| Navy | The Royal Navy |
| Type | Submarine |
| Class | Porpoise |
| Pennant | N 14 |
| Built by | Vickers Armstrong (Barrow-in-Furness, U.K.) |
| Ordered | 11 Jun 1931 |
| Laid down | 22 Sep 1931 |
| Launched | 30 Aug 1932 |
| Commissioned | 11 Mar 1933 |
| Lost | 11 Jan 1945 |
| History | HMS Porpoise (A/Lt.Cdr. Hugh Bentley Turner, DSC, RN) was, most likely, sunk by Japanese aircraft in the Malacca Strait on 11 January 1945 to the east-north-east of Pulo Perak (Perak Island). |
Commands listed for HMS Porpoise (N 14)
Please note that we're still working on this section
and that we only list Commanding Officers for the duration of the Second World War.
| Commander | From | To | |
| 1 | Cdr. George Walter Gillow Simpson, RN | 21 Sep 1938 | 15 Nov 1939 |
| 2 | Lt.Cdr. Philip Quellyn Roberts, RN | 15 Nov 1939 | 22 Aug 1940 |
| 3 | Lt.Cdr. Jack Gethin Hopkins, RN | 22 Aug 1940 | 26 Sep 1941 |
| 4 | Lt.Cdr. Edward Fowle Pizey, DSO, RN | 26 Sep 1941 | 11 May 1942 |
| 5 | Lt.Cdr. Leslie William Abel Bennington, DSC, RN | 11 May 1942 | 25 Jan 1943 |
| 6 | Lt. Edward Ashley Hobson, DSC, RN | 25 Jan 1943 | 7 Mar 1943 |
| 7 | Lt. John Bertram de Betham Kershaw, DSO, RN | 7 Mar 1943 | 6 May 1943 |
| 8 | T/Lt. Allan Harold MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V) | 6 May 1943 | 23 Aug 1943 |
| 9 | Lt.Cdr. Hubert Anthony Lucius Marsham, OBE, RN | 23 Aug 1943 | 21 Nov 1944 |
| 10 | A/Lt.Cdr. Hugh Bentley Turner, DSC, RN | 21 Nov 1944 | 19 Jan 1945 (+) |
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Notable events involving Porpoise include:
The history of HMS Porpoise as compiled on this page is extracted from the patrol reports and logbooks of this submarine. Corrections and details regarding information from the enemy's side (for instance the composition of convoys attacked) are kindly provided by Mr. Platon Alexiades, a naval researcher from Canada.
This page was last updated in December 2019.
25 Aug 1939
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. G.W.G. Simpson, RN) departed Portsmouth for Gibraltar. She was was to proceed to Malta to join the 1st Submarine Flotilla based there. (1)
28 Aug 1939
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. G.W.G. Simpson, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. She departed for Malta the following day. (1)
1 Sep 1939
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. G.W.G. Simpson, RN) arrived at Malta.
As no log for September 1939 is available her exact tasks at Malta are unknown to us. (2)
19 Sep 1939
HMS Otway (Cdr. H.R. Conway, RN) conducted exercises off Malta together with HMS Porpoise (Cdr. G.W.G. Simpson, RN) and HMS Cachalot (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN). (3)
11 Oct 1939
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. G.W.G. Simpson, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. Porpoise was to return to the U.K.
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during the passage to Portsmouth see the map below.
(4)
15 Oct 1939
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. G.W.G. Simpson, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. She departed for Portsmouth later the same day. (4)
20 Oct 1939
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. G.W.G. Simpson, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (4)
24 Oct 1939
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. G.W.G. Simpson, RN) shifted from Portsmouth to Sheerness. (4)
25 Oct 1939
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. G.W.G. Simpson, RN) shifted from Sheerness to the Chatham Dockyard where she was to refit. (4)
18 Jan 1940
With her refit completed HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) shifted from the Chatham Dockyard to Sheerness. (5)
19 Jan 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) conducted trials off Sheerness. (5)
20 Jan 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) conducted trials off Sheerness. (5)
21 Jan 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) sailed in convoy from Sheerness for Portsmouth. (5)
22 Jan 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) arrived at Portmouth. (5)
23 Jan 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) conducted exercises off Portmouth. (5)
25 Jan 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) conducted mine laying exercises off Portmouth. (5)
26 Jan 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) conducted exercises off Portmouth. (5)
7 Feb 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) conducted exercises off Portmouth and then proceeded to Yarmouth Roads [Isle of Wight]. (6)
8 Feb 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) conducted exercises off Yarmouth. (6)
9 Feb 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) conducted exercises off Yarmouth and then proceeded to Portmouth. (6)
13 Feb 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) conducted exercises off Portmouth. (6)
14 Feb 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) conducted exercises off Portmouth and then proceeded to Yarmouth. (6)
15 Feb 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) conducted exercises off Yarmouth and then proceeded to Portmouth. (6)
19 Feb 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) conducted exercises off Portmouth and then proceeded to Yarmouth. (6)
20 Feb 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) sailed from Yarmouth to Portsmouth. (6)
27 Feb 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) conducted exercises off Portmouth. (6)
28 Feb 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) conducted exercises off Portmouth and then proceeded to Yarmouth. (6)
29 Feb 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) conducted exercises off Yarmouth and then proceeded to Portmouth. (6)
5 Mar 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) conducted exercises with HMS Warrior II off Portmouth and then proceeded to Yarmouth. (7)
6 Mar 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) conducted exercises off Yarmouth with HMS Warrior II and then proceeded to Portmouth. (7)
7 Mar 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) conducted exercises off Portmouth. (7)
11 Mar 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) conducted exercises off Portmouth. (7)
12 Mar 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) departed Portsmouth escorted by HM yacht Sona with convoy FN.20 for Rosyth.
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this passage see the map below.
(7)
16 Mar 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) arrived at Rosyth. (7)
19 Mar 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) departed Rosyth for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to escort convoy ON 21 to Bergen, Norway. On the way back she escorted convoy HN 21.
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below. No position is known for 21 March 1940.
(7)
19 Mar 1940
Convoy ON 21.
This convoy was formed off Methil on 19 March 1940. It arrived in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 23 March 1940.
This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arnold Bratt (Swedish, 1430 GRT, built 1925), Aslaug (Danish, 1509 GRT, built 1927), Blaafjeld I (Norwegian, 1146 GRT, built 1918), Borgsten (Norwegian, 1569 GRT, built 1922), City of Rangoon (British, 6635 GRT, built 1914), Consul Bratt (Swedish, 1117 GRT, built 1913), Cresco (Norwegian, 1270 GRT, built 1916), Cygnus (Norwegian, 1333 GRT, built 1921), Cyril (Danish, 2116 GRT, built 1925), Dunvegan Head (British, 638 GRT, built 1920), Ella (Swedish, 690 GRT, built 1909), Erling Lindoe (Norwegian, 1281 GRT, built 1917), Fanefjeld (Norwegian, 1354 GRT, built 1920), Ferrum (Finnish, 2089 GRT, built 1918), Gol (Norwegian, 985 GRT, built 1920), Halse (Norwegian, 2136 GRT, built 1910), Havorn (Norwegian, 1527 GRT, built 1902), Homeside (British, 4617 GRT, built 1924), Island (Norwegian, 638 GRT, built 1918), Kronprins Olav (Danish, 2083 GRT, built 1937), Lake Lucerne (Estonian, 2317 GRT, built 1909), Log (Norwegian, 1560 GRT, built 1931), Narvik (Swedish, 4251 GRT, built 1914), Ophir (Norwegian, 1005 GRT, built 1906), Otterpool (British, 4876 GRT, built 1926), Peet (Estonian, 2111 GRT, built 1913), Porsanger (Norwegian, 4267 GRT, built 1918), Royal (Norwegian, 759 GRT, built 1918), Spica (Norwegian, 500 GRT, built 1915), Stig Gorthon (Swedish, 2241 GRT, built 1924), Svinta (Norwegian, 1267 GRT, built 1916), Thistlebrae (British, 4747 GRT, built 1928), Tora Elise (Norwegian, 721 GRT, built 1919), Ursa (Norwegian, 958 GRT, built 1911), Utklippan (Swedish, 1599 GRT, built 1883), Varegg (Norwegian, 943 GRT, built 1910), Varmido (Swedish, 2956 GRT, built 1901), Wanda (Finnish, 1902 GRT, built 1897) and Wiides (Finnish, 2324 GRT, built 1904).
Some of these ships sailed from Kirkwall and joined the convoy at sea.
Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN) and the submarine HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN). The destoyer HMS Ivanhoe (Cdr. P.H. Hadow, RN) joined at sea coming with the Kirkwall section.
On 20 March the AA cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) joined the convoy.
On 21 the destroyer HMS Jupiter was relieved by the destroyer HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) which had departed from Scapa Flow. HMS Jupiter then proceeded to Scapa Flow arriving later on 21 March. She had to be relieved due to defects.
22 Mar 1940
Convoy HN 21.
This convoy was formed near Bergen, Norway on 22 March 1940. It arrived at Methill on 25 March 1940.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Asgerd (Norwegian, 1308 GRT, built 1924), Becheville (British, 4228 GRT, built 1924), Bjorkhaug (Norwegian, 2094 GRT, built 1919), Bradburn (British, 4736 GRT, built 1930), Burgos (Norwegian, 3220 GRT, built 1920), Diana (Norwegian, 1154 GRT, built 1904), Eos (Estonian, 1513 GRT, built 1890), Erica (Norwegian, 1592 GRT, built 1919), Fintra (British, 2089 GRT, built 1918), Galatea (Norwegian, 1151 GRT, built 1912), Garm (Swedish, 1231 GRT, built 1912), Grangesberg (Swedish, 4575 GRT, built 1921), Gwalia (Swedish, 1258 GRT, built 1907), Hague (British, 974 GRT, built 1919), Hjalmar Wessel (Norwegian, 1742 GRT, built 1935), Johanna (Swedish, 1230 GRT, built 1881), Karen (Danish, 1194 GRT, built 1917), King Alfred (British, 5272 GRT, built 1919), Kongshavn (Norwegian, 751 GRT, built 1906), Lily (Danish, 1281 GRT, built 1920), Maud Thorden (Finnish, 1335 GRT, built 1920), Mira (Norwegian, 1152 GRT, built 1891), Navarra (Norwegian, 2118 GRT, built 1920), Nurgis (Norwegian, 700 GRT, built 1919), Pluto (Finnish, 3496 GRT, built 1907), Rigmor (Danish, 1278 GRT, built 1920), Rosenborg (Finnish, 1512 GRT, built 1919), Rosten (Norwegian, 737 GRT, built 1920), Roy (Norwegian, 1768 GRT, built 1921), Sarmatia (Finnish, 2417 GRT, built 1901), Scania (Swedish, 1980 GRT, built 1901), Sollund (Norwegian, 941 GRT, built 1908), Sophie (Danish, 945 GRT, built 1920), Trolla (Norwegian, 1598 GRT, built 1923), Vard (Norwegian, 681 GRT, built 1917), Vestland (Norwegian, 1934 GRT, built 1916), Vestmanrod (Norwegian, 691 GRT, built 1919), Vestria (British, 1141 GRT, built 1921) and Wentworth (British, 5212 GRT, built 1919).
The convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN) and the submarine HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN).
The AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) later also joined to provide AA cover.
Distant cover for the convoy was provided by the light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN).
Nine merchant vessels later split off to proceed to the west coast. To escort these ships the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, RN) and HMS Gurkha (Cdr. A.W. Buzzard, RN) came out from Scapa Flow.
The bulk of the convoy arrived off Methil on 25 March 1940 after which the escorts proceeded to Rosyth.
25 Mar 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Rosyth. (7)
27 Mar 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) departed Rosyth for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to escort convoy ON 23 to Bergen, Norway. On the way back she escorted convoy HN 23.
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below.
(7)
27 Mar 1940
Convoy ON 23.
This convoy was formed off Methil on 27 March 1940. It arrived in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 31 March 1940.
This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Blythmoor (British, 6582 GRT, built 1922), Bothnia (Swedish, 1343 GRT, built 1918), Elie (Danish, 1873 GRT, built 1921), Ferm (Swedish, 1026 GRT, built 1936), Grana (Norwegian, 1297 GRT, built 1920), Hagfors (Swedish, 654 GRT, built 1917), Leena (Finnish, 1133 GRT, built 1905), Lise (Danish, 1247 GRT, built 1920), Marvi (Estonian, 1429 GRT, built 1883), Mersington Courst (British, 5141 GRT, built 1920), Motto (Norwegian, 1171 GRT, built 1903), North Cornwall (British, 4303 GRT, built 1924), Rapid II (Norwegian, 714 GRT, built 1916), Salerno (British, 870 GRT, built 1924), Salmonpool (British, 4803 GRT, built 1924), Stensaas (Norwegian, 1359 GRT, built 1918), Svanefjell (Norwegian, 1371 GRT, built 1936), Svanholm (Danish, 1321 GRT, built 1922), Themis (Norwegian, 706 GRT, built 1919), Transport (Norwegian, 1998 GRT, built 1921), Vesla (Norwegian, 1107 GRT, built 1913), Vim (Norwegian, 1114 GRT, built 1913) and Walborg (Swedish, 1488 GRT, built 1896).
On the 29th they were joined at sea by four merchant ships which came from Kirkwall, these were; Astrid (Danish, 1733 GRT, built 1924), Erling Lindoe (Norwegian, 1281 GRT, built 1917), Graziella (Norwegian, 2137 GRT, built 1917) and Gudrid (Norwegian, 1305 GRT, built 1922).
Escort was provided by destroyers HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN) and the submarine HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN).
They were joined on the 29th by the AA cruisers HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) and HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) which came from Sullom Voe.
Also on the 29th the destroyers HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, RN), HMS Eskimo (Cdr. St.J.A. Micklethwait, DSO, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, RN) departed Kirkwall with the four merchant ships which sailed from there. When they joined the convoy the destroyer HMS Janus parted company and proceeded to Scapa for repairs and boiler cleaning.
Distant cover for the convoy was provided by the light cruisers HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN) and HMS Galatea (Capt. B.B. Schofield, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) which had departed Rosyth on 28 March.
31 Mar 1940
Convoy HN 23B.
This convoy was formed near Bergen, Norway on 31 March 1940. It arrived at Methill on 4 April 1940.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alida Gorthon (Swedish, 2373 GRT, built 1902), Becheville (British, 4228 GRT, built 1924), Belgia (Swedish, 2023 GRT, built 1930), Belgien (British, 1979 GRT, built 1922), Bifrost (Swedish, 1781 GRT, built 1923), Cathrine (Estonian, 1885 GRT, built 1904), Ceres (Finnish, 996 GRT, built 1889), Convallaria (Swedish, 1996 GRT, built 1921), Dago (Danish, 1757 GRT, built 1902), Eikhaug (Norwegian, 1436 GRT, built 1903), Embla (Swedish, 1040 GRT, built 1908), Falkvik (Swedish, 1216 GRT, built 1899), Fano (Danish, 1889 GRT, built 1922), Foss Beck (British, 4876 GRT, built 1930), Harmonic (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Hirondelle (British, 893 GRT, built 1925), Kejserinde Dagmar (Danish, 1597 GRT, built 1905), Knud (British, 1944 GRT, built 1900), Knut (British, 1274 GRT, built 1924), Lab (Norwegian, 1118 GRT, built 1912), Leola (Estonian, 499 GRT, built 1884), Leonardia (Swedish, 1583 GRT, built 1906), Majorca (British, 1126 GRT, built 1921), Maria Toft (Danish, 1911 GRT, built 1928), N.C. Monberg (Danish, 2301 GRT, built 1928), Ophir (Norwegian, 1005 GRT, built 1906), Parnu (Estonian, 1578 GRT, built 1909), Pollux (Estonian, 931 GRT, built 1890), Ringholn (Norwegian, 1298 GRT, built 1919), Royksund (Norwegian, 695 GRT, built 1919), Saimaa (Finnish, 2001 GRT, built 1922), Tordenskjold (Norwegian, 921 GRT, built 1906), Vega I (Swedish, 1073 GRT, built 1913) and Veronica (Swedish, 1316 GRT, built 1919).
Apparently not all these ships sailed though.
Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, RN), HMS Eskimo (Cdr. St.J.A. Micklethwait, DSO, RN), HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN) and the submarine HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN).
The AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) was also providing support for the convoy.
Distant cover was provided by the light cruisers HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN) and HMS Galatea (Capt. B.B. Schofield, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) until 1 April 1940 when they were due to be relieved by HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Yates, RN) and HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN). HMS Penelope had departed Rosyth on 1 April and HMS Sheffield had departed Scapa Flow on 2 April.
HMS Javelin, HMS Juno and HMS Eclipse parted company with the convoy shortly after dusk on 3 April and proceeded directly to Rosyth arriving there on the 4th.
The convoy and it's remaining escorts arrived of Methil on 4 April 1940 after which the destroyers went to Rosyth as did HMS Porpoise. HMS Penelope and HMS Sheffield arrived at Scapa Flow on 6 April 1940.
4 Apr 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Rosyth. (8)
13 Apr 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) departed Rosyth for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to relieve HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) off Egersund, Norway.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below.
(9)
16 Apr 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) fires 6 torpedoes against German U-boat U-3 about 10 nautical miles south-west of Egersund, Norway in position 58°18'N, 05°47'E. All torpedoes fired missed their target. Porpoise is often credited with sinking U-1 but this is incorrect.
(All times are zone -1) 2136 hours - Sighted a U-boat on the surface. Started attack.
2140 hours - Fired 6 torpedoes from 2000 yards but all missed. The enemy meanwhile had turned towards so Porpoise dived at 2143 hours to 150 feet to evade a possible counter attack by the enemy submarine. U-3 had indeed fired one torpedo at Porpoise which passed overhead while Porpoise was diving. (9)
29 Apr 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Rosyth. (9)
8 May 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) and HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) conducted exercises in the Firth of Forth. (10)
12 May 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) departed Rosyth for her 4th war patrol. She was ordered to lay a minefield off Norway.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below.
(9)
15 May 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN), lays minefield FD 11 (48 mines) off Kalvag, Norway near position 61°44'N, 04°54'E. While maneuvering into position Porpoise grounded twice, at 1019 and 1138 hours.
Details of the minelay were as follows The mines were laid in the following positions: Line A First mine laid at 1045 hours Position of the first mine: 61°44'40"N, 04°59'20"N Course of the lay: 250° Number of mines: 24 Distance between the mines: 150 feet
Line C First mine laid at 1140 hours Position of the first mine: 61°42'25"N, 04°55'55"N Course of the lay: 225° Number of mines: 9 Distance between the mines: 150 feet
Line B First mine laid at 1448 hours Position of the first mine: 61°38'26"N, 04°52'45"N Course of the lay: 090° Number of mines: 15 Distance between the mines: 150 feet
This minefield caused the loss of the Swedish merchant Sonja (1828 GRT, built 1923) see 10 June 1940 entry). (9)
17 May 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Rosyth. (9)
18 May 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) was docked in No.3 dock at Rosyth. (10)
4 Jun 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) was undocked. (11)
5 Jun 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) shifted from Rosyth to Blyth. (11)
8 Jun 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) shifted from Blyth to Immingham where she was to embark mines. (9)
9 Jun 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) departed Immingham for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to lay a minefield off Smøla, Norway.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below.
(9)
10 Jun 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) was ordered to patrol off Fro Havet, Norway after she had laid her mines off Smøla.
Also on this day the Swedish merchant Sonja (1828 GRT, built 1923) with a German prize crew was proceeding behind the steamer Inger when she detonated a mine (laid by Porpoise on 15 May) and sank. (9)
12 Jun 1940
At 0155 hours HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) found a derelict lifeboat from the Norwegian merchant Vestfoss (1388 GRT, built 1909). She had been sunk by a German bomber on 1 March 1940.
At 0950 hours a torpedo track was seen in position 62°30’N, 03°00’E. It was believed to have been fired by a U-boat but the attack was apparently bogus. (9)
14 Jun 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) lays minefield FD 18 (50 mines) off the Ramsoyfjord, Norway in approximate position 63°30'N, 08°12'E.
Details of the minelay were as follows The mines were laid in the following positions between 1430 and 1530 hours
Line A Position of the first mine: 63°29'40"N, 08°13'20"E Course of the lay: 270° Number of mines: 16 Distance between the mines: 150 feet
Line B Position of the first mine: 63°30'00"N, 08°11'40"E Course of the lay: 270° Number of mines: 18 Distance between the mines: 150 feet
Line C Position of the first mine: 63°30'20"N, 08°10'00"E Course of the lay: 270° Number of mines: 16 Distance between the mines: 150 feet (9)
16 Jun 1940
At 0029 hours HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) was charging her batteries north of Halten when she was attacked by a seaplane, she had barely the time to dive when a bomb exploded near her stern causing minor damage. (9)
18 Jun 1940
The German minesweeper M 5 (682 tons) was sunk north-west of Kristiansund, Norway in position 63°30'N, 08°09'E when she hit a mine laid on 14 June 1940 by the British submarine HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN). M 5 was involved in mine clearing the Trondheim approaches with M 2, M 7 and M 8. M 7 was sent to Kristiansund with four seriously wounded survivors and M 2 and M 8 returned to Trondheim with 70 survivors of which 9 were wounded. There were 24 victims.
19 Jun 1940
At 0055 hours HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) was charging her batteries north of Halten when she was again attacked by a seaplane, she dived and a bomb exploded near shaking her considerably. (9)
21 Jun 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) was ordered to return to Blyth. (9)
25 Jun 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Blyth. (9)
4 Jul 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) departed Blyth for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Utsire, Norway.
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below.
(9)
8 Jul 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) was ordered to return to Blyth. (9)
9 Jul 1940
At 1415 hours HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) was suddenly attacked by an aircraft which had not been seen in 57°21'N, 02°35'E. Three bombs missed her by 70 yards on her starboard quarter. (9)
10 Jul 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Blyth. (9)
18 Jul 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth. (12)
24 Jul 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) shifted from Blyth to Immingham. (9)
25 Jul 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) departed Immingham for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to lay a minefield off the west coast of Denmark. After laying this minefield she was to patrol off Lister, Norway.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below. No positions are known for 1 August 1940 and onwards.
(9)
29 Jul 1940
Between 1418 and 1509 hours, HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) laid minefield FD 23 (50 mines with flooders set for 28 August 1940) off the West coast of Denmark near position 55°51'N, 06°18'E. Apparently it yielded no result. (9)
5 Aug 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at Rosyth. (9)
6 Aug 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) shifted from Rosyth to Blyth. (13)
27 Aug 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) shifted from Blyth to Rosyth. (13)
28 Aug 1940
Around 1800A/28, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) and HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Rosyth for Rothesay. (14)
30 Aug 1940
Around 0615A/30, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) and HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Stornoway.
They departed again to continue their passage to Rothesay around 1415A/30. (14)
31 Aug 1940
Around 1400A/31, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) and HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (14)
2 Sep 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Rothesay for her 8th war patrol. She was ordered to lay a minefield near La Rochelle, France and to patrol in the Bay of Biscay. Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Rosemary (Lt.(Retd.) H.V. Wheeler, RN).
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below.
(9)
13 Sep 1940
Between 1140 and 1204 hours, HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) laid minefield FD 26 (48 mines) in the Bay of Biscay north-west of La Rochelle, France in position 46°25'N, 02°00'W.
Position of the first mine was 46°24'48"N, 01°59'45"W. Direction of the lay was 205°. The mines were spaced 150 feet apart. Apparently it yielded no result. (9)
16 Sep 1940
At 0047 hours, HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) made a torpedo attack with six torpedoes on what was thought to be a surfaced U-boat south of the Penmarch peninsula in position 47°28'N, 04°18'W.
No German U-boats were in this area at this time, the target attacked was most likely a fishing vessel. (9)
20 Sep 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 8th war patrol at Falmouth. She departed later the same day for Holy Loch. Passage north through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Rosemary (Lt.(Retd.) H.V. Wheeler, RN). (9)
22 Sep 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (9)
2 Oct 1940
HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and an A/S yacht. (15)
6 Oct 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Holy Loch for her 9th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay. During her passage south through the Irish Sea Porpoise was escorted by HMS Jasper (T/Lt. G.T.S. Clampitt, RNR).
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below.
(9)
10 Oct 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) was informed that a homeward U-boat was expected in Lorient the next day. The submarine cruised off this base but did not observe anything.
26 Oct 1940
At 0700 hours, HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN), made rendez-vous with her escort HMS Surprise (Capt.(Retd.) E.Stubbs, RN). They then proceeded north through the Irish Sea towards the Clyde. (9)
27 Oct 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 9th war patrol at Holy Loch. (9)
1 Nov 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) was docked at Ardrossan. (16)
4 Nov 1940
In the morning, HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN), HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) made rendez-vous off Mounts Bay. They then proceeded in company towards Holy Loch escorted by HMS Rosemary (Lt.(Retd.) H.V. Wheeler, RN). (9)
15 Nov 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) was undocked. (16)
21 Nov 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) shifted from Ardrossan to Holy Loch. (16)
30 Nov 1940
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this passage see the map below. No positions are known for 3 to 6 December 1940.
(9)
30 Nov 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Holy Loch for Halifax, Canada. Porpoise was escorted until 1740/1 by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN).
(9)
17 Dec 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Halifax. (9)
26 Dec 1940
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Halifax for her 10th war patrol. She was to provide escort to convoy HX 99.
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below.
(17)
26 Dec 1940
Convoy HX 99.
This convoy departed Halifax on 26 December 1940.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; A.D. Huff (British, 5866 GRT, built 1920), Aelybryn (British, 4986 GRT, built 1938), Alderpool (British, 4313 GRT, built 1936), Cape Nelson (British, 3807 GRT, built 1929), Eastern Star (Norwegian, 5658 GRT, 1920), Ittersum (Dutch, 5199 GRT, built 1938), Olympos (Greek, 5216 GRT, built 1918), Penrith Castle (British, 6369 GRT, built 1929), Teneriffa (Norwegian, 5655 GRT, built 1922), Thysville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922), Tower Field (British, 4241 GRT, built 1935), Warkworth (British, 4941 GRT, built 1924), West Ekonk (British, 5631 GRT, built 1918) and Yselhaven (Dutch, 4802 GRT, built 1921).
On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Woodward, DSO and Bar, RN), destroyer HMCS Columbia (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) S.W. Davis, RN) and the armed yacht HMCS Otter (T/Lt. D.S. Mossman, RCNR).
Around 1830Q/26, the submarine HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) also joined the convoy as escort.
HMCS Otter was detached later on the 26th to return to Halifax.
Around 1645Q/27, HMCS Columbia parted company to return to Halifax.
Between 29 and 31 December 1940, the convoy encountered very thick for and during this period the Cape Nelson and Teneriffa lost contact with the convoy and never rejoined. They both continued her passage to the U.K. independently and arrived at Oban on 9 January 1941 and at Avonmouth on 10 January 1941 respectively.
Also on 29 December 1940, the Bermuda section of the convoy, convoy BHX 99, was to join. This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Abraham Lincoln (Norwegian, 5784 GRT, built 1929), Blankaholm (Swedish, 2845 GRT, built 1930), Cowrie (British (tanker), 8197 GRT, built 1931), Daytonian (British, 6434 GRT, built 1922), Duke of Athens (British, 5217 GRT, built 1940), Karabagh (British (tanker), 6427 GRT, built 1932), Kinross (British, 4956 GRT, built 1935) and Rokos Vergottis (Greek, 5202 GRT, built 1919).
They had departed Bermuda unescorted on 24 December 1940.
The Bermuda section was late at the rendezvous and were not sighted. The main convoy then retired northwards to await them. However due to the thick for then setting in which lasted until the morning of 31 December the Bermuda section was unable to join.
When the fog finally lifted, HMS Alaunia had 13 ship in sight, 2 of which were from the Bermuda section, the Blankaholm and Duke of Athens. The A.D. Huff of the Halifax section was able to rejoin on 4 January. She had suffered from engine defects during her absence.
Around 0900P/1, HMS Alaunia left the convoy to search for the missing ships of the Bermuda section. sh found five of them and by 1330P/5, the following ships had joined the main convoy; Abraham Lincoln, Cowrie, Daytonian, Kinross and Rokos Vergottis. The last ship missing, the Karabagh was able to join on 4 January 1941.
Around 1500O/5, in position 60°18'N, 25°00'W, HMS Porpoise parted company to return to Halifax.
Around 0800O/5, in position 61°17'N, 21°24'W, HMS Alaunia parted company to return to Halifax.
The first of the Western Approaches A/S escort joined on 1330Z/7 in position 60°25'N, 16°00'W. These were the corvettes HMS La Malouine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN) and HMS Anemone (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO, RNR). The remainder of the A/S escort, the destroyers HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. R.B.S. Tennant, RN), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, RN) and A/S trawler HMS Lady Elsa (T/Lt. S.G. Phillips, RNVR) joined on the 8th.
Around 1815A/9, in position 57°05'N, 08°07'W, the Oban section parted company. They arrived at Oban, unescorted, later the same day. The Oban section was made up of the following merchant vessels; A.D. Huff, Alderpool, Duke of Athens, Karabagh, Kinross, Towerfield and Warkworth.
