Laid down (41)

1917: Sloop Moresby

1939: Minesweeper Boston (J 14) - Corvette Hollyhock (K 64) - Minesweeper Rye (J 76) - Submarine M-114 - Submarine M-115 - Submarine M-116

1940: MS Trawler Lahore (T 253) - Corvette Borage (K 120)

1941: Destroyer Jenkins (DD 447) - Destroyer La Vallette (DD 448) - Escort carrier Nassau (CVE 16)

1942: Escort Carrier Patroller (D 07) - Destroyer Escort Bebas (DE 10) - Destroyer Escort Carlson (DE 9) - Destroyer Escort Donnell (DE 56) - Destroyer Escort Griswold (DE 7) - Escort carrier Keneenaw (CVE 44) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-190 (LCI(L)-190) - Landing craft tank LCT 391 (LCT 391) - Tank landing ship LST 71 (LST 71) - Motor torpedo boat PT 192 - Destroyer Escort Steele (DE 8) - Minesweeper YMS-337 (YMS-337)

1943: Destroyer Childers (R 91) - Destroyer Chivalrous (R 21) - Minesweeper Hare (J 389) - Minesweeper Jewel (J 390) - Minesweeper Liberty (J 391) - Destroyer Escort Eugene E. Elmore (DE 686) - Frigate Grand Island (PF-14) - Tank landing ship LST 606 (LST 606) - Net tender Mastic (AN 46) - Patrol craft PC-812 (PC-812) - Minesweeper YMS-441 (YMS-441)

1944: Frigate Hollesley Bay (K 614) - Landing craft support LCS(L)-127 (LCS(L)-127) - Landing craft tank LCT 1428 (LCT 1428) - Medium landing ship LSM 290 (LSM 290) - Tank landing ship LST 1096 (LST 1096) - Destroyer tender Tidewater (AD 31)

Launched (64)

1909: Submarine tender Beaver (AS 5)

1912: MS Trawler Silicia - MS Trawler Strephon (FY 1829)

1916: MS Trawler Caswell (FY 500) - MS Trawler Dunraven Castle (FY 570) - MS Trawler Refundo (FY 830) - MS Trawler Resmilo - MS Trawler Saronta (FY 1849)

1928: Sloop Culver (Y 87) - Repair Ship Resource (F 79) - Cutter Mendota

1935: ASW Trawler Larwood (FY 172)

1939: Submarine S-55

1940: Escort carrier Avenger (D 14) - Corvette Lavender (K 60) - Submarine Uproar (P 31)

1942: Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-177 (LCI(L)-177) - Minesweeper Combatant (J 341) - Minesweeper Cynthia (J 345) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-111 (LCI(L)-111) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-112 (LCI(L)-112) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-177 (LCI(L)-177) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-178 (LCI(L)-178) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-111 (LCI(L)-111) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-112 (LCI(L)-112) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-177 (LCI(L)-177) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-178 (LCI(L)-178) - Landing craft tank LCT 85 (LCT 85) - Tank landing ship LST 469 (LST 469) - Corvette Pert (PG-95) - Motor torpedo boat PT 165

1943: Destroyer escort Algerien - Frigate Kokanee (K 419) - Frigate Runnymede (K 678) - Corvette Amberley Castle (K 386) - Aircraft Carrier Glory (62) - Corvette Launceston Castle (K 397) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-389 (LCI(L)-389) - Landing Craft Tank LCT 1026 (LCT 1026) - Motor minesweeper MMS 1050 (FY 1050) - Frigate Narborough (K 578) - Frigate Torrington (K 577) - Destroyer Escort Chaffee (DE 230) - Net tender Cliffrose (AN 42) - Frigate Grand Forks (PF-11) - Destroyer Escort Holder (DE 401) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-389 (LCI(L)-389) - Landing craft tank LCT 601 (LCT 601) - Tank landing ship LST 56 (LST 56) - Patrol craft PC-1180 (PC-1180) - Motor torpedo boat PT 410 - Motor torpedo boat PT 463 - Submarine chaser SC-1502 (SC-1502) - Destroyer Escort William T. Powell (DE 213) - Minesweeper YMS-306 (YMS-306) - Minesweeper YMS-371 (YMS-371) - High speed transport Yokes (APD 69)

1944: Landing Craft Tank LCT 1276 (LCT 1276) - Landing craft support LCS(L)-124 (LCS(L)-124) - Medium landing ship LSM 304 (LSM 304) - Medium landing ship LSM 305 (LSM 305) - Tank landing ship LST 855 (LST 855) - Tank landing ship LST 866 (LST 866) - Patrol craft PCE(R)-854 (PCE(R)-854)

Commissioned (43)

1918: Destroyer Tarbell (DD 142)

1932: Large destroyer Tartu

1933: Submarine ShCh-107

1935: Large destroyer L'Audacieux - Submarine M-84

1939: Destroyer Kelvin (F 37) - Submarine Sealion (i) (195)

1940: Motor Launch ML 131 (ML 131) - Motor Launch ML 169 (ML 169) - Submarine K-3

1941: Motor minesweeper MMS 60 (J 560) - Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 201 (MTB 201)

1942: Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-172 (LCI(L)-172) - Landing Craft Tank LCT 579 (LCT 579) - Motor Gun Boat MGB 634 (MGB 634) - Motor minesweeper MMS 91 (J 591) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-335 (LCI(L)-335) - Landing craft tank LCT 169 (LCT 169) - Landing craft tank LCT 258 (LCT 258) - Landing craft tank LCT 85 (LCT 85) - Tank landing ship LST 353 (LST 353) - Tank landing ship LST 354 (LST 354) - Submarine chaser SC-751 (SC-751)

1943: Frigate Outremont (K 322) - Frigate Stormont (K 327) - Destroyer Callaghan (DD 792) - Destroyer Escort Gary (DE 326) - Escort carrier Kalinin Bay (CVE 68) - Tank landing ship LST 50 (LST 50) - Destroyer Escort Merrill (DE 392) - Minesweeper YMS-355 (YMS-355)

1944: Harbour Defence Motor Launch HDML 1458 (ML 1458) - Escort carrier Commencement Bay (CVE 105) - Minesweeper Hilarity (AM 241) - Landing craft support LCS(L)-119 (LCS(L)-119) - Landing craft support LCS(L)-82 (LCS(L)-82) - Medium landing ship LSM 283 (LSM 283) - Tank landing ship LST 805 (LST 805) - Tank landing ship LST 850 (LST 850) - Tank landing ship LST 891 (LST 891) - Patrol craft PCE-896 (PCE-896) - Patrol craft PCS-1387 (PCS-1387) - Minesweeper Pochard (AM 375)

1940: Minelayer Port Napier (M 32)

1941: Sloop Parramatta (L 44 / U 44)

1942: Destroyer Bordelais - Destroyer Casque - Large destroyer Cassard - Heavy cruiser Colbert - Colonial sloop D'Iberville - Battlecruiser Dunkerque - Heavy cruiser Foch - Light cruiser Jean de Vienne - Large destroyer Kersaint - Submarine L'Espoire - Large destroyer L'Indomptable - Light cruiser La Galissonniere - Destroyer La Palme - Destroyer Le Corsaire - Destroyer Le Flibustier - Destroyer Le Hardi - Destroyer Le Mars - Gunboat Les Esparges - Destroyer Mameluk - Light cruiser Marseillaise - Submarine Naiade - Submarine Pascal - Large destroyer Tartu - Large destroyer Vauban - Large destroyer Vauquelin - Submarine Vengeur - Submarine Vénus

1943: Motor Launch ML 126 (ML 126)

1944: Submarine chaser SC-744 (SC-744)

More information on Allied Warships losses.

Destroyer USS Rathburne: Last convoy to New York completed. Remained in New York until January, 1919.

