Laid down (46)

1927: Heavy cruiser Colbert

1935: Submarine Permit (178)

1941: Minesweeper Ingonish (J 69) - Boom defence vessel Barfount (Z 190) - Sloop Chanticleer (U 05) - Minesweeper Ingonish (J 69) - Patrol craft PC-550 (PC-550) - Motor torpedo boat PT 48 - Minesweeper YMS-18 (YMS-18) - Minesweeper YMS-42 (YMS-42) - Minesweeper YMS-94 (YMS-94) - Minesweeper YMS-95 (YMS-95) - Minesweeper YMS-97 (YMS-97) - Minesweeper YMS-99 (YMS-99)

1942: MS Trawler Lundy (T 272) - Submarine Tantalus (P 318) - Motor torpedo boat PT 132 - Submarine chaser SC-635 (SC-635) - Submarine chaser SC-733 (SC-733) - Submarine chaser SC-754 (SC-754) - Minesweeper YMS-237 (YMS-237) - Minesweeper YMS-314 (YMS-314)

1944: Repair Ship Hecla (ii) (F 175) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-1073 (LCI(L)-1073) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-648 (LCI(L)-648) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-697 (LCI(L)-697) - Landing craft tank LCT 1108 (LCT 1108) - Landing craft tank LCT 1308 (LCT 1308) - Landing craft tank LCT 885 (LCT 885) - Landing craft tank LCT 908 (LCT 908) - Medium landing ship LSM 162 (LSM 162) - Medium landing ship LSM 163 (LSM 163) - Medium landing ship LSM 244 (LSM 244) - Medium landing ship LSM 43 (LSM 43) - Medium landing ship LSM 44 (LSM 44) - Medium landing ship LSM 45 (LSM 45) - Medium landing ship LSM 46 (LSM 46) - Tank landing ship LST 588 (LST 588) - Patrol craft PGM-27 (PGM-27) - Destroyer Escort Presley (DE 371) - Oiler Tolovana (AO 64) - Repair ship Xanthus (AR 19) - Minesweeper YMS-425 (YMS-425)

1945: Motor torpedo boat PT 715 - Motor torpedo boat PT 716 - Fleet tug Utina (ATF 163)

Launched (40)

1905: MS Trawler Orpheus (ii) (FY 1780)

1914: MS Trawler Retako (FY 838)

1917: MS Trawler Capstone (FY 1555)

1918: MS Trawler Sunlight (FY 763)

1919: Torpedo boat Enrico Cosenz

1925: Destroyer Mistral - Destroyer Mistral

1929: MS Whaler Shusa (FY 1702) - MS Whaler Sukha (FY 1767)

1938: Submarine Sargo (188)

1939: Light cruiser Euryalus (42)

1940: Corvette Delphinium (K 77) - Submarine Unique (N 95)

1941: Minesweeper Dominant (AMc-76) - Motor torpedo boat PT 32

1942: Landing Craft Tank LCT 172 (LCT 172) - Escort carrier Block Island (ii) (CVE 21) - Destroyer tender Cascade (AD 16) - Patrol craft PC-549 (PC-549) - Submarine chaser SC-658 (SC-658) - Minesweeper Steady (AM 118) - Minesweeper YMS-124 (YMS-124) - Minesweeper YMS-50 (YMS-50)

1943: Destroyer Escort Bangust (DE 739) - Destroyer Escort Bates (DE 68) - Net tender Cinnamon (AN 50) - Submarine Darter (227) - Tank landing ship LST 267 (LST 267)

1944: Frigate Inch Arran (K 667) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-629 (LCI(L)-629) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-694 (LCI(L)-694) - Medium landing ship LSM 31 (LSM 31) - Medium landing ship LSM 32 (LSM 32) - Medium landing ship LSM 33 (LSM 33) - Medium landing ship LSM 34 (LSM 34) - Tank landing ship LST 676 (LST 676) - Destroyer Escort Rombach (DE 364) - Destroyer Rooks (DD 804) - Submarine Sennet (408)

1945: Motor torpedo boat PT 709

Commissioned (22)

1934: Submarine M-5

1935: Destroyer Foxhound (H 69)

1936: Destroyer Griffin (H 31)

1938: Light cruiser Nashville (CL 43)

1940: Escort destroyer Berkeley (L 17) - Anti-Aircraft ship Foylebank

1941: Minesweeper Maryborough (J 195) - Harbour Defence Motor Launch HDML 1045 (ML 1045)

1942: Rescue Tug Aimwell (W 113) - Harbour Defence Motor Launch HDML 1146 (ML 1146) - Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 240 / Buizerd (MTB 240) - Minesweeper YMS-61 (YMS-61)

1944: Corvette Huntsville (K 499) - Frigate Kokanee (K 419) - Corvette Whitby (K 346) - Harbour Defence Motor Launch HDML 1108 (ML 1108) - Landing Craft Tank LCT 865 (LCT 865) - Net tender Cornel (AN 45) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-625 (LCI(L)-625) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-692 (LCI(L)-692)

1945: Destroyer Comet (R 26) - Tank landing ship LST 3041 (LST 3041)

1923: Minesweeper Cardinal (AM 6)

1940: Armed Merchant Cruiser Carinthia

1942: Destroyer Hammann (i) (DD 412)

1943: Armed Yacht Sargasso (FY 053)

1944: Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-185 (LCI(L)-185) - Landing craft tank LCT 2040 (LCT 2040) - Landing craft tank LCT 2056 (LCT 2056) - Landing craft tank LCT 2073 (LCT 2073) - Landing craft tank LCT 2135 (LCT 2135) - Landing craft tank LCT 2191 (LCT 2191) - Landing craft tank LCT 2283 (LCT 2283) - Landing craft tank LCT 2304 (LCT 2304) - Landing craft tank LCT 2421 (LCT 2421) - Landing craft tank LCT 2424 (LCT 2424) - Landing craft tank LCT 2426 (LCT 2426) - Landing craft tank LCT 2498 (LCT 2498) - Landing Craft Tank LCT 750 (LCT 750) - Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 248 (MTB 248) - Destroyer Svenner (G 03) - Destroyer Corry (i) (DD 463) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-232 (LCI(L)-232) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-416 (LCI(L)-416) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-497 (LCI(L)-497) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-553 (LCI(L)-553) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-85 (LCI(L)-85) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-91 (LCI(L)-91) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-92 (LCI(L)-92) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-93 (LCI(L)-93) - Landing craft tank LCT 197 (LCT 197) - Landing craft tank LCT 22 (LCT 22) - Landing craft tank LCT 229 (LCT 229) - Landing craft tank LCT 25 (LCT 25) - Landing craft tank LCT 27 (LCT 27) - Landing craft tank LCT 294 (LCT 294) - Landing craft tank LCT 30 (LCT 30) - Landing craft tank LCT 332 (LCT 332) - Landing craft tank LCT 362 (LCT 362) - Landing craft tank LCT 364 (LCT 364) - Landing craft tank LCT 52 (LCT 52) - Patrol craft PC-1261 (PC-1261)

More information on Allied Warships losses.

1940

Heavy cruiser HMS Kent: Convoy BC. This convoy departed Bombay on 6 June 1940. It was made up of the following troop transports; Aska (British, 8323 GRT, built 1939, 745 troops), Karanja (British, 9891 GRT, built 1931, 1124 troops), Kenya (British, 9890 GRT, built 1930, 1065 troops), Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926, 1077 troops), Rhona (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926, 995 troops) and Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924, 875 troops). The convoy was escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Kent (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN). The convoy arrived at Durban on 19 June 1940.

Heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra: HMAS Canberra is taken in hand for a short refit at Sydney. Also on this day Capt. W.R. Patterson, RN, was relieved by Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN.

Light cruiser HMS Ceres: HMS Ceres (Capt. E.G. Abbott, AM, RN) departed Colombo to make rendezvous with the troopship Stratheden (British, 23722 GRT, built 1937) which was en-route from Fremantle to Colombo. Rendezvous was effected in the morning of the 7th. They arrived at Colombo on the 8th.

Light cruiser HMS Dauntless: HMS Dauntless (Capt. G.D. Moore, RAN) conducted exercises with aircraft and MTB's off Hong Kong.

Light cruiser HMS Dunedin: HMS Dunedin (Capt. C.E. Lambe, CVO, RN) arrived at Martinique from Bermuda.

Light cruiser HMS Gloucester: The 7th Cruiser Squardon, made up of HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral J.C. Tovey, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN), HMS Gloucester (Capt. F.R. Garside, CBE, RN) and HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) conducted exercises off Alexandria.

Submarine HNMS O 24: HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. O. de Booy, RNN) was docked at the Thornycroft shipyard.

Submarine HNMS O 13: HrMs O 13 (Lt.Cdr. E.H. Vorster, RNN) arrived at Dundee.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Hermes: During 6/7 June 1940, HMS Hermes (Capt R.F.J. Onslow, DSC, MVO, RN) conducted flying exercises off Freetown.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Hector: HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) arrived at Wellington from Port Chalmers.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Asturias: Around 0015A/6, HMS Asturias (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN) anchored off Liverpool. She entered port (Bidston Dock, Birkenhead) the following morning. She then commenced de-ammunitioning on completion of which she was taken in hand for repairs.

Submarine HMS Rainbow: HMS Rainbow (Lt.Cdr. L.P. Moore, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore.

Submarine HMS Swordfish: At 2230 hours, HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN), was bombed by a friendly aircraft, this was Hudson 'W' of 224 Squadron (piloted by Sgt. F. Everest). Fortunately no damage was caused.

Submarine HMS Trident: HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) is docked in the floating dock (AFD 3) at the Rosyth Dockyard. [This docking is not noted in the submarines log]

Submarine HMS Tetrarch: At 1415A/6, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) sighted, what was thought to be a torpedo, running slowly on the surface, apparently at the end of its run (no position is given in the patrol report, Tetrarch's noon position had been 56°44'N, 01°11'E). Range was only 100 yards on the port bow. HMS Tetrarch then ran down the suspected torpedo track for 5000 yards and carried out an A/S sweep on the ASDIC while at 80 feet. A promising contact was picked up at 1500A/6 and held for two hours after which it was classified as non-sub. An enemy report (timed 1714A/6) reporting an enemy submarine was sent on surfacing at 1800A/6. The position of the contact given in this signal is 56°48'N, 01°30'E. [No German submarine reported an attack near this position on this day.]

Submarine HMS H 28: HMS H 28 (Lt. E.A Woodward, RN) and HMS H 31 (Lt. R.J. Hemingway, RN) both arrive at Blyth coming from Portsmouth.

Submarine HMS H 33: HMS H 33 (Lt. G.C.I.St B.S. Watkins, RN) participated in / conducted exercises off Campbeltown. These included a practice attack on HMS Tuscarora (Capt.(Retd.) E.C. Stubbs, RN).

Battleship HMS Valiant: The battleship HMS Valiant (Capt. H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Tartar (Capt. C. Caslon, RN), HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN) and HMS Ashanti (Cdr. W.G. Davis, RN) departed Scapa Flow to provide cover / additional escort for evacuation convoys from Harstad, Norway.

Battleship HMS Valiant: Evacuation of the 'Narvik / Harstad / Tromso area'. 1st troop evacuation convoy from Harstad. From 4 to 6 June 1940 the troopships Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Georgic (British, 27759 GRT, built 1932), Lancastria (British, 16243 GRT, built 1922), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931) and Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939) embarked almost 15000 troops in the Andfiord, near Harstad, Norway. They did this one by one and they were then escorted out to sea by the destroyer HMS Arrow (Cdr. H.W. Williams, RN) and sloop HMS Stork (Cdr. A.C. Behague, RN). On completion of the embarkation of the troops of the last ships they departed on 6 June 1940 from the assembly point escorted by the repair ship HMS Vindictive (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, RN). They were joined shortly after midnight on the 8th by the battleship HMS Valiant (Capt. H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Tartar (Capt. C. Caslon, RN), HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN) and HMS Ashanti (Cdr. W.G. Davis, RN). These additional escorts parted company with the convoy late in the evening of the 8th after the destroyers HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, RN), HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN), HMS Wolverine (Cdr. R.H. Craske, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, RN) and escort destroyer HMS Atherstone (Cdr. H.W.S. Browning, RN) had joined the convoy coming from Scapa Flow which they had departed around 2300/7. The convoy arrived in the Clyde on 10 June 1940.

Battleship HMS Nelson: Around 1300A/6, HMS Nelson (Capt. G.J.A. Miles, RN) departed Portsmouth for Greenock. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN), HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) and HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN). On leaving Portsmouth auxiliary minesweepers (trawlers) exploded two mines near the Nab Tower. HMS Nelson, HMS Amazon, HMS Warwick and HMS Witch arrived at Greenock around 1130A/8. At Greenock HMS Nelson was taken in hand to complete the fitting of new radar equipment.

Destroyer HMAS Voyager: HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN), HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) and HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria.

Destroyer HMS Dainty: HMS Dainty (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, RN) and HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN) departed Malta for Marseilles.

Destroyer HMS Juno: HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) returned to Alexandria at 0830 hours [presumably from patrol].

1941

Heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland: HMS Cumberland (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, RN) departed Freetown for the U.K. While en-route she was ordered to join convoy SL 76 as escort. She joined the convoy early in the afternoon of the 10th. [for more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy SL 76 ' for 30 May 1941.]

Heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire: During 6/7 June 1941, HMS Devonshire (Capt. R.D. Oliver, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN), conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. These included night exercises.

Heavy cruiser HMS London: In the evening HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN) fuelled from HMS London (Capt. R.M. Servaes, CBE, RN).

