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Notable events involving P 48 include:

The history of HMS P 48 as compiled on this page is extracted from P 48's patrol reports and logbooks. Corrections and details regarding information from the enemy's side (for instance the composition of convoys attacked) is kindly provided by Mr. Platon Alexiades, a naval researcher from Canada.

This page was last updated in December 2018.

17 Jun 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) departed her builder's yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (1)

18 Jun 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (1)

20 Jun 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) conducted independent exercises in Loch Long. (2)

21 Jun 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

22 Jun 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) conducted full speed and deep diving trials in the Clyde area. (2)

24 Jun 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) conducted deep diving trials in the Clyde area. (2)

25 Jun 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (2)

26 Jun 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Upon completion of these trials HMS P 48 returned to Holy Loch. (2)

30 Jun 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (2)

5 Jul 1942
HMS P 219 (Lt. N.L.A. Jewell, RN) and HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area with each other. (3)

15 Jul 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made part of the passage together with HMS P 511 (Lt. D.E.O. Watson, DSC, RN) which was en-route to Scapa Flow. They were escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). (2)

17 Jul 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (2)

18 Jul 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) departed Lerwick for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Norwegian Sea between 63°30'N and 64°20'N and 01°00'E and 05°00'E on an anti-uboat patrol.

For the daily positions of HMS P 48 see the map below.

(4)

29 Jul 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick.

She departed for Holy Loch later the same day together with HMS P 219 (Lt. N.L.A. Jewell, RN), HMS P 614 (Lt. D.J. Beckley, RN) and HMS P 615 (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN). They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (4)

31 Jul 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (2)

11 Aug 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) departed Holy Loch and anchored in Rothesay Bay. (5)

12 Aug 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) departed Rothesay for Gibraltar. Passage through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS P 219 (Lt. N.L.A. Jewell, RN) and HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN). They were escorted by HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN).

For the daily positions of HMS P 48 see the map below.

(4)

19 Aug 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay to search for a German tanker sighted by aircraft. The passage to Gibraltar now became her 2nd war patrol. (1)

20 Aug 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) had flooding in her auxiliary machinery space and was unable to dive. She asked for assistance as she tried to reach Vigo. A few hours later flooding was stopped but she had to cut short her patrol. HMS Alouette (T/Lt. R. Adams, RNR) was sent to escort her in and was met on the morning of the 22nd.

23 Aug 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Gibraltar. (4)

25 Aug 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) was docked in No. 1 dock at Gibraltar for repairs. (5)

20 Sep 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) was undocked at Gibraltar. (6)

24 Sep 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (6)

25 Sep 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar together with HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RD, RNR) and HMS Coltsfoot (Lt.Cdr. the Hon. W.K. Rous, RNVR). (6)

26 Sep 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar together with HMS Parthian (Lt.Cdr. D. St. Clair-Ford, RN). (6)

27 Sep 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (6)

29 Sep 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Alboran Sea.

As no log or patrol report is available no map can be displayed. (6)

6 Oct 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Gibraltar. (7)

22 Oct 1942

Convoys KMS 1, KMF 1 for the landings at Algiers and Oran during Operation Torch.

Convoy KMS 1.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 23 October 1942.

