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Notable events involving Sea Rover include:

The history of HMS Sea Rover as compiled on this page is extracted from the logbooks and patrol reports of this submarine

This page was last updated in February 2020.

27 Feb 1943
Sea Rover was towed to Barrow to complete her fitting out at the yard of Vickers Armstrong. (1)

5 Jul 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Barrow for Holy Loch. (2)

6 Jul 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) arrived at Holy Loch for a period of trials and training.

[No logs are available for July and August 1943 so no details can be given.] (2)

28 Jul 1943
HMS Varangian (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) and HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) both conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (3)

31 Jul 1943
HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Stonehenge (Lt. D.S.M. Verschoyle-Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which they served as targets for each other. (4)

5 Aug 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She makes the passage together with HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN). They were escorted by HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR). (2)

6 Aug 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. Here she was to participate in A/S and attack exercises. (2)

16 Aug 1943
HMS Danae (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN).

On completion of these A/S exercises HMS Danae carried out gunnery exercises. (5)

17 Aug 1943
HMS Danae (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN).

On completion of these A/S exercises HMS Danae carried out gunnery exercises. (5)

24 Aug 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She makes the passage together with HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) that came from Lerwick. They were escorted by the British ASW trawler HMS Cotillion (T/Lt. S.G. Fowler, RNR). (2)

25 Aug 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. She continued her exercise program. (2)

1 Sep 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS White Bear served as the target. Upon completion of these she proceeded to Holy Loch. (6)

2 Sep 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted A/S exercises in the Clyde area with aircraft from HMS Tracker (Capt.(Retd.) D.S. McGrath, RN). Also a practice attack was made on HMS Tracker. (6)

3 Sep 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) returned to Holy Loch. (6)

5 Sep 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. On completion of these she proceeded to Larne. (6)

8 Sep 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted attack exercises off Larne on a dummy convoy. (6)

9 Sep 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (6)

10 Sep 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (6)

12 Sep 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (6)

13 Sep 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (6)

15 Sep 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (6)

17 Sep 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (6)

18 Sep 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (6)

19 Sep 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (6)

20 Sep 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (6)

21 Sep 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (6)

22 Sep 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (6)

23 Sep 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) and HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) both shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS ML 229 (T/Lt. W.C.R. Walsh, RNVR). (7)

25 Sep 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (6)

26 Sep 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) was docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (6)

1 Oct 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) was undocked. (8)

6 Oct 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She makes the passage together with HMS Storm (T/Lt. E.P. Young, DSC, RNVR) (on passage to Scapa Flow). They were escorted by the armed yacht HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN).

The next day HMS Storm was detached off Scapa Flow. (8)

8 Oct 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (8)

9 Oct 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Lerwick for her 1st (work-up) war patrol. She was to patrol off Northern Norway to the North of the Lofoten.

For the daily positions of HMS Sea Rover during this patrol see the map below.

(9)

24 Oct 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) ended her 1st (work up) war patrol at Lerwick.

She departed later the same day for Holy Loch escorted by HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR). (9)

26 Oct 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (8)

27 Oct 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) shifts from Holy Loch to Ardrossan where she was docked.

[As there is no log available for November it is now known to us when she was undocked.] (8)

18 Nov 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) shifted from Ardrossan to Holy Loch. (1)

19 Nov 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area during which they served as targets for each other. (10)

27 Nov 1943
For the daily positions of HMS Sea Rover during this passage see the map below.

(9)

27 Nov 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Holy Loch for Gibraltar. She was escorted to Bishops Rock by the British minesweeper HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN). (9)

29 Nov 1943
At 1045 hours HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) and her escort, the British minesweeper HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN), parted company off Bishops Rock. (9)

3 Dec 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) was ordered to proceed to Casablanca instead of Gibraltar. A uboat hunt was carried out to the West of Gibraltar. (9)

6 Dec 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) arrived at Casablanca. (9)

9 Dec 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Casablanca for Gibraltar. (9)

9 Dec 1943

Combined convoy OS 61 / KMS 35.

