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Notable events involving Trident include:

The history of HMS Trident as compiled on this page is extracted from Trident's patrol reports and logbooks (unfortunately not all logs are available) was created in January 2011.

Corrections and details regarding information from the enemy's side (for instance the composition of convoys attacked) is kindly provided by Mr. Platon Alexiades, a naval researcher from Canada who has done several decades of research in several archives around the world.

This page was last updated in November 2024.

1 Oct 1939
Around 1330A/1, HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) departed her builders yard at Birkenhead for Plymouth. She was escorted by HMS Shikari (Cdr. J.H. Lewis, RN). (1)

2 Oct 1939
Around 1815A/2, HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) arrived at Plymouth.

She departed again later the same day, around 2140A/2, for Portsmouth. She made the passage together with HMS H 28 (Lt. D.E. Mansfield, RN) (which was to proceed to Portland). They were escorted by HMS Shikari (Cdr. J.H. Lewis, RN). Off Portland, around 1050A/3, HMS H 28 left and HMS H 49 (Lt. E.F. Balston, RN) joined for the passage to Portsmouth. (1)

3 Oct 1939
Around 1615A/3, HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) arrived at Portsmouth to begin a period of trials and training. (1)

4 Oct 1939
HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) conducted independent exercises off Portsmouth. (1)

5 Oct 1939
HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) conducted independent exercises off Portsmouth. (1)

6 Oct 1939
HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) conducted independent exercises off Portsmouth. (1)

7 Oct 1939
HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) conducted independent exercises off Portsmouth. (1)

12 Oct 1939
Around 0615A/12, HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) departed Portsmouth for Portland where she was to conduct her torpedo firing trials. She arrived at Portland around 1150A/12.

During the passage she was escorted by HMS Skate (Lt.Cdr. A.O. Johnson, RN). (1)

13 Oct 1939
HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Portland. (1)

14 Oct 1939
HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Portland. (1)

15 Oct 1939
HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Portland. (1)

16 Oct 1939
Around 0845A/16, HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) departed Portland for Portsmouth (Fort Blockhouse) where she arrived around 1450A/16.

Also speed trials were carried out on the measured mile in Spithead. (1)

20 Oct 1939
HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Portsmouth. (1)

25 Oct 1939
Around 0615A/25, HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) departed Portsmouth for Oban. She made most of the passage in a convoy.

This convoy was made up of the merchant vessel; Boniface (British, 4877 GRT, built 1928) and the base ships Manchester City (British, 5600 GRT, built 1937) and Mashobra (British, 8324 GRT, built 1920).

They were to proceed from Portsmouth to Scapa Flow.

The convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN), HMS Scimitar (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, RN), HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. M. Culme-Seymour, RN) and HMS Venomous (Lt.Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, RN).

Around 1900A/25, the destroyers were relieved near Plymouth by the destroyer HMS Vanessa (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Plumer, RN).

At 2030A/25, the destroyer HMS Vivacious (Lt.Cdr. F.R.W. Parish, RN) also joined. She was to have joined at the same time as HMS Vanessa but was delayed.

While en-route the convoy was diverted to proceed to the Clyde instead where it arrived on the 27th.

At 0745A/27, HMS Trident had parted company with the convoy to proceed to Oban escorted by HMS Vivacious. HMS Trident arrived at Oban at 1530A/27 hours. (1)

27 Oct 1939
Around 1755A/27 HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) departed from Oban for her 1st war patrol (work-up patrol). She was ordered to patrol off the west coast of Ireland on an anti-Uboat patrol.

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

(2)

4 Nov 1939
At 1503A/4, the merchant vessel Brandon (British, 6668 GRT, built 1917) reported having been missed by a torpedo about 120 nautical miles to the west of the Hebrides.

The attack must have been the German submarine U-33 which attacked a merchant vessel with two torpedoes, which both missed, at 1520B/4 in position 56°40'N 10°39'W.

The British submarines, HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) and HMS Triumph (Lt.Cdr. J.W. McCoy, RN), both on anti-Uboat patrols to the west of Ireland and the Hebrides respectively, were both ordered to investigate and try to intercept this enemy submarine which was expected to be southbound. Both sighted nothing though. (3)

11 Nov 1939
At 0810A/11, HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN), made rendezvous with HMS Triumph (Lt.Cdr. J.W. McCoy, RN). Both submarines then proceeding in company towards Rosyth escorted by the destroyer HMS Maori (Cdr. G.N. Brewer, RN). (2)

12 Nov 1939
Around 1030A/12, HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) ended her 1st war patrol, that had been uneventful as nothing had been sighted, at Rosyth. (2)

23 Nov 1939
Around 2200Z/23, HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 2nd war patrol. She is to form a patrol line with other submarines off the Norwegian coast to intercept the German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau returning to Germany after they had sunk the armed merchant cruiser HMS Rawalpindi (Capt.(Retd.) E.C. Kennedy, RN) south-east of Iceland.

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

(2)

5 Dec 1939
At 2302Z/5, HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) sighted a submarine bearing 120° 600 yards steering 250°. Trident turned toward and all bow tubes were flooded. Identification signals were made by the submarine but could not be read. It was decided that it was probably a friendly submarine that was out of position due to the bad weather that prevented good sights to establish position. The submarine eventually turned out to be HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN). (2)

6 Dec 1939
At 1630Z/6, HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) left patrol to return to Rosyth. (2)

8 Dec 1939
Around 0930Z/8, HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Rosyth. (2)

14 Dec 1939
HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) is docked in the floating dock (AFD 3) at the Rosyth Dockyard. (4)

18 Dec 1939
HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) is undocked. (4)

19 Dec 1939
HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) conducted, post repair, hydroplane trials off Rosyth. (5)

24 Dec 1939
During 24/25 December 1939, HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) conducted exercises off the Firth of Forth. (5)

27 Dec 1939
Around 0800Z/27, HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 3rd war patrol. She is to patrol off Murmansk, northern Russia to observe German movements / operations from that port.

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

(2)

3 Jan 1940
At 1104Z/3, while patrolling north of the Kola Inlet, HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) sighted a warship proceeding towards the Kola Inlet. Visibility was bad but it was thought to be a Soviet Project 7-class destroyer. (2)

6 Jan 1940
At 1450Z/6, HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) left patrol off the Kola Inlet to return to Rosyth. (2)

12 Jan 1940
Around 1100Z/12, HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Rosyth. (2)

20 Jan 1940
Around 2340Z/20, HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 4th war patrol. She is to patrol in the North Sea. (6)

24 Jan 1940
Around 1125Z/24, HMS Trident (Cdr. J.G. Gould, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Rosyth. (6)

29 Jan 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) conducted exercises in the Firth of Forth. (6)

31 Jan 1940
Around 1430Z/31, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 5th war patrol. She is to patrol in the North Sea off the west coast of Denmark.

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

(2)

11 Feb 1940
Around 1800Z/11, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) left patrol to return to Rosyth. (2)

14 Feb 1940
Around 1030Z/14, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Rosyth. (2)

21 Feb 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) conducted exercises in the Firth of Forth. (7)

24 Feb 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) is docked in No.3 graving dock at the Rosyth Dockyard. (4)

27 Feb 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) is undocked. (4)

28 Feb 1940
Around 1600A/28, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 6th war patrol. She is to patrol off Lister, Norway to intercept the German tanker Altmark (10698 GRT, built 1938) which was expected to try to return to Germany from Norway.

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

(2)

2 Mar 1940
Around 1300A/2, when in position 58°15'N, 06°12'E, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) sighted the German tanker Friedrich Breme (10397 GRT, built 1936) proceeding south-eastwards. She was proceeding inside Norwegian territorial waters escorted by a Norwegian torpedo boat of the Sleipner-class. (2)

7 Mar 1940
Around 1145A/7, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Rosyth. She isdocked in No.3 graving dock at the Rosyth Dockyard for repairs to her Asdic dome later the same day. (2)

11 Mar 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) is undocked. (8)

13 Mar 1940
Around 0040A/13, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 7th war patrol. She is to patrol in the Skagerrak as a cover for Operation R.3, an attempt to intervene in Norway by using the pretext of assistance to Finland. The operation will be cancelled the following day when the news of an armistice between Finnish and Soviet forces has been signed.

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

(2)

15 Mar 1940
At 0325A/15, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) left patrol to return to Rosyth. (2)

17 Mar 1940
Around 1425A/17, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at Rosyth. Shortly before arrival D/G trials were carried out. (2)

25 Mar 1940
Around 1200A/25, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 8th war patrol. She is to patrol off the south coast of Norway. During this patrol several neutral ships are examined but all are released.

On departure D/G trials were carried out.

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

(2)

27 Mar 1940
At 0430A/27, in position 58°02'N, 06°28'E, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) stopped the Danish merchant vessel Clara (1398 GRT, built 1925). After inspection of the papers the ship was allowed to proceed. (2)

28 Mar 1940
At 1745A/28, to the south of Ryvingen, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) a warship was sighted. It was thought to be a Norwegian Sleipner-class torpedo boat. (2)

29 Mar 1940
At 1805A/29, in position 57°57'N, 08°30'E, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) stopped the Danish merchant vessel Texas (2328 GRT, built 1939). After inspection of the papers the ship was allowed to proceed. (2)

30 Mar 1940
At 1530A/30, in position 57°56'N, 08°10'E, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) stopped the Danish merchant vessel Korea (9945 GRT, built 1939). After inspection of the papers the ship was allowed to proceed.

At 1845A/30, in position 57°58'N, 08°05'E, HMS Trident stopped the Danish merchant vessel Lars Kruse (1807 GRT, built 1923). After inspection of the papers the ship was allowed to proceed.

At 1930A/30, in position 57°56'N, 08°14'E, HMS Trident stopped the Norwegian merchant vessel Karma (1106 GRT, built 1912). After inspection of the papers the ship was allowed to proceed. (2)

3 Apr 1940
At 1745A/3, in position 240° - Lister lighthouse - 3 nautical miles, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) sighted two eastbound trawlers. These were thought to be Norwegian auxiliary patrol vessels. (2)

4 Apr 1940
At 0430A/4, in position 58°05'N, 08°22'E, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) stopped the Latvian merchant vessel Everalda (3934 GRT, built 1912). After inspection of the papers the ship was allowed to proceed. (2)

6 Apr 1940
At 0745A/6, off Larvik, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) sighted three eastbound Norwegian torpedo boats of the Sleipner-class. (2)

8 Apr 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) intercepted the German tanker Stedingen (former Posidonia, 8036 GRT, built 1939) south of the Oslo fjord in position 58°57'N, 10°25'E. The Germans scuttled their ship and it was finished off by a torpedo from HMS Trident.

1200A/8 - Sighted a large laden tanker steaming westward outside territorial waters. The vessel was thought to be a German auxiliary vessel.

1215A/8 - Surfaced about one nautical mile of the targets port quarter and fired a blank shot. The ship turned to starboard and headed for territorial waters while increasing speed. Two live rounds were now fired but these fell just short of the bridge. This caused her to stop her engines. The crew abandoned ship and made for shore. They were stopped and the ship's captain was taken prisoner. The tanker was now lower in the water and in a sinking condition. The captain confirmed that they had scuttled the ship. Lt.Cdr. Seale decided to fire one torpedo to finish her off. The tanker sank at 1315A/8. (2)

9 Apr 1940
At 0330A/9, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) dived in position 58°52'N, 10°22'E.

At 0540A/9, HE of a vessel was picked up. The vessel was stopping and starting as if she was hunting. HMS Trident meanwhile closed the entrance to the Oslofjord.

At 0715A/9, in position 233 - Faerder lighthouse - 3 nautical miles, a trawler patrol was observed.

At 1200A/9, in position 58°57'N, 10°36'E, Trident was hunted by two armed trawlers.

By 1515A/9, HMS Trident was clear and it was decided to retire further to the southwards to charge.

At 2105A/9, HMS Trident surfaced in position 58°48'N, 10°21'E and retired further to the south in accordance with Vice-Admiral Submarines signal timed 1756A/9. Course was subsequently set to position 58°40'N, 11°00'E. (2)

10 Apr 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) fires two torpedoes at the German transport Wandsbek (2388 GRT, built 1938) south-south-east of the Oslo fjord in position 58°38'N, 10°32'E. Both torpedoes missed their target.

0210A/10 - In position 58°38'N, 10°36'E dived on sighting a small vessel. Continued to proceed, but now submerged, to position 58°40'N, 11°00'E. Heavy air patrol were seen all day.

1430A/10 - In position 58°40'N, 11°00'E sighted a merchant vessel hull down to the westward. It was proceeding northwards. No enemy shipping was seen within five miles off the land so proceeded to the westward to get on the shipping route.

1845A/10 - In position 58°38'N, 10°32'E sighted and attacked a northbound merchant vessel. Fired two torpedoes from 4000 yards that both missed.

2100A/10 - Surfaced in position 58°35'N, 10°46'E and patrolled in the area during the night.

2240A/10 - In position 58°31'N, 10°29'E put down by what was thought to be an enemy destroyer proceeding at 21 knots. Surfaced after the enemy had passed.

2330A/10 - Again put down by what is thought to be an enemy destroyer which subsequently passed overhead with two other ships. (2)

11 Apr 1940
At 0026A/11, in position 58°32'N, 10°30'E, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) surfaced and continued her patrol.

At 0315A/11, in position 58°32'N, 10°29'E, HMS Trident dived for a day of submerged patrol.

At 0730A/11, what is thought to be a German Type 1934-class destroyer passed proceeding on a course of 170°. She passed out of range to the eastwards.

At 2000A/11, in position 58°35'N, 10°55'E, HMS Trident was hunted by three A/S trawlers. Decided at 2130A/11, as they were still to seaward to surface and clear the area to the southward at high speed.

At 2143A/11, surfaced in position 58°29'N, 11°05'E and proceeded south at 14 knots. Shortly afterwards set course to return to Rosyth as had been ordered in the Vice Admiral Submarines signal timed 1836A/11. (2)

12 Apr 1940
At 0317A/12, in position 58°08'N, 09°16'E, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) dived for a day of submerged patrol.

At 0630A/12, three vessels, possibly destroyers, passed astern on a south-easterly course.

At 0804A/12, the Vice Admiral Submarines signal timed 0701A/12 was received ordering HMS Trident to try to intercept the damaged German pocket battleship Lützow which was returning to Germany. HMS Trident surfaced and proceeded south at speed.

At 0834A/12, HMS Trident had to dive for an approaching aircraft. Passage south was continued submerged but the damaged enemy ship was not seen.

At 2125A/12, HMS Trident surfaced in position 57°52'N, 08°55'E.

At 2220A/12, the Vice Admiral Submarines signal timed 2139A/12 was received and course was set to return to Rosyth as had been ordered. (2)

15 Apr 1940
At 0830A/15, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) ended her 8th war patrol at Rosyth.

She was originally to end her patrol on 10 April but was ordered to remain on patrol due to the German invasion of Norway. (2)

22 Apr 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 9th war patrol. She is to patrol off the south and later of the south-West coast of Norway.

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

(2)

23 Apr 1940
At 0145A/23, in position 56°32'N, 01°04'W, in very bright moonlight, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) sighed a submarine just clear of the moons path bearing 195° at a range of 4 nautical miles. This was thought to be HMS Triad (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) returning from patrol. The submarine was lost from sight at 0211A/23 and was still proceeding westwards.

[This must indeed have been HMS Triad, which arrived at Rosyth around 0800A/23, though she reported nothing.] (2)

25 Apr 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) fires four torpedoes (2x2) against a German transport about 30 nautical miles south-west of Lindesnes, Norway in position 57°30'N, 06°10'E. This was either Palime (2863 GRT, built 1937) or Pelikan (3464 GRT, built 1935) which were both on passage from Stavanger to Wilhelmshafen. All torpedoes fired missed their target.

The German motor torpedo boats (S-boats or E-boats), S 31, S 32 and S 33 were in the area to escort these two ships. Perhaps two of these were sighted and mistaken for destroyers as none of these were in the area.

0545A/25 - Sighted a southbound merchant ship in ballast.

0600A/25 - Fired two torpedoes but these missed. Enemy's speed was estimated as being 16 knots on course 135°. Fired another two torpedoes but these also missed. Enemy's speed had now been changed to being 14 knots. Shortly after firing sighted two destroyers proceeding on course 035°, turned to attack but lost contact soon after sighting the destroyers. (2)

30 Apr 1940
At 0700A/30, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) entered the Selbjornfjord to the south of Bergen.

At 1000A/30, two ships were sighted proceeding northwards up Languenuen (towards Bergen). These were thought to be torpedo boats. No merchant vessels were with them.

The ships sighted may have been the vessel Express 1 (possibly a requisitioned ferry) and the torpedo boat Skarv (former Norwegian, captured by the Germans at Egersund on 9 April 1940). They arrived at Bergen around 1200B/30 with troops and two crews for merchant vessels from Stavanger.

At 1215A/30, HMS Trident arrived off the Bjorna Fjord and then patrolled across the entrance. (9)

1 May 1940
At 1415A/1, while patrolling in the Bjorna Fjord HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) sighted two northbound vessels which were thought to be R-boats (motor minesweepers).

Three German S-boats (motor torpedo boats), S 10, S 19 and S 22, were transporting troops from Stavanger to Bergen on this day. Perhaps these were the vessels sighted. (10)

2 May 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) attacked and damaged the German transport Clare Hugo Stinnes 1 (5295 GRT, built 1935) with torpedoes and gunfire off the Bjorna Fjord, Norway.

HMS Trident was later hunted and depth charged by what were thought to be German R-boats (motor minesweepers). This were in fact German S-boats (motor torpedo boats from the 1st German S-boat Flotilla. [It is not known to us which boats were exactly involved in the depth charging though.]

0926A/2 - Sighted a German merchant ship. Started attack. Fired two torpedoes from 2500 yards. Both missed, most likely they ran under. Surfaced and fired a practice round and signalled the ship to stop. The ship however did not stop. Range was now 4500 yards and as the ship could not be overtaken before it entered the next fjord she was taken under fire with the deck gun. Seventy rounds were fired and the ship beached itself on Skorpa Island. A torpedo was fired with the intention for a hit amidships but the torpedo exploded on the rocks. Lt.Cdr. Sladen considered the ship to be a total loss and decided to clear the area as soon as possible. Course was set to proceed to the open sea through the Kors Fjord at full speed on the surface. [The ship however was not a total loss and was later salvaged.]

1055A/2, When abeam of the Marstein lighthouse HMS Trident dived for an aircraft seen ahead.

1150A/2, Now five miles out, HE was picked up coming from astern. Two R-boats were seen proceeding up Trident's track. Went down to 300 feet and stopped all possible machinery. Remained at 300 feet until 1715A/2 when no more HE was heard. Between 1225A/2 and 1420A/2, nineteen depth charges were dropped but not very close. (10)

4 May 1940
Around 0730A/4, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) ended her 9th war patrol at Rosyth. (2)

13 May 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) conducted exercises in the Firth of Forth. These included A/S exercises with HMS Sabre (Cdr.(Retd.) B. Dean, RN) and HMS Wallace (Cdr. B.I. Robertshaw, RN). (11)

18 May 1940
Around 1940A/18, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 10th war patrol. She is to patrol off the south coast of Norway.

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

(2)

2 Jun 1940
At 2300A/2, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) left patrol to return to Rosyth. (2)

4 Jun 1940
Around 0700A/4, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) ended her 10th war patrol at Rosyth. The patrol had been uneventful. (12)

6 Jun 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) is docked in the floating dock (AFD 3) at the Rosyth Dockyard.

[This docking is not noted in the submarines log] (4)

7 Jun 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) is undocked. (4)

12 Jun 1940
HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. H.A.V. Haggard, RN) and HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) both conducted exercises in the Firth of Forth including practice attacks on each other. Also gunnery exercises were carried out. (13)

18 Jun 1940
Around 2010A/18, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 11th war patrol. She is to patrol off the west coast of Norway.

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

(2)

23 Jun 1940
At 1748A/23, while patrolling to the north of Trondheim, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) sighted the mast of a warship. An attack was started. This contact developed into a patrolling destroyer and the attack was broken off.

At 1830A/23, the destroyer altered course to the south and disappeared from sight shortly afterwards.

At 2147A/23, the destroyer was seen again. Avoiding action was taken.

At 2353A/23, HMS Trident surfaced in position 64°22'N, 09°25'E to charge. Nothing was in sight.

The 'destroyer' sighted was most likely a German minesweeper which were easily and often mistaken for being destroyers. The German minesweepers M 8 (Senior Officer), M 4 and M 7 were conducting an anti-submarine patrol in the area and most likely the ship(s) sighted was one of them. (14)

24 Jun 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) fires four torpedoes at the German naval oiler Dithmarschen (10816 GRT, built 1938) north-west of Trondheim, Norway in position 64°21'N, 09°12'E. The torpedoes however missed their target.

The tanker was escorted by the destroyers Z/20 Karl Galster (Senior Officer) and Z/14 Friedrich Ihn.

At 0007A/24 - In position 64°22'N, 09°26'E, a destroyer was sighted. Dived. [This was most likely one of the minsweepers patrolling the area, see also the event for 23 June 1940.]

0105A/24 - Sighed two destroyers. The closest one was only 500 yards away. [Again these were most likely two of the minsweepers patrolling the area.]

0310A/24 - Sighted a seaplane to the westward. This was thought to be a patrol but soon turned out to be an air escort.

0323A/24 - Sighted a large tanker escorted by two destroyers. Started attack.

0332A/24 - Fired four torpedoes at the tanker. Due to an error in communicating the spread all torpedoes missed their target.

0500A/24 - Sighted three destroyers approaching. [This must have been M 8, M 4 and M 7 which had proceeded to the attack area for an A/S hunt on the attacker of the tanker.]

0515A/24 - The destroyers turned away when 3000 yards from Trident.

0915A/24 - The three destroyers were again seen to be approaching.

0930A/24 - The destroyers turned away when two nautical miles short of Tridents position.

1035A/24 - Trident surfaced and retired to the west at speed to charge and get out of the area of the attack. (2)

26 Jun 1940
At 1130A/26, in approximate position 64°22'N, 09°33'E (this was Trident's noon position), HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) sighted what are thought to be two destroyers proceeding northward on course 015°.

The two 'destroyers' sighted were actually the German minesweepers M 8 (Senior Officer) and M 4 which were on an anti-submarine patrol but had been ordered to proceed to Quadrant AF 6472 (centred in 64°45'N, 09°52'30"E) to investigate a suspicious fishing vessel. (14)

29 Jun 1940
At 1825A/29, in approximate position 64°20'N, 09°00'E, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) sighted what are thought to be two A/S trawlers patrolling the area.

This must have been the German auxiliary A/S trawlers UJ C and UJ D which were on A/S patrol in the area. (15)

30 Jun 1940
At 0730A/30, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) left patrol to return to Rosyth. (2)

3 Jul 1940
Around 1330A/3, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) ended her 11th war patrol at Rosyth.

16 Jul 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) conducted exercises in he Firth of Forth. These included A/S exercises with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) and HMS Lady Beryl (Ch.Skr. A. Liston, RNR). Also a practice attack was made on HMS Breda. (16)

17 Jul 1940
Around 1930A/17, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 12th war patrol. She is to patrol off the west coast of Norway, initially near Bergen.

