Laid down (34)

1919: Destroyer King (DD 242)

1939: ASW Whaler Ellesmere (FY 204) - Light cruiser Jamaica (44)

1941: Corvette Port Arthur (K 233) - Aircraft Carrier Essex (CV 9)

1942: Boom defence vessel Barglow (Z 205) - Destroyer Bradford (DD 545) - Submarine chaser SC-1031 (SC-1031) - Submarine chaser SC-1048 (SC-1048) - Salvage vessel Swivel (ARS 36)

1943: Landing Craft Tank LCT 639 (LCT 639) - Destroyer Escort Borum (DE 790) - Tank landing ship LST 117 (LST 117) - Destroyer Escort Snyder (DE 745) - Destroyer Escort Witter (DE 636) - Minesweeper YMS-479 (YMS-479)

1944: Submarine Aeneas (P 427) - Landing Craft Tank LCT 1153 (LCT 1153) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-1065 (LCI(L)-1065) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-621 (LCI(L)-621) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-762 (LCI(L)-762) - Landing Craft Support LCS(L)-1 (LCS(L)-1) - Landing craft tank LCT 793 (LCT 793) - Landing craft tank LCT 832 (LCT 832) - Landing craft tank LCT 876 (LCT 876) - Motor torpedo boat PT 483 - Motor torpedo boat PT 565 - Motor torpedo boat PT 737 - Submarine Tirante (420)

1945: Medium landing ship (rocket) LSM(R) 517 (LSM(R) 517) - Medium landing ship (rocket) LSM(R) 518 (LSM(R) 518) - Medium landing ship (rocket) LSM(R) 519 (LSM(R) 519) - Medium landing ship (rocket) LSM(R) 520 (LSM(R) 520) - Oiler Waccamaw (AO 109)

Launched (41)

1919: Minesweeper Sandpiper (AVP 9)

1920: Destroyer Simpson (DD 221) - Seaplane tender Wright (AV 1)

1927: Destroyer Kortenaer (KN)

1928: MS Trawler Oak (T 54)

1933: Submarine ShCh-308

1938: Armed Yacht Shiona

1939: Submarine K-23 - Submarine M-58

1941: Boom defence vessel Baronia (Z 87) - Escort destroyer Calpe (L 71) - Motor minesweeper MMS 55 (J 555) - Submarine P 36 (P 36)

1942: Landing Craft Tank LCT 420 (LCT 420) - Destroyer Laub (ii) (DD 613)

1943: Tank landing ship LST 78 (LST 78) - Destroyer Escort Pettit (DE 253) - Motor torpedo boat PT 338 - Destroyer Stephen Potter (DD 538)

1944: Frigate Buckingham (K 685) - Escort carrier Hollandia (CVE 97) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-1062 (LCI(L)-1062) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-604 (LCI(L)-604) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-756 (LCI(L)-756) - Landing craft tank LCT 1054 (LCT 1054) - Landing craft tank LCT 1055 (LCT 1055) - Landing craft tank LCT 1056 (LCT 1056) - Tank landing ship LST 562 (LST 562) - Tank landing ship LST 611 (LST 611) - Motor torpedo boat PT 425 - Motor torpedo boat PT 536

1945: Tank landing ship LST 3517 (LST 3517) - Dock landing ship Comstock (LSD 19) - Heavy cruiser Helena (ii) (CA 75) - Medium landing ship LSM 446 (LSM 446) - Medium landing ship LSM 558 (LSM 558) - Medium landing ship (rocket) LSM(R) 505 (LSM(R) 505) - Medium landing ship (rocket) LSM(R) 506 (LSM(R) 506) - Medium landing ship (rocket) LSM(R) 507 (LSM(R) 507) - Medium landing ship (rocket) LSM(R) 508 (LSM(R) 508) - High speed transport Walsh (APD 111)

Commissioned (49)

1919: Destroyer Belknap (AVD 8)

1934: Heavy cruiser Astoria (i) (CA 34) - Submarine M-2

1938: Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 100 (MTB 100)

1939: Destroyer Jersey (F 72)

1940: Battleship Vittorio Veneto

1941: Oiler Salamonie (AO 26)

1942: Corvette La Malbaie (K 273) - Harbour Defence Motor Launch HDML 1125 (ML 1125) - Patrol craft PC-550 (PC-550)

1943: Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 300 (MTB 300) - Minesweeper BYMS 2157 (J 957) - Harbour Defence Motor Launch HDML 1259 (ML 1259) - Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 684 (MTB 684) - Frigate Tweed (K 250) - Destroyer Escort Griswold (DE 7) - Submarine M-106

1944: Frigate Charlottetown (ii) (K 244) - Minesweeper Foam (J 405) - Harbour Defence Motor Launch HDML 1420 (ML 1420) - Landing Craft Tank LCT 1090 (LCT 1090) - Motor Launch ML 904 (ML 904) - Motor minesweeper MMS 1040 (FY 1040) - Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 730 (MTB 730) - Submarine Spark (P 236) - Destroyer Escort Daniel A. Joy (DE 585) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-678 (LCI(L)-678) - Medium landing ship LSM 126 (LSM 126) - Medium landing ship LSM 127 (LSM 127) - Tank landing ship LST 555 (LST 555) - Tank landing ship LST 661 (LST 661) - Tank landing ship LST 989 (LST 989) - Motor torpedo boat PT 469 - Destroyer Escort Samuel B. Roberts (i) (DE 413) - Minesweeper YMS-373 (YMS-373)

1945: Repair Ship Faithful (F 177) - Fleet tug Chimariko (ATF 154) - Submarine Chivo (341) - Repair ship Dionysus (AR 21) - Medium landing ship LSM 353 (LSM 353) - Medium landing ship LSM 442 (LSM 442) - Medium landing ship LSM 490 (LSM 490) - Tank landing ship LST 852 (LST 852) - Tank landing ship LST 858 (LST 858) - Motor torpedo boat PT 594 - Motor torpedo boat PT 642 - Submarine Requin (481) - Minesweeper Ruddy (AM 380) - Destroyer Vogelgesang (DD 862)

1941: Landing Craft Tank LCT 5 (LCT 5) - Minelayer Axios

1942: Tug West Dean

1943: Motor Gun Boat MGB 639 (MGB 639)

1944: Tank landing ship LST 507 (LST 507) - Tank landing ship LST 531 (LST 531)

1945: Minesweeper BYMS 2053 (J 853)

More information on Allied Warships losses.

1940

Heavy cruiser HMS Cornwall: HMS Cornwall (Capt. C.F. Hammill, RN) returned to Freetown from patrol.

Heavy cruiser HMS Dorsetshire: Shortly before midnight, HMS Dorsetshire (Capt. B.C.S. Martin, RN), parted company with the whale factory ship Tafelberg as ordered by the Admiralty. She was ordered to proceed to Freetown at best possible speed.

Light cruiser HMS Southampton: HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN) departed the Lavangsfjord for the Lofoten.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Carthage: Around 0200C/28, in the Red Sea, HMS Carthage (Capt.(Retd.) B.O. Bell-Salter, RN) parted company with the (troop) transport Karanja (British, 9891 GRT, built 1931).

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Corfu: Around 1730A/28, HMS Corfu (Capt. W.G. Agnew, RN) departed Greenock for the Northern Patrol. She was ordered to patrol south of Iceland.

Submarine HMS Pandora: Around 1830C/28, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) arrived at Aden.

Submarine HMS Clyde: HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN) is forced to return to Rosyth due to engine defects. She arrived at Rosyth later the same day.

Submarine HMS Rorqual: HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) departed Singapore for Colombo. Rorqual was to proceed to the Mediterranean. For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this passage see the map below.

Submarine HMS Swordfish: HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Blyth.

Submarine HMS Sealion: HMS Sealion (Lt.Cdr. B. Bryant, RN) departed Harwich for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Skagerrak / Kattegat. No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed.

Submarine HMS Sunfish: HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) departed Harwich for her 10th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Skagerrak. For the daily positions of HMS Sunfish during this patrol see the map below. Only positions from 1 May 1940 onwards can be displayed as there is no log available for April 1940. Besides that no position is noted in the May 1940 log for 4 May 1940.

Submarine HMS Tetrarch: Around 1400A/28, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Rosyth.

Submarine HMS H 44: HMS H 44 (Lt. E.D. Norman, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Portland.

Light cruiser HMS Galatea: Around 1400A/28, the light cruisers HMS Galatea (Capt. B.B. Schofield, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow where they arrived around 0115A/29. At sea they were joined by the escort destroyers HMS Valorous (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, RN) and HMS Wallace (Cdr. B.I. Robertshaw, RN).

Battleship HMS Malaya: The battleships HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN) and HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) departed Gibraltar for Alexandria where they were to reinforce the Mediterranean Fleet. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Velox (Cdr.(Retd.) J.C. Colvill, RN), HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN).

Destroyer HMS Jaguar: HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) completed her refit at Dundee.

Destroyer HMAS Vendetta: Around 1100A/28, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) returned to Gibraltar from patrol.

Destroyer HMAS Waterhen: HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) and the transport Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936) arrived at Gibraltar from Marseilles.

Destroyer HMS Delight: Around 1900A/28, HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) and HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. They had been diverted to assist the damaged tanker Scottish American (6999 GRT, built 1920), that had been torpedoed and damaged by the German submarine U-13 west of the Pentland Firth and was being towed to Loch Eribol.

Destroyer HMS Jackal: Around 2030A/28, HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Molde. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN) and HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN). They arrived at Molde around 2130A/29 where they were to take aboard the King of Norway, his government, almost 800 cases of gold. The passengers and gold were to be taken to Tromso. In addition, 117 survivors from several sunken British A/S trawlers were embarked for transport back to the U.K.

Submarine ORP Orzel: ORP Orzel (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) J. Grudzinski, DSO) departed Rosyth for her 5th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol off Stavanger.

1941

Heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire: HMS Devonshire (Capt. R.D. Oliver, DSC, RN) is undocked. She continued her refit while moored in the basin.

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. She departed for Scapa Flow later the same day.

Heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk: HMS Suffolk (Capt. R.M. Ellis, RN) departed Hvalfjord for the Denmark Strait patrol.

Light cruiser HMS Ceres: HMS Ceres (Capt. E.G. Abbott, AM, RN) arrived at Aden after convoy escort duty.

Light cruiser HMS Colombo: Around 0615C/28, HMS Colombo (Capt. C.A.E. Stanfield, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa. Around 0715C/28, HMS Glasgow (Capt. H. Hickling, RN) also departed. Both cruisers then joined convoy WS 7. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 7 ' for 25 March 1941.]

Light cruiser HMS Diomede: HMS Diomede (Capt. J.W. Farquhar, RN) intercepted the Spanish merchant vessel Marques de Comillas (9922 GRT, built 1928) some 300 nautical miles east of the Nantucket lightship. The Spanish ship was boarded at 1215P/28 in position 40°35'N, 58°03'W. At 1455P/28 the Spanish ship set course for Bermuda. An armed guard had been placed on board.

Light cruiser HMS Sheffield: On the return of ' Force H ' from operations, HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN), was immediately docked in No.2 Dock for repairs to the damage she had sustained on 17 March 1941.

Light cruiser HMS Manchester: HMS Manchester (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow.

Light cruiser HMAS Adelaide: Around 2330K/28, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Zealandia (Australian, 6660 GRT, built 1910) departed Rabaul for Noumea.

Submarine HNMS O 10: HrMs O 10 (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with aircraft.