1939

Heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk: HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.G.B. Wilson, DSO, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from the Northern Patrol.

Heavy cruiser HMS Sussex: HMS Sussex (Capt. A.R. Hammick, RN) and HMS Shropshire (Capt. A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN) are ordered to return to South Africa to fuel after which they were to proceed on patrol in the South Atlantic.

Light cruiser HMS Cardiff: Around 0815Z/27, HMS Cardiff (Capt. P.K. Enright, RN) departed Sullom Voe for patrol. She was ordered to patrol north-east of the Shetland Islands.

Light cruiser HMS Colombo: Around 0900Z/27, HMS Colombo (Commodore R.J.R. Scott, RN) arrived at Sullom Voe from patrol. After fuelling she departed again to resume her patrol around 1300Z/27.

Light cruiser HMS Danae: Around 1015GH/27, HMS Danae (Capt. A.C. Collinson, RN) arrived at Singapore from Colombo.

Light cruiser HMS Despatch: HMS Despatch (Commodore 2nd cl. A. Poland, DSO, RN) arrived at Valparaíso, Chili.

Light cruiser HMAS Perth: HMAS Perth (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN) entered the Gulf of Dulce staying outside the three mile limit. No enemy ships were sighted and HMAS Perth set course for Solano Bay, Colombia.

Light cruiser HMAS Sydney: HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Rottnest Island.

Light cruiser HMS Glasgow: Around 0930Z/27, HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) departed Scapa Flow to patrol off the coast of Norway.

Light cruiser HNMS Tromp: HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.W. Termijtelen, RNN) arrived at Batavia, Java.

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

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Asturias: With her repairs completed HMS Asturias (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN) proceeded from Glasgow to Greenock.

Submarine HMS Orpheus (i): HMS Orpheus (Cdr. C.J. Blake, RN) conducted exercises off Hong Kong.

Submarine HMS Regulus (i): HMS Regulus (Cdr. J.M. Money, RN) was docked at Hong Kong.

Submarine HMS Severn: HMS Severn (Lt.Cdr. B.W. Taylor, RN) arrived at Dakar.

Submarine HMS Narwhal: HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Halifax.

Submarine HMS Cachalot: HMS Cachalot (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN) was undocked.

Submarine HMS Tribune: For the positions of HMS Tribune during her 1st war patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Tribune: Around 2030Z/27, HMS Tribune (Lt.Cdr. G.P.S. Davies, RN) departed from Portsmouth for her 1st war patrol. This is a short patrol in the North Sea. Tribune is escorted to the North Goodwin light vessel by HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN). From there HMS Leda (Lt.Cdr. N.R. Courthope-Munroe, RN) took over.

Submarine HMS Triumph (i): During the afternoon HMS Triumph (Lt.Cdr. J.W. McCoy, RN) was ordered to search for her damaged sister ship HMS Triad (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, RN) and escorting the destroyers. She is unable to find her stricken sister.

Submarine HMS Triad: At 0015A/27, in very heavy weather and rough seas, HMS Triad (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, RN), while in position 58°45'N, 05°23'E (to the south of Stavanger), developed problems with her after hydroplanes. The result of these problems is that she was not under control. Repairs could not be made and after a few hours a signal was made to base requesting a tow and escort. Around 1100A/27 three Hudson aircraft arrived on the scene and patrolled overhead. Around 1500A/27 the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, RN) and HMS Maori (Cdr. G.N. Brewer, RN) arrived on the scene. Around 1615A/27 HMS Triad was taken in tow by HMS Inglefied, however around 1800A/27 the tow parted and efforts to resume towing failed.

Battlecruiser HMS Repulse: Around 0500Q/27, the battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. E.J. Spooner, DSO, RN) and the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. M.L. Clarke, DSC, RN), departed Halifax for patrol in the Atlantic providing cover for convoys. They returned to Halifax around 0800Q/3.

Destroyer HMAS Voyager: HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) departed Port Blair to return to Nancowry and search isolated anchorages in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for enemy activity en-route.

Destroyer HMAS Waterhen: HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) returned to Colombo from operations. Earlier on this day, she picked up the entire crew (Pilot Sub.Lt. M R Maund, RN, Leading Airman J Manning, and Telegraphist Air Gunner J C Mardlin) from the sea of a Swordfish of 824 Squadron from HMS Eagle which had crashed while on A/S patrol off Colombo.

Destroyer HMS Defender: HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN) arrived at Malta.

Destroyer HMS Duchess: HMS Duchess (Lt.Cdr. R.C.M. White, RN) and the liners Ettrick (11279 GRT, built 1938) and Devonshire (11275 GRT, built 1939) arrived at Alexandria.

Destroyer HMS Jackal: HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN) and HMS Janus (Lt.Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN) departed the Humber around 1515/27 for a night patrol. They returned around 0945/28.

Destroyer HMS Kandahar: HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) returned to Scapa Flow.

Destroyer HMS Kashmir: HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) returned to Scapa Flow from operations.

Destroyer HMS Kelvin: At 1745 hours, HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. J.L. Machin, RN), was commissioned at Govan having completed her acceptance trials.

Destroyer HMS Khartoum: With her work up programme completed HMS Khartoum (Cdr. D.T. Dowler, RN) shifted from Portland to Plymouth.

1940

Light cruiser HMS Caledon: Around 1650C/27, HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Aden with the troop transport Highland Brigade (British, 14134 GRT, built 1929).

Light cruiser HMS Dauntless: HMS Dauntless (Capt. G.D. Moore, RAN) is docked in the floating dock at Singapore.

Light cruiser HMS Dragon: At 0615A/27, the light cruiser HMS Dragon (Capt. R.J. Shaw, MBE, RN) departed Freetown to intercept the Vichy-French transport Ville du Havre (5083 GRT, built 1919) which had been been en-route from Dakar southwards. She had broken down the previous day in approximate position 00°10'N, 19°30'W. The position was later amended to 00°44'N, 19°54'W. The aircraft carrier HMS Hermes (Capt. R.F.J. Onslow, DSC, MVO, RN) and heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, RN) which were en-route from the St.Helena area to Freetown were also ordered to search for the Vichy-French ship and give assistance to HMS Durban. The Vichy ship was found by HMS Dragon at 0940N/29 and within half an hour an armed guard was placed on board. The Vichy ship turned out to have lost her propeller. The tug Buffle arrived to tow her back to Dakar. The armed guard was taken off at 1440N/30 in position 01°40'N, 21°00'W and the ship was released. HMS Dragon then set course to return to Freetown.

Heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins: HMS Hawkins (Capt. H.P.K. Oram, RN) conducted compass swing trials and gunnery exercises in False Bay. In the evening more exercises were carried out on completion of which she left for patrol in the South Atlantic. She was also to make rendezvous with convoy WS 4B on 4 December 1940 in approximate position 04°00'S, 05°12'E. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 4B ' for 18 November 1940.]

Light cruiser HMAS Hobart: Around 1830C/27, HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) arrived at Aden from convoy escort duty.