On departure D/G trials were carried out.

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

(2)

20 Jul 1940
At 1718A/20, off the Kors Fjord, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) started an attack on a southbound merchant vessel but the attack had to be broken off when the enemy disappeared into a rain squall and most likely proceeded up the Kors Fjord. (2)

21 Jul 1940
At 1203A/21, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) received the Vice-Admiral Submarines signal timed 1039A/21, ordering Trident to patrol further north, off Stadtlandet. (2)

27 Jul 1940
At 0457A/27, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) received the Vice-Admiral Submarines signal timed 0401A/27, ordering Trident to patrol even further north, off Fro-Havet. (2)

30 Jul 1940
At 2342A/30, after a day of submerged patrol, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) surfaced in position 64°22'N, 09°09'E and left patrol to return to Rosyth. (2)

2 Aug 1940
At 0030A/2, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) altered course to try to intercept an enemy U-boat that had been reported by HrMs O 22 (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Ort, RNN) at 1800A/1, in position 56°06'N, 02°26'E, proceeding on course 340° at 12 knots.

This sighting referred to U-60

Around 2230A/2, HMS Trident ended her 12th war patrol at Rosyth. (17)

23 Aug 1940
Around 2245A/23 HMS Tribune (Lt. E.F. Balston, RN) and HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) departed from Rosyth for Scapa Flow escorted by HMS White Bear (Capt. R. Gill, RNR), arriving at Scapa Flow around 1900A/24. (18)

25 Aug 1940
For the daily positions of HMS Trident during her 13th war patrol see the map below.

(2)

25 Aug 1940
Around 1100A/25, HMS Tribune (Lt. E.F. Balston, RN) (Lt. E.F. Balston, RN) and HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) departed Scapa Flow for their 8th and 13th war patrols respectively. They were ordered to patrol in the North Atlantic to the North-West of the Hebrides on an anti-Uboat patrol.

They were escorted by HMS White Bear (Capt. R. Gill, RNR) until 2200A/25 when they parted company near the Butt of Lewis. (19)

2 Sep 1940
At 1503A/2, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) received the Vice-Admiral Submarines signal timed 1429A/2, which stated that at 1115A/2, an aircraft had sighted an enemy submarine north of the Flannan Isles in position 58°33'N, 08°28'W proceeding on course 104° at 8 knots. HMS Trident was ordered to intercept but nothing was sighed.

The enemy submarine in question was U-32 which reported diving for an aircraft at 1115B/2 in grid AM 2646 which is centred in position 58°39'N, 09°48'W. Another enemy submarine was in this area at that time was U-28 which at 1200B/2 was in position 57°58'N, 08°05'W but she reported no aircraft sighting around this time. [Perhaps a mistake was made in the longitude and that it should have been 09°28'W instead of 08°28'W]. (20)

6 Sep 1940
Around 0515A/6, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) left patrol to proceed to Rothesay. (2)

7 Sep 1940
Around 0700A/7, HMS Tribune (Lt. E.F. Balston, RN) (Lt. E.F. Balston, RN) and HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) made rendezvous with HMS White Bear (Capt. R. Gill, RNR) near Barra Head. They then set course to proceed in company to the Clyde.

They arrived at Rothesay around 2200A/7 ending their war patrols. (21)

9 Sep 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) proceeded from Rothesay to Holy Loch. (22)

10 Sep 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Ardrossan. (22)

11 Sep 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) is docked at Ardrossan for a short refit. (22)

25 Sep 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) is undocked. (22)

26 Sep 1940
With her refit completed, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) proceeded from Ardrossan to Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN) on which also a practice attack was made. (22)

29 Sep 1940
Around 0700A/29, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) departed from Holy Loch for her 14th war patrol. She is to patrol in the Bay of Biscay off Lorient.

Passage south through the Irish Sea was made togeter with HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN). They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN).

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

(2)

4 Oct 1940
Around 1145A/4, while patrolling to the west of Ile de Groix, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) sighted seven trawlers coming out from the direction of Lorient. Two turned back when they were about 4000 yards away while the remaining five passed to the northward and then turned to the southward. It was thought these five were minesweeping.

The trawlers sighted turning away at 4000 yards were most likely the German auxiliary patrol vessels V 404 and V 410 which came out to relieve V 407 and V 411 on patrol.

The other five trawlers were most likely the German auxiliary minesweepers M 4001, M 4003, M 4004, M 4006 and M 4009 which had departed Lorient at 1050B/4 for minesweeping operations (23)

5 Oct 1940
At 0025A/5, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) had to dive in position 47°32'5"N, 03°49'W, for a darkened vessel. No HE could be picked up. It was thought it might just be a tunny fisher with light obscured. HMS Trident surfaced at 0120A/5.

At 0400A/5, having completed charging, HMS Trident dived in position 47°27'5"N, 03°38'W as any fishermen were seen in the area.

At 0700A/5, four trawlers were seen on a northerly course. They passed to the west at a range of about 3000 yards. This may have been the same minesweeping trawlers that had been seen the day before; M 4001, M 4003, M 4004, M 4006 and M 4009. They arrived at Brest from minesweeping operations in the afternoon.

At 1400A/5, when south-west of Ile de Groix, a trawler was seen coming from the direction of Lorient. HMS Trident closed in the hope this would be the escort for a inbound U-boat. An hour later this trawler stopped about 6000 yards away.

At 1520A/5, the trawler turned east and disappeared from sighted. No HE of an enemy submarine head meanwhile been picked up.

At 1730A/5, four trawlers were seen approaching in line abreast on course 190°. [The German auxiliary patrol boats V 404, V 407, V 410 and V 411 were on patrol off Lorient on this day and may have been the four trawlers sighted but more likely it were the auxiliary A/S trawlers UJ 122, UJ 128, UJ D and UJ E which had left Lorient that afternoon for patrol.]

At 1815A/5, the trawlers turned back and later stopped.

At 2034A/5, HMS Tigris surfaced in position 47°32'N, 03°36'W after a day of submerged patrol.

At 2139A/5, HMS Tigris dived in position 47°30'N, 03°40'W for an approaching vessel which was thought to have been an enemy motor torpedo boat.

At 2223A/5, HMS Tigris surfaced in position 47°29'5"N, 03°41'W. (24)

6 Oct 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) patrolled between Penmarch Point and Iles de Glenan but only a small fishing trawler was sighted. (2)

7 Oct 1940
Now back near Ile de Groix, at 1600A/7, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) sighted four trawlers were seen approaching from the direction of Lorient and then proceeded westwards. (2)

8 Oct 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) attacks German U-boat U-31 with torpedoes in the Bay of Biscay about 15 nautical miles south of Lorient, France in position 47°28'N, 03°25'W. All torpedoes fired missed their target. U-31 is also taken under fire with the deck gun, one hit was claimed [but this was not the case].

U-31 subsequently arrived at Lorient around 1600B/8 having been escorted in by the auxiliary A/S trawlers UJ 122, UJ 128, UJ D and UJ E.

0504A/8 - Heard HE bearing 155°.

0530A/8 - The port look-out sighted a U-boat. Went to full ahead expecting Trident to be sighted as well. Trident was brought to a firing course.

0531A/8 - Fired five torpedoes from 1500 yards (later it was learnt that no.4 tube misfired, so actually only four torpedoes were fired) but these all missed.

0535A/8 - Fired two torpedoes from 500 yards. Both missed.

0537A/8 - Fired one torpedo but this one also missed. No.4 tube was now also fired but as Trident was turning this torpedo also missed.

0538A/8 - Fire was opened with the deck gun. The second round was seen to hit the target at the base of the conning tower. The target was seen to be diving.

0538A/8 - Dived. Listened for HE but nothing was heard.

0800A/8 - On the scene of the attack echo contact was obtained on what was thought to be the wreck of the submarine. Lt.Cdr. Sladen claimed the submarine as having been sunk. (25)

11 Oct 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) returned to the area near Ile de Groix on this day as it had been reported that another inbound U-boat was to be expected.

During the forenoon four trawlers were seen patrolling but they did not come to seaward.

At 1500A/11, what are thought to be six motor torpedo boats or motor minesweepers crossed ahead proceeding on course 090°.

At 1606A/11, these boats turned directly towards. Trident then went deep.

At 1620A/11, one of them passed overhead.

At 1625A/11, only distant HE was heard so returned to periscope depth. One was seen laying stopped only 300 yards away. The remainder were further off.

At 1700A/11, all six moved off slowly to the north-westward. [These were six R-boats from the 2nd R-boat flotilla.] (26)

12 Oct 1940
At 1025A/12, when south-west of Ile de Groix, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) sighted three trawlers in line abreast. They passed to the north-west at a range of 7000 yards.

At 1140A/12, what are thought to be 5 E-boats (motor torpedo boats) were seen approaching. [This were most likely 5 R-boats (motor minesweepers) from the 12th R-boat Flotilla which were operating in the area for U-boat escort duties.]

At 1155A/12, they turned towards but shortly afterwards they turned to the westward.

At 1330A/12, they were seen again and came towards. They remained in the area until 1600A/12. Between 1230A/12 and 1330A/12 the trawlers sighted earlier were also within 3 nautical miles.

Between 1510A/12 and 1600A/12, three other trawlers were sighted. These were other trawlers then had ever been seen before. They passed at a range of only 1000 yards.

By 1630A/12, nothing was in sight. [In the afternoon of the 12th, U-100 left Lorient for patrol but she was not sighted by HMS Trident.] (2)

13 Oct 1940
At 1100A/13, west of Penmarch Point, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) sighted five trawlers. They passed very close while proceeding to the north-westward.

At 2030A/13, HMS Trident surfaced in position 47.45'5"N, 04.50'5"W and left patrol to return to Holy Loch. (27)

15 Oct 1940
At 0800A/15, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN), made rendezvous near the Longships Lighthouse with her escort towards Holy Loch, HMS La Surprise (Capt.(ret) E.Stubbs, RN). (2)

16 Oct 1940
Around 1900A/16, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) ended her 14th war patrol at Holy Loch. (2)

28 Oct 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (28)

3 Nov 1940
Around 0800A/3, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) departed from Holy Loch for her 15th war patrol. She is to patrol in the Bay of Biscay.

During the passage south through the Irish Sea she was escorted by HMS Surprise (Capt.(Retd.) E. Stubbs, RN) until 0230A/5 when they parted company near Bishops Rock.

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

(2)

20 Nov 1940
Around 0600A/20, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN), made rendezvous with her escort towards Holy Loch, HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (2)

21 Nov 1940
Around 1740A/21, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) ended her 14th war patrol at Holy Loch. The patrol had been uneventful. (2)

30 Nov 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Ardrossan. She is escorted by HMS Ohm (?). (29)

2 Dec 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) is docked at Ardrossan. (30)

4 Dec 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) is undocked. She then proceeded from Ardrossan to Holy Loch escorted by HMS Norland (T/Skr. G.H. Booth, RNR). (30)

5 Dec 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburg. (30)

10 Dec 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Long. (30)

12 Dec 1940
During 12/13 December 1940, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area in. These included night and attack exercises.

On the 13th, HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) and HrMs Z 8 (Lt.Cdr. P.A. de Boer, RNN) also joined the exercises. (31)

17 Dec 1940
Around 0845A/17, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch for her 16th war patrol. She is to patrol off Punta Delgada in the Azores as a German invasion of the Azores is feared.

During the passage south through the Irish Sea she was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) until 0001A/19 near Round Island. (2)

17 Dec 1940
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Trident during her 16th war patrol see the map below.

27 Dec 1940
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) fires, in all, five torpedoes against a darkened ship that entered Punta Delgada, Azores. All five torpedoes missed their target. (The target later proved to be the Panamanian merchant vessel Bonita (4856 GRT, built 1918)

0337A/27 - Sighted a darkened ship approaching from the westward. From sparks coming out of its funnel it appeared to be making its best speed. Prepared to attack as the vessel made for the harbour. When abreast of the harbour entrance the vessel slowed down and continued to the eastward. Returning later to stop in a position 155° Delgada Lighthouse 2 nautical miles.

0748 hours - Closed the vessel to question her. At intervals between 0815 and 0850 hours she was signalled, in plain language, "what ship" and "sent boat with ship's papers". The vessel tried to keep astern of Trident at all times and at 0845 hours made for the harbour entrance. A warning shot was now fired across her bows that stopped her temporarily. A signal was now sent "Abandon ship i will sink you in five minutes. This resulted in the ship getting underway again. A second shot was now fired across her bows but to no effect. After firing this shot the gun malfunctioned as it failed to run out.

0900A/27 - Fired no.5 and 6 tubes from 1000 yards. Both torpedoes missed.

0907A/27 - Fired no.3 and 4 tubes from 900 yards. The torpedoes failed to discharge and no.1 and 2 tubes were fired instead. Both torpedoes again missed the target and were later seen to explode on Delgada Point.

0911A/27 - Fired no. 7 tube from 700 yards. It was seen to explode on the breakwater so this one also missed the target. Shortly after firing this torpedo a torpedo exploded close by on the bottom. This was the torpedo from no.3 tube that broke free.

0932A/27 - Retired to the seaward. (2)

7 Jan 1941
At 2000A/7, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) left patrol to return to Holy Loch. (2)

14 Jan 1941
Around 0820A/14, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN), made rendezvous with her escort towards Holy Loch, the Free French minesweeper FFS La Moqueuse. (2)

16 Jan 1941
Around 0945A/16, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) ended her 16th war patrol at Holy Loch. (2)

20 Jan 1941
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Troon where she she is immediately docked to commence a refit by the Ailsa Shipyard. (32)

1 Apr 1941
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) conducted basin trials at Troon. (33)

2 Apr 1941
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) conducted basin trials at Troon. (33)

10 Apr 1941
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) is undocked. (33)

13 Apr 1941
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) conducted basin trials at Troon. (33)

16 Apr 1941
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) conducted a basin dive at Troon. (33)

17 Apr 1941
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) conducted basin trials at Troon. (33)

18 Apr 1941
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) ended her refit at Troon and then left for Holy Loch where she arrived the next day. En-route several trials and exercises were carried out which included full power trials on the Arran measured mile and also special W/T trials with HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Jones, RNR). (33)

22 Apr 1941
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN) served as target. (33)

24 Apr 1941
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Jones, RNR) served as target. (33)

25 Apr 1941
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) conducted D/F and noise trials in the Clyde area. (33)

28 Apr 1941
Around 0930A/28, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch for her 17th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay.

During the passage south through the Irish Sea she was escorted by the Free French minesweeper FFS La Moqueuse until 0030A/30 when they parted company near Bishops Rock.

28 Apr 1941
For the daily positions of HMS Trident during her 17th war patrol see the map below.

18 May 1941
Around 0400B/18, near Trevose Head, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN), made rendezvous with HMS Tuna (Lt.Cdr. M.K. Cavenagh-Mainwaring, DSO, RN), which was coming from Falmouth with their escort towards Holy Loch, HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR).

19 May 1941
Around 1600B/19, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) ended her 17th war patrol, which had been uneventful, at Holy Loch. (2)

27 May 1941
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburg (or at Holy Loch ?). (34)

28 May 1941
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) served as target.

These also included night exercises during the night of 28/29 May 1941. (34)

30 May 1941
HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburg. (34)

1 Jun 1941
Around 1230B/1, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch for her 18th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay.

She was escorted south through the Irish Sea by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) until 2136/2 when they parted company off Wolf Rock.

[As there is no log available for this period no map could be made.] (2)

19 Jun 1941
Arpund 0245B/19, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN), met HMS Tuna (Lt.Cdr. M.K. Cavenagh-Mainwaring, DSO, RN) 6 nautical miles to the south of the rendezvous with the escort, HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN).

Both submarines subsequently made rendezvous with HMS Cutty Sark around 0420B/19 and then set course through the Irish Sea to Holy Loch.

HMS Tuna later lost contact in thick fog and only rejoined around 0500B/20. (2)

20 Jun 1941
P.M., HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) ended her 18th war patrol at Holy Loch. Once again the patrol had been uneventful.

[As no logs are available of HMS Trident for the months of June and July 1941, some details for these months will be missing.] (2)

11 Jul 1941
Around 1100B/11, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) depart from Holy Loch for her 19th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Brest. It is believed that the German battlecruiser Scharnhorst is ready to depart from that port.

She was escorted south through the Irish Sea by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) until 0001/13.

[As there is no log available for this period no map could be made.] (2)

23 Jul 1941
Around 0400B/23, off Trevose Head, HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN), made rendezvous with her escort towards Holy Loch, HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (2)

24 Jul 1941
P.M., HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) ended her 19th war patrol at Holy Loch. Once again the patrol had been uneventful, only tuna fishermen had been sighted. (2)

1 Aug 1941
Around 1615B/1, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch bound for Polyarnoe, Russia. She was escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN) until 1400B/3 when they parted company to the east of the Shetland Islands. (35)

1 Aug 1941
For the daily positions of HMS Trident during the passage from Holy Loch bound to Polyarnoe see the map below.

10 Aug 1941
Around 0820C/10, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) arrived at Polyarnoe, Russia. She was escorted in by the Russian destroyer Uritsky which had joined around 0420C/10.

The passage had been uneventful. (35)

16 Aug 1941
Around 2330C/16, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) departed from Polyarnoe, Russia for her 20th war patrol. She is to patrol off northern Norway.

She was escorted out, in thick fog, by a Russian patrol vessel (identity not known) until 0115C/17.

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

(2)

19 Aug 1941
HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) damaged the German transport Levante (4769 GRT, built 1939) with gunfire east of Havoysund, Norway in position 71°01'N, 24°24'E.

Six Norwegians were killed and one German was slightly injured. Levante proceeded to Hammerfest.

As a result of this attack the auxiliary A/S vessels, UJ 1707 and UJ 1708 were sent to patrol between Hammerfest and Honningsvag.

1046C/19 - Sighted a merchant vessel coming down Bret Sund from the eastward. Commenced attack.

1103C/19 - In position 71°01'N, 24°24'E fired two torpedoes from 650 yards at a 2500 tons merchant vessel. The attack drill did not went as it should have resulting in the torpedoes to miss the target.

1106C/19 - Surfaced for gun action. The enemy immediately altered course. 21 rounds were fired for at least 5 hits before the enemy went out of sight. The enemy could not be followed as fire was now opened by shore batteries, the ship was making good speed and Trident would have the enter the fjord to deep with the danger of not being able to reach open water if she was counter-attacked. The attack was therefore broken off. (36)

20 Aug 1941
At 0230C/20, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) dived in estimated position 70°29'N, 21°38'E but it later became apparent that HMS Trident was 8.5 nautical miles further to the north-westwards.

At 0430C/20, an accurate fix could be obtained.

At 0945C/20, a patrol vessel was seen approaching from astern. When it was just before the port beam it altered course towards and it was thought Trident had been detected. It however passed under the stern and then retired to seaward. A merchant vessel was then seen coming up Sondre Berg fjord. This merchant vessel was identified as the Norwegian Bretagne (3285 GRT, built 1937) and was thus not attacked.

Later in the day two small Norwegian coasters were sighed passing Trident northbound. These were also not attacked.

At 1415C/20, HMS Trident retired to seaward.

At 2030C/20, Trident surfaced 12 nautical miles from shore and continued to retire to seaward while charging. (2)

21 Aug 1941
HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) attacked the German minelayer Bremse in Lopphavett with four torpedoes in position 70°12'N, 21°05'E. No hits were obtained and Bremse arrived at Tromso around 1130B/21.

Later HMS Trident attacked the small Norwegian tanker Tripp (369 GRT, built 1939) with two torpedoes in position 70°09'N, 21°01'E. No hits were obtained.

0900C/21 - Sighted a vessel bearing 050°. This vessel was subsequently identified as the German Bremse. Started attack. The enemy was proceeding on course 203° at 15 knots.

0924C/21 - In position 70°12'N, 21°05'E fired four torpedoes from 1500 yards. All missed their target or ran under.

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

1247C/21 - Started an attacked on the small Norwegian tanker Tripp. shee was proceeding on course 210° at 11.5 knots.

1255C/21 - In position 70°09'N, 21°01'E fired two torpedoes from 1500 yards. Both torpedoes missed (most likely astern)

1325C/21 - Set course to seaward. (37)

22 Aug 1941
HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the transport Ostpreussen (German 3030 GRT, built 1920) in the Kvaenangenfjord, Norway in position 70°12'N, 21°05'E. Ostpreussen was in convoy with the Barcelona (German, 3101 GRT, built 1921), Barmbeck (German, 2446 GRT, built 1929) and Sivas (German, 3831 GRT, built 1928). They were escorted by the German auxiliary A/S trawlers V 6110 / Franke (former HMS Larwood) and V 6101 / Nordkap.

The Barcelona had picked up seven survivors.

1527C/22 - Sighted a convoy of four ships escorted by two trawlers. The convoy appeared to be in 2 lines. The German Ostpreussen was leading ship of the nearer line and had one of the trawlers ahead of her and what is thought to be a Norwegian merchant astern.

1600C/22 - Fired five torpedoes from 600 yards at the Ostpreussen resulting in three hits.

1604C/22 - Saw the trawlers closing. During the next 1,5 hours nine depth charges were dropped but none were close.

1730C/22 - Sound from the trawlers had disappeared so went to periscope depth.

1800C/22 - Proceeded to seaward while still submerged. (38)

24 Aug 1941
At 0154C/24, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) dived in position 260° - Fruholmen lighthouse - 11 nautical miles (Fruholmen lighthouse is in 71°05'40"N 23°59'E) and proceeded southwards.

At 0730C/24, HMS Trident started to patrol to the west of Rolvsoy Sund. Two or three small vessels passed westwards and while watching these the German minelayer Bremse was also seen proceeding westwards. Until then she had been invisible against the land. She could not be attacked.

Bremse had departed Kirkeness for Tromso at 2115B/23 together with the German refrigerated transport Christian Sinding (3076 GRT, built 1941) and the motor minesweepeers R 152 and R 162. The motor minesweepers were to accompany the convoy until Honningsvag and the were detached near that port around 0820B/24. At 1845B/24 the Christian Sinding was detached near Tromso. Bremse arrived at Tromso around 2005B/24.

At 1500C/24, two vessels, thought to be cable ships rounded Mylingen Point (70°45'N, 23°41'E) and proceeding south-eastwards possibly towards Refneshamm (70°42'N, 24°23'E) which was a telegraphist station.

At 1540C/24, HMS Trident proceeded to seaward to charge. (39)

25 Aug 1941
At 0154C/24, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) sighted what is thought to be a small tanker, just like the one attacked on 21 August. She was proceeding eastwards but was or could not be attacked. Quite a number of small fishing boats were a nuisance all day as it was very calm weather. (2)

26 Aug 1941
At 0200C/26, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) dived in position 250° - Fruholmen lighthouse - 11 nautical miles and commenced to run into the coast.

At 0545C/26, north of Hammerfest, HMS Trident started an attack on what was thought to be a large westbound merchant vessel but was later seen to be a small coaster. Mirage had made the ship initially appear bigger.

At 1600C/26, HMS Trident retired to seaward to charge. It was decided to patrol off / in Soroy Sund (Lopphavet) the following day. (2)

27 Aug 1941
At 0906C/27, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) dived in position 250° - Sildmylingen lighthouse - 20 nautical miles and seet course for Soroy Sund.

Around 1500C/27, HMS Trident arrived in the intended patrol position, three nautical miles to the north of Sildmylingen.

At 1745C/27, a trawler was seen at long range coming up Stjern Sund. Also decided to remain on patrol near this position during the night and surface to charge for 1 to 2 hours.

HMS Trident eventually remained patrolling in this area on the 28th, 29th and 30th but nothing of interest was seen on the first two days. (2)

30 Aug 1941
HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the transports Donau II (German 2931 GRT, built 1939) and Bahia Laura (German 8561 GRT, built 1918) in Lopphavet, Norway in position 70°35'N, 21°45'E.

Besides the two ships sunk this convoy was made up besides of the transports August Bolten (German, 3665 GRT, built 1937) and Cornouaille (German (former French), 3303 GRT, built 1928). They were escorted by the German destroyers Z 10 / Hans Lody and Z 20 / Karl Galster and the German auxiliary A/S trawlers UJ 1708, Gote and V 6110 / Franke (former HMS Larwood). The A/S trawlers UJ 1706 and UJ 1707 were making an AS sweep ahead of the convoy.

The convoy, with troops on board, had departed Tromso around 0915B/30 bound for Kirkeness. On both ships there were sunk were 1667 men of which 1225 were rescued.

0242C/30 - Dived and closed the shipping route.

0430C/30 - Turned westwards towards Silden. It was the intention to leave this area around 1800 hours.

1409C/30 - Sighted two trawlers approaching from the westward on course 090°. No convoy was sighted astern of them so avoiding action was taken. They passed out of sight up Soroy Sund and it was thought they were carrying out an A/S sweep. A small coaster was following them but was considered to be not worth attacking. [The two trawlers sighted must have been UJ 1706 and UJ 1707 on their A/S sweep.]

1628C/30 - Sighted three dazzle painter R-boats (motor minesweepers) in line ahead proceeding westwards down Soroy Sund. They were followed by the tender Elbe or Weser with another R-boat zigzagging directly ahead of her. No attack was made as it was expected an eastbound convoy was approaching. [This was indeed Weser which had departed Kirkeness for Tromso the previous day together with three R-boats, R 153, R 156 and R 157. Two more R-boats, R 154 and R 159 joined off Honningsvag on the 30th.

1730C/30 - A single R-boat was seen proceeding westwards in Soroy Sund.

1740C/30 - Sighted the leading ships of a convoy to the west of Silden heading north. The convoy was soon seen to be made up of four ships in line ahead. They were escorted by two large destroyers and three trawlers and one He 115 aircraft overhead. Quite a strong escort so it was most likely a very valuable convoy. Commenced attack. The second ship was selected as the main target but as Lt.Cdr. Sladen had only two torpedoes left he decided to aim them individually at the second and third ship. During the setup for the attack the targets were shifted to the first and second ships. Also one of the destroyer passed very close by but Trident was not detected.

1814C/30 - Fired the last two torpedoes against the selected ships from 700 yards. Both torpedoes were hits. The first hit after 48 seconds on a 1500 tons ship, the second after 50 seconds on a 3000 tons ships. Immediately after firing course was altered to seaward and speed was increased. During the next 2 hours and 15 minutes 56 depth charges were dropped. The first 45 of these were unpleasantly close.

2030C/30 - Came to periscope depth. The only ships in sight were the full escort of the two destroyers and three trawlers, one merchant that appeared undamaged and one merchant stopped badly listed and with a large column of smoke rising from her. By her appearance this was the second ship fired at. As the aircraft was seen still searching Trident was taken to 70 feet and continued to seaward to return to Polyarnoe, all torpedoes having been expended. (40)

3 Sep 1941
While returning to base at Polyarnoe, Russia, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) is fired upon but missed by German U-boat U-566. The U-boat was spotted by Trident at 0248C/3 in position 69°59'N, 35°00'E but could not be attacked with torpedoes as there were none left aboard. It was not observed on board Trident that she was fired upon.

U-566 had fired a torpedo from 800 to 900 meters at 0145B/3 which missed. A second torpedo was then fired from 1600 to 2000 meters at 0153B/3 which also missed.

Around 1130C/3 Trident arrived at Polyarnoe ending her 20th war patrol. She was escorted in by a Russian 'Storm-class' patrol vessel (unidentified) which had joined around 0920C/3. (41)

16 Sep 1941
Around 1830C/16, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) departed from Polyarnoe, Russia for her 21st war patrol. She is to patrol off northern Norway.

She was escorted out until 2000C/16 (according to the patrol report) / 2200C/16 (according to the log) by two Russian patrol vessels.

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

(42)

20 Sep 1941
At 0448C/20, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) dived in position 306° - Sildmylingen lighthouse - 6 nautical miles and set course for Brynillen.

At 1216C/20, in position 70°12'N, 20°59'E, sighted two R-boats and one ship at the entrance to the Olden Fjord apparently steering a course of 270°. Visibility towards the land was poor and rain and sea conditions made periscope observations difficult. Later a ship was sighted steering 347° but it was too far off to be attacked. It was escorted by an M-class minesweeper and two R-boats. Intermittent depth charging had been heard since 1045C/20. Three depth charges were dropped at 1300C/20 when the ships rounded Brynillen.

The German minesweeper M 17 dropped depth charges in this area (Grid AC 7484) around this time and subsequently reported a large oil slick as a result of the depth charging. She had departed Tromso around 0315B/30 for Kirkeness together with M 29 and UJ 1211 and UJ 1214 escorting the transport Theresia L.M. Russ (German, 1694 GRT, built 1927) and the small tanker (Norwegian, 369 GRT, built 1939). More ships / escorts were to join from Hammersfest and the Tanafjord while en-route.

At 1830C/20, HMS Trident proceeded to seaward to charge as weather conditions made it useless to stay close inshore. (43)

21 Sep 1941
At 0448C/21, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) dived and set course for Brynillen.

At 1308C/21, a trawler and another vessel were sighted hugging the eastern shore of the Kvaenangen Fjord. HMS Trident turned to attack but both vessels turned out to be A/S vessels carrying out a sweep and the attack was broken off.

At 1530C/21, while HMS Trident was slowly proceeding northwards, two trawlers were sighted to the southward proceeding on course 270° at a range of about 4000 yards. HMS Trident turned they disappeared from sight.

At 1830C/21, HMS Trident proceed seawards. Nothing further had been sighted.

According to German sources the auxiliary A/S vessels UJ 1211, UJ 1214, UJ 1216 and UJ 1403 were conducting A/S operations in the Loppa area and thus may have been the vessels sighted. (43)

23 Sep 1941
HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) attacked the refridgerated transport Christian Sinding (German 3076 GRT, built 1941) with three torpedoes in position 70°20'N, 21°17'E. All torpedoes missed their target. Two torpedoes were heard to explode on hitting the shore.

The composition of the convoy attacked was the above mentioned Christian Sinding, which was escorted by the German R-boat tender Weser escorted by the R-boat (motor minesweeper) R 153. They had departed Tromso for Hammerfest at 0948B/23. At 1130B/23, the convoy escort was reinforced by R 154 which had departed Hammerfest around 0500B/23 to do so.

1430C/23 - Sighted a trawler escorting a small merchant ship southbound. The merchant vessel was seen to be zigzagging. Did not attack as a convoy was expected. Twenty minutes later these ships were seem to round Brynnilen and proceeding south-eastward close to the shore. [This were most likely the R-boat tender MRS 3 / Bali escorted by the auxiliary A/S vessel UJ 1203 which had departed Hammerfest around 0600B/23 for Tromso where they arrived around 2045B/23.]

1640C/23 - Sighted what is thought to be a Wolf-class torpedo boat following a merchant vessel sighted earlier. The merchant vessel was of about 1000 tons and heavily camouflaged.

1655C/23 - Fired three torpedoes from 5000 yards. No hits were obtained. Two of the torpedoes were heard to explode on the shore.

Trident proceeded to the seaward after the attack. (44)

25 Sep 1941
At 1430C/25, in Rolvsoy Sund, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) sighted two heavily camouflaged trawlers proceeding westwards at 10 knots. One had the complete outline of another vessel painted on her side in another colour.

This were most likely the German auxiliary A/S trawlers UJ 1205 and UJ 1206 returning from A/S patrol off Nordkyn to Hammerfest where they arrived around 1545B/25. (45)

26 Sep 1941
At 0324C/26, in Rolvsoy Sund, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) sighted an unescorted westbound transport. She could not be attacked.

At 1315C/26, three trawlers, in line ahead, were seen proceeding eastwards. These may have been the German auxiliary A/S trawlers UJ 1212 and UJ 1707 which had left Hammerfest at 1115B/25 to conduct an A/S patrol off Nordkyn. Perhaps a third trawler had (temporarily) joined.

At 1840C/26, two German destroyers were seen proceeding westwards. These were Z 20 / Karl Galster and Z 16 / Friedrich Eckhold which had departed Kirkenes at 0800B/26 to make rendezvous with an eastbound convoy near Hammerfest. (45)

27 Sep 1941
HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) torpedoed and heavily damaged the German auxiliary A/S trawler UJ 1201 (the other vessel was UJ 1211) in position 70°49'N, 23°58'E. This ship was heavily damaged with 20 dead amongst her crew. The bow broke off and the stern was towed to Hammerfest. All machinery was intact and the stern was later towed to Rostock, Germany for repairs that were only completed in April 1944.

0014C/27 - H.E. reported bearing 268°. Closed the shipping route.

0040C/27 - Sighted what are thought to be merchant ships proceeding together.

0046C/27 - Fired 6 torpedoes from 4000 yards.

0049C/27 - The leading ship, thought to be of 1000 tons was hit by a torpedo.

0052C/27 - Closed to gun the target but a ship was seen to turn towards and was now seen to be a trawler. As range was now under 2000 yards Trident dived. The trawler now hunted Trident and 6 depth charges were dropped very close causing minor damage.

0252C/27 - After it was quiet for an hour Trident surfaced. A trawler was seen laying stopped about 5000 yards astern. A boat load of survivors was seen close by. The ship was still afloat but Cdr. Sladen was under the impression that it was sinking. Trident proceeded to the seaward as Cdr. Sladen did not want to dive again until he was in open water because both the gyro and magnetic compass were damaged in the depth charge attack. (45)

28 Sep 1941
At 1114C/28, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN), which now now patrolling in Lopphavet, a German destroyer was seen proceeding westwards down Soroy Sundet. An attack was started but the enemy was too far off.

This was Z 10 / Hans Lody enroute from Kirkenes to Tromso and then onwards to Germany.

At 1300C/28, a motorboat appeared and dropped two depth charges at random off the north end of Silden. It remained in the vicinity of 40 minutes. From then on there was constant air activity in the area so it was considered likely a convoy might be coming.

At 1600C/28, a merchant vessel was seen turning into Sondre Bergs Fjord.

At 1640C/28, a large convoy was seen coming north inside Loppa. Cdr. Sladen thought, that after all the air activity in that area that it was going to pass to the north of Silden but he then saw the first ship of the convoy turn so as to pass to the south of it. He immediately started to make for Soroy Sund to head them off.

The sight of the convoy was subsequently lost in the bad visibility to the south and they were not seen again. Cdr. Sladen was of the opinion the convoy must have proceeded up Stjern Sund and that if he allowed for a speed of 8 knots he might be able to intercept it the following morning off Brei Sund.

Two eastbound convoys had departed Tromso eastbound around 0815B/28. The larges convoy was made up of the transports Kong Ring (Norwegian (in German service), 2034 GRT, built 1929), Philip Heineken (German, 2042 GRT, built 1939) and Utlandshorn (Danish (in German service), 2642 GRT, built 1928). The first two were bound for Kirkeness and the third was to proceed to Hamnbukt. They were escorted by the minesweepers M 15, M 17, M 29 and the motor minesweeper R 154.
The other convoy was made up of the transport Sivas (German, 3831 GRT, built 1928) which was to proceed to Billefjord. She was escorted by the auxiliary A/S vessels V 6103 / Nordlicht, V 6109 / Nordwind and V 5903 / Polarfront.
Both convoys were probably in close proximity of each other when sighed by HMS Trident.

At 1930C/28, HMS Trident turned northwards.

At 2100C/28, HMS Trident surfaced abeam of Sildmylingen lighthouse and set course for Brei Sund where she arrived at 0430C/29 but the convoy was however not seen. (2)

30 Sep 1941
HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) fires three torpedoes against the German hospital ship Birka (1000 GRT, built 1937) in the Breidsundet about 4 nautical miles north-west of Havøysund, Norway in position 71°03'N, 24°34'E. All three torpedoes missed their target. R 154 subsequently counter attacked with depth charges. [German record only give R 154 as the escort, no second R boat should have been present.]

0945C/30 - Sighted a merchant vessel of about 4000 tons rounding Gavloden Point westwards. It was escorted by two R-boats.

1001C/30 - Fired three torpedoes from 7000 yards. Enemy cours and speed was 198° at 16 knots. No hits were obtained. One of the R-boats dropped two depth charges a long way off. Trident now retired seawards with all torpedoes expended to return to Polyarnoe. (2)

3 Oct 1941
Around 0945C/3, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) ended her 21st war patrol at Polyarnoe, Russia.

She was escorted in by a Russian 'Storm-class' patrol vessel (unidentified) which had joined around 0715C/3. (2)

16 Oct 1941
HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Polyarnoe. (46)

18 Oct 1941
HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off the Kola Inlet. Also practice attacks were made during which a Russian 'Storm-class' patrol vessel (unidentified) acted as target. (46)

30 Oct 1941
Around 1900C/30, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) departed from Polyarnoe, Russia for her 22th war patrol. She is to patrol off northern Norway. Trident has only 12 torpedoes (six in the internal bow torpedo tubes and six reloads) on board and her sailing for this patrol had been delayed until the arrival of new torpedoes. No external torpedoes were carried as the torpdoes supplied lacked fittings for them to be fired from the external torpedo tubes.

She was escorted out by a Russian patrol vessel until 2030C/30.

For the attack positions of HMS Trident during this patrol see the map below. No log is available so daily positions are not displayed on the map.

(2)

2 Nov 1941
At 1140C/2, in the Porsangerfjord, in position 70°56'N, 26°10'E, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) sighed an unescorted merchant vessel proceeding westbound on course 270°. Range was 5000 yards. HMS Trident was well abaft his beam and an attack was not possible. (2)

3 Nov 1941
During the second of two attacks on the same convoy, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the German auxiliary A/S vessel (former whaler) UJ 1213 / Rau IV (354 GRT, built 1937) in the Porsangerfjord in position 70°58'N, 26°08'E. The German transport Altkirch (4713 GRT, built 1928) was missed in the first attack on this convoy.

The were 31 officers and crew killed when UJ 1213 sank, 10 survivors were picked up.

Besides the two above mentioned ships, this convoy was made up of the following ships; transport Fjeld (Norwegian (in German control), 2960 GRT, built 1916) and small tanker Kloveren (Norwegian (in German control), 428 GRT, built 1938). They were escorted (besides the already mentioned UJ 1213) by the German auxiliary A/S vessels UJ 1403, Rabe, V 6101 / Nordkap and V 6109 / Nordwind.

This convoy had just departed Honingsvag for Kirkenes but following the attack the convoy returned to Honingsvag. UJ 1205 and UJ 1701 were sent for an A/S hunt in the area.

0914C/3 - In position 70°56'N, 26°10'E sighted a widely dispersed eastbound convoy with an escort of four trawlers. One ship, of 2000 tons, was close by, the rest was further away. The actual number of ships was impossible to distinguish as the ships were against the land and the periscope was continually being washed over.

0924C/3 - Fired three torpedoes from 2500 yards at the closest merchant ship.

0929C/3 - One torpedo was heard to hit. When the periscope was put up it was noted that the convoy was in confusion, ships were steering anywhere, but the ship fired at seemed unharmed. Shortly afterwards a few depth charges were dropped at random.

0938C/3 - Further study of the situation was interfered with as one ship (of 2000 tons) was seen to be going to pass close by. At first it was thought to be the initial target but this was later seen to be not the case.

0947C/3 - Fired two torpedoes from 1000 yards. 50 Seconds later an explosion was heard thought to be a torpedo hitting giving a running range of 780 yards. This explosion was quite different from the three other explosions heard shortly afterwards and to previous ones. Through the periscope the vessel appeared to be intact. During one look Cdr. Sladen thought she was settling by the stern but she was seen to be still afloat 10 minutes later. Trident now retired from the area. (47)

4 Nov 1941
HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) attacks a convoy off the Porsangerfjord in position 71°05'N, 26°51'E. Four torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.

The first attack, the one that was spoiled, was against a convoy made up of the transports Bahia (German, 4117 GRT, built 1927), Graziella (Norwegian (in German service), 2149 GRT, built 1917), Schillighorn (Danish (in German service), 2864 GRT, built 1918) and Utlandshorn (Danish (in German service), 2642 GRT, built 1928). They were escorted by the German minesweepers M 15, M 17, M 22, M 29 and M 30. They were en-route from Tromso to Kirkeness and had spent the night anchored in the Latfjord to the south-west of Honingsvag. On entering the Porsangerfjord the transport Erling Lindoe (Norwegian (in German service), 1281 GRT, built 1917), had been detached to proceed independently to Hamnbukt so she was actually no longer with the convoy by the time it was sighted by HMS Trident. It was M 29 which had detected and depth charged HMS Tigris.

The second attack was against the same convoy attacked the previous day and had retured to Honingsvag, which was made up of the transports Altkirch (4713 GRT, built 1928), Fjeld (Norwegian (in German control), 2960 GRT, built 1916) and small tanker Kloveren (Norwegian (in German control), 428 GRT, built 1938). While at hoonningsvag another transport Jans or Jens [we have been unable to indentify this vessel] had also joined. They were now escorted Rabe, V 6101 / Nordkap and V 6109 / Nordwind.

0945C/4 - In position 71°05'N, 26°55'E sighted a convoy of three 3000/4000 tons merchant ships escorted by three M-class minesweepers. Started attack.

0951C/4 - Trident had now penetrated the screen of the convoy.

1000C/4 - One of the minesweepers turned towards and appeared to be in contact. Cdr. Sladen broke off the attack and altered course at full speed. The minesweeper dropped 20 depth charges in the next four minutes that shook Trident considerably. Trident retired from the scene.

1221C/4 - In position 71°05N, 26°51E sighted masts bearing 202°.

1245C/4 - Saw that this was yesterday's convoy, four merchant ships and a number of trawlers. Also noted that it was headed by the ship we thought we had sunk yesterday. We must have hit something else (Cdr. Sladen was correct in this).

1312C/4 - Fired four torpedoes at a 2500 tons ship from 6000 yards. No hits were obtained. Trident altered course to the seaward after the attack. (48)

5 Nov 1941
While patrolling in the Nordkyn / Laksefjord / Porsangerfjord area, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN), at 1050C/5, sighted two trawlers proceeding westwards in line ahead. Enemy course was 260° and they were proceeding at a speed of 9 knots.

These were probably the German auxiliary A/S trawlers UJ 1205 and UJ 1706 which were on A/S patrol in this general area until they were relieved around 1120B/5 by UJ 1204, UJ 1403 and UJ 1701. (49)

6 Nov 1941
While patrolling in / off the Porsangerfjord, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN), at 1330C/6, sighted three trawlers sweeping from the westward until north of Svaerholt.

The German auxiliary A/S trawlers UJ 1204, UJ 1403 and UJ 1701 were still on A/S patrol in this general area and were perhaps the trawlers sighted. These trawlers left patrol at 1530B/6 and arrived at Hammerfest at 2145B/6. (49)

7 Nov 1941
HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) fires three torpedoes against the German minesweeper depot ship MRS 3 / Bali north of the Laksefjorden in position 71°06'N, 26°57'E. The torpedoes missed their target. Bali was escorted by the armed trawlers UJ 1205 and UJ 1706.

0240C/7 - Sighted one merchant ship escorted by two trawlers approaching from the westward.

0321C/7 - Fired three torpedoes from 6500 yards.

0327C/7 - The target was seen to alter course away and shortly afterwards an explosion was heard. Possibly she turned away to beach herself.

0338C/7, - Set course to leave patrol as all torpedoes had now been expended. (2)

9 Nov 1941
Around 1300C/9, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) ended her 22th war patrol at Polyarnoe, Russia. She had met the escort that was to escort her in around 1000C/9. (2)

15 Nov 1941
Around 1500C/15, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) departed from Polyarnoe, Russia for her 23th war patrol and subsequent return passage to the U.K. En-route she was ordered to a patrol position north-west of the Lofoten.

[As there is no log available for this period no map could be made.] (2)

25 Nov 1941
Around 1900C/25, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) left patrol as ordered in Capt. S 9's signal timed 1031A/25. (2)

28 Nov 1941
HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) ended her 23th war patrol at Lerwick

She departed Lerwick around 1500A/28 for Blyth. She made (part) of the passage together with the Free French submarine FFS Minerve. They were escorted by HMS Lord Lloyd (T/Lt. M.W. Bond, RNVR).

Around 1630A/29, HMS Minerve was detached to Dundee.

Around 1000A/30, HMS Trident arrived at Blyth.

30 Nov 1941
HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) was taken in hand at Blyth for a short refit. (2)

9 Jan 1942
HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) conducted post-refit trials off Blyth. (50)

15 Jan 1942
HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth. (50)

20 Jan 1942
Around 2335A/20, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) departed from Blyth for her 24th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol to the north of Trondheim.

She was escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) until 1520A/22 when they parted company near Muckle Flugga. (2)

20 Jan 1942
For the daily positions of HMS Trident during her 24th war patrol see the map below.

5 Feb 1942
Around 1500A/5, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 24th war patrol at Lerwick.

The patrol had been uneventful.

She was escorted in by HMS Harmattan (T/Lt. J.E. Polmont, RNVR) which had joined around 1345A/5. (2)

12 Feb 1942
Around 1845A/12, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for her 25th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Trondheim in case the German capital ships that wer proceeding up the English Channel would proceed to that port.

On leaving harbour HMS Trident fouled the boom but she sustained no damage. (51)

14 Feb 1942
Having been recalled at 1416B/13, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 25th war patrol at Lerwick around 0845A/14. (51)

19 Feb 1942
Around 0530A/19, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Lerwick for her 26th war patrol. She is to patrol off Norway in the Trondheim area.

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

(2)

19 Feb 1942

Operation EO.

Object: destruction of enemy shipping off Tromso, Norway.