At 1930A/10, in position 53°46'N, 05°08'W, the following merchant vessels parted company; Cowrie (arrived at Holyhead on 11 January), Ittersum (arrived at Milford Haven on 11 January) and Yselhaven (arrived at Milford Haven on 11 January). To escort them the A/S trawler HMS Derby County (Skr. W.J.P. Soloman, RNR) had joined.
The remainder of the convoy arrived at Liverpool on 11 January 1941. (18)
5 Jan 1941
At 1500 hours (zone +2) HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) left convoy HX 99 and set course to return to Halifax. (19)
13 Jan 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 10th war patrol at Halifax. (19)
24 Jan 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) was docked at Halifax. (19)
25 Jan 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) was undocked. (19)
26 Jan 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Halifax for her 11th war patrol. She was to provide escort to convoy HX 105.
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below.
(9)
28 Jan 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) failed to make rendez-vous with convoy HX 105. She set off to search for it but the convoy in fact was never sighted. (9)
9 Feb 1941
At 1615 hours, HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN), made rendez-vous with her escort towards Holy Loch, HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (9)
10 Feb 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 11th war patrol at Holy Loch. (9)
3 Mar 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Holy Loch for Halifax, Canada. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) until 2050/4.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Porpoise during this passage see the map below.
(9)
7 Mar 1941
While en route to Halifax, Canada, HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) makes a torpedo attack on ' what is identified as ' a submarine in the North Atlantic in position 57°50'N, 19°50'W. German U-boat U-A was operating in this area so the attack might have been against this submarine but she reported no attack.
(All times are GMT) 0250 hours - Sighted a U-boat in position 57°50'N, 19°50'W. Range 1 nautical mile. Enemy course 260°. Started attack. The U-boat later dived and Porpoise did the same.
0323 hours - Fired two torpedoes aimed by Asdic from a range of 3500 yards. No hits were obtained.
0410 hours - Surfaced. Proceeded. (9)
15 Mar 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) arrived at Halifax. (9)
20 Mar 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Halifax for her 12th war patrol. She was ordered to provide escort for convoy SC 26.
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below.
(9)
29 Mar 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) parted company with convoy SC 26 and set course to return to Halifax. (9)
3 Apr 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 12th war patrol at Halifax. (9)
11 Apr 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises off Halifax. (20)
19 Apr 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed Halifax for her 13th war patrol. She was to escort convoy SC 29.
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below.
29 Apr 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) parted company with convoy SC 29. (20)
8 May 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her 13th war patrol at Holy Loch. (21)
10 May 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Greenock. (21)
19 May 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) returned to Holy Loch. (21)
20 May 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) shited from Holy Loch to Troon where she commenced a refit. (21)
1 Sep 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) ended her refit at Troon. She conducted trials near Troon during the afternoon. (22)
4 Sep 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) shifted from Troon to Holy Loch.
9 Sep 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Troon. (22)
19 Sep 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) shifted from Troon to Holy Loch. (22)
21 Sep 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) sailed to carry out gunnery and torpedo exercises with HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) in the Clyde area. During the firing of a six-torpedo salvo, two failed to leave the tubes and one had a hot run causing minor damage. (22)
22 Sep 1941
The exercises completed HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) returned to Holy Loch. (22)
24 Sep 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Govan where she was immediately docked in No.2 dock. (22)
27 Sep 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) was undocked at Govan. She then returned to Holy Loch. (22)
2 Oct 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) departed Holy Loch for Gibraltar. During the passage south through the Irish Sea she was escorted until 2300/3 by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN).
The German B-Dienst had intercepted a signal giving her exact route but apparently this was too late for interference.
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during the passage to Alexandria see the map below.
(23)
9 Oct 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (23)
11 Oct 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta. (23)
17 Oct 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta. Here passengers for Malta left (2 officers and 12 ratings) and her cargo for Malta (spare gear, 6 18" torpedoes and 4000 Lb. bombs that were to be used on the Corinth Canal) was unloaded. (23)
20 Oct 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria. (23)
26 Oct 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) arrived at Alexandria where she unloaded the remainder of the cargo and more ratings brought from the U.K. as well as her cargo from Malta and 3 officers and 13 ratings that had boarded here there. (23)
3 Nov 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria for her 1st storage trip to Malta.
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this passage see the map below.
(24)
9 Nov 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta. (24)
12 Nov 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria.
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this passage see the map below.
(24)
18 Nov 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) arrived at Alexandria ending her 1st storage trip. (24)
28 Nov 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria for her 14th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the south-west approaches to the Anti-Kithera Channel.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below.
(23)
7 Dec 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) shifted patrol to the Kithera Channel. (23)
8 Dec 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) shifted patrol to the Navarino area. (23)
9 Dec 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) torpedoed and heavy damaged the Italian passenger / cargo ship Sebastiano Venier (6311 GRT, built 1940) about 5 nautical miles south of Navarino. The damaged ship was grounded and wrecked off Cape Methoni.
The fast Sebastiano Venier was was transporting about 2000 Allied POWs from Benghazi to Taranto escorted by the torpedo boat Centauro. It is believed that 309 PoWs and eleven Italians were lost [see this website for more info]. The destroyers Ascari, Carabiniere and the hospital ship Arno were rushed to her assistance but Arno was later diverted to the assistance of the survivors of Calitea torpedoed by HMS Talisman.
(All times are zone -2) 1425 hours - Sighted a modern merchant vessel escorted by a Calypso-class torpedo-boat. Started attack.
1435 hours - In position 36°48'N, 21°39'E fired four torpedoes from 1200 yards. One hit was obtained.
1440 hours - Depth charging started. A total of 22 depth charges were dropped until about 1530 hours. None were close. (23)
11 Dec 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) fired two torpedoes at the beached wreck of the Sebastiano Venier she had damaged two days ago. No hits were obtained.
(All times are zone -2) 1711 hours - Fired one torpedo at the beached merchant ship from 2000 yards. The torpedo broke surface but then returned to the correct depth. Unfortunately she then ran about 5 degrees to the right.
1718 hours - Fired another torpedo from the same range. This torpedo did exactly the same as the first torpedo fired. (23)
15 Dec 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) set course to return to Alexandria passing north of Crete. (23)
17 Dec 1941
at 1311 hours, in position 35°39'N, 26°16'E, HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) sighted a German U-boat proceeding on the surface but the enemy passed out of range and could not be attacked. The U-boat was U-652 that was en-route to a patrol position of the Dardanelles to intercept Russian ships. (23)
19 Dec 1941
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) ended her 14th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (23)
2 Jan 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria for Haifa. (25)
5 Jan 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) arrived at Haifa where she embarked 12 dummy mines. She then laid a dummy minefield off the harbour to test her minelaying equipment. (25)
6 Jan 1942
After embarking 46 mines, HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) departed Haifa for her 15th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was to lay a minefield off Suda Bay, Crete.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below.
(25)
11 Jan 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) laid a total 46 mines near Suda Bay, Crete.
(All times are zone -2) 1458 hours - Started laying the first line of 31 mines starting in position 350°, Cape Drepano, 5.5 nautical miles. The mines were laid on a mean course of 286° and were spaced 150 feet apart.
1512 hours - Started laying the second line of 15 mines starting in position 341°, Cape Drepano, 6 nautical miles. The mines were laid on a mean course of 066° and were spaced 150 feet apart.
1519 hours - Completed minelaying. This minefield sank the German patrol boat 11 V 1 (see 14 January 1942 entry). (25)
14 Jan 1942
The German auxiliary vessel 11 V 1 (former Greek Palaskas) sank off Suda Bay after hitting a mine laid by HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) on 11 January. Three of the crew of 11 V 1 were killed or missing and eighteen wounded.
18 Jan 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant vessel Città di Livorno (2471 GRT, built 1930) about 15 nautical miles north-east of Cape Maleka, Crete in position 35°42'N, 24°24'E.
(All times are zone -2) 0638 hours - While in position 35°42'N, 24°21'E heard HE bearing 340°. Sighted the convoy that had been reported to us. Started attack.
0722 hours - Fired six torpedoes from 6000 yards. Two hits were obtained. A half hearted counter attack followed but this caused no damage to Porpoise.
0750 hours - Returned to periscope depth in time to see one merchant ship listing over more and more. Soon afterwards she was heard to break up and sink.
Città di Livorno was carrying 350 German and 50 Italian soldiers, 252 tons of Wehrmacht stores, 24 tons of mail and 82 vehicles and had a crew of 71 with 17 German AA crew and one marine. She was in convoy with Città di Alessandria (2498 GRT, built 1930) and Città di Savona (2500 GRT, built 1930), escorted by the Italian Armed Merchant Cruiser Barletta (1975 GRT, built 1931), the German auxiliary minelayer Drache and the Italian torpedo-boats Cassiopea and Lupo. The convoy had sailed from Piraeus for Suda Bay, Città di Livorno had eight killed (six Germans and two Italians) and thirty-five wounded, most of the survivors were picked up by the torpedo boat Lupo. (25)
22 Jan 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) ended her 15th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (25)
3 Feb 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Delphinium (Cdr.(Retd.) R.L. Spalding, RN) and HMS Erica (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Riley, RNR). (26)
7 Feb 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria for her 2nd storage trip to Malta.
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this passage see the map below.
(26)
13 Feb 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta. (26)
16 Feb 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria.
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this passage see the map below.
(26)
22 Feb 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) arrived at Alexandria ending her 2nd storage trip. (26)
3 Mar 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria for her 3rd storage trip to Malta.
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this passage see the map below.
(27)
9 Mar 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta. (27)
12 Mar 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria.
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this passage see the map below.