Heavy cruiser HMS Exeter: HMS Exeter (Capt. O.L. Gordon, MVO, RN) departed Freetown still escorting convoy WS 8B.

Light cruiser HMS Colombo: Around 1815C/6, HMS Colombo (Capt. C.A.E. Stanfield, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa to join convoy SW 7. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy SW 7 ' for 2 June 1941.]

Light cruiser HMS Dunedin: HMS Eagle (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN) and HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) were still on patrol. A Swordfish aircraft from HMS Eagle sank the German blockade runner Elbe (9179 GRT, built 1929) with a torpedo in position 23°30'N, 36°09'W. The German ship was on passage from Japanese occupied China to western France. Also on this day, HMS Dunedin fuelled at sea, in position 23°30'N, 36°06'W from the RFA tanker Bishopdale (8406 GRT, built 1937).

Light cruiser HMS Dragon: The light cruiser HMS Dragon (Capt. R.J. Shaw, MBE, RN), seaplane tender HMS Albatross (A/Capt. W.A. Dallmeyer, DSO, RN), corvettes HMS Amaranthus (Lt. N.B.J. Stapleton, RNR), HMS Crocus (Lt.Cdr. E. Wheeler, RNR), target ship Centurion (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) R.W.J. Martin, RN) (portraying the dummy battleship Anson) and the troop transport Abosso (British, 11330 GRT, built 1935) departed Freetown. Around 1500N/8, HMS Albatross and HMS Centurion parted company to proceed to St. Helena where they arrived in the afternoon of the 14th. The other ships proceeded to Takoradi arriving there in the afternoon of the 10th.

Light cruiser HMAS Adelaide: HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Sydney.

Submarine HNMS O 14: HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. G. Quint, RNN(R)) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Lightning (Cdr. R.G. Stewart, RN) and HMIS Sutlej (Capt. P.A. Mare, RIN).

Submarine HNMS O 10: HrMs O 10 (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RNR) and HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR).

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Hector: Convoy CM 10. This convoy departed Kilindini / Mombasa on 6 June 1941. It was made up of the following (troop) transports; President Doumer (British, 11898 GRT, built 1935, 1098 troops), Shirala (British, 7841 GRT, built 1925, approx. 500 military personnel) and Yoma (British, 8131 GRT, built 1928, 1646 troops). The convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN). The convoy arrived at Aden on 12 June 1941. The President Doumer had been detached to proceed to Berbera wher she also arrived on the 12th.

Submarine HMS Ursula: HMS Ursula (Lt. I.L.M. McGeoch, RN) ended her 20th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Malta.

Submarine HMS Regent: HMS Regent (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Browne, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar.

Submarine HMS Cachalot: HMS Cachalot (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) departed Port Said for Alexandria.

Submarine HMS Tribune: Around 1630A/6, HMS Tribune (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Norfolk, RN) departed from Holy Loch for Blyth. Off Rothesay she was joined by HNoMS B 1. They were escorted by HrMs Z 5 (Lt. J.J. Steensma, RNN) which also joined coming from Rothesay.

Submarine HMS Taku: At 2008A/6, when off Benghazi in position 32°08'N, 19°56'E, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) sighted a large transport leaving the harbour. An attack was started but the transport returned to harbour at 2030A/6. An A/S trawler was continually in sight at a range of 3000 yards. This may possibly have been (just a guess) the transport Sparta (German, 1724 GRT, built 1936) which had arrived at Benghazi on 3 or 4 June. It is possible that she sailed from there on 6 June but was quickly recalled when traffic between Libya and Italy was suspended on that day (until the following day) following information that a British naval force was at sea.

Submarine HMS Truant: At 1710R/6, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. H.A.V. Haggard, RN) dropped anchor in Gardiners Bay, Long Island.

Submarine HMS Tetrarch: Around 1830C/6, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) departed Alexandria for her 14th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean off the Dardanelles. She was routed through the Anti-Kithra Channel and then ordered to proceed towards the Dardanelles by the Zea and Doro Channels so as to be able to cover the ememy shipping routes to the maximum. For the daily and attack positions of HMS Tetrarch during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Torbay: HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. A.C.C. Miers, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Vichy French tanker Alberta (3357 GRT, built 1938) off Cape Hellas. 1242C/6 - Sighted a 3000 tons merchant vessel. Torbay struggled with the strong current to get into an attack position. 1415C/6 - In position 229° - Cape Hellas - 3.5 nautical miles, fired one torpedo that hit the target aft. The ship appeared to be sinking so Torbay left the area to the north-west at first but as the ship did not sink commenced to return later to finish off the damaged ship. 1545C/6 - Fired a second torpedo. The target was again hit aft but as the ship was already flooded in that part not much more damage was done. After firing this torpedo Torbay once again left the area to retire to the north-west. 1558C/6 - Sighted a 1500 tons merchant vessel approaching the Dardanelles from the north, Torbay turned to intercept but the target was later identified as Turkish and thus not attacked. Torbay then turned to the west as battery power was running low. 2115C/6 - Surfaced in position 152° - Avlaka Point (Imbros) - 8 nautical miles and started to charge the depleted battery. [See 7 June 1941 for the continuation of the events.]

Submarine HMS Thrasher: HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Upholder: Around 1600B/6, HMS Upholder (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) departed Malta for her 11th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol North-East of Tripoli. Lt. Hezlet took over from Lt.Cdr. Wanklyn for this patrol so Lt.Cdr. Wanklyn could have a rest. For the daily positions of HMS Upholder during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS H 28: HMS H 28 (Lt. D.S.R. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. Upon completion of these exercises she proceeded to Rothesay.

Submarine HMS H 31: HMS H 31 (Lt. R.J. Hemingway, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle.

Submarine HMS H 32: HMS H 32 (Lt. B.G. Heslop, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR) and HMS Spaniel (Skr. C. Coultas, DSC, RNR). Upon completion of these exercises H 32 proceeded to Rothesay.

Submarine HMS H 34: HMS H 34 (Lt. H. Winter, RN) made a practice attack on HMS H 31 (Lt. R.J. Hemingway, DSC, RN) followed conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Culver (Lt.Cdr. R.T. Gordon-Duff, RN) and aircraft.

Minelayer HMS Latona: Around 0540Z/6, HMS Latona (Capt. S.L. Bateson, RN) arrived at Simonstown from Freetown via St. Helena.

