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Notable events involving O 23 include:

The history of HrMs O 23 as compiled on this page is extracted from O 23's patrol reports and logbooks. Corrections and details regarding information from the enemy's side (for instance the composition of convoys attacked) is kindly provided by Mr. Platon Alexiades, a naval researcher from Canada.

This page was last updated in March 2019.

10 May 1940
When Germany invaded the Netherlands HrMs O 23 and her sister ship HrMs O 24 were both still at their builders yard at Rotterdam. Both ships were not completed. O 23 had run most of her pre commissioning trials but O 24 had not, as a matter of fact she had never submerged as of yet.

In the early morning hours both submarines departed the builders yard for a place nearby where they were camouflaged and prepared for evacuation to the U.K. (1)

13 May 1940
Around 2100 hours, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G. Koudijs, RNN) and her sister ship HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) departed the Lekhaven in Rotterdam bound for the U.K. Both submarines were were bottomed in the North Sea during daylight hours and both arrived safely at the Downs on the 15th. (1)

15 May 1940
HrMs Willem van der Zaan (Lt. Cdr. H.D. Lindner RNN), HrMs O 9 (Lt. J. Metz, RNN), HrMs O 10 (Lt. G. Quint, RNN(R)), HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G. Koudijs, RNN) and HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) all departed the Downs for Porstmouth where they arrived the next day. (1)

4 Jun 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) moves from Fort Blockhouse to the Thornycroft shipyard where she will be completed. (1)

8 Jun 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) is docked at the Thornycroft shipyard. (1)

25 Jun 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) is undocked. (1)

5 Jul 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) proceeded from the Thornycroft shipyard to Fort Blockhouse, the British submarine base at Portsmouth (HMS Dolphin). (1)

6 Jul 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) is wiped at Portsmouth. (2)

7 Jul 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) conduced exercises off Portsmouth. (2)

8 Jul 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) conduced compass adjustment and D/F calibration trials off Portsmouth. (2)

9 Jul 1940
Around 1600A/9, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) departed from Portsmouth for Rothesay on the Scottish West coast. She is escorted by the Dutch torpedo boat HrMs Z 6 (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Lunbeck, RNN).

Around 1940A/9, off Portland they were joined by the Dutch submarines HrMs O 9 (Lt. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) and HrMs O 10 (Lt. G. Quint, RNN(R)). (1)

11 Jul 1940
Around 0900A/11, the Dutch submarines HrMs O 9 (Lt. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN), HrMs O 10 (Lt. G. Quint, RNN(R)), HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) and their escort, the Dutch torpedo boat HrMs Z 6 (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Lunbeck, RNN), arrived at Milford Haven. (1)

12 Jul 1940
Around 0700A/12, the Dutch submarines HrMs O 9 (Lt. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN), HrMs O 10 (Lt. G. Quint, RNN(R)), HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) and their escort the Dutch torpedo boat HrMs Z 6 (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Lunbeck, RNN) departed Milford Haven for Rothesay. (1)

14 Jul 1940
Around 0530A/14, the Dutch submarines HrMs O 9 (Lt. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN), HrMs O 10 (Lt. G. Quint, RNN(R)), HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) and their escort the Dutch torpedo boat HrMs Z 6 (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Lunbeck, RNN) arrive at Rothesay. (1)

16 Jul 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) conducted trials and exercises in the Clyde area during which she was escorted by HrMs Z 6 (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Lunbeck, RNN). (1)

18 Jul 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) conducted trials and exercises in the Clyde area during which she was escorted by HrMs Z 6 (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Lunbeck, RNN). (1)

19 Jul 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) conducted trials and exercises in the Clyde area during which she was escorted by HrMs Z 6 (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Lunbeck, RNN). (1)

22 Jul 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HrMs Z 6 (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Lunbeck, RNN) and HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (1)

23 Jul 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HrMs Z 6 (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Lunbeck, RNN). Upon completion of these O 23 proceeded to Campbeltown. (1)

24 Jul 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Capt.(Retd.) E.C. Stubbs, RN). Upon completion of these exercises O 23 proceeded to Rothesay. (1)

26 Jul 1940
Around 1200A/26, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN), departs Rothesay for Rosyth. She is escorted by the Dutch torpedo boat HrMs Z 6 (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Lunbeck, RNN). (1)

27 Jul 1940
Around 1100A/27, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) and her escort, the the Dutch torpedo boat HrMs Z 6 (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Lunbeck, RNN) arrived at Stornoway. (1)

28 Jul 1940
Around 0700A/28, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) and her escort, the the Dutch torpedo boat HrMs Z 6 (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Lunbeck, RNN) departed Stornoway for Rosyth.

Around 1730A/28, off Scapa Flow they were joined by the British submarine HMS L 26 (Lt. P.L. Field, RN) which had just departed from there also for Rosyth. (1)

29 Jul 1940
Around 1100A/29, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN), HMS L 26 (Lt. P.L. Field, RN) and their escort, the the Dutch torpedo boat HrMs Z 6 (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Lunbeck, RNN) arrived at Rosyth. (1)

1 Aug 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) and her escort, the the Dutch torpedo boat HrMs Z 6 (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Lunbeck, RNN) both departed Rosyth for Dundee where both ships arrived after a few hours.

At Dundee O 23 was taken in hand for repairs at her diesel engines. Since leaving Portsmouth they had produced a lot of smoke. (1)

13 Aug 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel) is wiped at Dundee. (2)

13 Aug 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel) is wiped at Dundee. (2)

14 Aug 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel) is wiped again at Dundee. (2)

15 Aug 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel) conducted post repair trials off Dundee. (1)

18 Aug 1940
Around 2030A/18, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) departed Dundee for her 1st (work-up) war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the North Sea. Before departure compass adjustment trials were carried out.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(3)

29 Aug 1940
Around 2200A/29, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) left patrol to return to Dundee. (3)

30 Aug 1940
Around 1815A/30, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) ended her 1st (work-up) war patrol, which had been uneventful, at Dundee. (3)

8 Sep 1940
Around 0650A/8, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) departed Dundee for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the North Sea.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(3)

10 Sep 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) was ordered to search for the crew of a British aircraft that had crashed in the sea nearby.

The aircrew was not found and O 23 resumed her war patrol. (3)

20 Sep 1940
Around 2100A/20, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) left patrol to return to Dundee. (3)

21 Sep 1940
Around 0845A/21, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Dundee.

In the afternoon D/G trials were carried out off Dundee. (3)

28 Sep 1940
Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN, temporary took over command of HrMs O 23 from Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel due to the last one being sick. (1)

5 Oct 1940
Around 1400A/5, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Dundee for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the south-west coast of Norway near Bergen.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(3)

9 Oct 1940
At 0500A/9, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN), grounded at 70 feet near position 60°32'N, 04°01'E. She immediately surfaced and it was noticed that she was much nearer to the coast then thought being offset due to the strong current. She dived again and remained close inshore during the day. No major damage was caused to the submarine during the grounding though. (3)

14 Oct 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was followed in her movements for about an hours by what is thought to be an enemy A/S trawler. This trawler then kept patrolling in practically the same spot the entire day. A black buoy was also seen in the area which may have been dropped by this vessel. (3)

15 Oct 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was again followed in her movements for about 2.5 hours by what is thought to be an enemy A/S vessel. (3)

16 Oct 1940
In the afternoon, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) sighted a trawler close to Fedjeosen, to the north of Bergen. (3)

18 Oct 1940
Around 1800A/18, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) left patrol to return to Dundee. (3)

20 Oct 1940
Around 1400A/20, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Dundee. (3)

21 Oct 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) is wiped (degaussed) at Dundee. (2)

31 Oct 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Dundee. (2)

4 Nov 1940
Around 1300A/4, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Dundee for her 4th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the south-west coast of Norway near Bergen.

On departure some independent exercises were carried out near Bell Rock until around 1800A/4.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(3)

6 Nov 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was ordered, in the Vice Admiral Submarines signal timed 1218A/6, to patrol slightly further to the south then in her original orders. She is now to patrol near position 60°00'N, 03°20'E. (3)

7 Nov 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was ordered to patrol even further to the south off Stavanger, Norway. (59°00'N, 03°50'E). (3)

13 Nov 1940
Between 1923A/13 and 1930A/13, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) heard the sound of explosions. On surfacing at 1949A/13 a fire was seen bearing 130°. It was also thought that a ship was seen. O 23 dived until 2010A/13 but nothing further was observed.

HrMs O 23 was also ordered to patrol a little further to the south, off Obrestadt, Norway in position 58°31'N, 05°25'E. (Vice Admiral Submarines signal timed 1852A/13) (3)

15 Nov 1940
At 1045A/15, when in approximate position 58°40'N, 05°18'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) sighted a northbound merchant vessel close inshore. The range could not be closed sufficiently in time to attack.

This may have been the German merchant vessel Bahia (4117 GRT, built 1927) which had departed Kristiansand around 1020B/14 for Haugesund where she arrived around 1700A/15. She was escorted by the auxiliary M/S trawler M 1104 / Jan Hubert (460 GRT, built 1937).

At 2050A/15, in approximate position 58°36'N, 05°20'E, HrMs O 23 sighted three ships bearing 145°. Commenced attack on what was thought to be a northbound convoy.

At 2107A/15, the attack was broken off and O 23 turned away at high speed. It had been seen that the ships were all trawlers, thought to be auxiliary A/S vessels.

The German auxiliary A/S trawler UJ 177 / Nordmeer (465 GRT, built 1938) and the German auxiliary M/S trawler M 1107 / Carl Stangen (433 GRT, built 1937) were on patrol between the Feistein Lighthouse and Egersund and may have been the ships sighted. (4)

16 Nov 1940
At 1245A/16, in approximate position 58°35'N, 05°24'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) sighted a merchant vessel in ballast and a tug which was possibly towing the merchant vessel. They were south bound and were escorted by three A/S trawlers. It was not possible to attack as the range was too great and they were already too far ahead.

This must have been the damaged German merchant vessel Barenfels (7569 GRT, built 1921) being towed by the tugs Taifun (276 GRT, built 1937), Seefalke (570 GRT, built 1924) and the auxiliary patrol vessel V 5107 / Sturm (151 GRT, built 1938). On departure from Stavanger (for Kristiansand) around 0920B/16, they were escorted by the A/S trawlers UJ 176 / Danzig (476 GRT, built 1937), UJ 178 / Faröer (470 GRT, built 1937), UJ 179 / Carl Kampf (600 GRT, built 1940) and the auxiliary patrol vessel V 5103 / Orkan (?). (5)

17 Nov 1940
Around 1900A/17, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) left patrol to return to Dundee. (3)

19 Nov 1940
Around 1100A/19, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) ended her 4th war patrol at Dundee. (3)

20 Nov 1940
Now off the sick list, Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, again takes up command of HrMs O 23. (6)

28 Nov 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) departed Dundee for Grangemouth where she was to be docked. (6)

29 Nov 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) is docked in the west graving dock at Grangemouth. (6)

7 Dec 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) is undocked. (6)

15 Dec 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) was towed from Grangemouth to the Rosyth Dockyard where she was wiped (degaussed). (6)

16 Dec 1940
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) proceeded from Rosyth to Dundee. (6)

18 Dec 1940
Around 1145A/18, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) departed Dundee for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the south-west coast of Norway near Bergen.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(3)

28 Dec 1940
At 1900A/28, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) picked up HE of a ship. O 23 then surfaced and sighted a fully lit liner proceeding southwards at about 17 knots. The ships nationality could not be identified. Lt.Cdr. van Erkel tried to follow to try to investigate further but owing to the sea running O 23 could do no more then 15 knots and fell astern. [We have been unable to indentify this vessel.] (3)

29 Dec 1940
At 1912A/29, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) surfaced after a day of submerged patrol and then set course to return to Dundee. (7)

1 Jan 1941
Around 1115A/1, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) ended her 5th war patrol at Dundee. (7)

19 Jan 1941
In the morning, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) conducted exercises off the Tay estuary. (8)

20 Jan 1941
Around 1500A/20, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) departed Dundee for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the south-west coast of Norway to the North of Bergen.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(3)

25 Jan 1941
At 1510A/25, near position 60°53'N, 03°47'E, a loud explosion was heard on board the submerged HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN). Three minutes later a second loud explosion was heard. It might have been that O 23 was attacked by an aircraft. Lt.Cdr. van Erkel took O 23 deep. (3)

30 Jan 1941
Around 1800A/30, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) left patrol to return to Dundee. During the patrol only a few fishing vessels had been sighted. (3)

1 Feb 1941
Around 1140A/1, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) ended her 6th war patrol at Dundee. (3)

12 Feb 1941
Around 1530A/12, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) departed Dundee for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the south-west coast of Norway near Bergen.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(3)

14 Feb 1941
Shortly after arriving in her patrol area HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) is ordered to break off her 7th war patrol and return to Dundee. She is to be sent to Gibraltar to operate from that base. (3)

17 Feb 1941
Around 1035A/17, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) ended her 7th war patrol at Dundee. (3)

23 Feb 1941
For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during her 8th war patrol see the map below.

(3)

23 Feb 1941
Around 1400A/23, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) both departed Dundee bound for Gibraltar (This is the 7th war patrol for O 21).

The submarines were escorted by the British armed yacht HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN) which joined around 1540A/23.

Around 1335A/25, the Free French minesweeper FFS La Moqueuse took over the escort duties. (9)

26 Feb 1941
Around 0820A/26, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN), HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) and their escort, FFS La Moqueuse, arrived at Holyhead. They departed again around 1900A/26. (9)

27 Feb 1941
Late in the afternoon, off Milford Haven, in approximate position 51°37'N, 05°28'W, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) and their escort FFS La Moqueuse encountered the British merchant vessel Losada (6520 GRT, built 1921). As La Moqueuse was more than a mile behind both submarines the crew of the Losada thought the submarines were German U-boats and opened fire. To prevent being hit both submarines crash dived. The crew of La Moqueuse had not seen both submarines dive and was now also under the impression that a German U-boat was nearby and dropped three depth charges. O 21 was the target of the attack but sustains no damage. Both submarines surfaced shortly afterwards. (9)

28 Feb 1941
Around 0600A/28, having passed Trevose head and hour ago, FFS La Moqueuse parted company with HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN). (9)

10 Mar 1941
Around 1040A/10, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar. She is escorted in by the British corvette HMS Delphinium (Cdr.(Retd.) R.L. Spalding, RN) which had joined around 0720A/10. (3)

21 Mar 1941
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) carried out A/S exercises off Gibraltar with the British destroyer HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, DSC and Bar, RN). (10)

24 Mar 1941
For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during her 9th war patrol see the map below.

24 Mar 1941
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) carries out an A/S exercise off Gibraltar with the British sloop HMS Rochester (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Allen, RN) and the British corvette HMS La Malouine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN).

Upon completion of this exercise all three ships joined the escort of convoy HG 57 (this is the 9th war patrol for O 23).

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy HG 57 ' for 24 March 1941.] (3)

24 Mar 1941
For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during her 10th war patrol see the map below.

24 Mar 1941

Convoy HG 57.

This convoy departed Gibraltar on 25 March 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aghios Spyridon (Greek, 3338 GRT, built 1905), Aldergrove (British, 1974 GRT, built 1918), Anneberg (Finnish, 2537 GRT, built 1902), Ardeola (British, 2609 GRT, built 1912), Baltallinn (British, 1303 GRT, built 1920), Baron Newlands (British, 3386 GRT, built 1928), Bollsta (Norwegian, 1832 GRT, built 1934), Caledonia (British, 1268 GRT, built 1913), Cantal (British, 3178 GRT, built 1916), Cervantes (British, 1810 GRT, built 1916), Chantilly (British, 9986 GRT, built 1923), Egyptian (British, 2868 GRT, built 1920), Empire Strait (British, 2841 GRT, built 1940), Gothland (British, 1286 GRT, built 1932), Marvia (British, 1989 GRT, built 1914), Mimosa (Greek, 3071 GRT, built 1905), Moscha D. Kydoniefs (British, 3874 GRT, built 1915), Newton Pine (British, 4212 GRT, built 1925), Octane (British (tanker) (former French), 2034 GRT, built 1939), Polo (British, 1950 GRT, built 1919), Runa (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930), Scania (Swedish, 1980 GRT, built 1901), Scottish Monarch (British, 4719 GRT, built 1938) and Trio (Swedish, 1482 GRT, built 1922).