It was made up of the following transports; Alcinous (Dutch, 6189 GRT, built 1925), Alphard (Dutch, 5483 GRT, built 1937), Ardeola (British, 2609 GRT, built 1912), Benalbanach (British, 7153 GRT, built 1940), Charles H. Cramp (American, 6220 GRT, built 1920), Chattanooga City (American, 5687 GRT, built 1921), City of Worcester (British, 5469 GRT, built 1927), Clan MacTaggart (British, 7622 GRT, built 1920), Delilian (British, 6423 GRT, built 1923), Edward Ruthledge (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Empire Confidence (British, 5023 GRT, built 1925), Empire Mordred (British, 7024 GRT, built 1942), Fort McLoughlin (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Glenfinlas (British, 7479 GRT, built 1917), Havildar (British, 5401 GRT, built 1940), Hopecrown (British, 5180 GRT, built 1937), Jean Jadot (Belgian, 5859 GRT, built 1929), Lalande (British, 7453 GRT, built 1920), Lochmonar (British, 9412 GRT, built 1924), Lycaon (British, 7350 GRT, built 1913), Macharda (British, 7998 GRT, built 1938), Manchester Port (British, 7071 GRT, built 1935), Mark Twain (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Maron (British, 6487 GRT, built 1930), Mary Slessor (British, 5027 GRT, built 1930), Ocean Rider (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Viceroy (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Volga (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Wanderer (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Pacific Exporter (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928), Recorder (British, 5981 GRT, built 1930), Salacia (British, 5495 GRT, built 1937), Sobo (British, 5353 GRT, built 1937), St. Essylt (British, 5634 GRT, built 1941), Stanhill (British, 5969 GRT, built 1942), Tadorna (British, 1947 GRT, built 1928), Theseus (British, 6527 GRT, built 1908), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938), Urlana (British, 6852 GRT, built 1941), Walt Whitman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William M. Floyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William Wirt (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and Zebulon B. Vance (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

Also part of the convoy were the landing ships Derwentdale (8390 GRT, built 1941), Dewdale (8265 GRT, built 1941) and Ennerdale (8280 GRT, built 1941).

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Avenger (Cdr. A.P. Colthurst, RN), AA ship HMS Alynbank (A/Capt.(Retd.) H.F. Nash, RN), destroyer HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. T. Johnston, RN), sloops HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN), HMS Stork (Cdr. G.N. Brewer, RN), corvettes HMS Convolvulus (A/Lt.Cdr. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR), HMS Gardenia (T/Lt. M.M. Firth, RNVR), HMS Marigold (Lt. J.A.S. Halcrow, RD, RNR), HMS Pentstemon (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J. Byron, DSC, RNR), HMS Rhododendron (Lt.Cdr. L.A. Sayers, RNR), HMS Samphire (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Renny, DSC, RNR), HMS Vetch (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.J. Beverley, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Violet (Lt. C.N. Stewart, RNR) and the minesweepers HMS Acute (Lt.Cdr. D. Lampen, DSO, RN), HMS Alarm (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Patterson, SANF(V)), HMS Albacore (Lt.Cdr. J.D.L. Williams, RN) and HMS Cadmus (Lt.Cdr. J.B.G. Temple, DSC, RN).

Around 1000A/4, the convoy was split up into two sections KMS A1 and KMS O1. KMS A1 was destined for Algiers and KMS O1 was destined for Oran. KMS O1 then proceeded to the westwards so as to pass the Straits of Gibraltar later.

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Convoy KMS A 1.

Convoy KMS A 1 was to pass the Strait of Gibraltar around 2345A/5; it was made up of the transports; City of Worcester, Glenfinlas, Jean Jadot, Lalande, Lochmonar, Macharda, Manchester Port, Maron, Ocean Rider, Ocean Viceroy, Ocean Volga, Ocean Wanderer, Sobo, Stanhill, Tiba and Urlana.

The landing ships Dewdale and Ennerdale were also part of the convoy.

The convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Stork, corvettes HMS Convolvulus, HMS Marigold, HMS Pentstemon, HMS Samphire [this corvette might have already parted company though, see below] and the minesweepers HMS Acute, HMS Alarm, HMS Albacore and HMS Cadmus.

Around 0700A/5, the corvette HMS Samphire arrived at Gibraltar with defects from convoy KMS A1.

Around 0800A/5, the minesweepers HMS Algerine (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Cooke, RN), HMS Hussar (Lt. R.C. Biggs, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Speedwell (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Williams, RNR) departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS A1.