This combined convoy assembled off Oversay on 9 December 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Agen (French, 4186 GRT, built 1921), Anglo-Indian (British, 5609 GRT, built 1938), Baron Fairlie (British, 6706 GRT, built 1925), Barrgrove (British, 5222 GRT, built 1918), Barrington Court (British, 4910 GRT, built 1924), Chertsey (British, 6001 GRT, built 1943), Clan MacGillivray (British, 5023 GRT, built 1911), Clan MacIlwraith (British, 4839 GRT, built 1924), Commandant Dorise (British (former French), 5529 GRT, built 1917), Dimitrios Inglessis (Greek, 5275 GRT, built 1918), Drammensfjord (Norwegian, 5339 GRT, built 1920), Empire Austen (British, 7057 GRT, built 1942), Empire Boswell (British, 2898 GRT, built 1942), Empire Gale (British, 7089 GRT, built 1941), Empire Razorbill (British, 5620 GRT, built 1920), Empire Snow (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Fairwater (British, 4108 GRT, built 1928), Fort Covington (British, 7130 GRT, built 1943), Fort George (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Ingleton (British, 7203 GRT, built 1942), Ingman (British, 3149 GRT, built 1907), Johilla (British, 4042 GRT, built 1937), Keilehaven (Dutch, 2968 GRT, built 1919), Kiruna (Swedish, 5484 GRT, built 1921), Linge (Dutch, 2114 GRT, built 1928), Lisbeth (Norwegian, 2732 GRT, built 1922), Madoera (Dutch, 9360 GRT, built 1922), Madras City (British, 5080 GRT, built 1940), Mahanada (British, 8489 GRT, built 1943), Manchester Commerce (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Manchester Port (British, 7071 GRT, built 1935), Martand (British, 7967 GRT, built 1939), Melampus (Dutch, 6336 GRT, built 1924), Merton (British, 7195 GRT, built 1941), Ocean Vesper (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Sobo (British, 5353 GRT, built 1937), Stad Arnhem (Dutch, 3819 GRT, built 1920), Stanhill (British, 5969 GRT, built 1942), Tactician (British, 5996 GRT, built 1928), Temple Inn (British, 5218 GRT, built 1940), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938) and Zypenberg (Dutch, 4973 GRT, built 1920).

The rescue ship Pinto (British, 1346 GRT, built 1928) was also part of the convoy as were three Greek LST's, RHS Lemnos, RHS Lesbos and RHS Samos.

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the destroyer ORP Burza (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) F. Pitulko), cutter HMS Fishguard (Lt. C.D. Smith, DSC, RNR), frigates HMS Inver (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR), HMS Towy (Cdr. M.J Evans, OBE, RN), corvettes HMS Narcissus (T/Lt. G.T.S. Clampitt, RNR), FFS Aconit, FFS Lobelia, FFS Roselys and the A/S trawlers HMS Lady Madeleine (T/Lt. R.C. Heron, RNVR) and HMS Sapper (T/Lt. R.C. Lees, RNR).

The Clan MacGillivray had to return to the U.K. and arrived in the Clyde on 10 December 1943.

On 11 December 1943, the AA ship HMCS Prince Robert (Cdr. A.M. Hope, RCN) joined the convoy coming from Plymouth which she had departed on 10 December.

Around 1245Z/12, the escort carrier HMS Fencer (Capt. E.W. Anstice, RN) joined the convoy having parted company with northbound convoy SL 141 / KMS 32.

On 16 December 1943, HMCS Prince Robert parted company. Also the transport Linge parted company with the convoy to proceed to the Azores. She was escorted by HMS Fishguard. They arrived at the Azores on 18 December 1943.

Around 0535Z/17, HMS Fencer parted company with the convoy to join the combined convoy SL 142 / MKS 33. She joined this combined convoy around 1120Z/17. She had been escorted to the rendezvous by HMS Inver which then parted company to rejoin combined convoy OS 61 / KMS 35.

On 19 December 1943 the convoy split into convoy OS 61 bound for Freetown and convoy KMS 35 bound for the Mediterranean. The merchant vessels Barrington Court, Empire Boswell, Fort Covington and Lisbeth were detached to Lisbon.

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Convoy OS 61 was made up of the merchant vessels; Commandant Dorise, Fort George, Kiruna, Merton and Sobo.

They were joined by the following merchant vessels; Baron Stranraer (British, 3668 GRT, built 1929)), Corfirth (British, 1803 GRT, built 1934), Domby (British, 5582 GRT, built 1932), Empire Farmer (British, 7049 GRT, built 1943), Fort Binger (British, 5671 GRT, built 1919), Fort Charnisay (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Finlay (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Yale (British, 7132 GRT, built 1942), Marrakech (French, 6179 GRT, built 1914), Middlesex Trader (British, 7421GRT, built 1942), Nairnbank (British, 5155 GRT, built 1925), Orient City (British, 5095 GRT, built 1940), Silverash (British, 7750 GRT, built 1926) and Tynebank (British, 4651 GRT, built 1922) which came from Gibraltar which they had departed Gibraltar on 19 December 1943 escorted by the sloops HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN), HMS Sandwich (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR) and the corvette HMS Anchusa (T/Lt. R.A. Baker, RNVR) which now took over the escort of convoy convoy OS 61.