On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Wrestler (Lt. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), sloop HMS Rochester (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Allen, RN), corvettes HMS Gentian (Lt.Cdr. R.O. Yeomans, RD, RNR), HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RNR), HMS La Malouine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN), HMS Verbena (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, RNVR) and the submarine HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN).

The Aghios Spyridon returned to Gibraltar the same day the convoy had sailed.

On 27 March, HMS Wrestler, HMS Gentian and HMS Jonquil were detached.

At 1115Z/3, HrMs O 23 was detached to join convoy OG 57.

At 1430Z/3, in position 45°27'N, 22°00'W, the light cruiser HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN joined.

At 0920Z/4, HMS La Malouine was detached to proceed ahead to the U.K. with a dangerous medical case.

At 0845Z/5, the armed boarding vessel Hilary (Cdr. T.L. Owen, RD, RNR) joined the convoy.

At 1930Z/5, the armed boaring vessel Cavina (Cdr. C.B. Osborne, RD, RNR) joined the convoy.

P.M. on 8 April the destroyers HMS Broke (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, RN), HMS Douglas (Cdr. W.E. Banks, DSC, RN), HMS Roxborough (Lt. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN), HMS Salisbury (Lt.Cdr. H.M.R. Crichton, RN), corvettes HMS Abelia (T/Lt. F. Ardern, RNR), HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) and auxiliary A/S trawlers HMS St. Elstan (T/Lt. G. Butcher, RNVR), HMS St. Kenan (T/Lt. R.R. Simpson, RNR), HMS St. Zeno (T/Lt. J.K. Craig, RNVR) and HMS Vizalma (T/Lt. M.M. Firth, RNVR). With these escorted the rescue ship Zamalek (British, 1567 GRT, built 1921) also joined. The local A/S escort was to have joined on 6 April but bad weather conditions delayed their joining for about 48 hours.

Around 1900A/9, in position 55°41'N, 10°08'W, HMS Nigeria parted company with the convoy to proceed to Scapa Flow.

On 10 April the following merchant vessels arrived at Oban; Baron Newlands, Cervantes, Empire Strait, Gothland and Scottish Monarch.

On 10 April the following merchant vessels arrived in Belfast Lough; Caledonia, Cantal, Chantilly, Marvia, Mimosa, Moscha D. Kydoniefs, Octane and Scania.

On 11 April the following merchant vessels arrived in the Clyde; Aldergrove, Anneberg, Newton Pine and the rescue ship Zamalek.

On 11 April the Bollsta arrived at Workington.

On 11 April the Egyptian arrived at Preston.

On 11 April the following merchant vessels arrived at Liverpool; Ardeola, Baltallinn, Polo, Runa and Trio.

The escorts arrived in U.K. ports as follows; On 9 April 1941, HMS Broke arrived at Londonderry.

On 10 April 1941, HMS Douglas, HMS Roxborough, HMS Abelia, HMS St. Elstan, HMS St. Kenan, HMS St. Zeno and HMS Vizalma arrived at Londonderry.

On 11 April 1941, HMS Salisbury arrived at Londonderry.

On 11 April 1941, HMS Rochester and HMS Verbena arrived at Liverpool. (11)

28 Mar 1941

Convoy OG 57.

This convoy was assembled to the west of the North Channel on 28 March 1941 and was made up of ships from four sections; the Milford Haven, Liverpool, Clyde and Oban sections.

The Milford Haven section (sailed 26 March 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alva (British, 1584 GRT, built 1934), Baron Yarborough (British, 3388 GRT, 1928), Harperley (British, 4586 GRT, built 1930), Linge (Dutch, 2114 GRT, built 1928), Lyminge (British, 2499 GRT, built 1919), Meta (British, 1578 GRT, built 1931), Penhale (British, 4071 GRT, built 1924), Portsea (British, 1583 GRT, built 1938), Ranella (Norwegian (tanker), 5590 GRT, built 1912), Salamis (Norwegian (tanker), 8286 GRT, built 1939) and San Amado (British (tanker), 7316 GRT, built 1935).

The Liverpool section (sailed 27 March 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Aguila (British, 3255 GRT, built 1917), Browning (British, 5332 GRT, built 1919), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), Marklyn (British, 3090 GRT, built 1918) and Nicolaou Virginia (Greek, 6869 GRT, built 1920).

The Clyde section (sailed 28 March 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Blairnevis (British, 4155 GRT, built 1930), Dago (British, 1993 GRT, built 1917), Ebro (British (former Danish), 1547 GRT, built 1920), Empire Eland (British, 5613 GRT, built 1920), Empire Leopard (British, 5781 GRT, built 1917), Empire Union (British, 5952 GRT, built 1924), Harpathian (British, 4671 GRT, built 1930), Ousel (British, 1533 GRT, built 1922) and Trompenberg (Dutch, 2009 GRT, built 1919).

The Oban section (sailed 28 March 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Baron Cochrane (British, 3385 GRT, built 1927), Baron Dechmont (British, 3675 GRT, built 1929), Baron Stranraer (British, 3668 GRT, built 1929), Eskdene (British, 3829 GRT, built 1934), Helena Margareta (British, 3316 GRT, built 1915), Loke (Norwegian, 2421 GRT, built 1915), Ruckinge (British, 2869 GRT, built 1939), Rudby (British, 4846 GRT, built 1924), Sarastone (British, 2473 GRT, built 1929) and Suderholm (Norwegian (tanker), 4908 GRT, built 1917).

With the Liverpool section the following escorts were sailed; destroyers HMS Walker (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, RN), HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN), HMS Caldwell (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Mackay, RNR), sloop HMS Aberdeen (Lt. S.G. Rivers-Smith, RN), corvettes HMS Bluebell (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Sherwood, RNR), HMS Hydrangea (Lt. J.E. Woolfenden, RNR), HMS Tulip (Lt.Cdr. A. Wilkinson, RNR), A/S trawler HMS Lady Hogarth (T/Lt. S.G. Barnes, RNR).

On the 28th, HMS Hydrangea made a short stop at Greenock, and the most likely brought the Clyde section of the convoy with her on rejoining the convoy.

On the 28th, HMS Walker and HMS Volunteer fuelled at Londonderry before rejoining the convoy.

Also on the 28th the escort destroyers HMS Valorous (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, RN) and HMS Wolsey (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC, RN) joined, coming from Londonderry.

At 1340A/29, an enemy aircraft which was approaching the convoy was driven off with gunfire.

At 0908A/30, in position 54°30'N, 14°40'W, the convoy was attacked by an enemy aircraft which dropped one bomb near the Ruckinge which sustained one casualty due to a machine gun bullet.

At 0800A/31, in position 58°39'N, 18°52'W, the convoy was approached by an enemy aircraft which was driven off by gunfire.

Around 0830A/1, HMS Walker, HMS Volunteer, HMS Caldwell, HMS Valorous, HMS Wolsey, HMS Bluebell, HMS Hydrangea and HMS Tulip parted company.

Around 0900Z/2, in position 48°53'N, 18°08'W, the following merchant ships parted company with the convoy;
Empire Eland (arrived at Halifax on ?), Empire Leopard (arrived at Baltimore on 17 April), Empire Union (arrived at Saint John, NB on 13 April), Glaisdale (arrived at New York on 16 April), Loke (arrived at Halifax on 11 April), Nicolaou Virginia (arrived at Halifax on 11 April), Ranella (arrived at Curacoa on 18 April) Rudby (arrived at Baltimore on 15 April), Salamis (arrived at New York on 11 April), San Amado (arrived at Aruba on 19 April), Suderholm (arrived at Aruba on 19 April) and Trompenberg (arrived at Curacoa on ?).

In position 39°00'N, 21°20'W, the following merchant ships parted company with the convoy [No date and time is given in the report of the Convoy Commodore];
Browning (arrived at Capetown on 3 May), Eskdene (destination was Buenos Aires, torpedoed and then finished off with gunfire by the German submarine U-107 on 8 April), Harpatian (destination was Takoradi, torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-107 on 9 April), Harperley (arrived at Demerara, Guyana on 19 April), Helena Margareta (destination was Takoradi, torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-107 on 8 April), Linge (arrived at Bathurst on 18 April) and Penhale (arrived at Pernambuco on 22 April). Around 1445Z/3, in position 47°30'N, 22°48'W, the submarine HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) joined the convoy.

Around 0230A/11, near Cape Trafalgar, the following merchant ships parted company with the convoy; Alva (arrived at Seville on 11 April), Baron Cochrane (arrived at Lisbon on 12 April), Baron Stranraer (arrived at Huelva on 11 April), Ebro (arrived at Oporto on 12 April), Meta (arrived at Lisbon on 12 April), Ousel (arrived at Huelva on 11 April), Portsea (arrived at Seville on 11 April) and Sarastone (arrived at Huelva on 11 April).

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 11 April 1941. (12)

3 Apr 1941
Around 1115Z/3, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) leaves convoy HG 57 to join convoy OG 57.

Around 1300Z/3 smoke was sighted bearing 345° and course was set towards the convoy which was joined around 1445Z/3.

[For more info on convoy OG 57 see the event ' Convoy OG 57 for 28 March 1941.] (3)

11 Apr 1941
Around 1000A/11, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar with convoy OG 57 ending her 9th war patrol. (3)

23 Apr 1941
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) carried out A/S exercises off Gibraltar with two British ML's. (10)

24 Apr 1941
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) carries out an A/S exercise off Gibraltar with the British sloop HMS Wellington (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN) and the British corvette HMS Coreopsis (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR).

Upon completion of this exercise all three ships joined the escort of convoy HG 60 (10th war patrol for O 23).

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy HG 60 ' for 24 April 1941.] (3)

24 Apr 1941

Convoy HG 60.

This convoy departed Gibraltar on 24 April 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Agios Vlasios (Greek, 2974 GRT, built 1918), Arlesford (British, 2472 GRT, built 1922), Baron Dechmont (British, 3675 GRT, built 1929), Clonlara (Irish, 1202 GRT, built 1926), Cortes (British, 1390 GRT, built 1919), Ebro (British (former Danish), 1547 GRT, built 1920), Edencraig (British, 1592 GRT, built 1940), Empire Lough (British, 2824 GRT, built 1940), Osric (Swedish, 1418 GRT, built 1919), Ousel (British, 1533 GRT, built 1922), Petrel (British, 1457 GRT, built 1920), Portsea (British, 1583 GRT, built 1938), Ruckinge (British, 2869 GRT, built 1939), Starling (British, 1320 GRT, built 1930) and Wigry (Polish, 1893 GRT, built 1912).

On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSO, DSC, RN), sloop HMS Wellington (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN), corvettes HMS Coreopsis (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR), HMS Fleur de Lys (Lt.Cdr. L.M. Carter, RNR), HMS Spiraea (T/Lt. L.C. Head, RNVR) and the submarine HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN).

On 28 April, HMS Firedrake was to part company with the convoy to proceed direct to Portsmouth and from there to the Chatham Dockyard where she was to refit.

The three corvettes most likely parted company with the convoy on 30 April.

Around 1800Z/2, in approximate position 40°10'N, 21°57'W, HrMs O 23 parted company with the convoy to join southbound convoy OG 60. The convoy was now only escorted by HMS Wellington.

Around 1715Z/8, the destroyer HMS Boadicea (A/Cdr. E.C.L. Turner, RN) joined the convoy. On joining the convoy it became apparent that the destroyer HMCS Columbia (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) S.W. Davis, RN), sloop HMS Egret (A/Capt. E.M. Haes, RN), corvettes HMCS Snowberry (T/Lt. R.S. Kelley, RCNR), HMCS Trillium (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Harris, RCNR), HMCS Windflower (T/Lt. J.H.S. MacDonald, RCNR), A/S trawlers HMS Arab (T/Lt. C.A. Shillan, RNVR), HMS Ayrshire (T/Lt. L.J.A. Gradwell, RNVR) and HMS Lady Madeleine (T/Lt. W.G. Ogden, RNVR) had already joined the convoy earlier although at the time of HMS Boadicea joining HMCS Snowberry had lost contact with the convoy but she rejoined around 2000Z/8.

At 1900Z/8, HMCS Columbia was detached for other duties.

Around 1000Z/10, in position 55°31'N, 14°00'W, the destroyers Niagara (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) E.L. Armstrong, RCN) and HMCS St. Clair (A/Lt.Cdr. D.C. Wallace, RCNR) joined. They were supposed to have joined earlier with the other ships but had to refuel first at Londonderry as they had insufficient fuel to do so without refuelling first.

Around 1400A/11, the Oban section of the convoy parted company. This section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Edencrag, Portsea and Ruckinge. They took HMS Ayrshire with them as escort. They arrived at Oban on 12 May.

HMS Egret arrived at Londonderry on 11 May.

On 12 May 1941, the Ousel arrived at Londonderry.

On 12 May 1941 the Agios Vlasios arrived in the Clyde as did HMS Boadicea, HMCS Niagara, HMCS St. Clair, HMS Wellington, HMCS Snowberry, HMCS Trillium, HMCS Windflower,

On 12 May 1941, the Clonlara arrived in Belfast Lough; Clonlara.

On 12 May 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived at Holyhead; Baron Dechmont, Ebro and Starling. On 12 May 1941, the Osric arrived at Workington.

On 13 May 1941, the following merchant vessels arrived at Liverpool; Arlesford, Empire Lough and Wigry.

On 13 May 1941, the Cortes and Petrel arrived at Preston.

The exact movements of HMS Arab and HMS Lady Madeleine will have to be investigated further. (13)

27 Apr 1941

Convoy OG 60.

This convoy was assembled to the west of the North Channel on 27 April 1941 and was made up of ships from four sections; the Milford Haven, Liverpool, Clyde and Oban sections.

The Milford Haven section (sailed 25 April 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
British Dominion (British (tanker), 6983 GRT, built 1928), Caledonia (British, 1268 GRT, built 1913), East Wales (British, 4358 GRT, built 1925), Nueva Granada (Norwegian (tanker), 9968 GRT, built 1937), Palacio (British, 1346 GRT, built 1927), Queen Anne (British, 4937 GRT, built 1937) and Selene (Swedish, 1347 GRT, built 1894). They were escorted by the escort destroyer HMS Vanity ( Lt. I.W.T. Beloe, RN) and the A/S trawler HMS Sphene ( Ch.Skr. W.J.J. Tucker, RNR).

The Liverpool section (sailed 26 April 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Ardeola (British, 2609 GRT, built 1912), Baltallinn (British, 1303 GRT, built 1920), Cressado (British, 1228 GRT, built 1913), Grelhead (British, 4274 GRT, built 1925), Polo (British, 1950 GRT, built 1919), Spinanger (Norwegian (tanker), 7429 GRT, built 1927), Waldinge (British, 2462 GRT, built 1925) and Zurichmoor (British, 4455 GRT, built 1925). With the Liverpool section the following escorts also sailed; destroyers HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN), HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Rockingham (Lt. A.H.J. Johns, RN), sloop HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. G.A. Thring, DSO, RN) and the corvettes HMS Freesia (Lt.Cdr. T.P.G. Crick, RN), HMS Hibiscus (Lt. H. Roach, RNR) and HMS Pimpernel (Lt. F.H. Thornton, RNR). The corvette HMS Rhododendron (Lt.Cdr. W.N.M. Faichney, DSO, RNR) was also with them but she was only with the convoy briefly as she arrived at Tobermory on the 27th for A/S exercises after a repair period.

On 27 April 1941, HMS Vanity and HMS Sphene arrived at Belfast.

