1332 GRT, built 1915), Empire Ridge (British, 2922 GRT, built 1941), Marga (Norwegian, 1583 GRT, built 1923), Marita (Norwegian, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922), Switzerland (British, 1290 GRT, built 1922) and Vassilios A. Polemis (Greek, 3429 GRT, built 1907). The rescue ship Toward (British, 1571 GRT, built 1923) also sailed from the Clyde. The Oban section (sailed 7 April 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924), Blairesk (British, 3300 GRT, built 1925), Cape Corso (British, 3807 GRT, built 1929), Carperby (British, 4890 GRT, built 1928), Dover Hill (British, 5815 GRT, built 1918), Fidra (British, 1574 GRT, built 1936), Grodno (British, 2458 GRT, built 1919), Inger Toft (British (former German), 2190 GRT, built 1920), Melrose Abbey II (British, 2473 GRT, built 1936), Nesstun (Norwegian, 1271 GRT, built 1917) and Polyana (Norwegian, 2415 GRT, built 1919). On final assembly the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), HMS Burwell (Lt.Cdr. S.R.J. Woods, RNR), sloops HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. R.W. Moir, RN), HMS Wellington (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN), corvettes HMS Amaranthus (Lt. N.B.J. Stapleton, RNR), HMS Arabis (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Stewart, RNR), HMS Heliotrope (Lt.Cdr. J. Jackson, RNR) and A/S trawlers HMS Northern Gem (Skr.Lt. W.J.V. Mullender, DSC, RNR) and HMS Northern Spray (?). The special service vessel HMS Fidelity (Cdr. C.A.M. Péri) and armed boarding vessel HMS Maron (Cdr. (Retd.) J.H. Blair, DSC, RD, RNR) were also with the convoy. The Ashbury arrived back at Oban on 8 April 1941, after having been involved in a collision with a trawler. She later proceeded to the Clyde to effect repairs. Around 1130A/9, the destroyer HMS Malcolm (Cdr. C.D. Howard-Johnston, DSC, RN) joined the convoy. Around 0800Z/12, HMS Malcolm, HMS Watchman, HMS Burwell, HMS Fleetwood, HMS Arabis, HMS Heliotrope, HMS Northern Gem and HMS Northern Pride parted company with the convoy. The Toward also left the convoy with them. Around 1000Z/12, the corvette HMS Primula (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.H. Fuller, RNR) joined the convoy. Around 0800Z/13, the ships with destinations in North America and the West Indies parted company with the convoy. These were the following; Baron Carnegie (arrived at Boston on 24 April 1941), Brisk (arrived at Demarara, Guyana on 28 April 1941), Empire Cormorant (arrived at New York on 28 April 1941), Flynderborg (arrived at St. John's, Newfoundland on 24 April 1941), Grodno (arrived at Barbados on 1 May 1941), Illisos (arrived at Halifax on 22 April 1941), Inger Toft (arrived at Weymouth, Nova Scotia on 23 April 1941), Inverness (arrived at Philadelphia on 25 April 1941), Marga (arrived at Demarara, Guyana on 28 April 1941), Marita (arrived at Halifax on 22 April 1941), Modavia (arrived at Saint John, New Brunswick on 21 April 1941), Nesstun (arrived at Halifax on 22 April 1941) and Star (arrived at Halifax on 22 April 1941). Around 2028Z/13, in approximate position 47°27'N, 23°16'W [another source gives 47°21'N, 22°49'W] the submarine HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) joined the convoy. Around 2200Z/14, in position 44°41'N, 22°43'W, the ships with destinations in South America and Africa parted company with the convoy. These were the following; Carperby (arrived at Freetown on 30 April 1941), Forest (arrived at Freetown on 28 April 1941), Norita (arrived at Bathurst on 24 April 1941), Polyana (destination was Freetown but she was torpedoed and sunk by the German U-boat U-103 on 25 April 1941), Sheaf Mount (arrived at Freetown on 29 April 1941), Ulla (arrived at Bathurst on 24 April 1941) and Vassilios A. Polemis (arrived at Freetown on 27 April 1941). HMS Amaranthus also parted company at this time. She arrived at Gibraltar on 18 April 1941. Around 0700A/21, in position 35°50'N, 06°14'W, ships bound for Portugese and Spanish west coast ports parted company with the convoy. These were the following; Bifrost (arrived at Villa Real on 21 April 1941), Cape Corso (arrived at Cadiz on 21 April 1941), Empire Ridge (arrived at Lisbon on 22 April 1941), Fidra (arrived at Lisbon on 22 April 1941), Melrose Abbey II (arrived at Lisbon on 22 April 1941), Switzerland (arrived at Lisbon on 22 April 1941) and Torfinn Jarl (arrived at Seville on 22 April 1941). The remainder of the convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 21 April 1941.

Submarine HNMS O 14: HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. G. Quint, RNN(R)) conducted exercises off Dundee with HrMs Z 5 (Lt.Cdr. P.A. de Boer, RNN).

Aircraft Carrier HMS Hermes: The aircraft carrier HMS Hermes (Capt. R.F.J. Onslow, DSC, MVO, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Enterprise (Capt. J.C. Annesley, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles from patrol.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Carthage: Around 1200B/8, HMS Carthage (Capt.(Retd.) H.L.I. Kirkpatrick, OBE, RN) departed Durban for patrol. She was ordered to patrol from the east of Durban to the southern entrance to the Mozambique Channel.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Ranchi: Around 1345C/8, HMS Ranchi (Capt.(Retd.) H.C. Legge, DSC, RN) arrived at Durban from patrol.

Submarine HMS Rover: HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) carried out exercises inside Suda Bay.

Submarine HMS Severn: HMS Severn (Lt.Cdr. A.N.G. Campbell, RN) attacked an Italian submarine, most likely the Archimede, with two torpedoes in the South Atlantic in approximate position 25°03'S, 20°04'W. (All times are zone +1) 0904 hours - Sighted a submarine on the surface. Dived. Commenced attack. 0944 hours - Fired two torpedoes. Missed. 0955 hours - Course and speed as requisted to keep in touch with the enemy. 1122 hours - Surfaced. Course and speed as requisted for shadowing the enemy. 1400 hours - Lost sight of the enemy.

Submarine HMS Talisman: HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN), most likely, conducted exercises off Halifax.

Submarine HMS Tetrarch: At 1430B/8, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) sighted a steamer and a schooner proceeding eastwards in position 30°58'N, 17°50'E. Commenced an attack but after 28 minutes the enemy turned towards the land and appeared to anchor in El Auejia. This was possibly the small transport Arsia (Italian, 736 GRT, built 1900) escorted by the armed schooner Carolina on passage from Tripoli to Benghazi at that time. [The exact time of departure from Tripoli is not known to us]. At 1535A/8, three small vessels were seen approaching from the westwards. Turned on a similar course and waited for them to pass with the intention to surface for a gun action. They turned out to be A/S trawlers and they commenced an A/S sweep of the area. At 2032B/8, HMS Tetrarch surfaced and received Capt. S 1's signal timed 1845B/8 ordering her to patrol in the area Khoms - Misurata. Course was set accordingly.

Submarine HMS Unique: HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. The only targets observed had been inside Tunisian territorial waters.

Submarine HMS Upright: HMS Upright (Lt. E.D. Norman, DSC, RN) made a torpedo attack on an enemy convoy about 100 nautical miles North-North-West of Tripoli, Libya in position 34°30'N, 12°51'E. No hits were obtained. These were probably the liners Esperia (11398 GRT, built 1920), Conte Rosso (17879 GRT, built 1922), Marco Polo (12567 GRT, built 1912) and Victoria (13098 GRT, built 1931), escorted by the destroyers Luca Tarigo, Euro, Baleno and Lampo. They had sailed from Tripoli for Naples at 1700 hours the previous day. (All times are zone -2) 0005 hours - In position 34°30'N, 12°51'E sighted a convoy of three merchant vessels and two escorts bearing 143° on a course of 350°. Started attack. 0021 hours - Fired two torpedoes at the two leading merchant vessels which overlapped each other and presented a single target. Then fired two torpedoes at the rear and largest merchant vessel. No hits were obtained and no reaction of the escort followed.

Submarine HMS Urge: HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) departed Dundee for Sheerness.