Light cruiser HMS Phoebe: The Syrian campaign. 6 June 1941. At 1415C/6, the destroyer HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN) had departed Port Said for Haifa. On board were 2 officers and a small beach party. HMS Hero arrived at Haifa around 2130C/6. Cdr. Biggs and the two officers then met the Naval Officer in Charge Haifa to arrange a reconnaisance of the landing beaches. The NOIC Haifa then put the patrol vessel Cadwell (a 50 foot fast motor boat) at their disposal. At 2355C/6, the Cadwell departed Haifa with the two officers and the small beach party. Twenty minutes later HMS Hero followed to give support for the reconnaisance. 7 June 1941. During the night, the Cadwell conducted reconnaisance to the north of mouth of the Litani river. HMS Hero patrolled 7 miles from the shore in case Cadwell needed assistance. The reconnaisance party encountered a heavy surf. Cadwell and HMS Hero retired from the area at first light and returned to Haifa around 0600C/7 after which the results of the reconnaisance were discussed. Conclusion was that it would be impracticable to land under the current weather conditions. It was expected that this would be the case for at least two days. Around 1145C/7, 'Force B', the cover force, made up of the light cruisers HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.L.S. King, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, DSO, RN), HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN), HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN) and HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN) departed Alexandria so to be off the Syrian coast at dawn the following day for their role supporting the Army during Operation Exporter, the Allied attack on the Vichy-French colony of Syria. Around 1200C/7, ' Force C ', the landing force, departed Port Said for Syria. Force C was made up of the transport HMS Glengyle (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Petrie, RN), AA cruiser HMS Coventry (A/Capt. W.P. Carne, RN) and the destroyers HMS Ilex (Capt. H.St.L. Nicholson, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC, RN). On board HMS Glengyle were troops (27 officers and 456 men). Around 1500C/7, HMS Hero departed Haifa to join Force C which she did around 1850C/7 in position 32°21'N, 34°01'E. 8 June 1941. At 0038C/8, HMS Glengyle arrived in position 270° - mouth of the Litani river - 4 miles. She had lowered her boats by 0100C/8. It was then that the Cadwell approached and it was stated that landing the troops would be impossible due to the surf. The attempt was then abandoned at 0115C/8. ' Force C ' then set course to return to Port Said. At 0600C/8, HMS Coventry, HMS Isis and HMS Hotspur from Force C joined Force B. At 0645C/8, Force B closed the coast to the southward of Tyrus and HMS Hotspur was detached to try to make contact with the Naval Liaison Officer with the Army ashore. It proved very difficult to determine the progress of the army. A land mine was seen to explode three miles north of the border at 0700C/8. It apparently had destroyed a considerable stretch of the road and as a result the Allied motor transport was being held up. At 1230C/8, HMS Kimberley was also sent inshore but no definite news could be obtained until 1530C/8 when it seemed fairly certain that the Allied troops had taken Tyrus. Owing to the uncertainty of the situation, no supporting fire was given or asker for until 2200C/8 when HMS Kimberley was able to bombard some French positions near Khan bridge for half an hour, after which Force B retired to seaward for the night. HMS Isis and HMS Hotspur were detached with orders to join HMS Glengyle, HMS Ilex and HMS Hero for another attempt at landing the troops. At 1430C/8, HMS Glengyle, HMS Ilex and HMS Hero arrived back at Port Said. At 1615C/8, HMS Glengyle, HMS Ilex and HMS Hero departed Port Said for a further attempt of landing the troops. 9 June 1941. At 0100C/9, when near Haifa, HMS Glengyle, HMS Ilex and HMS Hero were joined by HMS Isis and HMS Hotspur. HMS Glengyle was now able to land the special service troops around 0430C/9 after which she returned immediately to Haifa arriving there around 0615C/9 escorted by HMS Isis and HMS Hotspur. Her landing craft later proceeded to Haida under their own power where they had all arrived around 1145C/9 escorted by HMS Ilex and HMS Hero. During the landings around 0530C/9, French shore batteries had opened fire after which HMS Ilex and HMS Hero closed their position and carried out a bombardment which was ceased after five minutes as the positions of the special service troops were not known. Around 0310C/7, HMS Phoebe was attacked but missed ahead by the Vichy-French submarine Caiman. HMS Kandahar and HMS Kimberley were detached to hunt the attacker but they failed to obtain contact. Shortly afterwards, around 0400C/7, Force B commenced to close the coast again to give support for the landings by Force C. As the presence of Vichy Submarines was now proven no destroyers could be spared for inshore support as they were required to screen the cruisers. At 0845C/9, Force B retired to the westward. At 1005C/9, a report was received from the Naval Liaison Officer with the Army that two Vichy-French destroyers were shelling the Allied positions near Khan Bridge. These were the Guepard and Valmy. HMS Coventry was detached to Haifa while the remainder of Force B closed the coast at full speed but noting was seen of the French ships which had meanwhile retired to the north. Their raid had lasted half an hour and was well timed from their point of view. At 1045C/9, HMS Isis and HMS Hotspur which had just returned after having oiled at Haifa, which they had left at 0930C/9, were sent inshore to give fire support to the Army. However the situation on land was too confused to permit immediate supporting fire. At 1225C/9, HMS Phoebe, HMS Ajax, HMS Kandahar and HMS Kimberley left the area to proceed to Haifa so that more destroyers would be available for close (inshore) support. HMS Janus and HMS Jackal therefore joined HMS Isis and HMS Hotspur. This was considered a strong enough force to deal with the two French destroyers in case they would come out again. At 1240C/9, HMS Janus was ordered by the Commanding Officer of HMS Isis (Senior Officer) to take HMS Jackal and HMS Hotspur under his command and conduct an A/S sweep until 1600C/9. HMS Isis would meanwhile patrol inshore. At 1240C/9, HMS Glengyle, HMS Ilex and HMS Hero departed Haifa for Alexandria where they arrived around 2350C/9. At 1335C/9, while in position 33°30'N, 35°12'E, HMS Janus sighted two destroyers on the horizon, bearing 040°. They were steering to the south-west. Immediately an enemy report was made, speed was increased and course was altered towards. HMS Janus ordered HMS Jackal and HMS Hotspur to form single line ahead on the most advance ship and proceed at 30 knots. It was consided important to advance as fast as possible and not to wait until the line was properly formed up. At 1339C/9, the two French destroyers (Guepard and Valmy) opened fire from a range of about 17000 yards. At 1340C/9, HMS Phoebe received the contact report from HMS Janus which reported she was in contact with the two French destroyers, HMS Phoebe, HMS Ajax, HMS Kandahar and HMS Kimberley immediately turned back at full speed. At 1342C/9, HMS Janus opened fire on the leading French destroyer from 15000 yards. At that time HMS Jackal was about 8 cables on the starboard quarter. HMS Hotspur had been unable to keep up and was at least a mile astern. At 1347C/9, when the range was about 10000 yards HMS Janus was hit on the bridge, in the foremost boiler room and aft. The hit on the bridge killed or wounded all the bridge personnel except the Commanding Officer, and cut all fire-control leads. The hit in No.1 boiler room stopped the ship and cut off all electric high power. The hit aft did not affect the fighting efficiency of the ship. While stopped the ship was hit twice, again in No.1 boiler room, and an unexploded shell ended up in the seamen's bathroom. Fire was continued in local conttrol and quarters firing by all gins, until A and B guns would no longer bear. X gun continued in action as long as the enemy were in range, and whenever they were in sight. HMS Janus finally stopped, with the enemy fine on the port quarter, and the wind on the starboard beam. Smoke floats were lit and launched over the stern and, as the ship drifter to leeward proved effective. HMS Jackal passed between HMS Janus and the enemy making smoke. HMS Jackal and HMS Hotspur continued to engage the enemy and as a result the French did not close the range to finish off the damaged HMS Janus. At 1406C/7, HMS Jackal fired three torpedoes towards the French destroyers. Meanwhile HMS Isis also come north at full speed ans as soon as she opened fire the French made smoke and withdrew around 1412C/7, chased by the three British destroyer, HMS Jackal in the lead. Afterwards the French destroyers briefly turned and engaged the British several times. Last action between HMS Jackal and the two French destroyers was at 1445C/9 after which the three British destroyers turned to the south while the French retired to Beirut. HMS Jackal sustained some minor damage from a shell hit during the action. At 1450C/9, HMS Phoebe, HMS Ajax, HMS Kandahar and HMS Kimberley passed the disabled HMS Janus. HMS Ajax, HMS Kandahar and HMS Kimberley were ordered to stand by the stricken destroyer while HMS Phoebe proceeded on to join and give support to HMS Isis, HMS Hotspur and HMS Jackal. 10 Minutes later HMS Phoebe saw the three destroyers returning southwards after their action with the French destroyers which now had retired back into the port of Beirut. Shortly afterwards, while HMS Kimberley was taking HMS Janus in tow the force was bombed by Vichy aircraft but no damage was sustained. By 1545C/9, HMS Kimberley had HMS Janus in tow at a speed of 10 knots towards Haifa escorted by the remainder of the force minus HMS Ajax which had been ordered to proceed ahead to Haifa independently. She arrived at Haifa around 1730C/9. At 1600C/9, a British and French fighter aircraft collided with each other. Both pilots survived and were picked up by HMS Kandahar. At 1820C/9, when the tow was off Ras Nakura (Naqoura), HMS Phoebe, HMS Isis and HMS Hotspur parted company and returned to the coast. They were later joined by HMS Jackal. Between 2036C/9 and 2051C/9, HMS Phoebe, on requist of the Naval Liaison Officer with the Army, bombarded enemy positions on the northern side of Khan Bridge, after which HMS Phoebe, HMS Isis, HMS Hotspur and HMS Jackal retired to seaward for the night. PM on this day, HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine RN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN) and Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN) departed Alexandria for the operations area of the Syrian Coast. 10 June 1941. At 0400C/10, HMS Ilex and HMS Hero departed Port Said to return to the operations area of the Syrian Coast. They were to join HMAS Stuart, HMS Jaguar, HMS Griffin and Defender coming from Alexandria also for the operations area of the Syrian Coast. At dawn on the 10th, HMS Phoebe, HMS Isis, HMS Hotspur and HMS Jackal were to the west of Beirut to cut off the French destroyers in case they had come out for another sweep but when a French reconnaissance aircraft was seen at 0702C/10 it became apparent that this would not materialise. Around dawn HMS Kandahar and HMS Kimberley had left Haifa to give close inshore support to the Army. They did good work and destroyed French tucks, tanks and ammunition depots north of Khan Bridge. Around 1130C/10, HMS Ajax departed Haifa. She was joined shortly afterwards by HMAS Stuart, HMS Hero, HMS Griffin and HMS Defender. Around 1315C/10, HMS Phoebe then left the area for Haifa escorted by HMS Ilex, HMS Hotspur and HMS Jackal. HMS Isis and HMS Jaguar were ordered inshore to reinforce HMS Kandahar and HMS Kimberley. Around 1620C/10, HMS Phoebe, HMS Ilex, HMS Hotspur and HMS Jackal arrived at Haifa. At 1640C/10, the four 'inshore' destroyers were attacked by 5 Potez bombers but no damage was done. 11 June 1941. At 0625C/11, HMS Coventry, HMS Ilex and HMS Jackal left Haifa to relieve HMAS Stuart, HMS Kandahar and HMS Isis which subsequently arrived at Haifa around 1000C/11. HMS Ilex took over from HMS Isis as leading destroyer of the inshore squadron. During the day the 'Inshore Squadron' bombarded visible targets north of a line indicated by the Army. At 1800C/11, HMS Janus left Haifa in tow of HMS Protector (Cdr. R.J. Gardner, RN) and escorted by HMS Flamingo (Cdr. R.J.O. Otway-Ruthven, RN). 12 June 1941. An air raid on Haifa, during which minedropping was suspected, delayed HMS Phoebe, HMAS Stuart, HMS Kandahar, HMS Isis and HMS Hotspur from sailing until 0830C/12. Around 1215C/12, they relieved HMS Ajax, HMS Griffin, HMS Defender, HMS Jaguar and HMS Kimberley which then set course to Haifa where they arrived around 1500C/12. During the day HMS Ilex, HMS Kandahar, HMS Isis and HMS Jackal formed the 'Inshore Squadron' which carried out further shore bombardments which assisted the Army advance to a position on the Zahrani River. Close support to the 'Inshore Squadron' was provided by HMS Phoebe, HMS Coventry screened by HMAS Stuart, HMS Hero and HMS Hotspur. By 1630C/12, the Army had advanced to within two miles of Sidon where stiff resistance was met and the advance halted. At 1950C/12, a request was received to bombard Sidon but this was declined as Rear-Admiral King had no authority to open fire on non-military targets. At dusk, HMS Jackal picked up an agent with his boat at Tyre and landed him close to Beirut. HMS Ilex, HMS Kandahar and HMS Isis gave close support for this operation. The remainder of the force gave cover to the northward. 13 June 1941. The coast was closed at dawn and the 'Inshore Squadron' began their bombardment around 0800C/13. Main target was the wooden areas south of Sidon where the Vichy-French had strong defensive positions. HMS Griffin, HMS Kimberley and HMS Defender joined from Haifa at 1040C/13 and relieved HMS Ilex, HMS Hero and HMS Jackal which then returned to Haifa with HMS Coventry. They arrived at Haifa around 1500C/13. Around 1200C/13, the light cruiser HMS Leander (New Zealand Division, Capt. R.H. Bevan, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN) and HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) joined coming from Alexandria which they had departed around 1800C/12. On these ships joining, HMS Isis and HMS Kimberley were sent inshore with HMS Phoebe, HMS Leander, HMS Jervis, HMS Griffin, HMS Hasty and HMS Defender providing cover. Around 1245C/13, HMS Ajax and HMS Jaguar departed Haifa for Alexandria. They were joined at sea by HMAS Stuart, HMS Kandahar and HMS Hotspur. They arrived at Alexandria around 0700C/14. Warnings were received that German air attack might be expected and French bombers were noticeably more in evidence in attacking onshore. On receipt therefore of information from the NOIC Haifa that for the future it would not be possible to do more than maintain fighters at call for the protection of ships off the coast, Rear-Admiral King reported that it was most desirable that extra fighters should be made available, since fighters at call could not arrive in time to prevent attack. At 1530C/13, eight JU 88's attacked the force without causing damage. Allied fighters were on their way out for a routine patrol, shot down three and damaged two after the attack. After dark, as the Army was still held up and did not want fire support during the night, the force withdrew and patrolled north of Beirut. 14 June 1941. Bombardment was continued at dawn by HMS Isis and HMS Kimberley which were relieved inshore at 0640C/14 by HMS Jervis and HMS Griffin. At 0719C/14, a message was sent for fighters to deal with a formation of aircraft closing from the westward. No attack took place and it is possible that the aircraft were French reinforcements flying to Syria. The fighters took 36 minutes to arrive. The NOIC Haifa reported that they had left the ground 16 minutes after receipt of the message at the W/T station but he hoped to speed up communications. Later it was noticed that the time needed had been halved. At 1020C/14, HMS Coventry and HMS Hero joined coming from Haifa and half an hour later HMS Phoebe and HMS Isis left for Haifa where they arrived around 1345C/14. HMS Ilex and HMS Jackal were delayed in their departure from Haida due to the later arrival of ammunition. They eventually relieved HMS Jervis and HMS Hasty around 1600C/14 which then proceeded to Haifa. At 1620C/14, HMS Griffin sighted the French destroyers Guepard and Valmy which had again come out of Beirut harbour. The possibility that the French intended to mine the coast north of Saida threatened to hamper the work of the destroyers inshore. 15 June 1941. Around 0800C/15, HMS Phoebe, HMS Jervis, HMS Isis and HMS Hasty departed Haifa and joined HMS Leander and her escorting destroyers around 1100C/15. It was decided to keep the whole force together, except for the 'Inshore Squadron' as a Cassard-class destroyers was reported to be to the north of Cyprus proceeding towards Syria. [This was the Vichy French destroyer Chevalier Paul.] The 'Inshore Squadron' for this day was made up of HMS Jervis, HMS Hasty and HMS Defender. During the day Sidon surrendered as reported by the Naval Liaison Officer with the Army in his report received at 1730C/15. He also reported that gunfire from the destroyers had destroyed 12 75mm guns as well as several tanks. At 1703C/15, eight JU 88's attacked and a near miss caused severe damage HMS Isis to the machinery spaces and boiler rooms off the ship. Three fighters were in the area and drove off half the bombers before they completed their attack, bringing down one. HMS Coventry and HMS Defender were ordered to escort HMS Isis to Haifa. At 1908C/15, another air attack was made by a number of Vichy French aircraft. Their number was estimated between 14 and 18. At 1915C/15, HMS Ilex was badly damaged by a near miss and had to be towed back to Haifa by HMS Hasty. No fighters were present during this attack. [The report by HMS Ilex on this attack however stated that the bombs that caused the damage were dropped by a JU 88 aircraft so if that is correct the attacker must have been German.] The boiler rooms were damaged but the ship managed to get underway again by 1935C/15 but she came to a stop at 1950C/15 due to the fuel oil being contaminated with water. After having escorted HMS Isis to Haifa, HMS Coventry was ordered to Port Said to make good engine defects and HMS Defender was ordered to escort the transport Rodi (British (former Italian), 3220 GRT, built 1928) on the first part of her voyage from Famagusta to Port Said. The remainder of Force B patrolled to the north of Beirut during the night with the object of intercepting the Cassard-class destroyer and engaging the two other French destroyers if they came out of Beirut. 16 June 1941. At 0415C/16, HMS Kimberley sighted the Guepard and Valmy close inshore off Beirut. In the brief engagement which followed, before the enemy made smoke and retired under the protection of the shore batteries, HMS Kimberley and HMS Jervis both claimed to have seen hits on the second destroyer. Around 0500C/16, the damaged HMS Ilex arrived at Haifa still in tow of HMS Hasty. At 0800C/16, after a report from 815 Squadron (FAA) that they had hit the Cassard-class destroyer, north of Rouad Island Rear-Admiral King turned his force to the northward to close the position but on further consideration decided that he was not justified in risking the ships against air attack north of Beirut for a destroyer which there was a small chance of intercepting before she reached Tripoli (Syria) even if still afloat which was doubtful. He therefore turned back to the southward and in the middle of the turn torpedo tracks were sighted by HMS Kimberley. While following up, HMS Kimberley was attacked by two bombers and fired on by shore batteries. She was therefore ordered to rejoin the other ships. At 1025C/16, a signal was received from the C-in-C Mediterranean ordering Force B to return to Haifa. The C-in-C had decided not to operate off Syria in daylight unless full fighter protection was available. Force B arrived at Haifa around 1500C/16. 