The Clyde section (sailed 27 April 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Aldergrove (British, 1974 GRT, built 1918), Fano (British (former Danish), 1889 GRT, built 1922), Fendris (British, 1018 GRT, built 1925), Inga I (Norwegian, 1304 GRT, built 1921), Leonardia (Swedish, 1583 GRT, built 1906), Marit (Norwegian (tanker), 5563 GRT, built 1918), Nava (Swedish, 1456 GRT, buil 1928), Norwegian (British, 6366 GRT, built 1921), Procris (British, 1033 GRT, built 1924), Snar (Norwegian, 3176 GRT, built 1920) and Wallonia (Swedish, 1435 GRT, built 1919).

The Oban section (sailed 27 April 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Blairatholl (British, 3319 GRT, built 1925), Cara (British, 1760 GRT, built 1929), Empire Snipe (British, 2497 GRT, built 1919), Fanefjeld (Norwegian, 1354 GRT, built 1920), Hampton Lodge (British, 3645 GRT, built 1911), Henrik Ibsen (Norwegian, 4671 GRT, built 1906), Lily (Greek, 5735 GRT, built 1920), Magne (Swedish, 3103 GRT, built 1912), Sheaf Crown (British, 4868 GRT, built 1929) and Varangberg (Norwegian, 2842 GRT, built 1915).

Two further escorts joined coming from Londonderry on its final assembly, these were the sloop HMS Londonderry (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, RN) and the armed yacht HMS Philante (Capt.(Retd.) H.S. Bowlby, RN).

All escorts, except HMS Deptford parted company with the convoy on 30 April.

At 1845Z/1, in position 49°48'N, 19°50'W, the Lily left the convoy without orders to do so. She ignored signals to clarify her movements. She arrived at Halifax on 11 May 1941.

The ships with destinations in North America / Carribean parted company with the convoy at an unknown date, time and position [this is not listed in the convoy report]. The ships in question were the following;
British Dominion (arrived at Trinidad on 17 May), Fano (arrived at Sydney, Cape Brenton Island on 14 May), Grelhead (arrived in a Cuban port on 19 May), Marit (arrived at Curacao on 16 May), Norwegian (arrived at Quebec on 11 May), Nueva Granada (arrived at Curacao on 18 May), Snar (arrived at Tampa on 22 May), Spinager (arrived at New York on 15 May) and Zurichmoor (arrived at Halifax on 11 May).

The ships with destinations in the South Atlantic area parted company with the convoy at an unknown date, time and position [this is not listed in the convoy report]. The ships in question were the following;
East Wales (arrived at Durban on 7 June), Hampton Lodge (arrived at Freetown on 19 May) and Queen Anne (arrived at Capetown on 2 June).

Around 1607Z/3, in position 45°25'N, 20°44'W, the submarine HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) sighted the convoy which she then joined shortly afterwards.

The ships with destinations in Portugal and south-west Spain parted company with the convoy at an unknown date [most likely on 10 May], time and position [this is not listed in the convoy report]. The ships in question were the following;
Aldergrove (arrived at Leixoes on 13 May), Baltallinn (arrived at Lisbon on 11 May), Caledonia (arrived at Leixoes on 12 May), Cara (arrived at Huelva on 11 May), Cressado (arrived at Oporto on 12 May), Empire Snipe (arrived at Lisbon on 11 May), Fanefjeld (arrived at Seville on 11 May), Fendris (arrived at Oporto on 12 May), Inga I (arrived at Seville on 11 May), Leonardia (arrived at Seville on 11 May), Magne (arrived at Lisbon on 11 May), Procris (arrived at Oporto on 12 May), Selene (arrived at Lisbon on 11 May), Sheaf Crown (arrived at Huelva on 11 May), Varangberg (arrived at Huelva on 11 May) and Wallonia (arrived at Seville on 11 May).

The remainder of the convoy continued on to Gibraltar where they arrived on 10 May escorted by HMS Deptford and HrMs O 23.

The Henrik Ibsen continued on past Gibraltar to Melilla where she arrived on 11 May. (12)

2 May 1941
At 1755Z/2, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) leaves convoy HG 60 to join convoy OG 60. (3)

3 May 1941
At 1607Z/3, in position 45°25'N, 20°44'W, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) sighed convoy OG 60 that she then joined to escort it towards Gibraltar.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy OG 60 ' for 27 April 1941.] (3)

10 May 1941
Around 0930A/10, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar with convoy OG 60 ending her 10th war patrol. (3)

25 May 1941
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) carries out A/S exercises off Gibraltar with the British sloop HMS Scarborough (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN) and the British ASW trawler HMS Lady Hogarth (T/Lt. S.G. Barnes, RNR).

Upon completion of this exercise all three ships joined the escort of convoy HG 63 (11th war patrol for O 23).

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy HG 63 for 25 May 1941.] (3)

25 May 1941

Convoy HG 63.

This convoy departed Gibraltar on 25 April 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adjutant (British, 1931 GRT, built 1922), Avant Garde (British (former French), 791 GRT, built 1920), Baltallinn (British, 1303 GRT, built 1920), Corabella (British, 5682 GRT, built 1937), Crane (), Cressado (British, 1228 GRT, built 1913), Dago (British, 1993 GRT, built 1917), Empire Kestrel (British, 2674 GRT, built 1919), Empire Lake (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941), Fanefjeld (Norwegian, 1354 GRT, built 1920), Fendris (British, 1018 GRT, built 1925), Henrik Ibsen (Norwegian, 4671 GRT, built 1906), Ila (Norwegian, 1583 GRT, built 1939), Inga I (Norwegian, 1304 GRT, built 1921), Lech (Polish, 1568 GRT, built 1934), Melrose Abbey (British, 1924 GRT, built 1929), Merkland (British, 1363 GRT, built 1934), Mount Parnes (Greek, 4768 GRT, built 1917), Palacio (British, 1346 GRT, built 1927), Procris (British, 1033 GRT, built 1924), Senta (Norwegian, 3911 GRT, built 1917), Thurso (British, 2436 GRT, built 1919), Trinidad (Panamanian, 434 GRT, built 1939), Urd (Swedish, 989 GRT, built 1922), Vanellus (British, 1886 GRT, built 1921), Varangberg (Norwegian, 2842 GRT, built 1915), Waldinge (British, 2462 GRT, built 1925), Wallonia (Swedish, 1435 GRT, built 1919) and Wallsend (British, 3157 GRT, built 1937).

On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Scarborough (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN), corvettes HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A. Foxall, RNR), HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RNR), A/S trawler HMS Lady Hogarth (T/Lt. S.G. Barnes, RNR) and the submarine HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN).

Around 2215Z/1, in position 43°21'N, 21°36'W, HMS Geranium, HMS Jonquil, HMS Lady Hogarth and HrMs O 23 parted company with the convoy. HMS Lady Hogarth and HrMs O 23 then joined convoy OG 63.

Around 0730Z/5, in position 51°43'N, 19°51'W, the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Wanderer (Cdr. A.F.St.G. Orpen, RN), HMS Westcott (Cdr. I.H. Bockett-Pugh, RN), HrMs Campbeltown (Cdr. W. Harmsen, RNN), corvettes HMS Auricula (T/Lt. W.W. White, RNR), HMS Marigold (T/Lt. J. Renwick, RNR), HMS Periwinkle (Lt.Cdr. P.G. MacIver, RNR) and the catapult ship HMS Pegasus (Capt.(Retd.) P.G. Wodehouse, DSO, RN).

At 0727A/7, an enemy Focke Wulf Condor aircraft dropped a stick of four bombs on the starboard wing of the convoy but no damage was done.

The following merchant vessels arrived at Oban on 8 June 1941;
Avant Garde, Corabella, Fanefjeld, Henrik Ibsen, Inga I, Melrose Abbey, Merkland and Wallsend.

On 8 June 1941, HMS Westcott made a short stop at Londonderry, presumably due to fuel shortage.

The following merchant vessels arrived in Belfast Lough on 8 / 9 June 1941;
Adjutant, Procris, Senta, Thurso, Urd, Wallonia. Also HMS Pegasus arrived at Belfast on 8 June 1941.

The following merchant vessels arrived in the Clyde 9 June 1941;
Baltallinn, Dago, Fendris, Mount Parnes and Varangberg. They were escorted by HMS Marigold which arrived at Greenock on 9 June 1941.

The following merchant vessels arrived at Workington on 9 June 1941;
Vanellus and Waldinge.

The following merchant vessels arrived at Barrow in Furness on 9 June 1941;
Empire Lake and Ila.

The following merchant vessels arrived at Liverpool on 9 June 1941;
Crane, Empire Kestrel and Palacio. Also HMS Wanderer, HMS Westcott, HrMs Campbeltown, HMS Scarborough, HMS Auricula and HMS Periwinkle arrived at Liverpool on this day.

The following merchant vessels arrived at Preston on 10 June 1941;
Cressado and Lech. (11)

25 May 1941
For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during her 11th war patrol see the map below.

26 May 1941

Convoy OG 63.

This convoy was assembled to the west of the North Channel on 26 May 1941 and was made up of ships from four sections; the Milford Haven, Liverpool, Clyde and Oban sections.

The Milford Haven section (sailed 24 May 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Dimitrios Inglessis (Greek, 5275 GRT, built 1918), Disa (Swedish, 2002 GRT, built 1918), Fjord (Norwegian, 4032 GRT, built 1914), Katvaldis (British, 3163 GRT, built 1907), Lapwing (British, 1449 GRT, built 1920), Osric (Swedish, 1418 GRT, built 1919), Pandis (Greek, 4981 GRT, built 1912) and Pelayo (British, 1346 GRT, built 1927). They were escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Vivien (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Beattie, RN), HMS Woolston (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN) and the A/S trawler HMS Paynter (Lt. R.H. Nossiter, RANVR).

The Liverpool section (sailed 25 May 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Avoceta (British, 3442 GRT, built 1923), Empire Dunlin (British, 6323 GRT, built 1919), Leonidas N. Condylis (Greek, 3923 GRT, built 1912), Lublin (Polish, 1409 GRT, built 1932), Marionga D. Thermiotis (Greek, 4784 GRT, built 1904), Solitaire (Norwegian, 3350 GRT, built 1920) and Vernon City (British, 4748 GRT, built 1929). With them the destroyers HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Reading (Lt.Cdr. D.V. Clift, RN) and the corvettes HMS Hibiscus (Lt. H. Roach, RNR) and HMS Pimpernel (Lt. F.H. Thornton, RNR) also departed Liverpool. With the Liverpool section the M/S trawlers HMS Runswick Bay (T/Lt. S. Sparrow, RNVR) and HMS St. Melante (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L.C. Gilbert, RNR) also sailed for passage to the South Atlantic Station via Gibraltar.

From Preston the following merchant vessels sailed on the 25th;
Como (British, 1295 GRT, built 1910), Cortes (British, 1390 GRT, built 1919) and Erato (British, 1335 GRT, built 1923).

The Milford Haven section, Liverpool section and Preston section joined company around 1820B/25.

On the 26th, HMS Vivien, HMS Woolston and HMS Paynter arrived at Belfast.

The Clyde section (sailed 26 May 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Christine Marie (British, 3895 GRT, built 1919), Delilian (British, 6423 GRT, built 1923), Glen Head (British, 2011 GRT, built 1909), King Edward (British, 5224 GRT, built 1919), Mars (Dutch, 1662 GRT, built 1925) and Taberg (Swedish, 1392 GRT, built 1920). The sloop HMS Wellington (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN) and armed boarding vessel HMS Corinthian (A/Cdr. E.J.R. Pollitt, RNR) also sailed with the Clyde section.

The Oban section (sailed 26 May 1941) was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Baron Lovat (British, 3395 GRT, built 1926), Belgravian (British, 3136 GRT, built 1937), Blairdevon (British, 3282 GRT, built 1925), Campus (British, 3667 GRT, built 1925), Dago II (British, 1993 GRT, built 1917), Empire Brook (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941), Empire Strait (British, 2841 GRT, built 1940), Shuna (British, 1575 GRT, built 1937), Tintern Abbey (British, 2471 GRT, built 1939), Waziristan (British, 5135 GRT, built 1924) and William Wilberforce (British, 4013 GRT, built 1930).

Around the time of the final assembly of the convoy the destroyers HMS Reading, HMS Vanquisher and HMS Winchelsea topped off with fuel at Londonderry while the corvette HMS Freesia (Lt.Cdr. T.P.G. Crick, RN) also joined having departed Londonderry on 27 April.

HMS Vanquisher however arrived back at Londonderry on 29 May 1941 after having parted company with the convoy.

Around 0800A/30, in position 51°00'N, 21°40'W, HMS Reading, HMS Winchelsea, HMS Freesia, HMS Hibiscus and HMS Pimpernel parted company with the convoy.

Around 1130A/30, in position 50°50'N, 21°40'W, ships with destinations in North America and Caribbean parted company. This were the following merchant vessels;
Blairdevon (arrived at Clarke City on 9 June), Campus (arrived at Three Rivers on 9 June), Delilian (arrived at Quebec on 9 June), Dimitrios Inglessis (arrived at Montreal on 10 June), Empire Dunlin (arrived at Philadelphia on 13 June), Fjord (arrived at Wabana on 11 June), Katvaldis (arrived at Halifax on 9 June), King Edward (arrived at Three Rivers on 11 June), Marionga D. Thermiotis (arrived at Sorel on 11 June), Solitaire (arrived at New York on 15 June) and Vernon City (arrived at Philadelphia on 13 June).

Around 1900A/1, in position 44°00'N, 21°30'W, ships with destinations in the South Atlantic area parted company. This were the following merchant vessels;
Belgravian (arrived at Bathurst on 9 June [which seem a bit fast !?]), Christine Marie (arrived at Freetown on 18 June), Dago II (arrived at Bathurst on 13 June), Leonidas N. Condylis (arrived at Freetown on 14 June), Mars (arrived at Bathurst on 13 June), Waziristan (arrived at Pernambuco on 19 June) and William Wilberforce (arrived at Freetown on 13 June).

Around 2330A/1, the submarine HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) and A/S trawler HMS Lady Hogarth (T/Lt. S.G. Barnes, RNR) joined the convoy.

At 1825A/5, the Italian submarine Velella sighted and reported the convoy in position 35°38'N, 11°22'W.

At 2312A/5, the Italian submarine Marconi also sighted the convoy.

At 0422A/6, the Marconi commenced to attack the convoy. A total of 6 (3x2) torpedoes were fired and the merchant vessels Baron Lovat and Taberg were hit and sunk in these attacks.

At 0604A/6, the Velella also attacked with torpedoes but no hits were obtained. Following this attack she was fired upon by HMS Wellington which claimed a hit near the conning tower but this was not the case.

At 0825A/6, a German Focke Wulf Condor aircraft attacked the convoy in position 35°58'N, 10°35'W, and managed to hit the merchant vessel Glen Head with one ore more bombs. She sank in two minutes.

At 1016A/6, the Italian submarine Emo sighted the smoke of a convoy in position 35°45'N, 10°15'W and six minutes later she sent out an enemy report. The submarine then closed to the attack.

At 1400A/6, in position 35°53'N, 09°46'W, the Emo made a submerged attack in which two torpedoes were fired and two ships were claimed sunk but this was not the case. The Tintern Abbey was in fact hit in No.4 hold but the torpedo failed to explode and only caused a small leak. HMS Wellington and HMS Lady Hogarth then searched for the attacked but were unable to gain contact.

Around 2045A/6, the motor launches ML 129 and ML 134 joined the convoy escort and were placed on either beam of the convoy.

Around 0140A/7, the corvette HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RNR) joined the convoy escort.

Around 0600A/7, the motor launches ML 132 and ML 135 joined the convoy escort.

Around 0842A/7, the destroyer HMS Wrestler (Lt. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) joined the convoy escort. She parted company around 1237A/7.