Around 1830A/5, the M/S trawlers HMS Cava (T/Lt. R.L. Petty-Major, RNVR), HMS Juliet (Lt. L.B. Moffatt, RNR), HMS Othello (T/Lt. S.C. Dickinson, RNVR), HMS Stroma (Skr. J.S. Harper, RNR), HMS Hoy (T/Lt. G.H. McNair, MBE, RNVR), HMS Inchcolm (Skr. A.C. Whitcombe, RNR), HMS Mull (Lt. J. Plomer, RCNVR), HMS Rysa (T/Lt. J.H. Cooper, RNVR) and the motor launches ML 238, ML 273, ML 283, ML 295, ML 307, ML 336, ML 338, ML 444 departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS A1.

Around 2230A/5, the monitor HMS Roberts (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN), escort destroyers HMS Bicester (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN), HMS Bramham (Lt. E.F. Baines, DSO, RN), HMS Cowdray (Lt.Cdr. C.W. North, RN), HMS Zetland (Lt. J.V. Wilkinson, RN) and the corvette HMS Samphire (with her repairs completed) departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS A1.

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Convoy KMS O 1.

Convoy KMS O 1 was to pass the Strait of Gibraltar around 1630A/6; it was made up of the transports; Alcinous, Alphard, Benalbanach, Charles H. Cramp, Chattanooga City, Clan Mactaggart, Delinlian, Edward Rutledge, Empire Confidence, Empire Mordred, Havildar, Lycaon, Mark Twain, Mary Slessor, Pacific Exporter, Recorder, Salacia, St. Essylt, Thesues, Walt Whitman, William Floyd, William Wirt and Zebulon B. Vance.

The landing ship Derwentdale was also part of this convoy.

The convoy was escorted by the AA ship HMS Alynbank, sloop HMS Deptford, corvettes HMS Gardenia, HMS Rhododendron, HMS Vetch and HMS Violet.

Around 1500A/6, the minesweepers HMS Brixham (Lt. G.A. Simmers, RNR), HMS Bude (Lt. F.A.J. Andrew, RN), HMS Clacton (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) L.S. Shaw, RNR) and HMS Felixstowe (T/Lt. C.G. Powney, RNVR) departed Gibraltar to join the convoy KMS O1.

After dark on the 6th, the M/S trawlers HMS Coriolanus (T/Lt. N. Hunt, RNVR), HMS Eday (T/Lt. W.Y. Surtees, RNR), HMS Inchmarnock (T/Lt. C.G.V. Corneby, RNR), HMS Kerrera (Skr. R.W. Slater, RNR) and the motor launches ML 280, ML 458, ML 463, ML 469, ML 471, ML 480, ML 483 and HDML 1127, HDML 1128 and HDML 1139 departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS O1.

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Operation Crupper.

Two ships from Convoy KMS 1, the Ardeola and Tadorna formed part of Convoy KMS 1A after the convoy had split up. They were to proceed to Malta unescorted. The Admiralty had decided to make use of the expected confusion of the landings in North Africa to run two 'small' merchant ships with important cargo to Malta. These ships were considered expendable. They parted company with convoy KMS 1A on 8 November. They did not reach Malta however. When off Cape Bon on 9 November, they were taken under fire by Vichy French coastal batteries, despite the darkness, and then captured by motor torpedo boats. They were brought into Bizerta where their cargo was unloaded. The ships were later taken over by the Italians.

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Convoy KMF 1.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 26 October 1942.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Awatea (British, 13482 GRT, built 1936), Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936), Cathay (British, 15225 GRT, built 1925), Dempo (Dutch, 17024 GRT, built 1931), Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935), Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Ettrick (British, 11279 GRT, built 1938), Exceller (American, 6597 GRT, built 1941), Leinster (British, 4302 GRT, built 1937) Letitia (British, 13595 GRT, built 1925), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), Marnix van St. Aldegonde (Dutch, 19355 GRT, built 1930), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Nieuw Zeeland (Dutch, 11069 GRT, built 1928), Orbita (British, 15495 GRT, built 1915), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931), Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939), Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931), Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937), Viceroy of India (British, 19627 GRT, built 1929), Warwick Castle (British, 20107 GRT, built 1930) and Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930).