17 June 1941. During the forenoon, the light cruiser HMS Naiad (Capt. M.H.A. Kelsey, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, RAN) arrived from Alexandria which they had departed around 1800C/16. HMAS Nizam arrived later in the day as she had departed Alexandria after the other ships which had arrived earlier. Around 1800C/17, HMS Griffin and HMS Defender departed Haifa for Alexandria. During the day, Rear-Admiral King visited the General Officer Commanding of the Army and the Air Officer Commanding of the RAF, in Jerusalem to discuss the situation, and the question of fighter protection in particular. It became clear that unless required from bombardment purposes no or little fighter protection could be provided for Force B. The little fighter protection that could be provided would be able to give three hours of fighter protection if need for a bombardment arose. At 1815C/17, the Naval Liaison Officer reported a French destroyer, later reported to be a 'gun boat' which fired a few rounds before retiring back to Beirut having done no damage. At 1830C/17, Rear-Admiral King transferred his flag from HMS Phoebe to HMS Naiad. At 1900C/17, HMS Phoebe, HMS Jackal, HMS Jaguar, HMS Nizam and HMS Kingston departed Haifa with the object of destroying the Cassard-class destroyer if it had managed to reach Tripoli (Syria). While at sea it was learned that this ship had in fact been sunk and so a sweep between Beirut and Tripoli was carried out instead. 18 June 1941. At 0715C/18, HMS Phoebe, HMS Jackal, HMS Jaguar, HMS Nizam and HMS Kingston returned to Haifa after a blank patrol. At 1945C/18, HMS Phoebe departed Haifa for Alexandria where she arrived around 1315C/19. At 1900C/18, HMS Naiad, HMS Jervis, HMS Kimberley, HMS Jaguar and HMS Kingston departed Haifa for a patrol off Syria. With them the minesweeper HMS Harrow (Lt.(Retd.) G.C. Hocart, RNR) also sailed to carry out a searching sweep of area QB 44 for enemy mines but no mines were found. Force B also provided cover for her. 19 June 1941. At dawn Force B closed the coast and HMS Jervis and HMS Kingston were detached and carried out a 40 minute bombardment of enemy positions at El Atiqua just south of Damur. On completion they rejoined Force B with subsequently returned to Haifa arriving there around 0835C/19. HMS Coventry arrived from Port Said. Around 1900C/19, HMS Leander, HMS Hero, HMS Hasty, HMS Jackal and HMAS Nizam sailed and carried out a search north of Beirut during which nothing was sighed. 20 June 1941. Around 0920C/20, HMS Leander, HMS Hero, HMS Hasty, HMS Jackal and HMAS Nizam returned to Haifa. At dawn, HMS Hero and HMS Jackal had carried out a short bombardment during which they came under some light return fire from the shore but they sustained no damage. Around 1945C/20, HMS Naiad, HMS Leander, HMS Jervis, HMS Kimberley, HMS Kingston, HMS Jaguar, HMS Jackal, HMAS Nizam, HMS Hero and HMS Hasty departed Haifa with the object of intercepting another Cassard-class destroyer reported to be arriving at Beirut at daylight the following morning. This was the Vauquelin. At 2130C/20, HMS Jervis, HMS Hasty, HMS Jaguar, HMS Kingston and HMAS Nizam were detached as a searching force while the cruisers and the other three destroyers formed a striking force. At 2353C/20, HMS Jervis sighted a submarine but she failed to gain contact after it had dived. The operation continued as planned. 21 June 1941. The search was carried out to a point 60 miles north of Beirut at 0320C/21 but nothing was seen of the enemy. At 0530C/21, the two French destroyers already based at Beirut, Guepard and Valmy, were sighted close to the harbour entrance at a range of 26000 yards. The Army did not desire a dawn bombardment and on return to Haifa around 0930C/21, reconnaissance reports were received which showed that the Vauquelin had waited till daylight before making the coast and was being escorted to Beirut by 20 aircraft. That morning the destroyers HMS Decoy (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, RN), HMS Havock (Lt. G.R.G. Watkins, RN) and HMS Hotspur arrived from Alexandria. HMS Hero, HMS Kimberley and HMS Jackal then departed for Alexandria [It seems likely these destroyers did not enter Haifa on their return with Force B and set course direct for Alexandria on Force B entering harbour around 0930C/21.] Around 1915C/21, HMS Naiad, HMS Decoy, HMS Hotspur and HMS Havock departed Haifa to intercept the Vichy-French hospital ship Canada (9684 GRT, built 1912). HMS Hero had detached HMS Jackal at 1600C/21 to search and at 2245C/21, a report was received that she was escorting the Canada towards Haifa. 22 June 1941. The Canada was sighed by Force B at 0030C/22 and escorted to Haifa while HMS Jackal was detached to continue her passage to Alexandria. Force B arrived at Haifa around 0630C/22. HMS Decoy had been detached to escort the Canada arrived a little later that morning with the French hospital ship. The Canada was examined and, nothing irregular being found, was allowed to proceed to Beirut latter in the forenoon. Information was received from the Naval Liaison Officer of the three days programme of naval supporting fire that would be required when the coastal advance was resumed, the date for which could not then be given. Around 1915C/22, Force B departed Haifa for a sweep to the northward of Beirut while HMS Jervis, HMS Havock, HMS Hotspur and HMS Decoy were ordered to carry out an A/S patrol to seaward while HMS Naiad, HMS Leander, HMS Jaguar, HMS Kingston and HMAS Nizam swept close inshore to look for the French destroyers. 23 June 1941. At 0148C/23, when about 10 miles north of Beirut on a southerly course HMS Naiad sighted first one and then a second French destroyer on the port bow, on a northerly course close inshore and at a range of 5000 yards. The French destroyers turned away making smoke and retired under the coast defence battery of Nahr el Kelb which opened fire. They were engaged by the cruisers and their escorting destroyers for about eleven minutes and several hits were observed on both. It is probable that two torpedoes fired by HMS Jaguar and four by HMS Leander ran ashore in approximate position 34°05'N, 35°38'E. Owing to the nature of the coast it was considered almost certain they will have exploded on grounding and HMS Kingston (rear ship) reported hearing underwater explosions at the time. The Army had no specific bombardment requirements and Force B returned to Haifa around 0615C/23. The submarine HMS Parthian (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) arrived on patrol off Beirut during the afternoon. Around 1930C/23, HMS Harrow sailed to carry out another searching sweep of QB 44. She was covered during the night by HMS Leander, HMS Hasty, HMS Jaguar and HMAS Nizam. No mines were found. 24 June 1941. The Leander's force closed the coast at dawn and HMS Leander, HMS Hasty and HMS Jaguar bombarded enemy positions until 0600C/24 when all ships set course for Haifa where they arrived around 0845C/24. During the bombardment they came under some light fire from batteries on shore. The Air Officer Commanding, visited Rear-Admiral King during the day and the fighter situation was discussed. It was reported that improvements had been made but the escort for any extended period could only be undertaken at the expense of other tasks such as attacking French aerodromes. It was decided not to take the fighters of these other tasks. Around 2030C/24, HMS Naiad, HMS Jervis, HMS Kingston and HMS Hotspur departed Haifa to carry out a sweep to the northwestward during the nigh. Nothing was seen. Dawn bombardment was not required. In an air raid on Haifa during the nigh a bomb was dropped fairly close to HMS Leander but did no damage. 25 June 1941. Around 0500C/25, HMS Hasty and HMS Jaguar departed Haifa for Alexandria. Around 0630C/25, HMS Naiad, HMS Jervis, HMS Kingston and HMS Hotspur returned to Haifa from their night patrol. At 1248C/25, HMS Parthian sank a French Requin-class submarine between Damur and Beirut. Around 2030C/25, HMS Leander, HMS Decoy, HMAS Nizam and HMS Havock departed Haifa to carry out a sweep to the northwestward. Nothing was seen. 26 June 1941. The Leander's force closed the coast at dawn and bombarded enemy positions between 0518 and 0555C/26. Course was then set for Haifa where they arrived around 0850C/26. HMS Leander did not enter harbour but was joined by HMS Coventry which had departed Haifa around 0645C/26. The cruisers then set course for Alexandria. Around 1000C/26, the light cruisers HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN) and HMS Carlisle (A/Cdr. W. Pope, RN) arrived from Alexandria. Around 2030C/26, HMS Naiad, HMS Jervis, HMS Kingston and HMS Hotspur departed Haifa for a sweep to the northwestward during the night. 27 June 1941. The Naiad's force closed the coast at dawn and HMS Jervis and HMS Hotspur bombarded shore targets between 0500 and 0600C/27. Shore batteries replied. At 0545C/27, four bombers and at 0615C/27, one bomber attacked Force B but no damage was done. Allied fighters were in the vicinity but failed to intercept owing to cloud conditions and the brief warning received of the attack. The incident however showed that the dawn bombardments were becoming too much a matter of routine. On recovering paravanes, HMS Naiad port wire was found to be cut and it was decided to carry out another searching sweep of QB 44. Around 0600C/27, HMS Kandahar and HMS Griffin arrived at Haifa from Alexandria. Around 0830C/27, HMS Naiad, HMS Jervis, HMS Kingston and HMS Hotspur returned to Haifa. Around 1915C/27, HMS Kandahar, HMS Griffin and HMS Havock departed Haifa for a T.S.D.S. (this is minesweeping gear fitted on destroyers) search of QB 44. HMAS Perth also sailed to support the destroyers if required. No mines were found. 28 June 1941. Around 0550C/28, HMAS Perth, HMS Kandahar, HMS Griffin and HMS Havock returned to Haifa. At the Army's requist six hours of fighter protection was arranged and at 1215C/28, HMAS Perth, HMS Carlisle, HMS Jervis, HMS Kingston, HMAS Nizam, HMS Decoy and HMS Hotspur departed Haifa. They arrived off Damur around 1530C/28. HMS Jervis and HMS Kingston bombarded various targets while HMAS Perth opened fire on and silenced the Khalde battery. They returned to Haifa around 1930C/28. Around 2000C/28, the damaged HMS Ilex left for Port Said in tow of HMS Decoy and escorted by HMS Carlisle, HMAS Nizam and HMS Hotspur. 29 June 1941. Around 1800C/29, HMS Jervis departed Haifa for Alexandria. Around 2045C/29, HMS Carlisle, HMS Decoy and HMS Hotspur returned to Haifa from escorting / towing HMS Ilex. HMAS Nizam did not return to Haifa but proceeded to Alexandria instead. Around 2030C/29, HMS Naiad, HMS Kandahar and HMS Griffin sailed to carry out a night bombardment of targets in the Damur area. 30 June 1941. The Naiad's force closed the coast around 0030C/30. HMS Naiad illuminated the targets with starshell while HMS Kandahar carried out a short bombardment. This was done mainly for its nuisance value. The 5.25" star shell proved to have considerable incendiary effect. The force returned to Haifa around 0620C/30. Around 2030C/30, HMAS Perth, HMS Kingston, HMS Havock and HMS Hotspur departed Haifa to carry out a sweep during the night. 1 July 1941. Around 0615C/1, HMAS Perth, HMS Kingston, HMS Havock and HMS Hotspur returned to Haifa from patrol. Around 0900C/1, HMS Parthian arrived at Haifa from patrol. Around 2030C/1, HMS Naiad, HMS Kandahar, HMS Decoy and HMS Havock departed Haifa for patrol. 2 July 1941. Around 0600C/2, HM MTB 68 and HM MTB 215 arrived at Haifa from Famagusta. Their tender HMS Vulcan followed around 1330C/2. Around 0615C/2, HMS Naiad, HMS Kandahar, HMS Decoy and HMS Havock returned to Haifa from patrol. Around 1015C/2, HMS Naiad, HMAS Perth, HMS Kandahar, HMS Kingston, HMS Havock and HMS Griffin departed Haifa and subsequently carried out a bombardment of the Damur area. HMAS Perth managed the destroy four guns from a battery at Abey also an ammunition dump was blown up. Around 1500C/2, Force B was bombed by Allied aircraft by mistake but no damage was sustained. Rear-Admiral King decided to remain at sea during the night to intercept possible Vichy French freighters with reinforcements which have been reported to be on their way to Syria. Around 1600C/2, HMS Parthian departed Haifa to patrol off Tripoli. 3 July 1941. Around 0650C/3, HMS Naiad, HMAS Perth, HMS Kandahar, HMS Kingston, HMS Havock and HMS Griffin returned to Haifa from patrol. The destroyers HMS Jaguar (with Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, RN, on board) and HMS Hasty had arrived from Alexandria. The Yugoslav motor torpedo boats Kajmak?alan and Durmitor also arrived from Alexandria. Around 1500C/3, HMS Ajax (flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Phoebe, HMAS Nizam and HMS Kimberley arrived at Haifa from Alexandria. Around 2030C/3, HMAS Perth, HMS Phoebe, HMS Kingston, HMS Hotspur and HMS Griffin departed Haifa for a night sweep. Also on this day HMS Decoy and HMS Kandahar departed Haifa for Alexandria. 4 July 1941. Around 0630C/4, HMAS Perth, HMS Phoebe, HMS Kingston, HMS Hotspur and HMS Griffin returned to Haifa. Around 0930C/4, HMS Naiad, HMS Ajax, HMS Jackal, HMAS Nizam, HMS Kimberley, HMS Havock and HMS Hasty departed Haifa to carry out a bombardment in the Damur area. The destroyers found and plastered their targets but the shoot by HMS Ajax was less successful. The force returned to Haifa around 1730C/4. Around 2030C/4, HMS Naiad, HMS Phoebe, HMS Kimberley and HMS Hasty departed Haifa for a night search keeping clear of the area HMS Parthian was patrolling. Nothing was seen though. 5 July 1941. Around 0630C/5, HMS Naiad, HMS Phoebe, HMS Kimberley and HMS Hasty returned to Haifa from their patrol. Around 1100C/5, HMS Ajax, HMAS Perth, HMS Carlisle, HMS Jackal, HMS Kingston, HMAS Nizam, HMS Griffin, HMS Havock and HMS Hotspur departed Haifa to carry out another bombardment in the Damur area. HMS Ajax, HMAS Perth, HMS Kingston and HMAS Nizam were the ships which carried out bombardments. The force returned to Haifa around 1800C/5. Around 2030C/5, HMAS Perth, HMS Carlisle, HMAS Nizam and HMS Havock departed Haifa for a nigth sweep again keeping clear of HMS Parthian who had been ordered to leave patrol P.M. and was returning the Haifa. 6 July 1941. At 0045C/6, HMS Ajax, HMS Jackal, HMS Griffin, HMS Kingston and HMS Hotspur departed Haifa to join Perth's force at 0500C/6 off Damur. The Army advance over the Damur river began at dawn and throughout the day Force B gave support to the coastal column. Force B returned to Haifa around 2015C/6. Around 0930C/6, HMS Parthian arrived at Haifa from patrol. Around 1945C/6, HMS Naiad, HMS Phoebe, HMS Kimberley and HMS Hasty departed Haifa for a night sweep during which nothing was sighed. 7 July 1941. Around 0620C/7, HMS Naiad, HMS Phoebe, HMS Kimberley and HMS Hasty returned to Haifa from their sweep. They did not enter harbour but anchored off the breakwater entering only around 1000C/7. Between 0930C/7 and 1000C/7, HMS Ajax, HMAS Perth, HMS Carlisle, HMS Jackal, HMS Hotspur, HMAS Nizam, HMS Kimberley, HMS Havock and HMS Hasty departed Haifa to support Army operations. They returned to Haifa around 1830C/7. They had carried out no bombardments due to the confusing situation on land and the poor visibility. A strong force of Vichy-French bombers approached the bombarding force during the afternoon but were driven off by the fighter escort. The fighters reported having shot down a JU 88 which was most likely a German reconnaissance aircraft. From air reconnaissance reports during the day of the three Vichy-French destroyers (Guepard, Valmy and Vauquelin) on the Turkish coast it appeared possible that they might attempt to reach Beirut during the night. At 1815C/7, HMS Naiad and HMS Phoebe departed Haifa to look for them. HMS Jackal, HMS Hotspur, HMAS Nizam and HMS Havock joined them on leaving harbour having been detached from the Ajax's force. At the same time the four MTB's (MTB 68, MTB 215, Kajmak?alan and Durmitor) departed Haifa to operate of Beirut during the night. MTB 68 actually entered the harbour but on finding it very difficult to attack merchant vessels with torpedoes due to the limited space and therefore firing only one torpedo which missed. She dropped depth charges instead alongside two of the merchant vessels. around 2330C/7, it became apparent that the French destroyers were not proceeding towards Beirut this night and HMS Naiad, HMS Phoebe, HMS Jackal, HMS Hotspur, HMAS Nizam and HMS Havock turned southwards and set course to return to Haifa. 8 July 1941. On their arrival off Haifa HMS Naiad, HMS Phoebe, HMS Jackal, HMS Hotspur, HMAS Nizam and HMS Havock found the port closed due to enemy air laid mines having been dropped in the harbour. They therefore patrolled to seaward throughout the day and then proceeded on a normal night sweep at sunset. In the port mines had been dropped close to HMS Carlisle which was towed out of the danger area. 9 July 1941. Around 0600C/9, HMS Naiad, HMS Phoebe, HMS Jackal, HMS Hotspur, HMAS Nizam and HMS Havock returned to Haifa from patrol. A report was received that the French had asked for an armistice and this was later confirmed. Around 1800C/9, HMS Parthian departed Haifa for Alexandria. Around 2030C/9, HMS Ajax, HMAS Perth, HMS Griffin, HMS Hasty, HMS Kimberley and HMS Kingston departed Haifa for a regular night sweep. 10 July 1941. Around 0620C/10, HMS Ajax, HMAS Perth, HMS Griffin, HMS Hasty, HMS Kimberley and HMS Kingston returned to Haifa. Reconnaissance during the day reported two large merchant vessels at Banias, two between Rouad Island and the coast and one north of Tripoli harbour. The reports were not trusted but at 1618C/10, a signal was received from the Commander-in-Chief Mediterranean that these ships were to be captured so at 2015C/10, HMS Ajax, HMAS Perth, HMS Jackal, HMS Griffin, HMS Hasty, HMS Kimberley and HMS Kingston departed Haifa to do so. Boarding parties had been sent by the cruisers which remained in harbour to the destroyers. No merchant ships were found in the reported places and off the coast. 11 July 1941. Around 0635C/11, HMAS Nizam, HMS Havock and HMS Hotspur departed Haifa to join HMS Ajax's force (possibly for exercises ?). Around 0805C/11, HMS Jackal arrived at Haifa after having been detached. Around 0930C/11, HMS Ajax, HMAS Perth, HMS Griffin, HMS Hasty, HMS Kimberley, HMS Kingston, HMAS Nizam, HMS Havock and HMS Hotspur returned to Haifa. Around 2030C/11, HMS Naiad, HMAS Perth, HMS Griffin, HMAS Nizam and HMS Kingston departed Haifa for a night sweep. 12 July 1941. Information was received during the night that hostilities would cease at 0001C/12 and that armistice delegates would meet at 1100C/12 at Acre. Around 0620C/12, HMS Naiad, HMAS Perth, HMS Griffin, HMAS Nizam and HMS Kingston returned to Haifa from patrol. Around 2030C/12, HMS Naiad, HMAS Perth, HMS Kimberley, HMS Hasty and HMS Hotspur departed Haifa for a night sweep and also to avoid congestion in the harbour. 13 July 1941. Around 0625C/13, HMS Naiad, HMAS Perth, HMS Kimberley, HMS Hasty and HMS Hotspur returned to Haifa from patrol. Around 2030C/12, HMS Ajax, HMS Phoebe, HMS Jackal, HMS Kingston and HMS Havock departed Haifa for a night sweep and also to avoid congestion in the harbour. 14 July 1941. Around 0630C/14, HMS Ajax, HMS Phoebe, HMS Jackal, HMS Kingston and HMS Havock returned to Haifa from patrol. Around 1800C/14, HMS Naiad, HMS Phoebe, HMAS Perth, HMS Kimberley, HMS Griffin, HMS Havock and HMS Hotspur departed Haifa for Alexandria. 15 July 1941. Around 1400C/15, HMS Moy departed Haifa for Beirut. Around 1900C/15, HMS Harrow and HMS Lydiard (Lt. D.M. Gibb, RNR) departed Haifa for Beirut. Around 2000C/15, HMS Carlisle departed Haifa for Beirut. All the above ships were due to arrive at Beirut around 0530C/16. Around 2000C/15, HMS Hasty and HMAS Nizam departed Haifa to carry out an A/S sweep from 5 to 15 miles from Beirut. The search was negative. 16 July 1941. Around 0800C/16, HMS Hasty and HMAS Nizam returned to Haifa. Around 1145C/16, HMS Leander arrived at Haifa from Alexandria. She had been delayed by a reduction of speed at 21 knots due to excessive vibration. 17 July 1941. Around 0800C/17, HMS Jervis arrived at Haifa from Alexandria. Around 2000C/17, HMS Jackal, HMAS Nizam and HMS Hasty departed Haifa for Alexandria. Off Alexandria they were to join the Fleet for exercises. Around 2030C/17, HMS Ajax, HMS Jervis and HMS Kingston departed Haifa to provide cover for convoy LE 25 which they did until 0500C/18. 18 July 1941. Around 0800C/18, HMS Ajax and HMS Kingston returned to Haifa. Around 0930C/18, HMS Leander departed Haifa for full power trials after divers had removed wire fouling her inner port propeller. The full power trial was satisfactory though there was still some vibration aft but this may also be due to a foul bottom as her last undocking had been on 26 December 1940. She returned to Haifa around 1120C/18. Around 1130C/18, HMS Jervis returned to Haifa having conducted D/F trials before entering harbour.