Around 1240A/7, near Cape Trafalgar, the following merchant vessels parted company with the convoy to proceed directly to ports in Portugal and south-west Spain. This were the following merchant vessels;
Cortes (arrived at Lisbon on 9 June), Empire Strait (arrived at Lisbon on 8 June), Erato (arrived at Oporto on 9 June), Osric (arrived at Lisbon on 9 June) and Shuna (arrived at Huelva on 8 June).

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Gibraltar around 1630A/7. (14)

1 Jun 1941
Around 2100Z/1, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) leaves convoy HG 63 and joined convoy OG 63. (3)

7 Jun 1941
Around 1630A/7, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar with convoy OG 63 ending her 11th war patrol. (3)

12 Jun 1941
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) carried out exercises off Gibraltar with, first, the British submarine HMS Severn (Lt.Cdr. A.N.G. Campbell, RN) and, then, the British destroyers HMS Wrestler (Lt. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN)

13 Jun 1941
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) is docked in No.2 graving dock at the Gibraltar Dockyard. (10)

19 Jun 1941
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) is undocked. (10)

23 Jun 1941
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) conducted independent exercises in Gibraltar Bay. Four practice torpedoes were fired during the exercises. (2)

25 Jun 1941
Around 2130A/25, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) departed Gibraltar for her 12th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She is to patrol in the Ligurian Sea and in the Gulf of Lyon.

While on patrol a large oil leak forced her to leave her patrol area in the Ligurian Sea and proceed towards the Spanish coast to effect repairs and to flush out the damaged tank.

For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(15)

28 Jun 1941
At 0645A/28, in position 41°15'N, 04°24'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) sighed a southbound liner. This must have been a Vichy-French ship en-route a port in North Africa. (15)

30 Jun 1941
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN), in position 43°18'N, 10°19'E (about 20 nautical miles south of Livorno, Italy), makes a torpedo attack on a small merchant that was in ballast. Two torpedoes were fired that both missed their target. [We have so far not been able to identify this target.]

Later on this day O 23 torpedoed and sank the Italian tanker Capacitas (5371 GRT, built 1920) about 7 nautical miles north-west of Cape Sant Vincent, Italy in position 43°06'N, 10°26'E.

In the late afternoon / evening, O 23 was hunted by two enemy destroyers / torpedo boats after she had been detected by an enemy aircraft due to a fuel leak.

0405A/30 hours - Sighted a ship rather close. Started attack.

0409A/30 - Fired two torpedoes from 2000 yards. No hits were obtained. After firing the target was seen to be a 2000 tons merchant vessel in ballast. She was not attacked again as Lt.Cdr. van Erkel would not like to disclose his presence in the hope of attacking 'bigger game'.

In late afternoon it was discovered that O 23 was leaking oil. This was also noticed by an enemy aircraft and O 23 was then hunted by two enemy destroyers / torpedo boats.

--------------------------------------

1100A/30 - Sighted a large southbound tanker about 6 nautical miles away, heavily laden. Started attack.

1158A/30 - Fired four torpedoes from 1200 yards. Three hits were obtained and the ship capsized in a very short time.

--------------------------------------

1700A/30 - The Officer of the Watch noticed that O 23 was leaving an oil track on the surface. The affected oil tank was then ventilated inboard so that water would enter the tank instead of oil leaking out. While this was ongoing an enemy flying boat was seen circling around O 23's position which then dived to 80 feet.

Soon afterwards HE of two enemy destroyers / torpedo boats were picked up. These two enemy ships then commenced an A/S hunt but never gained contact and eventually retired from the area.

2130A/30 - O 23 surfaced and it was decided to retire from the area due to the oil leak and to patrol in an area where enemy A/S measures were less. (15)

2 Jul 1941
Around 1100A/2, in position 42°16'N, 04°29'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) had to dive for a Vichy French merchant vessel thought to be en-route from Toulon to Valencia. (15)

3 Jul 1941
With the affected fuel tank now empty, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN), set course to return to her original patrol area.

At 1930A/3, in approximate position 42°24'N, 04°26'E, O 23 had to dive for a northbound Vichy French merchant vessel. It was thought this ship was bound for Marseilles. (15)

6 Jul 1941
At 0330A/6, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) dived to approach the Italian coast near Oneglia.

At 0530A/6, three enemy patrol vessels were sighted. O 23 then patrolled along the coast in a south-west direction.

At 1400A/6, two patrol vessels were sighted between San Remo and Bordighera.

At 2130A/6, O 23 surfaced and then left patrol to return to Gibraltar taking a route so as to be able to intercept enemy ships making for the Gulf of Genoa as they came from Barcelona. (15)

8 Jul 1941
At 0100A/8, in position 41°07'N, 03°36'E, a dark shape was sighted on the port beam. It turned out to be a nouthbound ship which was subsequently seen to be the Portuguese 3-masted schooner Dina under Swiss charter.

At 1430A/8, in position 39°56'N, 01°44'E, smoke was sighted on the starboard beam which was then closed at full speed. The source of the smoke was thought to be the Portugese merchant vessel Ambriz (858 GRT, built 1907) which was under Red Cross charter destined for Marseilles with food for British POW's. (15)

10 Jul 1941
Around 0825A/10, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) ended her 12th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Gibraltar. (15)

23 Jul 1941
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) carried out torpedo firing exercises off Gibraltar. These were followed by A/S exercises with HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. H.G.D. de Chair, RN) and HMS Vidette (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, RN) (10)

24 Jul 1941
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) carried out torpedo firing exercises off Gibraltar. These were followed by A/S exercises with two British ML's.

2 Aug 1941
Around 2130A/2, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) departed Gibraltar for her 13th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was to patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(15)

10 Aug 1941
At 0900A/10, north-north-east of Cape San Vito, in approximate position 38°13'N, 12°56'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) sighted what is thought to be an enemy torpedo boat of the Partenope-class. The enemy passed two nautical miles to the south of the submarine on an easterly course.

At 1015A/10, north-north-east of Cape San Vito, in approximate position 38°12'N, 13°55'E, an armed tug was seen proceeding westwards. (15)

11 Aug 1941
At 1500A/11, north-east of Cefalu, Sicily, in approximate position 38°10'N, 14°20'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) sighted a small eastbound convoy of two merchant vessels escorted by a Partenope-class torpedo boat. An attack was started but the torpedo boat passed directly overhead and Lt.Cdr. van Erkel could not raise the periscope in the flat calm sea when the torpedo boat was near. When the torpedo boat had passed the convoy had altered course away. (15)

14 Aug 1941
At 1300A/14, south of Cape Palinuro, in approximate position 39°57'N, 15°17'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) was passed by two ML-type vessels. They first followed the coast but then set course to proceed direct to Cape Scalea. (15)

15 Aug 1941
At 1430A/15, in position 39°31'N, 13°30'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) sighed a southbound convoy of three ships which turned out to be Vichy French. It was thought the ships in the convoy were the Providence (11196 GRT, built 1920), Marechal Lyautey (8256 GRT, built 1925) and Florida (9149 GRT, built 1926). (15)

16 Aug 1941
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) attacked an enemy convoy with two torpedoes in the Tyrrhenian Sea in position 39°35'N, 13°18'E. No hits were obtained though although it was thought a ship had been hit. Following the attack HrMs O 23 was heavily depth charged but managed to escape.

The convoy, (40th Seetransport Staffel) attacked was en-route from Naples to Tripoli and was made up of the Italian merchant vessels Caffaro (6476 GRT, built 1924), Giulia (5921 GRT, built 1926), Maddalena Odero (5545 GRT, built 1921), Marin Sanudo (5958 GRT, built 1926), Minatitland (7651 GRT, built 1941) and Nicolo Odero (6003 GRT, built 1925). They were escorted by the Italian destroyers Freccia, Euro, Dardo and the Italian torpedo boats Procione and Pegaso.

0900A/16 - Sighted two twin-engined bombers bearing 100° about 5 nautical miles away. They disappeared to the north.

0913A/16 - Sighted a convoy bearing 057° range 10 nautical miles. The convoy appeared to consist of at least six merchant vessels and four destroyers. Two aircraft were overhead. Started attack but could not close further then 10000 yards so a longe range shot was prepared.

1003A/16 - Fired two torpedoes from a range of 5 nautical miles. The convoy showed a good close silhoutte on a course of 212° at a speed of 10 knots. Upon firing O 23 went to 130 feet. After a correct running range of about 11 minutes two explosions were heard. Immediately afterwards destroyers were heard to be approaching and a bombardment of depth charges started. About 100 were dropped. O 23 eventually went to 310 feet.

1330A/16 - The intense depth charging ceased but one was still dropped about every 20 minutes until 1930 hours. (15)

17 Aug 1941
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) left patrol to return to Gibraltar. (15)

21 Aug 1941
Around 1800A/21, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) ended her 13th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Gibraltar. (15)

3 Sep 1941
Around 1445A/3, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) departed Gibraltar for the U.K. where she is to refit.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this passage see the map below.

(3)

9 Sep 1941
At 0642A/9, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) made rendezvous with the British armed yacht HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN) off Trevose Head. Both ships then set course for Holy Loch. (3)

10 Sep 1941
Around 1400A/10, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) and HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (16)

16 Sep 1941
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Loch Long. (16)

17 Sep 1941
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) carries out special torpedo trials in Loch Long with captured German torpedoes. On completion of these special trials she returned to Holy Loch. (16)

18 Sep 1941
Around 1430A/18, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) departed Holy Loch for Dundee. She is escorted by the British armed yacht HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (16)

20 Sep 1941
Around 0800A/20, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) arrived at Dundee where she is subsequently taken in hand for refit at the Caledon Dockyard. (16)

21 Oct 1941
During her refit by the Caledon Dockyard, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) is docked in the West Graving dock at Dundee. (16)

18 Dec 1941
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. K. van Dongen, RNN) is undocked. She continued her refit at Dundee by the Caledon Dockyard. (16)

30 Dec 1941
During her refit at Dundee by the Caledon Dockyard, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) is docked again. This time in the East Graving Dock. (16)

4 Jan 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) is undocked. She continued her refit at Dundee by the Caledon Dockyard. (16)

8 Feb 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted post refit trials on the river Tay near Broughtly Ferry. (16)

11 Feb 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted post refit trials on the river Tay near Broughtly Ferry. (16)

12 Feb 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted post refit trials on the river Tay near Broughtly Ferry. (16)

14 Feb 1942
From 14 to 17 February, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted more post refit trials in the Tay and Forth river sanctuaries. (16)

22 Feb 1942
With her initial post refit trials completed, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN), departed Dundee aroud 0800A/22 for Holy Loch for a period of training. During the passage she is escorted by the A/S trawler HMS Quadrille (T/Lt. N.T. Chetwood, RNVR). (16)

24 Feb 1942
Around 2300A/24, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) arrives at Holy Loch where she begins a period of training. (16)

27 Feb 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted special torpedo firing trials with captured German torpedoes off Arrochar. (16)

28 Feb 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted special torpedo firing trials with captured German torpedoes off Arrochar. Upon completion of these O 23 proceeded to Holy Loch. (16)

2 Mar 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted noise trails in Loch Goil. (16)

3 Mar 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (16)

4 Mar 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted speed trails on the measured mile in Loch Long. (16)

10 Mar 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (16)

11 Mar 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (16)

12 Mar 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. The target was HMS Adamant (Capt. R.S. Warne, RN) which was escorted by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN) and HMS Z 5 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR).

Following these exercises more attack exercises were carried out during the night with HMS Z 5. (16)

13 Mar 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (16)

16 Mar 1942
After a rather short working up period, around 1015A/16, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Holy Loch for the Far East. The fist leg of this passage is to Gibraltar. O 23 is escorted by the destroyer HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. H.G.D. de Chair, RN) that is en-route to Portsmouth for a refit. Also in company was HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) that was en-route to Plymouth before departing on a war patrol in the Bay of Biscay.

During the passage through the Irish Sea extreme thick fog is encountered and the ships were delayed as they had to anchor because of the low visibility. As O 23 loses her anchor early on the 18th all three ships made for Milford Haven where the anchor of O 23 is inspected before proceeding after a few hours.

Around 0300A/19, O 23 parted company to proceed to Gibraltar independently. (16)

16 Mar 1942
For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during the passage from the U.K. to Ceylon see the map below.

24 Mar 1942
Around 1300A/24, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar. She had been escorted in by a [so far unidentified] corvette. (16)

28 Mar 1942
Around 1700A/28, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Gibraltar for Alexandria. (16)

30 Mar 1942
Around 1115A/30, well north of Algiers, in approximate position 38°28'N, 03°06'E, the submerged HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was passed by the northbound Vichy French merchant vessel Oued Tiflet (1190 GRT, built 1914). (16)

1 Apr 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) encounters a submarine south-west of Sardinia, Italy near position 38°29'N, 07°40'E. Before an attack could be started the other submarine submerged. O 23 did the same and for an hour she hunted the other submarine but no contact could be made.

The other submarine was the Italian Aradam that dived immediately upon seeing another submarine as it was not certain if it was a friendly or an enemy submarine.

0045A/1 - Near position 38°29'N, 07°40'E sighted a submarine bearing 240°. The course of the other submarine was 340°. Closed on the surface.

0052A/1 - The other submarine dived.

0054A/1 - O 23 also dived and obtained contact with the hydrophones but no definite bearing or range could be obtained.

0156A/1 - O 23 surfaced and continued her passage towards Alexandria. (16)

2 Apr 1942
Around 0900A/2, to the south-east of Marettimo Island, in approximate position 37°42'N, 12°15'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) sighed what is thought to be an enemy minesweeper proceeding in the direction of Pantelleria Island. The enemy passed the submerged submarine at a range of 500 yards. (16)

3 Apr 1942
At 1800C/3, an enemy convoy made up of six merchant vessels, two cruisers and ten destroyers was reported in position 38°52'N, 18°50'E, steering 170° at 11 knots.

This must have referred to the Italian convoy made up of the transports Lerici (Italian, 6070 GRT, built 1941), Unione (Italian, 6070 GRT, built 1942), Nino Bixio (Italian, 7137 GRT, built 1941), Monviso (Italian, 5322 GRT, built 1941), Gino Allegri (Italian, 6836 GRT, built 1941) and Monreale (Italian, 5323 GRT, built 1941).

That was escorted, at that time, by the Italian destroyers Antonio Pigafetta, Antonio Da Noli, Emanuele Pessagno, Nicolò Zeno, Folgore, Freccia and the Italian torpedo boat Centauro.

Cover for this convoy was provided by the light cruisers Eugenio di Savoia, Raimondo Montecuccoli and the destroyers Ugolino Vivaldi, Lanzerotto Malocello and Mitragliere.

In a signal timed 2001C/3, Capt. S 1, ordered HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) and HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNethN) to endeavour to intercept but neither submarine had sighted the convoy by dusk the following day and continued their passage to the Adriatic and Alexandria respectively. (17)

9 Apr 1942
Around 0915C/9, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) arrived at Alexandria. The onward passage to the Far East had to be delayed as O 23 had to be docked for repairs. (16)

23 Apr 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) is docked in the Gabbari graving dock at Alexandria. (16)

24 Apr 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) is undocked. (16)

25 Apr 1942
Around 1000C/25, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Alexandria for Port Said. (16)

26 Apr 1942
Around 1030C/26, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) passed the boom at Port Said and then immediately entered the Suez Canal for the southbound passage. (16)

1 May 1942
Around 0800C/1, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) arrived at Aden from Alexandria. (16)

2 May 1942
Around 0800C/2, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Aden for Colombo. (16)

9 May 1942
Around 0930F/9, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) arrived at Colombo from Aden. (16)

13 May 1942
For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during the passage from Colombo to Bombay see the map below.

(16)

13 May 1942
Around 0945F/13, the Dutch submarine tender HrMs Colombia (Capt. J.L.K. Hoeke, RNN) and the Dutch submarines HrMs O 19 (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bach Kolling, RNN(R)) and HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Colombo for Bombay where they arrived on the 16th. They were escorted by the British destroyer HMS Scout (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN). (18)

16 May 1942
Upon arrival at Bombay, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) is taken in hand for repairs at the Bombay Dockyard. (16)

3 Jul 1942
With her repairs completed, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted post repair trials off Bombay. (19)

5 Jul 1942
Around 1200F/5 HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) and HrMs K XIV (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN) departed Bombay for Colombo. They were escorted by the minesweeper HMAS Lismore (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Crawford, RANR(S)).

