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Notable events involving Tetrarch include:

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

The page of HMS Tetrarch was created in June 2012.

This page was last updated in April 2024.

13 Jan 1940
Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) conducted a test dive and basis trials in Devonshire Dock at Barrow-in-Furness. (1)

20 Jan 1940
Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) conducted a test dive and inclining experiment in Devonshire Dock at Barrow-in-Furness. (1)

23 Jan 1940
Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Barrow-in-Furness. (1)

24 Jan 1940
Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) departed her builders yard for for trials in the Clyde area. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (1)

25 Jan 1940
Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) conducted speed trials in Gare Loch. (1)

26 Jan 1940
Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) conducted a series of trials in Gare Loch. (1)

27 Jan 1940
Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) conducted engine trials in the Clyde area. (1)

28 Jan 1940
Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) conducted engine trials in the Clyde area. (1)

29 Jan 1940
Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) returns to her builders yard at Barrow. (1)

15 Feb 1940
Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) departed her builders yard at Barrow for Greenock where she arrived later the same day. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). At Greenock she was then commissioned for service. (2)

18 Feb 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) was to depart Greenock for Portsmouth escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). But the sailing has to be postponed as Tetrarch developed problems with her after hydroplanes. (2)

24 Feb 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) carried out diving trials in the Clyde area during which she was escorted by the destroyer HMS Fame (Cdr. P.N. Walter, RN). (3)

4 Mar 1940
After repairs to her after hydroplanes and a period of trials and training in Loch Long, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) departed Greenock for Portsmouth. She is escorted by HMS Vesper (Lt.Cdr. W.F.E. Hussey, DSC, RN). (2)

6 Mar 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (2)

12 Mar 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) departed Portsmouth for Portland for a period of trials and work up exercises. She arrived at Portland later the same day. She was escorted by HMS Warrior II (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (2)

22 Mar 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) departed Portland for Portsmouth where she arrived later the same day. She was escorted by HMS Warrior II (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (2)

26 Mar 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) is docked at Portsmouth.

12 Apr 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) is undocked. (4)

13 Apr 1940
Around 1515A/13, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) departed Portsmouth for Rosyth. On departure D/G trials were carried out. HMS Tetrarch was initially escorted by HMS Foxglove (Lt.Cdr. T.I.S. Bell, RN).

The next day HMS Tetrarch was ordered to patrol off Lister, Norway making this her 1st war patrol.

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

(5)

22 Apr 1940
At 1000A/22, fog lifted and HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) then closed the Swedish coast up to four miles.

Subsequently two attacks were started on ships but both were broken off.

The first attack was on an tramp type merchant vessel estimated to be 6000 tons. The ship was approaching from the north but stopped about 5 miles from HMS Tetrarch and then turned north again.

The target of the second attack attempt was seen to be an A/S trawler so this attack attempt was broken off.

At 1200A/22, HMS Tetrarch was in position 58°18'N, 11°00'E.

Between 1730A/22 and 1930A/22, several A/S vessels passed overhead. They appeared to be carrying out a sweep but none gained contact.

Most likely the A/S vessels encountered during this day were from the 12th UJ flotilla which were operating in these waters. (5)

23 Apr 1940
During an intense A/S hunt against her following a failed attack on an enemy convoy in which the German transport Ahrensburg (2988 GRT, built 1939) was missed, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) torpedoed and sank German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ B / Treff V (330 GRT, built 1936) in the Skagerrak in position 58°21'N, 10°24'E.

1830A/23 - Sighted a southbound enemy convoy bearing 270°, distance about 5 nautical miles. The convoy was made up of a large merchant vessel and three escorting destroyers. Started attack. [This was the above mentioned Ahrensburg escorted by the old torpedo boats T 153, T 155, escort vessels F 5, F 8 and the motor minesweepers R 33, R 37 and R 40 on passage from Larvik to Fredrikshaven.]

1833 hours - In approximate position 58°18'N, 10°47'E fired two torpedoes, went deep and retired at high speed.

1837 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The three escorting destroyers were seen approaching down the torpedo tracks a high speed. One of the destroyers was only 1500 yards away. Tetrarch went to 300 feet at full speed and under full helm. Later she even went a bit deeper. The hunt for Tetrarch was now own and the first depth charges followed soon afterwards.

Around 2000 hours the hunt was taken over by a flotilla of A/S trawlers.

2220 hours - Surfaced but soon sighted two trawlers 1000 yards away coming straight towards [This were the auxiliary submarine chasers UJ A and UJ B]. Two torpedoes were fired to discourage their approach. (One of these torpedoes was a hit on UJ-B but this was not noticed on board Tetrarch as she dived upon firing.) [As the torpedoes approached, UJ B made the fatal decision to turn away and was hit broadside on. There were only three survivors.]

Tetrarch was hunted and kept down all through the night. When it became light no ships were in sight but she was unable to surface for fear of detection from the air. Tetrarch eventually surfaced in position 58°45'N, 10°20'E at 2130A/24 and set a course to return to the U.K. (5)

28 Apr 1940
Around 1400A/28, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Rosyth. (5)

7 May 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Rosyth. (6)

8 May 1940
HMS Porpoise (Cdr. P.Q. Roberts, RN) and HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) conducted exercises in the Firth of Forth. (7)

10 May 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) was docked in AFD 3 at Rosyth. (6)

11 May 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) is undocked. (6)

12 May 1940
Around 2000A/12, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) departed Rosyth for her 2nd war patrol. She was to patrol off the West coast of Denmark and off the Skagerrak.

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

(5)

18 May 1940
At 0050A/18, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN), sighted another submarine bearing 120° at a range of 1000 yards. Both submarines subsequently dived. It was thought the submarine sighted may have been the Achille (Lieutenant de vaisseau (Lt.) E.J. Michaud) which was indeed the case.

[Neiher patrol report of Tetrarch or Achille give a position of this encounter.] (8)

23 May 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) damages the Danish fishing vessel L 61 / Terje Viken (28 GRT) in the North Sea in position 56°55'N, 06°50'E. [It was thought the ship had sunk but the scuttling was not properly done and she was found later by the Danish cutter Grethe adrift and abandoned and was towed to Thyborøn (information provided by Theodor Dorgeist).]

Shortly afterwards Tetrarch captures the Danish fishing vessel L 100 / Immanuel in position 56°59'N, 06°58'E. The ship is taken to Leith as a prize.

1202A/23 - Surfaced in position 56°55'N, 06°50'E and proceeded on main motors to search for fishing vessels.

1215A/23 - Embarked four crew from the Danish fishing vessel L 61 / Terje Viken and scuttled their vessel.

1235A/23 - Sent a boarding party to the Danish fishing vessel L 100 / Immanuel under command of S.Lt. J.P. Fyfe, RN). Ordered him to make for Leith. While en-route to Leith, another Danish fisihing vessel, the L 156 / Jens Hvas (33 GRT) was captured by the prize crew of the Immanuel. Both ships now proceeded together to Leith. (5)

24 May 1940
At 1712A/24, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) left patrol having been instructed to do so in Capt. S 2's signal timed 1433A/24. (5)

26 May 1940
Around 0600A/26, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Rosyth. (5)

29 May 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) was docked in AFD 3 at Rosyth. (6)

30 May 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) was undocked. (6)

5 Jun 1940
At 1100A/5, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) departed Rosyth for her 3rd war patrol. She was to patrol off the South coast of Norway.

Before leaving the Firth of Forth exercises were carried out with HMS Tribune (Lt. E.F. Balston, RN). (5)

5 Jun 1940
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Tetrarch during this patrol see the map below.

6 Jun 1940
At 1415A/6, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) sighted, what was thought to be a torpedo, running slowly on the surface, apparently at the end of its run (no position is given in the patrol report, Tetrarch's noon position had been 56°44'N, 01°11'E). Range was only 100 yards on the port bow. HMS Tetrarch then ran down the suspected torpedo track for 5000 yards and carried out an A/S sweep on the Asdic while at 80 feet. A promising contact was picked up at 1500A/6 and held for two hours after which it was classified as non-sub.