Light cruiser HMAS Hobart: Convoy BN 10. On departure from Bombay the convoy was made up of the following transports; El Madina (British, 3962 GRT, built 1937), Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924) and Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923). It was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN). Around 1310C/1, the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN) relieved HMS Hector in position 14°11'N, 53°03'E. At 0700C/3, the sloop HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN) joined in position 12°22'N, 45°30'E. At 1630C/3, the convoy joined the ' Aden section ' of the convoy in position 12°25'N, 43°40'E. The Aden section was made up of the following transports / tankers; Alcides (British, 7634 GRT, built 1930), Aldington Court (British, 4891 GRT, built 1929), Alpherat (Dutch, 5759 GRT, built 1928), British Destiny (British (tanker), 8470 GRT, built 1937), California Star (British, 8300 GRT, built 1938), City of Auckland (British, 8336 GRT, built 1914), City of Dunkirk (British, 5861 GRT, built 1912), Doris (Greek, 4604 GRT, built 1917), Elizabeth Moller (British, 4353 GRT, built 1906), Garmula (British, 5254 GRT, built 1920), Gazana (British, 5284 GRT, built 1920), Hatasu (British, 3198 GRT, built 1921), Islami (British, 5879 GRT, built 1934), Macoma (Dutch (tanker), 8069 GRT, built 1936), Naringa (British, 6607 GRT, built 1923), Nyholm (Norwegian (tanker), 5843 GRT, built 1927), Pontfield (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1940), Riley (British, 4993 GRT, built 1936), Silvermaple (British, 5313 GRT, built 1937), Star of Suez (Egyptian, 4999 GRT, built 1926), Sygna (Norwegian, 3881 GRT, built 1907), Tanafjord (Norwegian, 5922 GRT, built 1921) and Trentbank (British, 5060 GRT, built 1929). The captured Italian submarine HMS X 2 (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) P.E. Heathfield, RN) was also part of the convoy. The ' Aden section ' of the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), destroyer HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) and sloop HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN). Around 1750C/5, in position 18°08'N, 40°08'E the transport Talma parted company to proceed to Port Sudan. She was escorted by HMS Calcutta and HMS Kimberley. Around 0530C/5, the Alcides, Sygna and parted company to proceed to Port Sudan escorted by HMIS Indus. The transport Islami also parted company to proceed to Jeddah. Around 1600C/6, HMS Kimberley rejoined having fuelled at Port Sudan. Around 1200C/7, convoy BN 10 and convoy BS 10 met in position 21°50'N, 37°50'E. HMAS Hobart, HMS Kimberley and HMS Auckland joined convoy BS 10 and the sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) took over the escort of convoy BN 10. One hour later HMS Kimberley was ordered to escort the transport Talma to convoy BN 10. This ship had been escorted to the rendezvous position from Port Sudan by HMIS Indus. HMIS Indus then joined convoy BS 10. After the Talma had rejoined convoy BN 10, HMS Kimberely proceeded south again to rejoin convoy BS 10. Convoy BN 10, escorted by HMS Grimsby and HMIS Clive arrived at Suez on 10 December 1940.

Light cruiser HMAS Perth: Around 0650H/27, HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN) returned to Fremantle from patrol. Around 1800H/27, HMAS Canberra (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN) also returned to Fremantle from patrol. The flag of Rear-Admiral Crace was then transferred from HMAS Perth to HMAS Canberra.

Light cruiser HMAS Adelaide: Around 0210K/27, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Zealandia (Australian, 6660 GRT, built 1910) departed Brisbane / Moreton Bay and proceeded northwards. Around 2300K/27, the parted company near Lady Elliot Island. The Zealandia then continued on towards Thursday Island unescorted inside the reefs. HMAS Adelaide set course for Sydney.

Light cruiser HNMS Tromp: HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.W. Termijtelen, RNN) departed the Gulf of Sukadana (in west Borneo, near Strait Karimata) for Batavia (Jakarta), Java.

Submarine HNMS O 14: HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. H. Tichelman, RNN) shifted from Tobermory to Oban to fuel and then back to Tobermory.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Formidable: HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.La T. Bisset, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area on completion of which she returned to Greenock. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Vesper (Lt.Cdr. W.F.E. Hussey, DSC, RN) and HMS Venomous (Lt.Cdr. J.E.H. McBeath, RN).

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Carthage: Around 0800DE/27, HMS Carthage (Capt.(Retd.) B.O. Bell-Salter, RN) arrived at Mauritius from patrol. After fuelling she departed to patrol off Madagascar around 1445DE/27.

Submarine HMS Unbeaten: HMS Unbeaten (Lt. E.A. Woodward, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar.

Submarine HMS Oberon: HMS Oberon (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with the Dutch torpedo boat HrMs Z 8 (Lt.Cdr. P.A. de Boer, RNN).

Submarine HMS Otway: HMS Otway (Lt. E.D. Norman, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS Rover: HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) was docked at Alexandria.

Submarine HMS Sunfish: MS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Blyth for her 18th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol between Stadlandet and Fro Havet, Norway. For the daily and attack positions of HMS Sunfish during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Thunderbolt: HMS Thunderbolt (Lt. C.B. Crouch, RN) conducted noise trials in lower Loch Long.

Submarine HMS Tigris: Around 0732A/27, near the Pendeen lighthouse, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, RN), made rendezvous with her escort towards Holy Loch, HMS Surprise (Capt.(ret) E.Stubbs, RN).

Submarine HMS Unique: HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) arrived at Dartmouth to participate in A/S exercises.

Submarine HMS Upholder: HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) was undocked, conducted propeller trials which again were not satisfactory and she was docked yet again in the floating dock.

Submarine HMS H 33: HMS H 33 (Lt. G.P. Darling, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory.

Submarine HMS H 34: HMS H 34 (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Jones, RNR) and HMS Van Oost.

Light cruiser HMS Neptune: HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN, the Vice-Admiral commanding 1st Cruiser Squadron) arrived at Lagos.

Light cruiser HMS Kenya: HMS Kenya (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, RN) conducted 4" AA gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. These were followed by a ranging exercise during which HMS Southdown (Cdr. E.R. Condor, DSO, DSC, RN) served as the target.

Light cruiser HMS Nigeria: HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.M. Burrough, CB, RN) proceeded from Plymouth Sound to the Devonport Dockyard.

Destroyer HMS Harvester: HMS Harvester (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, RN) and HMS Havelock (Lt.Cdr. E.H. Thomas, RN) both pick up a survivor from the British merchant Glenmoor that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-103 about 167 miles northwest of Sylne Head in position 54°35'N, 14°31'W.

Destroyer HMAS Waterhen: Convoy AS 7. This convoy departed Piraeus on 27 November 1940. It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Clan MacArthur (British, 10528 GRT, built 1936), Imperial Star (British, 12427 GRT, built 1934), Johan de Witt (Dutch, 10474 GRT, built 1920) and Nieuw Zeeland (Dutch, 11069 GRT, built 1928). The convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN). On the 28th the destroyer HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN) joined the convoy. The convoy arrived at Port Said on 30 November 1940.

Destroyer HMS Active: The British merchant Diplomat is torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-104 128 nautical miles west-north-west of Bloody Foreland in position 55°42'N, 11°37'W. HMS Active (A/Cdr. E.C.L. Turner, RN) later picks up 39 survivors.

Destroyer HMS Javelin: HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN, with Capt.(D.5) Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN on board), HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) departed Plymouth at 1750/27 for patrol.

Destroyer HMS Kipling: HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) arrived at Dartmouth for exercises.

Submarine HMS L 23: HMS L 23 (Lt. M.L.C. Crawford, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Dundee.

1941

Heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra: HMAS Canberra (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN) is docked in the Sutherland Dry Dock at the Cockatoo Island Dockyard.

Light cruiser HMS Dauntless: HMS Dauntless (A/Capt. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) departed Colombo for Addu Atoll.

Light cruiser HMAS Hobart: HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, CBE, RAN) is undocked.

Light cruiser HMAS Perth: HMAS Perth (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) conducted exercises in Port Phillip.

Light cruiser HMS Birmingham: HMS Birmingham (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H. Pegram, DSO, RN) arrived at Samborombón Bay where she Topped off with fuel from the RFA tanker Arndale (8296 GRT, built 1937). She then departed for a patrol in the South Atlantic which was to end at Simonstown, South Africa.