(27)
19 Mar 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) arrived at Alexandria ending her 3rd storage trip. (27)
31 Mar 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) was docked in the Gabbari graving dock at Alexandria. (27)
2 Apr 1942
At 1015C/2, HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) suffered an explosion in no.6 oil fuel group. (28)
3 Apr 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) was undocked. (28)
9 Apr 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) completed repairs on no.6 oil fuel group. (28)
11 Apr 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria for Port Said. (28)
12 Apr 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Said. (28)
14 Apr 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) departed Port Said for Alexandria. (28)
15 Apr 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) arrived at Alexandria. (28)
18 Apr 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria for her 4th storage trip to Malta.
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this passage see the map below.
(28)
25 Apr 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta. (28)
29 Apr 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria.
As no log is available no map can be displayed. (28)
2 May 1942
At 2050C hours HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) sighted a U-boat on course 090°. An attack could not be carried out but an enemy report was made as HMS Urge was expected to be 50 miles behind her. The enemy submarine was the Italian Nereide who had observed the British submarine but mistook it for German.
5 May 1942
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) arrived at Alexandria ending her 4th storage trip. (2)
23 May 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria for her 5th storage trip to Malta.
As no log is available no map can be displayed. (2)
28 May 1942
In a signal timed 1911C/28, Capt. S 1 informed all submarines on patrol, which were HMS Proteus (Lt.Cdr. P.S. Francis, RN), HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN and most likely also HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN, which was on a storing trip from Alexandria to Malta) that at 1601C/28, three large merchant ships and four destroyers had been sighted in position 33°28'N, 20°00'E proceeding on course 330° and 13 knots.
This signal referred to the convoy made up of the transports / naval auxiliaries Città di Genova (5413 GRT, built 1930), Città di Napoli (5418 GRT, built 1929) and Città di Tunisi (5419 GRT, built 1929) escorted by the destroyers Ugolino Vivaldi (S.O.), Lanzerotto Malocello, Antoniotto Usodimare and Turbine. This convoy which had arrived at Benhazi around 1045B/28 and after having unloaded quickly, departed Benghazi around 1700B/28 for Naples where it arrived around 1400B/30. (29)
1 Jun 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (2)
7 Jun 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 16th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to give cover during convoy operations to Malta (cover of Operation VIGOROUS). As Porpoise had a few days to spare before the operation started she first patrolled off the Gulf of Taranto.
As no log is available no map can be displayed. (25)
15 Jun 1942
At 1935 hours HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) was about 140 miles west of Crete when it was attacked by an aircraft. As a salvo of bombs fell near, the submarine dived to 60 feet but escaped damage. At 2025 hours another similar attack occurred with the same results.
25 Jun 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) ended her 16th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (25)
30 Jun 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria for Port Said. (2)
1 Jul 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said where she was to be docked. (exact dates not known to us for the moment). (2)
23 Jul 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) departed Port Said for Haifa.
As no log is available no map can be displayed. (2)
25 Jul 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) arrived at Haifa. (2)
5 Aug 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) departed Haifa for her 17th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to lay a minefield off Ras el Tin, Libya and to patrol off the coast of Cyrenaica, Libya.
As no log is available no map can be displayed. (30)
10 Aug 1942
In a signal timed 1805C/10, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria, ordered HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) to establish patrol in the following positions; HMS Turbulent in position 36°42'N, 21°26'E by dawn on the 13th. HMS Taku in position 34°40'N, 21°33'E by 1601C/13. HMS Porpoise, only if she had completed her minelaying mission, in position 34°56'N, 21°42'E by 1601C/13.
An important enemy convoy was expected to proceed from Italy to Benghazi.
This signal was repeated to the submarines concerned in the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria signal timed 1601C/11.
In a signal timed 1804C/12, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria cancelled the instuctions given in his signal from 1805C/10. The sailing of the enemy convoy was delayed. (31)
10 Aug 1942
In a signal timed 1055C/10, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria, informed HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) that at 1005C/10 an aircraft had sighted an enemy submarine in position 34°02'N, 23°04'E proceeding on course 160° at 10 knots.
This must have referred to the Italian submarine Marcantonio Bragadino which was on passage from Taranto (departed 1017B/7) to Tobruk (arrived 1025B/11). (31)
12 Aug 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) laid a minefield (46 mines) off Ras el Tin, Libya. This minefield caused the loss of the Italian torpedo boat Generale Antonio Cantore (see entry of 22 August 1942).
Within two minutes the minefield was laid, a westbound convoy made up of the Italian freighters Albachiara (1245 GRT, built 1904) and Sibilla (1077 GRT, built 1900) escorted by the submarine chaser Selve crossed it. It was believed that if they had crossed it ten minutes later all three would have been sunk as the mines had not been armed yet. The submarine fired a torpedo at the second merchant ship but missed.
Porpoise also torpedoed and sank the Italian transport Ogaden (4553 GRT, built 1905) 9 nautical miles bearing 308 from Ras el Tin, Libya.
Ogaden was carrying about 200 POWs from Benghazi to Tobruk escorted by the torpedo boat Generale Carlo Montanari when the first torpedo hit the boiler room. The ship was immediately abandoned while combed the torpedo track and dropped eight depth charges. The torpedo boat then returned to pick up the survivors and was in the process of doing so when the second torpedo hit. Montanari temporary abandoned the rescue attempt and again combed the tracks of the torpedoes believed to originate from about 1200 metres. It did not report a torpedo missing her under but did observe the second torpedo hitting the coast. Four more depth charges were dropped and the escorting aircraft also dropped a single bomb which fell about 100 metres on the starboard side of Montanari and was the only one to cause some damage to Porpoise. The torpedo boat returned to continue the search for survivors, concentrating on those who were swimming. Two lifeboats loaded with POWs were seen making for the shore. Forty-seven Italians, six Germans and 109 POWs were picked up while MAS 561 and MAS 539 arrived and were ordered to take over the hunt for the submarine but MAS 539 had an engine breakdown and had to abandon the chase. The number of victims was listed as three to four but may not include the POWs lost.
(All times are zone -3) 0802 hours - Started minelaying near position 32°42'N, 23°05'5"E. Shortly before the lay an enemy convoy was sighted. The leading ship was seen passing over the minefield shortly after the lay. The other ship of the convoy and their escort passed over the minefield shortly afterwards.
After the lay Porpoise maneuvered to get into a suitable attack position for an attack on this convoy.
0855 hours - Fired one torpedo at the second ship of the convoy from about 3000 yards. It missed.
Almost immediately afterwards sighted another ship close inshore to the westward. She was steering an opposite course to the ship just attacked.
0905 hours - Started attack. The vessel appeared to be of 2500 - 3000 tons. She was escorted by one destroyer (actually torpedo-boat) and one aircraft.
0932 hours - Fired two torpedoes. Obtained one hit on this merchant vessel.
1018 hours - Fired one torpedo at the escorting torpedo-boat. It ran under and exploded on the beach shortly afterwards.
1022 hours - Fired one torpedo at the merchant vessel which was stopped and by now abandoned. She had shown no signs of sinking. The torpedo hit and she sank almost at once.
The destroyer counter attacked with 13 depth charges [sic, Montanari dropped only 12 depth charges, the 13th was the bomb dropped by the aircraft]. The last of these, the only one to do damage, fractured the C.O.2 machine supply tree in the forward casing.
1100 hours - Retired from the area and reloaded the torpedo tubes. (30)
13 Aug 1942
In a signal timed 1240C/13, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria, informed HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) that one small transport (less than 2000 tons) had been sighted at 1208C/13 in position 32°52'N, (longitude indecipherable) proceeding on course 120° at 4 knots and also that at 0930C/13, two transports and two destroyers had been sighted in position 33°21'N, 21°12'E on course 045° at 8 knots.
[We have been unable to identify the ships reported.] (31)
14 Aug 1942
In a signal timed 1105C/15, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria informed HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN), HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) that an enemy convoy made up of one transport and two destroyers had been sighted at 0810C/14 in position 34°20'N, 23°19'E on course 345° at 12 knots.
[We have been unable to identify the ships reported.]
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In a signal timed 1141C/15, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria ordered these submarines to establish patrol in the following positions; HMS Turbulent in position 36°52'N, 21°27'E by 0001C/15. HMS Taku in position 33°23'N, 20°56'E by 01001C/15 and HMS Porpoise in position 34°39'N, 21°36'E by 0001C/15 as a large enemy convoy was expected to proceed from Italy to Benghazi.
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In a signal timed 1232C/15, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria informed these submarines that an enemy convoy of two transports and four destroyers had been sighted at 1145C/14 in position 39°25'N, 18°30'E proceeding on course 120° at 15 knots. Also a convoy made up of one transport and two destroyers had been sighted at 1130C/14 in position 36°14'N, 23°36'E on course 200° at 15 knots.
The convoy reported at 1145C/14 was made up of the transport Ravello (Italian, 6142 GRT, built 1941) escorted by the Italian destroyer Nicoloso da Recco and the torpedo boat Polluce who had left Taranto at 0225-0355B/14 and the transport Lerici (Italian, 6070 GRT, built 1941) escorted by the torpedo boats Calliope and Castore who sailed from Brindisi at 0429B/14. Both convoys merged at 1010-1027B/14. They were bound for Benghazi.
At 1829B/15, Lerici was torpedoed by HMS Porpoise in position 34°50'N, 21°30'E or 34°44'N, 21°35'E (English vs Italian sources). Ravello escorted by Da Recco and Castore proceeded on and arrived at Benghazi at 0830-0940B/16. They left behind Calliope and Polluce to respectively pick up the survivors and hunt the submarine. Polluce dropped 38 depth charges in three runs and claimed the submarine sunk but HMS Porpoise had escaped. The destroyers Mitragliere and Bersagliere sailed from Navarino at 0110B/16 to help tow Lerici and joined at 0825B/16 but the transport was heavily on fire and this proved to be impossible. The derelict Lerici was finished off with 89 rounds of 120mm/50 from the destroyer Mitragliere at 1102B/16.