Submarine HMS Oberon: HMS Oberon (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN).

Submarine HMS Clyde: HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last nights exercises.

Submarine HMS Sealion: HMS Sealion (Cdr. B. Bryant, DSC, RN) departed Portsmouth for her 16th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay. Before proceeding on patrol on the 30th two days of A/S exercises were to be run off Dartmouth together with trawlers and HMS Mackay (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Coats, RN). For the daily positions of HMS Sealion during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Seawolf: HMS Seawolf (Lt. P.L. Field, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow.

Submarine HMS Trident: Around 0930A/28, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch for her 17th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay. During the passage south through the Irish Sea she was escorted by the Free French minesweeper FFS La Moqueuse until 0030A/30 when they parted company near Bishops Rock.

Submarine HMS Trident: For the daily positions of HMS Trident during her 17th war patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Urge: HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta. [No log is available so it is not possible to display a map of her movements during this passage.]

Submarine HMS Utmost: At 2106 hours, in position 35°58'N, 10°37'E HMS Utmost (Lt.Cdr. R.D. Cayley, RN) surfaced again to carry out the special operation. This time the sailboat was sighted at 2140 hours and Breuillac and stores (including limpets for underwater sabotage) were transferred ashore. He had three days to spare for his furlough!

Submarine HMS H 28: HMS H 28 (Lt. D.S.R. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory.

Submarine HMS H 33: HMS H 33 (Lt. C.H. Rankin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS H 34: HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig.

Battleship HMS Revenge: HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) arrived at Halifax after convoy escort duty.

Battlecruiser HMS Hood: The battlecruiser HMS Hood (Capt. R. Kerr, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral W.J. Whitworth, CB, DSO, RN) departed Hvalfjord, Iceland around 2200 hours to provide cover for the convoys SC 29 and HX 122 during their mid-ocean passage from Canada to the U.K. HMS Hood was being escorted by the destroyers HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. C.H.deB. Newby, RN), HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. Viscount Jocelyn, RN), HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, RN) and HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, RN).

Destroyer HMS Douglas: German U-boat U-65 was sunk in the North Atlantic south-east of Iceland in position 59°51'N, 15°30'W, by depth charges from the British destroyer HMS Douglas (Cdr. W.E. Banks, RN). HMS Douglas also picks up 18 men from the British tanker Capulet that was torpedoed and damaged by German U-boat U-552 south of Iceland in position 60°16'N, 16°10'W. HMS Douglas then tried to sink the tanker with gunfire but failed to do so. The abandoned wreck was finally sunk on 2 May 1941 by German U-boat U-201 south of Iceland in position 60°00'N, 16°00'W.

Destroyer HMS Defender: Operation Demon continued, more troops were to be evacuated from Greece during the night of 28/29 April 1941. From Kithera; About 750 RAF and other personnel were taken off by the sloop HMS Auckland (Cdr. E.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) and the corvettes HMS Hyacinth (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F.C. Hopkins, DSC, RNR) and HMS Salvia (Lt.Cdr. J.I. Miller, DSO, RN, RNR). From Monemvasia; About 4320 troops were evacuated by the light cruiser HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, RN) and the destroyers HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN), HMS Havock (Lt. G.R.G. Watkins, RN), HMS Hotspur (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC, RN) and HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN). From Kalamata; 450 troops were taken off, more was not possible as Kalamata was already in enemy hands, by the light cruisers HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN) and the destroyers HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN), HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN), HMS Hereward (Lt. W.J. Munn, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN), HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN).

Destroyer HMS Juno: The transport Breconshire (9776 GRT, built 1939) departed Malta for Alexandria. She is escorted by the light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN), fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. Hon. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. St. J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN) and HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN). This last destroyer had just completed major repairs at Malta. HMS Jaguar and HMS Juno later split off for other duties. HMS Dido and HMS Abdiel arrived at Alexandria around 1300C/30 apparently having parted company to proceed ahead of the other ships. Breconshire, HMS Jervis and HMS Imperial arrived at Alexandria around 2135C/30.

ASW Trawler HMS St. Zeno: The British tanker Oilfield is torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-96 south of Iceland in position 60°05'N, 17°00'W. HMS St. Zeno (Lt. J.K. Craig, RNVR) later picks up 8 survivors.

1942

Heavy cruiser HMS London: Rear-Admiral L.H.K. Hamilton, DSO and Bar, RN, struck his flag in HMS London (Capt. R.M. Servaes, CBE, RN) which then departed Scapa Flow for convoy cover operations. [See the event ' Convoys PQ 15 and QP 11 and the sinking of HMS Edinburgh and HMS Punjabi ' for 26 April 1942 for more information.]

Light cruiser HMS Ceres: HMS Ceres (Capt. C.C.A. Allen, RN) arrived at Aden from convoy escort duty.

Destroyer USS Lea: USS Lea picks up 37 survivors from the Dutch merchant Arundo that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-136 about 15 nautical miles south of the Ambrose Lightship in position 40°10’N, 73°44’W.

Light cruiser HMAS Adelaide: Around 0800M/28, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Suva for Sydney.

Submarine HNMS O 10: HrMs O 10 (Lt. Baron D.T. Mackay, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J. Windram, RNR) and HMS Boarhound (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR).

Submarine USS Saury: USS Saury (Lt.Cdr. J.L. Burnside, Jr) left Fremantle for her 3rd war patrol. But due to a mechanical failure she had to return. After repairs she departed on 7 May 1942 to resume her 3rd war patrol.

Submarine USS Nautilus: USS Nautilus (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Brockman) arrived at Pearl Harbor.

Submarine HMS Otway: HMS Otway (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) and HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN).

Submarine HMS Parthian: HMS Parthian (Lt.Cdr. D. St. Clair-Ford, RN) again developed mechanical problems. Course was set towards Bermuda to effect repairs.

Submarine HMS Proteus: HMS Proteus (Lt.Cdr. P.S. Francis, RN) attacked an escorted merchant vessel with two torpedoes in the Ionian Sea. No hits were obtained. This was probably Capo Orso (3149 GRT, built 1916) which was on passage from Benghazi to Taranto escorted by the destroyers Ugolino Vivaldi and Freccia. The attack was unobserved. (All times are zone -3) 2220 hours - In position 36°20'N, 18°21'E sighted three darkened ships bearing 165°, range was about 4.5 nautical miles. Turned stern on while investigating. 2224 hours - The ships were identified as a merchant vessel of about 3000 tons escorted by two destroyers. 2225 hours - Dived to attack. 2240 hours - Trim was lost. Proteus went to 60 feet. 2250 hours - Returned to periscope depth. A new attack set up was made. 2254 hours - Fired the first of two torpedoes but steering control was lost on firing this torpedo. Range was 3000 yards. Three minutes later a second torpedo was fired. Range was now 2000 yards. Both torpedoes missed. 2307 hours - A loud explosion was heard. This was possibly a depth charge but no counter attack developed. 2320 hours - Surfaced and set off in pursuit. Contact had not been regained by 0400/29 and the pursuit was then abandoned.

Submarine HMS Sturgeon: Early in the morning, HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Seidisfjord together with HMS Ledbury (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, RN), HMS Ulster Queen and a tanker to join convoy PQ 15. In the evening they joined convoy PQ 15 but not before Sturgeon was attacked by a friendly aircraft receiving some bullet hits on her bridge.

Submarine HMS Thorn: At 0059C/28, east-north-east of Benghazi, in position 32°16'N, 19°27'E, HMS Thorn (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Norfolk, RN) sighted two ships bearing 210°. They were proceeding on a course of around 010°. One of the two ships was thought to be a Spica-class torpedo boat. They passed out of range.

Submarine HMS Unruffled: HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS H 32: HMS H 32 (Lt. J. Whitton, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS H 33: HMS H 33 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS H 43: HMS H 43 (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) arrived at Rothesay.

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

Submarine HMS H 50: HMS H 50 (Lt. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle.

Submarine HMS P 511: HMS P 511 (Lt. D.E.O. Watson, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Minelayer HMS Manxman: HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Freetown for Takoradi.