Light cruiser HMS Glasgow: Around 1900F/27, in approximate position 06°00'N, 82°00'E, HMS Glasgow (Capt. H. Hickling, DSO, RN) parted company with the troop transport Awatea (British, 13482 GRT, built 1936). The troop transport then proceeded to Colombo unescorted arriving there on the 28th. HMS Glasgow then set course for Madras.

Light cruiser HMS Sheffield: HMS Sheffield (Capt. A.W. Clarke, RN) arrived at Seidisfjord from Scapa Flow. She had been delayed by heavy weather.

Light cruiser HMS Sheffield: Convoy PQ 5. This convoy departed Hvalfjord for Archangelsk on 27 November 1941. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Briarwood (British, 4019 GRT, built 1930), Chulmleigh (British, 5445 GRT, built 1938), Empire Stevenson (British, 6209 GRT, built 1941), Komiles (Russian, 3962 GRT, built 1932), Petrovski (Russian, 3771 GRT, built 1921), St. Clears (British, 4312 GRT, built 1936) and Trehata (British, 4817 GRT, built 1928). On departure from Hvalfjord the convoy was escorted by the minesweepers HMS Sharpshooter (Lt.Cdr. D. Lampen, RN), HMS Hebe (Lt.Cdr. J.B.G. Temple, DSC, RN) and HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. J.R.A. Seymour, RN). The light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. A.W. Clarke, RN) departed Seidisfjord to provide close cover for the convoy. On 5 December 1941, the minesweepers HMS Bramble (Capt. J.H.F. Crombie, RN) and HMS Seagull (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Pollock, RN) departed Murmansk to joined the convoy which the did around 0600Z/27. HMS Sheffield, HMS Hebe and HMS Hazard then parted company to proceed to Murmansk where they arrived on the 8th. HMS Sheffield had parted company with the minesweepers around 2200Z/27 and arrived ahead of them in the Kola Inlet. The convoy, now escorted by HMS Bramble, HMS Seagull and HMS Sharpshooter arrived at Archangelsk on 13 December.

Light cruiser HMS Edinburgh: HMS Edinburgh (Capt. H.W. Faulkner, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.N. Syfret, CB, RN) departed Hvalfiord to patrol in the Iceland - Faeroer gap.

Light cruiser HNMS Tromp: After dawn, HrMs Tromp (Cdr. J.B. de Meester, RNN), had launched her aircraft for a search. When the aircraft returned it was damaged while landing in the rough seas. It was taken on board but was beyond repair by the ships crew.

Submarine HNMS O 14: HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. G. Quint, RNN(R)) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN) and ML's.

Submarine HNMS O 9: HrMs O 9 (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory together with HMS Sluna (Lt.Cdr. E.W. Middleton, RNVR) and HMS Rosalind (Skr. E.G. Littler, DSC, RD, RNR).

Submarine USS Salmon: USS Salmon (Lt.Cdr Eugene Bradley McKinney) left Manila for a defensive patrol of the west coast of Luzon, when the Japanese attacked this patrol became her first war patrol.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Carthage: Around 0800B/27, HMS Carthage (Capt.(Retd.) H.L.I. Kirkpatrick, OBE, RN) departed Durban for Mauritius. She had military personnel on board to transport them to the island.

Submarine HMS Otway: HMS Otway (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area training a class of new submariners.

Submarine HMS Perseus (i): HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) is ordered (by signal) to patrol off the West coast of Greece instead of Benghazi, Libya.

Submarine HMS Triumph (i): Late in the evening, HMS Triumph (Lt. J.S. Huddart, RN) was ordered (by signal) to patrol in the South-West Aegean. Shortly afterwards this is changed to the Ionian Sea off Navarinon on the West coast of Greece as the Italian battle fleet was at sea. For the next few days Triumph was ordered to several patrol positions in the Ionian Sea to intercept the Italian battle fleet.

Submarine HMS Talisman: Around 1715B/27, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 12th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She is to patrol off the Western entrance to the Aegean (Kythera area). During her patrol she is also diverted to the West coast of Greece. [No map of this patrol can be displayed as there are no logs available for HMS Talisman for this period.]

Submarine HMS Thorn: Around 1200B/27, HMS Thorn (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Norfolk, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Alexandria.

Submarine HMS Upholder: HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) attacked a large tanker with four torpedoes near Capo dell'Armi in position 37°47'N, 15°44'E. All torpedoes missed the target. This was probably the tanker Iridio Mantovani (10540 GRT, built 1939). 0730B/27 - In position 37°47'N, 15°44'E sighted a large tanker escorted by two destroyers steering a course of 270°. Closed to attack. 0740B/27 - The enemy altered course to 335°. The escort was now seen to be one Partenope-class torpedo boat stationed ahead and one Generale-class torpedo boat astern. The tanker was seen to be 7000 to 8000 tons and appeared to be a new ship. 0745B/27 - Fired four torpedoes from 2800 yards. All torpedoes missed as the speed was underestimated. 0805B/27 - Heard one explosion, most likely a depth charge.

Submarine HMS Utmost: HMS Utmost (Lt.Cdr. R.D. Cayley, DSO, RN) ended her 16th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean) at Malta.

Submarine HMS P 36: HMS P 36 (Lt. H.N. Edmonds, DSC, RN) conducted a special operation. In the evening four agents were taken off a French fishing vessel and stores were transferred to this fishing vessel. This was Special Operation Fighter (Valise III for SIS).

Submarine HMS Unbending: HMS P 37 (Lt. H. Winter, RN) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr. (Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN).

Submarine HMS H 50: HMS H 50 (Lt. E.T. Stanley, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Campion (Lt.Cdr. A. Johnson, RNVR) and HMS Broke (Cdr. W.T. Couchman, OBE, RN).

Light cruiser HMS Naiad: ' Force B ' made up of the light cruisers HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria 0500B/27 for Malta where they were to join ' Force K ' operating from there. They were joined for the first part of the passage to Malta by the light cruisers HMS Naiad (Capt. M.H.A. Kelsey, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral P.L. Vian, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Griffin (Capt. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN). They remained in company until 1650B/27 after which they set course to return to Alexandria while making a sweep along the coast of Cyrenaica. They returned to Alexandria around 0845B/28. ' Force B '; HMS Ajax, HMS Neptune, HMS Kimberley and HMS Kingston arrived at Malta around 0845B/29.

Light cruiser HMS Kenya: Convoy QP 3. This convoy departed Archangel, Russia on 27 November 1941. The convoy was later dispersed with all the ships eventually proceeding to Kirkwall. The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Andre Marti (Russian, 2352 GRT, built 1918), Arcos (Russian, 2343 GRT, built 1918), Empire Baffin (British, 6978 GRT, built 1941), Herpalion (British, 5486 GRT, built 1932), Hartlebury (British, 5082 GRT, built 1934), Kuzbass (Russian, 3109 GRT, built 1914), Orient City (British, 5095 GRT, built 1940), Queen City (British, 4814 GRT, built 1924), Revolyutsioner (Russian, 2900 GRT, built 1936) and Temple Arch (British, 5138 GRT, built 1940). On departure from Archangel the convoy was escorted. [It is a bit unclear to us which ships escorted the convoy. This might have been by several out of the following minesweepers HMS Gossamer (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Crease, RN), HMS Hussar ( Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, RN), HMS Seagull (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Pollock, RN) and / or HMS Speedy (Lt. J.G. Brookes, DSC, RN). HMS Gossamer and HMS Hussar were definately with the convoy on its passage towards the west. HMS Seagull and HMS Speedy remained in Northern Russia.] Two merchant ships had to return due to defects, these were the Arcos and Kuzbass. Around 1500C/27, the destroyers HMS Bedouin (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, OBE, RN) and HMS Intrepid (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Lewes, DSC, RN) departed Murmansk to join the convoy which they did around 1200C/28. Around 1515C/28, the light cuiser HMS Kenya (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.M. Burrough, CB, RN) departed Murmansk to join the convoy which she did around 1230C/29. Around 1400B/2 HMS Bedouin and HMS Intrepid parted company with the convoy in position 73°44'N, 23°20'E to proceed to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1700A/5. At 1042B/3, HMS Kenya parted company with the convoy to proceed independently to Rosyth where she arrived around 1545A/6. HMS Gossamer and HMS Hussar also parted company with the convoy [we have been unable to find out when]. HMS Hussar arrived at Scapa Flow around 1600A/9 and HMS Gossamer at 1200A/11. [No more information on this convoy is currently available to us, this will have to be reseached further in the future.]