Submarine HMS H 28: HMS H 28 (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) is undocked.

Light cruiser HMS Naiad: HMS Naiad (Capt. M.H.A. Kelsey, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.L.S. King, CB, MVO, RN) is towed from Hebburn-on-Tyne to North Shields.

Light cruiser HMS Mauritius: Around 0845N/8, HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN) arrived at Freetown from convoy escort duty.

Battleship HMS Prince of Wales: In the early morning hours HMS Prince of Wales (Capt. J.C. Leach, MVO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Electra (Cdr. C.W. May, RN), HMS Escapade (Lt.Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN) and HMAS Nestor (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN). The cruisers HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN) and HMS Exeter (Capt. O.L. Gordon, MVO, RN) also participated. On completion of the exercises HMAS Nestor set course to proceed to Glasgow.

Destroyer HMAS Waterhen: Around 1935B/8, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Tobruk for patrol from which they returned around 0915B/9.

Destroyer HMS Defender: HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN), HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN) and HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) returned to Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy they had been escorting, two miles to the east of Tobruk, the day before.

Destroyer HMS Defender: HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN) departed Alexandria. HMS Defender and HMS Hero were to take over escort duties from with convoy AN 25 from HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN) and HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN) which then set course for Suda Bay with HMS Nubian where they arrived on the 9th. Convoy AN 25, which had departed Port Said on the 5th arrived at Piraeus on the 10th. This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Bantria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), British Lord (British (tanker), 6098 GRT, built 1922), Cavallo (British, 2269 GRT, built 1922), Ena (Dutch, 6229 GRT, built 1936), Maria Stathatos (Greek, 6303 GRT, built 1922), Rawnsley (British, 4998 GRT, built 1940), Vasco (British, 2878 GRT, built 1939) and Warszawa (Polish, 2487 GRT, built 1915).

Destroyer HMS Kelly: HMS Kelly (Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, DSO, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN),vHMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN) and HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) returned to Plymouth at 1128 hours. They had sighted nothing during their patrol west of Brest except for a large number of fishing vessels off Ushant.

Destroyer HMAS Nizam: HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, RN) and HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN) and the troopship Highland Monarch (British, 14139 GRT, built 1928) arrived at Freetown from Gibraltar. Later the same day HMAS Napier and HMAS Nizam departed Fremantle for Simonstown via St. Helena.

Submarine HMS L 27: HMS L 27 (Lt. H.N. Edmonds, DSC, RN) ended her 11th war patrol at Portsmouth.

1942

Light cruiser HMS Cardiff: HMS Cardiff (Capt. G.F. Stevens-Guille, DSO, OBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises for the gunnery school in the Clyde area.

Light cruiser HMS Ceres: HMS Ceres (Capt. W.P. Carne, RN) arrived at Durban from Simonstown.

Light cruiser HMS Danae: Around 0630CD/8, HMS Danae (Capt. F.J. Butler, MBE, RN) arrived Khor Kuwai from Sharjah.

Light cruiser HMS Birmingham: HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN) conducted AA gunnery exercises in False Bay. She then conducted night exercises during the night of 8/9 April 1942 off False Bay. On return on the 9th she conducted D/G trials.

Light cruiser HMS Glasgow: Around 1130B/8, HMS Glasgow (Capt. J.W. Cuthbert, RN) arrived at Simonstown from Durban.