Light cruiser HMS Hermione: HMS Hermione (Capt. G.N. Oliver, RN) arrived at Hvalfjord, Iceland from the Denmark Strait patrol.

Light cruiser HMS Nigeria: HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.M. Burrough, CB, RN) conducted bombardment exercises off Scapa Flow.

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

Battlecruiser HMS Repulse: HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) returned to Conception Bay from convoy escort duty.

Destroyer HMAS Voyager: Around 1815C/6, HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Mersa Matruh to search for the crew of an RAF bomber that had been shot down over the sea. The destroyers returned around 0745C/7 not having found the missing aircrew.

Destroyer HMAS Nestor: Around 0900B/6, HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) and HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN) departed Scapa Flow, presumably for exercises. They returned later the same day.

Submarine HMS L 26: HMS L 26 (Lt. M.B. St. John, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory.

Submarine HMS L 27: HMS L 27 (Lt. H.N. Edmonds, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth.

1942

Heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire: HMS Devonshire (Capt. R.D. Oliver, DSC, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa from Bombay. She departed to patrol in the northern entrance of the Mozambique Channel later the same day.

Light cruiser HMS Caledon: Around 1345C/6, HMS Caledon (A/Capt. H.J. Haynes, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa from patrol. After fuelling she departed again around 1730C/6 to resume her patrol.

Light cruiser HMS Caradoc: HMS Caradoc (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN) developed an engine defect and is forced to return to Gibraltar.

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

Light cruiser HMS Danae: Around 1600C/6, HMS Danae (Capt. H.F. Nalder, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa to patrol off the northern entrance to the Mozambique Channel.

Light cruiser HMS Diomede: HMS Diomede (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) was released from the American Task Force 23 and reverted to British control. For the moment she had to remain at Montivideo to complete repairs to her main engines. On completion of these repairs she was to proceed to the UK to refit.

Light cruiser HMS Durban: With the repairs and partial refit completed, HMS Durban (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), commenced to embark ammunition at Gravesand Bay, New York.

Light cruiser HMS Dragon: HMS Dragon (A/Capt. G.V.B. Faulkner, RN) departed Kilindini to patrol off the northern entrance to the Mozambique Channel.

Light cruiser HMS Newcastle: Around 0530C/6, HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Hermione (Capt. G.N. Oliver, DSO, RN), HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN), HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, DSO and Bar, RAN), HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.D. Pugsley, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. G.E. Fardell, RN), HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN), HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) arrived at Suez.

Submarine USS Swordfish: USS Swordfish (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Smith, USN) attacked a Japanese convoy off the east coast of Malaya in position 05°00'N, 104°00'E. Results are not clear but most likely no hits are obtained. (All times are zone -8) 1250 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 135°. Started approach. After a while the contact was seen to be a convoy. 1457 hours - Sighted three ships in the convoy bearning 115°. Range was 8 nautical miles. Ememy course 005°. No escort was seen to be ahead of the convoy. 1530 hours - The ships were seen to be zig-zagging. Base course was bearing 340°. 1610 hours - Sighted three more ships bearing 045°. They were on a southerly course. Range was 9 nautical miles. A total of eight merchant ships were finally in sight. 1626 hours - In position 05°00'N, 104°00'E fired two torpedoes from 3300 yards at the closest merchant ship. One torpedo explosion was heard 3 minutes 15 seconds after firing the first torpedo. 1630 hours - A large destroyer was seen coming towards. Went deep. 1638 hours - Hit the bottom at 140 feet. 1642 hours - One depth charge was dropped. 1648 hours - Another depth charge was dropped, a little closer. Swordfish remained on the bottom until dark.

Submarine USS Pickerel (i): USS Pickerel (Lt.Cdr. B.E. Bacon, Jr) ended her 4th war patrol at Brisbane, Australia.

Submarine HMS Ursula: HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included practice attacks on HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN).

Submarine HMS Una: HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) departed Alexandria for her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to give cover during convoy operations to Malta and took position in 35°37'N, 18°44'E, the southernmost point of a patrol line (bearing 050° at 12 miles intervals) with HMS P 31 (Lt. J.B.de B. Kershaw, RN), HMS P 34 (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSC, RN) and HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) (cover of Operation VIGOROUS). The patrol was uneventful. For the daily positions of HMS Una during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Taku: HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) patrolled to the south-west of Benghazi. At 2130C/6, a signal was received from Capt. S 1, timed 1925C/6, that two ships were at anchor to the west of Sirte. HMS Taku then proceeded to the south-west to attempt to intercept them between Sirte and El-Aguela. This signal referred to the transport Brook (German, 1225 GRT, built 1927) and the refrigeration ship Amba Aradam (Italian, 405 GRT, built 1936) escorted by the torpedo boat Generale Antonio Cantore. They had sailed from Tripoli at 1445B/5, and they dropped anchor at Buerat El Hsun at 1250B/6. They raised anchor at 0250B/7 and arrived at Benghazi at 1238B/8 without incident except sighting some drifting mines.

Submarine HMS Truant: Around 0600F/6, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. H.A.V. Haggard, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 24th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Colombo.

Submarine HMS Thorn: At 0010C/6, HMS Thorn (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Norfolk, DSO, RN), received Capt. S.1's signal timed 1945C/4 reporting two small transports eastbound from Tripoli. Course was then set to Ras Tayones, just south of Benghazi to intercept them when they approached Benghazi. They were however not sighted.

Submarine HMS Traveller: In position 35°26'N, 03°21'W, HMS Traveller (Lt. M.B. St. John, RN) a merchant vessel was sighted. Course of this ship was 220° at 10 knots. No time is given in the patrol report though. Also about 10 fishing vessels were sighted close inshore during the day. Shortly afterwards, at 1230B/4, another merchant vessel was sighted on a more or less apposite course. No practice attack was made on this ship which was of around the same size as the first ship sighted.

Submarine HMS Uproar: HMS P 31 (Lt. J.B.de B. Kershaw, RN) departed Alexandria for her 11th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Ionian Sea to provide cover during 'Operation Vigorous'. No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed.

Submarine HMS Ultimatum: HMS P 34 (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria for her 11th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to give cover during convoy operations to Malta with HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN), HMS P 31 (Lt. J.B.de B. Kershaw, RN) and HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) (cover of Operation VIGOROUS). For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 34 during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Umbra: HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) departed Alexandria for her 8th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to give cover during convoy operations to Malta and took position in a line with three other submarines in the Ionian Sea. (HMS P 31 (Lt. J.B.de B. Kershaw, RN), HMS P 34 (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSC, RN) and HMS Una (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) (cover of Operation VIGOROUS)). For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 35 during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Unrivalled: HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Speedwell (Lt.Cdr. J.J. Youngs, OBE, RD, RNR), HMS Ledbury (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, RN), HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN).

Submarine HMS H 32: HMS H 32 (Lt. J. Whitton, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory.

Submarine HMS H 34: HMS H 34 (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Light cruiser HMS Phoebe: HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) conducted D/G trials off Plymouth.

Light cruiser HMS Mauritius: Around 1400AB/6, HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN) arrived at Simonstown from convoy escort duty.

Battleship HMS Anson: HMS Anson (Capt. H.R.G. Kinahan, CBE, RN) is undocked.

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

Destroyer HMS Kelvin: The light cruisers HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN), HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr M.J. Clark, DSC, RAN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) and HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN) passed the Suez Canal northbound and arrived off Port Said. Off Port Said they were joined by the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN) which had departed Alexandria at 0830C/6. Course was then set towards Alexandria.

Submarine USS S-39: On or around this date USS S-39 (Lt. F.E. Brown) ended her 4th war patrol at Brisbane.

Submarine USS S-41: USS S-41 (Lt. G.M. Holley, Jr.) ended her 3rd war patrol at Brisbane.