Light cruiser HMS Trinidad: In the afternoon / early evening HMS Duke of York (Capt. C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN) and HMS Trinidad (Capt. L.S. Saunders, RN) conducted RIX (rangefinding and inclination) exercises off Scapa Flow. These were followed by night encounter exercises. [No details available on the destroyer escort of HMS Duke of York.]

Battleship HMS Ramillies: HMS Ramillies (Capt. D.N.C. Tufnell, DSC, RN) conducted compass adjustment and D/G trials at Scapa Flow.

Battleship HMS Resolution: Around 0930A/27, HMS Resolution (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, CBE, RN), HMS Berkeley (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Walters, RN) and ORP Kujawiak (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) L. Lichodziejewski) arrived at Scapa Flow from Plymouth.

Destroyer HMAS Nizam: The destroyers HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN) and HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria with one of the Greek submarines.

Submarine ORP Sokol: ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) ended her 10th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Malta.

Submarine HMS L 23: HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners.

1942

Heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk: HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN) arrived at Hvalfjord from operations. She had sustained some weather damage.

Light cruiser HMS Dauntless: The transport Sontay (British, 8917 GRT, built 1921) departed Kilindini for Aden. She was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Dauntless (Capt. N.J.W. William-Powlett, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyer RHS Kanaris. At 0845C/3, RHS Panther joined. HMS Dauntless then parted company to proceed to Aden where she arrived in the afternoon of the 4th. Sontay, RHS Kanaris and RHS Panther arrived at Aden on 5 December.

Light cruiser HMS Despatch: HMS Despatch (Capt. W.R.C. Leggatt, RN) arrived at Recife after convoy escort duty.

Light cruiser HMS Dragon: HMS Dragon (Capt. P.F. Glover, RN) departed Ponta Delgada, Azores for Birkenhead / Liverpool.

Heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins: HMS Hawkins (Capt. G.A. French, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Kilindini / Mombasa.

Light cruiser HMS Birmingham: HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Bombay where the survivors were landed.

Light cruiser HMS Glasgow: In the morning, HMS Glasgow (Capt. E.M. Evans-Lombe, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials at Scapa Flow. In the afternoon HMS Glasgow carried out A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. This must have been with HMS H 32 (Lt. C. Gordon, RN) which was the only submarine at Scapa Flow at that time.

Submarine HNMS K XII: In the evening HrMs K XII (Lt.Cdr. T. Brunsting, RNN) landed party 'Tiger II' (3 men) on the South coast of Java in the Serang Bay. The 4th member of the party remained on board the submarine and it was intended to land him the following night with the radio set, however no contact with the party could be established. After landing party 'Tiger I' K XII returned to the Serang Bay and tried to establish contact until 6 December when course was set to return to Fremantle.

Submarine HNMS O 15: HrMs O 15 (Lt.Cdr. G. Quint, RNN(R)) was docked at Rosyth.

Submarine USS Blackfish: USS Blackfish (Lt.Cdr. J.F. Davidson) ended her 1st war patrol at Rosneath, Scotland.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Asturias: Around 1200Z/27, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Freetown from patrol.

Submarine HMS Una: HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) attacked an enemy convoy with three torpedoes north of the Gulf of Tunis in position 37°34'N, 10°33'E. All torpedoes missed their intended target despite the cliam for a hit. Later on the same day Una made another attack on a single escorted merchant vessel. Four torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained. (All times are zone -1) 0004 hours - Sighted two merchant vessels and one destroyer bearing 235°. Altered course to close. 0006 hours - Dived, the enemy meanwhile changed course to 185°. Stared attack. 0047 hours - Fired three torpedoes from 1500 yards. 50 Seconds after firing a very loud explosion was heard which broke numerous glass fittings in Una. As this gave a running range of 1200 yards it is thought that this was a torpedo hitting the target. The intended fouth torpedo of the salvo was now not fired. Evasive action was taken but Una was not counter attacked. The convoy attacked by Una was most likely made up of the Italian merchants Honestas (4932 GRT, built 1920), Sant'Antioco (4994 GRT, built 1919) and the German barge FP 477. They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Procione, Ciclone and Ardente. They heard two underwater explosions. -------------------------------------- 1128 hours - Observed three destroyers circling about three nautical miles to the North. 1132 hours - Sighted a merchant vessel of 3000 to 4000 tons steering about 240°. Una was right ahead at a range of about 8000 yards. It was assumed that Una was at the place of a rendez-vous. Started attack. 1226 hours - Near position in position 37°34'N, 10°47'E fired four torpedoes from 1200 yards. Una went deep upon firing. No sounds of a hit were heard. 1236 hours - Retured to periscope depth. The target was seen to proceed to the South-West with one of the destroyers. The other two destroyers were proceeding to the North. According to Italian sources these were the transports Monginevro (5324 GRT, built 1940), and Sestriere (7992 GRT, built 1942) escorted by destroyers Maestrale, Grecale, Ascari and Camicia Nera proceeding to Bizerta.

Submarine HMS Safari: HMS P 211 (Cdr. B. Bryant, DSC, RN) is docked at Malta.

Submarine HMS Sibyl: HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) was ordered to patrol off the Gulf of Tunis.

Submarine HMS Sea Nymph: HMS P 223 (Lt. G.D.N. Milner, DSC, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) served as target. Upon completion of these exercises HMS P 223 proceeded to Rothesay.

Submarine HMS Tribune: At 1143A/27, in approximate position 37°31'N, 10°17'E, HMS Tribune (Lt. N.J. Coe, DSC, RNR) sighted a destroyer bearing 070° steering approximately 170°. Range was about 6000 yards. ASDIC transmissions were heard. The sea was rough making observations difficult. At 1240A/27, in approximately the same position, a destroyer was sighted bearing 280° steering approximately 120°. It was only seen once owing to a heavy rain squall. The destroyers subsequent movements were not seen or heard. It was possible the same one that had been sighted about an hour before. At 1847A/27, a signal was received from Capt S 10, timed 1613A/27, ordering HMS Tribune to patrol off Cagliari, Sardinia.

Submarine HMS Trident: HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) conducted a post refit dive trial (basin trail) inside Troon harbour.

Submarine HMS Torbay: HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted trials and exercises in the Clyde area. She was escorted, for safety reasons, by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN)

Submarine HMS Thrasher: At 0156A/27, in position 38°09'N, 10°41'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) dived for a northbound transport in ballast escorted by a destroyer. The transport could not be attacked as HMS Thrasher had no torpedoes on board. No enemy report was made as there were no other allied units in the area. The transport sighted was most probably the Caterina Costa (Italian, 8060 GRT, built 1942) which was en-route from Bizerta to Naples escorted by the torpedo boats Sirio and Groppo. According to Italian sources this convoy was proceeding at a speed of 12.5 knots. An aircraft was first sighted at 2130B/26, and flares were dropped at 2230B/26 and again at 2305B/26 and at the same time a torpedo explosion was heard, apparently at the end of its course. An air attack was observed at long distance, and it was believed to be on the Procione convoy. At 0125B/27, an aircraft attacked Sirio with a torpedo from a distance of 500 metres but it was easily avoided. No submarines were sighted.