The headquarters ships HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) R.L. Hamer, RN), HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, OBE, RNR), the landing ships HMS Glengyle (Capt.(Retd.) D.S. McGrath, RN), HMS Karanja (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) D.S. Hore-Lacy, RN), HMS Keren (A/Cdr. S.E. Crewe-Read, RN), HMS Princess Beatrix (Cdr.(Retd.) T.B. Brunton, DSC, RN), HMS Queen Emma (Capt.(Retd.) G.L.D. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Royal Scotsman (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Armstrong, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Royal Ulsterman (A/Lt.Cdr. W.R.K. Clark, DSC, RD RNR) and HMS Ulster Monarch (Lt.Cdr. N.A.F. Kingscote, RNR) and the attack transports USS Almaack (T/Capt. C.L. Nichols, USN), USS Leedstown (Cdr. D. Cook, USNR), USS Samuel Chase (Capt. R.C. Heimer, USCG) and USS Thomas Stone (Capt. O.R. Bennehoff, USN) were also part of the convoy.

On assembly off Oversay on the 27th the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. A.W. Clarke, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), escort carrier HMS Biter (Capt. E.M.C. Abel Smith, RN), destroyer HMS Clare (Lt.Cdr. L.H. Landman, RN), sloops HMS Aberdeen (Lt.Cdr. H. Day, RN), HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. A.E.T. Christie, OBE, RN), HMS Ibis (Lt.Cdr. H.M. Darell-Brown, RN), cutters HMS Hartland (Lt.Cdr. G.P. Billot, RNR), HMS Walney (Lt.Cdr. P.C. Meyrick, RN), frigates HMS Exe (A/Cdr. M.A.O. Biddulph, DSC, RN), HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Spey (Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Swale (Lt.Cdr. J. Jackson, RNR) and HMS Tay (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Sherwood, RNR).

Around 1120A/2, the destroyers HrMs Isaac Sweers (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNN) and HMS Escapade (Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN) joined coming from the Azores.

Around 0200A/3, the AA ships HMS Palomares (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.H. Jauncey, RN), HMS Pozarica (Capt.(Retd.) L.B. Hill, DSO, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. A.H.T. Johns, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN), HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) Lord Teynham, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN), HMS Verity, (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN), HMS Westcott (Cdr. I.H. Bockett-Pugh, DSO, RN) and HMS Wishart (Cdr. H.G. Scott, RN) departed Gibraltar to join the convoy. At 1045A/3, the destroyer HMS Wivern (Cdr. M.D.C. Meyrick, RN) also departed to join the convoy. She had been unable to depart earlier due to defects.

Around 0800A/3, the destroyer HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, DSO, DSC, RN) joined the convoy coming from the Azores.

Around 1300A/3, the light cruiser HMS Jamaica (Capt. J.L. Storey, RN) also departed Gibraltar to join the convoy.

Around 1830Z/3, HMS Sheffield parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar where she arrived at 0815A/3, she was to fuel and then join ' Force O '.

Around noon on 4 November 1942, the convoy was split up into two sections KMF A1 and KMF O1. KMF A1 was destined for Algiers and KMF O1 was destined for Oran. KMF O1 then proceeded to the westwards so as to pass the Straits of Gibraltar later.

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Convoy KMF A 1.

Convoy KMF A 1 was to pass the Strait of Gibraltar around 0100A/6; it was made up of the (troop) transports; Almaack, Awatea, Cathay, Dempo, Ettrick, Exceller, Leedstown, Marnix van St. Aldegonde, Otranto, Sobieski, Strathnaver, Viceroy of India and Winchester Castle.

The headquarters ship HMS Bulolo and the landing ships HMS Karanja, HMS Keren, HMS Royal Scotsman, HMS Royal Ulsterman and Ulster Monarch and the attack transports USS Samuel Chase and USS Thomas Stone were also part of the convoy.

[exactly which ships of the escort went on with this part of the convoy will have to be researched further.]