The convoy reported at 1130C/14 was made up of the transport Foscolo (Italian, 4538 GRT, built 1942) escorted by the Italian destroyer Saetta and the Italian torpedo boats Orione and Sirio. They had sailed from Piraeus at 0215-0300B/14 (except Saetta who joined from Suda (sailed at 0336B/14) at 0825B/14). Sirio was detached at 1500B/14 and reached Heraklion at 0430B/15. The convoy arrived at Benghazi at 1035B/15.
In an amplifying signal timed 1415C/14, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria informed these submarines that the destination of the first convoy was Benghazi. Aircraft would attack this convoy between 0200C/15 and 0400C/15 and would also drop flares. The destination of the second convoy most probably also Benghazi but it was also possible it's destination was Tobruk. Aircraft would search for and reports this convoy between 0100C/15 and 0300C/15 and would also drop flares.
In an amplifying signal timed 1910C/14, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria informed HMS Taku and HMS Porpoise that the second convoy [the one sighted at 1130C/14] was at 1630C/14 in position 35°14'N, 23°13'E proceeding on course 225° at 15 knots. (31)
15 Aug 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Lerici (6070 GRT, built 1941) about 120 nautical miles north of Ras Amir, Libya in position 34°50'N, 21°30'E. Lerici was in convoy with Ravello (6142 GRT, built 1941), escorted by the destroyer Nicoloso Da Recco and the torpedo-boats Polluce, Calliope and Castore. Lerici was hit by two torpedoes and abandoned. The torpedo boat Calliope rescued 259 survivors while the torpedo boat Polluce obtained a contact, carried out three runs dropping a total of 38 depth charges and claimed the submarine sunk and then picked up a sinle survivor. The wreck was still floating the next day when the destroyers Bersagliere and Mitragliere arrived on the scene and the latter sank her by gunfire. The destroyers found another ten survivors, twenty-one were reported killed or missing.
(All times are zone -3) 1854 hours - Sighted an object dead ahead. Dived and closed.
1908 hours - Sighted two large merchant ships dead ahead. A few minutes later an escort of four Navigatori-class destroyers and two aircraft were sighted. The merchant ships were in line abreast about 1000 yards apart. The destroyers were formed in a crescent-shaped screen. The wing destroyers were about 1500 yards on the beam of the merchant ships and the inside destroyers were about 2000 yards apart and 1000 yards ahead of the convoy. Enemy course was estimated as being 210°, speed 11 knots.
1912 hours - Porpoise was now slightly on the starboard bow of the starboard ship of the convoy and about 10° on the starboard bow of the port ship. Range was about 5000 yards. Both targets appeared equally desirable and it was decided to do an advancing attack on the port ship, endeavouring to fire from a position between the two ships.
1918 hours - Altered course to 120° and closed the port ship on a 90° track.
1924 hours - Altered course to 100° the starboard inner destroyer passed 400 yards astern of Porpoise. It was considered desirable to attack on a 70° track to avoid being rammed by the starboard ship.
1928 hours - Fired two torpedoes at the port ship in position 34°45'N, 21°32'E. Both torpedoes hit. Porpoise went to 80 feet and increased to full speed and altered course to 230°. For some time there was no counter attack.
1940 hours - Heard breaking up noises followed by one terrific explosion. Counter attacks by the escorts now followed but these were for the moment not close.
2000 hours - Came to periscope depth. The target was well down by the stern and two destroyers were stopped nearby. Several lifeboats were seen in the water. Altered course to 350° and later to 030° to close and attack the nearest destroyer. By this time both destroyers had started using their Asdic sets.
2020 hours - One destroyer obtained an Asdic contact. Both destroyers got under way and one carried out several attacks, apparently in firm contact with something. Some of the depth charges fell appreciably closer. It was now getting too dark for periscope visibility. Dived to 80 feet and altered course to 60° and made off at slow speed. When last seen the stern of the target was awash, numerous small explosions could be heard emanating from her and she was on fire forward. Altogether the destroyers dropped 60 depth charges.
2236 hours - Surfaced in position 34°47'N, 21°37'E and proceeded on main engines, course 60°. (30)
15 Aug 1942
In a signal timed 1105C/15, the Senior Officer Submarines Alexandria informed HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) that the convoy reported at 1145C/14 in his signal timed 1232C/14 was in position 36°22'N, 21°39'E at 0905C/15.
Later an amplifying signal was sent timed 1515C/15 which stated that the convoy at 1335C/15 had been in position 35°44'N, 22°14'E proceeding on course 210° at 13 knots. (31)
19 Aug 1942
While approaching Tobruk to attack enemy shipping HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) was detected and depth charged by the Italian torpedo-boat Lince which was escorting the transport Iseo (2366 GRT, built 1918) from Tobruk to Benghazi. Lince dropped three patterns of nine depth charges each and claimed – correctly – to have damaged the submarine.
(All torpedoes are zone -3) 0520 hours - Sighted a large destroyer dead ahead. Range was about 3500 yards. She was steering a course approximately opposite to that of Porpoise. Dived to 80 feet in position 32°41'N, 23°32'E and altered course to 180°.
0524 hours - The destroyer passed overhead and dropped a depth charge which exploded very close to the submarine. Porpoise was badly shaken, some lights were extinguished and large quantities of corking were dislodged from the deck head, and shortly afterwards fumes and smoke were observed coming from no.1 section of the main battery. No.1 battery was isolated to prevent the spreading of fumes from spreading through the submarine.
After the first depth charge attack the destroyer continued in a northerly direction for about three minutes. She then turned back for another run. She then passed astern and dropped four depth charges which were unpleasantly close and damaged no.2 and no.3 sections of the battery.
Further attacks then followed in quick succession and on each occasion the enemy the enemy appeared to be in firm contact. The enemy made a total of 12 attack runs but depth charges were only dropped during the best runs.
0552 hours - Altered course to 210 degrees, the enemy was not not able to make contact as easy as before but when she did the attacks were as carefully conducted as before.
0610 hours - Went to 150 feet.
0700 hours - Went to 200 feet. The enemy was now not able to make contact any more. Altogether the enemy dropped 27 depth charges. All were very close.
0715 hours - The enemy was heard to depart the area.
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2050 hours - Surfaced in position 32°54'N, 23°16'E and proceeded on main engines. An attempt was made to charge the damaged battery but she began to smoulder so the charge was broken. It was then noticed that the damage was much severe than first thought. At 0402/20 a signal was sent that Porpoise would be abandoning her patrol and requested an escort back as she was unable to proceed submerged. (30)
20 Aug 1942
At 1015 hours Beaufighters appeared overhead to escort the damaged HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN).
At 1847 hours Porpoise was joined by two Hunt-class destroyers, these were HMS Hursley (Lt. W.J.P. Church, DSC, RN) and HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN).
2315 hours - Course was set for Port Said where repairs to Porpoise were to be made.
21 Aug 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) ended her 17th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Port Said. (30)
22 Aug 1942
The Italian torpedo boat Generale Antonio Cantore (697 tons) hits a mine and sank west of Tobruk. She was escorting the steamer Petrarca from Benghazi to Tobruk. Ninety-six survivors were picked up by MAS 558, MAS 534 and MAS 561 assisted by two CANT Z.501 seaplanes of 148^ Squadriglia, there were twenty-four victims. The mine was laid on 12 August 1942 by the British submarine HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN).
23 Sep 1942
With her repairs completed HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) departed Port Said for Haifa.
As no log is available no map can be displayed. (2)
26 Sep 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) arrived at Haifa. (2)
28 Sep 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) departed Haifa for her 18th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean and 6th storage trip to Malta). She is ordered to lay a minefield off Tobruk and to proceed to Malta afterwards where she was to unload stores she had on board.
As no log is available no map can be displayed. (30)
3 Oct 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) laid a minefield (46 mines in total in 4 lines) west of Tobruk, Libya. The Tobruk command reported the minefield cleared on 9 November, there were no apparent results.
During the day Porpoise laid 4 rows of mines, details: Line 1: 11 mines, bearing 220° from position 32°12'N, 23°49'E. Line 2: 11 mines, bearing 060° from position 32°15'N, 23°46'E. Line 3: 11 mines, bearing 260° from position 32°13'N, 23°44'E. Line 4: 13 mines, bearing 020° from position 32°17'N, 23°40'E. (30)
7 Oct 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (30)
10 Oct 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) departed Malta to resume her 18th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Ionian Sea. She only carried four torpedoes. (30)
13 Oct 1942
During the afternoon, HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) was informed of a convoy of two merchant ships escorted by six destroyers in position 38°14'N, 19°35'E on course 180°, 15 knots. These were the transports Foscolo and D’Annunzio escorted by the destroyers Nicoloso Da Recco, Lampo and Folgore and the torpedo boats Ardito, Clio and Partenope proceeding from Brindisi to Benghazi. Although Porpoise appeared to be in an ideal position to intercept but only aircraft were seen and the convoy had passed a little further east.
16 Oct 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) departed her patrol area and set course for Beirut. (30)
20 Oct 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) ended her 18th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (30)
29 Oct 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) departed Beirut for her 7th storage trip to Malta.
As no log is available no map can be displayed. (2)
6 Nov 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta.
Porpoise was to return to the U.K. to refit but was being held in case she might be needed for a projected combined operation on the Tunisian coast. (2)
15 Nov 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) was still at Malta for the proposed combined operation. Capt S.10 however received information that an important enemy convoy was proceeding from Taranto to Tripoli and could do with an extra submarine so Porpoise was sent out on a short patrol.
HMS Porpoise departed Malta for her 19th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the eastern approaches to Tripoli.
As no log is available no map can be displayed. (32)
18 Nov 1942
At 0555 hours in 33°12’N, 14°13.5’E, HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN), sighted an object which turned out to be a U-boat steering about 250° to 300°. Range was closed to about 3 miles. This was Pietro Micca on a transport mission to Tripoli. The Italian submarine had also observed Porpoise and prudently took avoiding action. (9)
19 Nov 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) fires a torpedo against the Italian auxiliary patrol vessel F 39 / Fertilia (223 GRT) off the Libyan coast. The torpedo missed its target. (32)
19 Nov 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian tanker Giulio Giordani (10534 GRT, built 1939) about 45 nautical miles north-east of Misurata, Libya in position 32°58'N, 15°38'E. Giulio Giordani had been torpedoed and damaged two days before by British aircraft and was abandoned. She had departed Taranto for Tripoli on the 15th and was escorted by the Italian destroyers Bersagliere and Granatiere.