On 21 December 1943, the merchant vessels Chelma (French, 4968 GRT, built 1920), El-Biar (French, 4678 GRT, built 1927) and Montaigne (French, 2770 GRT, built 1920) joined coming from Casablanca which they had departed on 20 December 1943. The Corfirth, Fort George and Kiruna were then detached to Casablanca where they arrived on 22 December 1943.

On 26 December 1943, the Chelma, Marrakech, Montaigne and Tynebank arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy while the merchant vessel Canada (French, 9684 GRT, built 1912) and the minesweeping sloop Gazelle departed Dakar to join the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 29 December 1943. Some ships of the convoy did not enter Freetown but proceed directly to other destinations.

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Convoy KMS 35 was made up of the merchant vessels; Agen, Anglo-Indian, Baron Fairlie, Barrgrove, Chertsey, Clan MacIlwraith, Dimitrios Inglessis, Drammensfjord, Empire Austen, Empire Gale, Empire Razorbill, Empire Snow, Fairwater, Fort Meductic, Ingleton, Ingman, Johilla, Keilehaven, Madoera, Madras City, Mahanada, Manchester Commerce, Manchester Port, Martand, Melampus, Ocean Vesper, Stad Arnhem, Stanhill, Tactician, Temple Inn, Tiba and Zypenberg.

The Pinto and the three Greek LST's, RHS Lemnos, RHS Lesbos and RHS Samos were also part of this convoy.

On 21 December 1943, the following ships; Agen, Barrgrove, Ingman, Pinto, RHS Lemnos, RHS Lesbos and RHS Samos arrived at Gibraltar after having parted company with the convoy as did the original escort. [It is possible several other ships of the convoy made a short stop at Gibraltar.]

Early on 22 December 1943, the three Greek LST's and the merchant vessels Colytto (Dutch, 4408 GRT, built 1926), Djebel Aures (French, 2835 GRT, built 1929), Empire Pierrot (British (tug), 232 GRT, built 1943), Fomalhaut (French, 5795 GRT, built 1936), Haakon Hauan (Norwegian (tanker), 6582 GRT, built 1935), Harry A. Garfield (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Stal (British (former Danish), 2242 GRT, built 1921), Vera Radcliffe (British, 5587 GRT, built 1925) and Zena (British, 1416 GRT, built 1911) departed Gibraltar to (re)join the convoy. Also joining were the submarine tender Jules Verne, RFA salvage vessel Salvage Duke, rescue tug HMRT Mindful and the submarine HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN). A new escort group also joined, made up of the frigates HMS Dart (Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR), HMS Inver, corvettes HMS Gloxinia (Lt. M.C. English, RNR), HMS Primula (Lt. G.H. Taylor, RNR), A/S trawler HMS Wolborough (T/Lt. G.A. Hartnell, RNR) and the A/S whaler HMSAS Southern Maid (?). Additional escorts were the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN), cutter HMS Fishguard (Lt. C.D. Smith, DSC, RNR), minesweepers HMS Rosario (A/Cdr. F.E. Brooking, RN), HMS Waterwitch (Lt.Cdr. D.S. Campbell, RNVR), patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez and the A/S trawler La Setoise.

On 23 December 1943, the following ships; Dimitrios Inglessis, Haakon Hauan, Stad Arnhem, Vera Radcliffe and Zypenberg were detached to Oran, as were the Amiral Mouchez and La Setoise, while the following merchant vessels; George Dewey (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), George Matthews (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Hilary A. Herbert (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James G. Birney (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Loke (Norwegian, 2421 GRT, built 1915), Paul Hamilton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and William Patterson (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Oran. Also joining from Oran was the salvage vessel USS Tackle (Lt. J.M. Gillespie , USNR).

On 24 December 1943, the following ships; were detached to Djebel Aures, Empire Austen, Empire Razorill, Fort Meductic, Madras City and Temple Inn to Algiers as were the Jules Verne, HMS Salvage Duke and the USS Tackle. The following ships joined the convoy of Algiers; Dallington Court (British, 6889 GRT, built 1929), Empire Bairn (British (tanker), 813 GRT, built 1941), Empire Summer (British, 6949 GRT, built 1941), Esneh (British, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Harald (British, 1970 GRT, built 1903), Ile de Brehat (French, 6176 GRT, built 1919), Kosciuszko (Polish, 6852 GRT, built 1915), Loriga (British, 6665 GRT, built 1919) and Norbris (Panamanian (tanker), 7619 GRT, built 1930). The LST HMS LST 324 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Bell, RNR) also joined the convoy.