In the morning of 5 November, HrMs Isaac Sweers parted company with the convoy to join ' Force H '. HMS Escapade and HMS Marne were apparently detached to Gibraltar on the convoy passing the Strait of Gibraltar.

Also on 5 November, the corvettes HMS Spiraea (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Miller, DSC, RNR) and HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RD, RNR) departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMF A1.

Around 0200A/6, the destroyers HMS Broke (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Layard, RN), HMS Malcolm (A/Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN), HMS Vanoc ( A/Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, RN) and HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMF A1 and relieve HMS Achates, HMS Antelope, HMS Amazon and HMS Wivern. After having been relieved these destroyers arrived at Gibraltar around 0545A/6. Also arriving at Gibraltar were the Leinster, HMS Royal Scotsman, HMS Royal Ulsterman and Ulster Monarch.

Around 1000A/6, HMS Broke, HMS Malcolm, HMS Vanoc and HMS Wrestler joined ' Force O ' while the screen on ' Force O ' joined the convoy, the destroyers / escort destroyers involved were ORP Blyskawica (Lt.Cdr. L. Lichodziejewski, ORP), HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC, RN), HMS Wheatland (Lt.Cdr. R. de L. Brooke, DSC, RN) and HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN). The AA ship HMS Tynwald (Capt.(Retd.) P.G. Wodehouse, DSO, RN) also joined the convoy from ' Force O ' at the same time.

Around 0535A/7, in position 37°34'N, 00°01'W, the attack transport USS Thomas Stone was torpedoed and damaged by an enemy aircraft. HMS Spey remained with the damaged ship. At 2040A/7, the destroyers HMS Wishart and HMS Velox joined and the ship was taken in tow by HMS Wishart. HMS Spey by that time had departed with the ships 24 landing craft in which the ships troops had embarked. She was to escort them to Algiers but all had to be scuttled and the troops were taken on board HMS Spey. At 0535A/8 the tug St. Day joined which also passed a tow. The damaged ship anchored off Algiers around 1030A/11 being towed there by HMS Wishart and HMS St. Day.

Around 0725Z/7, HMS Clare parted company to join ' Force O ' which she did around 0913Z/7.

Around 1815A/7, the section destined for ' C Sector ' (Charlie Sector) parted company with the convoy. It was made up of the USS Almaack, USS Leedstown, USS Samuel Chase, Exceller and Dempo. With them were also transports from convoy KMS A1. They were escorted by the AA ship HMS Tynwald, escort destroyers HMS Cowdray, HMS Zetland, sloop HMS Enchantress, minesweepers HMS Algerine, HMS Hussar, HMS Speedwell, corvettes HMS Pentstemon, HMS Samphire, MS trawlers HMS Cava, HMS Othello and the motor launches HMS ML 273 and HMS ML 295. At 2135A/7, the beacon submarine HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) made contact with the force and the ships were guided to their positions for the landings. From convoy KMS A1 the transports Macharda and Maron were destined for Charlie sector. They were escorted by the sloop HMS Stork and the corvettes HMS Pentstemon and HMS Samphire.

Around 1900A/7, The remainder of convoy KMF A1 split into two sections, one for ' A Sector ' (Apple Sector) and one for ' B Sector ' (Beer Sector).

The force for ' A Sector ' was made up of HMS Karanja and the Marnix van St. Aldegonde and Viceroy of India. With them were also transports from convoy KMS A1. They were escorted by the AA ship HMS Pozarica, escort destroyers HMS Bicester, HMS Bramham, frigate HMS Rother, minesweeper HMS Cadmus, MS trawlers HMS Juliet, HMS Rysa, HMS Stroma and the motor launches HMS ML 283, HMS ML 336 and HMS ML 338. At 2214A/7, the made contact with their beacon submarine HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN). A few minutes later they stopped and the landings commenced. From convoy KMS A1 the following ships were assigned to ' A Sector '; Dewdale, Lalande, Manchester Port, Ocean Viceroy and Ocean Wanderer. They were escorted by the corvettes HMS Convolvulus and HMS Marigold.