An enemy report (timed 1714A/6) reporting an enemy submarine was sent on surfacing at 1800A/6. The position of the contact given in this signal is 56°48'N, 01°30'E.

[No German submarine reported an attack near this position on this day.] (5)

13 Jun 1940
At 1127A/13, while on patrol near the Lister lighthouse, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) sighted a large transport of about 8000 tons proceeding southwards at a range of about 8000 yards. An attack was not possible given the range. Tetrarch's noon position was 58°05.5'N, 06°28'E.

[We have so far been unable to find a likely candidate for the ship sighted.] (5)

14 Jun 1940
While still on patrol near Lister, at 1530A/14, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN), sighted a small fast northbound transport. It passed at a range of about five nautical miles and could not be attacked. [We have so far not been able to identify this vessel.]

At 1735A/14, an oil tanker escorted by three large destroyers was sighted bearing 180° at a range of 9000 yards. An attack was started but the target soon changed course leaving HMS Tetrarch 8000 yards off track so the attack had to be broken off. The tanker was the German Schwarzes Meer (3374 GRT, built 1923) en-route from Kristiansand (departed at 0830 hours) to Trondheim (arrived there on the 18th). She was at that moment escorted by the minesweepers M 8, M 7 and M 5. M 5 was detached to Stavanger early the following day. (9)

16 Jun 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) torpedoed and sank the German tanker Samland (5978 GRT, built 1929) south-west of Lista, Norway in position 58°12'N, 06°13'E. The escorting R-boats were able to pick up 66 survivors (54 were first reported but this was later changed to 66) from the tanker which sank in only seven minutes.

(All times are zone -1)
0447 hours - Sighted an enemy transport vessel of about 8000 tons right ahead. Range was about 4 nautical miles. Started attack. Three or four small escorts (E-boats or R-boats) [Sammland was escorted by minesweepers from the 3rd R-Flotilla, R 33, R 34, R 35, R 36, R 37, R 38, R 39, R 40] were sighted to be screening the enemy.

0508 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 1500 yards and went to 60 feet. Two hits were obtained. Tetrarch eventually went to 250 feet. The enemy dropped only 2 depth charges which did no damage. The hunt continued until around 0900 hours.

0930 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. (5)

18 Jun 1940
At 1810A/18, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) left patrol to return to Rosyth. (10)

20 Jun 1940
At 0820A/20, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Rosyth. (11)

22 Jun 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials off Rosyth. (10)

26 Jun 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials off Rosyth. (10)

3 Jul 1940
At 1900A/3, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) departed Rosyth for her 4th war patrol. She was to patrol off the South-West coast of Norway near Bergen.

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

(5)

4 Jul 1940
While en-route to her patrol area, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) encounters a submarine in position 57°52'N, 02°47'E. An attack is started but it had to be broken off.

The submarine sighted might have been HMS Shark (Lt.Cdr. P.N. Buckley, RN). that had left Rosyth the previous day (like Tetrarch) and was also en-route to her patrol area.

2200A/4 - Sighted a submarine bearing 330°, distance 2 nautical miles. The submarine was thought to be a u-boat so an attack was started.

2220A/4 - After twenty minutes of steering a most erratic course the submarine altered course 360° and disappeared. (5)

5 Jul 1940
At 1938A/5, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) was attacked by six British Swordfish aircraft from 823 Squadron in position 59°17'N, 03°15'E. Five torpedoes were dropped but no damage to Tetrarch was done as she dived upon spotting the aircraft.

The Swordfish aircraft were on a mission to intercept and attack a German light cruiser escorted by a destroyer that had departed Bergen earlier that day [No such ships had departed Bergen on this day.] (5)

11 Jul 1940
At 0135A/11, in approximate position 60°15'N, 04°19'E, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) encountered an eastbound submarine. Range was about two nautical miles. Dived and so did the contact which at first was thought to be HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. H.A.V. Haggard, RN).

HMS Tetrarch remained deep for half an hour tryinng to communicate using the Asdic but there was no reply. Later it was found out this was a U-boat passage route and it was realised the submarine must have been enemy.

This was indeed the case as the submarine was the German U-58 which had left Bergen some hours before. The Germans most likely sighted the British first as they were preparing to attack (therefore when seen by the British they were proceeding east). The Germans dived to complete the attack as it was too light for an attack on the surface. It was most likely just before they dived they had been seen by the British. (12)

12 Jul 1940
At 1800A/12, west of Bergen, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) sighted what was thought to be a destroyer proceeding northwards close inshore. Visibility was bad and HMS Tetrarch had retired a bit further from the coast and the enemy passed out of range. [We have so far not been able to identify this ship.] (5)

15 Jul 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) attacked the German submarine U-57 with three torpedoes off the entrance to the Kors Fjord near Bergen, Norway. All torpedoes fired missed their target. The Germans observed two torpedo tracks.

1840A/15 - While off the entrance to the Kors Fjord what was thought to be a small sailing vessel was sighted. This however soon was seen to be a U-boat. Started attack.

1846A/15 - Fired three torpedoes from 2500 yards. The enemy was able to evade the salvo as she turned hard to Port. Gun action was ordered but this was cancelled as the enemy was seen to submerge.

1900A/15, Abandoned the hunt and proceeded on course 260° to gain bearing.

2117A/15, Having seen no further sign of the enemy Tetrarch surfaced and proceeded on course 300° at full speed to get away further from the shore and to still try to intercept the enemy submarine.

2130A/15, An aircraft appeared forcing Tetrarch to dive. Proceeded submerged on course 270° at 2 knots.

2330A/15, Surfaced. Continued on course 270° but now at full speed.

0030A/16, Lt.Cdr. Mills was still positive that he was ahead of the enemy and on his route. The battery of Tetrarch was now however very low so speed had to be reduced to 8 knots so that the battery could be charged.

0200A/16, Altered course to 215° to intercept.

0223A/16, Sighted the enemy submarine bearing 170° at 2 miles proceeding on course 260°. Both submarines dived simultaneously. [The Germans had spotted a large British submarine at the same time.] Carried out an A/S sweep at 80 feet but obtained very poor results. No HE could be picked up.

0342A/16, While at periscope depth sighed the enemy on the surface bearing 150° at a range of 4000 yards. Tetrarch had to turn to fire but by then the range was too great. (13)

16 Jul 1940
At 1400A/16, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) left her patrol area to return to Rosyth. (5)

18 Jul 1940
Around 0930A/18, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Rosyth. (5)

20 Jul 1940
Off Rosyth, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo firing trials firing torpedoes from all four external torpedo tubes. (14)

23 Jul 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Rosyth. (14)

1 Aug 1940
Around 1800A/1, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) departed Rosyth for her 5th war patrol. She was to patrol off the West coast of Denmark.

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

(5)

6 Aug 1940
At 2315A/6, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) was recalled from patrol on receipt of R.Adm Submarines signal timed 2036A/6. (15)

10 Aug 1940
Around 0800A/10, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Rosyth. (5)

12 Aug 1940
Shortly after 1900A/12, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) and HMS Sealion (Cdr. B. Bryant, DSC, RN) departed Rosyth for Methil. They were escorted by HMS White Bear (Capt. R. Gill, RD, RNR). They arrived off Methil later the same they where they anchored for the night. (16)

13 Aug 1940
Around 0600A/13, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) and HMS Sealion (Cdr. B. Bryant, DSC, RN) departed Methil for Newcastle where they were both to refit. They were escorted by HMS White Bear (Capt. R. Gill, RD, RNR). The submarines arrived at Newcastle around 1745A/13. (16)

16 Aug 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) is docked at Newcastle. (17)

27 Aug 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) is undocked. (17)

28 Aug 1940
With her short refit and docking completed, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN), departed Newcastle around 0600A/28 for Rosyth where she arrived later the same day. On departure D/G trials were carried out. She arrived at Rosyth around 1815A/28. (6)

4 Sep 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) departed from Rosyth for Gibraltar. She is to join the Mediterranean Fleet.