On 25 December 1943, the merchant vessel Empire Tana () joined the convoy off Bougie.

Later on 25 December 1943, the merchant vessels Riverton (British, 7307 GRT, built 1943) and Van der Capelle (Dutch, 7037 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy off Bougie.

Also on 25 December 1943, the Harry A. Garfield, Ingleton, Stal and Tiba were detached off Bone as was the rescue tug HMRT Mindful while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Bone; Empire Damsel (British (tanker), 784 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Stranger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922) and Tintern Abbey (British, 2471 GRT, built 1939).

On 26 December 1943, the merchant vessels Harald, Keilehaven, Loke and Paul Hamilton parted company with the convoy off Bizerta as did HMS Colombo, HMS LST 324, RHS Lemnos, RHS Lesbos and RHS Samos.

The following merchant vessels joined the convoy off Bizerta; Benjamin Goodhue (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Empire Opal (British (tanker), 9811 GRT, built 1941), Joseph Hewes (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Mannington (British, 1127 GRT, built 1943), Theodore Foster (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and Ugo Fiorelli (Italian, 1600 GRT, built 1943) as did the buoy tender Sunflower (American, 1100 GRT, built 1907).

The Empire Damsel and Sunflower were subsequently detached to Porto Empedocle on the south coast of Sicily.

On 27 December 1943, the merchant vessels Drammensfjord, Kosciuszko and Manchester Port were detached to Malta as was the minesweeper HMS Waterwitch while the merchant vessels Bantria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928) and Forthbank (British, 5057 GRT, 1929) joined the convoy.

On 27 December 1943 the following merchant vessels departed Augusta to join the convoy; Aelbert Cuyp (Dutch, 7086 GRT, built 1942), Berkel (Dutch, 2130 GRT, built 1930), Clan Murdoch (British, 5950 GRT, built 1919), Crista (British, 2590 GRT, built 1938), Empire Addison (British, 7010 GRT, built 1942), Empire Capulet (British, 7044 GRT, built 1943), Empire Daring (British, 7059 GRT, built 1943), Empire Glory (British, 7290 GRT, built 1943), Empire Path (British, 6140 GRT, built 1943), Fort Ash (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Caribou (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Erie (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frederick (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Fort Nashwaak (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort St. Paul (British, 7137 GRT, built 1943), Ocean Liberty (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Sambrake (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Sofala (British, 1031 GRT, built 1937).

On 28 December 1943, the following merchant vessels arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Baron Fairlie, Benjamin Goodhue, Chertsey, Colytto, Empire Bairn, Empire Gale, Empire Snow, Empire Summer, Empire Tana, Esneh, Fairwater, Fomalhaut, George Dewey, George Matthews, Hilary A. Herbert, Ile de Brehat, James G. Birney, Joseph Hewes, Loriga, Mannington, Manchester Commerce, Norbris, Ocean Stranger, Ocean Vesper, Riverton, Stanhill, Star, Theodore Foster, Tintern Abbey, Ugo Fiorelli, Van der Capelle, William Patterson and Zena.

On 30 December 1943, HMS Inver arrived at Tobruk after having been detached from the convoy.

On 31 December 1943, the following merchant vessels Aelbert Cuyp, Bantria, Berkel, Crista, Empire Capulet, Empire Daring, Empire Glory, Fort Ash, Fort Erie, Fort Nashwaak, Sambrake and Sofala were detached to Alexandria as were HMS Gloxinia, HMS Fishguard, HMS Rosario, HMS Wolborough and HMSAS Southern Maid.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 1 January 1944 after which the two remaining escorts, HMS Dart and HMS Primula proceeded to Haifa.

10 Dec 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (9)

22 Dec 1943
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Gibraltar for Beirut. She makes part of the passage with convoy KMS-35. (1)

1 Jan 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) arrived at Beirut. (11)

13 Jan 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Beirut for Port Said. (11)

15 Jan 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) arrived at Port Said. (11)

16 Jan 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) transits the Suez Canal and arrived at Suez. (11)

17 Jan 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Suez for Aden. (11)

23 Jan 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) arrived at Aden. (11)

25 Jan 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises off Aden. (11)

26 Jan 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Aden for Colombo. (11)

6 Feb 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) arrived at Colombo. (12)

8 Feb 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. At sea she was joined by HMS Surf (Lt. D. Lambert, DSC, RN) which came from Aden. The submarines were escorted by the Italian sloop Eritrea. (12)

10 Feb 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (12)

21 Feb 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Strait.

Before proceeding on patrol gunnery exercises, followed by A/S exercises with destroyers and aircraft were carried out.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Sea Rover during this patrol see the map below.