The force for ' B Sector ' was made up of HMS Bulolo, HMS Keren and the Awatea, Cathay, Otranto, Sobieski, Strathnaver and Winchester Castle. With them were also transports from convoy KMS A1. They were escorted by the AA ship HMS Palomeres, destroyer ORP Blyskawica, escort destroyers HMS Lamerton, HMS Wheatland, HMS Wilton, minesweepers HMS Acute, HMS Alarm, HMS Albacore, MS trawlers HMS Hoy, HMS Incholm, HMS Mull and the motor launches HMS ML 238, HMS ML 307 and HMS ML 444. They made contact with their beacon submarine HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) around 2220A/7 hours and landing operation commenced shortly afterwards. From convoy KMS A1 the following ships were assigned to ' A Sector '; City of Worcester, Ennerdale, Glenfinlas, Jean Jadot, Lochmonar, Ocean Rider, Ocean Volga, Sobo, Stanhill, Tiba and Urlana. They were escorted by the sloop HMS Stork and the corvettes HMS Pentstemon and HMS Samphire which then went on with the ships for the ' Charlie sector '.

On 9 November the ships involved in the landings anchored in Algiers Bay.

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Convoy KMF O 1.

Convoy KMF O 1 was to pass the Strait of Gibraltar around 2230A/6; it was made up of the (troop) transports; Batory, Duchess of Bedford, Durban Castle, Letitia, Llangibby Castle, Monarch of Bermuda, Mooltan, Nieuw Zeeland, Orbita, Reina del Pacifico, Tegelberg and Warwick Castle.

The headquarters ship HMS Largs and the landing ships HMS Glengyle, HMS Princess Beatrix and HMS Queen Emma were also part of the convoy.

Around 1950A/4, the light cruiser HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, CB, RN) departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMF O1.

For the landings at Oran three main beaches were selected. ' X ', ' Y ' and ' Z ' beach. There was also one subsidiary beach, ' R '.

The fast convoy, KMF O1, would, after passing through the Straits of Gibraltar make rendezvous with the slow convoy, KMS O1 in position 36°26'N, 01°15'W.

The convoys would then be diverted into nine groups, these were;
For ' X ' beach
Group I, 1st Division; Batory, HMS Princess Beatrix, Queen Emma, 2nd Division; Benalbenach, Mark Twain, Mary Slessor and Walt Whitman. They were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Aurora, destroyer HMS Wivern, corvettes HMS Gardenia, HMS Vetch and the motor launch HMS HDML 1139.
Group VIII, LST HMS Bachaquero (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. McMullan, RNR) escorted by the M/S trawler HMS Horatio (T/Lt. C.A. Lemkey, RNR).

For ' Y ' beach
Group II; HMS Glengyle, Monarch of Bermuda, Llangibby Castle, Clan Mactaggart and Salacia. They were escorted by the destroyers Brilliant, HMS Verity, M/S trawlers HMS Coriolanus, HMS Eday, HMS Inchmarnock, HMS Kerrera and the motor launches HMS ML 458, HMS ML 463, HMS ML 469, HMS ML 471 and HMS HDML 1128.

For ' Z ' beach
Group III, 1st Division; Duchess of Bedford, Durban Castle, Ettrick, Warwick Castle. 2nd Division; Derwentdale, Reina del Pacifico and Tegelberg. They were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Jamaica, escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), minesweepers HMS Brixham, HMS Bude, HMS Clacton, HMS Felixtowe, HMS Polruan (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.S. Landers, RNR), HMS Rothesay (Cdr. A.A. Martin, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Rhyl (Cdr. L.J.S. Ede, DSO, RN), HMS Stornoway (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.R. Fraser, RNR) and the motor launches HMS ML 280, HMS HDML 1127.