Passage through British coastal waters (around the north of Scotland and through the Irish Sea) was made together with HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN). They were escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN) until 2130A/7.

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

(18)

14 Sep 1940
Around 0450A/14, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Rosyth. (18)

20 Sep 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 6th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Genoa before proceeding to Malta.

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

(19)

22 Sep 1940
At 0745A/22, in position 37°04'N, 00°26'W, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) sighted a Vichy French transport proceeding on course 335° which was thought to be the Algerie (3386 GRT, built 1910).

At 1415A/22, the Vichy French transport Sidi Mabrouk (3809 GRT, built 1906) was sighted in position 37°08'N, 00°20'W proceeding on course 150°. (20)

27 Sep 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) attacked what was thought to be an Italian destroyer about 25 nautical miles South-West of La Spezia, Italy in position 43°47'N, 09°34'E. Two torpedoes were fired but these missed. A third torpedo was fired but this also missed.

At La Spezia were at time the torpedo boats Antares, Andromeda and Giuseppe la Masa but none of these sortied on this day. The torpedo boat Audace and Giacinto Carini sortied for exercises on 28 September. The light cruiser Giovanni Delle Bande Nere also sortied for exercises on 28 September. The torpedo boat Calatafimi had sortied on 26/9. Torpedo boat Calipso had sailed at 1100B/26 for Naples. The fast motor boat Stefano Tur (59 tons) had sailed from La Spezia at 1820/27 and returned at 0755/28. Perhaps this was the ship sighted and the small size of the ship had been misidentified in the darkness.

2115A/27 - While on the surface, charging, sighted a darkened ship about 3000 yards away bearing 200°. Started attack.

2123A/27 - Fired two torpedoes which missed. The target was now seen to be a destroyer.

2210A/27 - Fired another torpedo which also missed.

2212A/27 - Dived. The target was lost out of sight soon after proceeding southwards.

2241A/27 - Surfaced. (19)

30 Sep 1940
At 1300A/30, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) sighted a southbound destroyer at a range of about 5 nautical miles. Enemy couse was 180° at a speed of 12 knots. The destroyer was believed to be the Italian Audace. She was not attacked.

This was indeed possibly the torpedo boat Audace who had sailed from La Spezia at 0905B/30 for Messina. (19)

3 Oct 1940
At 1740A/3, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) sighted a tramp type merchant vessel of less then 1000 tons bearing 290° at a range of about 5 nautical miles. An attack was started. This ship was later seen to alter course towards the Civita Vechhia lighthouse. At 1820A/3, the attack was stopped. A swept channel was suspected meaning the area was mined. (21)

4 Oct 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) attacked what was identified as a patrol vessel on course 190° in the Northern part of the Tyrrhenian Sea, to the east of Corsica, in position 41°42'N, 10°20'E. Two torpedoes were fired which both missed. [The target has not yet been identified.]

0035A/4 - Sighted a patrol vessel bearing 0° distance about 2 nautical miles. Started attack.

0047A/4 - Fired two torpedoes and dived. No hits were obtained.

0130A/4 - Surfaced. (19)

5 Oct 1940
At 0003A/5, in position 41°43'N, 11°32'E, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) had to dive when, what was thought to be, a MAS boat approached.

At 0228A/5, HMS Tetrarch surfaced but soon two unidentified vessels were seen and Tetrarch dived again four minutes after surfacing. It was later seen the unidentified vessels were fishing vesels. HMS Tetrarch surfaced again at 0430A/5.

At dawn two tramp type merchant vessels were sighted proceeding on a course of 275° at 7 knots. Both were in ballast and under 1000 tons. They were not attacked.

In the afternoon several barquantines were seen proceeding on a course of 245° towards the Bonifacio Strait. They were not attacked. (21)

6 Oct 1940
At 0030A/6, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) had to dive when, what was thought to be, a MAS boat approached. HE however indicated that it may have been a submarine though. The vessel passed almost overhead on a course of 250°. HMS Tetrarch surfaced an hour later and found nothing in sight. She then commenced closing the coast.

At 0325A/6, she dived for a days submerged patrol. Two large trawlers were subsequently seen patrolling the area. It was thought these were A/S trawlers and evasive action was taken. They passed at a range of 500 yards.

At 0715A/6, a merchant vessel of about 3000 tons was sighted proceeding on a course of 245° at 13 knots. It could not be attacked as the range could not be closed below 5000 yards due to the evasive action that had been taken to avoid the trawlers. (21)

7 Oct 1940
At 0513A/7, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) had to dive when, in low visibility, HE was picked up bearing 240°. Two A/S trawlers were subsequently seen to close at speed and evasive action was taken as it was feared HMS Tetrarch had been sighted but no attack followed. The two vessels stopped occasionally but eventually moved clear.

At 0800A/7, HMS Tetrarch left patrol to proceed to Malta. (21)

11 Oct 1940
At 0620A/11, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (21)

14 Oct 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) was docked in No.1 Dry Dock at the Malta Dockyard. (22)

17 Oct 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) was undocked. (22)

27 Oct 1940
Around 1800A/27, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Malta for her 7th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte.

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

(19)

31 Oct 1940
At 1700A/31, when west-south-west of Benghazi, in approximate position 31°41'N, 19°06'E, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) sighted a large single funnelled merchant vessel bearing 140°. The enemy was proceeding on a course of 270°. Range was about 5 nautical miles. HMS Tetrarch closed at full speed for about half an hour but as the enemy also changed course to 240° it was not possible to attack.

At 1825A/31, HMS Tetrarch surfaced but found the starboard wing escort, a MAS-boat, only 3000 yards away bearing 230° so HMS Tetrarch quickly dived again. (21)

2 Nov 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) had to break off an attack on an eastbound enemy convoy.

The convoy sighted was perhaps the transport Livenza (Italian, 5828 GRT, built 1922) escorted by torpedo boat Centauro who had sailed from Tripoli at 2024B/31 and arrived at Benghazi at 1150B/3.

2026A/2 - Sighted smoke of a convoy bearing 335°. Distance was thought to be about 5 nautical miles. Started attack.

2156A/2 - Dived.

2200A/2 - When in position 31°43'N, 19°13'E and about to open fire a motor boat was seen to approach at high speed. Lt.Cdr. Mills abandoned the attack and took Tetrarch deep. (19)

4 Nov 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) torpedoed and heavily damaged the Italian transport Snia Amba (2532 GRT, built 1918) about 50 nautical miles south-west of Benghazi, Libya in position 31°36'N, 19°25'E. The Italian ship was beached to prevent it from sinking and was later declared a total loss.

The Italian transport Pallade (1152 GRT, built 1899) was also part of this convoy and was missed in this attack. The convoy was escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Giuseppe La Farina.

0840A/4 - Sighted a convoy bearing 184°. Started attack.

The convoy was later seen to be made up of two large supply ships of 7000 and 5000 tons respectively. They were screened by several destroyers.

0925A/4 - In position 31°36'N, 19°25'E fired three torpedoes at the largest merchant vessel, three at the smaller merchant vessel and one at the leading destroyer. Obtained one hit on the larger of the two merchant ships.

0930A/4 - Went to 250 feet.

0940A/4 - Depth charging started. This continued to 1115A/4. In all nine depth charges were dropped, all quite close.

1300A/4 - Returned to periscope depth. Saw black smoke in the position of the attack. (19)

9 Nov 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) left patrol to return to Malta. (19)

12 Nov 1940
At 0640A/12, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (19)

15 Nov 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) was docked in No.2 Dry Dock at the Malta Dockyard. (23)

16 Nov 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) was undocked. (23)

24 Nov 1940
Around 1730A/24, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) departed Malta for her 8th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Adriatic, to the north of latitude 42N.

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

(19)

15 Dec 1940
At 0720A/15, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. The patrol had been uneventful, no enemy shipping at all had been sighted. The patrol area had been 'unhappily' chosen and also Lt.Cdr. Peacock was criticised for failing to show any form of initiative. (19)

28 Dec 1940
At 1700A/28, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) departed Malta for her 9th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the Gulf of Taranto.