Submarine USS S-47: USS S-47 (Lt. J.W. Davis) departed from Brisbane for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the New Britain-New Ireland area.

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

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

Destroyer HNMS Van Galen (ii): HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Colombo from Port Victoria, Seychelles. Here she joined ' Force A ' of the Eastern Fleet.

Aircraft carrier USS Enterprise: Aircraft from USS Enterprise and USS Hornet sink Japanese heavy cruiser Mikuma and badly damaged another cruiser (Mogami). Both Japanese vessels were damaged earlier due to collision.

Submarine HMS L 23: HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners.

1943

Heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk: HMS Norfolk (A/Capt. J.S.S. Litchfield-Speer, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Portsmouth. She now commended a post-refit work-up programme.

Light cruiser HMS Cardiff: HMS Cardiff (A/Capt.(Retd.) A.G. Davidson, RN) proceeded from Govan to Greenock.

Light cruiser HMS Colombo: Around 1415B/6, HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Plymouth.

Light cruiser HMS Dauntless: HMS Dauntless (Capt. N.J.W. William-Powlett, DSC, RN) departed Takoradi for Freetown.

Light cruiser HMS Durban: HMS Durban (Capt. G.F. Stevens-Guille, DSO, OBE, RN) departed Bombay for Bahrein.

Light cruiser HMS Sheffield: HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.T. Addis, RN) proceeded from Dalmuir to Greenock.

Battleship USS Iowa: USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted trials and exercises off Casco Bay, Maine. She was escorted by USS Kidd (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Roby, Sr., USN) and USS Abbot (Cdr. C.E. Carroll, USN).

Submarine HNMS O 23: Around 1115FG/6, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) ended her 18th war patrol (5th in the Far East), which had been uneventful, at Colombo. She was escorted in by HMS Balta (T/Lt. W.E. Turner, RNVR) which had joined around 0930FG/6.

Submarine HNMS O 14: HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) conducted A/S exercises in the Firth of Forth with HMS Lady Beryl, HMS Brimness (Skr. A.E. Larner, RNR) and HMS Winchester (Lt. J.R. Gower, RN).

Submarine USS Tautog: USS Tautog (Lt.Cdr W.B. Sieglaff) sank the Japanese transport Shinei Maru (970 GRT) off Basalin Strait in position 07°00'N, 123°37'E.

Submarine USS Spearfish: With her overhaul completed USS Spearfish (Lt.Cdr. G.A. Sharp) leaves Pearl Harbor for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Caroline / Marshall islands area.

Submarine USS Sailfish: At 1500K/6, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) sighted a convoy of three merchant vessels escorted by what is thought to be a minesweeper in position 39°24'N, 142°25'E. The merchant vessels were thought to be ore carriers, one of 6000 tons and two of 3500 tons. Enemy course was 160° at 9 knots. Commenced closing but they changed course and passed ahead at a range of 10000 yards.

Submarine USS Searaven: Around 1300VW/6, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 7th war patrol. She was initially ordered to patrol north-north-west of the Mariana Islands area. Before proceeding to her patrol area she is to top off with fuel and water at Midway. She was escorted out until 2000VW/6 [identity of the escort not mentioned in the patrol report].

Submarine USS Pompano: USS Pompano (Lt.Cdr. W.M. Thomas) left Pearl Harbor for her 6th war patrol, once again she was ordered to patrol in Japanese home waters.

Submarine USS Gato: USS Gato (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Foley) ended her 5th war patrol at Pearl Harbor. She is sent to the Mare Island Navy Yard for an overhaul.

Submarine USS Sawfish: USS Sawfish (Lt.Cdr. E.T. Sands) ended her 2nd war patrol at Pearl Harbor.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Alcantara: Around 1830Z/6, HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN) departed Dakar for Freetown.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Asturias: Around 1915Z/6, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) J.M. Alleyne, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Casablanca for Freetown.

Submarine HMS Severn: HMS Severn (Lt.Cdr. A.N.G. Campbell, RN) departed Holy Loch for Algiers. During the passage south through the Irish Sea she was escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr. (Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN) until 1700/8.

Submarine HMS Severn: For the daily positions of HMS Severn during the passage from Holy Loch to Algiers see the map below.

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).

Submarine HMS Seadog: At 1612 hours, in position 64°24'N, 01°05'E, HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) sighted a 'Type 9' U-boat. An attack was started but the U-boat dived before torpedoes could be fired. The U-boat sighted was most likely U-536 which was passing through the area and was indeed a 'Type 9' U-boat.

Submarine HMS Sea Nymph: HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) is undocked.

Submarine HMS Sickle: During 6 and 7 June 1943 HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Algiers. These included night exercises.

Submarine HMS Stubborn: HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) arrived at Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Surf: HMS Surf (Lt. D. Lambert, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Loch Foyle.

Submarine HMS Syrtis: HMS Syrtis (Lt. M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Tuna: HMS Tuna (Lt. D.S.R. Martin, RN) arrived at Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Thrasher: HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted trials and exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Trusty: At 1125Z/6, in position 35°45'N, 11°48'W (about 300 nautical miles West of Gibraltar), HMS Trusty (Lt.Cdr. E.F Balston, DSO, RN) was rammed by the Spanish tanker Campeche (6382 GRT, built 1934). Trusty was at a depth of 49 feet when she was rammed. A report of the situation was signalled and Trusty set course towards Gibraltar. Trusty was proceeding dived by day and proceeded at a depth of 49 feet as it was extremely difficult to keep her at periscope depth at slow speeds. As she came up to periscope depth to receive the 1130 hours radio routines no HE around her was picked up. When she came to periscope depth though she was rammed by the Spanish tanker Campeche. Lt.Cdr. Balston tried to have a look through the periscope but both could not be operated. He decided to surface to inspect the damage. It turned out that considerable damage was done to the conning tower and periscope sheers. Lt.Cdr. Balston decided to proceed to Gibraltar for repairs.

Submarine HMS Taurus: HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) sank the Greek caique Hyd 146 / Panagia with gunfire west of Mitylene, Greece in position 39°15'N, 25°45'E. 1526C/6 - Taurus surfaced and sank a 50 tons caique with gunfire. Soon after the first rounds were fired the caiques crew hoisted a white flag, so Lt.Cdr. Wingfield allowed the crew to abandon their ship with a dinghy. 1830C/6 - Just as Lt.Cdr. Wingfield wanted to surface to sink another caique, an aircraft was sighted that continued to patrol the area. This attack eventually had to be abandoned.

Submarine HMS Trespasser: At 0727B/6, when in approximate position 42°59'N, 06°02'E, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) sighted what is thought to be a (former) French La Cordeliere-class torpedo boat entering Toulon harbour coming from the eastwards. Range was 9000 yards and as these ships only draw 8 feet. Lt. Favell did not attempt to start an attack. This must have been the German torpedo boat TA 10 (former French La Pomone) on passage from Genoa to Toulon.

Submarine HMS Tantalus: HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Ultimatum: HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) arrived at Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Unbroken: HMS Unbroken (Lt. B.J.B. Andrew, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 18th war patrol (also 18th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Squillace and the Gulf of Taranto. For the daily and attack positions of HMS Unbroken during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Unison: In the evening HMS Unison (Lt. A.R. Daniell, DSC, RN) launched a Chariot and a folbot for beach reconnaissance of Gela, Sicily. The Chariot sank immediately to the bottom due to a malfunction but the folbot successfully carried out her mission.

Submarine HMS Unrivalled: HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) returned to Malta.

Submarine HMS Unseen: During the night of 6 - 7 June 1943, HMS Unseen (Lt. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC, RN), launched a COPP party for a beach reconnaissance. Position in which the folbot and Chariot were launched was 36°44'N, 14°34'E. The party left at 2222/06 and returned at 0155/07. Course was then set to return to Malta (all times zone -2).

Submarine HMS Ultor: HMS Ultor (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the north of Sicily. For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ultor see the map below.

Submarine HMS Unsparing: HMS Unsparing (Lt. A.D. Piper, DSC and 2 bars, RNR) arrived at Algiers.

Submarine HMS Untiring: HMS Untiring (Lt. R. Boyd, DSC, RN) departed Blyth for Holy Loch. She was initially escorted by HMS ML 300 (CO ?) until 1600 hours when HMS ML 454 (T/Lt. W.M. Russell, RNVR) took over the escort. At 0635/7 HMS Stella Pegasi (T/Lt. T.G. Hornsby, RNR) took over the escort and finally at 1740/7 HMS Sabre (Lt. R.L. Caple, DSC, RN) took over the escort.

Submarine HMS Upstart: HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Rothesay.

Submarine HMS H 32: HMS H 32 (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H.T. Pitt, RN) and HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR).

Submarine HMS H 33: HMS H 33 (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Aberdeen (Lt.Cdr. H. Day, RN), HMS Vanquisher (Lt.Cdr. G.A.G. Ormsby, RN), HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN).

Submarine HMS H 34: HMS H 34 (T/Lt. R.L. Willoughby, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR).

Submarine HMS P 511: HMS P 511 (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) was undocked.

Submarine HMS P 512: HMS P 512 (Lt. R.B. Foster, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda.

Light cruiser HMS Cleopatra: HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN) proceeded from Algiers to Bone.

Light cruiser HMS Kenya: Around 1800C/6, HMS Kenya (Capt. D.P. Evans, RN), departed Kilidini to make rendezvous with the transport Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917) near Diego Suarez.

Submarine USS S-30: USS S-30 (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Stevenson) sank the Japanese sailing vessel Nagashige Maru Nr.2 (30 GRT) with gunfire south of Kamchatka in position 50°45'N, 156°56'E.

Submarine USS S-32: USS S-32 (Lt. F.J. Harlfinger II) arrived at San Diego. She is now assigned to training duties.

Submarine HMS L 27: HMS L 27 (Lt. R.G.P. Bulkeley, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Altair (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) W.R.T. Clements, RNR).

1944

Corvette HMCS Kitchener: HMCS Kitchener (T/Lt. J.E. Moles, RCNVR) was part of the escort for the second wave of US soldiers that landed around 11 AM on Omaha beach.

Corvette HMCS Woodstock: On D-Day HMCS Woodstock supported the American landings at Omaha Beach.

Heavy cruiser HMS Kent: Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Kent (Capt. G.A.B. Hawkins, DSC, MVO, RN) to HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN).

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

Light cruiser HMS Caledon: The escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN), escort destroyer RHS Kriti, frigates HMS Evenlode (which had remained with the convoy), HMS Dart (Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR), HMS Shiel (Lt. H.P. Crail, DSC, RNR), HMS Gloxinia (Lt. D. Perry, DSC, RNR), HMS Primula (T/Lt. E.N. Wilding, RNVR), HMS Smilax (Lt. A. Branson, RNR) and A/S trawler HMS Wolborough (T/Lt. G.A. Hartnell, RNR) departed Gibraltar and joined convoy KMS 52 for escort duty. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy OS 78 / KMS 52 ' for 23 May 1944.

Light cruiser HMS Danae: Around 0507B/6, HMS Danae (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN) arrived in her bombardment position near Ouistreham. At 0530B/6, fire was opened on an enemy shore battery in the Ouistreham area. During the morning and afternoon a total of five bombardments were carried out. Around 1930B/6, she left the operations area for Spithead where she arrived around 2300B/6.

Light cruiser HMS Dauntless: HMS Dauntless (Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, DSO, RN) and HMS Diomede (Cdr. R.A. Ewing, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Methil. On completion of these exercises HMS Dauntless proceeded to Leith.

Light cruiser HMS Durban: HMS Durban (A/Cdr. J.A. Agnew, RN) proceeded from Poole to Ouisterham.

Heavy cruiser HMS Frobisher: At 0518B/6, HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN) arrived in her assigned position off Sword Beach. At 0547B/6, HMS Frobisher opened fire on an enemy shore battery. Six salvoes were fired. At 0645B/6, fire was opened on a shore target. Two salvoes straddled this targat around 0706B/6. Around min-morning, HMS Frobisher took off wounded from a damaged LCI.

Heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins: At 0538B/6, HMS Hawkins (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN) commenced bombarding German positions on the French coast in the ' Utah Beach sector '. The initial bombardments by HMS Hawkins ceased at 0945B/6. From 1600B6/ to 1630B/6 another bombardment was carried out. HMS Hawkins was part of ' Bombardment Force A ' which was part of the Western Task Force.

Light cruiser HMS Enterprise: Took part in the Normandy landings with Force "A", under the overall command of the Admiral embarked in US CA Tuscaloosa and deployed in support of the landings at Utah Beach. From 0716 hrs the CL fired on targets NE of Pouppeville, expending 145 rounds of 152 mm ammo in 6 separate shoots. Enterprise also took part in the bombardment of Cherbourg during June/July.

Light cruiser HMS Glasgow: At 0500B/6, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) laid a dan buoy her initial bombardment position of 49°27.02'N, 00.52.00'W (this was off Vierville-sur-Mer) At 0554B/6, HMS Glasgow opened fire to participate in the opening bombardment for the Normandy landings. She is assigned to the Omaha sector. Fire was ceased at 0630B/6. At 0634B/6, fire was opened again. At 0640B/6, fire was ceased. At 0804B/6, fire was opened again. At 0810B/6, fire was ceased. At 0836B/6, fire was opened again. At 0859B/6, fire was ceased. At 1001B/6, fire was opened again. At 1014B/6, fire was ceased. At 1035B/6, fire was opened again. At 1101B/6, fire was ceased. At 1410B/6, HMS Glasgow moved closer inshore. At 1425B/6, HMS Glasgow anchored in position 007 - Vierville-sur-Mer Church - 3.1 nautical miles. At 1459B/6, fire was opened again. At 1511B/6, fire was ceased. At 1519B/6, fire was opened again. At 1531B/6, fire was ceased. At 1728B/6, HMS Glasgow weighed anchor. At 1739B/6, HMS Glasgow anchored in position 017 - Vierville-sur-Mer Church - 2.9 nautical miles. At 1744B/6, fire was opened again. At 1806B/6, fire was ceased. At 1953B/6, fire was opened on suspected enemy batteries. At 1859B/6, fire was ceased.