Group V; Alcinous, Alphard, Charles H. Cramp, Chatanooga City, Delilian, Recorder and Zebulon B. Vance. They were escorted by the sloop HMS Deptford, cutters HMS Hartland, HMS Walney, corvettes HMS Rhododendron, HMS Violet and the motor launches HMS ML 480 and HMS ML 483.

Group VI, 1st division; Derbyshire, Letitia, Mooltan and Nieuw Zeeland. 2nd division, Empire Confidence, Lycaon and Theseus.

Group VII, 1st division, Empire Mordred, Havildar, Pacific Exporter and St. Essylt. 2nd division; Edward Rutledge, William Floyd and William Wirt. Groups VI and VII were escorted by the light (AA) cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. A.T.G.C. Peachey, RN), destroyer HMS Vansittart, sloop HMS Aberdeen and the frigates HMS Exe and HMS Swale.

Group IX; LST's HMS Misoa (T/Lt. K.G. Graham, RNR) and HMS Tasajera (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Gelling, DSC, RD, RNR). They were escorted by the M/S trawlers HMS Fluellen (T/Lt. B.J. Hampson, RNR), HMS Ronaldsay (T/Lt. A. Stirling, RNR) and HMS Shiant (T/Lt. A.C. Elton, RNR).

For ' R ' beach
Group IV; HMS Royal Scotsman, HMS Royal Ulsterman and HMS Ulster Monarch. They had the same escort as Group III.

Two submarines were stationed off the beaches as beacons, these were HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) and HMS P 54 (Lt. C.E. Oxborrow, DSC, RN).

31 Oct 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to perform a special operation (during operation Torch, landing beach marking off Algiers). She carried only six torpedoes to make room for two folbots. She was to proceed to Malta at the end of this patrol to join the 10th Submarine Flotilla based there.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 48 see the map below.

(4)

4 Nov 1942
During the night of 4/5 November 1942, HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN), launched a party with a folbot for a reconnaissance. The party left at 2115/4 and returned at 0035/5. (4)

7 Nov 1942
During the night of 7/8 November 1942, HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) assisted in the landing at Algiers Bay. She launched the folbot and her party and also guided the convoy in, acting as beacon. (4)

9 Nov 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) completed her special operation off Algiers. (4)

11 Nov 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) was ordered to patrol off Bizerta, Tunisia. (4)

13 Nov 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) attacked an enemy merchant vessel with three torpedoes about 10 nautical miles north-east of Bizerte, Tunisia in position 37°23'N, 10°00'E. No hits were obtained.

This was probably the Italian motor ship Città di Napoli (5418 GRT, built 1929) escorted by the torpedo boat Clio bound for Palermo after a transport mission to Tunisia. The attack was unobserved.

(All times are zone -1)
1025 hours - Sighted a merchant vessel of about 7000 tons escorted by a destroyer bearing 197°. Started attack.

1050 hours - In position 37°23'N, 10°00'E fired three torpedoes at the merchant vessel from a range of 5400 yards. No hits were obtained and no counter attack followed. (4)

14 Nov 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) attacked an escorted merchant vessel north-east of Bizerta, Tunisia in position 37°20'N, 10°00'E with three torpedoes. No hits were obtained.

This was the Italian Sivigliano (1270 GRT, built 1921) escorted by the torpedo boat Sirtori on a transport mission from Palermo to Bizerta.

(All times are zone -1)
0825 hours - sighted aircraft circling to the north-east.

0828 hours - Heard an explosion. Concluded that a convoy was approaching.

0838 hours - Sighted a merchant vessel of about 3000 tons escorted by a General class torpedo boat and three aircraft bearing 039°, range 11000 yards. Started attack.

0905 hours - The air escort left the convoy.

0930 hours - In position 37°20'N, 10°00'E fired three torpedoes at the merchant vessel. Enemy course was 230°, speed 9 knots. No hits were obtained.

0937 - 0952 hours - An E-boat, which had approached from the southward, dropped 6 single depth charges. No damage was done to P 48. (4)

18 Nov 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (4)

26 Nov 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) departed Malta for her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol north of Tunisia.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 48 see the map below.