(9)

3 Mar 1944
While on patrol South of Penang HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) attacked but missed a Japanese submarine with six torpedoes in position 04°55'N, 100°12'E. [ possibly this was RO-111 (offsite link), maybee she was exercising off Penang ]

Later she sank the Japanese Matsu Maru No.1 with gunfire in position 04°56'N, 100°17'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1405 hours - Sighted a Japanese submarine of the RO 60 class in position 04°55'N, 100°12'E. Started attack.

1412 hours - Fired six torpedoes from 2500 yards. No hits were obtained as the enemy altered course shortly afterwards. It was thought the torpedo tracks had been seen and evaded.

1600 hours - While reloading the torpedo tubes at 50 feet HE was picked up. Came to periscope depth and saw a small merchant vessel.

Surfaced for gun action in position 04°50'N, 100°13'E and set the merchant ship ablaze.

1640 hours - Dived and continued to reload the torpedo tubes.

2005 hours - Surfaced position 04°50'N, 100°11'E and found that the target was still buring.

2020 hours - The fire suddenly disappeared. I was considered that the merchant had sunk. (9)

6 Mar 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) sank a Japanese coaster with gunfire in the Strait of Malacca.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1401 hours - Sighted the mast and funnel of a small coaster. This was later seen to be a modern one of about 750 tons flying the Japanese merchant ensign. Ran in but was not able to get closer then 4000 yards.

1424 hours - Surfaced for gun action in position 03°39'N, 99°13'E. The enemy increased speed and opened fire with a gun thought to be about 20mm. The range was not closing so opened fire. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th round were hits and set his bridge on fire. This burnt for 10 minutes but then went out. Fired the remainder of the ammunition.

1500 hours - All ammo was now gone. The ship had beached herself in position 03°31'N, 99°15'E. She was listing heavily to Port and there was a slight fire in the hold. Fired two pans of Oerlikon into the wreck and then turned to seaward as the sounding machine gave very alarming results as to the water depth. (9)

8 Mar 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese transport Shobu Maru (2005 GRT, built 1942) in the Malacca Stait in position 03°38'N, 99°12'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1000 hours - In position 03°39'N, 99°14'E sighted a convoy of five merchant ships with one escort bearing 125°. Commenced attack.

1109 hours - Fired six torpedoes at the second ship of the middle column (thought to be of 4000 tons) from 1200 yards. Enemy course was 305°, speed 9 knots. It was hoped that if torpedoes missed they would hit a ship in the last column. It is thought that the 3rd torpedo hit the target but this was not observed.

While going deep Sea Rover hit the bottom hard at only 45 feet. 29 Depth charges were dropped over the next hour but none was very close. Meanwhile Sea Rover made her way to deeper water. It was thought breaking up noises were also heard.

1215 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The escort was stopped only 1500 yards away. Went deep again.

1225 hours - Three more depth charges were dropped.

1408 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight except 2 small junks.

13 Mar 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Trincomalee. She was escorted in by the Italian sloop Eritrea. (9)

25 Mar 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) was docked at Trincomalee. (13)

29 Mar 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) was undocked. (13)

1 Apr 1944
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Sea Rover during her 3rd war patrol see the map below.

1 Apr 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off Diamond Point, Sumatra. She was escorted out by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. F.R. Crawford, RNVR). (9)

10 Apr 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) made a torpedo attack on an escorted merchant vessel near Diamond Point, Sumatra in position 05°07'N, 97°45'E. Six torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0555 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 145°.

0638 hours - Sighted masts. Started attack on a merchant ship of 5000 tons with one escort.

0736 hours - In position 05°07'N, 97°45'E fired six torpedoes from 4200 yards. Enemy course was 310°. Speed 10 knots. No hits were obtained. It is thought the enemy saw the torpedo tracks.

0745 hours - Two depth charges were dropped but they were well away.