Light cruiser HMS Belfast: Around 0527B/6, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, RN) commenced bombarding operations in the 'Juno Beach' area. Further bombardments were carried out at intervals throughout the day.

Battleship USS Iowa: USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) departed Majuro Atoll for operation FORAGER. She was to provide cover for the landings on Saipan. The successfull landing on Saipan were then followed by landings on Tinian and Guam (Operation STEVEDORE). Late July 1944 Task Force 58 carried out a raid against Palau. Iowa was part of Task Force 58 which was made up of the following ships; Task Group 58.1 Aircraft carriers USS Hornet (Capt. W.D. Sample, USN), USS Yorktown (Capt. R.E. Jennings, USN), light carriers USS Belleau Wood (Capt. J. Perry, USN), USS Bataan (Capt. V.H. Schaeffer, USN), heavy cruisers USS Boston (Capt. E.E. Hermann, USN), USS Baltimore (Capt. W.C. Calhoun, USN), USS Canberra (Capt. A.R. Early, USN), light cruiser USS Oakland (Capt. W.K. Phillips, USN) and the destroyers (DesRon 46) USS Izard (Cdr. M.T. Dayton, USN), USS Charrette (Lt.Cdr. G.P. Joyce, USN), USS Conner (Cdr. W.E. Kaitner, USN), USS Bell (Lt.Cdr. J.S.C. Gabbert, USN), USS Burns (Cdr. D.T. Eller, USN), USS Bradford (Cdr. R.L. Morris, USN), USS Brown (Cdr. T.H. Copeman, USN) and USS Cowell (Cdr. C.W. Parker, USN). Task Group 58.2 Aircraft carriers USS Bunker Hill (Capt. T.P. Jeter, USN), USS Wasp (Capt. C.A.F. Sprague, USN), light carriers USS Monterey (Capt. S.H. Ingersoll, USN), USS Cabot (Capt. S.J. Michael, USN), light cruisers USS Santa Fé (Capt. J. Wright, USN), USS Mobile (Capt. C.J. Wheeler, USN), USS Biloxi (Capt. D.M. McGurl, USN), USS San Juan (Capt. G.W. Clark, USN) and the destroyers (DesRon 52) USS Owen (Cdr. R.W. Wood, USN), USS Miller (Cdr. T.H. Kobey, USN), USS The Sullivans (Cdr. K.M. Gentry, USN), USS Stephen Potter (Cdr. L.W. Pancoast, USN), USS Tingey (Cdr. J.O. Miner, USN), USS Hickox (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wesson, USN), USS Hunt (Cdr. H.A. Knoertzer, USN), USS Lewis Hancock (Cdr. W.M. Searles, USN), USS Marshall (Cdr. J.D. McKinney, USN) and USS Tingey (Cdr. J.O. Miner, USN) Task Group 58.3 Aircraft carriers USS Enterprise (Capt. M.B. Gardner, USN), USS Lexington (Capt. E.W. Litch, USN), light cariers USS San Jacinto (Capt. H.M. Martin, USN), USS Princeton (Capt. W.H. Buracker, USN), heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis (Capt. E.R. Johnson, USN), light cruisers USS Reno (Capt. R.C. Alexander, USN), USS Montpelier (Capt. H.D. Hoffman, USN), USS Cleveland (Capt. A.G. Shepard, USN), Birmingham (Capt. T.B. Inglis, USN) and the destroyers (DesRon 50) USS Clarence K. Bronson (Cdr. G. Scull, USN), USS Cotten (Cdr. F.T. Sloat, USN), USS Dortch (Cdr. R.C. Young, USN), USS Gatling (Cdr. A.F. Richardson, USN), USS Healy (Cdr. J.C. Atkeson, USN), USS Cogswell (Cdr. H.T. Deutermann, USN), USS Caperton (Cdr. W.J. Miller, USN), USS Ingersoll (Cdr. A.C. Veasey, USN) and USS Knapp (Cdr. F. Virden, USN). Task Group 58.4 Aircraft carrier USS Essex (Capt. R.A. Ofstie, USN), light carriers USS Langley (Capt. W.M. Dillon, USN), USS Cowpens (Capt. H.W. Taylor, USN), light cruisers USS San Diego (Capt. L.J. Hudson, USN), Vincennes (Capt. A.D. Brown, USN), Houston (Capt. W.W. Behrens, USN), Miami (Capt. J.G. Crawford, USN) and the destroyers USS Lansdowne (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Maddox, USN), USS Lardner (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Parker, USN), USS McCalla (Lt.Cdr. E.K. Jones, USN), USS Lang (Cdr. H. Payson, Jr., USN), USS Sterett (Lt.Cdr. F.J.L. Blouin, USN), USS Wilson (Lt.Cdr. C.K. Duncan, USN), USS Case (Cdr. C.M. Howe, 3rd, USN), USS Ellet (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Rider, USN), USS Charles Ausburne (Lt.Cdr. L.K. Reynolds, USN), USS Stanly (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Morland, USN), USS Dyson (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Babb, USN), USS Converse (Cdr. J.B. Colwell, USN), USS Spence (Cdr. H.J. Armstrong, Jr., USN) and USS Thatcher (Cdr. L.R. Lampman, USN). Task Group 58.7 Battleships USS Washington (Capt. T.R. Cooley, USN), USS North Carolina (Capt. F.P. Thomas, USN), USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN), USS New Jersey (Capt. C.F. Holden, USN), USS Indiana (Capt. T.J. Keliher, USN), USS South Dakota (Capt. R.S. Riggs, USN), USS Alabama (Capt. F.D. Kirtland, USN), heavy cruisers USS Wichita (Capt. D.A. Spencer, USN), USS Minneapolis (Capt. H. Slocum, USN), USS New Orleans (Capt. J.D.H. Kane, USN), USS San Francisco (Capt. H.E. Overesch, USN) and the destroyers USS Mugford (Lt.Cdr. M.A. Shellabarger, USN), USS Conyngham (Lt.Cdr. B. Taylor, USN), USS Patterson (Lt.Cdr. A.F. White, USN), USS Bagley (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Shea, Jr., USN), USS Selfridge (Lt.Cdr. L.L. Snider, USN), USS Halford (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Hardy, USN), USS Guest (Cdr. M.G. Kennedy, USN), USS Bennett (Lt.Cdr. P.F. Hauck, USN), USS Fullam (Cdr. W.D. Kelly, USN), USS Hudson (Lt.Cdr. R.R. Pratt, USN), USS Yarnall (Cdr. B.F. Tompkins, USN), USS Twining (Cdr. E.K. Wakefield, USN), USS Stockham (Cdr. E.P. Holmes, USN) and USS Monssen (Cdr. B.A. Feutsch, USN). For the daily positions of USS Iowa during these operations see the map below.

Light cruiser HNMS Tromp: HrMs Tromp (A/Capt. F. Stam, RNN) arrived at Colombo.

Submarine HNMS O 15: HrMs O 15 (Lt. J.B.M.J. Maas, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Pasley (Lt. P.G.R. Mitchell, RN).

Submarine HNMS O 9: HrMs O 9 (Lt. R.W. van Lynden, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Ambuscade (Lt. H. Hutchinson, RN).

Submarine HNMS O 10: HrMs O 10 (Lt.Cdr. A. van Altena, RNN(R)) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Lycett, DSC, RNR) and HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR).

Submarine HNMS Zwaardvisch: HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) departed from Gibraltar bound for Malta.

Submarine USS Gabilan: USS Gabilan (Lt.Cdr. K.R. Wheland) ended her 1st war patrol.

Submarine USS Harder: USS Harder (Cdr. S.D. Dealey) torpedoed and sank the Japanese destroyer Minazuki (1500 tons, offsite link) some 120 nautical miles east-north-east of Tarakan, Borneo in position 04°05'N, 119°30'E.

Submarine USS Lapon: USS Lapon (Cdr. L.T. Stone) ended her 4th war patrol at Fremantle.

Submarine USS Raton: USS Raton (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Davis) torpedoed and sank the Japanese corvette Kaibokan 15 (745 tons, offsite link) about 160 nautical miles off Cape St. Jacques, French Indo-China in position 08°57'N, 109°17'E.

Submarine USS Aspro: USS Aspro (Cdr. W.A. Stevenson, USN) departed her patrol area for Fremantle, Australia.

Submarine USS Barbel: Having transited the Panama Canal, USS Barbel (Cdr. R.A. Keating, Jr., USN), arrived at Balboa.

Submarine USS Baya: With her torpedo trials completed, USS Baya (Cdr. A.H. Holtz, USN), returned to New London, Connecticut from Newport, Rhode Island.

Submarine USS Hammerhead: USS Hammerhead (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Martin) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol south of Formosa.

Submarine USS Bang: USS Bang (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN) departed from Midway for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol west of the Mariana Islands. Later she was ordered to patrol west of Luzon, Philippines. For the daily and attack positions of USS Bang during this patrol see the map below. As no deck log is available (for the moment) positions were taken from the patrol report. Unfortunately the patrol report does not give daily noon positions.

Submarine USS Pintado: USS Pintado (Lt.Cdr. B.A. Clarey) torpedoed and sank the Japanese army cargo ship Kashimasan Maru (2825 GRT) and the Japanese troop transport Havre Maru (5652 GRT) west-north-west of the Mariana Islands in position 16°28'N, 142°16'E.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Indefatigable: Around 0830B/6, HMS Indefatigable (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN) departed Greenock for flying exercises and subsequent passage to Belfast Lough where she arrived around 2325B/6.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Unicorn: The aircraft maintenance carrier HMS Unicorn (Capt. H.L.St.J. Fancourt, DSO, RN) conducted flying exercises off Trincomalee during which she was escorted by the destroyers HMS Racehorse (Cdr. J.J. Casement, DSC, RN), HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) and HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. the Viscount Jocelyn, RN).

Escort Carrier HMS Battler: HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN) is docked at the Durban Dockyard.

Submarine HMS Una: HMS Una (Lt. C.A.J. Nicholl, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Walker, RN) and HMS Halladale (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Woolfenden, RD, RNR).

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

Submarine HMS Safari: HMS Safari (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducted special trials in the Clyde area with HMS Kingfisher (T/Lt. F.D. Betts, RNR).

Submarine HMS Sea Rover: HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) was undocked.

Submarine HMS Shakespeare: HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area followed by speed trials on the Arran measured mile.

Submarine HMS Sickle: HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) reported in her 1956/06 that she had torpedoed and sunk the German merchant Orion in the Doro Channel. A 400 tons ship had been in company as well as 6 EMS craft, 2 E-boats and 4 A/S caiques. Sickle considered the target sunk and that a possible hit was obtained on one of the other vessels. Sickle also reported she was proceeding to the Kassandra area. It was later known that she sank the German merchant Reaumur (549 GRT, former Spanish Tercio de Montejurra, built 1919) in the Doro Channel in position 38°00'N, 24°35'E. She was carrying 450 tons of olive oil from Mytilene for Piraeus and had been in convoy with tanker Dresden and tug Pinguin. They were escorted by R 178, GA 91 and GA 76. Also present were Neckar, Saar, Isar, Lech and Inn. These were possibly pilot cutters from the Black Sea. Reaumur sank in 90 seconds, 14 were killed or missing, 17 survivors were picked up.

Submarine HMS Spiteful: HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) was docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee.

Submarine HMS Sportsman: During 6 and 7 June 1944 HMS Sportsman (Lt. R. Gatehouse, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. These included night exercises.

Submarine HMS Spark: HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS Statesman: HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN), HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN), HMS Statesman (Lt. R.G.P. Bulkeley, RN) and HMS Vigorous (Lt. J.C. Ogle, DSC, RN) all departed Gibraltar for Malta. They made the passage in convoy KMS 52.

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

Submarine HMS Tradewind: HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee.

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 Fishguard together with aircraft.

Submarine HMS Unruffled: HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Upshot: HMS Upshot (Lt. H.W. Wilkinson, RN) conducted log trials in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Venturer: HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne.

Submarine HMS Vigorous: For the daily positions of HMS Vigorous during the passage from Gibraltar to Malta see the map below.

Submarine HMS Voracious: HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Unseen (T/Lt. T.D. Wood, DSC, RNVR) served as target.

Submarine HMS Vulpine: HMS Vulpine (T/Lt. P.S. Thirsk, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS H 43: HMS H 43 (Lt. F.R. Lawrence, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Light cruiser HMS Phoebe: During 6/7 June 1944, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night encounter exercises with four destroyers, which most likely were HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, DSC, RN), HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN).