Because of defects HrMs K XIV returned to Bombay the next day.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this passage see the map below.

(19)

9 Jul 1942
Around 1300F/9, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) and her escort, HMAS Lismore (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Crawford, RANR(S)) arrived at Colombo from Bombay. (19)

14 Jul 1942
Off Colombo, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) carries out practice attacks on and A/S exercises with the sloops HMS Falmouth (Cdr. U.H.R. James, RN) and HMS Shoreham (Cdr. E. Hewitt, RD, RNR). (19)

15 Jul 1942
Off Colombo, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) carries out practice attacks on and A/S exercises with the sloops HMS Falmouth (Cdr. U.H.R. James, RN) and HMS Shoreham (Cdr. E. Hewitt, RD, RNR). (19)

19 Jul 1942
Around 1730F/19, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Colombo for her 14th war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Staits.

For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(3)

27 Jul 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) damaged the small Japanese merchant vessel Shofuku Maru No.2 (729 GRT, built 1937) with gunfire about 10 nautical miles south-west of Penang, Malaya in position 05°07'N, 100°04'E. Two torpedoes had been fired first but both had missed.

0641F/27 - Sighted a ship bearing 190°, range 5 nautical miles. The ship was steering North. Started attack. When the ship came closer it was seen to be a small coastal vessel of about 800 to 1000 tons.

0725F/27 - In position 05°07'N, 100°04'E fired two torpedoes from 700 yards. One of the torpedoes was sene to run on the surface several times and to run slightly to Starboard. Both torpedoes missed.

0731F/27 - Surfaced behind the target to attack it with gunfire.

0732F/27 - Fired the first shot from 800 yards. The target was not armed.

0739F/27 - When the 10th round was being loaded in the gun it jammed and could not be freed so gunfire had to be discontinued. By now one hit on the ships stern had been obtained.

0741F/27 - Opened fire with the Oerlikon. but this too jammed after 80 rounds. Several hits had been observed. The action had now to be broken off. Withdrew to seaward. (3)

29 Jul 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) fired four torpedoes at the Japanese heavy cruisers Kumano and Suzuya escorted by the destroyers Oyashio, Hayashio and Kuroshio (all offsite links) in the Malacca Straits about 10 nautical miles west-south-west of Pulau Perak in position 05°37'N, 98°50'E. The torpedoes missed their targets and O 23 was depth charged for several hours but eventually managed to escape without damage.

0525F/29 - Sighted two cruisers thought to be of the Takao-class (but later thought to be Mogami-class, and this was correct) and four destroyers bearing 185°, distance 7 nautical miles. Enemy course was 325°. Started attack altough a favourable attack position most likely could not be obtained.

After a few minutes the enemy ships had altered course towards on a zig-zag. Unfortunately this course was only steered for a very short time. Range could not be closed further then 5500 yards.

0600F/29 - In position 05°37'N, 98°50'E fired four torpedoes from 5500 yards. No torpedo explosions were heard.

0612F/29 - Heard two explosions thought to be depth charges. Upon returning to periscope depth one cruiser and one destroyer were seen to have altered towards. Lt.Cdr. Valkenburg quickly set up an attack with the stern torpedo tubes but before these could be fired depth control was lost and O 23 went to a greater depth. In the meantime several depth charges were dropped.

0848F/29 - After having heard no HE for half an hour returned to periscope depth. One destroyer was seen bearing 310°, distance 4 nautical miles. She appeared to be searching for the attacking submarine. O 23 retired in the opposite direction.

1043F/29 - Returned to periscope depth to have another look. Two destroyers and two submarine chasers were seen half a mile ahead. Lt.Cdr. Valkenburg took evasive action and went deep again.

1200F/29 - Returned to periscope depth to hsve another look. Nothing in sight.

During the evening two patrolling destroyers were evaded twice. (3)

30 Jul 1942

Operation Stab.

Diversionary operation in the Bay of Bengal.

The object of this diversionary operation in which landings on the Andaman Islands simulated was to distract Japanese naval forces in conjunction with American operations in the Solomons.

To simulate landing forces three convoys were to leave India and Ceylon. These were;
' Force V ', sailing from Vizagapatam.
Tansports Blackheath (British, 4637 GRT, built 1936), Cranfield (British, 5332 GRT, built 1919) and Mahout (British, 7921 GRT, built 1925). These ships were escorted by the sloop HMIS Jumna (Cdr. J.E.N. Coope, RIN, Senior Officer) and the destroyer HMS Scout (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN).

' Force M ', sailing from Madras
Transports Clan McIver (British, 4606 GRT, built 1921), Custodian (British, 5881 GRT, built 1928), Hoperange (British, 5177 GRT, built 1939), Tasmania (British, 6405 GRT, built 1935) and Yuen Sang (British, 3229 GRT, built 1923). These ships were escorted by the fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN, Senior Officer), corvette HMS Aster (Lt. W.L. Smith, RNR) and patrol vessel HMIS Sonavati (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.F. Smith, RINR).

' Force T ', sailing from Trincomalee
Transport (RAF Tender) Shengking (British, 2999 GRT, built 1931) and the tankers Marit Maersk (Danish, 1894 GRT, built 1938), Appleleaf (Royal Fleet Auxiliary, 5892 GRT, built 1917) and Broomdale (Royal Fleet Auxiliary, 8334 GRT, built 1937). These ships were escorted by the sloop HMIS Hindustan (A/Cdr. I.B.W Heanly, RIN, Senior Officer) and the corvette HMS Marguerite (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Blundell, RNR).

These forces were to proceed at best speed and reverse their course after dark at 1700Z/1 and return to their ports at best speed to arrive there before dusk on 2 August 1942.

' Force A ' of the Eastern Fleet was to sail from Colombo at 0400Z/31 so as to be eastward of Trincomalee by the time ' Force T ' was due to sail on the 1st August. Thereafter, ' Force A ' was to cover ' Force T ' from the eastward during the 1st and 2nd August. Subsequent movements of ' Force A ' were to depend on the situation, the force finally returning to Colombo about the 4th August.

During the night of 1/2 August, whilst forces are at sea, a wireless diversion (called Operation Spark) was to be carried out to simulate the following events.
1.) An imaginary collision was to occur in ' Force M '.
2.) One of the damaged ships was to make a plain language W/T signal reporting she had been in collision and is unable to proceed on the operation. One of the escort was to order her to keep silence and later to report to the Commander-in-Chief that ' Force M ' was unable to proceed. The Commander-in-Chief was then to postpone the operation and order all forces to return to their ports.
3.) Shore Wireless Stations were to carry out their normal W/T procedure.

Catalina Patrols were to be established well to the eastward to cover the three convoys during the short period they were at sea and ' Force A ' whilst operating in the Bay of Bengal.

At 2200F/30, the Commander-in-Chief received the following enemy report from the Dutch submarine HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNethN) which was on patrol in the Malacca Straits: ' Two cruisers of the Takao-class and four destroyers in position 05°32'N, 98°50'E. Course 340°. Speed 14 knots. Torpedoes missed. Time of Origin of the signal of HrMs O 23 was 0552F/29.

It seemed unlikely that the enemy cruiser force, moving northwards close to the Thailand coast, was a sign of enemy reaction to the 'planted' rumours in India that seaborne forces wear being prepared to attack the Andaman Island. A more probable reason to account for this movement was a possible raid on shipping in the northern part of the Bay of Bengal or a visit to Rangoon to coincide with the establishment of the new Burmese puppet government.

HrMs O 23 was due to leave patrol in the Malacca Straits on the 31st July and return to Colombo. In view of the enemy forces reported previously by her and the forthcoming Operation Stab, she was ordered to remain on patrol until 3rd August.

Forces ' T ' and ' M ' were provided with air cover (this was not possible for ' Force V '), both by the long range reconnaissance Catalina patrols and local fighter escort, and in addition would have Force A covering them to the eastward, but ' Force V ' would be without air cover and too far away to be covered by ' Force A '. The Commander-in-Chief therefore decided to cancel the sailing of ' Force V ', but that all preparations for its departure were to continue.

In view of the enemy cruisers reported in the Malacca Straits on 29th July, The Commander-in-Chief decided to proceed with ' Force A ' from Colombo in the afternoon of 30 July. This would enable operation Stab to be carried out on the prearranged date and also admit of intercepting the Japanese force should it venture to the southern part of the Bay of Bengal.

' Force A ', comprising the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Illustrious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), HMS Formidable (Rear-Admiral A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), light cruisers HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN), AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Cdr. E.J. van Holte, RNethN) and the destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr M.J. Clark, DSC, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN) sailed from Colombo at 1700F/30.

Course was shaped to keep out of sight of land and to be in a position 35 miles to eastward of Trincomalee by 1000F/1.

Two air searches were sent out from ' Force A ' on 31st July. The first at 0800F to cover the section 050° to 080° ahead of the fleet to a depth of 150 miles; and the second at 1500F to search the sector 000° to 110° to a depth of 160 miles. Nothing was seen in either search.

Since no further information of the enemy cruiser force had been received, the Commander-in-Chief decided at 1100F/31 to postpone the sailing of ' Force M ' until 4 hours later and ordered a Catalina patrol to the north eastward of this force whilst at sea so as to give warning of approach of any possible enemy forces.

' Force T ' sailed from Trincomalee at the prearranged time, 0900F/1. At that time ' Force A ' was 40 miles north-east of Trincomalee, course south-west. At 1000F/1 course was altered to north-east, parallel to that of ' Force T ', and throughout the day, ' Force A ' maintained a covering position to the north-east of ' Force T '.An air reconnaissance was flown off at 0830F/1 to cover the section 340° to 000° to 130° to a depth of 150 nautical miles. This search saw nothing.

At 1040F/1, when ' Force A ' was in position 09°00'N, 21°42'E, 40 nautical miles north-east of Trincomalee, course northeast, an RDF contact was obtained on an aircraft bearing 100° range 73 miles. This was at first through to be one of the reconnaissance aircraft returning, but the absence of IFF indication being the unfortunately the rule rather than the exception. This aircraft was tracked around the fleet and passed astern at 1130F/1 on a bearing 220°, range 24 miles thence proceeded to the north-westward and finally faded on bearing 060° at 60 miles at 1215F/1. The aircraft was sighted by HMS Formidable and identified by two officers and an air lookout as a Catalina and reported as such. HMS Formidable did not send out fighters to investigate. Although the prearranged programme of the Catalina reconnaissance did not suggest one of these aircraft should be acting in this manner, the possibility was accepted in view of the lack of training of many of the newly arrived Catalina crews. Subsequent investigations and a warning of the presence of British forces broadcast from Tokyo established this was an enemy aircraft.

At noon a fighter umbrella of two Martlets was maintained by HMS Illustrious. One Martlet crashed into the barrier on deck landing. The need to economise on the fighter umbrella was governed by the necessity of conserving the Martlets. Had the aircraft referred earlier not been wrongly identified as a Catalina, The Commander-in-Chief was convinced that it could have been intercepted by Martlets that were ranged at readiness in both aircraft carriers.

A further air search was sent out at 1500F/1 to cover the sector from 000° to 110° to a depth of 150 miles but nothing was seen.

At 1800F/1, one of the Fulmar search aircraft made an emergency landing on HMS Illustrious, but crashed on desk due to a fractured oil pipe spraying the pilot’s windscreen, and was badly damaged.

At 1830F/1, all the search aircraft except two Fulmars had returned to their carriers. The two missing aircraft reported to HMS Formidable by wireless that they were lost and requested D/F bearings. The Commander-in-Chief at once ordered wireless silence to be broken to home these aircraft. The fleet was turned at 1840F/1 to close one of the aircraft when bearing had been definitely established by D/F and RDF. Searchlights were burned at dusk to assist returning aircraft and at 1920F/1 Very’s lights were sighted to the south-west. A few minutes later one of the aircraft was sighted and closed the carriers. Unfortunately, the aircraft by this time so short of petrol that it had to force land in the sea. The crew were picked up by HMAS Norman.

By 2000F/1. ' Force A ', which had become somewhat dispersed during reversal of course and whilst locating the crew of the aircraft, was reformed and course altered to the north west. Unfortunately nothing further was heard or seen of the other missing Fulmar with the exception of one report that a light had been seen to the eastward. A night search for the survivors of this aircraft was considered, but as they would have left the convoy uncovered to the northeast, The Commander-in-Chief decided it was preferable to return to this area at dawn and carry out a daytime air search. The Commander-in-Chief therefore continued to the north-west and at 0100F/2 in position 11°30'N, 82°15'E, course was reversed to the south-east and at daylight course was altered to south.

The wireless diversion (Operation Spark) was carried out as previously arranged during the night at 2300F/1 and appears to have been fully effective.

At 0630F/2, a thorough air search was sent out to look for survivors of the Fulmar which had been lost the previous evening. Whilst this attack was continuing, ' Force A ' was manoeuvred in the area in which it was estimated that the survivors might have landed. No survivors were located and it must be presumed with regret that the crew of two was lost. Catalinas which would be operating through this area were requested to keep a good lookout for survivors.

At 1030F/2, despatches were transferred by HMAS Norman from HMS Warspite to HMS Illustrious and thence sent by aircraft to Trincomalee for onward transmission. At 1100F/2, HMS Formidable flew off two Martlets as fighter umbrella. At 1112F/2, both carriers reported RDF contact on an aircraft bearing 055°, range 55 miles. HMS Formidable directed two Martlets onto this aircraft. When the fighters sighted the enemy flying boat at 10000 feet they first thought it was a Catalina, but on approaching closely identified it as a Japanese flying boat Navy Type 97, and promptly shot it down in approximate position 09°26'N, 83°16'E. The flying boat, which appeared to be taken completely by surprise, gave no return fire and after the second burst of fire from the Martlets, caught fire, disintegrated and fell in flames. No survivors were seen.

In the meantime at 111F/2 a further two Martlets each were flown off by the carriers. One of these Martlets from HMS Formidable crashed into the sea on taking off. The pilot was rescued by HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck.

A fighter umbrella of two Martlets was maintained for the rest of the day by HMS Illustrious. At 1530F/2 one of these Martlets appeared to have an engine failure and crashed into the sea whilst approaching to land on. The pilot was lost.

At about 1100F/2, the Commander-in-Chief had received information from the Flag Officer, Ceylon that Air Headquarters Bengal considered there were indications of naval activity south of the Andamans at 2300Z/31, that pointed to the possibility of an attack on Madras at dawn on the 3rd August and that the information on which this was based was from a most secret source. Flag Officer, Ceylon, had also informed Admiralty and the Deputy Commander in Chief, Eastern Fleet.

There was nothing in Air Headquarters Bengal signal to indicate what was the nature of the naval activity which had been reported nor the reliability of the source. The Commander-in-Chief immediately requested Flag Officer, Ceylon to obtain amplification of this report.

Although a dawn attack by this Japanese naval force on Madras on 3rd August was possible, The Commander-in-Chief considered the following factors would make it very improbable.
1.) ' Force A ', probably having been sighted by the Japanese flying boat A.M. 1st August.
2.) ' Force A ', breaking wireless silence to endeavour to recover aircraft on the evening of 1st August. 3.) The wireless diversion (Operation Spark), carried out on the night of 1st/2nd August.

Nevertheless the Commander-in-Chief felt that he could not disregard Air Headquarters Bengal report and he therefore decided to proceed at once to Trincomalee and refuel destroyers in preparation for an extension of the present operation. he informed Their Lordships of his intentions in his signal 1215Z/2. Course was altered at 1215F/2 to the westward and speed increased to reach Trincomalee before dark.

' Force A ' entered Trincomalee at 1915F/2 and refuelling of destroyers commenced at once and as completed at 2200F/2 when it had been intended that ' Force A ' should sail again.