17 November 1942 2140 hours - Sighted aircraft flares to the eastward. Altered course to 090° and increased speed.
2150 hours - Altered course to 105°. Flares now appeared much closer and now appeared right ahead of Porpoise. Just before 2200 hours a large explosion was seen and another one followed a few minutes later. Continued to close at speed.
18 November 1942 0210 hours - Sighted a burning ship ahead.
0225 hours - Identified the target as a large modern tanker that was on fire from stem to stern and was listing about 15° to port. There appeared to be an enormous gash in the hull, port side amidships. No escorts were seen in the area. The tanker was in a bad shape and it was thought the Italians would have to finish her off as she appeared beyond salvage.
0235 hours - Set course to return to our patrol area.
19 November 1942 0323 hours - Sighted a flickering light on the port bow. Altered course to 360° to get to the seaward of it.
0413 hours - Altered course to 030° and a few minutes later to 070°. At about this time it was discovered that the light was a small fire.
0500 hours - Sighted a large ship with a small fire burning aft. Closed at full speed. The ship was soon identified as the same tanker seen the previous night. She was floating upright. no trace could be seen of the rent in the port side. The tanker appeared to be 6 feet down by the bow. Decided to finish her off.
0546 hours - Fired one torpedo at the tanker. The torpedo hit forward of the bridge and started a large fire. After about 5 minutes th whole ship burst into one huge conflagration.
0608 hours - Dived in position 32°43'N, 15°46'E. The tanker was seen to sink at 0624 hours. (32)
21 Nov 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) was ordered to return to Malta via Kerkenah. (32)
23 Nov 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) sank the Italian auxiliary patrol vessel F 39 / Fertilia (former Giacoma, 223 GRT, built 1886) with gunfire off Kerkennah, Tunisia in approximate position 34°47'N, 11°42'E.
0810 hours - Surfaced to examine the situation. Sighted a 2000 to 3000 tons vessel proceeding northwards. Fishing vessels were also seen in the area. A small smudge of smoke appeared to be approaching to the north-west.
0821 hours - Dived to periscope depth. She smoke soon resolved itself into a small ship stearing 134°.
0840 hours - Started attack.
0916 hours - Surfaced slightly abaft the beam of the enemy at a range of 1500 yards and opened fire with the 4" gun. The enemy returned fire with a small gun on his f'xle. The fifth salvo hit amidships and started a fire. Further hits were scored and the enemy soon ceased fire and was abandoned. The enemy carried a cargo of benzine and was soon well ablaze. Porpoise then closed to take prisoners.
0935 hours - Picked up two prisoners / survivors but an approaching aircraft prevented more being picked up. Dived and altered course to 090°. The aircraft was seen to be a Wellington. (32)
24 Nov 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) ended her 19th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (32)
4 Dec 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. Porpoise was to proceed to the U.K. to refit.
As no log is available no map can be displayed. (2)
11 Dec 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (2)
14 Dec 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Portsmouth.
As no log is available no map can be displayed. (2)
23 Dec 1942
HMS Porpoise (Lt. L.W.A. Bennington, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth where she was taken in hand for refit on 5 January 1943. (2)
12 Jan 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (33)
13 Jan 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (33)
14 Jan 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (33)
27 Jan 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (33)
28 Jan 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (33)
30 Jan 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) shifted from Portsmouth to Yarmouth. (33)
31 Jan 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted exercises off Yarmouth and then proceeded to Plymouth. (33)
3 Feb 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) departed Plymouth for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN).
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this passage see the map below.
(34)
5 Feb 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (34)
8 Feb 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (34)
9 Feb 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (34)
10 Feb 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (34)
12 Feb 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted S.T.U. (mine detection) trials off Fairlie. (34)
14 Feb 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted exercises with each other in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (35)
15 Feb 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) proceeded to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (34)
16 Feb 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) departed Holy Loch for Campbeltown. Off Campbeltown they conducted radar exercises with HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN). Upon completion of these the submarines put into Campbeltown harbour. (36)
17 Feb 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted radar exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN). (34)
18 Feb 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (34)
19 Feb 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) and HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN). (34)
23 Feb 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area including a practice attack on HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). (34)
24 Feb 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (34)
25 Feb 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) and HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR) served as the targets. (34)
26 Feb 1944
HMS Terrapin (Lt.Cdr. D.S.R. Martin, DSO and 2 bars, RN) and HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) both conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) and HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR) serving as targets. These exercises included night exercises. (37)
27 Feb 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) proceeded to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (34)
28 Feb 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (34)
1 Mar 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as the target. (38)
3 Mar 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (38)
4 Mar 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. Upon completion of these exercises HMS Porpoise proceeded to Campbeltown. (38)
5 Mar 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and HMS Boarhound (A/Ch.Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (38)
6 Mar 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Borage (Lt. W.S. MacDonald, DSC, RNVR). (38)
7 Mar 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR). (38)
8 Mar 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR) and HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. H. Crighton, RNR). (38)
9 Mar 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR). (38)
10 Mar 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel, HMS Borage (Lt. W.S. MacDonald, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (38)
12 Mar 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and HMS Boarhound (A/Ch.Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (38)
13 Mar 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and HMS Borage (Lt. W.S. MacDonald, DSC, RNVR). (38)
14 Mar 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (A/Ch.Skr. A. Keable, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR). (38)
15 Mar 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN).
These were followed by night attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Cutty Sark (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as the target. (38)
16 Mar 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) proceeded to Larne on completion of last night's exercises. (38)
17 Mar 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (38)
20 Mar 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) and HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted attack exercises off Larne on each other. (39)
22 Mar 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with Escort Group B 6. (38)
23 Mar 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with an Escort Group. (38)
24 Mar 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Keppel (Cdr. I.J. Tyson, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.W. Hawkins, RN), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Cowell, DSC, RN) and Escort Groups 6 and 23. (38)
25 Mar 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with Escort Group's 6 and 23. (38)
27 Mar 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. R. Dyer, RN), HMCS Gatineau (Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN) and Escort Group C 2. (38)
28 Mar 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with Escort Group C 2. (38)
29 Mar 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. (38)
30 Mar 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) was docked in AFD 20 at Kames Bay. (38)
9 Apr 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) was undocked at Kames Bay and returned to Holy Loch. She was fitted to carry out ‘Sleeping beauties’ the one-man submersible canoes for a projected raid on Singapore. (40)
14 Apr 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted noise trials at Loch Goil. (40)
17 Apr 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) departed Holy Loch for Gibraltar. She was to proceed to the Far East to join the 4th Submarine Flotilla based at Trincomalee. Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Telemachus (Cdr. W.D.A. King, DSO, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Flint Castle (T/Lt. N. Harrison, RNVR).
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during the passage to the Far East see the map below.
(41)
26 Apr 1944
Around noon, three submarines made rendez-vous, these were, HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) and HMS Telemachus (Cdr. W.D.A. King, DSO, DSC, RN). They were joined by there escort towards Gibraltar, HMS Kilmarnock (T/A/Lt.Cdr. K.B. Brown, RNVR). (42)
29 Apr 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (41)
5 May 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (43)
6 May 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN), HMS Telemachus (Cdr. W.D.A. King, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta. They made the passage in convoy KMS 49.
11 May 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) arrived at Malta. (43)
16 May 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) departed Malta for Suez. (43)
21 May 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) passed the Suez Canal southbound and arrived at Suez. (43)
22 May 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) departed Suez for Aden. (43)
28 May 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) arrived at Aden. (43)
29 May 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) departed Aden for Colombo. This was later changed to Trincomalee. (43)
12 Jun 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) arrived at Trincomalee where she joined the 4th Submarine Flotilla. (44)
15 Jun 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) was docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (44)
18 Jun 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) was undocked. (44)
22 Jun 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) laid a dummy minefield off Trincomalee. (44)
1 Jul 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 20th war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to lay mines in the Malacca Strait.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below.
(45)
6 Jul 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) sank a Japanese sailing vessel with gunfire in the Strait of Malacca. Also on this day she lays 30 mines (minefield ML 014) near position 03°55’N, 98°42’E off the mouth of the Deli River, Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies.
(All times are zone -6.5) 0535 hours - Sighted something ahead so Porpoise dived.
0700 hours - The object was identified as a small junk.
0742 hours - Surfaced and fired three rounds of 4" to stop the junk. Porpoise closed the junk, took the crew of four off and then sank the junk with gunfire in position 05°06'N, 98°46'E. The junk had no cargo on board when it was sunk.
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Between 1816 - 1836 hours Porpoise laid 30 mines off the mouth of the Deli river. (45)
8 Jul 1944
Between 0040 hours and 0206 hours (time zone -6.5), HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN), laid 26 more mines of the mouth of the Deli River seven were laid in a line 170° from 03°54.7'N, 98°42.9'E and nineteen in a line 120° from 03°54.7'N, 98°43.2'E.
This minefield sank the Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser Cha-8 (100 tons) [and Cha-9 ?] on 9 September, the freighter Bukun Maru aka Takekun Maru (ex Dutch Anastasia, 3029 GRT, built 1930) on 10 September and the Special Minelayer No.1 or Ma 1 (500 or 215 tons ?) on 27 March 1945. (45)
13 Jul 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) ended her 20th war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (45)
24 Jul 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) was docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (46)
25 Jul 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) was undocked. (46)
26 Jul 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (46)
27 Jul 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) departed Trincomalee for Fremantle, Australia where she was to join the 8th Submarine Flotilla.
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this passage see the map below.