(4)

3 Dec 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) attacked a transport ship from 'convoy B' north of the Gulf of Tunis in position 37°22'N, 10°37'E. No hits were obtained.

'Convoy B' was made up of the German transports Menes (5609 GRT, built 1926) and Lisboa (1999 GRT, built 1911), The Italian transports Arlesiana (5702 GRT, built 1915), Achille Lauro (5209 GRT, built 1921) and Campania (5247 GRT, built 1918). The were escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Sirio, Groppo, Orione, Animoso, Antonio Mosto and Uragano. The torpedo boat Groppo attacked the submarine with fifteen depth charges in a first run followed by a second one with the same number before rejoining the convoy. The submarine was claimed as “probably damaged” but Supermarina rejected the claim.

(All times are zone -1)
1039 hours - Sighted masts and funnels of four merchant vessels and two destroyers bearing 360°. Started attack. Ran in at full speed. The convoy zigged towards putting P 48 in a very good attack position just inside the port wing destroyer of the Navigatori-class.

1114 hours - In position fired 37°22'N, 10°37'E four torpedoes at the leading ship, a 6000 tons merchant vessel. The port wing destroyer was about 400 yards astern. No hits were obtained.

1122 hours - Nine depth charges were dropped fairly close but above. P 48 meanwhile withdrew on a course of 080°.

1155 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The convoy was sighted bearing 230° at a range of 5 nautical miles. The Navigatori-class destroyer was seen bearing 340°, range 1.5 nautical miles on a course of 080°. Went deep again.

1235 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The convoy was now out of sight.

After dark P 48 proceeded to the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea. (4)

5 Dec 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) attacked an escorted merchant vessel with four torpedoes about 25 nautical miles north of Cape San Vito, Sicily in position 38°34'N, 12°40'E. No hits were obtained. P 48 was depth charged following this attack.

These were the German transport Süllberg (1661 GRT, built 1912) and the German tanker Jaedjoer (308 GRT, built 1937) on passage from Naples to Trapani and eventually to Tunisia. They had been met by the torpedo boat Perseo. Two torpedo tracks were sighted from Süllberg and Perseo carried out a counter attack, dropping a large number of depth charges, and claiming the submarine sunk. For Süllberg it was only a reprieve as she was sunk four days later by the submarine HMS P 35.

(All times are zone -1)
1340 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 020°.

1432 hours - Sighted masts and funnel of one merchant vessel and masts of one destroyer and another small craft bearing 022°. Started attack.

1500 hours - The destroyer was seen to be a Partenope-class torpedo boat.

1526 hours - In position 38°34'N, 12°40'E fired four torpedoes at the merchant vessel which was of about 4000 tons. Range was 3000 yards. Enemy course 225°, speed 8 knots. No hits were obtained.

1550 hours - Depth charging started. A total of 64 depth charges were counted until 1706 hours.

1845 hours - Surfaced and proceeded to the north-west. (4)

8 Dec 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (4)

23 Dec 1942
HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) departed Malta for her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Tunis, within 15 miles of 37°06'N, 10°35'E. P 48 did not return from patrol. (8)

25 Dec 1942
At 1125 hours, in 37°15’N, 10°39’E, the Italian transports XXI Aprile (4787 GRT, built 1919) and Carlo Zeno (1446 GRT, built 1906) escorted by the torpedo boats Ardito and Ardente were proceeding from Palermo to Tunis when an escorting aircraft fired bursts of machine gun fire in the sea to signal a submarine. Almost at the same moment the torpedo boat Ardente obtained a contact carried out several attack runs, dropping a total of 48 depth charges. An oil patch of about 100-150 metres in diametre was observed in 37°17'N, 10°32'E and the submarine was claimed sunk. It is quite likely that the submarine was P.48 and that she was sunk during this encounter. There were no survivors.

Could P.48 have survived this attack and sank later? This is not impossible but until her wreck is found we will never know for sure.