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

(24)

31 Dec 1940
At 0125A/31, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) crash dived on the approach of a darkened vessel. It was subsequently heard on bearing 082° and the Asdic operator reported hearing what he thought to be a 'probable reciprocating engine'. The vessel appeared to be steering a southerly course. Position was 118° - Cape Spartivento - 16.5 nautical miles. [We have no clue on the identity of this vessel.]

HMS Tetrarch remained deep for several hours missing important W/T routines. (24)

9 Jan 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) is ordered to leave her patrol area and proceed to Piraeus, Greece. (24)

12 Jan 1941
Around 0640A/12, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) made rendezvous with a Greek torpedo boat in the Gulf of Patras. Course is then set towards the Corinth Canal.

At 1410A/12, HMS Tetrarch entered the Corinth Canal.

At 1850A/12, HMS Tetrarch arrived at Piraeus, Greece. (25)

15 Jan 1941
At 0900B/15, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) departed Piraeus for the Greek submarine base at Salamis where she arrived one hour later.

At 1500B/15, HMS Tetrarch departed Salamis for Alexandria. (24)

19 Jan 1941
At 1020A/19, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (24)

28 Jan 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) is wiped at Alexandria. (26)

31 Jan 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) conducted attack and A/S exercises off Alexandria with the destroyers HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.R. Marshall-A'Deane, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN). (26)

2 Feb 1941
Around 0900B/2, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) departed Alexandria for her 10th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte off Benghazi.

Before proceeding on patrol exercises were carried out with HMS Sindonis (Ch.Skr. G. Rawding, RNR) and HMS Kingston Coral (Skr. W. Kirman, RNR). (5)

2 Feb 1941
For the daily positions of HMS Tetrarch during this patrol see the map below.

View HMS Tetrarch 10th war patrol in a larger map

4 Feb 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) is ordered not to patrol of Benghazi anymore as that port was being abandoned by the Italians. She was now ordered to patrol off Tripoli instead. (Capt. S 1's signal timed 1901B/4). (5)

9 Feb 1941
At 0157B/9, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) is ordered (Capt S 1's signal timed 0022B/9) to intercept an enemy convoy of three transports and two torpedo boats reported at 1940A/9 in position 35°15'N, 11°30'E proceeding on course 135° at 11 knots. The convoy was however not sighted.

This convoy consisted of the transport Nirvo (Italian, 5164 GRT, built 1919) and the tankers Caucaso (Italian, 2065 GRT, built 1920) and Berbera (Italian, 2093 GRT, built 1931) escorted by the Italian armed merchant cruiser Attilio Deffenu (3510 GRT, built 1929) (not by two torpedo boats). It had been attacked by HMS Ursula at 1940A/8 (no torpedo tracks sighted but distant explosions heard at 2045B/8 in position 35°11'50"N, 11°19'19"E). They had sailed from Naples at 0910B/6 at a speed of 6.4 knots and arrived at Tripoli at 1130B/10 (the actual distance covered was 608 miles but with the zigzagging this came to 760 miles). (27)

15 Feb 1941
P.M., HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) left patrol to return to Alexandria. (5)

20 Feb 1941
Around 0820B/20, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (5)

8 Mar 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) conducted D/G trials off Alexandria. (28)

14 Mar 1941
Shortly after 1800B/14, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) departed Alexandria for her 11th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Tripoli.

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

(5)

16 Mar 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) developed cracks in the starboard engine after column front support. She non the less continued the patrol. (5)

17 Mar 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) is ordered to patrol in the Adriatic (Capt. S 1's signal timed 2205B/16). Course was set accordingly.

Later this day further cracks were discovered on the starboard engine. A signal was sent to inform the Captain of the 1st submarine flotilla of the situation. (5)

18 Mar 1941
At 0453B/18, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) received Capt S 1's signal timed 0257B/18 ordering her to return to Alexandria to repair the starboard engine. Course was set accordingly. (5)

21 Mar 1941
At 0320B/21, in position 275°- Ras El Tin (Alexandria) – 36.5 nautical miles, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) sighted what was at first believed to be a U-boat. Nine minutes later, after the vessel had failed to answer repeated challenges, she fired a salvo of six torpedoes at the range of 2000 yds but fortunately missed. This was the ex Italian Zingarella (190 GRT) being brought to Alexandria with a prize crew. The submarine closed to 500 yards and fired one round before the mistake was realised.

Later the same day, around 0840B/21, HMS Tetrarch ended her 11th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (5)

24 Mar 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) is docked in the Gabbari Dry Dock at Alexandria. (28)

25 Mar 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) is undocked. (28)

31 Mar 1941
Around 1945B/31, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) departed Alexandria for her 12th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte and off Tripoli.

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

(5)

4 Apr 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) fired two torpedoes at a 1500 tons transport anchored off Burat. No hits were obtained.

The target was most likely the Italian transport Silvio Scaroni (1394 GRT, built 1920).

0955B/4 - Sighted masts of vessels anchored off Burat. Closed.

1140B/4 - Confirmed that there were four ships at anchor. One appeared to be an armed ocean going tug of about 800 tons. Of the remainder one was a vessel of about 1500 tons, the other two being smaller. It was decided to wait till sunset and then fire two torpedoes, one at the tug and one at the 1500 tons vessel.

1600B/4 - The armed tug weighted anchor and proceeded Westward.

1918B/4 - Fired a torpedo at the 1500 tons vessel from 5000 yards. The torpedo was seen to break surface so another torpedo was fired at this ship. No hits were obtained.

2025B/4 - Surfaced and proceeded Eastwards. (5)

7 Apr 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) engages two schooners with gunfire off El Brega. After it was thought Tetrarch was being fired upon from El Brega fort the action was broken off.

1100B/7 - Arrived off El Brega. A heavy swell was running. Sighted two schooners at anchor. Later one was seen to be a wreck, the other was in ballast.

1915B/7 - Surfaced and engaged the schooners with the 4" gun from a range of 5000 yards. One or two shots burst on El Brega fort and it was reported that the fort was opening fire (this was however not the case). Dived and hit the bottom at 11 fathoms. When the mistake was realised and Tetrarch was in an attack position again it was too dark to resume gun action. Proceeded along the coast to the West. (5)

8 Apr 1941
At 1430B/8, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) sighted a steamer and a schooner proceeding eastwards in position 30°58'N, 17°50'E. Commenced an attack but after 28 minutes the enemy turned towards the land and appeared to anchor in El Auejia. This was possibly the small transport Arsia (Italian, 736 GRT, built 1900) escorted by the armed schooner Carolina on passage from Tripoli to Benghazi at that time. [The exact time of departure from Tripoli is not known to us].

At 1535A/8, three small vessels were seen approaching from the westwards. Turned on a similar course and waited for them to pass with the intention to surface for a gun action. They turned out to be A/S trawlers and they commenced an A/S sweep of the area.

At 2032B/8, HMS Tetrarch surfaced and received Capt. S 1's signal timed 1845B/8 ordering her to patrol in the area Khoms - Misurata. Course was set accordingly. (5)

10 Apr 1941
At 2202B/10, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) received a signal from Capt. S 1, timed 2005B/10, orderinngd her to proceed with despatch towards the approaches to Tripoli. (5)

12 Apr 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian tanker Persiano (2474 GRT, built 1889) about 30 nautical miles north-west of Tripoli, Libya in position 33°29'N, 13°01'E.

Persiano was in convoy with the Italian transports Bosforo (3648 GRT, built 1929), Ogaden (4553 GRT, built 1905) and the Italian tanker Superga (6154 GRT, built 1923). The convoy was en-route from Palermo to Tripoli and was escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Generale Carlo Montanari, Giuseppe Missori and Perseo. The torpedo-boat Montanari sighted the torpedo tracks and took avoiding action but Persiano could not evade and was hit and sunk. The torpedo-boat was ordered to attack the submarine and then rescue the survivors. The torpedo boats Partenope and Polluce sailed from Tripoli to assist her in the A/S hunt.