Light cruiser HMS Hermione: Operation Ironclad, the landing on Madagascar. The main body of the assault forces sailed from South Africa in two convoys, these were; Convoy Y, Slow convoy. This convoy departed Durban on 25 April 1942. This convoy was made up of the following troopships / transports; Empire Kingsley (British, 6996 GRT, built 1941), Mahout (British, 7921 GRT, built 1925), Martand (British, 7967 GRT, built 1925), Nairnbank (British, 5155 GRT, built 1925), Thalatta (Norwegian, 5671 GRT, built 1922) as well as the landing ship HMS Bachaquero (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. McMullan, RNR) and the RFA tankers Derwentdale (8398 GRT, built 1941), Easedale (8032 GRT, built 1942). On departure from Durban the convoy was escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. R.D. Oliver, CBE, DSC, RN), destroyers HMS Duncan ( Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN), HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, RN), HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, RN), corvettes HMS Auricula (fitted for mineweeping) (Lt.Cdr. S.L.B. Maybury, RN), HMS Freesia (T/Lt. R.A. Cherry, RNR), HMS Fritillary (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Barker, RD, RNR), HMS Jasmine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.D.B. Coventry, RNR), HMS Nigella (fitted for minesweeping) (T/Lt. L.J. Simpson, RNR), HMS Thyme (Lt. H. Roach, RNR) and the minesweepers HMS Cromarty (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Palmer, DSC, RNZNVR), HMS Cromer (Cdr. R.H. Stephenson, DSC, RN), HMS Poole (Lt. W.L.G. Dutton, RNR) and HMS Romney (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.V. Sivewright, RN). The transport City of Hong Kong (British, 9678 GRT, built 1924) had been delayed and sailed on 26 April 1942 escorted by the corvettes HMS Cyclamen (Lt. A.G. Scott, RNR) and HMS Genista (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RNR). Convoy Z, Fast convoy. This convoy departed Durban on 28 April 1942. This convoy was made up of the following troopships / transports; Duchess of Atholl (British, 20119 GRT, built 1928), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), HMS Karanja (British, 9891 GRT, built 1931), HMS Keren (British, 9890 GRT, built 1930), Oronsay (British, 20043 GRT, built 1925), HMS Royal Ulsterman (British, 3244 GRT, built 1936), Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939) and Winchester Castle (British, 19141 GRT, built 1922). Upon departure from Durban the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. D.N.C. Tufnell, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.N. Syfret, CB, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Hermione (Capt. G.N. Oliver, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. G.E. Fardell, RN) and HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN). The convoys met around noon on 3 May. Earlier that day the aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.D. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN) had joined the 'Z' convoy. Both convoys had a good passage so far thanks also to the favourable weather conditions. From the 'Y' convoy all escorts had been able to fuel from the RFA tanker Easedale. Also HMS Hermione and the destroyers from the 'Z'-convoy were now able to fuel. By dusk on 3 May the fast convoy had closed to within about 4 miles from the slow convoy and it maintained this position until the final approach on the following afternoon. At noon on the 4th of May, the flagship was some 95 mils west of Courrier Bay and at 1430C/4, Group I, made of of HMS Ramillies, HMS Indomitable, HMS Illustrious, HMS Hermione and seven destroyers parted company with the convoys and steered for the covering position near Cape Amber. At 1500C/4 the signal was made to proceed in execution with the orders and Groups II to V formed up for the final approach. The composition of these groups was as follows; II; HMS Laforey, one corvette, two minesweeping corvettes and the four minesweepers. III; HMS Devonshire, Winchester Castle, HMS Royal Ulsterman and one destroyer. IV; HMS Keren, HMS Karanja Sobieski, Derwentdale, HMS Bachaquero and three corvettes. V; HMS Pakenham, two corvettes, 10 transports, store ships and auxliaries. Final approach. Capt. Oliver of HMS Devonshire was the senior officer. It was his task of bringing the convoy of 34 ships safely to its anchorage. It had 88 miles to go, most of it in the dark. At 1800C/4, HMS Laforey, HMS Lightning and HMS Anthony were detached to make landfall of Nosi Amambo, and proceeded to the south-east. At 1950C/4 a suspicious vessel was reported and the division was about to attack with torpeoes at 2021C/4 when it was seen to be a distant island (sic !). Twenty minutes later shallow sounding raised doubts as to their position, but at 2100C/4 a white light was seen on Noi Anambo and at 2122 the moon rose silhouetting a tower on the island. Half an hour later the first buoy was laid (ZA) and course was shaped for Nosi Fati shoal, which was found without difficulty, both land and beakers showing up well in the moonlight. At 2310C/4 No.1 main channel buoy was laid and HMS Lightning anchored off it. At 2340C/4, she swithched on the prearranged lights (green, white, red) to seaward. HMS Anthony then went to inform the convoy that these buoy were in place, and the Laforey went on laying the remainder in the 15-mile channel to Nosi Hara. This was an easy task, as the channel between Nosi Hari and Nosi Anjombavola could be seen clearly in the moonlight, and after dropping the last buoy, she turned back at 0003C/5. The convoy could be seen just entering the channel. Its ships were clearly visible to the naked eye. HMS Laforey then stood to the westward. At 0026C/5, HMS Laforey reported ' Channel OK, no corss set ' to the Devonshire and Keren, then turning, took station astern of the minesweepers. HMS Devonshire, meanwhile, with group IV and V astern, had been groping her way in. It was quite dark at 1845C/4, but star sights showed that the north-easterly set allowed for had in effect been running the other way during the afternoon carrying her some 5 miles to the south-westward of her intended position. She altered coursev without signal at 1900C/4 to correct this and her screen not immediately observing the alteration, got a long way out of station. At 2100C/4 the high land on Cape Sebastian was sighted, and a reasonably good fix was obtained by visual bearing and RDF range. More land was sighted after moonrise, and at 2150C/4 the jaged peak of Windsor Castle was identified 40 miles away and an accurate fix placed the Devonshire 298°, 18 miles from position ZB. Course was altered to 118° at 2200/4 and speed was reduced to 8.5 knots. At 2312C/4 another good fix showed that she had been set 2.5 miles to the northward, placing her 360°, 6 miles from position ZB, and course was altered to 138° at 2318C/4. Twenty minutes later the lights displayed by HMS Lightning were sighted so navigation was no longer difficult. At 2342C/4 HMS Anthony passed close alongside and reported there was no set though the outer dan buoy had drifted to the south-westward. Course was altered to follow the minesweepers which could be seen clearly ahead and HMS Lightning was passed 6 cables abeam to starboard at 0008C/5. This showed that HMS Devonshire had passed position ZB 33 minutes ahead of time. The right hand edge of Nosi Hara selected as a leading mark was clearly visible, bearing 114°, but it was not easy to follow the passage as several of the dan buoys had broken adrift and it wa difficult to ee which minesweepers were sweeping. Actually their work had come to a sudden halt. Owing to the out dan buoy being to the south-west of it intended position, the mineweepers had gone too close to Nosi Fati shoal and all four had parted their sweepers. Nothing was known of this at the time, and it was supposed that the channel was being swept according to plan, though in fact it was not being swept at all. Fortunately no mines had been laid so far to seaward. At 0130C/5, the ships in group III passed between Nosi Hari and Nosi Anjombavola. Before them lay Ambararata Bay. At 0154C/5 the Winchester Castle came noiselessly to an anchor, the Royal Ulsterman and HMS Lightning standing by to the north-eastward of her. The troops were all drawn up and her assault craft were lowered and manned. HMS Devonshire anchored some 3.5 cables to the eastward of Nosi Hara, ready to open fire on the enemy's batteries under Windsor Castle. She lay invisible against the background of the island. Through unlit and tortuous channels studded with rocks and shoals the ships had been brought safely to their anchorage. Silently, Groups IV and V entered and took up their berths, anchoring some 10 minutes earlier than planned. Assault landing, 5 May 1942. While the assault craft were being manned, HMS Romney and HMS Cromarty accurately and steadfastly led by HMS Freesia commened to sweep the 8-mile channel from the Winchester Castle's berth to position JJ. They were closely followed by HMS Laforey leading the Winchester Castle's flotilla with HMS Lightning and HMS Royal Ulsterman some distance astern. During this passage about 17 mines were cut. At 0300C/5 one detonated in the Romney's sweep, but no sign of life came from the French garrison ashore. A quarter of an hour later another mine exploded. All waited for the expected fusillade, but to their surprise the quiet of the summer night remained undisturbed. The garrison was evidently sleeping soundly, and at 0330C/5 the dispersal point (JJ) was reached and the flotilla moved off towards the 'Red' beaches, while HMS Royal Ulsterman silently anchored and commenced landing her cobles. Meanwhile the flotillas from the Keren and Karanja had left at 0253C/5 and 0319C/5 for the 'Green' and 'White' beaches respectively. The navigation of the landing craft was as good as that of their parent ships. All made accurate landings and the assault was carried out exactly as planned. Despite the explosions of the mines, complete surprise was achieved, and all three beaches and No.7 battery were carried without loss. 'Blue' beach was then assaulted. Here opposition was experienced, but it was overcome by troops which had landed at 'White' beach, who crossed the peninsula and took the defenders in the rear. Simultaneously with these landings, HMS Hermione was carrying out her diversion on the east coast, consisting of a demonstration with delay action smoke floats, rockets, and the firing of star shell to burst over the beach at the head of Ambodi Vahibe Bay. She then established a patrol of the entrance to Diego Suarez Bay which she maintained for the rest of the day without incident, except for a short engagement (0643C/5 to 0655C/5) with No.1 coast defence batterey, Oranjiia, which she outranged at 18000 yards. Half an hour after the initial landing, air attacks by the FAA developed on the Vichy-French shipping in Diego Suarez harbour and on Antsirane aerodrome. The former, carried out by 18 Swordfish from HMS Illustrious armed with torpedoes, bombs and depth charges, proved very effective. The armed merchant cruiser Bougainville was hit by a torpedo, the submarine Beveziers was sunk by depth charges and the sloop D'Entrecasteaux, another submarine and AA batteries were narrowly missed by bombs. Fighter protection was provided by 8 Martlets, which demonstrated ovr the town during the attack. One Swordfish was shot down during the attack. At the same time six Albacores from HMS Indomitable carried out a low level bombing attack on Antsirane airport. Here, again, the surprise was complete and the hangars, which were full of aircraft, were left burning. This was followed by an attack with incendiary bullets by eight sea Hurricanes. After these main air attacks, three Swordfish dropped dummy parachutists in a valley 6 mines west-south-west of Ambodi Vahibe Bay, to strengthen the effect of the diversion by HMS Hermione. Fighter patrols were then established over the town, beaches and transports, and an A/S patol off the entrance to Diego Suarez harbour. At 0545C/5 the ' success ' signal from No.7 battery was received and Keren, Karanja, Sobieski, Winchester Castle and Bachaquero proceeded to shift to the main anchorage off Ambararata Bay. The three former were still loading their second flight of landing craft but Winchester Castle and Bachaquero at once got under way. By that time it was broad daylight and they were seen by HMS Devonshire advancing up the swept channel. Just at that moment Capt. Oliver received a signal from HMS Romney that she had exploded two mines just north of the anchorage. Capt. Oliver therefore ordered the two ships to stop and the ordered to move was then cancelled until the new anchorage was swept. By 0620C/5, about 2000 troops had been landed but the turn round for the landing craft was very long. Reports of a successful advance and the capture of prisoners began to come in. At 0750C/5, group IV, followed by the remainder of the convoy, shifted berth to the main anchoragem which by that time had been swept by HMS Cromer, HMS Poole, HMS Auricula and HMS Nigella. No mines had been found in the actual anchorage, but about a mile to the north-west, HMS Cromer and HMS Auricula cut seven in quick succession and cut six more and detonated one in the same position shortly afterwards. Conditions in the anchorage by this time were far from pleasant. The south-easterly wind had increased to force 8 and was raising a heavy sea. Ships were dropping second anchors and the handling and loading of landing craft was difficult but non the less disembarkation continued at full speed. Sweeping was still continuing in the vicinity of position HH, when at 1138C/5, HMS Auricula struck a mine and broke her back. As she had no casualties and was in no immediate danger of sinking, she remained where she was, anchored by her sweep. By this time the minesweepers had swept up no less than 35 mines but half of them were now out of action with defects to their gear. As it was imperative to have sufficient minesweepers with the fleet to proceed into Diego Suarez after its capture it was decided to cease further minesweeping for the moment. Landing continued throughout the day. Two or three machine-gun attacks were made on the beaches by enemy fighter aircraft, but FAA patrols provided effective protection and, thanks to the initial blow to the aerodrome no attacks were made on the transports. At 1354C/5, an enemy post on Windsor Castle, becoming a nuisance was engaged by HMS Laforey. Shortly afterwards a white flag and signals of surrender were observed and fire was ceased. However, on advancing, the British troop wee bombed by the French with hand granades. Considerable difficulty was experienced in finding a suitable beach for the Bachaquero but a spot close to 'Red' beach was eventually found. She had to approach it through the minefield but was swept in by HMS Cromarty who cut two mines adrift, and she landed her cargo in 14 minutes. At sunset landing operations were suspended till sunrise, in order to avoid damage to the landing craft. Before dark destroyers and corvettes took up their stations as A/S patrols of the entrances to the harbour, and orders were given to abandon HMS Auricula for the night. Operations of Group I, 4 to 6 May 1942. Meanwhile, outside the harbour the night had passed without incident. Group I, made up of HMS Ramillies, HMS Indomitable, HMS Illustrious, HMS Hermione, HMS Paladin, HMS Panther, HMS Lookout, HMS Javelin, HMS Inconstant, HMS Duncan and HMS Active, after the assault landing force parted company (4th May), had continued to the north-eastwar, HMS Hermione being detached at 1700C/4 to the east coast to carry out her diversion next morning. The remainder patrolled up and down in the vicinity of position 'AA' till 2200C/4, when course was shaped towards Nosi Fati and towards midnight the ships in Group V could be seen bearing 070°, distant 11 miles, steering for position 'ZC'. At 0015C/5, land loomed up ahead and it was clear that the force was further to the south-eastward than had been aniticipated, course was altered the the north-east under the stern of the convoy at 0020C/5. Shortly before 0300C/5, HMS Anthony was sighted. She reported that the channel had been buoyed without difficulty, that at 0015C/5 Winchester Castle was approaching position 'ZC' with the remainder of the ships closed up, and that conditions for landing were very good. The time had come for the carriers to get to work, and at 0300C/5 they, with HMS Paladin, HMS Panther, HMS Javelin and HMS Inconstant were detached to operate independently under Rear-Admiral Boyd, some 35 miles were of Cape Amber, while HMS Ramilles with HMS Lookout, HMS Duncan and HMS Active kept within visual supporting distance. THe carrier had barely moved off when the first news was received by the Admiral from the ships inshore. It was a signal time 0318C/5 from HMS Laforey reporting that mines had been cut near position 'JJ'. A long pause then followed. About 0440C/5 star shell was seen, which were taken to be from HMS Hermione. At 0540C/5 another signal came in from HMS Laforey