Light cruiser HMS Scylla: At 0001B/6, HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN, flying the flag of R.Adm. P.L. Vian, CB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) went to second degree of readiness. At 0257B/6, HMS Scylla entered the buoyed channel towards the bombarding positions. At 0430B/6, all hands went to action stations. At 0510B/6, the battleships of Bombardment Force D were seen to open fire. Three enemy torpedo boats (T 28, Möwe and Jaguar) attacked with torpedoes from the eastwards. HNoMS Svenner (Lt.Cdr. T. Holte) was hit by a torpedo and sank. More torpedoes were seen to pass between HMS Warspite (Capt. M.H.A. Kelsey, DSC, RN), HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN). At 0520B/6, the initial air attack on the landing beaches was completed. At 0531B/6, HMS Scylla opened fire on targets in Ouistreham. At 0625B/6, HMS Scylla dropped anchor in position 49°25'N, 00°14.2'W. At 0705B/6, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway to close the shore to intensify the bombardment of beaches close west of Queen Red beach. At 0720B/6, the engines were stopped. At 0724B/6, fire was ceased. At 0725B/6, 'H-hour', HMS Scylla proceeded along the length of the British Assault Area at a distance of about 2 nautical miles from the shore. At 0920B/6, HMS Scylla stopped in position 025° - Arromanches Church - 4.1 nautical miles. At 0924B/6, HMS Scylla commenced a bombardment of Arromanches. The bombardment was completed 7 minutes later. At 1015B/6, HMS Scylla anchored in the 'Sword Area'. At 1445B/6, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway. At 1511B/6, HMS Scylla anchored, still in the 'Sword Area'. At 1633B/6, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway. At 1715B/6, HMS Scylla anchored, now in the 'Juno Area'. At 2202B/6, HMS Scylla weighed anchor and got underway. At 2230B/6, HMS Scylla anchored, now again in the 'Sword Area'.

Light cruiser HMS Diadem: Around 0550B/6, HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN) commenced bombarding operations in the 'Juno Beach' area. Further bombardments were carried out at intervals throughout the day.

Light cruiser HMS Mauritius: Around 0515B/6, HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.R. Patterson, CB, CVO, RN) arrived in her assigned position just to the east of Sword Beach. Shortly after arrival enemy ships were seen to the eastward and at 0530B/6, HMS Mauritius opened fire on them. This were the German torpedo boats T 28, Möwe and Jaguar which had fired torpedoes into the operations area. They later returned to Le Havre. At 0818B/6, fire was opened on enemy infantry. A total of 11 rounds were fired. At 0904B/6, fire was opened. This was an area bombardment in which 42 rounds were fired. At 1730B/6, fire was opened on enemy troops. A total of 26 rounds were fired. At 1944B/6, fire was opened on enemy troops. A total of 150 rounds were fired. At 2136B/6, fire was opened. This was an area bombardment in which 84 rounds were fired. At 2235B/6, HMS Mauritius anchored for the night.

Battleship HMS Ramillies: At 0510B/6, HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) arrived in her assigned bombardment position on the east flank of Sword Beach. At 0525B/6, four torpedoes were seen to pass close by the ship. At 0545B/6, HMS Ramillies commenced her first shore bombardment of the day. At 2000B/6, HMS Ramillies left the bombardment area to proceed to Portsmouth (Spithead) where she arrived around 0715B/7. During the passage she was escorted by HMS Verulam (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, DSC, RN). Around 0240B/7, the destroyer HMS Grenville (Capt. H.P. Henderson, RN) and the escort destroyer ORP Krakowiak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) W. Maracewicz) joined company.

Battleship HMS Nelson: Around 0530B/6, HMS Nelson (Capt. A.H. Maxwell-Hyslop, AM, RN) departed Milford Haven for Plymouth where she arrived around 1930B/6. She was escorted by the destroyer HMS Duncan (Lt. D.G.D. Hall-Wright, RN) and the frigates HMS Goodall (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Fulton, RNVR) and HMS Bullen (Lt. A.H. Parish, RN).

Battleship HMS Howe: HMS Howe (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. In the late afternoon / early evening underway refuelling exercises were carried out with the destroyer HMS Nubian (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Pack-Beresford, RN).

Destroyer HMS Skate: HMS Skate (Lt. J. H. Macalister, RNVR picked up the crew of a C-47 from the 435th Troop Carrier Group, the airplane was hit by German anti-aircraft fire over Normandy and ditched in the Channel.

Destroyer HMAS Vendetta: HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) and HMAS Broome (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Denovan, RANVR) conducted radar and gunnery exercises off Milne Bay.

Destroyer HMS Vega: HMS Vega (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Forsberg, RN) is undocked.

Destroyer HMAS Nizam: During 6/7 July 1944, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) conducted exercises off 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.

ASW Trawler HMS Sapper: HM Trawler Sapper (Lieutenant R.C. Lees RNR) provided escort for Assault Convoy G6, bound for Gold Beach, Normandy.

ASW Trawler HMS Huddersfield Town: Took part in operation Neptune (D-Day landings)giving A.S support to the U.S Bach (Utah). Escorted tug towing earth moving equipment to beach. Escorted hospital ship carrying the wounded back to England. Then resumed escort work in the Western Approaches.

Submarine HMS L 26: HMS L 26 (Lt. A.G. Prideaux, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda.

Submarine HMS L 27: HMS L 27 (Lt. J.N. Elliott, RN) conducted independent exercises off New London, Connecticut.

Patrol craft USS PC-1176: Was the primary control vessel for Tare Green Beach - Utah beach. LCC-60 was the secondary control vessel. From the despatching of the last wave on 6 june 1944 until 17 june 1944, PC 1176 remained at anchor off the center of Tare Green Beach, acting as traffic control vessel during the build-up phase.

Minesweeper USS YMS-349: Took part in the Normandy landings.

Minesweeper USS YMS-381: Lt William E Beckham Jr USN received Bronze Star as Commanding Officer of YMS 381

Tank landing ship USS LST 287: Transported British and Canadian troops to Gold Beach, Normandy

Landing Craft Tank HMS LCT 737: Landed at Gold Beach on D Day. Later took part in Operation Infatuate II at Walcheren on 1 November 1944 as "Bramble". Officer commanding Kenneth Arthur Albert Clements (1920 - 1979)

Landing craft tank HMS LCT 2423: Commanded by Sub Lt M W Stevenson RNVR. Landed US engineers (Lt Col G H Hodges) Uncle Red beach UTAH. Embarked forces at Torquay and then moved to Dartmouth before deploying.

Landing craft tank USS LCT 759: Elements of the 27th Canadian Armoured Regiment (Sherbrooke Fusilier Regiment) departed Gosport, England on LCT 759, Serial 1723, with Sherman tanks and porpoises for the Normandy beaches. All landed unopposed at Bernier-sur-Mer, France at 1200hrs.

Landing Craft Infantry USS LCI(L)-213: LCI(L)-213 at 1030, 1000 yds off Red Beach Utah (Ravenoville), off-loaded troops to L.C.Ms. LCI(L)-213 carried the 531st Engineer Shore Regiment (Lt. Stokes) and the 1st Naval Beach Battalion (Capt. Bissett).

1945

Destroyer USS Harry F. Bauer: USS Harry F. Bauer is damaged by a Japanese kamikaze aircraft of Okinawa in position 26°14'N, 128°01'E. USS Harry F. Bauer proceeded to Kerama Retto. Full repairs were made at Leyte, Philippines.

Destroyer USS J. William Ditter: USS J. William Ditter is damaged by two Japanese kamikaze aircraft while on radar picket duty off Okinawa in position 26°14'N, 128°01'E.

Destroyer USS Shea: Shea arrived at Pearl Harbor.

Destroyer USS Strong (ii): USS Strong (Cdr. C.M. Howe) arrived at Pearl Harbor.

Submarine HNMS K XV: During the night of 6 / 7 June 1945 HrMs K XV (Lt.Cdr. Baron C.W.T. van Boetzelaer, RNN) landed the 'Parsnip' party on the North coast of Java near Mandalika light. The party was picked up on the 8th. They had been spotted by the Japanese (and killed two of them).

Submarine HNMS Dolfijn: HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. J.B.M.J. Maas, RNN) conducted exercises off Dundee.

Submarine USS Searaven: USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour.

Submarine USS Bream: USS Bream (Lt.Cdr. J.L. McCallum) departed from Saipan to refit at the Bethlehem Steel Company shipyard at San Francisco.

Submarine USS Lapon: USS Lapon (Lt.Cdr. D.G. Bear) departed from Guam for her 8th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in Japanese home waters.

Submarine USS Bowfin: USS Bowfin (Cdr. A.K. Tyree, USN) enters the Sea of Japan through the Tsushima Strait.

Submarine USS Dragonet: At 0700K/7, USS Dragonet (T/Capt. J.H. Lewis, USN) and USS Pipefish (T/Cdr. W.N. Deragon, USN) made rendezvous. Six rescued aviators were then transferred to USS Dragonet by USS Pipefish. USS Dragonet then set course for Guam.

Submarine USS Capitaine: USS Capitaine (Lt.Cdr. E.S. Friedrick, USN) attacked what is thought to be an enemy patrol vessel with four torpedoes north-east of Cam Ranh Bay, Indo-China. All missed. After the attack it was noticed that the vessel attacked was very small, possibly a fishing vessel. (All times are zone H, -8) 2138 hours - In position 11°58'N, 109°34'E obtained SJ radar contact bearing 020°(T), range 5000 yards. Commenced tracking the target on a north-easterly course at a speed of 8 knots. Opened out the range but lost the target at 10000 yards. 2207 hours - Found the target again at a range of 9100 yards bearing 290°(T). The target was on base course 325°(T), speed 6 knots. 2255 hours - Sighted the target at a range of 2200 yards. It is thought to be a patrol vessel or trawler. Enemy speed was now only 4 knots. Decided to attack. 2256 hours - In position 12°04'N, 109°32'E fired four bow torpedoes from 1650 yards. No hits were obtained. 2306 hours - Heard two end of run detonations. The target had maintained course and speed. Capitaine closed the target again for another attack but it was now seen that it was only a small fishing vessel. Broke off the attack.

Submarine USS Carbonero: USS Carbonero (Cdr. C.L. Murphy, USN) arrived at Saipan to top off with fuel.

Submarine USS Catfish: USS Catfish (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Overton, USNR) conducted exercises in Panama Bay together with USS MacLeish (Lt. D.S. Cramer, USNR) and USS Entemedor (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Smith, Jr., USN).

Submarine USS Sand Lance: USS Sand Lance (Cdr. M.E. Garrison) ended her 4th war patrol at Midway. Early June USS Sand Lance departed from Midway for her 5th war patrol.

Submarine USS Pomfret: USS Pomfret (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Hess) ended her 5th war patrol at Midway.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Indomitable: HMS Indomitable (Capt. J.A.S. Eccles, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral P.L. Vian, KCB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) is docked in the Captain Cook graving dock at the Naval Base at Sydney. She is taken in hand for refit.

Submarine HMS Otway: HMS Otway (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Boyd, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners.

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 (Cdr.(Retd.) G.G. Slade, RN) served as target.

Submarine HMS Shakespeare: HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Suez.

Submarine HMS Sportsman: HMS Sportsman (Lt. P.L. Langley-Smith, RN) conducted A/S exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Oxlip (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Rice, RNR).

Submarine HMS Stygian: HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) was ordered to patrol off the Northern entrance to Banka Strait to intercept a Japanese Ashigara-class heavy cruiser that was reported by US submarines.

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

Submarine HMS Trident: At 1400FG/6, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) proceeded to comply with Capt. S 2's signal timed 0412Z/6 ordering her to sweep westwards from Diamond Point along the coast of Sumatra.

Submarine HMS Taku: HMS Taku (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners.

Submarine HMS Truant: HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted snort trials off Tobermory.

Submarine HMS Tireless: HMS Tireless (A/Lt.Cdr. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar.

Submarine HMS Truncheon: HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) served as the target.

Submarine HMS Umbra: HMS Umbra (Lt. J.S. Pearce, RNR) conducted exercises off Portsmouth.

Submarine HMS Unrivalled: HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth with HMS Caesar (Capt. G.N. Brewer, DSO, RN).

Submarine HMS Untamed: HMS Vitality (Lt. W.T.J. Fox, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS Untiring: HMS Untiring (Lt. G.E.L.F. Edsell, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth.

Submarine HMS Viking: HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth training a class off new submariners.

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

Submarine HMS Voracious: HMS Voracious (Lt. D.R. Wilson, DSC, RANVR) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with HMAS Kybra (T/Lt. R.V.A. Corbett, RANR(S)).

Submarine HMS Amphion: HMS Amphion (Cdr. R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at the torpedo firing range off Arrochar.

Light cruiser HMS Diadem: Around 1100B/6, HMS Diadem (Capt. A.M. Knapp, RN) and HMS Oribi (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Hopper, DSC, RN) departed Copenhagen for Rosyth where they arrived around 1130B/8. They were escorting the German tanker / supply vessel Nordmark (10847 GRT, built 1938).

Light cruiser HMS Jamaica: Late in the evening, HMS Jamaica (Capt. J. Hugh-Hallett, DSO, RN), embarked His Majesty, King George VI and Princess Elizabeth for an inspection / visit of the Channel Islands. HMS Jamaica then left Portsmouth around 2330B/6. The destroyers HMS Caesar (Capt. G.N. Brewer, DSO, RN), HMS Brilliant (Lt. D.L. Satterford, DSC, RN), HMS Faulknor (Cdr. G.E. Fardell, RN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. C.S. Battersby, RN) were in company. They returned to Portsmouth late on the 7th.

Battleship HMS Howe: HMS Howe (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, DSO, RN) arrived at Sydney from Manus.

Destroyer HMAS Stuart: Around 0600K/6, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Mather, RAN) departed Milne Bay for Sydney.

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

Submarine USS R-20: USS R-20 (Lt. R.G. Black, USNR) conducted exercises off Key West.

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

Submarine USS Requin: With her torpedo trials completed, USS Requin (Cdr. S.D. Cutter, USN), arrived at New London, Connecticut.

Destroyer HMAS Norman: Around 0900K/6, HMAS Norman (Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Milne Bay.