0830B/12 - Sighted a convoy consisting of five merchant vessels, 3 destroyers and 1 aircraft overhead in position 340° Tripoli light, 37 nautical miles. The course of the convoy was 150° estimated speed was 10 knots. Started attack.

Fired four torpedoes at the nearest leading ship (a laden 8000 tons tanker). Range was 4500 yards. Went deep upon firing as the aircraft was near. One explosion was heard after the correct time interval.

Following the attack Tetrarch was hunted for 3 hours by the escorts, 9 depth charges were dropped but these did no damage.

1200B/12 - Came to periscope depth and saw the tanker bearing 180° distance about 5 nautical miles. She was listing heavily with her stern awash and on fire aft. Considered her a total loss so retired to the north.

1610B/12 - Depth charging recommenced astern. 15 depth charges were dropped but these were way off.

2027B/12 - Surfaced and proceeded northwards. (5)

13 Apr 1941
At 1200B/13, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) left patrol to return to Alexandria as ordered in Capt. S 1's signal timed 1445B/11.

At 2100B/13, HMS Tetrarch was ordered to intercept a convoy (Capt. S 1's signal timed 1943B/13) but as Tetrarch was no longeer in a position to intercept it she continued on her way to Alexandria.

Capt. S 1's signal timed 1943B/13 gave the position of a convoy of five transports and three destroyers as 34°50'N, 12°15'E at 1803B/13. Enemy course was 155° at 15 knots.

This signal referred to the convoy made up of the transports Ankara (German, 4768 GRT, built 1937), Galilea (Italian, 8040 GRT, built 1916), Kybfels (German, 7764 GRT, built 1937), Marburg (German, 7564 GRT, built 1928) and Reichenfels (German, 7744 GRT, built 1936). They had departed Naples around 1730B/11 for Tripoli. The convoy was escorted by the destroyers Ugolino Vivaldi, Antonio da Noli and Lanzerotto Malocello.

On approaching Tripoli the torpedo boats Circe and Generale Carlo Montanari reinforced the escort. (5)

20 Apr 1941
Around 0800B/20, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) ended her 12th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (5)

1 May 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) was docked in the Gabbari Dry Dock at Alexandria. (29)

5 May 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) was undocked. (29)

6 May 1941
Around 1930C/6, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) departed Alexandria for her 13th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Benghazi.

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

(5)

12 May 1941
At 0405A/12, near Benghazi, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) sighed a vessel bearing 190° (20° on the port bow). Range was about 2.5 miles. It was thought to be a destroyer. HMS Tetrarch went deep. The vessel stayed within hydrophone range all the time. It appeared to be stopping and starting and revolutions worked up to 130 on occasions. The enemy finally disappeared in a south-west direction.

No destroyer or torpedo boat was operating in the Benghazi area in May 1941. Probably it was an auxiliary schooner of the local A/S patrol.

On this day, the schooners Rosa and Igea were on passage from Benghazi to Tripoli on this day. We have no time of departure for these ships though. (5)

17 May 1941
Around 1200B/17, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN), which was three miles from the harbour entrance to Benghazi, sighted three auxiliary mineseepers or A/S vessels approaching from the north-east. They were in line abreast. They approached to within one mile of the harbour entrance and then turned to seaward again. The vessels sighted were probably auxiliary schooners used for local A/S work.

Around 1930B/17, a small patrol craft was seen proceeding to the southward close inshore. Just south of Ras Tayonnes it appeared to stop and turn towards on a course of approximately 240°.

Around 2040B/17, HMS Tetrarch surfaced after nothing could be heard on the Asdic. (5)

18 May 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian transport Giovinezza (2362 GRT, built 1925) off Bengasi, Libya in position 31°55'N, 19°55'E.

The Giovinezza was escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Polluce which dropped 20 depth charges all set to 25 metres (the depth in the area was 40 metres) then returned to pick up the survivors. By then most of them had rowed to shore in two life boats and the torpedo-boat picked up only one survivor. In all there were 42 survivors (including five wounded), two were killed and another was missing.

1254B/18 - Sighted one merchant vessel bearing 285°, distance 7 nautical miles. Started attack.

1310B/18 - Sighted a destroyer that was escorting the merchant vessel.

1446B/18 - Fired four torpedoes from 6000 yards. It was thought that all four torpedoes were heard to explode on the shore (this was however not the case).

1453B/18 - Depth charging started.

1515B/18 - Bottomed at 150 feet.

1600B/18 - Depth charging ceased. In all 18 depth charges were dropped. (5)

25 May 1941
Around 0800B/25, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) ended her 13th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (5)

6 Jun 1941
Around 1830C/6, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) departed Alexandria for her 14th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean off the Dardanelles. She was routed through the Anti-Kithra Channel and then ordered to proceed towards the Dardanelles by the Zea and Doro Channels so as to be able to cover the ememy shipping routes to the maximum.

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

(24)

10 Jun 1941
Around noon, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) passed through the Anti-Kithira Channel and entered the Aegean.

At 1740B/10, a small schooner was sighted bearing 320° at a range of about 10 miles. She was proceeding on course 360°. No attack was started as an aircraft had been sighted just three minutes previously. (30)

11 Jun 1941
Around 0500B/11, near Cape Malea, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) sighted what was thought to be a motor torpedo boat. It was evaded. (24)

12 Jun 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) passed through the Zea and Doro Channels. An armed yacht had been seen near the Zea Channel proceeding southwards. (24)

13 Jun 1941
At 1912B/13, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) received a signal from Capt. S 1, timed 1630C/13, stating that A/S patrols were maintained to the west, south and east of Mudros which was being used by the enemy as a basis for motor torpedo boats. In view of this Lt.Cdr. Peacock decided to approach Mudros submerged the following day instead of focusing on the traffic to and from the Dardanelles. This decision and waste of valuable patrol time was heavily critised by Capt. S 1 upon HMS Tetrarch's return to Alexandria. (24)

14 Jun 1941
At 1030B/14, while patrolling south of Mudros, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) sighed two trawlers approaching from the westward. One eventually got within 1000 yards with angle on the bow nil so HMS Tetrarch went deep. Both trawlers passed astern. One was lost on the hydrophones while the other remained in a position about a mile to the eastward.

At 1130B/14, HMS Tetrarch returned to periscope depth. One trawler was seen to proceed on a parallel course coming up the starboard side. HMS Tetrarch went deep again.

At 1230B/14, HMS Tetrarch returned to periscope depth. The other trawler was seen to be approaching from the south.

At 1900B/14, the masts of two small vessels were seen at a range of approximately 8 nautical miles. They were making for Mudros. They were later seen to be an A/S vessel and a small vessel fitted with a large derrick forward. (24)

15 Jun 1941
At 1403B/15, while still patrolling south of Mudros, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) sighed what was thought to be an Italian Sauro-class destroyer approaching Mudros from the west. This must have been the Italian torpedo boat Castelfidardo which arrived at Mudros that afternoon.

At 1730B/15, two small vessels were seen bearing 230°, range 8 nautical miles. Enemy course was around 050° / 060° towards Mudros. (31)

18 Jun 1941
At 1205B/18, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) sighed a 'Sauro-class' destroyer approaching from the south-west. It eventually came very close so HMS Tetrarch had to go deep. This destroyer remained in the area for the remainder of the afternoon.

The 'destroyer' was most likely either one of the Italian torpedo boats Calatafimi and Monzambano which were waiting (patrolling) of the Dardanelles awaiting the departure of the tankers Campina (Italian, 3032 GRT, built 1913) and Maya (Italian, 3867 GRT, built 1894). (32)

19 Jun 1941
At 0930B/19, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) heard HE of a destroyer passing overhead while Tetrarch was deep. Air patrols were very frequent on this day.