0755 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The target was seen to continue on its course. (9)

20 Apr 1944
At 1805 hours (zone -6.5) HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) surfaced and opened fire on a goods train at Lhokseumawe, Sumatra. In about 15 minutes the train was wrecked with 59 shells. (9)

25 Apr 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (9)

8 May 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee with the Italian sloop Eritrea. (14)

12 May 1944
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Sea Rover during her 4th war patrol see the map below.

12 May 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off Penang. She was also to lay a minefield between the Sembilan islands and the coast of Malaya.

Before proceeding on patrol exercises were carried out with the Italian sloop Eritrea. On completion of these exercises Eritrea then escorted Sea Rover out until 1830 hours. (9)

18 May 1944
Between 1420 and 1710 hours (zone -6.5) HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) lays a minefield of 8 mines (4x2) between the Sembilan Island and the mainland of Malaya near position 04°03'N, 100°36'E. (9)

22 May 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese auxiliary gunboat Kosho Maru (1365 GRT, built 1940, offsite link) off the southern entrance to Penang harbour in position 04°52'N, 100°16'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0906 hours - Sighted an aircraft patrolling to the South-East.

0913 hours - Sighted a second aircraft patrolling. Very likely that there was a convoy approaching.

1004 hours - Sighted masts and smoke bearing 140°. Commenced attack on what soon turned out to be two merchant ships of 3000 and 2000 tons. They were escorted by two submarine chasers and the above mentioned two aircraft.

1043 hours - In position 04°52'N, 100°16'E fired six torpedoes at the leading ship from 3900 yards. One torpedo was heard to hit after 2min 53sec (the correct running range). This was followed by breaking up noises. Sea Rover went deep but hit bottom at only 43 feet.

Meanwhile the enemy launched their counter attack dropping 4 depth charges in less then 10 minutes. They were quite close but not close enough to cause any damage.

Sea Rover was hunted the whole day but the Japanese were never in contact. At 1515 hours, when at periscope depth, it was noticed that the submarine chaser had now gone but aircraft remaind patrolling the area until dark.

Sea Rover now had only one stern torpedo left so she left patrol and set course for Trincomalee. (9)

28 May 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. She was to be escorted in by HMS Magnolia (T/Lt. S.R. Brown, RNVR) but no contact could be made with this escort. Sea Rover then proceeded to Trincomlaee independently. (9)

4 Jun 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) was docked at Trincomalee. (15)

6 Jun 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) was undocked. (15)

12 Jun 1944
During 12 and 13 June 1944, HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night exercises. During these exercises she was escorted by HMS Rosalind (A/Skr.Lt. E.G. Littler, DSC, RD, RNR). Also part of these exercises were a practice attack on HMS Begum (A/Capt. J.E. Broome, DSC, RN) and A/S exercises with two of her escorts, the frigates HMS Nadder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.E. Kitto, RNR) and HMS Lossie (Lt.Cdr. A.F. MacFie, OBE, RNR). (15)

16 Jun 1944
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Sea Rover during her 5th war patrol see the map below.

16 Jun 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 5th war patrol (4th in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Straits off Penang. She was escorted out by the Italian sloop Eritrea. (9)

20 Jun 1944
At 0620 hours (zone -6.5), while passing through the Andaman Sea to her patrol area, HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) is bombed by an enemy aircraft in position 06°44'N, 95°48'E. No damage is done to Sea Rover.

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

At 1521 hours, in position 06°42'N, 95°51'E, a large Japanese submarine surfaced about 4000 yards from Sea Rover. The torpedo tubes were brought to the ready but by the time they could be fired the submarine was stern on. Lt. Angell wanted to surface for gun action but this could not be done as an aircraft soon appeared on the scene.

This might have been the Japanese submarine I-8 (offsite link). (9)

26 Jun 1944
At 2155 hours (zone -6.5) HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) was detected and depth charged by two Japanese A/S vessels South of Penang in position 04°36'N, 100°03'E. Considerable damage was done to instruments and internal fittings. Also two tons of water entered the submarine. The enemy remained in the area until about 0400 hours the next morning. (9)

27 Jun 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) sank a sailing vessel with demolition charges South-East of Penang.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1820 hours - Sighted a junk of about 25 tons about 4000 yards away. Lt. Angell decided to sink it to boost morale ofter yesterdays depth charging of Sea Rover.

1837 hours - Surfaced in position 04°54'N, 99°32'E and closed the junk.

1905 hours - Boarded the junk and sank it with a demolition charge. Took off seven prisoners. (9)

5 Jul 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) sank two sailing vessels with gunfire and demolition charges North-West of Penang.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1815 hours - Surfaced in position 05°38'N, 99°57'E to engage two junks. Sank the first junk of about 50 tons with six rounds of 3" high explosive shells. Picked up three survivors.