reported no sign of oppostion on the shore. Further signals from her reported No.7 battery captured with negligible opposition, native troops surrendering, and the advance continuing. No.8 battery could not be found and was apparently non-existent, and the situation was under complete control. Later it was reported that mines were delaying the move to the main anchorage. Signals were also received from HMS Hermione and the carriers, reporting the progress of their activities. At 0836C/5, HMS Illustrious reported that there were no submarines remaining in Diego Suarez harbour and all ships were then warned that most likely two of them would be at sea in the area. At 0719C/5, a reply on the ultimatum was received from the French stain that they would defend to the last. By 0720C/5, the Combined Commander-in-Chief felt that the assault had made a very good start. Troops were advancing, prisoners taken, HMS Hermione diversion had proceeded satisfacorily, air attacks had been successful both on the aerodrome and on ship. On the debit side it was clear that unswept mines in Courrier Bay were causing delays in disembarkation, and the rejection of the ultimatum showed that opposition might be expected to stiffen. During the forenoon, though news was somewhat scanty it seemed that the disembarkation was proceeding steadily, and the assault was advancing to their objectives it was evident that resistance was increasing. Rear-Admiral Boyd, confirmed that there were no submarines in harbour and that a sloop was seen undeway. She was later attacked by Swordfish aircraft from HMS Illustrious. She was hit forward and was beached but she remained in action. At noon on the 5th, Major-General Sturges, who was on board HMS Ramillies expressed a wish to disembark, so the flagship shaped course for position 'ZB'. At 1420C/5 the General and hi staff were transferred to HMS Anthony for passage ashore. The information on board HMS Ramillies at that time was that Headquarter, No.5 Commando was east of Andrakaka village and that they were advancing with very little resistance. HMS Ramillies then proceeded towards a position some 88 miles to the westward of Cape Amber, being joined by the carriers at sunset. A message was received that the attack on the Antsirane position was held up but that a fresh assault would be made at daylight. Air support was asked for and this was arranged. During the night of 5/6 May 1942, Group I cruiser in the vicinity of position 12°S up to 100 miles from Cape Amber. At 0148C/6, a situation report timed 2200C/5 was received. It stated that the advance of troops had been delayed but that new attacks had been planned for the following day. On receipt of this signal, HMS Devonshire was ordered to join HMS Hermione to the eastward of Diego Suarez to give supporting fire to upcoming assaults. At 0400C/6, the carriers and their escort were detached to carry out flying operations, and the bombing of enemy positions south of Antsirane started at 0500C/6, followed up by machine-gun attacks by Martlets at 0530C/6. A bombing attack was also launched on the aerodrome at first light. Enemy Potez 63 bombers were engaged over the town by fighters from HMS Illustrious, which shot down two for certain, and probably a third. Fighters from HMS Indomitable attacked the sloop D'Entrecasteaux, which was firing on out troops. The sloop was set on fire. As it was uncertain when entry into the harbour of Diego Suarez would be possible, Rear-Admiral Syfret decided to refuel HMS Ramillies and her destroyer screen after detaching the carriers. The destroyers were then to swap places with the ones escorting the carriers so that these could also refuel. They accordingly proceeded to Ambararata Baym anchoring near position ZD at 0722C/6. Twenty minutes later HMS Auricula broke in two and sank, while attempts were being made by HMS Freesia to tow her to shallow water. No life was lost. The general situation at 0900C/6 was as follows; HMS Devonshire and HMS Hermione were concentrated east of Diego Suarez, and the minesweepers HMS Cromer, HMS Cromarty, HMS Romney, HMS Nigella had also proceeded to this area. No report had been received of the progress of the land assault on Antsirane. At 0600C/6, HMS Lightning had bombarded an enemy machine-gun nest which had been re-estalished on Windsor Castle. HMS Pakenham also fired a few rounds on this target. HMS Laforey from position 'JJ' was just opening fire on the D'Entrecasteaux, which had extinguished the fire caused by the air attack and was still flying her battle ensign. At 1009C/6, HMS Laforey reported the sloop again on fire with ammunition exploding. She then joined HMS Lightning near 'Red' beach and with her bombarded a position south of Antsirane. During the forenoon, 6th May, no information was forthcoming as to the progress of the assault, and it was not until 1250C/6 that the Admiral learnt that it had failed. Of the situation as it appeared that afternoon the Admiral says: At about 1400C/6 the General arrived on board. He was hot, begrimed and unhappy. Things were not going well, he said. French resistance was heavier then expected and they appeared to be well organized and equipped. The Admiral offered the General " any and all assistance " the fleet could give. The enemy's position was outside the range of the Ramillies and cruisers guns, but aircraft bombing was promised. Then came a suggestion which had a substantial effect. The General asked if it would be possible to put 20 or 30 seamen ashore on the Antsirane Peninsula to create a diversion in the enemy's rear. It was decided to try to land 50 marines there from a destroyer. Assistance might be forthcoming from No.5 Commano which was in control of Andrakaka Peninsula, but this would depend on their finding boats to cross Port Nievre. At was then 1430C/6and the party had to be collected, a destroyer told off and a passage of 100 miles to be accomplished. The Admiral recommended that the hour for the attack should be put off till 2030 hours. HMS Anthony was called alongside and instructions were given to her Commanding Officer, Lt.Cdr. Hodges and to Captain Price, Royal Marines who was to lead the landing party. The General then left the flagship in order to organise the night attack by the 17th Brigade. The 50 marines were embarked in HMS Anthony by 1530C/6, one hour ater the decision to make the ettempt - and at 1545C/6 she cast off. The Admiral then proceeded to sea in HMS Ramillies, keeping within 45 miles of position 'ZB' in order to facilitate wireless communication with the Army. The impression left on Rear-Admiral Syfret after the General's visit was that the intended quick capture of Diego Suarez was a 90 per cent failure. The night attack, planned in a hurry, to be carried out by tired troops against very strong positions, had only a small chance of success. Prolonged operations, which we so much wished to avoil, was the unpleasant alternative. The Anthony' chance of success the Rear-Admiral assessed at about 50 per cent though his advisers thought only 15 per cent. They thought that the Royal Marines would not survive the night. The next few hours were not going to be happy ones they thought. Meanwhile the landing on the beaches had continued throughout the day. By 1700C/6, 10000 men were ashore. The capture of Antsirane, 6 May 1942. After leaving Ambararata Bay at high speed, HMS Anthony ran into a heavy sea. Most of the marines were sick - a sorry start for the task before them. Cape Amber was abeam at 1805C/6, course was altered to 170° a quarter of an hour later and speed was reduced to 13 knots. Thanks to echo sounding and RDF little difficulty was experienced in making the entrance to Diego Suarez Harbour, and speed was increased to 22 knots at 2001C/6 when 1 mile from the entrance. The ship was apparently unobserved till she was through Oranjia Pass and half a mile to the westward, when fire was opened by Nos. 2, 4 and 5 batteries and later by No. 1 battery. About 25 rounds were fired. HMS Anthony replied briskly with her after 4.7" guns (the two foremost would not bear), the port pom-pom and Oerlikon, and the enemy ceased fire at 2018C/6, when course was altered to 212° short of Nosi Langor. It had been intended to go alongside the deep water quay, port side to, where it was hoped men from No.5 Commando would be waiting ti help berth the ship. They had failed, however, to find any boats to bring them across from Andrakaka, and in the darkness the jetty was overshot. HMS Anthony turned round and an attempt was made to go alongside starboard side to, but a strong off-shore wind prevented this so with supreme skill Lt.Cdr. Hodges held his stern against the jetty long enough for Captain Price to get his men ashore. Snipers were firing from the jetty and the wooded slopes from the eastward, but a constant stream of bright tracer from pom-pom, Oerlikon, Lewis and Bren guns evidently disconcerted them, and by the time the Marines disembarked the majority had ceased fire. HMS Anthony, having done her part, left at high speed. The barreries at Oronjia opened fire on her, but she was not hit, though some of the rounds fell rather close. She replied with rapid salvos from the whole gun armament. No.1 battery continued to fire till she was about 3 miles from the harbour entrance, when course was shaped to the northward to return to Ambararata Bay. Meanwhile, Captain Price and his Marines - left entirely to their own devices, with no means of retreat - were groping their way south through the dockyard. In spite of fires still burning after the raids by FAA aircraft, it was very dark and they missed the turning to the eastward by which they had meant to enter the town. Progress was delayd by having to spread to avoid heavy casualties from rifle and machine-gun fire. For some time a high wall on their left forced them to parallel the town, but eventually they found a gap in it and Captain Price led them over a very high bank. It was a rough scramble which brought them to a wall and through a stiff wire fence into the compund of the artillery General's house. Captain Price occupied it with No.1 platoon while Lieutenant Powell, with the other platoon formed another strong point a few hundred yards down the road. Attempts to advertise the diversion by fires had little success as the houses seemed to be under construction and had nothing in them to burn. Lieutenant Powell soon reached what proved to be the naval depot. A feeble fire was opened on his party, they replied with hand grenades, on which the defenders, headed by the Commandant of the barracks, proceeded to surrender. Lieutenant Powell had barely accepted the surrender when the drummer sounded off a call and was immediately 'overwhelmed' for his treachery by a posse of marines. The Commandant then explained that the call was the 'cease fire'. Apologies were made and accepted. In the barracks were found three British Army officers with 50 other ranks, three FAA personnel, and a British agent who was awaiting execution next morning. Two or three thousand rifles and some heavy machine-guns were found in the artillery headquarters. to Captain Price's astonishment crowds then appeared who wished to surrender, both from the naval headquarters as from the artillery depot. Rifle and machine-gun fire was opened on his party periodically from the right flank but this caused no appreciable inconvenience. Meanwhile, the attack from the south by the 17th and 29th Brigades had commenced at 2030C/6. The General had finally decided to use both brigades. Firing as sporadic until the success signal from the town showed that the Marines had landed. Then the 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers and the 2nd Royal Welsh Fusiliers pressed home their attac and by 0300C/7, Brigadier Festing was able to report that he was in complete possession of the town and its defences, and had received the personal surrender of the naval and military commanders and staffs. Rear-Admiral Syfret was of opinion that, on hearing the firing in the town, the men in the trenches made for the town to look after their homes and belongings, thus simplifying the task of our troops. Be that as it may, the town was in British hands that night, a result largely due to the success of the hazardous enterprise launched suddenly at the enemy's back door, and to the splendid leadership of both Captain Price and Lieutenant Powell as well as the fine qualities displayed by the whole landing party. By 0800C/7, the work of sorting out the prisoners was in full swing. Occupation of Diego Suarez, 7 May 1942. Whilst affairs in Antsirane were taking this happy turn, Rear-Admiral Syfret was cruising to the south-west of a line 300° from Nosi Fati, while the aircraft carrier to the north-eastward were carrying out flying operations in support of the night attack. The first indication or a possible success reached the Admiral at 2129C/6, a signal from HMS Anthony reporting that she had accomplished her task successfully. No news from the Army came in until 0103C/7, when a requist came in for ship and air support at 0900C/7 for an attack on Oronjia Peninsula by the 29th Brigade. From this it was clear that the night attack had succeeded. HMS Ramillies then shaped course to join HMS Devonshire and HMS Hermione to the eastward of te Oronjia Peninsula, in readiness to bombard. During the night these were two submarine alarms. At 2345C/6, HMS Genista reported a contact, 285°, 4 miles from Nosi Hara, She attacked with a pattern of 10 depth-charges before losing it at 0111C/7. A search by HMS Pakenham, HMS Laforey and corvettes failed to regain contact. At early dawn, 0504C/7, a Swordfish from HMS Illustrious sighted a submarine, which proved to be the Le Heros, on the surface off Voailava Point, the northern entrance to Courrier Bay and immediately sank her with depth charges. 6 Officers and 44 ratings were picked up by HMS Pakenham and HMS Jasmine three hours later some 4 miles west of the position of the attack. Meanwhile HMS Ramillies had joined HMS Devonshire and HMS Hermione at 0625C/7. The squadron formed line ahead in the order Ramillies, Devonshire and Hermione. They were screened by HMS Paladin, HMS Panther, HMS Lightning and HMS Active. They were ready to open fire at 0900C/7. Then a message came in from the Army stating that the reorganisation of units in Antsirande had necessitated a revised plan, and the 17th Brigade would commence the attack on Oranjia Peninsula at 1200C/7. Bombardment was requisted as soon as possible after 1000C/7, unless and ultimatum to surrender was accepted by the French. Orders were therefore given to open fire at 1030C/7 but at 1003C/7 came a signal that the chances of surrender seemed good and requesting a further postponement of action. The Admiral, however, was averse to keeping the Fleet steaming up and down in dangerous waters, and decided to commence a 15 minute bombardment ' to encourage the enemy to surrender'. At 1040C/7, fire was opened accordingly from a range of 20000 to 21000 yards, in order to keep outside the maximum range (18000 yards) of the 6.6" guns of No.1 battery, which was engaged by HMS Ramillies and HMS Lightning. Spotting aircraft failed to arrive and firing was carried out under very difficult condition, against targets seen only as the crests of a gently sloping ridge of hills, but despite this hanicap out of 23 15" shells fired, six fell in the immediate vicinity of the battery and quarters. Great difficulty was experienced in spotting te fall of HMS Lightning's shot at this long range, and she fired only a few rounds. HMS Hermione fired half a dozen rounds at a battery which she had reported the previous day, but it was in thickly wooded country, and she was unable to identify it with certainty. HMS Devonshire did not fire at all, partly owing to the interpretation placed on signals received from the Army, and partly on accoint of the Admiral's instructions to conserve ammunition during the preliminary bombardment. Ten minutes after fire was opened, a message that Oronjia Peninsula had surrendered was reeived, and the bombardment ceased. This ended the fighting. By 1620C/7 the four minesweepers which had been standing by since the day before had swept the channel and harbour. At 1700C/7, HMS Ramillies, HMS Hermione, HMS Paladin and HMS Lightning, entered Diego Suarez harbour. A bare 60 hours had elapsed since the initial landing in Courrier Bay. The slow convoy had already sailed from Ambararata Bay at 1600C/7 and the fast convoy followed the next morning. Both anchoring in Baie des Francais in the afternoon of the 8th. Rear-Admiral Boyd in HMS Indomitable also arrived on the morning of the 8th. When 7 miles to the eastward of Oranjia Pass she was attacked by a submarine - subsequently identified as the Monge - whose torpedo passed 50 yards ahead of the ship. HMS Active, joined later by HMS Panther, carried out two counter-attacks, which the wreckage and oil brought to the surface proved to have been successful. HMS Illustrious and HMS Devonshire remained at sea for a further 24 hours to provide fighter and A/S protection till 0800C/9 when the joined the remainer of the force in Diego Suarez Bay.