The 'destroyer' was most likely either one of the Italian torpedo boats Calatafimi and Monzambano which were still waiting (patrolling) of the Dardanelles awaiting the departure of the tankers Campina (Italian, 3032 GRT, built 1913) and Maya (Italian, 3867 GRT, built 1894) and now the tankers Urano (Italian, 5512 GR, built 1923) and Utilitas (Italian, 5310 GRT, built 1918). (32)

20 Jun 1941
At 0530B/20, when in position 5 nautical miles to the north-west of Cape Hellas, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) sighed a large passenger ship leaving the Dardanelles and proceeding down the Turkish coast inside the Rabbit Islands. This must have been a Turkish ship.

At 1300B/20, a trawler and an escort were seen in the direction of Tenedos Island proceeding to the north-east.

At 1500B/20, a merchant vessel was sighted bearing 130° at a range of about 10 nautical miles. She was proceeding on course 210° and appeared to be going to round Tenedos Island. Aircraft were seen to be patrolling the area.

At 1530B/20, an aircraft forced HMS Tetrarch to go deep. Range to the merchant vessel was at that time about 6 nautical miles.

An attack was not made as HMS Tetrarch remained deep and when finally having returned to periscope depth, this ship which was thought to be the Italian naval tanker Tarvisio (Italian, 5484 GRT, built 1927) had crossed ahead and the opportunity to fire torpedoes had passed. She was thought to be escorted by two small A/S vessels and an MAS boat. The Tarvisio arrived at Mudros around 2230B/20 escorted by the Italian auxiliary minesweeper / motor torpedo boat mothership Georgio Orsini (220 GRT, built 1931). (33)

21 Jun 1941
At 0930B/21, while patrolling between the Dardanelles and Tenedos Island, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) sighed two A/S vessels, thought to be the same as had been seen the evening before escorting the ship leaving the Dardanelles, proceeding on course 070°.

At 1445B/21, sighted two MAS boats bearing 040° proceeding on course 220°. Went deep as they were going to pass straight overhead.

At 1500B/21, HMS Tetrarch returned to periscope depth. Found the MAS boats to have stopped two miles to the southward. Two Spica-class torpedo boats were then seen to pass close to Tenedos on course 180°. They disappeared in a southerly direction at the same time as the MAS boats came straight towards at high speed. HMS Tetrarch had to go deep.

At 1610B/21, HMS Tetrarch returned to periscope depth and found nothing in sight except two aircraft.

The two torpedo boats sighted at 1500B/21 were the Sirio and Sagittario which were in the area for escort duty. Sirio was to escort the tanker Albaro (Italian, 2309 GRT, built 1911) to Piraeus while the Sagittario was to escort the tanker Celeno (Italian, 3741 GRT, built 1899) to Thessaloniki. (32)

22 Jun 1941
Aftter a days of submerged patrol in the Cape Hellas / Tenedos Island area, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) left patrol to return to Alexandria as ordered in Capt S 1's signal timed 1937C/19. (24)

25 Jun 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) engages the Italian motor sailing vessel Alleanza off Cape Paraspori, Greece in approximate position 35°55'N, 27°16'E. As the 4" gun malfunctioned after the first round the action was broken off.

0515B/25 - Sighted a small sailing vessel approaching from the Eastwards.

0600B/25 - In position 045° Cape Paraspori, Greece 2 nautical miles engaged with gunfire. After the first round the gun failed to run out. Gave the target 2 pans of the Lewis gun and then dived. Before opening fire the vessel was seen to fly the Italian flag that was replaced shortly afterwards with the Greek flag. (24)

28 Jun 1941
Around 1000C/28, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) ended her 14th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (24)

3 Jul 1941
Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN takes over command of HMS Tetrarch from Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN.

Lt.Cdr. Peacock was relieved because of his lack of initiative shown on previous patrols. (34)

10 Jul 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (34)

12 Jul 1941
Around 1030C/12, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) departed Alexandria for her 15th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean.

Before proceeding on patrol exercises were carried out with the Greek destroyer Spetsai. (24)

12 Jul 1941
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Tetrarch during this patrol see the map below.

16 Jul 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) is narrowly missed by a torpedo when in position 220°, Cape Pappas (Nikaria), 10 nautical miles.

HMS Tetrarch had been attacked by the Italian submarine Nereide who fired two torpedoes from 700 metres and claimed one hit. The Italians give 37°25'N, 25°52'E as the position of the attack.

0115B/16 - While in position 220°, Cape Pappas (Nikaria), 10 nautical miles (about 37°22'N, 25°54'E), Tetrarch was attacked by what were thought to be two Motor Torpedo Boats. The Officer of the Watch altered course towards the first one sighted and when Lt.Cdr. Greenway sighted the second one he altered course towards this one and dived. Just before diving a torpedo track was seen to pass close astern. Tetrarch was most likely saved by the quick reaction of the Officer of the Watch. No depth charges were dropped and when Tetrarch came to periscope depth at 0500 hours nothing was in sight. (24)

17 Jul 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) carried out a special operation. [No further details currently available.] (24)

18 Jul 1941
In approximate position 37°33'N, 24°26'E, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) is depth charged by an enemy destroyer while trying to attack a convoy near Thermia, Greece. No damage to Tetrarch was done but the attack had to be broken off.

This was most probably the convoy made up of the transports Citta di Bastia (2499 GRT, built 1930), Città di Alessandria (2498 GRT, built 1930) and Santagata (4262 GRT, built 1905) en route from Rhodos to Piraeus via Samos. They were escorted by the destroyer Francesco Crispi, torpedo boat Libra and naval auxiliary Brioni. The convoy arrived at Piraeus at 1400B/18.

At 0815B/18, when in position 360° - Cape Kephalos - 5 nautical miles, sighted a convoy of three ships of about 5000 tons escorted by one armed merchant cruiser, two destroyers, one MAS boat, one A/S trawler and one aircraft. They appeared to be going down the Serpho Channel but they later changed course to go to the Thermia Channel.

This move caught HMS Tetrarch 4000 yards off track and just ahead of the starboard wing destroyer of the screen. To get into a favourable firing position this destroyer had to be ignored and speed was increased to full. Two minutes later a depth charge was dropped and further efforts to increase speed were followed by more depth charges. Tetrarch must have been detected and in view of the unfavourable attack position the attack was abandoned.

The destroyer dropped five depth charges in all and remained in the vicinity for a further forty minutes passing right overhead twice.

At 0950B/18, HMS Tetrarch returned to periscope depth to find the destroyer gone but an A/S trawler was only 600 yards away. HMS Tetrarch crept away slowly without being detected. (24)

20 Jul 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) attacks an enemy convoy off Thermia. When about to open fire one of the escorts came straight towards Tetrarch. The initial attack failed but one torpedo was fired at the other ship of the convoy. This torpedo however missed the target.

This was Cuneo convoy which consisted of the transports Citta di Trapani (Italian, 2467 GRT, built 1929), Citta di Agrigento (Italian, 2480 GRT, built 1930) escorted by the armed merchant cruiser Brioni (1987 GRT, built 1931), the torpedo boats Libra and Lince and the motor torpedo boats MAS 535 and MAS 539 on passage from Piraeus (they had sailed at 0500B/20) to Syra.

0928B/20 - While in position 360° - Cape Kephalos - 1.7 nautical miles (Approximately 37°31'N, 24°26'E), sighted a convoy coming North through the Thermia Channel. This convoy consisted of two 5000 tons vessels escorted by one armed merchant cruiser, two destroyers, three MAS-boats and two aircraft. Started attack on the port ship of the convoy.

When about to open fire the AMC was seen to come straight towards. She passed over Tetrarch's stern but did not drop depth charges. The attack on the port ship of the convoy however now had failed. Now one torpedo was fired at the starboard ship from 4000 yards but it missed it's target.

1015 to 1046B/20 - 16 Depth charges were dropped but none was close and no damage to Tetrarch was done. (24)

22 Jul 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) bombarded the harbour of Karlovassi, Samos, Greece.

According to Italian sources a few houses were damaged and an unnamed schooner was hit and her captain killed.

1411B/22 - Surfaced off Karlovassi and carried out a bombardment of the caiques that were in the harbour (about 7 or 8 large ones were seen). The shooting was not very good and the caiques were partially protected by the breakwater. 39 rounds were fired for only a few hits. After four minutes fire was returned from shore with machine guns. Just before the 39th round was fired the breach-worker of the gun crew was wounded in the head and knocked unconsious. The action was now broken off and Tetrarch dived. (24)

24 Jul 1941
At 0815B/24, while patrolling near Cape Colonna, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) sighted several vessels leaving the Gulf of Athens at a range of 16000 yards proceeding on course 138° at 10 knots.

At 0830B/24, an attack was commenced on a convoy which was now seen to be made up of four transports escorted by an armed merchant cruiser four destroyers and two aircraft. HMS Tetrarch was at moment covering the approaches to the Thermia and Sappho Channels but thee convoy went up the Zea Channel instead and despite running in at speed HMS Tetrarch could not obtain a firing position.

This was most probably the 6th CUNEO Convoy made up of the transports Citta di Bastia (Italian, 2499 GRT, built 1930) and Città di Alessandria (Italian, 2498 GRT, built 1930) escorted by the Italian armed merchant cruiser Lero (Italian, 1980 GRT, built 1936), the Italian destroyer Francesco Crispi and the Italian torpedo boat Libra which had sailed from Piraeus for Syra at 0515B/24), as well as the transports Sabaudia (1703 GRT, built 1911) and Regina Maria (?) escorted by the minesweeper RD 7 had sailed half an hour before for the same destination. Both convoys must have joined after sailing. (24)

25 Jul 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) twice attacked the Greek transport (in German service) Olympos (852 GRT, built 1904) near Gaidaro Island, Greece. The vessel is not hit.

0600B/25 - Sighted a merchant ship (two masts, funnel aft, about 1000 tons) bearing 315°, range about 12000 yards. Started attack.

0645B/25 - Fired one torpedo from 400 yards. The torpedo failed to run straight so it missed astern. The torpedo was later heard to explode on the shore.

0901B/25 - Found the same ship as earlier anchored off Cape Colonna. Closed to 1800 yards and fired one torpedo. This torpedo slightly ran to port and just missed astern of the target. The torpedo exploded on the beach.

Olympos was escorted by the Italian minesweeper RD 9. One torpedo was later recovered by the German patrol vessel 12 V 10 and brought to Piraeus on 27 July. (24)

27 Jul 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) sank the Greek (in German service) sailing vessel Kal 123 / Nikitas (40 GRT) with gunfire half a mile south of the channel to Nio, Greece in approximate position 36°42'N, 25°15'E.

1000B/27 - While half a mile south of the entrance to Port Nio surfaced and attacked a caique with gunfire at a range of 500 yards. Five rounds were fired of which the last two were hits. The caique was now on fire. She was flying the Nazi flag and was full of soldiers of which only two were seen to escape in a small boat. According to Italian sources one was killed and two were wounded. (24)

31 Jul 1941
Around 1100B/31, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) ended her 15th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (24)

11 Aug 1941
Around 1830B/11, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) departed Alexandria for her 16th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte.

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

(24)

16 Aug 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) attacks the Italian torpedo boat Perseo that is anchored inside Benghazi harbour. Two torpedoes were fired that both exploded on the boom.

After having patrolled the approaches to Benghasi all day, Lt.Cdr. Greenway decided to attack a torpedo boat that was anchored inside the harbour near the entrance. By firing on a course of 127° in the hope to find the gap in the boom so at .....

1828B/16 - Fired two torpedoes from 3500 yards. Both torpedoes exploded on the boom. The torpedo boat got underway and was out of the harbour in 10 minutes where she proceeded to drop 12 depth charges in over half an hour. The last three were rather close but this appeared to be just coincidence. (24)

18 Aug 1941
A 0421B/18, Capt. S Malta's signal, timed 0324B/18, was received by HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN). This signal stated that a small merchant vessel and a tanker were due to arrive at Benghazi from Tripoli.

Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN decided there was just enough time to examine the anchorage at El Brega and then proceed northwards again to intercept the reported convoy [See the event for 19 August 1941 for more information on this convoy.] (35)

19 Aug 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) attacks an Italian convoy off Benghasi. The Italian merchant Cadamosto (1010 GRT, built 1905) was missed in this attack.

The convoy was made up of the above mentioned Cadamosto and Una (1397 BRT, built 1904). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Calliope which according to Italian sources turned in time to see a torpedo passing only three metres alongside. This convoy had departed Tripoli for Benghazi around 2020B/16.

0715B/19 - In approximate position 32°04'N, 20°00'E sighted a convoy of two merchant ships of about 4000 tons approaching Benghasi. A torpedo boat, a trawler and two aircraft were the escorts. Started attack.

As it appeared Tetrarch was spotted during the attack by the torpedo boat, Lt.Cdr. Greenway went deep and fired a three torpedoes at 0809B/19.

It appeared one of the torpedoes was a hit (this was not the case). Tetrarch hit bottom at 64 feet. During a counter attack lasting almost three-quarters of an hour 37 depth charges were dropped, but only 6 were close causing some minor damage. Tetrarch was able to creep away during these attacks. (24)

22 Aug 1941
In a signal from Capt. S 1, timed 2155C/21, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) was made aware of a convoy proceeding towards Bizerta via the inshore route. HMS Tetrarch set course to intercept. [See the event for 23 August 1941 for more information on this convoy.] (35)

23 Aug 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian schooner V 72/Fratelli Garre (413 GRT) in position 350° - Sirte Lighthouse - 12 nautical miles (approximately 31°24'N, 16°33'E).

According to Italian sources the other vessels in company were the above mentioned schooner were the schooners Francesco Garré and Alula, escorted by the auxiliary minesweeper Proteo. Fratelli Garré sank in three minutes. Of a crew of 15, there were six missing, three killed and four seriously wounded. The survivors were picked up by Proteo who reported being narrowly missed by gunfire.

1315B/22 - Sighted a convoy made up of a 1500 tons merchant vessel, 5 large schooners. They were escorted by one destroyer (or torpedo boat) and one large trawler. The convoy was close inshore, too close to attack in that shallow water. Followed the convoy to attack it the next day if the opportunity would arise.

2312B/22 - Overtook the convoy. Decided to attack it at dawn if possible.

0615B/23 - Sighted the convoy again but i now only consisted of three of the schooners and the trawler, there was no sign of the rest. Closed with the intention of attacking the trawler with gunfire from submerged. This was frustrated by the arrival of an air patrol.

0730B/23 - Fired one torpedo at the leading schooner and one at the second schooner. Range was 500 yards. Obtained a hit on the leading schooner. Went deep upon firing but no counter attack followed.

0750B/23 - One of the schooners had sunk, the other two and the trawler were steaming towards Sirte. Decided to proceed towards Benghasi as the convoy would now proceed close inshore in shallow water.

In the evening a signal was received from Capt. S 1 (timed 1155C/23) that made Lt.Cdr. Greenway decide not to proceed to Benghasi. He turned back towards Sirte in the hope the schooners had remained there. This was later seen to be the case but it was too late to attack by day. (24)

24 Aug 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian schooner V 113/Francesco Garre (399 GRT) near Sirte in approximate position 31°14'N, 16°36'E. The other schooner Alula was missed. Francesco Garré had one killed and two wounded.

Tried to attack the two schooners but the were swung with their bows to seaward. Gave up the attack and decided to wait until daylight.

0600B/2 - The schooners were now swung more favourably. Decided to attack with torpedoes.

0702B/2 - Fired one torpedo at the larger of the two, range was 3500 yards. When that one hit fired another one at the second schooner but this one missed. An aircraft was now sighted so went deep and retired from the area. Approximate position was 31°14'N, 16°36'E.