1915 hours - Boarded the second junk of about 40 tons. Took two prisoners and sent three of the prisoners taken on 27 June off with the remainder of the crew of this junk away in their boat.

1930 hours - sank the junk with a demolition charge. (9)

11 Jul 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (4th in the Far East) at Trincomalee. She was escorted in by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. F.R. Crawford, RNVR). (9)

21 Jul 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) was docked at Trincomalee. (16)

27 Jul 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) was undocked. (16)

4 Aug 1944
During 4 and 5 August 1944, HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night exercises. Gunnery exerises were carried followed by a practice attack on HMS Indomitable (Capt. J.A.S. Eccles, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, CB, RN) on 4 August.

In the early morning hours of the next day an A/S exercises was carried out with destroyers. (17)

7 Aug 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 6th war patrol (5th in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol to the North of the Mergui Archipelago. Later she was to perform air/sea rescue duties off Padang, Sumatra. She was escorted out HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. F.R. Crawford, RNVR).

She was to end this patrol at Fremantle, Australia. (9)

7 Aug 1944
For the daily positions of HMS Sea Rover during her 6th war patrol see the map below.

24 Aug 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted air/sea rescue duties off Padang, Sumatra. No allied aircraft were seen to crash so no action was required. (9)

26 Aug 1944
While on passage on the surface HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) is twice attacked by a Japanese aircraft. No damage was sustained.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0826 hours - Sighted a splash bearing 330°, distance 1 nautical mile. It was thought to be a whale spout, but was later thought to be a bomb dropped from a height.

0828 hours - A Japanese aircraft attacked from astern coming in low and very close. It opened fire with machine guns. Crash dived in position 06°46'S, 101°23'E.

0913 hours - No sign of the aircraft for over 30 minutes so surfaced.

0938 hours - Sighted the aircraft again and dived in position 06°52'S, 101°27'E.

1046 hours - Surfaced.

1128 hours - Attacked again with machine gun fire. Crash dived in position 06°59'S, 101°32'E.

1410 hours - Surfaced in position 07°04'S, 101°34'E.

1445 hours - Dived for an aircraft in position 07°08'S, 101°38'E. Decided to remain dived until dusk.

1821 hours - Surfaced in position 07.14'S, 101.38'E. (9)

1 Sep 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) arrived at Exmouth Gulf, Australia for fuel and provisions. (9)

2 Sep 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Exmouth Gulf for Fremantle. (9)

5 Sep 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (5th in the Far East) at Fremantle, Australia. She was escorted in by HMAS Dubbo (T/Lt. F.W. Roberts, RANR(S)). (9)

6 Sep 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) was docked at Fremantle. (18)

8 Sep 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) was undocked. (18)

20 Sep 1944
During 20 and 21 September 1944, HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN), conducted exercises off Fremantle. These included night exercises.

Several practice attacks were made on HMAS Mildura (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Little, RANR(S)). (18)

23 Sep 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Fremantle for her 7th war patrol (6th in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Flores Sea. She was escorted out by HMAS Ipswich (T/Lt. R.H. Creasey, RANR(S)). (9)

23 Sep 1944
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Sea Rover during her 7th war patrol see the map below.

27 Sep 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) topped off with fuel at Exmouth Gulf. (9)

2 Oct 1944
During the night of 2 / 3 October 1944 HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) passed Lombok straits Northbound. (9)

4 Oct 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) sank a Japanese lighter damaged a Japanese coaster with gunfire in the Flores Sea.

(All times are zone -8)
0812 hours - Sighted a ship bearing 210°. Closed submerged.

0843 hours - Surfaced in position 08°04'S, 117°55'E to engage the coaster. She was of about 150 tons and was towing a lighter of about 80 tons. Fire was opened from 2000 yards and soon hits were scored. The target turned towards the shore.

0848 hours - One of the lookouts reported an aircraft flying towards. By now 15 rounds had been fired. Crash dived. However one of the gun crew fell overboard and was left in the water.

0853 hours - Came to periscope depth. Could not see the aircraft.

0855 hours - Surfaced and proceeded to pick up Telegraphist Murphy who was a happy man when he was back on board. By this time the coaster had beached herself. She had left the lighted 2000 yards from the shore. Five rounds were fired and she was holed on the waterline but would not sink.