Additional Catalina patrols had been arranged to cover the approaches to Madras from the east and south-east, from p.m. 2nd August until daylight 3rd August.

It was not until ' Force A ' arrived at Trincomalee at 1900F/2 that the Commander-in-Chief received a message from Air Headquarters India (Flag Officer Ceylon’s 0744/2) stated that they did not agree with the deductions nor authorize the message from Air Headquarters Bengal. After discussion with Rear Admiral Commanding, Aircraft Carriers and Rear Admiral Commanding Fourth Cruiser Squadron, the Commander-in-Chief decided that there was no real basis for this report and in view of HMS Formidable and HMS Birmingham being required at an early date to return to Kilindini for Operation Streamline Jane, the Commander-in-Chief decided the ' Force A ' should return to Colombo.

The Commander-in-Chief informed Their Lordships of his revised intentions in his message 1649Z/2.

' Force A ' sailed accordingly from Trincomalee at 0600F/3 and shaped course for Colombo keeping out of sight of land. During the day a safety patrol of one aircraft was maintained 30 miles ahead of the Fleet. This patrol was carried out by Walrus aircraft from cruisers during the afternoon but had to be cancelled owing to rising wind and sea. A fighter umbrella of two Martlets was maintained throughout the day.

At 1030F/3, HMS Manxman, who was returning from Madras to Colombo, as about 30 miles south-west of ' Force A '. An aircraft was sent to order her to join ' Force A ', which she did at 1300F/3.

At 1430F/3, HMS Illustrious obtained an RDF contact on an aircraft bearing 60° and at 1440F/3, HMS Warspite obtained a doubtful contact on the same bearing at a range of 50 miles. Both contacts faded ten minutes later. At that time ' Force A ' was in position approximately 06°40'N, 82°10'E. The RDF contact may have been a Japanese flying boat, but more probably an aircraft operating from China Bay as no Catalina were know to be in that area. The uncertainty and short duration of the contacts rendered fighter interception impracticable.

Before leaving Trincomalee the Commander-in-Chief had proposed to Air Officer Commanding, Ceylon that opportunity should be taken to exercise that Fighter Direction of shore based fighters from HM ships and any other air exercises he might wish to carry out.

From 1645F/3 to 1800F/3, successful fighter direction exercise was carried out using two Fulmars from HMS Illustrious as the enemy. R/T communication was obtained quickly and no difficulty experienced in directing the Hurricanes on to their target. From 1800F/3 till dusk these two Fulmars took over the duties of fighter umbrella.

The next air exercise was a night shadowing exercise and a night torpedo and bombing attack on the fleet.

At 1850F/3, HMS Illustrious reported an aircraft in sight bearing 190° and directed the fighter umbrella of two Fulmars to investigate. This aircraft which was clearly in sight from HMS Warspite was a flying boat just visible above the horizon and though it presented characteristics of a Catalina, it could not definitely be identified as such. HMS Illustrious directed the Fulmars on to the target, a warning being given by R/T that the aircraft was possibly friendly. Unfortunately the designation 'Bandit' i.e. enemy aircraft, as opposed to 'Bogey' i.e. unidentified aircraft, was employed by the Fighter Directing Officer. For this and other reasons which are being investigated by a Board of Enquiry one of the Fulmars opened fire on this flying boat, which proved to be a Catalina. Fire was ceased directly the pilot realized his mistake but the Commander-in-Chief regret to report that one airman was killed and two injured and the Catalina’s rudder damaged. The Fulmars returned to HMS Illustrious and from subsequent signals it appeared that the Catalina was still airborne and returning to her base. As a safety measure HMS Mauritius and HMS Manxman were detached to search the area in case the Catalina was forced to land, but were recalled when it was clear from RDF bearings that the Catalina was proceeding to Koggala.

During the night of 3rd/4th August the shore based reconnaissance aircraft were unable to locate ' Force A ' and in consequence no attacks were delivered. From 0530F/4 to 0645F/4 another fighter direction exercise with shore based aircraft was successfully carried out.

' Force A ' arrived at Colombo at 0900F/4. (20)

2 Aug 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) attacked a Japanese convoy and torpedoed and heavily damaged the Japanese army cargo ship Zenyo Maru (6440 GRT, built 1937, offsite link) about 30 nautical miles north-west of Penang, Malaya in position 05°36'N, 99°48'E. The Japanese ship burns out and was later towed to Singapore. She was declared a total loss and subsequently scrapped.

[We have so far been unable to identify the other ships in the convoy.]

0840F/2 - Sighted a convoy made up of one armed merchant with guns forward and aft that was acting as escort. This ship was followed by four merchant vessels. Started attack.

0926F/2 - In position 05°33'N, 99°48'E fired one torpedo on the first merchant ship behind the escort from 800 yards. Unfortunately the torpedo ran straight to the bottom and detonated 7 seconds after firing. No damage was caused to O 23. After this explosion the escort immediately turned away followed by the first merchant ship.

0930F/2 - The second merchant ship however waited several minutes so this was fired upon with two torpedoes from the training torpedo tubes. Range was 900 yards. Two faint explosions were heard 50 and 60 seconds after firing which was the correct running range.

0935F/2 - Two stern torpedoes were fired on the last ship from 1000 yards. A huge explosion occured amidships on thuis ship 60 seconds after firing. This ship was at once full ablaze. The other ships were now seen to have turned to the North. Depth charges were dropped at irregular intervals most likely by the escort.

As the ship that was hit did not appeared to be sinking it was decided to finish it off with the deck gun. However the escort turned back and dropped depth charges, some of which were quite close. The gun attack was abandoned and O 23 went deep and cleared the area. (3)

3 Aug 1942
At 2230F/3, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) left her patrol area in accordance with the instructions given in the Senior Officer Submarines Ceylon signal timed 1041F/30. (3)

4 Aug 1942
At 0432F/4, north-east of Diamond Head, Sumatra, in approximate position 05°42'N, 97°12'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) sighed a ship bearing 284°, range 3 to 4 nautical miles.

The subsequent change of the bearing seemed to indicate that this ship was proceeding eastwards. The ship looked like a small destroyer.

At 0440F/4, O 23 dived but three minutes later the forward hydroplanes jammed and could not be elevated. O 23 was able to remain at 75 feet and three minutes later hydroplane control was changed to hand gear. Hydrophones meanwhile indicated that the enemy vessel was very close.

0505F/4, O 23 returned to periscope depth. The enemy ship was seen bearing 100°, range 3 nautical miles. Again it was thought that the enemy was a small destroyer or minesweeper. Engine sound indicated it was most likely a minesweeper with a triple expansion engine. (3)

5 Aug 1942
During the day, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) made a periscope reconnaissance of Sabang Bay. (3)

10 Aug 1942
Around 0810F/10, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) ended her 14th war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Colombo. (3)

24 Aug 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) is docked in the inner graving dock at Colombo. (21)

29 Aug 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) is undocked following which she conducted post repair trials off Colombo during which is was found that the amidships 'deck' torpedo tubes were leaking. Before leaving on patrol repairs were made. (21)

1 Sep 1942
Around 1700FG/1, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Colombo for her 15th war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Andaman Sea, Malacca Staits and North-West coast of Sumatra.

For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(3)

9 Sep 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) made a torpedo attack on a Japanese merchant vessel about 40 nautical miles south-west of Phuket in position 07°30'N, 98°03'E. Two torpedoes were fired but both missed their target. The enemy ship was armed and around 3000 to 4000 tons. [We have so far been unable to identify this enemy vessel.]

0900FG/9 - Heard HE bearing 300° but nothing could be seen in that direction due to heavy rain squalls.

09100900FG/9 - Sighted, for a very short moment, a merchant ship bearing 292°, distance 4 nautical miles. Started attack. The ship was later seen to be of about 3000 to 4000 tons and was armed with a gun forward and aft. Decided to attack dispite a minumum chance of succes owning to the possible bad depth keeping of the torpedoes in the bad weather.

09450900FG/9 - In position 07°30'N, 98°03'E fired two torpedoes from 1700 yards. Two detonations were heard 6 and 7.5 minutes after firing the first torpedo. These were end of run detonations. After the first explosion the target made off to the south in a direction of 150° and started zig-zagging. (3)

13 Sep 1942
At 1500FG/13, north-east of Sabang, in approximate position 06°01'N, 95°12'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) sighted a small merchant ship of about 2000 tons bearing 040° at a range of about 3.5 to 4 nautical miles. Course of the enemy was about 330° at 10 knots. O 23 altered course to the north but the chase soon had to be abandoned. (3)

14 Sep 1942
At 1904FG/14, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) surfaced in approximate position 04°09'N, 95°50'E, after a day of submerged patrol. She then left patrol to return to Colombo. (3)

19 Sep 1942
Around 1115FG/19, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) ended her 15th war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Colombo. (3)

13 Oct 1942
Around 1820FG/13, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) for an engine trial run to the Gulf of Mannar and then back to Colombo. (21)

15 Oct 1942
Around 1145FG/15, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) returned to Colombo from her diesel engines trial run to the Gulf of Mannar. (21)

17 Oct 1942
Around 1800FG/17, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Colombo for her 16th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Staits.

For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(3)

25 Oct 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) torpedoed and damaged the Japanese merchant vessel Shinyu Maru (4622 GRT, built 1919) off Penang, Malaya in position 05°28'N, 99°56'E.

0840FG/25 - Sighted smoke bearing 158°.

0850FG/25 - Sighted what is thought to be a ship bearing 163°, distance about 15 nautical miles. The ships course appeared to be south-west.

0905FG/25 - Sighted smoke bearing 170°. This smoke appeared to be from four ships, distance about 15 nautical miles, they were also on a south-westerly course. These ships were all merchant vessels of about 5000 tons. It was later seen that an A/S trawler was also in the area.

1118FG/25 - Initially thought they were heading toward Rangoon but at a signal from the trawler all ships set course for the northern entrance to Penang. Started attack.

1145FG/25 - In position 05°34'N, 99°54'E fired two bow torpedoes at the first ship of the convoy behind the A/S trawler. Range was 1300 yards. One hit was observed just before the bridge. The ship was seen to list to port and also to turn round to port. Immediately after firing the second torpedo Lt.Cdr. Valkenburg turned O 23 to attack the second ship line with the two remaining bow torpedoes. It was his intention to attack the third ship with the two torpedoes in the training (deck) torpedo tubes and the fourth ship with the two torpedoes in the stern torpedo tubes.

1147FG/25 - Fired two bow torpedoes at the second ship in line. Range was also 1300 yards. Immediately after firing the first torpedo the first ship in line was hit by the first salvo. This resulted in the second ship altering course and increasing speed so both torpedoes missed. As the third and fourth ship also altered course the attack on them was abandoned. The convoy now fled to seaward and was later seen to make a detour to the north before entering Penang.

1151FG/25 - Fired one torpedo from the training tubes at the damaged merchant ship. Range on firing was 1100 yards. The torpedo was not seen to run and did not explode.

1159FG/25 - Fired one torpedo from the stern tubes at the damaged merchant ship from 1100 yards. One minute after firing an explosion occurred about 20 yards before the stem of the ship.

1201FG/25 - Fired the second and last torpedo from the stern torpedo tubes at the damaged merchant ship from 1100 yards. This one exploded about 20 yards abaft the stem of the ship 68 seconds after firing. Both these last torpedoes exploded very near to the target and possibly hit the bottom.

1204FG/25 - The ship was seen to steam slowly away towards Penang escorted by the A/S trawler. O 23 meanwhile cleared the area

Between 1200 and 1223 hours, depth charges exploded but none did any damage. Through none were seen it was thought that aircraft were now also hunting O 23. (3)

27 Oct 1942
At 0330FG/27, near Penang in approximate position 05°40'N, 99°34'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) sighted a ship bearing 030°. O 23 then turned towards to close.

At 0343FG/27, it was seen that the ship was an A/S trawler proceeding to the south-east. O 23 then altered course away.

At 0515FG/27, a ship was seen bearing 160°. This was again thought to be an A/S trawler and may have been the same that had been seen earlier. The enemy ship was on a westerly course.

At 0519FG/27, O 23 dived for a day of submerged patrol. No more ships were seen, except for a sailing vessel at 1625FG/27, although it was thought HE was heard twice.

At 1848FG/27, O 23 surfaced. (3)

28 Oct 1942
At 2225FG/28, south-west of Langkawi in approximate position 05°48'N, 99°15'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) sighted smoke bearing 155°. It was seen to be a ship burning her navigation lights. O 23 turned towards to close to attack.

An hour later the attack was abandoned when it was seen that the ship was a hospital ship proceeding on a course about west. The ship was later seen to alter course to the north-west. (3)

29 Oct 1942
At 0220FG/29, west-north-west of Penang, in approximate position 05°33'N, 99°28'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) sighted a ship bearing 122°. O 23 turned towards to close to investigate.

By 0228FG/29, there were two ship in sight, close to each other. Both were seen to be A/S trawlers. O 23 turned to the north to evade detection. The trawlers were lost from sight at 0245FG/29 and O 23 altered course to the eastwards to arrive of the northern entrance to Penang at dawn.

At 0305FG/29, one of the A/S trawlers was again seen proceeding towards. O 23 again altered course to the north to evade. By 0323FG/29 the trawler was no longer in sight. As it was thought O 23's position was compromised course was set to patrol to the north-west of Pulau Perak. (3)

1 Nov 1942
At 1829FG/1, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) surfaced after a day of submerged patrol off Pulau Rondo. She then left patrol to return to Colombo. (3)

7 Nov 1942
Around 0920FG/7, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) ended her 16th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Colombo. She arrived with a defective starboard main engine which had been out of action since 0940FG/3. (3)

14 Nov 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) left patrol to return to Colombo. (3)

20 Nov 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted D/G trials at Colombo. (2)

24 Nov 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Colombo with HMS Scout (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN). Also practice attacks were made on HMS Scout. (22)

26 Nov 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted practice attacks off Colombo during which HMS Scout (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN) acted as target. (22)

28 Nov 1942
Around 1800FG/28, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Colombo for her 17th war patrol (4th in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Staits.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(3)

20 Dec 1942
Around 1115FG/20, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) ended her 17th war patrol (4th in the Far East) at Colombo.

The patrol itself had been uneventful but O 23 suffers from many defects and will have be refitted at Colombo before she is able to go on patrol again. Spare parts had to shipped from the U.K. to make her suitable for offensive operations again. (3)

22 Dec 1942
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was docked in the inner graving dock at Colombo. (22)

2 Jan 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was undocked. (23)

14 Feb 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was again docked in the inner graving dock at Colombo. (23)

18 Feb 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was undocked. (23)

4 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted engine trials off Colombo. (23)

8 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo. (23)

9 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo during which a practice attack was made on HMS Devonshire (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN) which had just left the dry dock.