Light cruiser HMS Mauritius: HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN) conduced aircraft landing and recovering exercises at Scapa Flow.

Battleship HMS Revenge: HMS Revenge (Capt. L.V. Morgan, CBE, MVO, DSC, RN) arrived at Durban from Kilindini.

Battleship HMS Nelson: HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) conducted 4.7" and 6" gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow.

Destroyer HMAS Voyager: HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Robison DSC, RAN) arrived at Melbourne from Sydney.

Destroyer HMS Icarus: HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, DSC and Bar, RN) is undocked.

Destroyer HMS Kelvin: The troop transport Princess Marguerite (Canadian, 5875 GRT, built 1925) and her escorts, the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN), departed Famagusta for Alexandria.

Destroyer HMS Kipling: HMS Sikh (Capt. St.J.A. Micklethwait, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, DSO, RN) departed Haifa to hunt an enemy submarine reported at 1500/22 [this seems to be an error to me, as this report was six days old by the time the destroyers sailed but this is what is stated in ADM 199/650] in position 33°42'N, 33°34'E. At daylight on the 29th both destroyers joined a convoy to Port Said.

Submarine USS S-38: USS S-38 (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Munson) departed from Brisbane for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off New Guinea.

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

Submarine USS R-10: USS R-10 (Lt. B.E. Lewellen, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-14: USS R-14 (Lt. G.W. Kehl, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Destroyer ORP Blyskawica: Around 0600 hours the ship yard was attacked by 6 Me 109's. Blyskawica received some damage.

Submarine ORP Sokol: ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki, DSO) arrived at Gibraltar for repairs.

Submarine HMS L 23: HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow.

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 614: HMS P 614 (Lt. D.J. Beckley, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area.

1943

Heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk: During 28/29 April, HMS Kent (Capt. A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral L.H.K. Hamilton, CB, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Berwick (Capt. H.J. Egerton, RN) and HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN), conducted exercises off Scapa Flow.

Light cruiser HMS Cardiff: HMS Cardiff (A/Capt.(Retd.) A.G. Davidson, RN) conducted gunnery exercises for the gunnery school in the Clyde area. During the night of 28/29 April 1943 exercises with aircraft were carried out.

Light cruiser HMS Dauntless: HMS Dauntless (Capt. N.J.W. William-Powlett, DSC, RN) arrived at Bahrein.

Light cruiser HMS Durban: HMS Durban (Capt. G.F. Stevens-Guille, DSO, OBE, RN) arrived at Bahrein.

Light cruiser HMS Belfast: HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN) and HMS Glasgow (Capt. E.M. Evans-Lombe, RN) conducted exercises south of Iceland on completion of which HMS Belfast returned to Hvalfjord. HMS Glasgow joined other ships to proceed to Scapa Flow.

Light cruiser HNMS Tromp: Around 1330 hours, in approximate position 29°00'S, 109°06'E, HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) made rendes-vous with the US Naval tanker USS Trinity (Cdr. W.W. Angerer, USN).

Submarine HNMS O 9: HrMs O 9 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. Drijfhout Van Hooff, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Lycett, RD, RNR) and HMS L'Incomprise (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.S. Deveson, RNR).

Submarine USS Gudgeon: USS Gudgeon (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Post, Jr) torpedoed and sank the Japanese troop transport Kamakura Maru (17526 GRT) about 30 nautical miles south-west of Naso Point, Panay, Philippines in position 10°18'N, 121°44'E.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Indomitable: During 28/29 April 1943, 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 Clyde area / North Channel. These included night exercises. On completion of these exercises she proceeded to Belfast.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Unicorn: HMS Unicorn (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN) conducted full power trials in the Clyde area on completion of which flying exercises were commenced which were only completed the following morning. These flying exercises had included night flying.

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 exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN).

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), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR) and HMS Saladin (Lt. A.A. Diggens, DSC, RN) served as the targets.

Submarine HMS Safari: HMS Safari (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Algiers.

Submarine HMS Sceptre: HMS Sceptre (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, MBE, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar.

Submarine HMS Surf: HMS Surf (Lt. D. Lambert, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow.

Submarine HMS Torbay: HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) is docked at the Gibraltar Dockyard in No.2 graving dock.

Submarine HMS Tactician: At 0630A/28, when in position 096° - Bastia Citadel - 7 nautical miles, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) sighted a small patrol craft leaving Bastia at high speed. She stopped close astern presumably to listen with hydrophones so Lt.Cdr. Collett took HMS Tactician to 90 feet. No A/S transmissions were heard and also no more HE was heard. On return to periscope depth 20 minutes later all was clear. [We have been unable to identify this vessel.]

Submarine HMS Templar: HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises.

Submarine HMS Truculent: HMS Truculent (Lt. R.L. Alexander, RN) is docked at Gare Loch in AFD 7. She left dock later the same day.

Submarine HMS Tally-Ho: HMS Tally-Ho (Lt.Cdr. L.W.A. Bennington, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Upon completion of these trials she proceeded to Holy Loch.

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 Uproar: At 0556 hours two Mustang fighter aircraft passed overhead of HMS Uproar (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN) in position 36°59'N, 03°02'E. The leading aircraft machine gunned Uproar. At 0800 hours HMS Uproar ended her 16th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers.

Submarine HMS Unruffled: HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 15th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean). She is ordered to perform a special operation (beach reconnaissance for the upcoming Operation Husky). No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed.

Submarine HMS Unshaken: HMS Unshaken (Lt. J. Whitton, RN) was attacked, in error, by two British destroyers. Unshaken was fortunately not damaged in the encounter and dived to safety. Later the same day Unshaken torpedoed and sank the Italian torpedo boat Climene (652 tons, built 1936) about 25 nautical miles south-west of Marettimo Island, Sicily, Italy in position 37°45'N, 11°33'E, fifty-three of the crew of Climene died during the attack. Climene was escorting the German transports KT 5 (834 GRT, built 1943) and KT 14 (834 GRT, built 1943) from Tunis to Trapani. About ninety survivors were picked up by the patrol boats MS 24 and MS 34 which sailed from Marsala. (All times are zone -1) In position 37°24'N, 11°34'E sighted two destroyers coming straight towards Unshaken at high speed. The destroyers were in line ahead and were seen to be a Tribal-class and P-class. Unshaken altered course to avoid being rammed and dived. The P-class destroyer opened fire on Unshaken with pom-poms and machine guns. The British destroyers HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN), HMS Paladin (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, RN) and HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) were at sea for operations and were most likely the destroyers encountered by Unshaken. --------------------------------------------------------- 0823 hours - In position 37°45'N, 11°33'E sighted a Dardo-class destroyer and two small ferries to the north-east, range six nautical miles. Started attack. 0935 hours - Fired three torpedoes at the destroyer from 1800 yards. One hit was heard 1m 3sec after firing. This was followed by popping and breaking up noises about five minutes later.

Submarine HMS Usurper: HMS Usurper (Lt. D.R.O. Mott, DSC, RN) makes a torpedo attack on the German U-boat U-467 in the Norwegian Sea. The target was not hit. (All times are zone -2) 1820 hours - Heard well-defined HE. Went to periscope depth from 30 feet. 1825 hours - In position 62°11'N, 02°11'E saw the conning tower of a u-boat that was proceeding on the surface. The u-boat was painted white and was difficult to see. Two figures were seen on the bridge in dark blue or black clothes it was because of these two figures that the u-boat was sighted. Started attack. Enemy course 164°, speed 10.5 knots. 1837 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 3500 yards. Missed. Usurper lost trim when firing the torpedoes. The two remaining torpedoes of the intended salvo of four were not fired. Set up another attack. 1844 hours - Fired two more torpedoes. 1846 hours - The enemy turned stern on after having sighted the torpedoes. So these torpedoes also missed. 1850 hours - Went to 60 feet to reload the torpedo tubes.

Submarine HMS Untamed: HMS Untamed (Lt. G.M. Noll, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS H 32: HMS H 32 (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) shifted from Plymouth Dartmouth for special trials and exercises. She was escorted by HMS Kingston Chrysoberyl (Skr.Lt. M.A. Smith, RD, RNR).

Submarine HMS H 33: HMS H 33 (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Wild Goose (A/Cdr. D.E.G. Wemyss, RN) and HMS Wren (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Aubrey, RN).

Submarine HMS H 34: HMS H 34 (T/Lt. R.L. Willoughby, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR).

Submarine HMS H 44: HMS H 44 (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN) and HMS Bretwalda (Skr.Lt. J.R. Coultas, RD, RNR).

Submarine HMS H 50: HMS H 50 (Lt. J.M. Michell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Banff (Lt. P. Brett, RNR) and HMS Rockingham (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Duck, DSC, RD, RNR).

Minelayer HMS Abdiel: Around 0740C/28, HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Haifa.

Light cruiser HMS Kenya: From 28 to 30 April 1943, HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Kenya (Capt. D.P. Evans, RN), HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN) and HMS Caradoc (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Kilindini / Mombasa.

Battleship HMS Rodney: Around 2200B/28, ' Force H ', made up of the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral A.U. Willis, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Rodney (Capt. J.W. Rivett-Carnac, DSC, RN), destroyers HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN), HMS Venomous (Lt. H.D. Durell, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN), HMS Wheatland (Lt.Cdr. R.deL. Brooke, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Gibraltar for exercises. [some of the destroyers / escort destroyers actually had departed earlier in the evening, presumable to conduct an A/S sweep of the exercises area.] Around 1045B/29, the aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN) left Gibraltar to join ' Force H '. She was escorted by the destroyer HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Tynedale (Lt. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN). They joined ' Force H ' around 1215B/29 after which ' Force H ' set course for Mers-el-Kebir. ' Force H ' arrived at Mers-el-Kebir around 0800B/30.

Submarine USS R-1: USS R-1 (Lt. N.D. Gage, USN) departed Bermuda for New London, Connecticut.

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. D.L. Mehlop, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

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

Submarine ORP Dzik: ORP Dzik (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B.S. Romanowski) departed Algiers for passage to Malta.

Submarine ORP Sokol: ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) J.K.S. Koziolkowski, DSC) ended her 18th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. The patrol had been uneventful.

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. R.G.P. Bulkeley, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with a training class of new submariners.

1944

Heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland: HMS Cumberland (Capt. W.Y.La R. Beverley, RN) departed Fremantle for Colombo.

Heavy cruiser HMS Sussex: HMS Sussex (A/Capt. M. Everard, RN) departed Bombay for Trincomalee.

Heavy cruiser HMS Frobisher: HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN) proceeded Dalmuir to Greenock.

Heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins: Around 1145B/28, HMS Hawkins (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for Scapa Flow. Around 1530B/28, she developed engine trouble and the ship came to a stop at 1540B/28. Repairs were made and HMS Hawkins got underway around 1640B/28 and course was set to return to Plymouth where she arrived around 0100B/29.

Light cruiser HMS Newcastle: HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) made a short stop at Mauritius to fuel before continuing her passage to Simonstown later the same day.

Submarine HNMS O 21: HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) conducted torpedo firing trials off Arrochar on completion of which she returned to Holy Loch. At Holy Loch she is then docked in AFD 7.

Submarine HNMS O 15: HrMs O 15 (Lt. J.B.M.J. Maas, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with aircraft.

Submarine HNMS O 9: HrMs O 9 (Lt. R.W. van Lynden, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with aircraft.

Submarine HNMS O 10: HrMs O 10 (Lt.Cdr. A. van Altena, RNN(R)) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and another vessel.

Submarine USS Jack: USS Jack (Lt.Cdr. T.M. Dykers) sank a Japanese trawler with gunfire east of Luzon, Philippines in position 17°34'N, 124°06'E.

Submarine USS Peto: USS Peto (Lt.Cdr. P. Van Leunen, Jr.) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol south of Formosa.

Submarine USS Pogy: USS Pogy (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Metcalf) torpedoed and sank the Japanese submarine I-183 (1630 tons, offsite link) about 30 nautical miles south of Cape Ashizuri, Japan in position 32°07'N, 133°03'E.

Submarine USS Dragonet: USS Dragonet (T/Cdr. J.H. Lewis, USN) conducted special depth charge trials with USS Chewick (T/Lt. J.O. Cavanaugh, USN).

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

Escort Carrier HMS Fencer: Convoy RA 59 / Operation FZ. This convoy departed the Kola Inlet on 28 April 1944. The passage of this convoy to the U.K. was known as Operation FZ. The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Andrew Carnegie (American, 7176 GRT, 1942), Arunah S. Abell (American, 7176 GRT, 1943), Benjamin H. Latrobe (American, 7176 GRT, 1942), Benjamin Schlesinger (American, 7176 GRT, 1944), Charles Henderson (American, 7176 GRT, 1943), Dolabella (British (tanker), 8142 GRT, built 1939), Edward P. Alexander (American, 7201 GRT, 1942), Fort Brule (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Columbia (British, 7155 GRT, built 1942), Fort Hall (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), Fort Kullyspell (British, 7190 GRT, built 1943), Fort Yukon (British, 7153 GRT, built 1943), Francis Scott Key (American, 7191 GRT, 1941), Francis Vigo (American, 7176 GRT, 1943), George Gale (American, 7176 GRT, 1942), George M. Cohan (American, 7176 GRT, 1943), George T. Angell (American, 7176 GRT, 1944), Gilbert Stuart (American, 7176 GRT, 1943), Grace Abbott (American, 7191 GRT, 1942), Hawkins Fudske (American, 7176 GRT, 1943), Henry Villard (American, 7176 GRT, 1942), James Smith (American, 7181 GRT, 1942), John B. Lennon (American, 7198 GRT, 1943), John Carver (American, 7176 GRT, 1942), John Davenport (American, 7176 GRT, 1942), John McDonogh (American, 7176 GRT, 1943), John T. Holt (American, 7176 GRT, 1943), Joseph N. Licollet (American, 7176 GRT, 1943), Joshua Thomas (American, 7176 GRT, 1943), Joyce Kilmer (American, 7176 GRT, 1943), Julien Poydras (American, 7176 GRT, 1943), Lapland (British, 2897 GRT, built 1942), Morris Hillquit (American, 7210 GRT, 1944), Nicholas Biddle (American, 7191 GRT, 1943), Noreg (Norwegian (tanker), 7605 GRT, built 1931), Pierre S. DuPont (American, 7176 GRT, 1942), Robert Eden (American, 7176 GRT, 1943), Thomas Sim Lee (American, 7191 GRT, 1942), Townsend Harris (American, 7176 GRT, 1943), William D. Byron (American, 7210 GRT, 1943), William Matson (American, 7176 GRT, 1943), William McKinley (American, 7200 GRT, 1943), William Moultrie (American, 7177 GRT, 1942), William Pepper (American, 7176 GRT, 1943) and William S. Thayer (American, 7176 GRT, 1943). On departure from the Kola Inlet the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), escort carriers HMS Activity (Capt. G. Willoughby, RN), HMS Fencer (A/Capt. W.W.R. Bentinck, OBE, RN), destroyers HMS Milne (Capt. M. Richmond, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN), HMS Matchless (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), HMS Musketeer (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Ulysses (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Hanson, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Verulam (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, DSC, RN), HMS Virago (Lt.Cdr. A.J.R. White, RN), HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr J.H. Eaden, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. N.R. Murch, RN), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.W. Hawkins, RN), HMS Keppel (Cdr. I.J. Tyson, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN), HMS Westcott (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN), HMS Wrestler (Lt.Cdr. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN), frigates HMCS Cape Breton (T/Lt.Cdr. A.M. McLarnon, RCNR), HMCS Grou (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.G. Dupont, RCNR), HMCS Outremont (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H. Freeland, DSO, RCNR) and HMCS Waskesiu (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Fraser, RCNR) and the corvette HMS Lotus (Lt. C.S. Thomas, RNR). The Russian destroyers Gremyashchiy, Razyarenniy, minesweepers T 112, T 114, T 119 and the patrol vessels BO 201, BO 204, BO 205, BO 207, BO 209 and BO 212 were also with the convoy but later returned. Not long after departure the convoy was sighted by the German air reconnaissance. The German U-boats U-277, U-278, U-307, U-313, U-315, U-354, U-387, U-636, U-674, U-711, U-739 and U-959 were waiting for the convoy in two patrol lines. Around 0015B/30, U-739 was attack with gunfire and subsequently depth charges while trying to close the convoy. Around 1956B/30, the William S. Thayer was torpedoed and sunk by U-307 which was subsequently depth charged by HMS Milne and HMS Beagle but escaped without damage. Around 2013B/30, U-636 was depth charged by HMS Boadicea and sustained damage resulting in her being forced to abandon her patrol. Around 2124B/30, U-387 fired a T-5 torpedo at one of the escorts but it did not hit the target. Around 2138B/30, U-387 fired another T-5 torpedo at one of the escort but it did not hit the target. Following this attack she was depth charged by HMCS Waskesiu but escaped without damage. Around 2156B/30, a Swordfish aircraft ('F' from 842 Squadron FAA, from HMS Fencer) tried to attack U-315 but was driven off by AA fire. Around 2206B/30, U-711 fired a T-5 torpedo at one of the escorts but it did not hit the target. Around 2212B/30, U-711 fired a torpedo at one of the merchant vessels but it did not hit the target. Around 2245B/30, U-387 fired another T-5 torpedo at one of the escorts but it did not hit the target. Around 2347B/30, U-387 fired another T-5 torpedo at one of the escorts but it did not hit the target. Around 0013B/1, U-711 attacked the convoy with one torpedoes which missed. Around 0041B/1, U-387 attacked the convoy with two torpedoes which both missed. Around 0247B/1, U-277 was sunk by a Swordfish aircraft ('C' from 842 Squadron FAA, from HMS Fencer) in position 73°24'N, 15°32'E. Around 0404B/1, U-387 was detected and attacked by a Swordfish aircraft ('H' from 842 Squadron FAA, from HMS Fencer). The submarine was not damaged by the two bombs that were dropped by the aircraft. Around 0445B/1, U-354 was detected and attacked by a Swordfish aircraft ('F' from 819 Squadron FAA, from HMS Activity). The submarine made a crash dive and escaped undamaged. Around 0947B/1, U-278 fired a torpedo at one of the merchant vessels but it did not hit the target. Around 1140B/1, a Wildcat fighter from HMS Activity (from 833 Squadron FAA) shot down a German BV 138 reconnaissance aircraft. Around 1206B/1, U-278 fired another T-5 torpedo at two of the escorts but it did not hit either of them. Following this attack she was depth charged by HMCS Cape Breton during which some damage was sustained. Around 1640B/1, U-307 fired a T-5 torpedo at one of the escorts but it did not hit the target. Around 1715B/1, U-307 was detected and depth charged by HMCS Cape Breton and HMCS Outremont. She was able to escape undamaged. Around 2230B/1, U-307 fired a T-5 torpedo at one of the escorts but it did not hit the target. Around 2330B/1, U-307 was detected and depth charged by HMS Westcott and HMS Wrestler. She was able to escape undamaged. On 1 May 1944, U-959, which was lost the following day, reported having made two torpedo attacks with T-5 torpedoes on escort vessels which both missed. Around 0247B/2, U-674 was sunk with rockets by a Swordfish aircraft ('B' from 842 Squadron FAA, from HMS Fencer) in position 70°32'N, 04°37'E. Around 1030B/2, U-307 fired a T-5 torpedo at one of the escorts but it did not hit the target. Around 1137B/2, U-387 was detected and attacked by a Swordfish aircraft ('A' from 842 Squadron FAA, from HMS Fencer). The submarine was not damaged by the bombs / depth charges that were dropped by the aircraft. Around 1351B/2, U-711 fired a T-5 torpedo at one of the escorts but it did not hit the target. Around 1645B/2, U-959 was sunk by depth charges from a Swordfish aircraft ('K' from 842 Squadron FAA, from HMS Fencer) in position 69°20'N, 00°20'W. Around 1753B/2, U-307 was detected and attacked by a Swordfish aircraft ('H' from 842 Squadron FAA, from HMS Fencer). The submarine was not damaged by the rockets hat were fired by the aircraft. Shortly afterwards U-307 was depth charged by one of the escorts but she was again not damaged. Around 0332/3, U-278 was detected and attacked by two Swordfish and one Wildcat aircraft (all from 842 Squadron FAA, from HMS Fencer). She shot down the Wildcat and was then able to escape through crash diving. Around 0811B/3, U-387 was detected and attacked by a Swordfish aircraft ('G' from 842 Squadron FAA, from HMS Fencer). The submarine was not damaged by the six rockets hat were fired by the aircraft. Around 1100B/3, U-387 was detected and attacked by a Swordfish aircraft ('G' from 842 Squadron FAA, from HMS Fencer). The submarine was not damaged by the six rockets that were fired by the aircraft. Around 1100B/3, U-711 was detected and attacked by a Swordfish aircraft ('K' from 842 Squadron FAA, from HMS Fencer). The aircraft was driven off by AA fire from the U-boat. Around 1124B/3, U-711 was detected at periscope depth and attacked by a Swordfish aircraft ('B' from 842 Squadron FAA, from HMS Fencer). The submarine was not damaged by the two rockets that were fired by the aircraft. Around 2230B/3, HMS Fencer, with Russian and American naval personnel on board, parted company to proceed to the Clyde. She was escorted by HMS Walker, HMS Whitehall and HMS Boadicea. They arrived at Greenock around around 1900B/5. At the same time HMS Diadem, with American naval personnel on board, parted company to proceed to the Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Ulysses, HMS Verulam and HMS Virago. They arrived at Scapa Flow around 1500B/4. Around 1300B/4, HMS Activity, with American naval personnel on board, parted company to proceed to the Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Milne, HMS Marne, HMS Matchless, HMS Meteor and HMS Musketeer. They arrived at Scapa Flow around 0600B/5. On 6 May 1944, the convoy split to proceed to several destinations on the west coast of the U.K. with most ships arriving at their destinations the following day. Also on 6 May 1944, HMS Keppel, HMS Westcott, HMS Wrestler, HMS Beagle and HMS Inconstant were detached from the convoy and they arrived in the Clyde later the same day. Also on 6 May 1944, HMCS Cape Breton, HMCS Grou, HMCS Outremont and HMCS Waskesiu were detached from the convoy and they arrived at Londonderry the following day.

Submarine HMS Ursula: HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) was undocked.

Submarine HMS Otway: HMS Otway (Lt. M.B. St. John, DSC, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Sunfish: HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow.

Submarine HMS Sceptre: HMS Sceptre (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, MBE, DSC, RN) is undocked.

Submarine HMS Seraph: HMS Seraph (Lt. T. Russell-Walling, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Plymouth with HMS Pearl (T/Lt. B.G. Barfoot, RNVR), HMS Gweal (T/Lt. P.E.C.R. Main, RNVR), HMS La Nantaise (Skr. S.G. Cory, RNR) and HMS Lord Wakefield (Skr.Lt. H.E. Dodd, RNR).

Submarine HMS Sickle: HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Malta.

Submarine HMS Sirdar: HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived at Aden.

Submarine HMS Sportsman: HMS Sportsman (Lt. R. Gatehouse, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant Lüneburg (5809 GRT, built 1922, former Greek Constantin Louloudis) north of Iraklion, Crete, Greece in position 35°26'N, 25°07'E. (All times are zone -2) 1230 hours - Sighted three ships leaving Candia, these were a torpedo boat, an UJ vessel and a Motor Launch. 1505 hours - Sighted 5 balloons and 7 aircraft bearing 290°. This must be our target arriving. 1535 hours - Started attack. 3 Destroyers, a torpedo boat and 3 UJ vessels were seen in the area. [The escorts were TA 16, TA 17, TA 19, R 210, UJ.2101, UJ.2105, UJ.2106, UJ.2110 and GK.92]. 1634 hours - In position 35°28'N, 25°07'E fired 2 torpedoes. Went deep as one of the torpedoes produced an enormous splash on discharge. To our surprise there was a torpedo explosion near 4 minutes after firing, a hit. Very soon afterwards the crew in the fore-ends thought they heard breaking up noises. 1636 hours - One of the escorts remained in contact for 10 minutes and carried out 2 depth charge attacks in which 18 depth charges were dropped fairly accurately but no damage was caused by them. Retired to the North. 1750 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Several escorts were still searching the area but the target was not seen anymore. According to German sources there were 124 survivors, nine were killed or missing.

Submarine HMS Surf: HMS Surf (Lt. D. Lambert, DSC, RN) was docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee.

Submarine HMS Shalimar: HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted S.T.U. (mine detection) trials off Fairlie.

Submarine HMS Tribune: HMS Tribune (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Eade, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners.

Submarine HMS Truant: HMS Truant (Lt. E.C. Croswell, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne.

Submarine HMS Trusty: HMS Trusty (Lt. E.T. Stanley, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Dundee for Scapa Flow. She makes the passage together with HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR). The submarines are escorted by HMS Castlenau (Skr. W.G. Mickleburgh, RNR).

Submarine HMS Truculent: HMS Truculent (Lt.Cdr. R.L. Alexander, DSO, RN) left dock.

Submarine HMS Tudor: HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her special deep water noise trials off the Hebrides with HMS Loring (Lt. A.d'E.T. Sangster, RN).

Submarine HMS Terrapin: HMS Terrapin (Lt.Cdr. D.S.R. Martin, DSO and 2 bars, RN) conducted sound trials in Loch Goil.

Submarine HMS Tradewind: HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Port Said bound for Aden. She transits the Suez Canal on this day.

Submarine HMS Unbending: HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners.

Submarine HMS United: HMS United (Lt. N.R. Wood, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory together with HMS Loch Fada (Lt.Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR), HMCS Teme (T/Lt.Cdr. D.G. Jeffrey, DSO, RCNR), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Miller, DSC, RNR) and HMS Tintagel Castle (Lt. R. Atkinson, DSC and Bar, RNR).

Submarine HMS Unrivalled: HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) departed Blyth for Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS Castlenau (Skr. W.G. Mickleburgh, RNR).

Submarine HMS Universal: HMS Universal (Lt. C. Gordon, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean) at La Maddalena.

Submarine HMS Uther: HMS Uther (Lt. A.A. Catlow, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Ardrishaig with ML's.

Submarine HMS Virtue: HMS Virtue (Lt. R.D. Cairns, DSC. RN) participated in exercises off Larne.

Submarine HMS P 511: HMS P 511 (Lt. E.A. Hobson, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS P 512: HMS P 512 (Lt. J.A. Wingate, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda.

Light cruiser HMS Scylla: HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) is docked in no.13 graving dock at the Portsmouth Dockyard.

Light cruiser HMS Kenya: HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Kilindini for Colombo.

Light cruiser HMS Nigeria: HMS Nigeria (Capt. S.H. Paton, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) arrived at Colombo from Trincomalee.

Light cruiser HMS Ceylon: HMS Ceylon (Capt. G.B. Amery-Parkes, RN) conducted gunnery (close range AA) and underway refueling exercises (with the RFA oiler Arndale off Trincomalee. Also a 6" bombardment exercise was carried out. During the night of 28/29 April a night encounter exercise was carried out with the destroyers HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN) and HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN).

Battleship HMS Duke of York: HMS Duke of York (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, CBE, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Adm. B.A. Fraser, GCB, KBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. She then left Scapa Flow for exercises with HMS Argonaut (Capt. E.W.L. Longley-Cook, CBE, RN). [No details available on a possible destroyer escort of HMS Duke of York.

Battleship HMS Anson: Around 0600B/28, HMS Anson (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO and Bar, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, DSO, CVO, RN), HMS Furious (Capt. G.T. Philip, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Serapis (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Swift (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, RN), HMS Kempenfelt (Capt. M.L. Power, OBE, RN) and HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN) arrived at Scapa Flow from operations.

Destroyer HMAS Vendetta: Around 0645K/28, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) departed Langemak Bay for Madang. On board were Australian troops and stores. She arrived at Madang around 1550K/28 where the troops and stores were disembarked and wounded were embarked. She then left around 1800K/28 to returned to Langemak Bay where she arrived around 0830K/29 after having fuelled at Dreger Harbour first.

Destroyer HMS Vega: HMS Vega (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Forsberg, RN) is docked in the floating dock (AFD 3) at the Rosyth Dockyard.

Destroyer HMCS Athabaskan (i): Minelaying operation Hostile 26. The object of this minelaying operation was to lay a minefield to the north-east of Ile de Batz. Around 1945B/28, eight ML's of the 10th ML flotilla left Plymouth for this operation. They had a close escort of two MTB's. The group was formed into two divisions. The first division was made up of ML 157 (T/Lt. T.B. Gwenlan, DSC, RNVR), ML 180 (T/Lt. R.J. McCullagh, RNVR), ML 184 (T/Lt. R.W.A. Winter, RNVR) and HMS ML 186 (T/Lt. F.O.S. Man, RNVR). HMS MTB 677 (T/Lt. A.H. Clayton, RNVR) was the close escort. The second division was made up of ML 159 (T/Lt. B.D. Gerrans, RNVR), HMS ML 181 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.T. Kemsley, RNVR, S.O. 10th ML Flotilla), HMS ML 259 (T/Lt. H.W.E. Johnson, RNVR) and HMS ML 488 (T/Lt. I.H.L. King, RNVR). HMS MTB 717 (T/Lt. B.H.C. Robinson, RNVR) was the close escort. Cover was provided by the destroyers HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Athabaskan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN). They departed Plymouth around 2300B/28 and were to patrol 6 nautical miles to the west and east of position (XX) 49°00'N, 04°10'W with the intention to leave around 0345B/29 for the return passage. The outward passage was uneventful and completed in fine weather. Between 0314B/29 and 0326B/29, each division laid a line of 14 mines and 2 MK I obstructors within an area enclosed by lines joining the following positions; A) 48°55'03"N, 03°52'00"W, B) 48°52'18"N, 03°52'36"W, C) 48°51'00"N, 03°57'36"W, D) 48°52'57"N, 04°00'09"W. The total of 28 mines consisted of 20 MK XVII (49/50) / XVIII set at 20 feet and 8 MK 1/XVII set at 12 feet. Sinker clocks were set to release on 21 May and flooders were set to operate on 10 June 1944. Just after the lay had commenced, two signals were received from the C-in-C, Plymouth reporting the presence of an enemy plot to the southward and HMCS Haida and HMCS Athabaskan were ordered to intercept and they then left to proceed to do so at full speed. On completion of the lay the minelaying force retired to the northward at 14 knots and at 0405B/29 an enemy report was received from HMCS Haida and continuous star shell was seen from that moment to the south-westward. At 0416B/29 a very heavy explosion was heard and a burst of flame was seen of which it was later found out that this was HMCS Athabaskan being hit. At 0427B/29, another heavy explosion was heard and a large white mushroom shape cloud of smoke was seen which was HMCS Athabaskan blowing up. At 0505B/29 the MTB's were detached with orders to search for survivors on orders of the C-in-C, Plymouth. This order was cancelled at 0537B/29 and the MTB's rejoined the force at 0838B/29 and they then entered Plymouth at 0955B/29. The destroyers HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Leonard, RN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN), which were covering an exercise in Lyme Bay, were withdrawn and sent to cover the minelaying force on their return passage.