(46)
10 Aug 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) arrived at Fremantle. (47)
4 Sep 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (48)
9 Sep 1944
The Japanese auxiliary submarine chasers Cha 8 and Cha 9 both sank about 7 nautical miles north of Belawan, Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies in position 03°54'N, 98°42'E after hitting mines laid by the British submarine HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) on 6 - 8 July 1944.
10 Sep 1944
The Japanese army tanker Bukun Maru aka Takekun Maru (3029 GRT, built 1930) sank about seven nautical miles north of Belawan, Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies in position 03°54'N, 98°42'E after hitting three mines laid by the British submarine HMS Porpoise (HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) on 8 July 1944. Her cargo of aviation spirit caught fire and there were no survivors from a crew of 44 and 29 passengers.
11 Sep 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) departed Fremantle for her 21th war patrol (2nd in the Far East and 1st in the south-west Pacific area). She was to conduct Special Operation Rimau (ex Hornbill) which consisted of launching fifteen one-man submersible canoes known as ‘Sleeping Beauties’ against the naval base of Singapore. The submarine carried a total of ninety-six passengers and crew members.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below.
(45)
17 Sep 1944
During the night of 17/18 September 1944, HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN), passed Lombok Strait northbound.
23 Sep 1944
At 2305 hours HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) launched a folbot manned by Lt.Cdr. Donald Davidson, RNVR, and Corporal Clair Stewart to reconnoitre the island of Merapas which was to be used as an advance base.
24 Sep 1944
At 2000 hours HMS Porpoise (Lt. Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) was back off the island of Merapas and made contact with Davidson who confirmed the island would be suitable for their enterprise and at 2105 hours two assault boats loaded with stores left the submarine to land them on the island and were recovered at 0030 hours. Lt. Walter Carey was left behind to hide and guard the stores.
28 Sep 1944
At 1359 hours HMS Porpoise (Lt. Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) captured the Malay junk Mustika of about 40 tons which was to be used for the operation. A boarding party of seven took her on a westerly course and at 1920 hours the submarine surfaced alongside in position 00°09’S, 108°37’E. The nine members of the Malay crew and the boarding party were taken on board the submarine which now took the junk in tow. Only a rating remained on board to cut the towing cable if the submarine had to dive in a hurry.
During 29-30 September 1944, HMS Porpoise transferred the Sleeping Beauties to the Mustika and sailed away. Of the twenty-three men ear-marked for Operation Rimau, none survived the war. All were either killed or executed by the Japanese. The results of the operation are unknown, there are unconfirmed rumours that three ships were sunk.
4 Oct 1944
During 4 October September 1944, HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN), passed Lombok Strait southbound. She made the passage during daylight hours, submerged.
11 Oct 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) ended her 21th war patrol (2nd in the Far East and 1st in the south-west Pacific area) at Fremantle. (45)
19 Oct 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) was docked in USS ARD 10 at Fremantle. (49)
22 Oct 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) was undocked. (49)
28 Oct 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted post repair trials off Fremantle. (49)
30 Oct 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) departed Fremantle for Colombo, this was later changed to Trincomalee.
For the daily positions of HMS Porpoise during this passage see the map below.
(49)
12 Nov 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) arrived at Trincomalee where she rejoined the 4th Submarine Flotilla. (50)
20 Nov 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee together with HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) and HMS Pathfinder (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Hallifax, RN). (50)
21 Nov 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. Upon completion of the exercises A/Lt.Cdr. Turner took over command. (50)
22 Nov 1944
HMS Porpoise (A/Lt.Cdr. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (50)
23 Nov 1944
HMS Porpoise (A/Lt.Cdr. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted a mine laying exercise off Trincomalee. (50)
24 Nov 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee.
Practice attacks were made, first on HMS Porpoise (A/Lt.Cdr. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) and later on HMS Lewes (T/Lt. M.H. Grylls, SANF(V)), HMAS Napier (A/Capt. H.J. Buchanan, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN). Also an A/S exercise was carried out with these three destroyers. (51)
28 Nov 1944
HMS Porpoise (A/Lt.Cdr. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) was docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (50)
29 Nov 1944
HMS Porpoise (A/Lt.Cdr. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) was undocked. (50)
30 Nov 1944
HMS Porpoise (A/Lt.Cdr. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (50)
2 Dec 1944
HMS Porpoise (A/Lt.Cdr. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 22th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She was ordered to lay a minefield off Penang and to make a short patrol off the Nicobar Islands afterwards.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Porpoise during this patrol see the map below.
(45)
9 Dec 1944
Shortly after noon, HMS Porpoise (A/Lt.Cdr. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN), laid minefield ML 019 with 46 mines in two rows off Penang near position 05°16'N, 100°05'E. The minefield does not appear to have yielded results. (45)
10 Dec 1944
HMS Porpoise (A/Lt.Cdr. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) sank a small sailing vessel in the Strait of Malacca.
(All times are zone -6.5) 0155 hours - In position 06°21'N, 99°18'E sighted and closed a small junk. Proceeded alongside. The cargo was found out to be empty tins. Removed the crew and demolished the junk. (45)
14 Dec 1944
HMS Porpoise (A/Lt.Cdr. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) set course to return to Trincomalee. (45)
18 Dec 1944
HMS Porpoise (A/Lt.Cdr. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 22th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (45)
24 Dec 1944
HMS Porpoise (A/Lt.Cdr. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (52)
3 Jan 1945
HMS Porpoise (A/Lt.Cdr. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 23th war patrol (4th in the Far East). She was ordered to lay a minefield off Penang.
9 Jan 1945
HMS Porpoise (A/Lt.Cdr. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) reported by signal that she had successfully laid her mines off Penang [this signal has not been located by us and some sources have reported that no signals were received from her].
13 Jan 1945
At 0101 hours, HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN), received Captain S.4’s signal (dated 1751Z/12) informing her that HMS Porpoise was in trouble 17 miles northwest of Pulo Perak). This information came not from Porpoise but from an Ultra decrypt [to be found at the National Archives in London in document HW27/22]. It indicated that at 1000 hours on 11 January, in position 05°30’N, 98°39’E, a Tenzan (Nakajima B6N2) bomber of 331 Air Group [based at Penang] had attacked a submarine, dropping two 60kg bombs. One missed the port bow by two metres and the other was a direct hit. A second attack was carried out at 1145 hours by a Tenzan in position 300° - Perak Island - 17 miles also dropping two 60kg bombs on a submerged submarine leaking oil. At 2057 hours, a third attack was made in the same area with six 60kg bombs and the attack was continued at 1000 hours the following morning.
Stygian was in the vicinity and immediately carried out a surface search of the area and tried to contact by radio her consort but nothing was seen or heard and no traces of wreckage found.
We know that these were not the only anti-submarine attacks by the Japanese on 11 January. Another was carried out at 0206 hours in position 04°15’N, 100°14’E by the submarine chaser Ch-8 (offsite link) which dropped fifteen depth charges on a contact. This attack must be considered as bogus as HMS Porpoise had no order to go this far south.
The attacks by the Tenzan aircraft appear more convincing. The positions were more consistent with Porpoise retiring after her minelaying operation. We know from her previous patrol which was very similar that Porpoise travelled surfaced by day and night until she reached the vicinity of Pulo Perak when she proceeded submerged by day for the final approach to her minelaying operation. However it appears a bit far-fetched to believe that a submarine as large as HMS Porpoise might have been sunk by such a small bomb and without leaving any trace. If the second attack is genuine, then the first attack was certainly not lethal as the submarine appeared to have moved north at over ten knots unless the positions recorded are inaccurate.
Divers have looked for the wreck but, so far, without success.
15 Jan 1945
The Japanese auxiliary minesweeper Kyo Maru No. 1 (340 GRT) hit a mine off Penang, Malaya in position 05°18'N, 100°20'E laid by the British submarine HMS Porpoise (A/Lt.Cdr. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) on 9 January.
27 Mar 1945
The Japanese auxiliary minelayer Ma 1 (215 tons) was sunk about 5 nautical miles north-east of Belawan, Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies in position 03°52'N, 98°45'E when she hits a mine laid by HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) on 6 - 8 July 1944.
18 May 1945
The Japanese submarine chaser Ch 57 (420 tons, built 1944, offsite link) hit a mine and was damaged off Penang, Malaya in position 05°20'N, 100°08'E. The mine was laid by the British submarine HMS Porpoise (A/Lt.Cdr. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) on 9 January.
Sources
- ADM 173/15937
- ADM 199/2566
- ADM 173/15878
- ADM 173/15938
- ADM 173/16431
- ADM 173/16432
- ADM 173/16433
- ADM 173/16434
- ADM 199/1877
- ADM 173/16435
- ADM 173/16436
- ADM 173/16437
- ADM 199/373
- ADM 173/16576
- ADM 173/16680
- ADM 173/16440
- ADM 173/16441
- ADM 53/111343 + ADM 53/113537 + ADM 173/16441 + ADM 173/16901 + ADM 199/50 + ADM 199/51
- ADM 173/16901
- ADM 173/16904
- ADM 173/16905
- ADM 173/16909
- ADM 199/1150
- ADM 173/16911
- ADM 199/1218
- ADM 173/17356
- ADM 173/17357
- ADM 173/17358
- ADM 199/2241 + Official Italian naval history (USMM) volume 7
- ADM 199/1220
- ADM 199/2248
- ADM 199/1226
- ADM 173/18584
- ADM 173/18585
- ADM 173/18459
- ADM 173/18459 + ADM 173/18585
- ADM 173/18995 + ADM 173/18585
- ADM 173/18586
- ADM 173/19135 + ADM 173/18586
- ADM 173/18587
- ADM 199/509
- ADM 173/18461
- ADM 173/18588
- ADM 173/18589
- ADM 199/513
- ADM 173/18590
- ADM 173/18591
- ADM 173/18592
- ADM 173/18593
- ADM 173/18594
- ADM 173/18732
- ADM 173/18595
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.