On completion of the exercises HMS Devonshire set course to proceed to the Seychelles. O 23 returned to harbour. (24)

10 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted attack exercises off Colombo during which HMS Overdale Wyke (?) acted as target. These exercises were followed by gunnery exercises on a target that was being towed by HMS Hoxa (T/Lt. H.P Davies, RNR). And finally A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Okapi (?) and HMIS Rajputana (Lt W.G. Coltham, RIN). (23)

11 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted attack and A/S exercises off Colombo with HMAS Gawler (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) W.J. Seymour, RAN). (23)

13 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted attack and A/S exercises exercises off Colombo with HMS Scout (Lt. R.G. Woodward, RN). (23)

15 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted attack exercises off Colombo during which HMS Verbena (Lt. J.R. Freeman, RNR) acted as target. These were followed by A/S exericxses with HMS Overdale Wyke (?). (23)

17 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo. Practice attacks were made on the Dutch accomodation / depot ship Plancius by all the officers of O 23. (23)

20 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo. Practice attacks were made on HMS Tulip (Lt. C.W. Leadbetter, RNR) which was being escorted by HMS Okapi (?). These were followed by A/S exercises with HMS Tulip and HMS Hoxa (T/Lt. H.P Davies, RNR). (23)

22 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted attack exercises off Colombo during which HMAS Tamworth (T/Lt. W.H. Deans, RANR(S)) acted as target. HMAS Tamworth was escorted by HMS Overdale Wyke (?), HMS Okapi (?). Following these attack exercises A/S exercises were carried out with HMAS Tamworth and HMS Okapi. (23)

24 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted attack and A/S exercises off Colombo with HMS Tulip (Lt. C.W. Leadbetter, RNR). (23)

25 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted exercises off Colombo. Practice attacks were made on the Dutch stores ship HrMs Zuiderkruis by all the officers of O 23. (23)

26 Mar 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted attack exercises off Colombo during which HMAS Tamworth acted as target. HMAS Tamworth (T/Lt. W.H. Deans, RANR(S)) was being escorted by HMS Hoxa (T/Lt. H.P Davies, RNR). These were followed by A/S exercises with the same ships. (23)

30 Mar 1943
During the night of 30-31 March 1943, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted night exercises off Colombo. (23)

1 Apr 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted attack exercises off Colombo during which HMS Tulip (Lt. C.W. Leadbetter, RNR) acted as target. HMS Tulip was escorted by HMS Overdale Wyke (?). On completion of the attack exercises A/S exercises were carried out with the same ships. (23)

3 Apr 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted attack exercisses exercises off Colombo during which HMS Scout (Lt. R.G. Woodward, RN) acted as target. These attack exercises were followed by A/S exercises with HMS Scout and HMAS Lismore (T/Lt. L.C.G. Lever, RANR(S)). (23)

7 Apr 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Colombo with HMS Hoxa (T/Lt. H.P Davies, RNR) and HMS HDML 1082 (T/Lt. G.G. MacPherson, RNVR).

During the night of 7 to 8 April 1943, HrMs O 23 conducted night exercises off Colombo. (23)

9 Apr 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted independent exercises off Colombo. (23)

12 Apr 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted attack and A/S exercises off Colombo with HMS Verbena (Lt. J.R. Freeman, RNR). (23)

23 Apr 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Colombo with HMAS Maryborough (A/Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Lismore (T/Lt. L.C.G. Lever, RANR(S)).

On her return to Colombo harbour HrMs O 23 conduced D/G trials. (23)

27 Apr 1943
During the night of 27-28 April 1943, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) conducted night exercises off Colombo. (23)

7 May 1943
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) were both docked in the outer graving dock at Colombo. (25)

10 May 1943
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) were both undocked. (25)

14 May 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) is slightly damaged when the Dutch accomodation / depot ship Plancius slips here moorings during strong winds. O 23 was moored alongside and was damaged by a buoy. A diver found some damage to the submarine which required her to dock again for repairs. (23)

16 May 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) is docked at Colombo. (23)

18 May 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) is undocked.

During the night of 18-19 May 1943, O 23 conducted night exercises off Colombo.

After around five months of waiting for spare parts to arrive and repairs, O 23 is finally fit for operational patrols again. (23)

22 May 1943
Around 1730FG/22, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Colombo for her 18th war patrol (5th in the Far East). She was to patrol in the northern entrance to the Malacca Straits.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(3)

31 May 1943
After dark, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) left patrol to return to Colombo as had been ordered in Capt. S 4's signal timed 0507Z/31. (3)

6 Jun 1943
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. (3)

15 Jun 1943
Around 1100FG/15, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Colombo for her 19th war patrol (6th in the Far East). She was to patrol in the Malacca Straits and to carry out a special operation.

For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(3)

17 Jun 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) makes a short call (1200FG/17 to 2130FG/17) at Trincomalee to take on board material and two British army officers and three Chinese for the special operation. (3)

22 Jun 1943
At 1400FG/22, north-west of Diamond Head, Sumatra, in position 05°50'N, 96°54'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) sighed a trawler bearing 187° at a range of about 6 nautical miles. (3)

23 Jun 1943
At 1530FG/23, north-west of Belawan, Sumatra, in position 04°15'N, 98°30'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) picked up HE bearing 218°.

At 1540FG/23, two mast tops were seen, close inshore, moving an an east-south-east direction. Range was about 7 nautical miles, enemy speed around 10 to 11 knots. By 1600FG/23, the ship was lost from sight. Only once during this period a small puff of smoke was sighted . This appeared behind the mainmast thus giving the impression the vessel might be a small tanker. (3)

25 Jun 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) carried out Special Operation GUSTAVUS II. A rendesvouz, south of the Sembilan Islands, was made with a junk containing the Gustavus party.

At dawn around 0530FG/25, O 23 dived off the Sembilan Islands in approximate position 03°58'N, 100°26'E. Course was set to the rendezvous position.

Between 0930FG/25 and 1000FG/25 a number of junks were seen, coming from the east and passing north of the Sembilan Islands.

At 1000FG/25, a junk was seen coming from the south-east and on reaching the rendezvous position this junk lowered her sail and anchored.

At 1200FG/25, a red blanket was shown on the port quarter and three men were seen to bunch together on the junks bow. The junk was then approached submerged in order to try to identify the men. When about 100 yards away a number of Chinese and one European were seen. The European was identified as Captain Davis which was expected to be on board the junk. O 23 now retired to return the coming night.

At 1500FG/25, south of the Sembilan Islands, in position 03°53.3'N, 100°30.3'E, an A/S trawler was sighted proceeding northwards on course 350°, range was about 3 nautical miles.

At 1841FG/25, O 23 surfaced to the eastern (dark) side of the junk. Captains Broome and Fenner then left the submarine by canoe and proceeded to the junk. They returned shortly afterwards and stated that Captain Davis and one Chinese wished to return to Colombo and that the stores embarked in the submarine were not needed. Fenner then returned to the junk and brought Davis over followed by the Chinese which was to be left in charge during Davis absence. A confrence was then held on board O 23 on completion of which the Chinese was brought back to the junk and the Chinese that was to return to Colombo was embarked and brought on board O 23.

At 2037FG/25, O 23 left the rendezvous and proceeeded so as to continue her patrol. (26)

26 Jun 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) makes a torpedo attack on a small Japanese tanker in ballast near the One Fathom Bank in the Malacca Staits in position 03°02'N, 100°40'E.

1517FG/26 - Surfaced for a surface patrol in the area. Immediately sighted a ship through the periscope. It was not seen from the bridge. The ship was in bearing 118°, distance was about 8 nautical miles, enemy course was about 300°.

1520FG/26 - Dived and commenced an attack as soon as the ship became visible through the periscope. It was first thought to be very large but when it came closer it was seen to be a small empty tanker of about 1000 tons or possibly even less.

1614FG/26 - In position 03°02'N, 100°40'E fired two torpedoes from 700 yards. No hits were obtained and it is quite likely the torpedoes ran under. The target made a sharp alteration towards and fearing a counter attack with depth charges O 23 had to take evasive action. After a few minutes the target altered course and zig-zagged away. It was decided not to surface for gun action as the tanker was armed and the element of surprise was now gone. (3)

27 Jun 1943
At 0335FG/27, south-west of Penang, in position 04°49'N, 100°02'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN), sighted a trawler proceeding southwards.

At 0600FG/27, HE was picked up coming from the direction of the Penang south entrance channel. It was proceeding in a southern direction. Smoke was then sighted which disappeared close inshore. Obviously a small ship was proceeding southwards.

At 0640FG/27, a very small ship with one black funnel on bridgehouse and a mast forward was sighted bearing 184°, range 2 to 3 nautical miles. Enemy course was approximately 040°. It looked a bit like a tug but was most likely some sort of patrol vessel. The vessel was lost from sight at 0708FG/27, when it disappeared into a rain squall bearing 127°.

(3)

1 Jul 1943
Around 1910FG/1, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) surfaced after a day of submerged patrol off the north coast of Sumatra. She then left patrol to return to Colombo. (23)

6 Jul 1943
Around 0915FG/6, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) ended her 19th war patrol (6th in the Far East) at Colombo.

She was escorted in by the auxiliary patrol trawler HMS Okapi (?) which had joined around 0740FG/6. (3)

24 Jul 1943
Around 2200FG/24, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Colombo for her 20th war patrol (7th in the Far East). She was to patrol off Port Blair and in the Malacca Straits. She was also ordered to carry out a special operation.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this patrol see the map below.

(3)

28 Jul 1943
At 0426FG/28, about 30 nautical miles west off Little Andaman Island, in position 10°50'N, 93°02'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) encounters the Japanese light cruiser Kashii (offsite link). O 23 was unable to identify the ship sighted and was also unable to attack as she was most likely spotted and the Japanese swiched on a searchlight and took evasive action.

The Japanese cruiser was on a troop transport run from Singapore to Port Blair. (3)

29 Jul 1943
At 0655FG/29, while patrolling off Port Blair, in position 11°35'N, 92°55'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) sighted an A/S trawler bearing 308° at a range of about 4 nautical miles. Enemy course was about 190°. The ships HE had been picked up 5 minutes before.

At 0705FG/29, the masts and funnels of two ships, one thought to be a cargo ship and the other a tanker, were seen bearing 309° at a range of 7 to 8 nautical miles. Their estimated course was about 190°. It looked like these ships were southbound proceeding along the 100 fathom line and were covered to seaward by the A/S trawler. O 23 closed to try to attack but the range could not be closed sufficiently and eventually the attack had to be broken off.

At 0905FG/29, the last ship in sight, the trawler, disappeared in a rain squall.

At 1128FG/29, another A/S trawler was sighted bearing 284°, range 5 nautical miles, course 165°.

At 1232FG/29, the A/S trawler seen at 0655FG/29, was seen again bearing 350°, range 4 nautical miles.

At 1250FG/29, this trawler was seen to open fire with her forward gun. Three minutes later an explosion was heard and a white smoke column was seen near the trawler. More explosions followed in the next half an hour and also aircraft were seen. It looked like an air attack was taking place. O 23 went to 80 feet.

At 1350FG/29, O 23 returned to periscope depth. The A/S trawler (the one first seen at 0655FG/29) was seen 200° at a range of 6 nautical miles. Enemy course was 330°. No other ships were in sight. (27)

30 Jul 1943
At 0635FG/30, while still patrolling off Port Blair, in position 11°41'N, 92°55'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) sighted an A/S trawler leaving the harbour and turning to the southward. Another A/S trawler was seen bearing 237°, range 6 nautical miles. Both eventually disappeared from sight to the southwards.

At 1645FG/30, a landing barge was seen to leave the harbour and proceeding to the southwards.

At 1700FG/30, two ships were seen bearing 200°, range 7 nautical miles. Both of around 2000 tons. One was a cargo ship with two masts and a black funnel on top of a bridgehouse amidships. She had guns mounted fore and aft. The other was also a cargo ship but resembled a tanker. She had two guns, one forwards, one aft. She had a high deck house and high bridge with derrick poles. The landing barge was seen to take station astern of these two ships and the convoy proceeded to position 11°53'N, 92°48.6'E where it altered course to the westwards and entered the bay. It is thought this were the same ships that had been seen on the 28th proceeding southwards.

The ships were not attacked due to the attack limitations imposed upon O 23 in Capt. S 4's signal timed 1623Z/29. (27)

31 Jul 1943
At 0615FG/31, while still patrolling off Port Blair, in position 11°42'N, 92°54'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) sighed the same cargo ships that had been seen the previous days. They were leaving the bay they had entered the previous afternoon and proceeded southwards.

At 1630FG/31, the landing barge seen the previous day was now also seen to leave the bay and proceeding southwards.

At 1645FG/31, the cargo ships were seen bearing 199° proceeding on course 010°. They later entered the bay as they had done the previous day. Again they were not attacked due to the imposed attack limitations.

At 2011FG/31, O 23 surfaced and left the Port Blair area as ordered by Capt. S 4 in his signal timed 1118Z/31. (27)

4 Aug 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) carried out Special Operation GUSTAVUS III. A rendesvouz, south of the Sembilan Islands, was made with the same junk as on 25 June 1943 to transfer some of the persons taken on board in Colombo. Also stores were transferred to the junk.

0517FG/4, Dived and commenced to close the rendezvous.

Around noon a junk was sighted at anchor in approximately the rendezvous position. A red blanket was seen on her port quarter. Three men were seen on the bow where they remained for about 10 minutes before they dispersed. One of the Chinese on board the junk was identified by Major Davis as one of the men expected to be on board the junk. O 23 then retired from the area to return after dark.

1400FG/4, Sighted two masts with a funnel behind the mainmast bearing 200°. By 1600FG/4, this ship was to the west of the Sembilan Islands.

By 1600FG/4, this ship was in approximate position 04°02'N, 100°24'E. Enemy course was 350°, speed 9 knots.

1846FG/4, Surfaced to the eastern (dark) side of the junk. Major Davis and Captain Fenner then left the submarine by canoe and proceeded to the junk. Not long afterwards Captain Fenner returned with the message that the junk was ready to receive the stores. All stores were then brought onto the deck and then transferred to the junk with boats in a glassy calm sea.

2110FG/4, the transfer of Major Davis, three Chinese and sstores was completed.

2140FG/4, Captain Fenner returned to O 23 with the latest reconnaissance reports which then retired from the area to continue her patrol. (26)

5 Aug 1943
At 1920FG/5, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) sighted a ship very nearby about 30 nautical miles south-south-west of Penang near position 04°55'N, 100°05'E. The torpedo tubes could not be brought to the ready quickly enough for an attack. O 23 surfaced and gave chase but she was spotted by the enemy and attacked with gunfire. O 23 had to submerge and was then depth charged by an A/S vessel but she suffered no damage and was able to slip away. O 23 surfaced at 2157FG/5 with no ships in sight. (3)

6 Aug 1943
At 1734FG/6, south-west of Penang, in approximate position 05°05'N, 100°01'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) sighted a small warship bearing 087° at a range of 2.5 nautical miles. Enemy course was 225°. It was thought to be a W-13 class minesweeper.

[More likely it was a submarine chaser, Ch-7 had departed Penang that afternoon for an A/S patrol.] (27)

7 Aug 1943
At 0230FG/7, south-west of Penang, in approximate position 05°03'N, 99°53'E, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) sighted a small ship bearing 270°. Course of the ship as about 070°. It was thought to be a small tanker and an attack was started. Whn the range had decreased to 1200 yards it was seen that the target was too small to be a torpedo target. It was then also seen that the target was an A/S trawler proceeding at very slow speed. O 23 then evaded and the target was later lost in a rain squall. (27)

10 Aug 1943
At 1957FG/7, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) surfaced in position 06°09'N, 94°54'E, after a day of submerged patrol near Pulau Rondo. She then set course to return to Colombo. (27)

16 Aug 1943
Around 1000FG/16, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) ended her 20th war patrol (7th in the Far East) at Colombo.

She was escorted in by HMS Balta (T/Lt. W.E. Turner, RNVR) which had joined around 0800FG/16. (3)

24 Aug 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) is docked in the inner graving dock at Colombo. (23)

31 Aug 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) is undocked. (23)

8 Sep 1943
As some repairs had been made to the pressure hull, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN), made a deep dive off Colombo today. No problems were found. Also an exercise was carried out during which HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN), which was departing Colombo, acted as target. (23)

11 Sep 1943
Around 1100FG/11, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Colombo for Aden. This is the first leg of the trip to the U.K. where she was to refit.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this passage see the map below.

(3)

21 Sep 1943
Around 0830C/21, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) arrived at Aden from Colombo. (3)

22 Sep 1943
Around 0800C/22, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Aden for Port Said. (3)

27 Sep 1943
Around 0835C/27, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) entered the Suez Canal and commenced the northbound passage. She arrived at Port Said around 1730C/27. (3)

3 Oct 1943
Around 1630C/3, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Port Said for Malta. (3)

4 Oct 1943

Convoy MKS 27.

This convoy departed Alexandria on 4 October 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Bassethound (British (tanker), 1174 GRT, built 1934), Cerion (British, 2588 GRT, built 1938), Clan Forbes (British, 7529 GRT, built 1938), Clan MacGillivray (British, 5023 GRT, built 1911), Defender (British, 8078 GRT, built 1915), Euryades (British, 5801 GRT, built 1913), Fort Connolly (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Fork (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Remy (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Middlesex Trader (British, 7421 GRT, built 1942), Norman Monarch (British, 7005 GRT, built 1943), Ocean Valentine (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Viking (British, 7174 GRT, built 1941), Orna (British, 6779 GRT, built 1938), Pundit (British, 5305 GRT, built 1919), San Rafael (Panamanian, 5379 GRT, built 1919) and Saparoea (Dutch, 6668 GRT, built 1920).

On departure from Alexandria the convoy was escorted by the minesweepers HMS Hythe (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Miller, RN), HMS Rye (A/Lt.Cdr. J.A. Pearson, DSC and Bar, RNR) and the A/S whaler HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF).

On 5 October 1943, the A/S whaler HMSAS Southern Isles (Lt. M.R.T. Terry-Lloyd, SANF) departed Benghazi. she joined the convoy [date unknown].

On 9 October 1943, the Bassethound arrived at Benghazi after having been detached from the convoy.

On 9 October 1943, the following merchant vessels arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy;
Cerion, Defender, Euryades, Fort Connolly, Fort Fork, Fort Remy, Middlesex Trader, Norman Monarch, Ocean Valentine, Ocean Viking and Orna.

Also on the 9th the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Malta;
George Washington Carver (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Grier Hibben (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Rohna (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926). Also joining from Malta were the submarine HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) and the landing ship HMS Queen Emma (Capt.(Retd.) G.L.D. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN).

On 9 October 1943, the George Washington Carver and John Grier Hibben were detached to Bizerta.

On 10 October 1943, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Bone;
Charles A. McAllister (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Garrick (British (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1942), Queen Adelaide (British, 4933 GRT, built 1936), Toronto (Norwegian, 5018 GRT, built 1928) and Yenangyaung (British, 5447 GRT, built 1937).

On 10 October 1943, the following merchant vessel Mont Viso (French, 4531 GRT, built 1921) joined the convoy coming from Philippeville while the Yenangyaung was detached to the place.

At 0109A/11, HMS Hythe was hit by a homing torpedo from the German submarine U-371 in position 37°04'N, 05°00'E. Twenty survivors were picked up by HMSAS Southern Isles which was being screened by HMS Rye while doing so.

Following the sinking of HMS Hythe the escort destroyer HMS Tynedale (Lt.Cdr. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN) left Algiers and joined the convoy later that day.

On 11 October 1943, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Algiers;
Filleigh (British, 4856 GRT, built 1928), Fort Fraser (British, 7126 GRT, built 1942) and P.L.M. 17 (French, 4008 GRT, built 1922). Also joining from Algiers was the landing ship HMS Misoa (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Grace, DSC, RD, RNR). The Charles A. McAllister and Empire Garrick were detached to Algiers.

On 13 October 1943, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Oran;
Empire Flame (British, 7069 GRT, built 1941) and Spondilus (British (tanker), 7402 GRT, built 1927). The Mont Viso, P.L.M. 17 and Rohna were detached to Oran.

The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 14 October 1943.

7 Oct 1943
Around 1220A/7, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) arrived at Malta. She was escorted in by HMS Bute (T/Lt. C.W. Hancock, RNR) which had joined around 0810A/7. (3)

8 Oct 1943
Around 0530A/8, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. She joined convoy MKS 27 for the passage.

[For more info on this convoy see the event Convoy MKS 27 for 4 October 1943.] (3)

14 Oct 1943
HMS Tynedale (Lt.Cdr. J.J.S. Yorke, DSC, RN), HMS Rye (A/Lt.Cdr. J.A. Pearson, DSC and Bar, RNR), HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF), HMSAS Southern Isles (Lt. M.R.T. Terry-Lloyd, SANF), HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN), HMS Queen Emma (Capt.(Retd.) G.L.D. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Misoa (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Grace, DSC, RD, RNR) arrived at Gibraltar with convoy MKS 27. (28)

20 Oct 1943
Around 1220A/20, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Gibraltar for Holy Loch. (3)

29 Oct 1943
Around 0745A/29, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN), makes rendezvous off Bishops Rock with her escort, HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN). They then set course for Holy Loch. (3)

30 Oct 1943
Around 1330A/30, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) arrived at Holy Loch from Gibraltar. (3)

1 Nov 1943
Around 1800A/11, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed Holy Loch for Dundee. She makes the passage together with the British submarine HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR). The submarines are escorted by the British minesweeper HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN).

Around 0820A/3, off Scapa Flow, the other two ships left O 23. The ASW trawler HMS Thornwick Bay (A/Skr.Lt. J. Windram, RNR) took over the escort of this submarine towards Dundee. (3)

4 Nov 1943
Around 1100A/4, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) arrived at Dundee from Holy Loch. (3)

16 Nov 1943
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) proceeded from Dundee to Grangemouth where she was to undergo an extensive refit. (29)

27 Jan 1944
During her refit by the Grangemouth Dockyard, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) is docked. (29)

2 May 1944
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) is undocked. She then continued her refit at Grangemouth by the Grangemouth Dockyard. (29)

19 Nov 1944
During her refit by the Grangemouth Dockyard, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) is docked. (29)

15 Dec 1944
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) is undocked. She then continued her refit at Grangemouth by the Grangemouth Dockyard. (29)

12 Feb 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) finally completed her refit at the Grangemouth Dockyard. (29)

13 Feb 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) proceeded from Grangemouth to Rosyth. (29)

14 Feb 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) proceeded from Rosyth to Dundee. (29)

19 Feb 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted compass adjustment trials off Dundee. (2)

19 Feb 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted compass adjustment trials off Dundee. (2)

20 Feb 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) and HrMs O 15 (Lt. R.W. van Lynden, RNN) both conducted exercises of Dundee. They made pratice attacks on each other. (30)

22 Feb 1945
Around 0730A/22, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) departed Dundee for Loch Alsh. She was escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. W.E. Turner, RNVR). (29)

23 Feb 1945
Around 2000A/23, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) arrived at Loch Alsh. (29)

26 Feb 1945
Around 0800A/26, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) departed Loch Alsh for Holy Loch where she will undergo a period of training.

She makes the passage together with HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. L.N.A. Jewell, DSC, MBE, RN) and HMS Spearhead (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.E. Youngman, RNR). The three submarines were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (29)

27 Feb 1945
Around 1000A/27, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) arrived at Holy Loch. (29)

2 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (29)

3 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (29)

4 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (29)

6 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted speed trials on the measured mile in Loch Long. (29)

7 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted speed trials on the measured mile in Loch Long. (29)

8 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) and HMS Inman (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.E. Petre, RNR) served as targets. (29)

9 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) and HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as targets. (29)

10 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted radar and attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) and HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as targets. (29)

12 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) and HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as targets. (29)

13 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) returned to Holy Loch from exercises. (29)

15 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (29)

16 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) and HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as targets. (29)

17 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) and HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as targets. (29)

18 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted noise trials at Loch Goil. Upon completion of these trials O 23 returned to Holy Loch from where she departed for Tobermory later this day. Passage north was made together with HMS Taurus (A/Lt.Cdr. P.E. Newstead, DSC, RN) which was to proceed to Loch Alsh. They were escorted by HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) until 0630A/19 when HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN) took over. HMS Shikari had the submarines HMS Spearhead (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.E. Youngman, RNR) and HMS Vagabond (Lt. I.M. Stoop, DSC, RN) with her which also joined. (29)

19 Mar 1945
Around 1720A/19, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) arrived at Tobermory. (29)

21 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Mounsey (?), HMS Loch Glendhu (Lt.Cdr. E.G.P.B. Knapton, RN), HMS Welcome (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W. Downing, RNVR) and HMS Felicity (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.F. Harmer-Elliot, RNVR). (29)

22 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Mounsey (?) and HMS Loch Glendhu (Lt.Cdr. E.G.P.B. Knapton, RN). Also a practice attack was carried out during which HMS Loch Achray (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L.H. Stammers, RNVR) served as the target. (29)

23 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Liberty (T/Cdr. J.S. Roe, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Loch Achray (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L.H. Stammers, RNVR). (29)

25 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted gunnery exercises off Tobermory. These were followed by A/S exercises with HMS Welcome (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W. Downing, RNVR) and HMS Felicity (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.F. Harmer-Elliot, RNVR). (29)

26 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Welcome (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W. Downing, RNVR), HMS Felicity (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.F. Harmer-Elliot, RNVR), HMSAS Natal (T/Lt.Cdr. D.A. Hall, DSC, SANF(V)) and HMS Trondra (T/Lt. W.R. Russell, RNVR).

Upon completion of these exercises O 23 proceeded to Loch Alsh. She joined HMS Turpin (A/Lt.Cdr. J.S. Stevens, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN) for the passage. HNoMS Molde was escorting them. (29)

27 Mar 1945
Around 1045A/27, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) arrived at Loch Alsh. (29)

28 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Loch Alsh with HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN), HMS Pevensey Castle (Cdr. E. Hewitt, RD, RNR), HMS Kenilworth Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. J.O. Williams, RNR), HMS Launceston Castle (Lt. R.M. Roberts, RNR) and HMS Caistor Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. B.J. Bowick, RNVR). These included night exercises. (29)

30 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises off Loch Alsh during which HMS Uproar (Lt. J.N. Devlin, DSC, RN) served as the target.

These attack exercises were followed by A/S exercises off Loch Alsh with HMCS Charlottetown (T/Lt.Cdr. J. Harding, RCNR), HMCS Antigonish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.D. Barrett, RCNR) and HMCS Kirkland Lake (Lt.Cdr. N.V. Clark, OBE, RCNR). (29)

31 Mar 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted indepent exercises off Loch Alsh. (29)

1 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises off Loch Alsh during which HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN) served as the target. During these exercises HMS Philante was escorted by HMCS Charlottetown (T/Lt.Cdr. J. Harding, RCNR), HMCS Antigonish (T/Lt.Cdr. R.D. Barrett, RCNR) and HMCS Kirkland Lake (Lt.Cdr. N.V. Clark, OBE, RCNR). (29)

3 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises off Loch Alsh during which HMS Vitality (Lt. W.T.J. Fox, RN) served as the target. (29)

5 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN), HMS Vitality (Lt. W.T.J. Fox, RN) and HMS Scotsman (Lt. A.H.B. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Loch Alsh with HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN) and ships from the 2nd Escort Group. Also practice attacks were made on HMS Philante. (29)

6 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted indepentent exercises off Loch Alsh followed by A/S exercises off Loch Alsh with HMS Loch Fada (Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR) and HMS Wild Goose (Cdr. D.E.G. Wemyss, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN). (29)

7 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Loch Alsh with HMS Loch Achray (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L.H. Stammers, RNVR) and HMS Loch More (Lt.Cdr. R.A.D. Cambridge, DSC, RD, RNR). (29)

8 Apr 1945
Around 1330A/8, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) departed Loch Alsh for Holy Loch.

Around 1800A/8, she joined HMS Vagabond (Lt. I.M. Stoop, DSC, RN) and her escort, HMS Shikari (Lt. E.A. Tyrer, DSC, RN). (29)

9 Apr 1945
Around 1930A/9, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) arrived at Holy Loch. (31)

11 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. (31)

14 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (31)

15 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted gunnery exercises followed by attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (31)

16 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted night radar exercises followed by attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (31)

17 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. These were followed by gunnery exercises. (31)

18 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. Following these exercises O 23 proceeded to Loch Goil for sound trials. Upon completion of these sound trials O 23 proceeded to Holy Loch. (31)

26 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) is docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (31)

28 Apr 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) is undocked. (31)

14 May 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted noise trials at Loch Goil. (31)

19 May 1945
Around 2100B/19, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) departed Holy Loch for Dundee.

Passage until Scapa Flow was made together with HMS Vagabond (Lt. I.M. Stoop, DSC, RN) with escort provided by HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN).

Around 1815A/21, off Scapa Flow, O 23 is joined by HrMs Tijgerhaai (Lt.Cdr. A. van Altena, RNN) escorted by HMS Bute (T/S.Lt. G.F. Kettle, RNVR) for onward passage to Dundee while the other ships proceeded towards Scapa Flow. (31)

22 May 1945
Around 1200B/22, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) arrived at Dundee. (31)

24 May 1945
Around 1000B/24, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) departed Dundee for Rotterdam. She makes the passage together with HrMs Tijgerhaai (Lt.Cdr. A. van Altena, RNN). They are escorted by the British auxiliary patrol trawler HMS Fort Rose (A/Ch.Skr. W.J. Barlow, RNR) until around 0900B/25, when the escort destroyer HMS Lamerton (A/Lt.Cdr. R.A.M. Hennessy, RN) took over. (31)

26 May 1945
Around 1215B/26, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) arrived at Rotterdam. (31)

28 Jun 1945
Around 1115B/28, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) departed Rotterdam for Dundee. She makes the passage together with HrMs Tijgerhaai (Lt.Cdr. A. van Altena, RNN). They are escorted by the British escort destroyer HMS Fernie (Lt. J.A. Tricker, RN). (31)

30 Jun 1945
Around 0815B/30, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) arrived off Dundee. She entered harbour in the afternoon. (31)

1 Jul 1945
Around 1800B/1, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) departed Dundee for Holy Loch. (31)

3 Jul 1945
Around 1040B/3, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) arrived at Holy Loch to resume her training period cut short last May when she was sent to Rotterdam when the Netherlands were liberated. (31)

5 Jul 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (31)

6 Jul 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (T/Lt. F.A. Haworth, RNVR) and HMS Clover (Lt. R.P. Booth, RNVR). O 23 proceeded to Holy Loch on completion of these exercises. (31)

7 Jul 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. (31)

8 Jul 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) proceeded to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (31)

9 Jul 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Kihna (Cdr.(Retd.) T.J.T.C. Jenks, RN) served as the target. (31)

11 Jul 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. The target was HMS Icarus (Cdr.(Retd.) M.W. Ewart-Wentworth, RN) that was escorted by HMS Brilliant (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR). These attack exercises were followed by gunnery exercises on a target that was being towed by HMS Kihna (Cdr.(Retd.) T.J.T.C. Jenks, RN). (31)

12 Jul 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) is docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (31)

13 Jul 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) is undocked. (31)

17 Jul 1945
Around 1430B/17, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) departed Holy Loch for Gibraltar. This was the first leg of the trip to Australia for another deployment in the Far East.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this passage see the map below.

(31)

22 Jul 1945
Around 1800B/22, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar from Holy Loch. (31)

23 Jul 1945
Around 2000B/23, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) departed Gibraltar for Malta. (31)

27 Jul 1945
Around 0845B/27, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) arrived at Malta from Gibraltar. (31)

30 Jul 1945
Around 1200B/30, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) departed Malta for Port Said. (31)

2 Aug 1945
Around 1030C/2, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) arrived at Port Said. On arrival D/G trials were carried out. (32)

6 Aug 1945
Around 0630C/6, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) departed Port Said for Aden. (32)

10 Aug 1945
Around 1820C/10, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) arrived at Aden from Port Said. (32)

12 Aug 1945
Around 1400C/12, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) departed Aden for Colombo. (32)

20 Aug 1945
Around 0745FG/20, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) arrived at Colombo from Aden. (32)

21 Aug 1945
Around 2230FG/21, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) departed Colombo for Fremantle. (32)

3 Sep 1945
Around 1510H/3, HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) arrived at Fremantle. On arrival D/G trials were carried out.

As the war with Japan was now over she then commenced to prepare to proceed to the Dutch East Indies. (32)

21 Sep 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) departed Fremantle for Batavia in the Dutch East Indies.

For the daily positions of HrMs O 23 during this passage see the map below.

(32)

29 Sep 1945
HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) arrived at Batavia. (32)