Light cruiser HMS Liverpool: Convoy operation to and from northern Russia, convoy's PQ 14 and QP 10. Convoy PQ 14 from Reykjavik to the Kola Inlet and convoy QP 10 from the Kola Inlet to Reykjavik. Timespan: 8 April to 21 April 1942. 8 April 1942. On this day convoy PQ 14 of 25 merchant vessels departed Reykjavik, Iceland for the Kola Inlet in northern Russia. The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels. RFA Aldersdale (British, Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker, 8402 GRT, built 1937), Andre Marti (Russian, 2352 GRT, built 1918), Arcos (Russian, 2343 GRT, built 1918), Atheltemplar (British, tanker, 8992 GRT, built 1930), Botavon (British, 5848 GRT, built 1912), Briarwood (British, 4019 GRT, built 1930), British Corporal (British, 6972 GRT, built 1922), City of Joliet (American, 6167 GRT, built 1920), Dan-Y-Brin (British, 5117 GRT, built 1940), Empire Bard (British, 3114 GRT, built 1942), Empire Howard (British, 6985 GRT, built 1941), Exterminator (Panamanian, 6115 GRT, built 1924), Francis Scott Key (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), Hegira (American, 7588 GRT, built 1919), Hopemount (British, 7434 GRT, built 1929), Ironclad (American, 5685 GRT, built 1919), Minotaur (American, 4554 GRT, built 1918), Mormacrio (American, 5940 GRT, built 1919), Pieter de Hoogh (Dutch, 7168 GRT, built 1941), Seattle Spirit (American, 5627 GRT, built 1919), Sukhona (Russian, 3124 GRT, built 1918), Trehata (British, 4817 GRT, built 1928), West Cheswald (American, 5711 GRT, built 1919), West Gotomska (American, 5728 GRT, built 1918) and Yaka (American, 5432 GRT, built 1920). Close escort was initially (8 to 12 April) provided by the escort destroyer HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN), the minesweepers HMS Hebe (Lt.Cdr. J.B.G. Temple, DSC, RN), HMS Speedy (Lt. J.G. Brookes, DSC, RN), the A/S trawlers HMS Lord Austin (T/Lt. O.B. Egjar, RNR), HMS Lord Middleton (T/Lt. R.H. Jameson, RNR), HMS Northern Wave (T/Lt. W.G. Pardoe-Matthews, RNR) and the A/P trawler Chiltern (Ch.Skr.(ret) P. Bevans, RNR). 9 April 1942. A close cover force for convoy PQ 14 arrived at Seidisfiord, Iceland from Scapa Flow. It was made up of the light cruiser HMS Edinburgh (Capt. H.W. Faulkner, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral S.S. Bonham-Carter, CB, CVO, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Foresight (Cdr. J.S.C. Salter, OBE, RN) and HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. G.P. Huddart, RN). 10 April 1942. The close cover force for convoy PQ 14 departed Seidisfiord on this day, as stated before it was made up of the light cruiser HMS Edinburgh and the destroyers HMS Foresight and HMS Forester. Also the close escort for convoy PQ 14 departed Seidisfjord, it was made up of the destroyers HMS Bulldog (Cdr. M. Richmond, OBE, RN), HMS Beagle (Cdr. R.C. Medley, RN), HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN), HMS Beverley (Lt.Cdr. J. Grant, RN), the corvettes HMS Campanula (Lt.Cdr. W. Hine, RNR), HMS Oxlip (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR), HMS Saxifage (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.P. Chapman, RNR), HMS Snowflake (Lt. H.G. Chesterman, RNR) and the A/S trawler HMS Duncton (T/Lt. P.J.G. Christian, RNVR). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ On this day convoy QP 10 of 16 merchant vessels departed the Kola Inlet in northern Russia for Reykjavik, Iceland. The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels. Artigas (Panamanian, 5613 GRT, built 1920), Beaconstreet (British, 7467 GRT, built 1927), Belomorcanal (Russian, 2900 GRT, built 1936), Capulin (Panamanian, 4977 GRT, built 1920), Dnepprostroi (Russian, 4756 GRT, built 1919), El Coston (Panamanian, 7286 GRT, built 1924), El Occidente (Panamanian, 6008 GRT, built 1910), Empire Cowper (British, 7164 GRT, built 1941), Harpalion (British, 5486 GRT, built 1932), Kiev (Russian, 5823 GRT, built 1917), Mana (Honduras, 3283 GRT, built 1920), Navarino (British, 4841 GRT, built 1937), River Afton (British 5479 GRT, built 1935), Sevzaples (Russian, 3974 GRT, built 1932), Stone Street (Panamanian, 6131 GRT, built 1922) and Temple Arch (British, 5138 GRT, built 1940). Close escort was provided by the British destroyers HMS Oribi (Cdr. J.E.H. McBeath, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Punjabi (Lt.Cdr. J.M.G. Waldegrave, DSC, RN), HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, DSC, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSC, RN), minesweeper HMS Speedwell (Lt.Cdr. J.J. Youngs, OBE, RNR), A/S trawlers HMS Blackfly (T/Lt. A.P. Hughes, RNR) and HMS Paynter (Lt. R.H. Nossiter, RANVR). The escort was strengthened local escort was provided from departure until 12 April (to longitude 30°'E) by the Russian destroyers Gremyashchiy, Sokrushitelny and the British minesweepers HMS Gossamer (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Crease, RN), HMS Harrier (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO, RN) and HMS Hussar (Lt. R.C. Biggs, DSC, RN). Close cover for the convoy was provided by the light cruiser HMS Liverpool (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN) which departed the Kola Inlet on the 11th. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Distant cover for both convoy's (PQ 14 and QP 10) was provided by ships from the Home Fleet; battleships HMS King George V (Capt. W.R. Patterson, CB, CVO, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), HMS Duke of York (Capt. C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral A.T.B. Curteis, CB, RN, second in command Home Fleet), aircraft carrier HMS Victorious (Capt. H.C. Bovell, CBE, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Kent (Capt. A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, RN), light cruiser HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.M. Burrough, CB, RN) and the destroyers HMS Bedouin (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, OBE, RN), HMS Eskimo (Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Somali (Capt. J.W.M. Eaton, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Matchless (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, RN), HMS Onslow (Capt. H.T. Armstrong, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Ewing, RN), HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN), HMS Escapade (Lt.Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Ledbury (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, RN), HMS Middleton (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, RN) and HMS Wheatland (Lt. R.deL. Brooke, RN). These ships departed Scapa Flow on the 12th except for the destroyers Bedouin, Eskimo, Somali and Matchless which left Scapa Flow on the 11th to fuel at Skaalefiord and then to join the Home Fleet at sea. Also the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. E.G.H. Bellars, RN) departed Scapa Flow to patrol in an area about 130 nautical miles south-west of Bear Island from where she could support either convoy during this part of their passages. 11 April 1942. From the initial close escort of convoy PQ 14, HMS Wilton, HMS Hebe, HMS Speedy and two of the A/S trawlers were damaged by ice and their ASDIC gear was out of action as the convoy encountered thick ice during 11 and 12 April. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Convoy QP 10 was attacked by German aircraft (Ju 88 from III./KG.30) in position 71°01'N, 36°00'E. During this attack the merchant vessel Empire Cowper (cargo; chrome ore & pitprops) was sunk with the loss of nine of her crew. As stated above the light cruiser HMS Liverpool departed the Kola Inlet to provide close cover for convoy QP 10 and the destroyers HMS Bedouin, HMS Eskimo, HMS Punjabi and HMS Matchless departed Scapa Flow to fuel at Skaalefiord in the Faroe Islands. 12 April 1942. All ships from the close cover and close escort force that had departed Seidisfiord on the 10th joined convoy PQ 14. HMS Wilton and one of the A/S trawlers left the convoy and proceeded to Seidisfiord where they arrived the next day. Also the RFA tanker Aldersdale left the convoy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ As stated above ships from the Home Fleet departed Scapa Flow on this day to provide cover for convoy's PQ 14 and QP 10. Later this day the destroyers that had departed Scapa Flow yesterday and that had fuelled at Skaalefiord in the Faroe Islands joined the fleet at sea after which the destroyers HMS Faulknor, HMS Escapade, HMS Onslow and HMS Offa left the fleet to also fuel at Skaalefiord. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Also around 1645 hours this day the German submarine U-435 reported being shelled by three destroyers. This was however most likely HMS Liverpoo which reported firing on a surfaced submarine at exactly this time. 13 April 1942. HMS Speedy, which was damaged by ice, parted company with convoy PQ 14 and proceeded to Reykjavik. HMS Hebe, which was also damaged by ice, also parted company with convoy PQ 14 and proceeded to Akureyri, providing escort for tanker Aldersdale for part of the way. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In the morning, HMS Faulknor, HMS Escapade, HMS Onslow and HMS Offa, rejoined the Home Fleet at sea after fuelling at Skaalefiord in the Faroe Islands. The four 'Hunt-class' destroyers then parted company with the Home Fleet and HMS Belvoir, HMS Ledbury and HMS Middleton proceeded to Scapa Flow while HMS Wheatland was to make rendez-vous with the RFA oiler Aldersdale and escort her to Seidisfiord, Iceland. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ German aircraft were heard homing U-boats on convoy QP 10 which resulted in two of them attacking the convoy shortly after midnight. At 0059 hours the German submarine U-436 torpedoed and sank the Russian merchant Kiev (cargo; chrome ore and timber) which sank with the loss of six of her crew. The survivors were picked up by HMS Blackfly. Then at 0129 hours the German submarine U-435 torpedoed and sank the Panamanian merchant El Occidente (cargo; chrome ore,but only as ballast). 20 of her crew crew lost their lives and 21 survivors were picked up by HMS Speedwell. Following this attack U-435 was depth charged by the destroyer HMS Oribi but she sustained no damage. Then at 1127 hours, U-435 attacked a destroyer with one torpedo which missed. This apparently was HMS Eclipse which then counter attacked with depth charges which slightly damaged U-435. At 1530 hours, U-435 came across the abandoned wreck of the British merchant vessel Harpalion. This ship had been heavily damaged by German Ju 88 aircraft and had been abanadoned. A reported scuttling attempt by the convoy escort must have failed. Three torpedoes were fired at the wreck of which the third torpedo struck aft. The vessel was seen to sink slowly by the stern after about 20 minutes. 14 April 1942. Convoy PQ 14 was now finally clear from the ice. Only nine merchant vessels were left that were able to continue the passage to north Russia. Six more stagglers were unaccounted for and eventually joined convoy QP 10 and returned to Iceland. 15 April 1942. Convoy PQ 14 was detected by enemy aircraft and shadowed intermittently from then on. The enemy aircraft homed in U-boats on the convoy. 16 April 1942. HMS Speedy and two A/S trawlers with nine merchant ships (stagglers) from convoy PQ 14 returned to Reykjavik. HMS Hebe arrived at Akureyri from the escort of convoy PQ 14. Also on this day the German submarine U-403 torpedoed and sank the ship of the convoy commodore of PQ 14, the British merchant Empire Howard in position 73°48'N, 21°50'E. Survivors from this ship were picked up by the A/S trawlers HMS Lord Middleton and Northern Wave. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Convoy QP 10 was again spotted by enemy and shadowed. HMS Kent left the Home Fleet and joined the close cover force for this convoy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Also the escort destroyers HMS Ledbury, HMS Middleton, HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC, RN) and HMS Hursley (Lt. W.J.P. Church, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow to fuel at Skaalefiord before joining the Home Fleet at sea. Four destroyers from the screen of the Home Fleet; HMS Faulknor, HMS Somali, HMS Bedouin and HMS Matchless also proceeded to Seidisfiord, Iceland to fuel. 17 April 1942. What remained of convoy PQ 14 was joined by a eastern local escort made up of the Russian destroyers Gremyashchiy, Sokrushitelny and the British minesweepers Gossamer, Harrier, Hussar and HMS Niger (Cdr.(ret.) A.J. Cubison, DSC and Bar, RN). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The destroyer HMS Eclipse from the close escort of convoy QP 10 left to fuel at Seidisfiord. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ HMS Norfolk left her patrol position to proceed to Hvalfiord, Iceland. HMS Faulknor, HMS Somali, HMS Bedouin and HMS Matchless arrived at Seidisfiord to fuel. After doing so they left in the afternoon and rejoined the Home Fleet at sea later the same day. Also HMS Ledbury, HMS Middleton, HMS Lamerton and HMS Hursley arrived at Skaalefiord where they fuelled and then departed to join the Home Fleet at sea. 18 April 1942. HMS Eclipse arrived at Seidisfiord. After fuelling she departed for Scapa Flow in the afternoon. HMS Ledbury, HMS Middleton, HMS Lamerton and HMS Hursley joined the Home Fleet at sea. HMS Eskimo, HMS Offa and HMS Escapade then parted company with the Home Fleet to fuel at Skaalefiord where the arrived in the afternoon. After fuelling they departed for Scapa Flow later the same day. The Home Fleet; battleships King George V, Duke of York, aircraft carrier HMS Victorious, light cruiser HMS Nigeria, destroyers HMS Punjabi, HMS Bedouin, HMS Matchless, HMS Faulknor, HMS Onslow and the escort destroyers HMS Middleton, HMS Ledbury, HMS Lamerton and HMS Hursley returned to Scapa Flow late in the evening. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The two cruisers from the close cover force for convoy QP 10 left this convoy in position 67°43'N, 12°56'W. HMS Kent set course for Scapa Flow, HMS Liverpool for Seidisfiord, Iceland to fuel there. 19 April 1942. HMS Edinburgh, HMS Foresight and HMS Forester arrived in the Kola Inlet. HMS Eskimo, HMS Offa and HMS Escapade arrived at Scapa Flow. HMS Liverpool arrived at Seidisfiord to fuel. After doing so she departed for Scapa Flow in the afternoon. 20 April 1942. HMS Kent arrived at Scapa Flow. 21 April 1942. What remained of convoy PQ 14 arrived at Murmansk. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ HMS Liverpool arrived at Scapa Flow. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Convoy QP 10, 11 ships and 6 ships from PQ 14, arrived at Reykjavik escorted by HMS Oribi, HMS Marne, HMS Punjabi and HMS Fury.

Light cruiser HMS Newcastle: HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) departed Port Victoria, Seychelles for Bombay.

Light cruiser HMS Sheffield: HMS Sheffield (Capt. A.W. Clarke, RN) is docked at the Palmers Dockyard at Hebburn-on-Tyne and taken in hand for damage repairs and refit.

Destroyer HNMS Isaac Sweers: HrMs Isaac Sweers (Cdr. W. Harmsen, RNN) arrived at Addu Atoll with 'Force B' to fuel.

Submarine HNMS K XI: HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) departed Colombo for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol to the East of Ceylon to search for and attack Japanese warships. For the daily positions of HrMs K XI during this patrol see the map below. No position is known for 11 April.

Submarine HNMS O 19: HrMs O 19 (Lt. H.F. Bach Kolling, RNN(R)) ended her 5th war patrol at Colombo.

Submarine HNMS O 14: HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) ended her 6th war patrol at Scapa Flow.

Submarine HNMS O 10: HrMs O 10 (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with the Escort Group B 6 and later with HMS Salisbury (Lt.Cdr. M.H.R. Crichton, RN), USS Ready (Lt. E.C. Woodward, USN) and USS Impulse (Lt. C.M. Lyons, Jr., USN).

Submarine USS Seadragon: USS Seadragon (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Ferrall, USN) delivers 7 tons of food to Corregidor and had some of her diesel fuel pumped out for the Corregidor supply tanks. She evacuates 21 naval radio and communications intelligence people.

Submarine USS Pollack: USS Pollack (Lt.Cdr. S.P. Moseley) ended her Second war patrol when she returned to Pearl Harbor.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Alaunia: Around 0930EF/8, HMS Alaunia (Capt.(Retd.) E.N. Kershaw, RN) and HMS Worcestershire (A/Capt.(Retd.) E.H. Hopkinson, RN) arrived at Bombay with the 'Bombay section' of convoy WS 16.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Corfu: Convoy BA 20. This convoy departed Bombay on 8 April 1942. It was made up of only one ship, the (troop) transport Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923). Escort was provided by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Corfu (Capt.(Retd.) J.P. Landon, RN). The convoy arrived at Aden on 14 April 1942.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Ranchi: Around 1615D/8, HMS Ranchi (Capt.(Retd.) J.M. Alleyne, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Rodrigues Island from Mauritius.

Submarine HMS Otway: HMS Otway (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducted special trials in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Otus: HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Delphinium (Cdr.(Retd.) R.L. Spalding, RN).

Submarine HMS Torbay: While on patrol near Cape Dukato, HMS Torbay (Cdr. A.C.C. Miers, DSO and Bar, RN) is bombed and slightly damaged by two CA.311 of 31 Squadriglia which dropped four and two bombs respectively. A Cant Z.501 also bombed her later but was wide of the mark. The MAS boats sighed during the day were probably MAS 517 and MAS 518 which had sailed from Argostoli at 1100B/8 to escort a convoy, probably the Fanny Brunner/Balkan convoy escorted by the torpedo boat Libra and later reinforced by torpedo boat San Martino, proceeding from Taranto/Brindisi to Patras. 0628C/8, Torbay dived in position 272° - Cape Dukato - 7.4 nautical miles. She then commenced to close the cape submerged. 0815C/8, HE was heard and soon afterwards an armed schooner was sighted which was later seen to be in company with two RD-class minesweepers and an armed trawler. From 0845C/8 to 1300C/8 the minesweepers swept the northern approach route to Cape Dukato. On completion of the sweep the minesweepers proceeded westwards passing between Arkudi and Ithaka Islands. The A/S vessels made off down the Ithaka Channel. At 1305C/8, when in position 242° - Cape Dukato - 1.5 nautical miles, HMS Torbay sighted two MAS boats (thought to be MAS 530-type) approaching Cape Dukato at high speed from the south-west. They soon made off in the same direction as the two RD-class minesweepers had gone. During the afternoon aircraft increased. At 1530C/8, while HMS Torbay was deep HE was picked up coming from the channel entrance. At 1602C/8, while coming to periscope depth in position 245° - Cape Dukato - 2.8 nautical miles, to inspect the source of the HE, HMS Torbay was bombed from the air. Two bombs fell quite close and cracked the starboard navigation light shade, after which the surface craft which was now seen to be a MAS boat closed rapidly and she then dropped two depth charges in the vicinity. Torbay meanwhile had gone deep and altered course to the north-west to obtain more searoom before sunset. Two further depth charges were heard to explode. At 1658C/8, A/S impulses were picked up and these continued until around 2300C/8. At 1800C/8, a MAS boat was seen to close at high speed. She came to within half a mile from HMS Torbay before making off the northward. Position at this time was 282° - Cape Dukato - 7 nautical miles. At 2105C/8, HMS Torbay surfaced in position 297° - Cape Dukato - 13 nautical miles and continued to retire to the north-west while charging. A/S transmissions were heard from the seaward coming from the north-westward as well as from the direction of Cape Dukato. Also the weather was ideal for MAS boat operations. It was an uncomfortable night.

Submarine HMS Uproar: HMS P 31 (Lt. J.B.de B. Kershaw, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. The crew of HMS P 36 temporarily took charge of the submarine until 13 April to give her crew a rest. While submerged in Malta on 8 April, the submarine was shaken by a bomb and developed as small leak.

Submarine HMS Ultimatum: HMS P 34 (Lt. J.W.D. Coombe, RN) is ordered to proceed to her original patrol area.

Submarine HMS United: HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar.

Submarine HMS Unruffled: HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) departed her builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN).

Submarine HMS H 28: HMS H 28 (Lt. R.E. Boddington, RN) and her escort HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) arrive at Rothesay.

Submarine HMS H 32: HMS H 32 (Lt. N.J. Coe, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Carina (Lt. R.A.H. Lord, RNR) and HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR).

Submarine HMS H 43: HMS H 43 (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS H 44: HMS H 44 (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory.

Submarine HMS P 514: HMS P 514 (Lt. J.C. Ogle, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at St. Margaret's Bay.

Light cruiser HMS Penelope: While still in No.4 Dock at Malta, HMS Penelope's (Capt. A.D. Nicholl, RN) is again near-missed by bombs during extreme heavy air raids. HMS Penelope is undocked later this day and she departed Malta around 2130 hours to proceed to Gibraltar. HMS Penelope was in bad shape and under normal circumstances would by deemed unseaworthy. However staying at Malta was also not an option and would without a doubt lead to her destruction.

Light cruiser HMS Kenya: HMS Norfolk (Capt. E.G.H. Bellars, RN), USS Tuscaloosa (Capt. L.P. Johnson, USN) and HMS Kenya (Capt. A.S. Russell, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow.

Battleship HMS Valiant: HMS Valiant (Capt. C.B. Barry, DSO, RN) arrived at Aden. After fuelling and watering she departed for Durban later the same day.

Destroyer HMS Kelvin: HMS Sikh (Capt. St.J.A. Micklethwait, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Alliston, DSO, RN) departed Haifa for Alexandria.

Destroyer HMS Kipling: Troop transports Princess Kathleen (Canadian, 5875 GRT, built 1925), Malines (British, 2969 GRT, built 1921) departed Famagusta for Alexandria. They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St.Clair Ford, DSO, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, OBE, RN).

Submarine USS R-2: USS R-2 (Lt. D.T. Hammond, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-11: USS R-11 (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Folger, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-13: USS R-13 (Lt. A.R. Gallaher, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-20: USS R-20 (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Stevens, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USSR K-1: K-1 lays more mines off the Kvaenangenfjord. Also on this day the German merchant Kurzsee (734 GRT) is lost on a mine laid two day before in position 70°06'N, 21°00'E.

Destroyer ORP Piorun: After boiler cleaning Piorun was loaded with British gold in order to transport this cargo to Canada. At 16.30hours the Polish ship left Gourock and later that day entered Londonderry.

Submarine HMS L 23: HMS L 23 (Lt. M.G.R. Lumby, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Martin (Cdr. C.R.P. Thomson, DSO, RN) and HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN).

Submarine HMS L 26: HMS L 26 (Lt. H.D. Verschoyle, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with a training class of new submariners.

Submarine HMS P 615: HMS P 615 (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Long.

1943

Heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland: HMS Cumberland (Capt. A.H. Maxwell-Hyslop, AM, RN) arrived at Hvalfjord from patrol.

Heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk: HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN) proceeded from Sheerness to the Chatham Dockyard where she was immediately docked.

Light cruiser HMS Caradoc: HMS Caradoc (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden from escort duty with convoy CM 40A.

Light cruiser HMS Cardiff: HMS Cardiff (A/Capt.(Retd.) A.G. Davidson, RN) conducted gunnery exercises for the gunnery school in the Clyde area.

Light cruiser HMS Colombo: HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN) conducted full power trials off Plymouth.

Light cruiser HMS Dauntless: HMS Dauntless (Capt. N.J.W. William-Powlett, DSC, RN) proceeded to Sharjah.

Light cruiser HMS Despatch: HMS Despatch (Capt. W.R.C. Leggatt, RN) arrived at Rio de Janeiro from Recife. At Rio de Janeiro she is taken in hand for a short refit and docking.

Light cruiser HMAS Hobart: HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) is towed from the Garden Island naval base to the Cockatoo Island Dockyard where she is docked in the Sutherland dry dock.

Submarine HNMS O 24: HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) is undocked.

Submarine HNMS O 14: HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Stevenstone (Lt. P.B.N. Lewis, DSC, RN).

Submarine HNMS O 9: HrMs O 9 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. Drijfhout Van Hooff, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Altair (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) W.R.T. Clements, RNR) and HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR).

Submarine HNMS O 10: HrMs O 10 (Lt.Cdr. Baron D.T. Mackay, RNN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar.

Submarine USS Seadragon: USS Seadragon (Cdr. R.L. Rutter, USN) started a period of trials off San Francisco.

Submarine USS Hake: USS Hake (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Broach, USN) departed from New London, Connecticut for her 1st war patrol, and was ordered to patrol in the North Atlantic while on passage to Rosneath, Scotland.

Submarine USS Steelhead: USS Steelhead (Lt.Cdr. D.L. Whelchel) arrived at Pearl Harbor from the US east coast.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Indomitable: HMS Indomitable (Capt. G. Grantham, CB, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral A.L.St.G. Lyster, CB, CVO, DSO, RN) conducted flying exercises in the North Channel on completion of which she proceeded to Greenock.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Unicorn: HMS Unicorn (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN) conducted flying exercises in the Clyde area.

Escort Carrier HMS Battler: HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN) conducted flying trials / exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Oberon: HMS Oberon (Lt.Cdr. J.W. McCoy, DSC, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Sturgeon: HMS Sturgeon (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar.

Submarine HMS Sealion: HMS Sealion (Lt. N.J. Coe, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) served as the target.

Submarine HMS Surf: HMS Surf (Lt. D. Lambert, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which and HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) and HMS Z 5 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR) served as the targets.

Submarine HMS Trident: HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) sighted and heard what is thought to be an enemy destroyer or torpedo boat to the east of Bastia. An attack was not possible. This was possibly the corvette Euterpe escorting the transport Partinico (Italian, former French Tlemcem, 4225 GRT, built 1912) who sailed from La Spezia at 1140B/7 and arrived at Naples at 0930B/9. They were off Piombino at 2230B/7, but it is not clear if they rounded Elba or crossed between Elba and the mainland. Later, HMS Trident fired four torpedoes at the Italian transport Tagliamento (5448 GRT, built 1922) north-east of Bastia, Corsica, France in position 42°46'N, 09°39'E. Tagliamento was escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Giuseppe La Masa. 0331A/8 - In position 42°42'N, 09°52'E sighted a darkened shape bearing 300°. Heard the HE of turbines at 180 revs on the same bearing. Trident was unable to close. 0400A/8 - HE faded out on a steady bearing of 340°. The contact was thought to be a destroyer or torpedo boat given the turbine HE. 0422A/8 - Dived and ran in towards Bastia. 0644A/8 - In position 42°46'N, 09°39'E sighted one merchant vessel escorted by a three-funnelled torpedo boat bearing 230°, range 8000 yards. Started attack. 0712A/8 - Fired four torpedoes at the merchant vessel, that was in ballast, from 1600 yards. 0721A/8 - Heard three ended of run torpedo explosions. No counter attack developed. 0746A/8 - Came to periscope depth. The merchant was seen on the same course, with the escort astern.

Submarine HMS Taku: HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Plymouth with HMS Pearl (T/Lt. G.K. Hill, RNVR) and HMS Ulva (Skr. E.R. Harris, RNR) and later with HMS Ambrose Pare (Skr. J.W. Morris, RNR) and HMS Lincolnshire (A/Skr.Lt. S.L. Larner, RNR). Also a practice attack was made on HMS Lincolnshire.

Submarine HMS Torbay: Around 1100A/8, HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) ended her 16th war patrol at Algiers. She was escorted in and had met the escort (identity not known) around 0900A/8.

Submarine HMS Templar: At 1812B/8, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) surfaced in position 67°27'N, 09°00'E and then left patrol to proceed to Lerwick as ordered in Capt. 9's signal timed 1045B/4.

Submarine HMS Upright: HMS Upright (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners.

Submarine HMS Unshaken: HMS Unshaken (Lt. J. Whitton, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Foggia (1227 GRT, built 1905, former French Mont Saint Clair) about 10 nautical miles to the north-east of Sousse, Tunisia in position 35°54'N, 10°46'E. Ten survivors reached Kuriat in a lifeboat. They had not observed the attack and believe their ship had been mined. (All times are zone -1) 0424 hours - In position 35°54'N, 10°46'E sighted a darkened ship bearing 320°. Closed to attack. 0438 hours - Fired three torpedoes at a medium sized merchant vessel, three Island type. Range was 2500 yards. One hit in the engine room was obtained 1m 38sec after firing. 0441 hours - Dived. Heard breaking up noises for two minutes. Foggia was en-route from Sousse to Pantelleria.

Submarine HMS Untamed: HMS Untamed (Lt. G.M. Noll, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth.

Submarine HMS Upstart: HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS H 28: HMS H 28 (Lt. R.L. Willoughby, RNR) departed Portsmouth for Sheerness. She was escorted by the Free French submarine chaser Chasseur 15

Submarine HMS H 33: HMS H 33 (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR) and HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR).

Submarine HMS H 50: HMS H 50 (Lt. G.S.C Clarabut, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with USS Madison, USS Lansdale, USS Charles F. Hughes, USS Babbitt and USS Upshur.

Submarine HMS P 511: HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off the Isle of Mull together with FFS Commandant Detroyant and HMS Promise (T/Lt. S.A. Sargent, RNVR), ML 559 (T/Lt. C.A. Head, RNVR) and ML 453 (T/Lt. L.V. Horne, RNVR).

Light cruiser HMS Mauritius: At Kilindini / Mombasa, the C-in-C Eastern Fleet, Adm. J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN) to HMS Resolution (Capt. J.W. Durnford, RN).

Light cruiser HMS Jamaica: Around 1500B/8, and with the repairs to her main armament completed, HMS Jamaica (Capt. J.L. Storey, DSO, RN) departed Barrow-in-Furness for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1715B/9.

Battleship HMS Duke of York: The battleship HMS Duke of York (Capt. G.E. Creasy, DSO, RN) and HMS Berwick (Capt. R.V. Symonds-Tayler, DSC, RN) conducted exercises near Scapa Flow during which HMS Duke of York was escorted by the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, RN) and HMS Echo (Lt. R.H.C. Wyld, RN).

Destroyer HMS Eclipse: HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSO, DSC, RN) picks up 16 survivors from the Dutch merchant Blitar that was torpedoed and sunk by the German U-boat U-632 about 520 miles east of Cape Farewell on 6 April.

Destroyer HMCS Athabaskan (i): Around 1900A/11, HMCS Athabaskan (Cdr. G.R. Miles, DSO, OBE, RCN) departed Scapa Flow for the Tyne.

Submarine USS R-2: USS R-2 (Lt. A.K. Tyree, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-4: USS R-4 (Lt.Cdr. P.W. Garnett, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-11: USS R-11 (Lt. W.B. Parham, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-13: USS R-13 (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-20: USS R-20 (Lt. E.T. Shepard, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Destroyer HNMS Tjerk Hiddes (ii): HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. HrMs Tjerk Hiddes was returning from escort duties and joined HMAS Adelaide for some exercises before entering harbour.

Submarine HMS L 26: HMS L 26 (Lt. H.D. Verschoyle, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with a training class of new submariners.

Submarine HMS L 27: HMS L 27 (Lt. W.N. Eade, RNR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with a training class of new submariners.

1944

Light cruiser HMS Caledon: Convoy MKF 30. This convoy departed Port Said on 8 April 1944. It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917), Mahanada (British, 8489 GRT, built 1943), Orontes (British, 20097 GRT, built 1929), Stratheden (British, 23722 GRT, built 1937), Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931) and Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924). The landing ship Keren and dock landing ship Highway were also part of the convoy. On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the escort vessel HMS Antwerp (Cdr. J.N. Hulse, DSC, RD, RNR) and the escort destroyers HMS Belvoir ( Lt.Cdr. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and 2 Bars, RN), RHS Miaoulis and RHS Pindos. They were later joined by the escort destroyer HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN) which had departed Alexandria on 8 April 1944. On 11 April 1944, HMS Highway, Strathnaver, Takliwa and most likely also HMS Keren parted company with the convoy. HMS Highway arrived at Messina later the same day. Most likely HMS Keren was with her but the movements of this ship are not clear to us. On 12 April 1944, the Strathnaver and Takliwa arrived at Naples. On the above ships parting company with the convoy they were escorted by the destroyers HMS Troubridge (Capt. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), which had departed Benghazi on 10 April and HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) and ORP Garland (Kmdr.ppor.(Cdr.) B.J. Biskupski) which had departed Malta on 11 April. These destroyers arrived at Naples also on 12 April 1944. Meanwhile, on 11 April 1944, the ' Napels ' section of the convoy had departed that place. It was made up of the following troop transports; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Capetown Castle (British, 27000 GRT, built 1938), Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929), Ranchi (British, 16738 GRT, built 1925) and the naval transports USS Elizabeth C. Stanton (Cdr. W.A. Wiedman, USNR), USS Florence Nightingale (T/Cdr. F.J. Nelson, USN), USS Lyon (Capt. T.C. Sorensen, USNR) The ' Napels ' section was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) and the frigates HMS Bazely (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Bentinck (Cdr. E.H. Chavasse, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Byard (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.M. Ferris, RNVR), HMS Calder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR), HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN) and HMS Lochy (Lt.Cdr. W.J.P. Roberts, RNR). Around 1000A/12, the minesweeper USS Speed (Lt. R.C. Dryer, USNR) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta. On 12 April 1944, the following troop transports; Christiaan Huygens, Durban Castle and Ranchi arrived at Bone after having been detached to Bone escorted by RHS Miaoulis. On 14 April 1944, USS Elizabeth C. Stanton, USS Florence Nightingale, USS Lyon were detached to Oran Bay as did HMS Antwerp, USS Speed and HMS Byard. HMS Byard rejoined the convoy taking the troop transport USS General A.E. Anderson (17832 GRT, built 1943, T/Capt. W.E. Miller, USN) with her. On 14 April 1944, HMS Beaufort and HMS Calder arrived at Gibraltar. On 15 April 1944, HMS Caledon, HMS Belvoir and RHS Pindos arrived at Gibraltar and the destroyer HMS Wishart (Lt. J.A. Holdsworth, RN) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar. HMS Calder also rejoined the convoy. In the Atlantic near Gibraltar the transport Troilus (British, 7422 GRT, built 1921) joined the convoy. This ship came from Rio de Janeiro. On 20 April 1944, HMS Wishart arrived at Plymouth after having parted company with the convoy. HMCS Prince Robert arrived there the following day. On 21 April 1944, HMS Bazely, HMS Bentick, HMS Byard, HMS Calder and HMS Drury arrived at Belfast. On 22 April 1944, Almanzora, Cameronia, General A.E. Anderson and Leopoldville arrived in the Clyde. On 22 April 1944, Capetown Castle, Devonshire, Franconia, Lancashire, Mahanada, Orontes, Stratheden, Troilus and HMS Lochy arrived at Liverpool.

Light cruiser HMS Danae: Around 0930C/8, HMS Danae (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN) arrived at Aden from Muscat.

Light cruiser HMS Glasgow: HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted trials / exercises off Plymouth.

Destroyer USS Allen M. Sumner: With her initial training completed USS Allen M. Sumner (Cdr. N.J. Sampson) arrived back New York from Bermuda.

Submarine HNMS K XIV: HrMs K XIV (Lt.Cdr. J.F. Drijfhout van Hooff, RNN) departed Exmouth Gulf for Fremantle.

Submarine HNMS O 9: HrMs O 9 (Lt. R.W. van Lynden, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMCS Matane (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Layard, DSO, RN), HMCS Swansea (A/Cdr. C.A. King, DSO, DSC, RCNR), HMCS Stormont (T/Skr.Lt. G.A. Myra, RCNR), HMCS Owen Sound (T/Skr.Lt. J.M. Watson, RCNR) and HMS Abelia (A/Lt.Cdr. O.G. Stuart, RCNVR).

Submarine USS Tautog: Lt Cmdr Thomas Slack Baskett relieves Lt Cmdr William Bernard Sieglaff as Commanding Officer of USS Tautog.

Submarine USS Sturgeon: USS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. C.L. Murphy, Jr) leaves Pearl Harbor for her 10th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol near Marcus Island.

Submarine USS Silversides: USS Silversides (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Coye) ended her 9th war patrol at Fremantle, Australia.

Submarine USS Trigger: During an attack on a Japanese convoy west of the Marianas in position 19°06'N, 142°36'E, USS Trigger (Lt.Cdr. Frederick J. Harlfinger II) is damaged by depth charges, however despite being damaged she remained on patrol.

Submarine USS Sawfish: With her overhaul completed USS Sawfish (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Banister) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in Japanese home waters.

Submarine USS Dragonet: USS Dragonet (T/Cdr. J.H. Lewis, USN) departed New London, Connecticut for the Portsmouth Navy Yard, New Hampshire where she is to participate in special trials (depth charge trials) for the Bureau of Ships. She arrived at Portsmouth the following day.

Submarine USS Seahorse: USS Seahorse (Lt.Cdr. Slade Deville Cutter) torpedoed the Japanese munitions transport Aratama Maru (6783 GRT) and damaged the water carrier Kizugawa Maru (1915 GRT) off Guam in position 13°16'N, 145°11'E. The explosion on Aratama Maru damaged the Japanese destroyer Asakaze (offsite link). The burning Aratama Maru is beached but explodes and sank the next day. The damaged Kizugawa Maru is towed to port by the Japanese destroyer Minazuki (offsite link).

Submarine USS Archerfish: USS Archerfish (Cdr. G.W. Kehl, USN) departed her patrol area for Pearl Harbour.

Escort Carrier HMS Khedive: HMS Khedive (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Haynes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted flying exercises in the North Channel.

Submarine HMS Severn: After a long time of repairs, HMS Severn (Lt. J.F. Michell, RN), conducted trials and exercises off Beirut. On completion of these exercises Lt. R.H. Bull resumed command from Lt. Michell.

Submarine HMS Sealion: HMS Sealion (Lt. P.E. Newstead, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises with aircraft off Morecambe Bay.

Submarine HMS Sea Nymph: HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. N.L.A. Jewell, M.B.E., RN) arrived at Halifax.

Submarine HMS Shalimar: Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted trials of Sheerness.

Submarine HMS Statesman: HMS Statesman (Lt. R.G.P. Bulkeley, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to continue her training period.

Submarine HMS Taku: HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted exercises off Lerwick during which practice attacks were made on HNoMS Nordkapp.

Submarine HMS Truant: HMS Truant (Lt. E.C. Croswell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included gunnery and night exercises.

Submarine HMS Thorough: HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises off Larne.

Submarine HMS United: HMS United (Lt. N.R. Wood, RN) shifted from Oban to Tobermory. She was escorted by HMS ML 453 (T/Lt. L.V. Horne, RNVR).

Submarine HMS Varangian: HMS Varangian (Lt. S.J. Fovargue, RN) conducted exercises off Fishguard with aircraft.

Submarine HMS Vampire: HMS Vampire (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) returned to Gibraltar on completion of last night's exercises.

Submarine HMS Venturer: HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) departed Dundee for Lerwick. She was escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR).

Submarine HMS Visigoth: HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow.

Submarine HMS Visigoth: HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow.

Submarine HMS H 44: HMS H 44 (Lt. P.N. Joyce, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Sloop HMS Crane: German U-boat U-962 was sunk in north Atlantic north-west of Cape Finisterre, in position 45°43'N, 19°57'W, by depth charges from the British sloops HMS Crane (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Jenkins, RN) and HMS Cygnet (Cdr. D.M. MacLean, RN).

Light cruiser HMS Scylla: Around 0735B/8, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) departed Sheerness for Scapa Flow.

Light cruiser HMS Bellona: Around 0930B/8, HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, DSO, RCN) and HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN) departed Greenock for The Solent / Cowes where they arrived around 1330B/9. It seems like that on passing Plymouth in the early hours of the 9th, the destroyers HMS Ashanti (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) and HMCS Athabaskan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN) joined them and accompanied them to Portsmouth.

Destroyer HMAS Quiberon: HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) commenced boiler cleaning at Trincomalee.

Submarine USS R-4: USS R-4 (Lt.Cdr. W.L. Fey, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-11: USS R-11 (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Parham, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-13: USS R-13 (Lt.Cdr. D.L. Mehlop, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-14: USS R-14 (Lt.Cdr. R. Holden, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-20: USS R-20 (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Dudley, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine ORP Dzik: ORP Dzik (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B.S. Romanowski) and her escort, HMS Neave (T/Lt. T. Ross, RNVR) weighted anchor and proceeded from Penzance Bay to Plymouth. En-route they had encountered a fishing vessel in distress which HMS Neave then took in tow towards Plymouth. [Most likely, while at Plymouth, ORP Dzik participated in A/S exercises.]

Submarine USS Pipefish: USS Pipefish conducted exercises off Key West.

1945

Heavy cruiser HMS London: Operation Sunfish. Photographic reconnaissance of the west coast of Sumatra and air attacks on northern Sumatra. On 8 April 1945, ' Force 63 ' made up of the battleships HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. R.M. Ellis, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral H.C.T. Walker, CB, RN), Richelieu (Capt. G.M.J. Merveilleux du Vignaux), escort carriers HMS Emperor (A/Capt. C. Madden, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.R. Patterson, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Khedive (A/Capt. D.H. Magnay, RN), heavy cruisers HMS Cumberland (Capt. P.K. Enright, RN), HMS London (Capt. S.L. Bateson, RN) and the destroyers HMS Saumarez (Capt. M.L. Power, CBE, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Venus (Cdr. H.G.D. De Chair, DSC with Bar, RN), HMS Verulam (Lt.Cdr. D.H.R. Bromley, DSC, RN), HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, DSC, RN) and HMS Virago (Lt.Cdr. A.J.R. White, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee. The original intention was to carry out the planned photographic reconnaissance, beginning on 12th April from a flying off position west of Padang. Anti-shipping strikes would follow later. This programme unfortunately had to be re-cast when HMS Emperor's catapult broke down, necessitating the postponement of the photographic reconnaissance for two days. Accordingly, on 11 April 1945, HMS Queen Elizabeth, Richelieu and HMS London bombarded Sabang, while HMS Saumarez HMS Verulam and HMS Vigilant bombarded Ulee Lhoe. No shipping was present at Sabang, but the destroyers damaged a small coaster, which was already beached. ' Force 63 ' was subsequently attacked by a force of ten enemy aircraft, two of which were shot down by the Combat Air Patrol. On 12 April 1945, ships from ' Force 63 ' refuelled from ' Force 70 ' (RFA tanker Easedale (8032 GRT, built 1942) escorted by the frigate HMS Lossie (Lt.Cdr. A.F. MacFie, OBE, RNR)) and HMS London was detached to proceed to Simonstown, South Africa where it had been arranged for her to refit. She was first to return to Trincomalee though. ' Force 63 ' then proceeded to operate off the west coast of Sumatra, and photographic reconnaissance was carried out as planned on 14th and 15th April with almost complete success. One of our aircraft was lost. One enemy aircraft was shot down by the Combat Air Patrol. An air strike was made on Emmahaven on 16 April, hits being scored on a 4000 ton merchant ship and workshops in the harbour. Our fighters shot down one more enemy aircraft and three were claimed to have been damaged on the ground. Destroyers HMS Venus and HMS Virago, meanwhile made a sweep between the outlying islands and the mainland, from Ayerbangis Bay to Natal Road. A total of six junks were sunk. ' Force 63 ' arrived back in Ceylon, either at Trincomalee or Colombo on 20 April 1945.

Destroyer USS Putnam: USS Putnam (Cdr. F.V.H. Hilles) arrived at Ulithi.

Destroyer USS Thomas E. Fraser: USS Thomas E. Fraser arrived at Guam.

Battleship USS Iowa: USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. Holloway, Jr., USN) departed Pearl Harbour for Eniwetok. She made the passage together with the heavy cruiser USS New Orleans (Capt. J.E. Hurff, USN). For the daily positions of USS Iowa during this passage see the map below.

Submarine HNMS O 23: Around 1330A/8, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) departed Loch Alsh for Holy Loch. Around 1800A/8, she joined HMS Vagabond (Lt. I.M. Stoop, DSC, RN) and her escort, HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN).

Submarine USS Balao: USS Balao (Lt.Cdr. R.K. Worthington, USN) ended her 8th war patrol at Guam. She was escorted in by USS SC-1070. At Guam she was refitted by Submarine Division 201 Relief crew and the USS Proteus. Refit was completed on 23 April 1945. Training was carried out during 25 April to 1 May 1945.

Submarine USS Billfish: USS Billfish (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Farley, USNR) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour together with USS Staff (Lt. W.A. Upton, USNR), USS Florikan (Lt. D. Hima, USN), USS PGM-21 (Lt. L. Gardiner, USNR) and USS Torsk (Cdr. B.E. Lewellen, USN).

Submarine USS Manta: USS Manta (T/Lt.Cdr. E.P. Madley, USN) conducted exercises in the Gulf of Panama with USS MacLeish (Lt. D.S. Cramer, USNR), USS Coronado (Cdr. N.W. Sprow, USCG), USS Ogden (Lt.Cdr. K.C. Tharp, USCGR), USS PC-1221 (Lt. W.D. Cowell, USNR) and USS SC-1299 (Lt.(jg) I. Wilson, 2nd, USNR).

Submarine USS Moray: USS Moray (T/Cdr. F.L. Barrows, USN) conducted exercises in Long Island Sound with USS Blakeley (Lt.Cdr. D. Silberstein, USNR) and USS Breeman (Lt. A.J. McCrudden, USNR).

Submarine USS Catfish: USS Catfish (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Overton, USNR) arrived at Newport, Rhode Island from New London, Connecticut for torpedo trials.

Submarine USS Loggerhead: With her trials and initial training completed USS Loggerhead (Cdr. R.N. Metcalf) arrived at Pearl Harbor.

Submarine USS Loggerhead: USS Loggerhead (Cdr. R.N. Metcalf, USN) departed the Panama Canal Zone for Pearl Harbour.

Submarine USS Sea Robin: While operating south of Hainan USS Sea Robin (Cdr. P.C. Stimson) sank two Japanese vessels with gunfire, one in position 17°28'N, 109°13'E and one in position 17°29'N, 109°09'E.

Submarine USS Spadefish: USS Spadefish (Cdr. W.J. Germershausen) torpedoed and sank the Japanese merchant cargo ship Ritsu Go (1834 GRT) off the west coast of Korea in position 37°21'N, 125°08'E.

Submarine USS Thornback: USS Thornback (Cdr. E.P. Abrahamson, USN) departed the Panama Canal Zone for Pearl Harbour.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Implacable: Around 1720FG/8, the aircraft carrier, HMS Implacable (Capt. C.C. Hughes-Hallett, RN) and the destroyers HMS Terpsichore (Cdr. R.T. White, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) and HMS Tumult (Lt.Cdr. A.S. Pomeroy DSC, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee where they arrived around 1830A/9. En-route exercises were carried out during which one Avenger crashed into the sea. The pilot was picked up by HMS Tumult.

Escort Carrier HMS Ranee: The escort carrier HMS Ranee (A/Capt. J.A.W. Tothill, DSC, RN) arrived at Guam from Pearl Harbour. Her escort, the destroyer escort USS Edward C. Daly (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Deits, USNR), also arrived at Guam.

Submarine HMS Safari: HMS Safari (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducted exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Satyr: HMS Satyr (Lt. T.S. Weston, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Loch Alsh with ships from the 8th Escort Group.

Submarine HMS Sea Rover: HMS Sea Rover (Lt. H.S. May, RN) makes a short stop at Fishguard instead of Belfast. She departed later the same day for the U.S.A. where she was to refit. She was escorted by the Canadian corvette HMCS Guelph during the passage.

Submarine HMS Seraph: HMS Seraph (Lt. T. Russell-Walling, RN) shifted from Royhesay to Tobermory. She was escorted by HMS PC 74 (A/Lt.Cdr. A. Richardson, RNR).

Submarine HMS Sea Nymph: HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. M.I. Usher, RN) transited the Suez Canal and arrived at Suez.

Submarine HMS Storm: HMS Storm (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.P. Young, DSO, DSC, RNVR) arrived at Portsmouth.

Submarine HMS Spark: HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) made the passage through Sape Strait Southbound.

Submarine HMS Stubborn: HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil.

Submarine HMS Statesman: HMS Statesman (Lt. R.G.P. Bulkeley, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire in the Malacca Strait. (All times are zone -6.5) 1515 hours - Sighted a 50 tons junk proceeding from close inshore to seaward. 1532 hours - Went to boarding stations. 1540 hours - Surfaced in position 03°29'N, 99°20'E. Put a burst of Oerlikon fire over the junk. The crew then abandoned ship. Went alongside and placed the boarding party on board. As Statesman was now in very shallow water she retired to seaward and ordered the boarding party to sail the junk out to seaward. 1625 hours - Recovered the boarding party after they had placed demolition charges. 1635 hours - The junk blew up and sank.

Submarine HMS Stygian: HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) attacked two Japanese 'torpedo boats' about 25 nautical miles North of Madura Island, Netherlands East Indies. The ships attacked were most likely the Japanese torpedo boat Kari and Japanese minesweeper W-34. They were returning to Surabaya with the survivors from light cruiser Isuzu (all offsite links). (All times are zone -9) 1053 hours - Dived for two aircraft that remained patrolling in the area. Decided to remain in the area and to wait and see what was the object of this unusual activity. 1329 hours - Called to the periscope by the Officer of the Watch. He had sighted what are thought to be two Japanese torpedo boats. The sighting was unfortunately rather late and Stygian was not in the best position to attack. Started an attack non the less. 1336 hours - In position 06°31'S, 113°10'E fired five torpedoes at the nearest target from 2000 yards. She was in line with the vessel that was further away. Stygian went deep upon firing. Four torpedo explosions were heard and there was hope for a double kill. 1341 hours - Five depth charges were dropped. 1356 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Unfortunately both targets were still in sight, one appeared to be undamaged the other was enveloped in thick black smoke.

Submarine HMS Sleuth: During 8 to 10 April 1945 HMS Sleuth (Lt. K.H. Martin, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. The exercises in 9 and 10 April 1945 were together with HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN).

Submarine HMS Tactician: HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. L.N.A. Jewell, DSC, MBE, RN) returned to Holy Loch upon completion of her night exercises.

Submarine HMS Totem: HMS Totem (Lt.Cdr. M.B. St. John, DSC, RN) departed from Lerwick for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Norwegian coast, off the Kors Fjord near Bergen. For the daily positions of HMS Totem during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Upright: HMS Upright (Lt. J.A.L. Wilkinson, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda with HMCS New Westminster (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.O. McKenzie, RCNR) and HMCS Dawson (T/A/Lt.Cdr. T.P. Ryan, RCNR).

Submarine HMS Unruffled: HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda together with HMCS Prince Rupert (T/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Draney, RCNR) and HMCS Strathroy (T/Lt. J.D. Moore, RCNVR).

Submarine HMS Ultor: HMS Ultor (Lt. J.P. Harvey, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory.

Submarine HMS Universal: HMS Universal (Lt. S.S. Brooks, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Altair (T/Lt. J.L. James, RNR) and HMS St. Modwen (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Rice, RNR).

Submarine HMS Untamed: HMS Vitality (Lt. W.T.J. Fox, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with E.G. 8.

Submarine HMS Urtica: HMS Urtica (Lt. R.C. Bucknall, RN) arrived at Holyhead.

Submarine HMS Vagabond: HMS Vagabond (Lt. I.M. Stoop, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Virulent: HMS Virulent (Lt. F.E. Ashmead-Bartlett, RN) is undocked at Ardrossan. She then immediately returned to Rothesay.

Submarine HMS Vulpine: HMS Vulpine (Lt. W.D.S. Scott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS ML 472 (T/Lt. V.H. Harris, RNVR) and HMS Bedlington (A/Ch.Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR).

Submarine HMS Vulpine: HMS Vulpine (Lt. W.D.S. Scott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (T/Lt. J. Smith, RNVR) and HMS Astravel (T/Lt. D.E. Lewis, RNVR).

Submarine HMS H 34: HMS H 34 (Lt. A.M.B. Buxton, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel (T/Skr. J. Bruce, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (A/Ch.Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR).

Light cruiser HMS Cleopatra: HMS Cleopatra (Capt. B.I. Robertshaw, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area.

Light cruiser HMS Diadem: Around 1225B/8, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN) departed Greenock for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1000B/9.

Light cruiser HMS Newfoundland: HMS Newfoundland (Capt. R.W. Ravenhill, CBE, DSC, RN) departed Colombo for the Cocos Islands.

Destroyer HMCS Iroquois: Around 0800B/8, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth where she arrived around 1800B/8.

Destroyer HMAS Nizam: Around 0900K/8, the landing ship HMS Glenearn (Capt.(Retd.) C.A.G. Hutchinson, DSO, RN) departed Manus for Leyte. She was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) and HMAS Nizam (A/Lt.Cdr. W.F. Cook, RAN).

Submarine USS R-10: USS R-10 (Lt. R.D. McWenthy, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-13: USS R-13 (Lt. J.R. Edmands, USNR or Lt. D.C. Bowman, USNR) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-14: USS R-14 (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Cunningham, Jr., USNR) conducted exercises off Key West.

Frigate HMS Bentinck: German U-boat U-774 was sunk in the North Atlantic south-west of Ireland, in position 49°58'N, 11°51'W, by depth charges from the British frigates HMS Calder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Bentinck (A/Lt.Cdr. P.R.G. Worth, RN).

Frigate HMS Byron: German U-boat U-1001 was sunk in the Atlantic south-west of Land's End, in position 49°19'N, 10°23'W, by depth charges from the British frigates HMS Fitzroy (Lt.Cdr. O.G. Stuart, RCNVR), and HMS Byron (Lt. J. Burfield, RN).

Submarine USS Argonaut (ii): USS Argonaut (ii) (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Schmidt, USN) arrived at New London, Connecticut from the Portsmouth Navy Yard.

Minesweeper USS YMS-92: Mined and badly damaged off Okinawa in position 26°12'N, 127°53'E.