Submarine HMS Trusty: While moored at Colombo the transport Fort Alexandria (British, 7127 GRT, built 1942) rammed the stern of HMS Trusty (Lt.Cdr. E.F Balston, DSO, RN).

Submarine HMS Tactician: HMS P 314 (Lt.Cdr. E.A. Woodward, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from her builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Cape Portland (T/Lt. K.F. Rasmussen, RNR).

Submarine HMS Taurus: HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) proceeded to Campbeltown on completion of her night exercises.

Submarine HMS Upright: HMS Upright (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners.

Submarine HMS Unbending: HMS P 37 (Lt. E.T. Stanley, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 10th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the north of the Gulf of Tunis. For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 37 during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Unruly: HMS P 49 (Lt. J.P. Fyfe, RN) proceeded to Campbeltown on completion of her night exercises.

Submarine HMS H 32: HMS H 32 (Lt. C. Gordon, RN) participated in exercises at / off Scapa Flow.

Submarine HMS H 43: HMS H 43 (Lt. B.J.B. Andrew, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Test (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RN) and HMS Wedgeport (T/Lt. G.L. Fetherstonhaugh, RNR).

Submarine HMS H 44: HMS H 44 (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Minelayer HMS Welshman: HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, DSO, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria.

Light cruiser HMS Scylla: Around 1300Z/27, HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN), HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN), HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN) departed Algiers to join ' Force H ' at sea which they did around 4 hours later.

Battleship HMS King George V: During 27/28 November 1942, the battleships HMS King George V (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), heavy cruiser HMS Kent (Capt. A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, RN) and the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. These included night exercises. Escorting destroyers for HMS King George V were most likely HMS Quilliam (Capt. S.H. Carlill, DSO, RN), HMS Oribi (Cdr. J.E.H. McBeath, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walter, DSC, RN). HMS Loyal (Lt.Cdr. H.E.F. Tweedie, DSC, RN) is also a possibility.

Battleship HMS Howe: HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) conducted aircraft launching and recovering exercises at Scapa Flow. These were followed by gunnery exercises.

Destroyer HMS Kelvin: The light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, CB, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN or Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta.

Submarine USS R-1: USS R-1 (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Laughon, USN) conducted exercises off Bermuda.

Submarine USS R-10: USS R-10 (Lt.Cdr. E.D`H. Haskins, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-11:

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

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

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

Submarine USSR L-20: L-20 lays a minefield off Hellnes, northern Norway.

Submarine USSR M-111: At 1319 hours M-111 fires a torpedo at a German barge off Tulcea, Romania in position 45°55'N, 30°20'E. The torpedo misses its target. At 1608 hours M-111 fires a torpedo at the German auxiliary submarine chasers Schiff 19/Lola and UJ 116/Xanten in position 45°57'N, 30°22'E. Once again the torpedo misses its target.

Destroyer HNMS Tjerk Hiddes (ii): HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle.

Submarine HMS L 23: HMS L 23 (Lt. R. Boyd, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Carina (Lt. R.A.H. Lord, RNR) and HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR).

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

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

1943

Heavy cruiser HMS Kent: Around 1445C/27, the heavy cruiser HMS Kent (Capt. G.A.B. Hawkins, DSC, MVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral A.F.E. Palliser, CB, DSC, RN) and the light cruisers HMS Bermuda (Capt. T.H. Back, RN) and HMS Jamaica (Capt. J.L. Storey, DSO, RN) departed the Kola Inlet to provide cover for convoys JW 54B between 15°00'E and 41°00'E and RA 54B between 41°00'E and 05°00'E. [For more info on these convoys see the event ' Operation FT, passage of convoys JW 54A and JW 54B from the U.K. to Northern Russia as well as convoy RA 54B from Northern Russia to the U.K. ' for 15 November 1943.]

Heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk: HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN) arrived at Bombay from Colombo.

Light cruiser HMS Colombo: HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN), USS Frederick C. Davcis (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Goepner, USNR) and USS Herbert C. Jones (T/Lt.Cdr. A.W. Gardes, Jr., USN) arrived at Bizerta from convoy escort duty.

Light cruiser HMAS Adelaide: Around 0810H/27, HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) returned to Fremantle from exercises. [Note: no detailed report of proceedings is available for December 1943, during this month she only conducted exercises off Fremantle with American submarines, mostly acting as target for them.]

Light cruiser HNMS Tromp: HrMs Tromp (Cdr. F. Stam, RNN) arrived at Melbourne.

Submarine HNMS K XIV: HrMs K XIV (Lt.Cdr. J.F. Drijfhout van Hooff, RNN) was docked at Holy Loch for repairs to her forward hydroplanes.

Submarine USS Seawolf: USS Seawolf (Lt.Cdr. R.L. Gross) ended her 11th war patrol at Pearl Harbor.

Submarine USS Angler: USS Angler (Lt.Cdr. Robert I. Olsen) departed from Key West for Pearl Harbor.

Submarine USS Muskallunge: USS Muskallunge (Lt.Cdr. Michael P. Russillo) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 2nd war patrol, and was ordered to patrol in the Caroline Islands area.

Submarine USS Bowfin: USS Bowfin (Lt.Cdr. W.T. Griffith, USN) torpedoed and sank the French cargo ship Gouverneur General van Vollenhoven (691 GRT, built 1909) off coast of French Indochina in position 13°01'N, 109°30'E. (All times are zone H, -8) 1045 hours - Sighted a ship standing south along the coast. Submerged and commenced approach. The target turned out to be a small French coastal steamer of about 1500 tons with one gun aft. He was making only 4 knots. Decided to track him for the remainder of the day in the hope something bigger came along. 1600 hours - It began raining and visibility was closing in. Decided to surfaced when hoping to catch something bigger but to sink this ship first. 1618 hours - In position 13°01'N, 109°30'E fired three stern torpedoes at this Frenchman. Two hits were obtained and he disintegrated. He sank in less then one minute. 1622 hours - Surfaced. There was a fire on the water where the ship sank.

Submarine USS Seahorse: USS Seahorse (Lt.Cdr. S.D. Cutter) torpedoed and sank the Japanese tanker San Ramon Maru (7309 GRT) in the East China Sea in position 33°36'N, 128°57'E.

Submarine USS Burrfish: USS Burrfish (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Perkins, Jr., USN) arrived at Key West Florida to provide training services to the Fleet Sound School.

Submarine HMS Una: HMS Una (T/L. P.S. Thirsk, RNR) returned to Heysham.

Submarine HMS Clyde: HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) is docked in No.12 dock at Portsmouth.

Submarine HMS Sea Rover: For the daily positions of HMS Sea Rover during this passage see the map below.

Submarine HMS Sea Rover: HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Holy Loch for Gibraltar. She was escorted to Bishops Rock by the British minesweeper HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN).

Submarine HMS Sirdar: HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN) served as target. These included night exercises.

Submarine HMS Spiteful: HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) conducted A/S off Larne with aircraft.

Submarine HMS Storm: HMS Storm (T/Lt. E.P. Young, DSC, RNVR) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. After only about half an hour in harbour she departed for Holy Loch escorted by HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR). Off Scapa Flow they were joined by HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, RN).

Submarine HMS Stratagem: HMS Stratagem (T/Lt. R.L. Willoughby, RNR) conducted exercises off Lough Foyle.

Submarine HMS Spirit: HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR).

Submarine HMS Taku: HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow together with HMS Tuscan (Lt.Cdr. C.H.de B. Newby, RN) and HMS Virago (Lt.Cdr. A.J.R. White, RN).