Around 0600N/19, the battleship HMS King George V (Capt. W.R. Patterson, CB, CVO, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), HMS Victorious (Capt. H.C. Bovell, CBE, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Berwick (Capt. G.H. Faulkner, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN), HMS Ashanti (Cdr. R.G. Onslow, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, OBE, RN), HMS Eskimo (Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN) departed Hvalfjord.

Around 0845Z/20, they were joined by the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.T. Armstong, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Punjabi (Lt.Cdr. J.M.G. Waldegrave, DSC, RN) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. R.T. White, DSO, RN) which came from Seidisfjord.

The destroyers HMS Ashanti, HMS Bedouin, HMS Eskimo and HMS Icarus were then detached to Seidisfjord to fuel. They returned around 1630Z/20.

HMS Inglefield, HMS Fury and HMS Echo were then detached to Seidisfjord while the other ships proceeded on the operation.

At noon on 21 February a reconnaissance aircraft reported an enemy force of two battleships and three cruisers (this were actually the heavy cruisers Prinz Eugen, Admiral Scheer and the destroyers Z 4 / Richard Beitzen, Z 5 / Paul Jacobi, Z 7 / Hermann Schoemann, Z 14 / Friedrich Ihn, Z 25) off the south coast of Norway steering north. The Force assigned to operation EO then immediately changed course to the southward in the hope of reaching a position from which HMS Victorious could launch a night torpedo bomber attack. Operation EO was thus abandoned. Coastal and Bomber command aircraft set out to attack and submarines patrolling of the Norwegian coast (HMS Trident, HMS Tuna, HMS P 37 and FFS Minerve) concentrated in the southern approaches to Trondheim.

No further enemy reports were received, but the Fleet continued on a southerly course so that aircraft from HMS Victorious could be launched around 0300 hours on 22 February and sweep down the coast in the vicinity of Stadtlandet in the hope of sighting the enemy force.

Later that day an aircraft report was received showing that the enemy had retired and the operation was therefore postponed. The battlefleet then retired to the north-westward.

On 22 February a further report of the enemy proceeding northwards was received. The battlefleet then steamed south again and after dark closed the Norwegian coast. At 1800A/22, HMS Victorious, HMS Berwick, HMS Bedouin, HMS Eskimo, HMS Punjabi and HMS Icarus were detached to proceed ahead.

The escort destroyers HMS Chiddingfold (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN) and HMS Grove (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Rylands, RN) departed Scapa Flow around 1900A/22 for air sea rescue duties for RAF aircraft operating against the German force.

At 0100A/23, ten torpedo aircraft were flown off from HMS Victorious followed by seven more around 0145A/23. All aircraft swept down the Norwegian coast in weather which was rapidly deteriorating. The enemy was not sighted, mainly to due to the very bad visibility. Following the sortie fourteen aircraft landed safely at Sumburgh, Shetland Islands. Three aircraft were lost.

Around 0600A/23, the enemy was spotted again when the submarine HMS Trident attacked them and heavily damaged the Prinz Eugen.

HMS Victorious, HMS Berwick and their four escorting destroyers rejoined HMS King George V and her three escorting destroyers around 0900A/23. Course was then set to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1630A/23. (52)

23 Feb 1942
HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSO, DSC, RN) fires three torpedoes (seven torpedoes were intended but only three were fired due to a failure in drill when Trident dived during the firing sequence of the torpedoes) at the German heavy cruisers Admiral Scheer and Prinz Eugen west of Kristiansund, Norway in position 63°12'N, 07°00'E. Prinz Eugen is hit with one torpedo in the stern.

The Admiral Scheer and Prinz Eugen were at the time of the attack escorted by only two destroyers. These were Z 7 / Hermann Schoemann and Z 25. The Z 4 / Richard Beitzen, Z 5 / Paul Jacobi and Z 14 / Friedrich Ihn had lost contact with the other ships in bad visibility during a snowstorm at 0123B/23. The damaged Prinz Eugen was able to limp to Trondheim.

0551A/23 - Sighted dim shape bearing 252°.

Soon it was seen that there were two large vessels escorted by three destroyers, one ahead and one on either beam. Before firing torpedoes it was seen that the leading ship was a pocket battleship and the other one was a cruiser. Decided to fire a salvo of seven torpedoes. The six internal bow torpedo tubes and no.8 external.

0602A/23 - In position 63°12'N, 07°00'E fired the first torpedo from 2000 yards and after firing the third gave the order to dive as not to be spotted by the nearest destroyer. As Cdr. Sladen shut the hatch the first explosion was heard. A second explosion was heard half a minute later. On getting below Cdr. Sladen saw that the 'stop fire' light was burning and that the rating who works the order instrument had put on 'stop' on the order 'dive'. This was not noted by any officer as they were all busy with taking the boat below. By the time it was noticed by Cdr. Sladen only three torpedoes of the intended seven were fired and it would have been a waste of four torpedoes to fire the remainder of the salvo. It was thought one hit had been obtained the cruiser and one hit on one of the destroyers.

0607A/23 - The HE of one of the vessels was heard to slow down and then cease.

0609A/23 - HE of one of the destroyers came nearer but soon faded out.

0640A/23 - After nothing was heard for a while Trident surfaced and an enemy report was passed. (53)

6 Mar 1942
At 1630A/6, on patrol in the Fro Havet area, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSO, DSC, RN) sighed three aircraft circling bearing 180° and drawing north.

At 1640A/6, HE was picked up bearing 160°. Later the masts of two R-boats [none were present so most likely they were from the destroyers or torpedo boats] were seen over the horizon to the eastward and another vessel whose identity could not be determined. From the enemy report subsequently received from HMS Seawolf it was though it must have been the German battleship Tirpitz which had left Trondheim around 1200B/6 to operate against convoys PQ 12 / QP 8, escorted by the destroyers Z 5 / Paul Jacobi, Z 7 / Hermann Schoemann, Z 14 / Friedrich Ihn, Z 25 and the torpedo boats T 5 and T 12. Shortly before 2000B/6, Z 5 / Paul Jacobi (with engine defects), T 5 and T 12 were detached to return to Trondheim.

By 1738A/6, all was quiet. (54)

9 Mar 1942
At 0020A/9, still patrolling in the Fro Havet area, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSO, DSC, RN) sighted a number of Green lights bearing 220°. These were later seen to be five R-boats which later turned to the westward.

No R-boats were in this position at this moment. Eight boats of the 5th R-boat flotilla arrived at Trondheim around 2300B/9 and were the only ones in the area. More likely this may have been some boats from the harbour defence flotilla of Trondheim which were out on patrol [unable to find any further details].

At 0244A/9, HE was lost bearing 235° up Fro Havet.

At 0845A/9, in approximate position 64°16'N, 09°45'E, two former Norwegian Sleipner-class torpedo boats passed 3000 yards astern proceeding northwards.

More likely this were the German torpedo boats T 5 and T 12 which had departed Trondheim at 0630B/9 with orders to join the Tirpitz returning from the operation against the British convoy.

From 1315 to 1415A/9, three R-boats in the vicinity were being a nuisance. Two passed within 500 yards of HMS Trident.

At 1420A/9, a depth charge exploded possibly dropped at random.

At 1530A/9, R-boats HE was heard again but only one was seen laying stopped presumably to listen.

Between 1530 and 1730A/9, visibility was bad due to snow.

At 1700A/9, R-boats were heard to be patrolling close to the northward. HMS Trident was patrolling east and westwards and so was the enemy.

At 1900A/9, Cdr. Sladen decided to proceed to the north-eastwards to clear this concentration of R-boats before surfacing to charge.

At 2000A/9, just before surfacing, HE was picked up originating from an R-boat. It soon faded out on bearing 300° and nothing more was seen or heard from them.

It had been expected that the Tirpitz would return to Trondheim on this day but nothing was heard or seen from the German battleship, not surprising as she went to the Narvik area.

The R-boats sighted were from the 5th R-boat Flotilla which had departed Trondheim with eight boats (R 54, R 55, R 56, R 57, R 63, R 89, R 90 and R 91) around 0900B/9 for operations in the Fro Havet area.

(55)

13 Mar 1942
At 0549A/13, while still patrolling in the Fro Havet area, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSO, DSC, RN) HE was picked up and a vessel which could not be identified could be seen moving slowly northwards.

At 0655A/13, what is thought to be a former Norwegian Sleipner-class torpedo boat was seen bearing 200° at 2000 yards. The enemy was steering 220° at slow speed.

At 1200A/13, visibility cleared and what are thought to be two former Norwegian Sleipner-class torpedo boats were seen bearing 160°. They were proceeding on a course of 040°.

At 1549A/13, loud HE was heard bearing 040°. Visibility was only 2000 yards. Nothing could be seen. This must have been Tirpitz and her escorting destroyers (Z 7 / Hermann Schoemann, Z 14 / Friedrich Ihn, Z 25) and torpedo boats (T 5 and T 12) passing through the area during their passage from Narvik to Trondheim.

At 1610A/13, One 'Sleipner-class torpedo boat' passed astern at a range of 800 yards. Six depth charges were dropped when this ship approached. When she was disappearing she dropped another six.

At 1626A/13, HE was lost on bearing 240°.

At 1850A/13, Two 'Sleipner-class torpedo boats' were seen bearing 320°. Range was 1500 yards. They were moving slowly across the bow proceeding on course 220°.

At 1920A/13, they were lost from sight on bearing 210°. Visibility had again improved now.

At 2023A/13, HMS Trident surfaced and set course to leave patrol and return to Lerwick.

The 'Sleipner-class torpedo boats' sighed were most likely three minesweepers from the 4th German M/S Flotilla (M 81, M 151 and M 154) which were patrolling in the area. These were passed by Tirpitz and her escorts around 1700B/13 which coincides with the time the strong HE was heard by HMS Tigris. (56)

17 Mar 1942
Around 1030A/17, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 26th war patrol at Lerwick.

She departed for Holy Loch around 1700A/17, escorted by the Norwegian torpedo boat HNoMS Draug. (2)

19 Mar 1942
Around 1100A/19, HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (2)

3 Apr 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (57)

4 Apr 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) served as target. (57)

6 Apr 1942
Around 1800A/6, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch for her 27th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Norwegian coast to the north of Trondheim. She was escorted out by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN) until 2100A/8 when they parted company near Muckle Flugga. (2)

6 Apr 1942
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Trident during her 27th war patrol see the map below.

12 Apr 1942
Around 1700A/12, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) arrived in her patrol area near Kya. (2)

13 Apr 1942
At 1000A/13, in approximate position 64°32'N, 10°25'E, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) sighted a large hospital ship. She appeared to be damaged and down by the bow.

Three trawlers and a seaplane were escorting her and four other trawlers were sweeping ahead.

This was the German hospital ship Berlin (15236 GRT, built 1925) which had departed Rorvik around 0800B/13. She anchored off Trondheim around 1930B/13. On board were 320 sick / injured servicemen. She arrived at Trondheim escorted by the auxiliary patrol vessel V 5712 / Kärnten which was most likely one of the three trawlers which were in company with Berlin when she was sighted by HMS Trident [we have so far been unable to identify the two other trawlers sighted.]

The four trawlers seen sweeping ahead were most likely four trawlers from the 15th M/S Flotilla (M 1501, M 1505, M 1506 and M 1508) on passage from Bodo to Kristiansund.

From 13 to 17 April 1942, HMS Trident sighted many laden merchant vessel proceeding both northwards and southwards. Often these were not escorted. No attacks could however be made as HMS Trident had instructions only attack enemy vessels from the size of cruisers and above.

From 1800A/17, HMS Trident was allowed to attack all enemy vessels as ordered in Capt. S 9's signal timed 2143A/16. (58)

18 Apr 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) fires two torpedoes against 'what is identified as' a laden 3000 ton merchant ship, southbound, in position 64°32'N, 10°33'E. Both torpedoes missed their target. [We have been unable to identify this ship.]

1400 hours - In position 64°32'N, 10°33'E fired two torpedoes against a laden southbound merchant ship of about 3000 tons from 1000 yards. Both torpedoes missed and were heard to explode on the shore. The vessel was then seen to signal to two northbound merchant vessels which subsequently turned and proceeded southwards. (2)

19 Apr 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) patrolled south-east of Rorvik, near position 64°41'N, 10°45'E.

During the forenoon the Norwegian merchant vessel Irma (1299 GRT, built 1905) and a trawler patrolling near Villa were sighted.

At 1530A/19, a convoy of four large laden merchant vessels was sighted approaching from the southward. They were escorted by three trawlers. Instead of proceeding by the usual route and thus passed close by, they proceeded up Folla Fjord for a while thus passing further to the westward out of range.

[We have been unable to identify this convoy of four ships.] (2)

20 Apr 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the German transport Hödur (5368 GRT, built 1913) in the Follafjord south-west of Rorvik, in position 64°38'N, 10°49'E.

Hödur had a cargo of 8500 tons of coal and was on passage from Emden to Tromso. Out of a crew of 53 only 8 survivors were rescued.

1145A/20 - An unescorted 6000 tons laden merchant vessel was seen approaching from the south-westward. Started attack.

1200A/20 - Fired three torpedoes from 1700 yards. The first two torpedoes hit the target that capsized and sank in less than five minutes. The third torpedo missed and exploded on the shore.

HMS Trident then left patrol to return to Lerwick proceeding southwards close to the coast in the hope of encountering some more enemy vessels. (59)

25 Apr 1942
Around 1145A/25, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) ended her 27th war patrol at Lerwick.

She departed for Holy Loch around 1500A/25, escorted by HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN).

27 Apr 1942
Around 0530A/27, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (2)

8 May 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburg.

These were followed by exercises in the Clyde area. These included gunnery exercises on a target that was towed by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN).

Upon completion HMS Trident proceeded to Campbeltown. (57)

9 May 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS L'Incomprise (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.S. Deveson, RNR). (57)

13 May 1942
Around 1000B/13, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made the passage north together with HMS Seawolf (Lt. R.P. Raikes, RN). They were escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (2)

15 May 1942
Around 1045B/15, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) arrived at Lerwick.

She departed Lerwick for her 28th war patrol around 1230B/15. She was ordered to give cover for convoy PQ 16 to north Russia.

HMS Trident is to proceed to Iceland first.

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

(2)

18 May 1942
Around 0630B/18, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) arrived at Seydisfjord, Iceland. (2)

21 May 1942

Convoy operation to and from northern Russia, convoy's PQ 16 and QP 12.

Convoy PQ 16 from Reykjavik to the Kola Inlet and convoy QP 12 from the Kola Inlet to Reykjavik.

Timespan: 21 May 1942 to 1 June 1942.

21 May 1942.

On this day convoy PQ 16 of 35 merchant vessels departed Reykjavik for northern Russia. The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels. Alamar (American, 5689 GRT, built 1916), Alcoa Banner (American, 5035 GRT, built 1919), American Press (American, 5131 GRT, built 1920), American Robin (American, 5172 GRT, built 1919), Arcos (Russian, 2343 GRT, built 1918), Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Carlton (American, 5127 GRT, built 1920), Chernyshevski (Russian, 3588 GRT, built 1919), City of Joliet (American, 6167 GRT, built 1920), City of Omaha (American, 6124 GRT, built 1920), Empire Baffin (British, 6978 GRT, built 1941), Empire Elgar (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942), Empire Lawrence (British, 7457 GRT, built 1941), Empire Purcell (British, 7049 GRT, built 1942), Empire Selwyn (British, 7167 GRT, built 1941), Exterminator (Panamanian, 6115 GRT, built 1924), Heffron (American, 7611 GRT, built 1919), Hybert (American, 6120 GRT, built 1920), John Randolph (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), Lowther Castle (British, 5171 GRT, built 1937), Massmar (American, 5828 GRT, built 1920), Mauna Kea (American, 6064 GRT, built 1920), Michigan (Panamanian, 6419 GRT, built 1920), Minotaur (American, 4554 GRT, built 1918), Mormacsul (American, 5481 GRT, built 1920), Nemaha (American, 6501 GRT, built 1920), Ocean Voice (British, 7174 GRT, built 1941), Pieter de Hoogh (Dutch, 7168 GRT, built 1941), Revolutsioner (Russian, 2900 GRT, built 1936), Richard Henry Lee (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), Shchors (Russian, 3770 GRT, built 1921), Stary Bolshevik (Russian, 3974 GRT, built 1933), Steel Worker (American, 5685 GRT, built 1920), Syros (American, 6191 GRT, built 1920) and West Nilus (American, 5495 GRT, built 1920).

Close escort was initially provided by the western escort which was made up of the British minesweeper HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. J.R.A. Seymour, RN) and the A/S trawlers St. Elstan (Lt. R.M. Roberts, RNR), Lady Madeleine (T/Lt. W.G.Ogden, RNVR), HMS Northern Spray (T/Lt. G.T. Gilbert, RNVR) and (until 23 May) Retriever (Free French).

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Also on this day convoy QP 12 of 15 merchant vessels departed northern Russia for Reykjavik. The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels. Alcoa Rambler (American, 5500 GRT, built 1919), Bayou Chico (American, 5401 GRT, built 1920), Cape Race (British, 3807 GRT, built 1930), Empire Morn (British, 7092 GRT, built 1941), Expositor (American, 4959 GRT, built 1919), Francis Scott Key (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), Hegira (American, 7588 GRT, built 1919), Ilmen (Russian, 2369 GRT, built 1923), Kuzbass (Russian, 3109 GRT, built 1914), Paul Luckenbach (American, 6606 GRT, built 1913), Scotish American (British, 6999 GRT, built 1920), Seattle Spirit (American, 5627 GRT, built 1919), Southgate (British, 4862 GRT, built 1926), Texas (American, 5638 GRT, built 1919) and Topa Topa (American, 5356 GRT, built 1920).

Close escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN), HMS Escapade (Lt.Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN), HMS Venomous (Cdr. H.W. Falcon-Steward, RN), HNoMS St. Albans (Lt.Cdr. S.V. Storheill, RNorN), escort destroyer HMS Badsworth (Lt. G.T.S. Gray, DSC, RN), AA-ship HMS Ulster Queen (Capt.(Retd.) D.S. McGrath, RN), minesweeper HMS Harrier (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO, RN) and the A/S trawlers HMS Cape Palliser (Lt. B.T. Wortley, RNR), HMS Northern Pride (T/Lt. A.R. Cornish, RNR), HMS Northern Wave (T/Lt. W.G. Pardoe-Matthews, RNR) and HMS Vizalma (T/Lt. J.R. Anglebeck, RNVR).

Furthermore a eastern local escort escorted the convoy as far as 30°E. This was made up of the Russian destroyers Grozniy, Sokrushitelny and the British minesweepers HMS Bramble (Capt. J.H.F. Crombie, RN), HMS Leda (Cdr. A.D.H. Jay, DSC, RN), HMS Seagull (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Pollock, RN), and HMS Gossamer (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Crease, RN).

22 May 1942.

The British heavy cruisers HMS Norfolk (Capt. E.G.H. Bellars, RN), HMS Kent (Capt. A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, RN) and light cruiser HMS Liverpool (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN) left Hvalfiord to make rendez-vous with Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron in position 66°00'N, 13°00'E the next day and then form the cruiser covering force for convoy's PQ 16 and QP 12.

The US destroyers USS Wainwright (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Gibbs, USN), USS Mayrant (Cdr. C.C. Hartman, USN), USS Rhind (Lt.Cdr. H.T. Read, USN), and USS Rowan (Lt.Cdr. B.R. Harrison, Jr., USN) left Hvalfiord for Seidisfiord to fuel before joining the battlefleet at sea.

Force Q; RFA tanker Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) and her escort, the escort destroyer HMS Ledbury (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, RN) as well as the close escort for convoy PQ 16 the AA ship HMS Alynbank (A/Capt.(rtd.) H.F. Nash, RN), corvettes HMS Honeysuckle (Lt. H.H.D. MacKillican, DSC, RNR), FFS Roselys, HMS Starwort (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Duck, RD, RNR), HMS Hyderabad (Lt. S.C.B. Hickman, RN)and the submarines HMS Seawolf (Lt. R.P. Raikes, RN) and HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) left Seidisfiord around 1515B/22 to join convoy PQ 16 at sea.

23 May 1942.

The battlefleet, made up of the battleships HMS Duke of York (Capt. C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), USS Washington (Capt. H.H.J. Benson, USN, with Rear-Admiral R.C. Griffen, USN on board), aircraft carrier HMS Victorious (Capt. H.C. Bovell, CBE, RN), heavy cruiers USS Wichita (Capt. H.W. Hill, USN), HMS London (Capt. R.M. Servaes, CBE, RN), destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN), HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A. de W. Kitcat, RN), HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSC, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Blankney (Lt.Cdr. P.F. Powlett, RN), HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC, RN), HMS Middleton (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, RN), and HMS Wheatland (Lt.Cdr. R.de.L Brooke, RN) left Hvalfiord around midnight during the night of 22/23 May 1942, to provide distant cover for convoy's PQ 16 and QP 12.

Light cruiser HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.M. Burrough, CB, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.T. Armstong, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Oribi (Lt.Cdr. J.E.H. McBeath, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Ashanti (Cdr. R.G. Onslow, RN), HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, DSO, RN), HMS Martin (Cdr. C.R.P. Thomson, RN), HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, DSC, RN), HMS Volunteer (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, RN), and ORP Garland (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) H. Eibel, ORP) left Seidisfiord and joined the escort of PQ 16 P.M. heaving made rendez-vous with HMS Norfolk, HMS Kent and HMS Liverpool before joining the convoy.

Force Q (RFA Black Ranger and HMS Ledbury and the close escort HMS Alynbank, HMS Honeysuckle, FFS Roselys, HMS Starwort, HMS Hyderabad, HMS Seawolf and HMS Trident also joined convoy PQ 16 P.M.

The US destroyers USS Wainwright, USS Mayrant, USS Rhind and USS Rowan arrived at Seidisfiord to fuel before joining the battlefleet at sea sailing P.M.

24 May 1942.

The US destroyers USS Wainwright, USS Mayrant, USS Rhind and USS Rowan joined the battlefleet in position 65°50'N, 13°01'E.

British destroyers HMS Faulknor, HMS Fury, HMS Eclipse, HMS Intrepid and HMS Icarus were detached from the battlefleet to fuel at Seidisfiord, arriving A.M. and rejoining the battlefleet at sea P.M. HMS Middleton, HMS Lamerton, HMS Wheatland and HMS Blankney were then detached from the Battlefleet to fuel at Seidisfiord, arriving P.M.

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One merchant vessel of convoy QP 12 had to return with engine defects, this was the American Hegira.

25 May 1942.

Both convoy's were reported by enemy aircraft this day.

Also several German U-boats from the 'Greif-wolfpack' were able to make contact with convoy PQ 16 during the day.

First one was U-209 at 0620 hours (All times of the U-boats are Berlin time). She was however driven off with gunfire from HMS Martin a little over an hour later. She again made contact briefly around 1750 hours.

Then at 0645 hours, U-436 also made contact. She however lost contact around 0800 hours.

At 0655 hours, U-703 briefly made contact but was driven off.

At 0751 hours U-591 briefly made contact.

At 1200 hours U-703 again made contact but lost contact soon afterwards.

At 1500 hours U-591 was detected and engaged with gunfire by HMS Martin. She dived and was then depth charged but sustained no damage.

U-436 again made contact at 1522 hours but lost contact again soon afterwards.

At 1615 hours, U-586 made contact also to loose contact soon afterwards.

At 2005 hours U-591 briefly made contact with the convoy but lost it soon afterwards.

PQ 16 was also attacked by torpedo and dive bombers, many near misses were obtained, The American merchant ship Carlton had a fractured a steam pipe and proceeded to Seidisfiord in tow of the A/S trawler HMS Northern Spray.

26 May 1942.

Shortly before 0300 hours U-703 attacked convoy PQ 16 and managed to torpedo and sink the American merchant Syros in position 72°35'N, 05°30'E.

During the remainder of day enemy aircraft were in contact and were homing in U-boats.

At 0400 hours (All U-boat times are Berlin time) U-209 briefly made contact.

At the same time U-436 was also in contact and fired one torpedo which missed.

At 0427 hours U-436 fired two torpedoes at the A/S trawler HMS Lady Madeleine. Both missed and Lady Madeleine then counter attacked with depth charges causing damage to the German submarine forcing her to break off her patrol.

At 0846 hours U-591 attacked HMS Achates with three torpedoes which missed. Achates then counter attacked but the depth charges fell way off.

At 0930 hours U-586 was driven off with gunfire by HMS Martin.

At 1400 hours U-703 briefly made contact.

At 2212 hours U-703 was detected by HMS Martin and engaged with gunfire. On diving she was depth charged but sustained no damage.

27 May 1942.

During the day convoy PQ 16 was attacked many times by enemy aircraft. Three of the merchant vessels were sunk by bombs; Empire Lawrence, Empire Purcell and Mormacsul. The Alamar was heavily damaged by bombs and was scuttled by HMS Trident. Also the merchant vessel Lowther Castle was sunk by enemy torpedo aircraft.

The merchant vessels Stary Bolshevik, Ocean Voice (with the Convoi-Commodore Capt. Gale on board), Empire Baffin and City of Joliet were damaged during the air attacks.

The destroyer ORP Garland was also damaged and detached to Murmansk. It is possible the destroyer was damaged by her own depth charges while attacking U-703 shortly before noon.

The already damaged merchant vessel Carlton, in tow of HMS Northern Spray towards Seidisfiord is also attacked by enemy aircraft but no hits were obtained on her.

Also on this day Russian destroyers from the eastern local escort sailed from Murmansk to join convoy PQ 16. It was made up Grozniy, Sokrushitelny, Valerian Kyubishev. Also four British minesweepers sailed to join the escort as well, these were HMS Bramble, HMS Leda, HMS Seagull and HMS Gossamer. They all joined the convoy escort the next day.

Force Q (RFA tanker Black Ranger escorted by HMS Ledbury is detached to Scapa Flow.

HMS Middleton, HMS Lamerton, HMS Wheatland and HMS Blankney departed Seidisfiord to make rendez-vous with the battlefleet in position 66°50'N, 11°25'W.

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The merchant vessels Cape Race, Empire Morn and Southgate split off from convoy QP 12 and set course for the Clyde escorted by HMS Ulster Queen, HMS Venomous and HMS Badsworth.

28 May 1942.

HMS Victorious was detached from the battlefleet to Hvalfiord escorted by HMS Faulknor, HMS Fury and HMS Eclipse.

HMS Middleton, HMS Lamerton, HMS Wheatland and HMS Blankney joined the battlefleet at sea.

HMS Kent detached from the cruiser cover force and set course for Hvalfiord.

The damaged American merchant vessel City of Joliet had to be abandoned and was scuttled.

29 May 1942.

HMS Intrepid and HMS Icarus left the battlefleet for Skaalefiord to fuel, arriving A.M. and after fuelling sailed independently for Scapa Flow.

HMS Victorious end her escort HMS Faulknor, HMS Fury and HMS Eclipse arrived at Hvalfiord.

Force Q (RFA Black Ranger and HMS Ledbury) was ordered to proceed to Sullom Voe instead of Scapa Flow.

The cruiser cover force HMS Nigeria, HMS Liverpool, HMS Norfolk, HMS Onslow, HMS Oribi and HMS Marne arrived at Scapa Flow.

The battlefleet, which at that time was made up of the battleships HMS Duke of York, USS Washington, heavy cruisers HMS London, USS Wichita, destroyers USS Wainwright, USS Mayrant, USS Rhind and USS Rowan and the escort destroyers HMS Middleton, HMS Lamerton, HMS Wheatland and HMS Blankney also arrived at Scapa Flow.

HMS Kent arrived at Hvalfiord.

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Convoy QP 12 (minus the three merchants and their escort that had been detached on the 27th) arrived at Reykjavik, Iceland.

30 May 1942.

The merchant vessels Cape Race, Empire Morn and Southgate (Ex QP 12) escorted by HMS Venomous and HMS Badsworth arrived at the Clyde. Ulster Queen had been ordered to proceed to Belfast where she arrived also on this day.

Convoy PQ 16 arrived at Murmansk. Six merchant ships continued on to Archangel where they arrived on 1 June. (60)

22 May 1942
Around 1515B/22, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) departed from Seydisfjord, Iceland to join convoy PQ 16 at sea.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy operation to and from northern Russia, convoy's PQ 16 and QP 12 ' for 21 May 1942.] (2)

23 May 1942
Around 0400B/23, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) joins convoy PQ 16 in position 66°52'N, 15°00'W. (2)

27 May 1942
1340B/27 - HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) picks up nine survivors from the American merchant vessel Alamar (5915 GRT, built 1916). This ship has been abandoned after it was hit by German Ju.88 aircraft. Trident was ordered to sink the disabled ship which she did with two torpedoes (for one hit) at 1419 hours in position 73°43'N, 19°48'E.

1900B/27 - Trident uses her antiaircraft guns to repulse an attack on the convoy by German aircraft.

2020B/27s - Trident comes alongside the British merchant vessel Empire Purcell (British, 7049 GRT, built 1942) which has been abandoned prematurely after minor bomb damage. An attempt to salvage her is abandoned following new air attacks. (2)

29 May 1942
At 0455B/29, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) uses again her antiaircraft armament in the defence of convoy PQ 16. (2)

30 May 1942
Around 1830B/30, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) arrived at Polyarnoe, Russia with convoy PQ 12, ending her 28th war patrol. (2)

12 Jun 1942
Around 1200C/12, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) departed from Polyarnoe, Russia for a short anti-U-boat patrol to the north of Murmansk (This is Trident's 29th war patrol).

On departure A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Leda (Cdr. A.D.H. Jay, DSC, RN). (2)

12 Jun 1942
For the daily positions of HMS Trident during her 29th war patrol see the map below.

19 Jun 1942
Around 1315C/19, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) ended her 29th war patrol at Polyarnoe, Russia.

She was escorted in by HMS Gossamer (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Crease, RN) which had joined around 1100C/19. (2)

27 Jun 1942
Around 1815C/27, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) departed from Polyarnoe, Russia for her 30th war patrol. She is to give cover for convoy's QP 13 and PQ 17 and return to the U.K. afterwards.

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

(2)

30 Jun 1942
At 2020C/30, east-north-east of Bear Island, in position 74°47'N, 22°37'E, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) left convoy QP 13 to hunt for a U-boat transmitting homing signals near the convoy.

At 2311C/30, the hunt was abandoned without having encountered the enemy U-boat. Course was then set to patrol in zone K 55 (between latitudes 73°10'N and 72°50'N and longitudes 22°30'E and 24°00'E). (2)

6 Jul 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) encounters two German U-boats in position 72°07'N, 31°09'E. They were not attacked (see below for the reasons).
These two U-boats must have been the damaged U-334 that was proceeding to Kirkenes 'escorted by' U-456.

0925B/6 - While submerged in position 72°07'N, 31°09'E the officer of the watch sighted two objects to the northward. The objects were distorted by mirage and could not be identified. As they might well have been tops of the German heavy units thought to be in the area they were closed at full submerged speed for five minutes until it was seen that they were two German U-boats. Their course and speed was 195° and 8 knots. They passed 2300 yards ahead of Trident.

They were not attacked for the following reasons (in order of importance)
1) It was thought they German heavy units were to the eastward about to attack the scattered convoy PQ 17. Trident was well placed to intercept them on their return.
2) The patrol orders stated that a full salvo had to be retained for these German heavy units. Therefore only 4 at max. could be fired as two torpedoes were already expended during the scuttling of the American merchant Alamar on 27 May. If a salvo of 10 torpedoes was to be retained four out of the six C.C.R. (magnetic) pistols would have to be expended.
3) The U-boats were homeward bound and therefore no longer a menace to the convoy.
4) We were instructed by signal not to attack submarines to the west of 30'E. Despite the fact that Trident was to the east of 30'E the order was clearly meant to apply. (2)

12 Jul 1942
Arund 0915B/12, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) ended her 30th war patrol at Lerwick.

Around 1800B/12, HMS Trident departed Lerwick for Scapa Flow. She made the passage together with FFS Minerve and their escort HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR) which were both en-route to Dundee. (2)

13 Jul 1942
Around 0920B/13, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (61)

16 Jul 1942
Around 2200B/16, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) departed from Scapa Flow bound for Lerwick. She made the passage together with HNoMS Uredd (Lt. R.O. Rören). They were escorted by HMS Lord Lloyd (T/Lt. M.W. Bond, RNVR). (62)

17 Jul 1942
Around 1230B/17, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (61)

20 Jul 1942
Around 1500B/20, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) departed from Lerwick bound for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN). They were escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(G.W. Dobson, RNR). (62)

22 Jul 1942
Around 1715B/22, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (61)

4 Aug 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Troon where she is to refit. She was escorted by a trawler [identity not given in the logbook]. (63)

7 Nov 1942
During her refit, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) is undocked at Troon.

[We do not know the date she was docked, the was most likely in September but no log is available for this month.] (64)

27 Nov 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) conducted a post refit dive trial (basin trail) inside Troon harbour. (64)

1 Dec 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) conducted exercises off Troon. (65)

6 Dec 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) conducted exercises off Troon. (65)

8 Dec 1942
With her refit completed, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN), proceeded from Troon to Helensburg where D/G trials were carried out on the D/G range. On completion of these she proceeded to Holy Loch.

On departure from Troon she was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) until she passed the Clyde boom. (65)

10 Dec 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (65)

12 Dec 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (65)

13 Dec 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) and HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) both conducted exercises in the Clyde area during which they served as targets for each other. (66)

14 Dec 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (65)

15 Dec 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (65)

16 Dec 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Arrochar. (65)

17 Dec 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar for No.11 torpedo tube. Upon completion off these trials Trident proceeded to Holy Loch. (65)

20 Dec 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Arrochar where she conducted torpedo discharge trials. (65)

21 Dec 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar on completion of which she returned to Holy Loch. (65)

22 Dec 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(G.W. Dobson, RNR) served as target. (65)

23 Dec 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(G.W. Dobson, RNR) served as target. (65)

24 Dec 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) conducted STU trials off Fairlie. (65)

26 Dec 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(G.W. Dobson, RNR) served as target. (65)

27 Dec 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(G.W. Dobson, RNR) served as target. (65)

28 Dec 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (65)

31 Dec 1942
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Arroachar where she conducted torpedo discharge trials for No.11 torpedo tube. Upon completion off these trials she returned to Holy Loch. (65)

1 Jan 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) conducted D/F trials off Fairlie. (67)

2 Jan 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Rothesay. (67)

3 Jan 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. G.H.D. Williams, RN) served as target. A total of 12 practice attacks were made. (67)

4 Jan 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) proceeded from Rothesay to Holy Loch. (67)

5 Jan 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) conducted W/T trials off Fairlie. (67)

6 Jan 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) conducted W/T trials off Fairlie. (67)

9 Jan 1943
Around 0845A/9, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made the passage together with HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) and HMS P 314 (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Qualicum (T/Lt. F.S. Tolliday, RNR). (2)

11 Jan 1943
Around 1030A/11, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) arrived at Lerwick. She departed Lerwick for her 31st war patrol. She is ordered to patrol off Norway.

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

(2)

13 Jan 1943
Around 2200A/13, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) arrived in her patrol position to the north of Trondheim, Norway. (2)

18 Jan 1943
Around 2000A/18, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed from her initial patrol position to the north of Trondheim for a new position of northern Norway as ordered in Capt. S 9's signal timed 1725A/18. (2)

22 Jan 1943
Around 2000A/22, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) arrived in her new patrol position off northern Norway. (2)

26 Jan 1943
At 2359A/26, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed from her patrol position to return to Lerwick as ordered in Capt. S 9's signal timed 1813A/26. (2)

29 Jan 1943
At 1225A/29, while on the return trip to Lerwick from her patrol, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) was ordered by the Flag Officer Submarines in his signal timed 1121A/29 to take up a patrol position to the north of Trondheim. Course set accordingly. (2)

31 Jan 1943
At 2248A/31, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) once again left patrol position to return to Lerwick as ordered with the Flag Officer Submarines signal timed 1958A/31. (2)

2 Feb 1943
Around 1530A/2, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) arrived at Lerwick ending her 31st war patrol. (2)

3 Feb 1943
Around 1700A/3, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Anchusa (A/Lt.Cdr. D.M. Gibb, RNR). (68)

5 Feb 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) arrived at Holy Loch.

[No logs are available for HMS Trident for the morths of February to September 1943. Some details for these months will thus be missing.] (69)

19 Feb 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) is docked at Glasgow. (70)

26 Feb 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) is undocked at Glasgow and returned back to Holy Loch. (70)

1 Mar 1943
After some repairs had been completed, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed from Holy Loch around 0845A/1 bound for Gibraltar. She is to join the Mediterranean Station.

She was escorted southwards through the Irish Sea by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR).

11 Mar 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) arrived at Gibraltar.

17 Mar 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed from Gibraltar for a short work up patrol in the Gulf of Valencia (this is her 32nd war patrol and her 1st in the Mediterranean). She is to proceed to Algiers afterwards.

[There is no log of HMS Trident available for this period so no map can be displayed]. (2)

21 Mar 1943
At 2230A/21, in position 38°57'N, 00°15'E, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) left patrol to proceed to Algiers as had been ordered in Capt. S 8's signals timed 1542A/20 and 1604A/20. (2)

23 Mar 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) ended her 32nd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (2)

31 Mar 1943
Around 1815A/31, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed from Algiers for her 33rd war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) for a special mission in Corsica. She is also to patrol in the Gulf of Genoa.

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

(2)

3 Apr 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) fires six torpedoes at a submarine west off Corsica in position 41°39'N, 07°20E. All torpedoes missed their target. The submarine is thought to be German but no German U-boat was in this area at that given time.

The Italian submarine Francesco Rismondo (former Yugoslav Osvetnik) was exercising in the area. She was most likely the submarine attacked although she did not report it.

1121A/3 - Heard HE bearing 290°.

1122A/3 - Sighted smoke bearing 285°.

1123A/3 - Identified a 500 tons German U-boat bearing 280°, range 5000 yards. Started attack.

1128A/3 - Fired six torpedoes. It was later discovered that one torpedo had not left it's tube)

1138A/3 - Heard four explosions, the HE of the U-boat could no longer be heard. (2)

5 Apr 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) attacked an escorted transport of about 5000 tons east of Corsica in position 42°28'N, 09°55'E. Four torpedoes were fired but none found it's target.

This must have been the transport Anagni (Italian, former French El Mansour, 5818 GRT, built 1933) escorted by the destroyers Carabiniere and Mitragliere which had sailed at 2010B/4 - 2014B/4, from Olbia (Sardinia) for Leghorn where they arrived at 0730B/5 - 0750B/5.

0128A/5 - In position 42°28'N, 09°55'E sighted darkened ships bearing 220°. Started attack.

0130A/5 - The ships were identified as a merchant ship of 5000 tons escorted by two destroyers, one on each bow. Course was 350°.

0133A/5 - Fired four torpedoes from 3000 yards. Started to dive after firing the third torpedo. No hits were obtained. One of the destroyers now passed 1500 yards ahead.

0142A/5 - Two explosions were heard at the end of the run of the torpedoes. (2)

6 Apr 1943
During the night of 5/6 April 1943, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) carried out a special operation. Near the Travo River (Corsica), Captain Paulin Colonna D'Istria (offsite link) and Captain L. Lee of the Royal Tank Regiment were landed near the Travo River (Corsica) and Commandant de Saule was picked up. The operation is carried out with the assistance of Captain Courtney, Lieutenant Lunn, Sergeants Thompson and Milne of SBS.

2251A/5 - Arrived in the (alternative) position from where the special operation was to be started.

2330A/5 - Sighted the expected signal from the shore.

0012A/6 - The boats left the submarine.

0137A/6 - The boats returned with one passenger which stated that the remainder of the party wanted to be picked up at the rendezvous position that had been first agreed on. It was agreed to try to do so the following night provided that the enemy showed no signs that they suspected a submarine being in this area. Proceeded to seawards to charge. (2)

7 Apr 1943
Near Canalle Cove (Corsica), HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) lands Captain Courtney, Lieutenant Lunn, Sergeants Thompson and Milne of SBS to help evacuate a party from Corsica. The operation is unsuccessful as they fail to make contact and have to return to the submarine.

2345A/7- Arrived in the selected position to evacuate the remainder of the party.

By 0130A/7 - no signal had been seen from the coast so moved further northwards as it was now feared Trident was too far south.

0200A/7 - The correct signal was seen inshore, 2 miles to the north. This now proved to be the correct beach.

0230A/7 - The boats got away.

0455A/7 - The boats returned as it was getting light.

0500A/7 - Dived and retired from the coast. Capt. Courtney stated that when only 150 yards from the beach they saw the agreed signal but on arrival none could be seen. The beach was searched without result and the boats left shore at 0400A/7. Lt. Newstead decided not to try again as he now considered this rendezvous position compromised. (2)

8 Apr 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) sighted and heard what is thought to be an enemy destroyer or torpedo boat to the east of Bastia. An attack was not possible.

This was possibly the corvette Euterpe escorting the transport Partinico (Italian, former French Tlemcem, 4225 GRT, built 1912) who sailed from La Spezia at 1140B/7 and arrived at Naples at 0930B/9. They were off Piombino at 2230B/7, but it is not clear if they rounded Elba or crossed between Elba and the mainland.

Later, HMS Trident fired four torpedoes at the Italian transport Tagliamento (5448 GRT, built 1922) north-east of Bastia, Corsica, France in position 42°46'N, 09°39'E. Tagliamento was escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Giuseppe La Masa.

0331A/8 - In position 42°42'N, 09°52'E sighted a darkened shape bearing 300°. Heard the HE of turbines at 180 revs on the same bearing. Trident was unable to close.

0400A/8 - HE faded out on a steady bearing of 340°. The contact was thought to be a destroyer or torpedo boat given the turbine HE.

0422A/8 - Dived and ran in towards Bastia.

0644A/8 - In position 42°46'N, 09°39'E sighted one merchant vessel escorted by a three-funnelled torpedo boat bearing 230°, range 8000 yards. Started attack.

0712A/8 - Fired four torpedoes at the merchant vessel, that was in ballast, from 1600 yards.

0721A/8 - Heard three ended of run torpedo explosions. No counter attack developed.

0746A/8 - Came to periscope depth. The merchant was seen on the same course, with the escort astern. (2)

9 Apr 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) fires two torpedoes at a submarine (thought to be probably Italian, but this was actually German U-boat U-371) in the Gulf of Genoa in position 43°27'N, 09°07'E. Both torpedoes missed their target.

The Germans, which were en-route to La Spezia for repairs, did not notice the torpedoes but heard two explosions which sounded like depth charges or aircraft bombs exploding several hundred meters off at 0525B/9 and 0527B/9. Position was given as quadrant CJ 1618 which is centered in position 43°33'N, 09°06'E. The German U-boat arrived at La Spezia at 0930B/9.

0418A/9 - In position 43°27'N, 09°07'E sighted a submarine, thought to be probably Italian, crossing the bows. Enemy course was about 030°, range was estimated at 3000 yards.

0422A/9 - Fired two torpedoes.

0431A/9 - Two explosions were heard. Both torpedoes had missed the target. (71)

11 Apr 1943
At 1545A/11, off Cape Noli, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) sighted what are thought to be two MA/SB boats passing one mile to the north-west on a north-easterly course. They were proceeding at a slow speed of only about 5 knots. They were not using Asdic. (2)

12 Apr 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) attacked the transport Firenze (Italian, 1896 GRT, built 1919) with one torpedo off Capo Noli. The torpedo misses the target.

Between 0700A/12 and 1100A/12 - One trawler and one schooner were seen sweeping the area up to three miles from the coast using a sweep between the two vessels.

1355A/12 - In position 073° Capo Noli 2,5 nautical miles sighted a merchant vessel of about 2000 tons, possibly escorted by a small motor boat (MA/SB ?) which was not seen but was heard, and with an aircraft overhead.

1414A/12 - Fired one torpedo (the last one) from the stern tube from 3000 yards.

1417A/12 - Heard an explosion, possibly a hit on the target.

1421A/12 - Heard a small explosion.

1424A/12 - Heard a very heavy explosion. Trident went to 250 feet. During the next hour 70 small explosions were heard but none was very close.

1530A/12 - Returned to periscope depth, nothing in sight.

2015A/12 - Surfaced and proceeded to the southward. Capt. S 8's signal timed 1244A/12 was received which ordered HMS Trident to patrol between Corsica and Elba to intercept a damaged Italian cruiser which was proceeding northwards. Lt. Newstead decided to sent a signal that all torpedoes had been expended. [This signal referred to the heavy cruiser Gorizia which proceeded from La Maddalena to La Spezia after having been damaged in an air attack on La Maddalena on 10 April.]

2117A/12 - In position 44°02'N, 08°45'E two ships were sighted ahead. One was thought to be a destroyer. Dived.

2135A/12 - Nothing was picked up on the Asdic so surfaced. A small ship was seen three miles away on the port side. Closed slowly as it was thought to be a schooner.

2153A/12 - Identified the vessel as a motor torpedo boat now at a range of 3000 yards. She was laying stopped or was moving very slowly. Dived and proceeded to the southward.

2252A/12 - Surfaced. Nothing was in sight.

2343A/12 - A small vessel was seen to be approaching from astern. Dived in position 43°50'N, 08°46'E. No HE was picked up.

2359A/12 - Surfaced and proceeded. Nothing was in sight. (2)

13 Apr 1943
At 1425A/13, in position 43°53'N, 08°46'E, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) sighted the mast of a ship bearing 300°. Closed and identified the upperworks of two destroyers or torpedo boats on a course of 035°. Range was 6 nautical miles. HE of a reciprocating engine could be heard but nothing was seen. The ships were escorted by a floatplane thought to be a German Arado. The destroyers resembled the Confienza-class and Mirabella-class respectively.

The corvettes Gazzella, Minerva, Danaide, destroyers Vincenzo Gioberti, Camicia Nera and the auxiliary gunboat Zagabria were escorting the seriously damaged heavy cruiser Gorizia from La Maddalena at 2300B/12 - 2330B/12 and arrived at La Spezia at 1655B/13 - 1816B/13.

The destroyer FR 23 (former French Tigre) sailed from Toulon at 0621B/13 and arrived at La Spezia at 1931B/13.

The vessels sighted were most likely some of the above. (2)

14 Apr 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) attacked the German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ 2206 with gunfire south-east of Capo Mele, Italy in position 43°51'N, 08°19'E.

The German vessel had departed Genoa at 2000B/13 for an A/S patrol between Genoa and San Remo.

During the action the British claim to have hit the German ship while the Germans claimed to have hit the enemy submarine. Neither was the case though.

The British state that 81 depth charges were dropped while according to the German action report only 37 were dropped. After the action UJ 2206 had only 5 depth charges on board.

0540A/14 - In position 43°51'N, 08°19'E sighted a small ship thought to be a small tanker or water carrier. Closed to 2500 yards on it's port quarter. Surfaced for gun action.

0613A/14 - Upon surfacing it was found that the range was greater than estimated, it was now thought to be 3500 yards. It was also noted that the target was bigger than estimated. The target altered course away to starboard so Trident altered course towards. The target eventually did a complete circle and then came straight towards. When the target was turning it was hit aft with one more probable hit forward. The target had opened fire with a quick firing gun as soon as Trident surfaced and the shells were now bursting all around the submarine.

0628A/14 - Broke off the action and dived to 120 feet. Also altered course.

0630A/14 - Went to 200 feet and upon reaching that depth went to 300 feet.

0640A/14 - The vessel passed overhead and shortly afterwards 14 depth charges exploded very close down the port side.

0654A/14 - The vessel passed overhead again dropping 5 depth charges.

0710A/14 - Another 5 depth charges were dropped as the vessel passed overhead again. The vessel lost contact after this attack.

1108A/14 - HE by now was very faint so went to periscope depth.

1110A/14 - The last pattern of depth charges was now dropped. In all 81 were dropped but only the first 24 were close. only some minor damage was sustained. (72)

15 Apr 1943
At 0230A/15, in position 42°42'N, 08°21'E, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN), which was by now on passage to the southern end of her patrol area, sighted two ships bearing 270°. They were proceeding on course 035°. Range was 3 nautical miles. They were sighted against the moon and were thought to be a destroyer and torpedo boat escorting a fairly large merchant vessel of about 8000 tons. Trident, which was out of torpedoes, turned stern on and watched them pass astern which they did at a range of 2.5 nautical miles. [We have been unable to identify these vessels.]

At 2000A/15, HMS Trident left patrol in position 42°00'N, 07°40'E to return to Algiers as had been ordered in Capt. S 8's signal timed 0232A/14. (2)

18 Apr 1943
Around 0745A/18, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) ended her 33rd war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (2)

1 May 1943
Around 1830A/1, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed from Algiers for her 34th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She is to perform two special missions ('Etna' and 'Leg') and afterwards patrol in the Gulf of Genoa.

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

(2)

6 May 1943
During 6/7 May 1943, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) was unable to carry out the first of her special operations, 'Operation Etna'. The weather conditions off southern France were unsuitable.

A signal was then sent to Capt. S 8 that the operation had to be postponed until 'Operation Leg' was completed. (2)

10 May 1943
During the day HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) conducted periscope reconnaissance of the rendezvous position.

At 1600A/10, HMS Trident ran out from the coast to charge.

At 2040A/10, HMS Trident surfaced to charge.

At 2230A/10, HMS Trident ran in towards the land to execute ' Operation Leg '.

At 2300A/10, the diesels were turned off and propulsion was changed to the electric motors. The boats and gear were also brought onto the casing.

At 2359A/10, HMS Trident arrived in position 1 mile from the shore just as the moon was setting behind the hills.

At 0030A/11, a dim light was seen but this was no proper signal. It was decided to sent the boats in and attempt to make contact.

At 0120A/11, the boats left the submarine.

At 0245A/11, the boats returned on having found no signs of anyone on the beach.

At 0300A/11, HMS Trident retired from the coast. It was decided to return the following night but to not sent in the boats unless a signal was seen. (2)

11 May 1943
At 0930A/11, in position 41°52'N, 09°34'E, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) sighted two torpedo boats, one with three funnels, probably Abba-class and one with one funnel, passing two nautical miles to the east proceeding on course 005° at 12 knots. No Asdic transmissions were heard. [We have been unable to identify these ' torpedo boats ', none should be operating in this area according to Italian records.]

At 2300A/11, HMS Trident ran in towards the beach for 'Operation Leg'.

At 0030A/12, HMS Trident arrived off the beach just before the moon set. She then ran up two miles either side of the agreed rendezvous position to make quite sure of the correct spot.

At 0200A/12, HMS Trident retired from the coast to charge as no signal had been sighted.

HMS Trident was supposed to collect Captain Paulin Colonna d’Istria but he failed to show up [HMS Sibyl finally picked him up, together with other agents, on 9 June 1943]. (2)

12 May 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) fires six torpedoes at the transport Anagni (Italian, (former French El Mansour, 5818 GRT, built 1933) east of Cevrione, Corsica, France in position 42°21'N, 09°50'E. All torpedoes missed their target.

Anagni was escorted by the destroyers Legionario and Alfredo Oriani. They sailed from Olbia at 1040B/12 - 1050B/12 and arrived at Leghorn at 2340B/12 - 2350B/12. Three torpedo tracks were observed. Legionario dropped four 100-kg depth charges. She gave the position of the attack as 42°27'35"N, 09°53'10"E.

1550A/12 - In position 42°21'N, 09°50'E sighted one merchant vessel escorted by a 'destroyer' bearing 130°, distance about 14000 yards. Ran in at speed and started attack.

1605A/12 - It was now seen that there were two destroyers present.

1615A/12 - Fired six torpedoes from 6000 yards. Trident was taken deep. One of the torpedoes malfunctioned and circled overhead. To other ones failed to hit the target. (2)

13 May 1943
In a signal timed 0120A/13, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) informed Capt. S 8 that 'Operation Leg' had been unsuccessful and that i was impracticable to conduct to try to conduct 'Operation Etna' due to the moon.

In a signal timed 0920A/13, Capt. S 8 informed Lt. Newstead that HMS Trident was to leave patrol at 2100A/14 and return to Algiers. (2)

14 May 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) fires four torpedoes at the passenger/cargo ship Cap Corse (French, 2444 GRT, built 1929) north-west of Corsica in position 43°05'N, 08°04'E. All torpedoes missed their target.

0910A/14 - In position in position 43°05'N, 08°04'E sighted a merchant ship bearing 350°, distance 9000 yards. The vessel was escorted by an aircraft overhead. Started attack.

0926A/14 - Fired four torpedoes from 1500 yards. Went deep.

0928A/14 - The aircraft dropped two bombs while Trident was at 120 feet.

0940A/14 - Returned to periscope depth and saw that the ship was not hit having combed the tracks. An aircraft patrol was now maintained by the enemy in the area for the remainder of the day.

2100A/14 - Left patrol and set course for Algiers. (2)

18 May 1943
Around 0730A/18, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) ended her 34th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers.

21 May 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed from Algiers bound for Malta.

27 May 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) arrived at Malta where she would be docked before proceeding on patrol (Docking dates are for the moment unknown to us). (73)

23 Jun 1943
Around 1800B/23, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed from Malta for her 35th war patrol. (4th in the Mediterranean). She is to patrol in the Aegean.

For the attack positions of HMS Trident during this patrol see the map below.

(2)

27 Jun 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) sank the Greek caique Sal. 5 / Agios Panteleimon (105 GRT) with gunfire to the north of Crete.

0500C/27 - A heavily laden two masted caique of about 100 tons was sighted. Trident closed to 1000 yards.

0510C/27 - fire was opened with the 4" gun. The first round hit the stern and after 9 rounds the caique was seen to be sinking. 5 minutes later the caique sank in position 35°54'N, 25°10'E. (2)

29 Jun 1943
At 1700C/29, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) sighted a medium sized caique on a westerly course close to the coast of Nikaria. Closed as far as possible while dived.

At 1757C/29, the caique was three nautical miles due north of Trident which now surfaced in position 37°28'N, 26°08'E to close the range further.

At 1802C/29, an aircraft was seen on the port quarter crossing the stern at a range of about 4 miles. HMS Trident dived to 120 feet and altered course to port. The aircraft was a twin-engined monoplane.

At 1804C/29, two bombs were dropped fairly close.

At 1900C/29, HMS Trident returned to periscope depth. A trawler-type vessel was seen in the position Trident had dived. She later moved off the eastward.

At 1940C/29, a pattern of five depth charges exploded probably from the trawler which at that moment could no longer be seen.

HMS Trident surfaced at 2151C/29.

The aircraft that attacked HMS Trident was an air escort for the convoy made up of the transport Sinfra (German (former French), 4470 GRT, built 1929) which had departed Thessaloniki for Rhodos via Leros around 1930B/28. Sinfra was escorted by the Italian destroyer Turbine, Italian torpedo boat Monzambano and the German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ 2104. UJ 2104 sighted the submarine diving in position 37°27'N, 26°25'E and rushed towards the diving position and indeed later dropped some depth charges. This must thus have been the trawler sighted by HMS Trident which never saw the remainder of the convoy.

They had sailed from Saloniki at 1800B/28 and arrived at Portolago (Leros) at 2110B/29. It was a German aircraft which attacked the submarine. UJ 2104 reported to have dropped 25 depth charges in 37°29'7"N, 26°13'E. (74)

30 Jun 1943
At 0050C/30, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) sighted a small vessel about 3000 yards on the port bow proceeding northwards. The vessel was then seen to alter course toward the submarine.

One minute later HMS Trident dived in position 37°07'N, 26°01'W.

At 0055C/30, two depth charges were dropped astern and the vessel continued to hunt in the vicinity. No Asdic transmissions were heard.

At 0323C/30, HMS Trident surfaced as nothing further had been heard for half an hour.

This was possibly the Italian MAS 521. She sailed at 2100B/29 from Syra and arrived at Leros at 1715B/30.

At 0356C/30, after a quick but incomplete charge of the battery, HMS Trident dived for a day of submerged patrol during which nothing was seen. (2)

1 Jul 1943
At 0043C/1, in position 36°27'N, 26°56'E, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) sighted three ships crossing the stern at a range of 3000 yards on a course of 165°.

Course was altered to starboard to bring the bow tubes to bear but then the first ship of the line, thought to be a destroyer or torpedo boat, altered course towards at a range of 2000 yards. At the same time the merchant vessel and the other escort astern of her altered course away and turned stern on.

At 0048C/1, Trident dived and prepared for depth charging as it seemed fairly certain that the submarine had been sighted.

At 0050C/1, the enemy escort passed overhead but no depth charges were dropped. The enemy vessel was using Asdic but A/S conditions were very bad.

At 0135C/1, HE continued to be picked up to the southwest but then suddenly faded out.

At 0156C/1, Trident surfaced and continued to proceed to the southeast but the enemy was too far off to start a high-speed chase.

The ships sighted were once again the transport Sinfra (German (former French), 4470 GRT, built 1929) still escorted by the Italian destroyer Turbine, the Italian torpedo boat Monzambano and the German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ 2104. They had departed Leros at 1935B/30 - 2000B/30 for Rhodos where they arrived at 0655B/1 - 0700B/1. (75)

2 Jul 1943
During the day, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) sank two sailing vessels with gunfire north of Rhodes, Greece.

At 0314C/2, in position 36°30'N, 27°37'E a dark object was sighted bearing 010°. This was at first thought to be a sailing vessel until it was seen to make smoke. The vessel was proceeding on a course of 100° at a speed of 7 knots. HMS Trident shadowed the enemy which was subsequently seen to be a trawler type vessel.

At 0416C/2, the enemy ship stopped and turned towards so Trident dived. The enemy then stayed in the vicinity for a short while and then proceeded to the eastward. Trident was now in position 36°29'N, 27°46'E and course was set towards the Piskopi / Nisero Channel.

At 0620C/2, a 40 ton caique was sighted in position 36°31'N, 27°44'E about 3 nautical miles away. When Trident had closed to 2500 yards she surfaced and engaged the caique with the deck gun. At 0707 hours the caique was sunk in position 36°32'5"N, 27°45'E. 21 rounds were expended.

At 2018C/2, two small caiques were seen in position 36°29'N, 27°07'E. At 2104 hours one of the caiques was sunk. The other one was allowed to proceed with the survivors.

One of the caiques was possibly the Turkish Sishman (87 GRT) carrying cement to Istanbul. (2)

4 Jul 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) torpedoed and damaged the transport Vesta (Italian, 3351 GRT, built 1923) north-east of Amorgos, Greece in position 37°03'N, 26°07'E.

Vesta was in convoy with the tanker Cerere (Italian 1267 GRT, built 1915) and naval auxiliaries Georgio Orsini (220 GRT, built 1931) and Morrhua (306 GRT, built 1924), they had departed Leros around 1900B/3 for Piraeus, via Syros.

The damaged Vesta was towed by Cerere into Syros where emergency repairs were made. Vesta was eventually used by the Germans to block the Corinth Canal in October 1944.

0009C/4, Three ships were sighted bearing 150° distance 3000 yards. The target was later identified as a medium sized merchant of about 3500 tons escorted by two torpedo boats. Lt. Newstead turned to make a surface attack.

0016C/4, three torpedoes were fired from 1300 yards. Three minutes later, while Trident was diving a hit was observed on the target (amidships). Trident went to 250 feet while one of the escorts was hunting for her. No depth charges were however dropped. (76)

6 Jul 1943
At 1653C/6, while patrolling off the Doro Channel, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) sighted two vessels coming north through the Doro Channel proceeding on a course of 020°. They turned out to be a vessel of the trawler type and a yacht of about the same size as the trawler. They were proceeding at 9 knots in line abreast. An aircraft was patrolling overhead. It was thought they might be auxiliary minesweepers.

These were most likely the German auxiliary submarine chasers UJ 2102 and (once again) UJ 2104 on passage from Piraeus (departed around 0900B/6) to the Dardanelles. (77)

8 Jul 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) attacked the transport Gerda Toft (German (former Danish), 1960 GRT, built 1930) with six torpedoes in position 097° - Cape Doro - 5 nautical miles. All torpedoes missed their target.

Gerda Toft was escorted by the Italian destroyer Turbine, Italian torpedo boat Monzambano and the German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ 2104. They had departed the Dardanelles around 0700B/7 together with the tanker Wilhemsburg (German (former Greek Petrakis Nomikou), 7020 GRT, built 1914) and one additional escort, the German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ 2102. Soon after leaving the Dardanelles Wilhemsburg was however torpedoed and sunk by HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN). UJ 2102 had remained behind to hunt the attacker.

Gerda Toft, Turbine, Monzambano and UJ 2104 arrived at Piraeus around 0810B/8.

Later this day, Trident damaged the German auxiliary patrol vessel GA 41 / Tassia Christa with gunfire to the north of the Doro Channel.

The Germans claimed that they had silenced the gun of the attacker and that the submarine was subsequently seen to sink stern first while being heavily on fire.

2310C/7 - In position 38°18'N, 24°26'E sighted several ships to the north and north-east. Range was 4000 yards, their course was 180°.

2316C/7 - The starboard wing destroyer altered towards at a range of 2000 yards. Lt. Newstead was forced to dive. Altered course to 180° and prepared to surface as soon as the ships had passed.

2336C/7 - Surfaced to find one destroyer weaving astern of the convoy at 2500 yards range on R.D.F. The escort soon altered course away, the target was now visible at 3800 yards and was slowly but steadily closing.

0025C/8 - In position 097°, Cape Doro, 5 nautical miles fired six torpedoes from 2500 yards. The target altered course so all torpedoes missed ahead.

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0650C/8 - Trident was now in position 345° - Cape Doro - 10 nautical miles, when a two masted schooner of about 150 tons was sighted.

0804C/8 - Trident surfaced and engaged the target with gunfire from 1200 yards. Lt. Newstead thought he had hit and holed the schooner amidships but it was a drop hatch revealing a 3" gun. The schooner also opened fire with 40mm guns fore and aft and closed Trident. After Trident had fired 8 rounds the fire of the enemy became to close and Lt. Newstead decided to break of the action and dive.

While Trident was diving she was hit by several bursts of gunfire but not much damage was done. Trident was now heavily depth charged by the enemy which was a 'submarine trap'. In all 50 depth charges were dropped.

HMS Trident left patrol that evening. (77)

9 Jul 1943
At 2114C/9, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) bombarded the Amorgos bauxite mines in position 36°53.7'N, 26°03.5'E with the 4" gun causing some damage. (2)

13 Jul 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) ended her 35th war patrol. (4th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (2)

27 Jul 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed from Beirut bound for Port Said. She was subsequently to proceed to Colombo to join the Eastern Fleet. The first of many submarines which were to join that command. (69)

29 Jul 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) arrived at Port Said. She then made the southbound transit the Suez Canal and arrived at Suez later this day. (69)

30 Jul 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed from Suez bound for Aden. (69)

3 Aug 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) arrived at Aden.

4 Aug 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed from Aden bound for Colombo. (69)

12 Aug 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) arrived at Colombo. Trident is the first of many British submarines that are soon to arrive in the far east. She joins the 4th submarine flotilla, which at that time consists of only the Dutch submarine HrMs O 24 which is also due to leave the Eastern Fleet later in the year she she was nearly due for refit. (69)

15 Aug 1943
Arund 1600FG/15, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed from Colombo for her 36th war patrol (1st in far eastern waters). She is to patrol in the Straits of Malacca.

On departure gunnery exercises were carried out.

For the attack positions of HMS Trident during this patrol see the map below.

(2)

19 Aug 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) developed serious engine problems with the starboard diesel engine. It was therefore decided to patrol to the north of Sumatra instead of in the Malacca Strait. (2)

22 Aug 1943
At 1030FG/22, in position 05°14'N, 98°20'E, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) sighted a native three masted junk proceeding on a southerly course. It was not attacked.

At 1800FG/22, when in position 05°19'N, 98°14'E, smoke was sighted bearing 001°. Trident then closed submerged until 1830FG/22 when it became dark. Smoke was then bearing 030°.

At 1840FG/22, Trident surfaced. Smoke was now seen on bearing 040° but shortly afterwards disappeared. Owing to the engine trouble a chase was out of the question. (2)

23 Aug 1943
At 1540FG/23, in position 05°44'N, 97°06'E, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) sighted a mast of a ship bearing 342°. Course was altered to the north while dived. the target was subsequently thought to be the Japanese minelayer Itsukushima (1970 tons, built 1929, offsite link).

At 1600FG/23, the Japanese ship passed about 9000 yards ahead for HMS Trident on a course of approximately 110° at a speed of approximately 11 knots. She was thought to be zig-zagging. No torpedoes were fired from this long range also given the state of the sea. (2)

24 Aug 1943
At 1615FG/24, when north-east of Sabang, in position 06°00'N, 95°29'E, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) heard HE of a slowly running diesel engine passing to the northward of the submarine. Visibility was only a quarter mile due to a rainstorm.

At 1630FG/24, similar HE was heard and for a short while a glimpse of what is thought to be a Japanese submarine chaser was sighted which passed about a mile away on an easterly course at 9 knots. (2)

25 Aug 1943
At 1230FG/25, when east-south-east of Pulau Rondo, in position 06°03'N, 95°11'E, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) heard the HE of a slowly running diesel engines ahead. Two ships, probably similar of those encountered the day before passed quite close on an easterly course. But once again they were in a rain squall and neither was seen.

The Japanese submarine chasers Ch-7 and Ch-8 (offsite links) had departed Penang on 21 August for A/S operations in the Malacca Straits area. They returned to Penang on 27 August and thus may have been the vessels encountered yesterday and today. (2)

26 Aug 1943
At 0915FG/26, when north-north-east of Sabang, in position 06°01'N, 95°22'E, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) sighted what is though to be a Japanese destroyer of the older type bearing 170° proceeeding on a course of 105°. Range was about 7 nautical miles. This destroyer must have passed very close to the north of Sabang.

At 1300FG/26, a submarine chaser and another small diesel engined patrol craft were seen leaving Penang and proceeding to the eastward. (2)

27 Aug 1943
At 1630FG/27, as it was getting dark, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) sighed smoke at the entrance to Sabang harbour.

At 2005FG/27, in position 05°55'N, 95°35'E, a dark object was sighted bearing 290°. This turned into a vessel resembling a small destroyer and HMS Trident dived to avoid detection. On diving turbine HE was picked up. The enemy was proceeding westwards.

At 2016FG/27, the HE of slow diesel was picked up approaching on bearing 250° and subsequently passed right overhead. A second diesel engine was heard to the west. Eventually all HE faded out to the west. (2)

28 Aug 1943
At 0234FG/28, to the east of Sabang, in position 05°50'N, 95°40'E, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) picked up HE of a fast petrol engine bearing 230°. The bearing grew steadily south but as HE increased Trident dived but later HE gradually faded out on a south-westerly bearing. In view of all this activity over the past few days it was hoped that nice targets might be coming this way.

During the day a total of 15 aircraft were seen to land at Sabang airfield. (2)

29 Aug 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) attacked the Japanese light (training) cruiser Kashii (offsite link) with eight torpedoes north of Sumatra just east of Pulau Weh in position 05°55'N, 95°30'E with a spread of eight torpedoes. All eight torpedoes however missed their target.

0736FG/29 - In position 05°55'N, 95°30'E sighted a Japanese warship. This was later seen to be a light cruiser of the Kashii-class. Started attack. The enemy was proceeding on course 310° at 13 knots.

0759FG/29 - Fired eight torpedoes from 7500 yards.

0804FG/29 - Sighted an aircraft coming straight towards, following the torpedo tracks. The cruiser was still in the same course. Went deep.

0807FG/29 - Heard one explosion 8 minutes and 7 seconds after firing the first torpedo.

0827FG/29 - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. Retired to the north. (2)

30 Aug 1943
At 0200FG/30, in position 06°08'N, 95°44'E, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) sighted a small vessel about 2 miles away bearing 120°. Trident dived and shut off for depth charging.

At 0209FG/30, a distant pattern of 7 depth charges were dropped.

At 0211FG/30, 5 depth charges were dropped fairly close. The enemy continued to hunt in the vicinity during which he was using Asdic. He stopped to listen sever times but never appeared to be in contact. HE of this vessel could be heard until 0400FG/30. The enemy was diesel driven.

At 1100FG/30, the masts and funnel of a trawler type vessel were seen to be leaving Sabang. She disappeared to the west.

At 1715FG/30, in position 06°11'N, 95°23'E, a small A/S vessel was seen bearing 240° proceeding on a course of 075°. She looked like an ML and was reported by the Asdic operator as being turbine driven. She eventually passed at a distance of about 3000 yards. (2)

31 Aug 1943
At 1035G/31, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) sighted a trawler making smoke leaving the harbour and then proceeding to the east. (2)

1 Sep 1943
At 1130FG/1, in position 05°53'N, 95°34'E, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) sighted two masts to the North. This was at first thought to be a merchant vessel and an attack was commenced but on closer observation it was seen to be the inevitable A/S patrol. The vessel was heard to be diesel driven. The enemy was proceeding on a course of 180° and was sweeping at a speed of 6 knots. (2)

2 Sep 1943
At 0855A/2, in position 05°53'N, 95°37'E, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) sighted an A/S vessel bearing 160° proceeding on course 300°. The vessel looked similar than the one seen on 30 August. The vessel remained in the area for quite some time and at one moment passed almost directly overhead. No Asdic transmissions were heard.

At 1335FG/2, in position 05°58'N, 95°38'E, HMS Trident sighted a vessel bearing 040° at a range of 5 nautical miles. The ship was proceeding on a course of 270°. I was thought to be a Japanese fleet minesweeper, possibly of the W-13 class. The ship proceeded into Sabang harbour.

At 1910FG/2, HMS Trident left patrol to return to Colombo as had been ordered in Capt. S 4's signal timed 0344Z/1. (2)

10 Sep 1943
Around 1115FG/10, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) ended her 36th war patrol (1st in far eastern waters) at Colombo.

It was soon found out that the damage to the starboard engine was beyond the repair capacity in far eastern waters and that she is to be sent to the U.K. for repairs (and refit) after making only one patrol on the station. (2)

29 Sep 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed from Colombo for Aden. This is the first left of the return trip to the U.K. (69)

11 Oct 1943
Around 1000C/11, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) arrived at Aden from Colombo. (78)

13 Oct 1943
Around 0700C/13, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed Aden for Suez. (78)

20 Oct 1943
Around 1445C/20, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) arrived at Suez from Aden. (78)

21 Oct 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) arrived at Port Said after transiting the Suez Canal northbound. (78)

4 Nov 1943
Around 1030B/4, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed from Port Said for Malta. (79)

7 Nov 1943

Convoy GUS 21.

This convoy departed Port Said on 7 November 1943.

On departure from Port Said this convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Algenib (British, 5483 GRT, built 1937), British Character (British (tanker), 8453 GRT, built 1941), City of Bristol (British, 8424 GRT, built 1943), City of Capetown (British, 8046 GRT, built 1937), City of Kimberley (British, 6169 GRT, built 1925), Fort Connolly (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Remy (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Franklin K. Lane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George E. Pickett (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Hoegh Silverstar (Norwegian, 5415 GRT, built 1938), John F. Steffen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lublin (Polish, 1409 GRT, built 1932), Ocean Traveller (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Samos (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sampenn (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sun-Yat-Sen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Wilson P. Hunt (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the frigate HMS Dart (Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR) and minesweeper HMS Rye (A/Lt.Cdr. J.A. Pearson, DSC and Bar, RNR).

On the 8th the following merchant vessels departed Alexandria and joined the convoy; Alexander H. Stephens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Cerion (British, 2588 GRT, built 1938), Euryades (British, 5801 GRT, built 1913), Fort Cadotte (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenlyon (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), Ocean Valentine (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Samhain (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Starstone (British, 5702 GRT, built 1938).

They were escorted by corvette HMS Gloxinia (Lt. M.C. English, RNR) and A/S whaler HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) which also joined the convoy.

On 12 November 1943, the Lublin arrived at Bari after having detached from the convoy earlier.

Also on 12 November 1943, the Cerion, Euryades, Fort Cadotte, Fort Connolly, Fort Remy and Ocean Valentine arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy.

Departing Augusta on the 12th to join the convoy were the following merchant vessels; Carrillo (American, 5013 GRT, built 1911), Charles Gordon Curtis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Esek Hopkins (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), James Monroe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Jay (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Noah Webster (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Pierre S. Dupont (American, 7176 GRT, 1942), Roger Moore (American, 7176 GRT, 1943), Samuel Ashe (American, 7177 GRT, 1942), Thomas Cresap (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Todd (American, 7176 GRT, 1943), Thorshov (Norwegian (tanker), 9955 GRT, built 1935), Walter E. Ranger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Walter Reed (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Floyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and William S. Thayer (American, 7176 GRT, 1943).

The attack transport USS Samuel Chase (Capt. R.C. Heimer, USCG) also joined coming from Augusta.

Thorshov however did not join (or only brielfy) but turned back to Augusta.

On 12 November 1943, the following ship joined coming from Malta; Lynghaug (Norwegian, 2829 GRT, built 1919). Also joining from Malta were the AA cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. A.T.G.C. Peachey, RN) and the submarine HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN).

Also on the 12th, HMS Gloxinia was detached to Malta to make some repairs after which she was to rejoin the convoy which she did around 1345A/13.

Around 2055A/13, HMS Rye parted company.

Around 2110A/13, HMS Trident dropped astern of the convoy due to engine trouble. HMSAS Protea was also detached from the convoy to escort her. They were soon able to rejoin.

On 14 November 1943, the following ships arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy; British Character, Esek Hopkins, James Monroe, Noah Webster, Pierre S. Dupont, Walter Reed and the USS Samuel Chase while the following ships joined the convoy off Bizerta; Abraham Lincoln (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Andrew Moore (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Benjamin Franklin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Carter Braxton (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Cornelius Harnett (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Daniel H. Hill (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Erinna (Dutch (tanker), 6233 GRT, built 1936), Ethan Allen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Frithjof Nansen (Norwegian, 7177 GRT, built 1943), James Barbour (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joel R. Poinsett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Fiske (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Mannington (British, 1127 GRT, built 1943), Sidney Sherman (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943) and Thomas W. Bickett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

Later on the 14th the merchant vessel George W. Childs (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) departed Bone and joined the convoy.

On 15 November 1943, the Mannington arrived at Bougie after having been detached from the convoy.

On 16 November 1943, the Llangibby Castle arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Artemas Ward (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Edwin M. Stanton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Empire Day (British, 7242 GRT, built 1941), John Langdon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Knute Rockne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lou Gehrig (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Paul de Rousiers (French, 3548 GRT, built 1942), Solomon Juneau (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Ville de Bougie (French, 1237 GRT, built 1907).

On 17 November 1943, the following merchant vessels arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy; Carrillo, Charles Gordon Curtis, Paul de Rousiers, Samuel Ashe, Thomas Todd, Ville de Bougie, Walter E. Ranger, William Floyd and William S. Thayer.

The following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Oran; Archbishop Lamy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Atenas (American, 4962 GRT, built 1909), Bernard Carter (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Brandywine (American (tanker), 11401 GRT, built 1943), Cornelius Gilliam (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Edward Bates (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James M. Wayne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jonathan Edwards (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Warren (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nicholas Gilman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Reverdy Johnson (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and William Rawle (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942).

The French submarine Perle also joined the convoy.

On 18 November 1943, the following merchant vessels arrived at Gibraltar after having been detached from the convoy; Carter Braxton, City of Bristol, City of Capetown, City of Kimberley, Ocean Traveller, Samhain, Samos and Starstone. Also detached from the convoy were the AA cruiser HMS Delhi and submarines HMS Trident and Le Perle.

The following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar; Fort Albany (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943) and Frans van Mieris (Dutch, 7170 GRT, built 1942).

Off Gibraltar the destroyer Simoun, minesweeping sloop Commandant Delage and patrol vessel USS PC-480 (Lt. F.W. Meyers, Jr., USNR) joined.

Around 1630A/18, HMS Dart, HMS Gloxinia, HMS Rye and HMSAS Protea were relieved by the destroyer escorts USS Evarts (Lt.Cdr. T.G. Bremer, Jr., USNR, with COMCORTDIV 5, T/Cdr. C.M.E. Hoffman, USN, on board), USS Wyffels (Lt. C.S. Farmer, USNR), USS Decker (Lt.Cdr. D.M. Kerr, USNR), USS Dobler (Lt. R.E. Parker, USNR), USS Smartt (Lt. B.H. Katschinski, USNR) and USS Walter S. Brown (Lt. T.H.P. Whitney, USNR). The original escorts then proceeded to Gibraltar where they arrived later the same day.

Around 0740A/19, the Casablanca section joined the convoy. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Elorn (French, 5482 GRT, built 1930) and Harpalyce (British, 7269 GRT, built 1942). Also with this section was the naval tanker USS Chiwawa (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Goza, USNR). They were escorted by the destroyers USS Gillespie (T/Cdr. J.S. Fahy, USN), USS Hobby (T/Cdr. G.W. Pressy, USN, with COMDESDIV 38, T/Capt. C.L. Winecoff, USN, on board) and USS Kalk (T/Lt.Cdr. H.D. Fuller, USN).

At 0830A/19, the Lynghaug was detached to Casablanca escorted by Simoun, Commandant Delage and USS PC 480. They arrived at Casablanca later the same day.

At 1215Z/21, the escort carrier USS Santee (T/Capt. H.F. Fick, USN) and the destroyers USS Bainbridge (T/Lt.Cdr. H.C. Transue, USN), USS Simpson (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Sedgwick, USNR) and USS MacLeish (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Winkel, USNR) joined the convoy so that the destroyers could refuel from USS Chiwawa. Fuelling operations however had to be abandoned due to the rough sea. Only USS MacLeish had been refuelled.

On 21 November 1943, USS Bainbridge and USS Simpson fuelled from USS Chiwawa which subsequently also topped off USS MacLeish.

Around 1600Z/21, USS Santee, USS Bainbridge, USS Simpson and USS MacLeish parted company with the convoy.

On 23 November 1943, USS Chiwawa first refuelled USS Kalk, then USS Gillespie and finally USS Hobby.

On 24 November 1943, USS Chiwawa refuelled the destroyer escorts in the following order; USS Evarts, USS Decker, USS Smartt, USS Walter S. Brown, USS Dobler and USS Wyffels.

On 27 November 1943, USS Chiwawa first refuelled USS Hobby, then USS Gillespie and finally USS Kalk.

At 1914Q/3, USS Chiwawa left the convoy for Norfolk, Virginia due to an urgent medical case. She proceeded unescorted. She arrived at Norfolk in the afternoon of 4 December 1943.

Around 0720Q/4, the Chesapeake Bay section of the convoy (21 ships) parted company to proceed to its destination. Escort for this section was proviced by USS Hobby, USS Gillespie and USS Kalk. It arrived in Chesapeake Bay in the morning of 5 December 1943.

Around 0800Q/4, the Delaware section of the convoy parted company. Escort for this section was provided by USS Wyffels and USS Dobler. It arrived in the Delaware estuary in the morning of 5 December 1943.

The New York section of the convoy, with the remaining four destroyer escorts, arrived at its destination in the morning of 5 December 1943.

9 Nov 1943
Around 1430A/9, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) arrived at Malta from Port Said. (79)

12 Nov 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed from Malta bound for Gibraltar.

She is to take passage in convoy GUS 21. For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy GUS 21 ' for 7 November 1943. (79)

18 Nov 1943
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) arrived at Gibraltar having parted company with convoy GUS 21. (79)

24 Nov 1943
Around 0830A/24, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed from Gibraltar for the U.K. (2)

4 Dec 1943
Around 1330A/4, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) made rendezvous with HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN) and HMS Unshaken (Lt. J. Whitton, RN) made rendezvous off Bishops Rock. They arrived at Falmouth around 2300A/4. (2)

6 Dec 1943
Around 0130A/6, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed Falmouth for Tobermory. She the passage together with HMS Unshaken (Lt. J. Whitton, RN). They were escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN). Off the Scillies they were joined by HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN). (2)

9 Dec 1943
Around 0230A/9, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN), HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) and HMS Unshaken (Lt. J. Whitton, RN) all arrived at Tobermory.

The submarines departed around 1000A/9 for the east coast of the U.K. escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). (2)

11 Dec 1943
Off Dundee HMS ML 229 (T/Lt. W.C.R. Walsh, RNVR) took over the escort. HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN), HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) and ML 229 then continued on to Blyth.

12 Dec 1943
Around 1000A/12, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) arrived at Blyth. She is now assigned to (dockside) submarine training while awaiting refit. (2)

7 Jan 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed Blyth for Scapa Flow. (80)

8 Jan 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow where she was to be used for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course).

[As no log is available for January 1944 some details for this month will be missing.] (80)

14 Jan 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed Scapa Flow for passage to the Clyde. She made the passage together with HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) which was coming from Lerwick. The submarines were escorted by HMS Breda (Lt.Cdr. G.G. Slade, RN). (80)

16 Jan 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) arrived at Rothesay from Scapa Flow. (80)

28 Jan 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) proceeded from Rothesay to Troon where she was to refit. (81)

22 Jul 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted post refit trials near Troon. These included full power trials. (82)

27 Jul 1944
With her refit now completed, HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN), proceeded from Troon to Holy Loch. (82)

28 Jul 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) returned to Troon from Holy Loch. (82)

30 Jul 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) proceeded from Troon to Holy Loch to continue her post refit trail and training programme. (82)

4 Aug 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (83)

5 Aug 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (83)

6 Aug 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included RD/F exercises with HMS Vitality (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (83)

7 Aug 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted RD/F exercises with aircraft and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (83)

8 Aug 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted D/F trials in the Clyde area. (83)

9 Aug 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensborough. (83)

11 Aug 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted noise trials at Loch Goil. (83)

12 Aug 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN), HMS Vitality (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR), HMS Varne (Lt. I.G. Raikes, DSC, RN) and HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Upon completion of these exercises HMS Vitality, HMS Varne and HMS Bridgewater proceeded to Campbeltown while HMS Trident proceeded to Holy Loch.

During the night of 12 / 13 August 1944, HMS Varne, HMS Vitality and HMS Bridgewater conducted night exercises off Campbeltown. Upon completion of these exercises all ships proceeded to Holy Loch. (84)

13 Aug 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises in Loch Long. (83)

15 Aug 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area during which HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as target.

These exercises also included night attacks during the night of 15/16 August 1944. (83)

20 Aug 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) is docked at Holy Loch for a propeller change and for some minor repairs. She is undocked later the same day. (83)

21 Aug 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted full power trials. These were followed by attack exercises during with HMS Sardonyx (A/Lt.Cdr. T.A. Easton, RNVR) served as target. (83)

22 Aug 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Larne. (83)

23 Aug 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with an Escort Group. These also included convoy attack exercises.

[This was most likely with ships from Escort Group C 2, which were at Larne at this time. The ships in question were the frigate HMCS St. Catharines (T/Lt.Cdr. A.F. Pickard, RCNR) and the corvettes HMCS Chilliwack (T/Lt. D.R. Watson, MBE, RCNR), HMCS Kamloops (T/A/Lt.Cdr. D.M. Stewart, RCNR), HMCS Morden (T/Lt. K.B. Culley, RCNVR) and HMCS Owen Sound (T/Skr.Lt. J.M. Watson, RCNR).] (85)

28 Aug 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Wild Goose (A/Cdr. D.E.G. Wemyss, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN). (83)

30 Aug 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Larne with aircraft and HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN). (83)

2 Sep 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with an Escort Group which included HMS Aylmer (Lt. A.D.P. Campbell, RN). the other ships of this group (5th Escort Group) were most likely HMS Bligh (A/Lt.Cdr. J.W. Cooper, RNR), HMS Keats (T/A/Lt.Cdr. N.F. Israel, RNR) and HMS Kempthorne (Lt.Cdr. A. Brown, RD, RNR). (86)

3 Sep 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with an Escort Group. (86)

4 Sep 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Buttercup (T/Lt. W.A.M.J. Libert, RNR) and HNoMS Rose (Lt. P. Scott-Hansen, RNorN). (86)

5 Sep 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with an Escort Group. These also included night exercises. (86)

6 Sep 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) proceeded from Larne to Holy Loch. (86)

9 Sep 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area during which HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) served as targets.

In the evening night exercises were carried out with HMS Bridgewater. (86)

18 Sep 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) is docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (86)

21 Sep 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) is undocked. (86)

27 Sep 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Holy Loch. (86)

28 Sep 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted noise trials at Loch Goil. (86)

30 Sep 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (86)

1 Oct 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (87)

6 Oct 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) conducted speed trials on the Arran measured mile. (87)

11 Oct 1944

Convoy UGS 57.

The Hampton Roads section (57 ships) of the convoy departed Hampton Roads on 11 October 1944 and then proceeded to make rendezvous with the New York section (30 ships) of the convoy which departed there on 12 October.

The convoy (both sections) was made up of the following transports / tankers; A. Frank Lever (American, 7198 GRT, built 1943), Albert P. Ryder (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Alexander S. Clay (American, 7200 GRT, built 1944), Alfred Moore (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Arthur Dobbs (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Asa Gray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Augustine B. McManus (American, 7200 GRT, built 1944), Ben H. Miller (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Benjamin Peixotto (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Bradford City (British, 7266 GRT, built 1943), British Restraint (British (tanker), 8448 GRT, built 1943), Charles F. Amidon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Clan MacBrayne (British, 4818 GRT, built 1916), Cornelius Gilliam (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Daniel Carroll (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), David J. Brewer (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), David S. Terry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Edgar E. Clark (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Edwin Abbey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Brutus (British, 7233 GRT, built 1943), Empire Industry (British (tanker), 8203 GRT, built 1943), Empire Malacca (British, 7071 GRT, built 1944), Ezra Cornell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ferdinand Gagnon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Fort Panmure (British, 7155 GRT, built 1943), Frank C. Emerson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George E. Hale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George H. Dern (American, 7181 GRT, built 1943), Gerard Dou (Dutch, 7242 GRT, built 1941), Helen Hunt Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Hopepeak (British, 5179 GRT, built 1938), Houston Volunteers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James Ford Rhodes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James Rumsey (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), James Sullivan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), James W. Fannin (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Johan Printz (American, 7198 GRT, built 1944), John B. Lennon (American, 7198 GRT, 1943), John Banvard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), John Dickinson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Howland (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John McKinley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John W. Gates (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Jonathan Trumbull (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Josiah Parker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Lambrook (British, 7038 GRT, built 1942), Laura Keene (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Leland Stanford (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Martin Johnson (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), Maya (Honduran, 5528 GRT, built 1929), Memphis City (American, 5686 GRT, built 1921), Mirabeau B. Lamar (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Moses Cleaveland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Norholm (Norwegian (tanker), 9813 GRT, built 1941), Nurani (British, 5414 GRT, built 1941), Ocean Pelgrim (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vista (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Paine Wingate (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Philip H. Sheridan (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Pontfield (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1940), Ralph Izard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Richard J. Cleveland (American, 7208 GRT, built 1944), Robert J. Collier (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samboston (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samwharfe (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sebastian Vizciano (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Shickshinny (American, 5103 GRT, built 1919), Simon Wellard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Tatra (Norwegian, 4766 GRT, built 1937), Thaddeus Kosciuszko (American, 7200 GRT, built 1942), Thamesfield (British (tanker), 9801 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Cresap (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Thomas J. Rusk (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), Thomas Pinckney (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Timothy Dwight (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Guardia (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Trevider (British, 7376 GRT, built 1944), Trevose (British, 7360 GRT, built 1944), Viggo Hansteen (American, 7176, built 1943), Will R. Wood (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), William D. Moseley (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), William Matson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Winslow Homer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Zacapa (American, 5013 GRT, built 1909) and Zachary Taylor (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942).

The naval tanker USS Cossatot (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Glenwright, USNR) and the naval cargo ship USS Aquila (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Rearden Jr., USNR) were also part of the convoy. They had been part of the Hampton Roads section.

The Hampton Roads section had been escorted on it's departure by the destroyer USS Balch (T/Cdr. H.N. Coffin, USN, with CTF 64, Capt. H.S. Berdine, USCG on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Jenks (Lt.Cdr. M.F. Cocroft, USNR), USS Durik (T/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Gavin, USN, USN) and USS Wiseman (Lt.Cdr. W.B. McClaran, Jr., USNR).

The New York section had been escorted on it's departure by the destroyer escorts USS Francis M. Robinson (Lt. P. Campbell, Jr., USNR, with COMCORTDIV 54, T/Cdr. M.E. Dennett, USN on board), USS Solar (Lt.Cdr. H.A. Hull, USNR), USS Fowler (Lt.Cdr. G.S.J. Forde, USNR) and USS Jaccard (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Hamilton, USNR).

The two sections made rendezvous in the afternoon of 12 October 1944 and by 1600Q/12 had formed up. About an hour later USS Jaccard parted company and set course for Norfolk, Virginia.

On the 16th all seven escorts fuelled from USS Cossatot.

At 0358P/18, USS Fowler and the merchant vessel Thomas J. Rusk, which was straggling behind the convoy, collided. Both sustained light damage and were able to continue.

Around 1115N/22, the Azores section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of the Charles F. Amidon, John Banvard, Richard J. Cleveland and USS Aquila. The first two ships proceeeded to Santa Maria escorted by HMS Paynter (T/Lt. T.B.S. Brown, RNVR) while the last two ships proceeded to Horta escorted by HMS Stafnes (T/Lt. A.T. Motion, RNVR).

Around 0745Z/28, the Casablanca section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of the Edgar E. Clark and Johan Printz. They were escorted to Casablanca by the patrol vessels L'Indiscret and HMS Kilmington (T/Lt. D.D. Humphreys, RNVR). These had escorted the tanker Geo W. McKnight (British (tanker), 12502 GRT, built 1933) from Casablanca to the rendezvous position with the convoy.

During the 29th, the escorts fuelled from USS Cossatot.

Around 2300Z/29, USS Francis M. Robinson was detached to pick up orders at Gibraltar and escort the merchant vessels Bradford City and John McKinley to that port. USS Francis M. Robinson later rejoined the convoy. Also joining were the merchant vessel Ottinge (British, 2818 GRT, built 1940) and the submarines HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN), HMS Trident (A/Lt.Cdr. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) and HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN). These ships had been escorted from Gibraltar to the rendezvous by HMS Blackfly (T/Lt. A.P. Hughes, DSC, RNR).

Around 1750Z/29, part of Oran section was detached to proceed there ahead of the convoy. It was made up of merchant vessels They were escorted by USS Fowler which also was to proceed to Oran to effect repairs. Later, at 0745Z/30, 13 more merchant vessels were detached to Oran. The entire Oran section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alexander S. Clay, Alfred Moore, Asa Gray, Cornelius Gilliam, David J. Brewer, Frank C. Emerson, Helen Hunt Jackson, James Sullivan, James W. Fannin, John Dickinson, John Howland, Jonathan Trumbull, Leland Stanford, Martin Johnson, Maya, Paine Wingate, Simon Willard, Thomas Pinckney, Timothy Dwight, Thomas Guardia, Viggo Hansteen and William Matson.

During daylight on 30 October all remaining escorts fuelled from USS Cossatot.

Also on the 30th, three merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Oran, these were the following; Frances E. Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Sarah Orne Jewett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944). Also two merchant vessels which had been detached to Oran rejoined the convoy after a short call there, these were the following; Leland Stanford and Paine Wingate.

Around 0500Z/31, the Samwharfe was detached to proceed ahead of the convoy to Algiers to pick up the British convoy commodore. She was escorted by USS Durik. They rejoined the convoy shortly after 1000Z/31.

Around 1010Z/31, two merchant vessels were detached to Algiers, these were the following; Ocean Pelgrim and Ocean Vista.

Around 0630Z/2, the American escort vessels were relieved off Bizerta by a British escort made up of the sloop HMS Stork (Lt.Cdr. D.E. Mansfield, RN) and corvette HMS La Malouine (T/Lt. C. Pawley, RNVR). The US escort then proceeded to Bizerta as did USS Cossatot and the merchant vessels Empire Industry, Geo W. McKnight and Pontfield.

[Further movements of the convoy will have to be investigated in file ADM 199/324 at the National Archives at Kew, London during a future research trip.]

15 Oct 1944
HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN), HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) departed Rothesay for Gibraltar. They make the passage in convoy OS 92 / KMS 66. They were escorted to the rendezvous position with the convoy by HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN).

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy OS 92 / KMS 66 ' for 15 October 1944.] (87)

15 Oct 1944

Combined convoy OS 92 / KMS 66.

This combined convoy assembled in the North Channel on 15 October 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels thoough some of these only joined later during the passage through the Irish Sea; Adviser (British, 6348 GRT, built 1939), Alder Park (Canadian, 7141 GRT, built 1944), Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924), Badjestan (British, 5573 GRT, built 1928), Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915), Belgian Trader (British, 2890 GRT, built 1942), Bosphorus (Norwegian, 2111 GRT, built 1934), Cape Sable (British, 4398 GRT, built 1936), City of Lyons (British, 7063 GRT, built 1926), Conakrian (British, 4876 GRT, built 1937), Elizabethville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922), Empire Camp (British, 7046 GRT, built 1943), Empire Confidence (British, 5023 GRT, built 1925), Empire Flag (British, 7024 GRT, built 1943), Empire Kangaroo (British, 6219 GRT, built 1919), Fernbank (Norwegian, 4333 GRT, built 1924), Fort Finlay (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Hardanger (Norwegian, 4000 GRT, built 1924), Hermelin (Norwegian, 1683 GRT, built 1940), Jonathan Holt (British, 4963 GRT, built 1943), King Stephen (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928), Lagarto (British, 5072 GRT, built 1917), Mantola (British, 8963 GRT, built 1921), Miguel de Larrinaga (British, 5231 GRT, built 1924), Nairnbank (British, 5155 GRT, built 1925), Ocean Vanity (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ottinge (British, 2818 GRT, built 1940), Pandorian (British, 4159 GRT, built 1941), Ragnhild (Norwegian, 2833 GRT, built 1941), Robert Maersk (British, 2294 GRT, built 1937), Rodsley (British, 5000 GRT, built 1939), Samfoyle (British, 7255 GRT, built 1944), St. Rosario (British, 4312 GRT, built 1937), Tudor Star (British, 7199 GRT, built 1919) and Umgeni (British, 8180 GRT, built 1942).

Also taking passage in the convoy were the submarines HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN), HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) as well as 9 LCT's which were towed by some of the merchant vessels; These 9 LCT's were the following; HM LCT 480 (T/S.Lt. G.R. Sample, RNVR) which was being towed by the City of Lyons, HM LCT 488 (T/S.Lt. A.P.P. Thomas, RNVR) and HM LCT 489 (?) which were being towed by the Samfoyle, HM LCT 491 (T/Lt. W.C. Gray, RNVR) and HM LCT 7015 (T/S.Lt. D.H. Condick, RNVR) which were being towed by the Fort Finlay, HM LCT 494 (T/Lt. J. DSC, Murts, RNVR) and HM LCT 7014 (T/A/S.Lt. J. Farrell, RNVR) which were being towed by the Nairnbank and the HM LCT 7022 (?) and HM LCT 7023 (?) which were being towed by the Ocean Vanity.

The convoy was escorted by and the sloop HMS Fowey (A/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Newey, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Allington Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. P.A. Read, RNR) and HMS Knaresborough Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.F. Marchant, RNR).

The convoy encountered poor weather and by the 17th it had even worsened. Some of the landing craft were now suffering from the weather conditions. Due to the extreme weather conditions the convoy hove to A.M. on the 18th and additional escorts were requisted.

Late in the afternoon of the 18th, HM 480 had to be abandoned by her crew due to the damage she had sustained and water she had shipped from the weather, loose cargo and defective welds. The crew was picked up from Carley floats around 2200A/18 by HMS Allington Castle. She sank to the south of Ireland around 2330A/18 after having been scuttled with gunfire.

HM 488 had sustained damage during the night of the 17th/18th. Around 1000A/18, she slipped her tow and got underway under her own power to try to make for Milford Haven. More and more water entered the landing craft and when a pump failed it became apparent that she most likely would go down. HMS Knaresborough Castle then closed and it was attempted to abandon the landing craft. Some of the crew was taken off but ten men remained on board during the night of 18/19 and tried to keep the ship afloat. By 0415A/19 the ship had to be abandoned as it was about to sink. Red flares were fired and HMS Knaresborough Castle closed. While doing so the landing craft sank and only one of the ten men on board could be picked up. The other nine, including the landing craft's Commanding Officer drowned.

HM LCT 491 got into trouble during the early afternoon of the 18th and as a result she slipped her tow as did HM LCT 7015. By mid afternoon of the 18th she had shipped a very heavy sea which damaged the welding around the door in the bow. More big seas followed and the ship was shipping a lot of water. Around 0100A/19, HMS Allington Castle closed. Around 0330A/19, HM LCT 491 started to sink. HMS Allington Castle went alongside and managed to take off the entire crew.

HM LCT 494 parted her tow around 0845A/18. She was last seen during the afternoon of that day while under her own power. She must have sunk in the evening with the loss of the entire crew.

HM LCT 7014 also slipped her tow in the morning of the 18th and got underway under her own power. By noon power had been lost and she sank not long afterwards. Part of her crew were picked up by the rescue ship, from convoy ON 260, Dundee (British, 1541 GRT, built 1934) but nine men, including the Commanding Officer lost their lives.

HM LCT 7015 also slipped her tow around 1500A/18. She was not seen afterwards and disappeared with her entire crew.

Meanwhile the frigates HMS Tobago (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.H.L. May, OBE, RNVR) and HMS Zanzibar (T/Lt. F.F. Parker, RNVR) were ordered to detach from convoy HX 312 and join convoy OS 92 / KMS 66.

Three more escorts were also ordered to join, these were the escort destroyer HMS Blankney (Lt. B.H. Brown, RN) corvettes HMCS Huntsville (T/Lt. C.B. Hermann, RCNVR) and HMS Kingcup (T/Lt. T. Cooper, DSC, RNR).

Also on the 19th the City of Lyons parted company with the convoy due to damage sustained. She arrived at Milford Haven the following day.

P.M. on the 19th, HMS Kingcup reported proceeding to Falmouth with HM LCT 7022 and HM LCT 7023. Later the two landing craft were abandoned. HMS Kingcup took on board their crews and proceeded at best possible speed to Falmouth to land an injured men. The frigate HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN) was ordered to stand by the two landing craft. Later HMS Kingcup returned with their crews and the landing craft were reboarded.

A.M. on the 20th found the convoy badly scattered.

P.M. on the 20th the Lagarto reported being in distress with weather damage and also having lost a men overboard. HMS Knaresborough Castle was also not in contact with the convoy. A signal was sent to requist more additional escorts. HMS Drury was then ordered to relieve HMS Allington Castle. Lagarto put into Falmouth.

A.M. on the 21st HMS Trident reported that a wire had fouled one of her propellers. HMS Knaresborough Castle was able to rejoin the convoy.

By P.M. on the 22nd, all ships had rejoined the convoy except four.

A.M. on the 23rd a signal was received from FOCNA (Flag Officer Commanding North Atlantic) that the Lisbon / Huelva section of the convoy was to part company on passing 39°N and proceed independently. They did so A.M. on the 24th.

A.M. on the 25th, the Empire Confidence and Nairnbank arrived independently at Gibraltar. P.M. on the 25th the Rodsley also arrived at Gibraltar.

On 25 October the convoy split into convoy OS 92 which continued on towards Freetown and KMS 66 which set course for the Mediterranean.

The three original escorts and the three submarines arrived at Gibraltar P.M. on the 26th.

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Convoy OS 92 was made up of the merchant vessels; Conakrian, Empire Camp, Empire Flag, Jonathan Holt and Tudor Star.

They were joined by the following merchant vessels coming from Gibraltar which they had departed on the 24th; Cromarty (British, 4974 GRT, built 1936), Empire Austen (British, 7057 GRT, built 1942), Empire Stour (British, 4678 GRT, built 1930) and Euryades (British, 5801 GRT, built 1913). They were escorted by the frigates HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR) and HMS Inver (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RD, RNR) which now took over the escort of convoy OS 92.

Also joining at the rendezvous were the merchant vessels Charles Schiaffino (French, 3664 GRT, built 1930) and Chelma (French, 4968 GRT, built 1920) coming from Casablanca which they had left on the 24th together with thee merchant vessels Cape Hawke (British, 5081 GRT, built 1941), Sarah Orne Jewitt (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944) and Vancouver City (British, 7261 GRT, built 1942) which joined convoy KMS 66. They were escorted by the French patrol vessels patrol vessels L'Effronté and Le Resolu. These two French patrol vessels returned to Casablanca on the 26th with the Ragnhild.

On 1 November 1944, the Charles Schiaffino and Chelma arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy. With them was also the Empire Stour which had engine defects.

The convoy escorts and some of the merchant vessels arrived at Freetown on 4 November 1944. Some of the merchant vessels continued on independently to their destinations.

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Convoy KMS 66 proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. This convoy was made up of the merchant vessels Adviser, Alder Park, Belgian Trader, Bosphorus, Cape Hawke, Cape Sable, Elizabethville, Empire Confidence, Empire Kangaroo, Fernbank, Fort Finlay, Hardanger, Hermelin, King Stephen, Mantola, Miguel de Larrinaga, Nairnbank, Ocean Vanity, Ottinge, Robert Maersk, Rodsley, Samfoyle, Sarah Orne Jewitt, St. Rosario, Umgeni and Vancouver City.

The convoy passed Gibraltar on the 26th. On passing the Strait the following merchant vessels were detached; Miguel de Larrinaga, Ottinge and St. Rosario. These three merchant ships had all sustained weather damage and put into Gibraltar to effect repairs. Also the three submarines and three original escorts put into Gibraltar.

The convoy was joined by a new escort made up of the frigate HMS Usk (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.B. Medlycott, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR) and Nada. Also the merchant vessel Thysville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy.

On 27 October 1944, the merchant vessel Sarah Orne Jewitt was detached to Oran while the merchant vessel Jamaique (French, 10123 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy coming from Oran.

On 28 October 1944, the merchant vessel Rodsley was detached to Algiers while the merchant vessel Samaffric (British, 7210, built 1944) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.

On 29 October 1944, the merchant vessels Fort Grahame (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Pitt (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942) and Lyminge (British, 2499 GRT, built 1919) joined the convoy coming from Bone.

On 30 October 1944, the merchant vessel Belgian Trader was detached to Algiers while the tanker Liss (Norwegian (tanker), 5932 GRT, built 1921) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.

On 31 October 1944, the tanker British Destiny (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Malta. The corvette Nada parted company and proceeded to Malta.

On 31 October 1944, the merchant vessels / tankers Cistula (Dutch (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1939), Sambre (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samsperrin (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) departed Augusta to join the convoy.

On 1 November 1944, the merchant vessels Cape Hawke, Cape Sable, Empire Kangaroo, Fort Finlay, Fort Grahame, King Stephen, Lyminge, Ocean Vanity, Samaffric and Vancouver City arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy.

On 4 November 1944, the merchant vessels Fernbank, Hardanger, Nairnbank and Sambre arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 5 November 1944.

26 Oct 1944
Around 1420A/26, HMS Trident (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (87)

28 Oct 1944
Around 1800A/28, HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN), HMS Trident (A/Lt.Cdr. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) and HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta. The next day they made rendezvous with convoy UGS 57. The three submarines were escorted to the rendezvous by HMS Blackfly (T/Lt. A.P. Hughes, DSC, RNR).

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy UGS 57 ' for 11 October 1944.] (88)

3 Nov 1944
Around 1200A/3, HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN), HMS Trident (A/Lt.Cdr. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) and HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta after having parted company with convoy UGS 57. (89)

8 Nov 1944
HMS Trident (A/Lt.Cdr. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) is docked in No.1 graving dock at the Malta Dockyard. (90)

14 Nov 1944
HMS Trident (A/Lt.Cdr. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) is undocked. She then conducted engine trials off Malta. (90)

15 Nov 1944
Around 1800A/16, HMS Trident (A/Lt.Cdr. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) departed from Malta bound for Port Said. (90)

19 Nov 1944
Around 1300B/19, HMS Trident (A/Lt.Cdr. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Said from Malta. (90)

21 Nov 1944
HMS Trident (A/Lt.Cdr. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) transited the Suez Canal southbound and then set course for Aden. (90)

26 Nov 1944
Around 1430B/26, HMS Trident (A/Lt.Cdr. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) arrived at Aden. (90)

28 Nov 1944
Around 0800C/28, HMS Trident (A/Lt.Cdr. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) departed from Aden bound for Trincomalee. (90)

10 Dec 1944
Around 1830FG/10, HMS Trident (A/Lt.Cdr. A.J.W. Pitt, DSO, RN) arrived at Trincomalee.

Earlier that day, around 1000FG/10, she had made rendezvous with HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) which was returning from patrol. They were joined by the destroyer HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) which then escorted them to Trincomalee. HMS Trident arrived at Trincomalee with serious engine defects that took five months to correct and drove the repair staff of the submarine flotilla crazy. (69)

14 Apr 1945
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) conduced engine trials off Trincomalee. (91)

17 Apr 1945
During 17/18 April 1945, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) conduced exercises off Trincomalee. (91)

12 May 1945
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) is docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (92)

19 May 1945
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) is undocked. (92)

25 May 1945
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) conducted DG and noise trials off Trincomalee. (92)

25 May 1945
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) conducted D/G and noise trials off Trincomalee. (92)

26 May 1945
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) conducted a deep dive trial off Trincomalee. (92)

28 May 1945
Around 1400FG/28, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 37th war patrol (2nd in far eastern waters). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Strait and of the west coast of Sumatra.

On departure gunnery exercises were carried out.

For the attack positions of HMS Trident during this patrol see the map below.

(2)

2 Jun 1945
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) commenced 'Special Operation Noah IV' during which intelligence was to be gathered from small vessels. On board HMS Trident for this operation were Capt. E.J. Anderson and two other men. The operation was concluded on 6 June with unsatisfactory results.

sank a Sumatran junk with demolition charges in the Strait of Malacca.

1600FG/2 - A two-masted junk of approximately 15 tons was destroyed with a demolition charge in position 04°45'N, 99°25'E. The cargo of the junk consisted of tobacco and flax. The crew of three Sumatrans were taken aboard and later transferred to a Chinese fishing sampan. (93)

3 Jun 1945
At 0845FG/3, in position 04°25'N, 98°47'E, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) stopped a fishing sampan and interrogated the Chinese crew.

At 1135FG/3, in position 03°59'N, 100°10'E, another fishing sampan was stopped and the crew of this vessel were also interrogated. (2)

4 Jun 1945
At 1020FG/4, in position 04°33'N, 99°45'E, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) stopped a fishing sampan and interrogated the crew.

At 1055FG/4, in position 04°34'N, 99°45'E, HMS Trident stopped another fishing sampan and interrogated the crew. (2)

6 Jun 1945
At 1400FG/6, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) proceeded to comply with Capt. S 2's signal timed 0412Z/6 ordering her to sweep westwards from Diamond Point along the coast of Sumatra. (2)

9 Jun 1945
At 0531FG/9, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) dived in position 05°25.5'N, 97°24.5'E and established patrol off Diamond Point as had been ordered in Capt. S 2's signal 0903Z/8. (2)

11 Jun 1945
At 0657FG/11, near Diamond Head, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) sighted a Jake aircraft fine on the starboard bow. Also faint A/S transmissions were heard on bearing Green 20°. HMS Trident altered course to close.

At 0712FG/11, HMS Trident sighted an LSM type landing craft escorted by a submarine chaser at a range of about 9000 yards. Enemy course was 310°. An attempt was made to close the range to attack but in fact it only inceased and the attack was broken off at 0724FG/11. (2)

12 Jun 1945
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) bombarded the control tower of a Japanese airfield near Lhoksumawe, northern Sumatra.

1822FG/12 - Surfaced in position 05°15'N, 97°05'E and bombarded the control tower of the airfield spotted earlier today.

1836FG/12 - Disengaged and proceeded to the seaward. Twenty-eight rounds in all were fired. six were direct hits on the control tower. Several others fell on the runway just short of the control tower. The last six rounds were fired on a parked aircraft. (2)

14 Jun 1945
At 0213FG/14, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) received Capt. S 2's signal timed 1647Z/13, ordering her to make rendezvous with the destroyer HMS Paladin (Lt. H.R. Hewlett, RN) and receive instructions for a special operation HMS Trident was to carry out. Course was set accordingly. (2)

15 Jun 1945
At 1136FG/15, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) sighed a P-class destroyer bearing 112° at a range of 14000 yards.

At 1202FG/15, HMS Trident surfaced in position 00°29'S, 97°55'E and identified herself to HMS Paladin (Lt. H.R. Hewlett, RN). They then closed and a message containing instructions for a special operation (Caprice IV) was then passed from the destroyer to the submarine following which they parted company.

HMS Trident was to search for and pick up the ' Caprice party ' which had requisted an emergency pick up after they had been detected by the Japanese.

The destroyers HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Diack, DSC, RN) and HMS Paladin had been sent to evacuate this party but they had failed to find it.

Therefore this tast was now assigned to HMS Trident. (2)

16 Jun 1945
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) sank a Japanese landing craft with gunfire off the west coast of Sumatra.

1150FG/16 - Trident spotted a camouflaged landing craft.

1201FG/16 - Trident surfaced and engaged the landing craft with 4" gunfire. The landing craft was left beached in position 00°14'6"S, 98°32'5"E and abandoned after 27 rounds were fired. (2)

18 Jun 1945
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) sank a Japanese landing craft with gunfire off the west coast of Sumatra. This all happened when a party of seven was searching for the missing ' Caprice party '.

0525FG/18 - Trident dived in position 00°10'S, 98°36'E and proceeded towards Pulau Tetedono. It was decided to investigate the position where the landing barge was last seen on the 16th.

By 0730FG/18 the enemy landing barge had not been seen so she had either broken up (unlike given the good weather coditions), been destroyed or had been refloated.

1050FG/18 - Surfaced to get clear of the reefs.

1245FG/18 - Trident had now reached a position about half a mile off the southern end of Pulau Tetedono.

1300FG/18 - A search party of seven under the command of Captain Covel, US Army left Trident in a rubber boat.

After a few minutes machine gunfire was heard. At first it was not seen where it originated from but it was sure it was coming from the enemy. The landing party then communicated that the gunfire came from a landing barge which was hidden behind the island.

1310FG/18 - Trident spotted and engaged the camouflaged landing barge.

1317FG/18 - The landing party was re-embarke.

1425FG/18 - After 53 rounds were fired, the target was considered a total loss. Location was off Pulau Tetedono. A boarding party was then sent over to investigate the vessel.

1505FG/18 - The boarding party returned. They had found various items that belonged to the 'Caprice' party on board the landing craft.

1803FG/18 - Course was set to return to Trincomalee as had been ordered in Capt. S 2's signal timed 0427Z/15.

1946FG/18 - Course was altered to patrol off Indrapura Point as had been ordered in Capt. S 2's signal timed 0451Z/18. (93)

23 Jun 1945
When about to leave patrol as ordered in Capt. S 2's signal timed 0437Z/19, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) at 2105FG/23, sighted darkened ships bearing 090°.

By 2200FG/23, it was seen that this were four ML-type vessels sweeping southwards. Lt. Profit decided to remain on patrol for an additional day in the hope a nice target might be on the way.

Nothing was however sighted and on surfacing the next day at 1807FG/24 in position 02°25.5'S, 100°53.5'E, Trident left patrol to return to Trincomalee. (2)

29 Jun 1945
Around 1525FG/29, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) ended her 37th war patrol (2nd in far eastern waters) at Trincomalee.

[As no logs are available for HMS Trident after May 1945, some details from now on might be missing.] (2)

8 Aug 1945
Around 1400FG/8, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 38th war patrol. She is to perform a weather reporting mission off the north-west coast of Sumatra.

[There is no log of HMS Trident available for this period so no map can be displayed.] (2)

23 Aug 1945
At 2336FG/23, to the west of northern Sumatra, in position 05°26'N, 93°12'E, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) sighted a darkened ship was seen bearing 300° proceeding on a course of approximately 135°. The ship was subsequently identified as HMIS Bengal (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.L. Scurr, RINVR). Her recognition technique was very poor. The Indian minesweeper also stated that she was not aware that HMS Trident would be in this area. (2)

27 Aug 1945
At 1720FG/27, in position 05°21.5'N, 92°58'E, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) sighted a westbound destroyer which was subsequently identified as HMS Racehorse (Cdr. J.J. Casement, DSC, RN). (2)

28 Aug 1945
At 0429FG/28, in position 05°37'N, 93°25'E, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) sighted a darkened ship which she then shadowed. The ship was proceeding on a course of 065° at 12 knots. The ship was identified as the RFA tanker Orangeleaf (5927 GRT, built 1917) at 0606FG/28. (2)

31 Aug 1945
At 1200FG/31, in position 05°45'N, 93°05'E, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) sighted HMS Scorcher (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) which was to take over the weather reporting duties from HMS Trident which at 1240FG/31 left patrol to return to Trincomalee. (2)

2 Sep 1945
At 1003FG/2, in position 07°33'N, 86°00'E, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) sighted an eastbound vessel which was subsequently identified as the survey vessel HMS Challenger (Cdr. C.W. Sabine, OBE, RN). (2)

3 Sep 1945
At 1300FG/3, HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) ended her 38th war patrol at Trincomalee. (2)

18 Sep 1945
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee bound for the U.K. (69)

3 Oct 1945
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) arrived at Suez. She transits the Suez Canal and then arrived at Port Said. (69)

5 Oct 1945
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) departed from Port Said bound for Alexandria. (69)

6 Oct 1945
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) arrived at Alexandria. (69)

8 Oct 1945
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) departed from Alexandria bound for Malta. (69)

12 Oct 1945
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (69)

17 Oct 1945
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) departed from Malta bound for Gibraltar. (69)

20 Oct 1945
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (69)

23 Oct 1945
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) departed from Gibraltar bound for Portsmouth. (69)

26 Oct 1945
HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (69)

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