Dived, leaving the badly damaged coaster ashore and the waterlodged lighter drifting slowly towards the shore. (9)

15 Oct 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) made the passage of Lombok Strait Southward. She made the passage submerged by day. (9)

22 Oct 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (6th in the Far East and 1st in the South-West Pacific area) at Fremantle. She was escorted in by HMAS Parkes (Lt.Cdr. N.O. Vidgen, RANR). (9)

6 Nov 1944
During 6 and 7 November 1944, HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN), conducted exercises off Fremantle. First gunnery exercises were carried out on a target that was being towed by HMAS Alfie Cam. These were followed by attack exercises during which USS Coucal (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Byerly, USNR) served as target.

In the evening radar tracking exercises were carried out during which HMAS Warrnambool (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) E.J.B. Wight, RAN) served as target. On completion of these exercises HMS Sea Rover returned to Fremantle where she arrived early the next day. (19)

9 Nov 1944
During 9 and 10 November 1944, HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN), HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) and HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Fremantle. These also included night exercises.

Convoy attack exercises were carried out during which HMAS Bunbury (Lt. J.F. Bleckman, RANR(S)), HMAS Inverell (Lt. A.I. Chapman, RANR(S)), HMAS Launceston (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.J. Barron, RANR(S)), HMAS Mildura (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Little, RANR(S)) and HMAS Warrnambool (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) E.J.B. Wight, RAN) served as the targets. (19)

11 Nov 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Fremantle for her 8th war patrol (7th in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Java Sea and Makassar Strait.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Sea Rover during this patrol see the map below.

(9)

19 Nov 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) arrived at Darwin. (9)

20 Nov 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Darwin for her patrol area. (9)

7 Dec 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) sank a Japanese coaster with gunfire in Makassar Strait.

(All times are zone -8)
0705 hours - Sighted mast of a small coaster. Enemy course was 140°, speed was 7 knots.

0759 hours - Surfaced in position 03°12'S, 118°43'E for gun action. Range was 3000 yards. 50 Rounds of 3" were fired. More than 30 hits were obtained before the coaster sank. Five survivors were picked up, one Japanese and four natives were picked up, two of the survivors were wounded. Three Japanese that avoided capture were shot. (9)

13 Dec 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) makes a short stop at Exmouth Bay for fuel and provisions. Also a wounded survivor / prisoner is landed. (9)

17 Dec 1944
At 0023 hours (zone -9.5), HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) and HMAS Bunbury (Lt. J.F. Bleckman, RANR(S)) collide with each other in position 31°45'S, 115°13'E. Damage is caused to both ships.

At 0505 hours ended her 8th war patrol (7th in the Far East and 2nd in the South-West Pacific area) when she entered Fremantle harbour. (9)

18 Dec 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) is put on the slipway at Fremantle. A false bow was created to enable the passage to the U.K. only the lowest torpedo tubes on both sides could be fired in this condition. (20)

21 Dec 1944
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) is put back in the water. (20)

5 Jan 1945
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Fremantle for Trincomalee. This is the first leg of the trip to the U.K.

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

(21)

19 Jan 1945
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (21)

24 Jan 1945
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Trincomalee for Aden. (21)

4 Feb 1945
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) arrived at Aden. (22)

6 Feb 1945
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Aden for Suez. (22)

11 Feb 1945
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) arrived at Suez. (22)

12 Feb 1945
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) transits the Suez Canal and arrived at Port Said. (22)

18 Feb 1945
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Port Said for Malta. (22)

22 Feb 1945
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) arrived at Malta. (22)

27 Feb 1945
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. (22)

3 Mar 1945
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (1)

6 Mar 1945
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) departed Gibraltar for Portsmouth. She makes part of the passage with convoy MKS-87. (1)

13 Mar 1945
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (1)

6 Apr 1945
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. H.S. May, RN) departed Portsmouth for Belfast. She was escorted by the Canadian corvette HMCS Guelph. (23)

8 Apr 1945
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. H.S. May, RN) makes a short stop at Fishguard instead of Belfast. She departed later the same day for the U.S.A. where she was to refit. She was escorted by the Canadian corvette HMCS Guelph during the passage. (23)

18 Apr 1945
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. H.S. May, RN) arrived at St. Johns, Canada. (1)

21 Apr 1945
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. H.S. May, RN) departed St. Johns, Canada for Philadelphia, U.S.A. (1)

26 Apr 1945
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. H.S. May, RN) arrived at Philadelphia, U.S.A. where she was to refit at the U.S. Navy Yard. (1)

1 May 1945
HMS Sea Rover (Lt. H.S. May, RN) started her refit at the Philadephia Navy Yard.

Her refit was completed on 7 September 1945 when she departed for Bermuda. (1)