Submarine HMS Torbay: HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) torpedoed and sank the transport Palma (German (former Italian Polcevera), 2609 GRT, built 1920) off Karlovassi, Samos, Greece in position 37°47'N, 26°38'E. Palma had been escorted by the German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ-2110 and the motor minesweeper R-210. They had just left Karlovasi. 0700B/27 - Saw an empty 1000 ton merchant ship anchored off the harbour and steered towards. 0717B/27 - The ship was now under way so waited to see which way she would go. She turned on a course of 260 and later 240 and worked up to 8 knots. Ran in at speed on a course of 210°, later fining up to 195°. A small escort vessel, perhaps a corvette, transmitting on 15kcs, took station ahead. There was another diesel powered escort astern but this was never seen. 0800B/27 - In position 270° - Karlovasi - 5 nautical miles fired two torpedoes set to two feet aimed at the two masts from 1000 yards. Both torpedoes were heard to hit after running for 50 seconds. 0805B/27 to 0840B/27 - Counter attacked by 4, 7 and 9 depth charges. The after periscope flooded and some leaks started. Torbay touched bottom at about 240 feet while making off. 1100B/27 - The A/S craft seemed to have lost contact and on returning to periscope depth the 'corvette' was seen 5 nautical miles astern with three Arado seaplanes searching. Made off to the north-west and then to the west.

Submarine HMS Thrasher: Around 1600A/27, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, RN) departed Scapa Flow. She was joined around 1745A/27, when off Dunnet Head, by HMS Hamlet (T/Lt. J.C. Boyd, RNVR). The next morning HMS Thrasher made rendez-vouz with HMS Storm (T/Lt. E.P. Young, DSC, RNVR) for onward passage to the Clyde. The submarines were escorted by HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR).

Submarine HMS Tactician: Around 2000FG/27, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) departed from Colombo for her 8th war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Siam. She is also to carry out two special operations (Missive II and Pritchard). For the daily positions of HMS Tactician during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Taurus: A 1040FG/27, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Colombo. She was escorted in by HMS Overdale Wyke (?) which had joined around 0900FG/27.

Submarine HMS Trespasser: HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) sighted the Japanese seaplane carrier Kamoi (offsite link) off Car Nicobar Island. Lt.Cdr. Favell is unable to attack as the range could not be sufficiently closed. 1355FG/27, sighted smoke bearing 130°. Altered course towards to close. This contact turned out to be the Japanese seaplane carrier Kamoi. Range could not be closed to less then 7 miles as the enemy ship turned away. She was seen to enter Sawai Bay where it must have anchored.

Submarine HMS Tradewind: HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft.

Submarine HMS Uproar: HMS Uproar (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 23th war patrol (18th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Southern France. She made the passage through the Tunisian War Channel in convoy MKS 32. For the daily and attack positions of HMS Uproar during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Unswerving: HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted exercises off Londonderry.

Submarine HNoMS Ula: HNoMS Ula (Lt. S. Valvatne) ended her 6th war patrol at Lerwick.

Submarine HMS Vampire: HMS Vampire (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included a practice attack HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN). HMS Vampire proceeded to Rothesay on completion of these exercises.

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

Submarine HMS H 44: HMS H 44 (Lt. H.C. Gowan, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Lycett, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Spaniel.

Submarine HMS H 50: HMS H 50 (Lt. J.F. Michell, RN) proceeded to the Sheerness Dockyard where she was taken in hand for refit.

Light cruiser HMS Ceylon: HMS Ceylon (Capt. G.B. Amery-Parkes, RN) arrived at Bombay.

Light cruiser HMS Uganda: The damaged HMS Uganda (Capt. W.G. Andrewes, RN) arrived at Charleston, South Carolina from Norfolk, Virginia. at Charleston she is to be taken in hand for battle damage repairs at the Navy Yard.

Battleship HMS King George V: The battleships HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) and HMS Howe (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, CB, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Tuscan (Lt.Cdr. C.H.de B. Newby, RN), HMS Kempenfelt (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Marjoribanks, RN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.D.E. Vivian, RN). During the exercises, the Rear-Admiral Home Fleet Destroyers, Rear-Admiral I.G. Glennie, CB, RN) flew his flag in HMS King George V.

Destroyer HMAS Quiberon: Convoy CM 47. This convoy departed Durban on 27 November 1943. It was made up of the following (troop) transports; City of Paris (British, 10902 GRT, built 1922), Empire Woodlark (British, 7793 GRT, built 1913) and Highland Brigade (British, 14134 GRT, built 1929). On departure from Durban the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Emerald (Capt. F.J. Wylie, RN). Around 1100C/4, the destroyers HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) and HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN) joined coming from Diego Suarez. Around 1830C/6, HMS Emerald parted company to proceed to Kilindini. The convoy arrived at Aden around 0700C/11.

Submarine USS S-42: USS S-42 (Lt.Cdr. H.K. Nauman) has developed engine trouble and puts into Attu for repairs. Repairs took considerable time and her patrol was cancelled. It was February 1944 before S-42 left for Dutch Harbour and from there to Pearl Harbor.

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. W.L. Fey, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-10: USS R-10 (Lt. 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-14: USS R-14 (Lt.Cdr. R. Holden, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Destroyer HNMS Tjerk Hiddes (ii): USS Cabrilla (T/Cdr. D.T. Hammond, USN) both conducted exercises off Fremantle. The destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) served as target ship during these exercises.

1944

Heavy cruiser HMS Kent: HMS Kent (Capt. G.A.B. Hawkins, DSC, MVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN) proceeded from Scapa Flow to Loch Ewe so that Rear-Admiral McGrigor could attend the convoy conference for convoy JW 62.

Light cruiser HMS Dauntless: HMS Dauntless (Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, DSO, RN) departed Rosyth for exercises upon completion of which she returned to Rosyth.

Light cruiser HMS Diomede: HMS Diomede (Cdr. R.A. Ewing, DSC, RN) departed Rosyth for exercises upon completion of which she proceeded to Methil.

Light cruiser HMS Birmingham: HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN) conducted exercises in Chesapeake Bay.

Destroyer USS Allen M. Sumner: USS Allen M. Sumner (Cdr. N.J. Sampson) departed from Ulithi bound for Leyte.

Destroyer USS Laffey (ii): USS Laffey (Cdr. F.J. Beston) departed from Ulithi bound for San Pedro Bay, Philippines.

Destroyer USS Shannon: USS Shannon arrived in the Panama Canal Zone.

Destroyer USS Thomas E. Fraser: USS Thomas E. Fraser departed from Norfolk bound for the Pacific.

Destroyer USS Walke (ii): USS Walke departed from Ulithi bound for San Pedro Bay, Philippines.

Destroyer USS Wallace L. Lind: USS Wallace L. Lind transits the Panama Canal.

Battleship USS Iowa: USS Iowa (Capt. A.R. McCann, USN) returned to Ulithi Atoll.

Submarine HNMS O 24: HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. P.J.S. de Jong, RNN) arrived at Dundee for some repairs.

Submarine USS Seadragon: During 27/28 November 1944, USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN), conducted exercises off Midway together with USS Greenlet (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Hodgson, Jr., USN). These included night exercises.

Submarine USS Cuttlefish: USS Cuttlefish departed Casco Bay, Maine for New London, Connecticut.

Submarine USS Billfish: USS Billfish (Cdr. V.C. Turner, USN) ended her 6th war patrol at Pearl Harbor. She is now sent to San Francisco for a major overhaul.

Submarine USS Dragonet: Around 1057I/27, USS Dragonet (T/Cdr. J.H. Lewis, USN) sighted the mast of a vessel bearing 248°T and picked up screw on the same bearing. Changed course and commenced a submerged approach. Position was 46°37'N, 146°09'E. At 1124I/27, the target was identified as a small sampan. The approach was broken off and USS Dragonet resumed her patrol.