Destroyer HMAS Nizam: HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Madras from Trincomalee.

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

Submarine USS R-10: USS R-10 (Lt.Cdr. G.F. Sharp, 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-20: USS R-20 (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Dudley, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USSR ShCh-202: ShCh-202 fires four torpedoes against ' what is identified as ' a merchant of about 6000 tons sailing in a convoy about 70 nautical miles east of Constanta, Romania in position 44°04N, 30°16'E. All torpedoes fired missed their target

1945

Light cruiser HMS Caledon: At 1800B/28, HMS Caledon (A/Lt.Cdr. J.R. Freeman, RNR) is paid off into reserve at Falmouth.

Light cruiser HMS Colombo: Around 0900B/28, HMS Colombo (A/Capt. K.M.L. Robinson, RN) departed Zara for Malta where she arrived around 1645B/29. She is to return to the U.K. to be paid off into reserve.

Light cruiser HMS Newcastle: HMS Newcastle (Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN) departed Fremantle for Colombo.

Destroyer USS Harry E. Hubbard: USS Harry E. Hubbard (Cdr A.W. Purdy) arrived at Ulithi.

Destroyer USS Haynsworth: USS Haynsworth (Cdr. R. Brodie, Jr.) departed from Pearl Harbor bound for the Mare Island Navy Yard to repair the damage done by the April 6th attack.

Destroyer USS Lindsey: USS Lindsey departed from Kerama Retto bound for Guam under tow.

Destroyer USS Thomas E. Fraser: USS Thomas E. Fraser departed from the Okinawa area to escort the damaged US hospital ship Comfort to Guam.

Battleship USS Iowa: All ships of the Task Group including USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. Holloway, Jr., USN) were fuelled by a group of oilers.

Submarine HNMS K XIV: HrMs K XIV (Lt.Cdr. J. Smith, RNN(R)) departed Darwin for her 8th war patrol. She was ordered to perform several special operations. For the daily positions of HrMS K XIV during this patrol see the map below. No positions are available for 8 and 9 May 1945.

Submarine HNMS O 23: HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) is undocked.

Submarine HNMS O 24: Around 1200I/28, HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. P.J.S. de Jong, RNN) ended her 23th war patrol (11th in the Far East and 1st for this deployment) at Fremantle. On entering harbour D/G trials were carried out. She was escorted in by HMAS ML 826 (Lt. S.A. Hancock, RANR) which had joined around 0930H/28.

Submarine HNMS Zwaardvisch: HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt. J. van Dapperen, RNN) makes two torpedo attacks on ships but in both attacks no hits were obtained. (All times are zone -9) 1700 hours - In position 06°43'S, 111°59'E sighted two ships bearing 130°. Went in to attack. The sight of guns on both of them made Lt. van Dapperen decide to attack with torpedoes. 1722 hours - Fired three torpedoes against an 800 tons coaster from 2000 yards. 1724 hours - Fired three torpedoes against an 1000 tons freighter from 2000 yards. The results of these attacks were negative. 1726 hours - Saw the second ship coming straight towards us. Went as deep as possible (60 feet) and took evasive action. 1735 hours - The ship went overhead but no depth charges were dropped. 1905 hours - As nothing was heard anymore, came to periscope depth. 2000 hours - Surfaced.

Submarine USS Cod: USS Cod (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Adkins) suffers a fire in the after torpedo room. She is able to continue her patrol.

Submarine USS Sunfish: USS Sunfish (Cdr. J.W. Reed) ended her 11th war patrol at Pearl Harbor.

Submarine USS Tinosa: USS Tinosa (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Latham) departed from Guam for her 10th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Caroline Islands area.

Submarine USS Lionfish: At 0601I/28, in the northern part of the Yellow Sea, in position 38°38'N, 123°22'E, USS Lionfish (T/Lt.Cdr. E.D. Spruance, USN) sighted what are thought to be two enemy picket boats proceeding to the west at 10 knots. They were evaded and passed at a range of 3700 yards.

Submarine USS Moray: USS Moray (T/Cdr. F.L. Barrows, USN) and USS Runner (T/Cdr. R.H. Bass) conducted exercises in Panama Bay together with USS MacLeish (Lt. D.S. Cramer, USNR), USS McCormick (Lt. T.J. Moriarty, USNR) and USS Bulmer (Lt. T.C. Farrell, USNR).

Submarine USS Caiman: USS Caiman (Lt.Cdr. W.L. Fey, Jr., USN) departed from Subic Bay for her 3rd war patrol. Once again she was ordered to patrol in the South China Sea and the Gulf of Siam. She was escorted out by USS Kenneth M. Willett (Lt.Cdr. W.T. Flynn, USNR). For daily and attack positions for USS Caiman during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine USS Bullhead: USS Bullhead (Cdr. W.T. Griffith, USN) ended her 1st war patrol at Subic Bay, Philippines. She was escorted in by USS Doyle C. Barnes (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Ingle, Jr., USNR). At Subic Bay she was refitted by USS Howard W. Gilmore.

Submarine USS Entemedor: USS Entemedor (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Smith, Jr., USN) is put on the slipway at New London, Connecticut.

Submarine USS Sennet: USS Sennet (Cdr. G.E. Porter) torpedoed and sank the Japanese cable layer Hatsushima (1564 GRT) off the Kii Suido, south-south-east of Mikizaki, Japan in position 33°55'N, 136°18'E.

Submarine USS Trepang: While on her 4th war patrol USS Trepang (Cdr. A.R. Faust) torpedoed and sank the Japanese landing ship T 146 (870 tons) off Osezaki, Japan in position 32°24'N, 128°40'E.

Submarine USS Springer: USS Springer (Cdr. R. Kefauver) torpedoed and sank the Japanese submarine chaser Ch 17 (438 tons, offsite link) off Fukue Shima, Goto archipelago, Japan in position 32°25'N, 128°46'E.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Colossus: HMS Colossus (Capt. G.H. Stokes,CB, DSC, RN) is undocked.

Submarine HMS Rorqual: HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) is put back in the water.

Submarine HMS Surf: HMS Surf (Lt. H.W. Wilkinson, RN) conducted trials off Sheerness.

Submarine HMS Scotsman: HMS Scotsman (Lt. A.H.B. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HrMs Tijgerhaai (Lt.Cdr. A. van Altena, RNN) served as the target.

Submarine HMS Sea Devil: Sea Devil (Lt. D.W. Mills, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh followed by trials in the Clyde area. On completetion of these trials Sea Devil returned to her builders yard at Greenock.

Submarine HMS Tactician: Around 1830B/28, HMS Amphion (Cdr. R.H. Dewhurst, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Trespasser (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN), HMS Tactician (Lt. B.L.D. Rowe, DSC, RN) and their escort HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Tudor: HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) is put on the slipway at Fremantle.

Submarine HMS Tantalus: HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Aden bound for Port Said.

Submarine HMS Tiptoe: HMS Tiptoe (Lt. R.L. Jay, RN) conducted exercises and noise and radar trials off Fremantle.

Submarine HMS Totem: HMS Totem (Lt.Cdr. M.B. St. John, DSC, RN) is docked at Holy Loch in AFD 7.

Submarine HMS Tradewind: HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese merchant tanker Takasago Maru (1116 GRT, built 1941) in the Gulf of Siam in position 06°48'N, 101°36'E. (All times are zone -9) 1105 hours - In position 06°53'N, 101°44'E sighted an aircraft right ahead approaching. It than turned south and disappeared in that direction. Maybe some 'game' was nearby in that direction. 1352 hours - In position 06°49'N, 101°40'E sighted smoke bearing 150°. A few minutes later a seaplane was sighted in that direction about 12 nautical miles away. Started to close. 1603 hours - Finally masts and funnels were seen bearing 171°. Ran in to attack. The convoy was seen to be two a small tankers escorted by two or three small escorts. They were hugging the shore very close on a course of 325° at a speed of 8.5 knots. 1643 hours - Fired four torpedoes at the leading tanker from about 3500 yards. It was not possible to get any closer. 1646 hours - Heard one explosion exactly 3 minutes after firing the last torpedo, giving it a running range of 4000 yards. As Tradewind was taking evasive action but it was thought possible that one hit was obtained. 1657 hours - For the next two minutes seven depth charges were dropped by one of the escorts but these were not close. For the next 40 minutes this escort hunted Tradewind. Several single depth charges were dropped but these did no damage. 1740 hours - A second escort vessel joined the hunt but both were never in contact. 1855 hours - Came to periscope depth to find nothing in sight.

Submarine HMS Trump: HMS Trump (Lt. A.A. Catlow, RN) conducted exercises off Fremantle.

Submarine HMS Upright: HMS Upright (Lt. J.A.L. Wilkinson, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda with HMCS Ingonish (T/Lt. H.V. Shaw, RCNVR) and HMCS Westmount (T/Lt. R.P. Jackson, 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 Loch Alsh with HMCS Kootenay (A/Lt.Cdr. W.H. Willson, DSC, RCN) and HMCS Saskatchewan (A/Lt.Cdr. T.C. Pullen, RCN).

Submarine HMS Urtica: HMS Urtica (Lt. R.C. Bucknall, RN) conducted exercises off Moelfre Bay.

Submarine HMS Vagabond: HMS Vagabond (Lt. I.M. Stoop, DSC, RN) conducted special torpedo trials off Arrochar. Upon completion of these HMS Vagabond proceeded to Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Venturer: HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 13th war patrol at Lerwick.

Submarine HMS Volatile: HMS Volatile (Lt. F.R. Lawrence, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory.

Submarine USS R-1: USS R-1 (Lt. W.A. Schoenfeld, USN) conducted A/S exercises off Casco Bay, Maine together with USS Spry (Lt. H.R. Snavely, USNR) and USCGC Comanche (Lt. J.W. Hume, USCGR).

Submarine USS R-4: USS R-4 (Lt. D.C. Peto, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

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

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

Destroyer HNMS Van Galen (ii): During her refit at Southampton, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Mulock van der Vlies Bik, RNethN) is undocked.

Submarine USS Cutlass: Having completed her torpedo trials, USS Cutlass (Cdr. H.L. Jukes, USN) arrived at New London, Connecticut.

Submarine USS S-12: USS S-12 arrived at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Submarine USS S-14: USS S-14 arrived at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Submarine USS Pipefish: USS Pipefish (Cdr. W.N. Deragon) departed from Midway for her 5h war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Honshu in Japanese home waters.

Submarine HNoMS Utsira: HNoMS Utsira (Lt.Cdr. S. Valvatne) arrived at Dundee.

1948

Submarine USSR ShCh-307: Disarmed and reformed to floating charging station PZS-5