HMS Tetrarch set course to return to Alexandria later the same day. (24)

28 Aug 1941
At 1315B/28, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) is attacked, in error, by a British Blenheim aircraft (203 Sq./P). Position was approximately 32°03'N, 24°57'E. The aircraft machine gunned Tetrarch and dropped four 250lbs. bombs that all failed to explode. (24)

30 Aug 1941
At 1100B/30, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) ended her 16th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (24)

2 Sep 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) is docked at Alexandria in the Gabbari Dry Dock. (36)

6 Sep 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) is undocked. (36)

14 Sep 1941
Around 0920B/14, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) departed Alexandria for her 17th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean). She was to patrol in Aegean.

Before proceeding on patrol A/S and attack exercises were carried out with HMS Kimberley (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN) and HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN). (37)

14 Sep 1941
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Tetrarch during her 17th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean) see the map below.

18 Sep 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) carried out a special operation. From 2100B/18 to 2215B/18 two Army officers (Captains Mark Ogilvie-Grant and Alfred W. Lawrence of the Royal tank Regiment ) and one Greek agent (Nikolaos Hatzikambouris) were landed off Shkodra, Greece. They were to contact Greek SOE agent Prometheus II (Cdr. Koutsoyannopoulos of the RHN). (24)

20 Sep 1941
At 1025B/20, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) sighed a transport approaching Suda Bay from the north-west and an attack was started. The ship turned out to be the Italian hospital ship Sicilia (9646 GRT, built 1924). A practice attack was made on her. The hospital ship remained stopped 7 nautical miles from the entrance to Suda Bay from 1400B/20 to 0800B/21 when she finally entered. (24)

22 Sep 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) carried out a special operation. Attemps were made to contact the party landed on the 18th but no contact was made this day. (24)

23 Sep 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) continued to carry out the special operation started yesterday. Contact is established with the Captain Lawrence who was landed on the 18th. He informs Lt.Cdr. Greenway that no soldiers could be evacuated right now but that 40 could be evacuated on the 25th when HMS Osiris (Lt. R.S Brookes, DSC, RN) would take them off. Eventually they did not turn up. Both English agents were captured by the enemy. (24)

24 Sep 1941
At 0808B/24, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) received Capt. S 1's signal, timed 0105B/24, ordering her to patrol in the vicinity of the Gulf of Athens. Course was set to comply. (24)

26 Sep 1941
While patrolling near Gaidaro Island, during the morning, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) sighted several caiques thought to be auxiliary A/S and minesweeping vessels. (24)

27 Sep 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway) attacked a convoy and torpedoed sank the transport Citta di Bastia (Italian, 2499 GRT, built 1930) in the Aegean Sea about 18 nautical miles south of Milos Island, Greece in position 36°21'N, 24°23'E.

The convoy was made up of the above mentioned Citta di Bastia and the Citta di Marsala (Italian, 2480 GRT, built 1929). It was escorted by merchant cruiser Brioni (1987 GRT, built 1931) and the torpedo boat Libra. The remainder of the convoy was seen to be 5 miles astern and was seen to be made up of two transports, These were the Trapani (German, 1855 GRT, built 1926) and the Santagata (Italian, 4262 GRT, built 1905) escorted by the destroyer Quintino Sella.

Later on this day HMS Tetrarch also sank the Greek sailing vessel (in Italian service) CH 48 / Poseidon (74 GRT) with gunfire south-west of Milos Island, Greece in approximate position 36°30'N, 24°00'E.

2030B/26 - When in position, 233° - Gaidaro Island lighthouse - 5 nautical miles, sighed flashing to the northward. This was seen to be coming from two destroyers whose light grey hulls showed up against the land. Ten minutes later it was possible to make out some larger black shapes astern and it was assumed this was the convoy HMS Tetrarch had been warned about. HMS Tetrarch was right up moon so speed was increased to work across the front of the convoy to get into a better position to attack but by the time this was accomplished the moon had set.

It was then decided to attack at dawn the following morning. just beyond Milos.

0510B/27 - Dived in position 130° - Ananes lighthouse - 14 nautical miles.

0553B/27 - Sighted a convoy consisting of two 5000 tons merchant vessels. Started attack.

0620B/27 - Fired two torpedoes at the second ship from 1500 yards. Went deep upon firing and took avoiding action. 1 Minute and 10 seconds after firing the first torpedo a loud explosion was heard.

0630B/27 - The first depth charge exploded.

0642B/27 - The target was heard to break up and sink.

0714B/27 - The last depth charge, of 17, was heard to explode. None had been close.

0813B/27 - Returned to periscope depth. The armed merchant cruiser was seen near the position where the ship was hit. The Libra (the identification by Lt.Cdr. Greenway was correct) and the Sella were hunting 3000 yards astern. Also there were two seaplanes patrolling the area. Passing to the Northward were the two rear ships of the convoy, these were merchant vessels of 7000 and 4000 tons (Trapani and Sant’Agata). As they presented an unbroken line of target Lt.Cdr. Greenway put Tetrarch on a firing course and at .....

0826B/27 - Fired two torpedoes from 5000 yards. No hits were obtained.

0834B/27 - A depth charge was dropped. Four more were dropped over the next minutes but these were way off.

1230B/27 - The last escort now left the area.

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

1650B/27 - Sighted a caique steering 350° flying the Italian ensign. Decided to attack with gunfire.

1810B/27 - Surfaced in position 270° Ananes Lighthouse, 6 nautical miles (approximately 36°30'N, 24°00'E) and engaged the target with gunfire from 3000 yards. As the target was difficult to hit from that range, ceased fire after 10 rounds and closed to 500 yards. The target was now sunk. At least 20 Italian soldiers were seen to be on board. In all 42 rounds were used for about 9 hits. (24)

28 Sep 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) torpedoed and damaged the transport Yalova (German, 3751 GRT, built 1920) in the Aegean Sea south of Agios Giorgios Island.

The above mentioned Yalova was in convoy with the transport Citta di Marsala (Italian, 2480 GRT, built 1929). They were escorted by the Italian destroyer Quintino Sella and the Italian torpedo boat Libra. Yalova had nine killed and had to be beached to prevent her from sinking.

2315B/28 - In position 170° St. Giorgio Island, 24 nautical miles (approximately 37°10'N, 24°00'E) the Officer of the Watch sighted some ships approaching and these were later identified as two large merchant ships (with possibly a third astern). There were two destroyers of torpedo boats present, one on each bow. Their course was 350°, speed 8 knots. Started attack.

2329B/28 - Dived for a submerged attack.

2337B/28 - Fired two torpedoes (the third misfired) at one of the merchant ships from 2500 yards. 1 Minute and 45 seconds after firing the first torpedo a loud explosion was heard.

2347B/28 - The first of ten depth charges was dropped. None were quite close except one but this was pure coincidence.

0045B/29 - The last depth charge was dropped.

0310B/29 - The last HE fainted out to the Northward.

0349B/29 - Surfaced to find nothing in sight. Set course to leave patrol and return to Alexandria. (24)

3 Oct 1941
A.M., HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) ended her 17th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (24)

17 Oct 1941
Around 1700B/17, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta. On board were fuel, stores and personnel for Malta. (38)

24 Oct 1941
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) arrived at Malta. (2)

26 Oct 1941
Around 1700A/26, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. She was to proceed to the USA for refit, via Gibraltar and the UK. (2)

27 Oct 1941
At 1400B/27, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) communicated through SST with HMS P 34 (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSC, RN) in approximate position 37°28'N, 12°35E. She was not heard from afterwards.

The next day, at 1032B/28, Italian aircraft No.4 of 287^Squadriglia on an R.10 reconnaissance patrol, sighted an oil slick 500 meters long and believed it to be from a sunken ship or submarine in position 37°39'N, 11°00'E. This could well have been from Tetrarch as it was consistent with her route to patrol off Cavoli Island. However aircraft No.5 of 146^Squadriglia had already reported an oil slick on 25 October in 37°30'N, 10°50'E so if it was the same then it could not have been Tetrarch.

The mystery of her disappearance remains unsolved. Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, four officers and 54 ratings of her crew and another three officers who were passengers were lost.

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