Submarine USS Blackfin: USS Blackfin (Cdr. G.H. Laird, Jr., USN) arrived at Darwin, Australia.

Submarine USS Brill: USS Brill (Cdr. H.B. Dodge, USN) conducted exercises in Long Island Sound together with USS Richey (Cdr. J.H Forney, USCG) and USS Bray (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Hetherington, 3rd, USNR).

Submarine USS Atule: USS Atule (Cdr. J.H. Maurer, USN) claims the destruction of a Japanese transport ship anchored between Dequey and Ibuhos Islands, Philippines. (All times are zone -9) 0225 hours - In position 20°20'N, 121°48'E. sighted an object between Dequey and Ibuhos Islands. Closed to investigate. Went to battle stations. 0245 hours - Identified the object as a ship at anchor. Closed the range to 2000 yards. The ship was identified as a transport of about 5000-7000 tons. 0359 hours - Fired four bow torpedoes. All hit. His port side was almost entirely blown away. The shi burned like a torch with frequent violent oil and ammunition explosions. Atule then started to clear the area.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Indomitable: Around 0845FG/27, HMS Indomitable (Capt. J.A.S. Eccles, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, CB, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. On departure D/G trials were carried out. She is escorted by the destroyers HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) and HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. G.B. Barstow, RN). They arrived at Trincomalee around 1415FG/29. En-route flying exercises had been carried out.

Escort Carrier HMS Trouncer: HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Una: HMS Una (Lt. F.E. Ashmead-Bartlett, RN) participated A/S exercises off Tobermory.

Submarine HMS Rorqual: HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Port Said for Aden.

Submarine HMS Safari: HMS Safari (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducted attack exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) in the Clyde area during which HMS Milford (Lt.Cdr. G.G. Slade, RN) served as target.

Submarine HMS Sibyl: HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted radar exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). Upon completion of these exercises she proceeded to Campbeltown for evaluation.

Submarine HMS Seraph: HMS Seraph (Lt. T. Russell-Walling, RN) conducted exercises off Holyhead with HMS PC 74 (A/Lt.Cdr. A. Richardson, RNR).

Submarine HMS Spark: HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) performed air/sea rescue duties near position 14°00'N, 97°00'E.

Submarine HMS Scythian: HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) was docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Stubborn: HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted RDF (radar) exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). On completion of these exercises HMS Stubborn proceeded to Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS Shalimar: During 27 and 28 November 1944 HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night exercises.

Submarine HMS Statesman: HMS Statesman (Lt. R.G.P. Bulkeley, RN) is ordered to return to Trincomalee.

Submarine HMS Subtle: HMS Subtle (Lt. B.J.B. Andrew, DSC, RN) was undocked.

Submarine HMS Supreme: HMS Supreme (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire in the Phuket area. (All times are zone -6.5) 1715 hours - In position 07°44'N, 98°48'E sighted a Northbound junk. Distance was 7 nautical miles. Closed submerged. 1807 hours - Surfaced at a range of 1000 yards and opened fire. She soon catched fire and most likely the cargo was petrol. 1815 hours - The junk was sinking slowly. No survivors were seen. Retired to the South.

Submarine HMS Templar: HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted special trials off Largs with HMS Alnwick Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR)

Submarine HMS Tantalus: HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) makes a torpedo attack on a merchant ship. The attack fails as a torpedo explodes prematurely most likely effecting the other one's as well. (all times are zone -8) 0817 hours - In position 05°03'S, 114°24'E while on a southerly course towards Lombok, when three ships emerged suddenly from a rainstorm to the South of Tantalus. The nearest, an escort, whose masts, funnel and bridge were clearly visible bearing 175°, range about 8 nautical miles. The next ship was considerably further away and looked like a small merchant ship, of the third and most distant ship only the masts were visible but they looked like a warships. All were on a northerly course. Tantalus turned to the North and increased speed, hoping that the nearest escort had not spotted us. But as he started to follow Tantalus it soon became clear that Tantalus was spotted. Fortunately the escort was slower then Tantalus and gradually dropped astern until at 0900 hours he gave up the chase and altered to the eastward to rejoin the other two ships, which have been making off to the north-east 0903 hours - Altered course to regain contact 0920 hours - sighted all three ships bearing 180° on a course to the North 0927 hours - Dived in position 04°55'N, 114°28'E and turned towards to attack 1003 hours - All three ships were in view and were identified as one small to medium transport, with one funnel and two masts, size 2000-3000 tons. The other ships were escort vessels, one submarine chasers and one ex-whaler. From the start of the attack Tantalus was nicely placed, fine on the starboard bow of the target, which was not zigging. The targets speed was estimated at 12 knots bearing 005°. The attack however did not went well as Lt.Cdr. Mackenzie turned in to late 1028 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 1500 yards. However 30 seconds after firing the first torpedo one of the torpedoes explode prematurely taking another one with it as well. The other two were probably also affected. Due to this the target was not hit. The nearest escort, the whaler, turned towards and came rushing towards us. Tantalus went to 70 feet and retired to the south-west. The escort was searching with ASDIC but failed to gain contact 1050 hours - Came to periscope depth and saw him hunting 3000 yards away 1105 hours - The whaler was seen moving off to the North, where he was joined by his companion and were seen searching an area 6 to 10 nautical miles to the North of Tantalus until ... ... 1330 hours - Tantalus reloaded the torpedo tubes while withdrawing on a course of 200° 1435 hours - Surfaced in position 05°05'5S, 114°25'5E and set course to the western end of Kangean Island en route to Lombok Strait

Submarine HMS Uproar: HMS Uproar (Lt. J.N. Devlin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Larne.

Submarine HMS Ultimatum: HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Fishguard.

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

Submarine HMS Unruffled: HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda.

Submarine HMS Untamed: HMS Vitality (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Radiant (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR) and HMS Nyasaland (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Scott, DSC, RNVR).

Submarine HMS Upstart: HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Portsmouth.

Submarine HMS Urtica: HMS Urtica (Lt. R.M. Seaburne-May, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Holyhead with aircraft.

Submarine HMS Vampire: HMS Vampire (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) departed Malta for Gibraltar. For the daily positions of HMS Vampire during the passage from Malta to Gibraltar see the map below.

Submarine HMS Varne: HMS Varne (Lt. I.G. Raikes, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Fishguard.

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

Submarine HMS Vulpine: HMS Vulpine (T/Lt. P.S. Thirsk, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Holyhead with HMS Sweetbriar (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.G. Lewis, RNR).

Submarine HMS H 44: HMS H 44 (Lt. R.C. Bucknall, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS H 50: HMS H 50 (Lt. W.T.J. Fox, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (T/Lt. F.J.G. Rice, RNR).

Light cruiser HMS Newfoundland: HMS Newfoundland (Capt. R.W. Ravenhill, CBE, DSC, RN) departed Greenock for Scapa Flow.

Light cruiser HMS Swiftsure: HMS Swiftsure (Capt. R.D. Oliver, CBE, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.J.P. Brind, CBE, CB, RN) conducted D/G trials off Colombo. Also a night encounter exercise was carried out with HMS Teviot (Cdr.(Retd.) T. Taylor, DSC, RN) on completion of which HMS Swiftsure set course for Trincomalee.

Submarine USS R-2: USS R-2 (Lt.Cdr. L.G. Bernard, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

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-11: USS R-11 (Lt.Cdr. M. Abrahams, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Destroyer HNMS Van Galen (ii): HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) conducted D/F calibration and D/G trials off Plymouth.

Submarine HMS L 23: HMS L 23 (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Digby.

Submarine HMS Vengeful: HMS Vengeful (Lt. A.S. Melville-Ross, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. At see she joined HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) and her escort HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR).