Allied Warships

HMS Unswerving (P 63)

Submarine of the U class

NavyThe Royal Navy
TypeSubmarine
ClassU 
PennantP 63 
ModThird Group 
Built byVickers Armstrong (Newcastle-on-Tyne, U.K.) : Davey Paxman & Ricardo 
Ordered12 Jul 1941 
Laid down17 Feb 1942 
Launched19 Jul 1943 
Commissioned3 Oct 1943 
End service 
History

Scrapped at Newport on 10 July 1949.

 

Commands listed for HMS Unswerving (P 63)

Please note that we're still working on this section
and that we only list Commanding Officers for the duration of the Second World War.

CommanderFromTo
1T/Lt. Michael Dent Tattersall, RNVR21 Jul 1943May 1945
2T/Lt. Norman Douglas Piper, RNVRMay 19451 Jul 1945
3T/S.Lt. James Nehemiah McCaughan, RNR1 Jul 194512 Jul 1945
4Lt. Kenneth James Clark, DSC, RN1 Aug 1945early 1946

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Notable events involving Unswerving include:


The page for this submarine was last updated in January 2019.

20 Sep 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed her builders yard at Newcastle-on-Tyne for Blyth where she arrived later the same day. (1)

22 Sep 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (1)

23 Sep 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (1)

27 Sep 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (1)

29 Sep 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Blyth for Holy Loch. Until Scapa Flow she was escorted by HMS ML 465 (T/S.Lt. T.C. Hooper, RNVR). (1)

30 Sep 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) arrived at Scapa Flow. She departed later the same day for Holy Loch and made rendez-vous at 1600 hours off Scapa Flow with HMS Tuna (Lt. D.S.R. Martin, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Stonehenge (Lt. D.S.M. Verschoyle-Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN). The submarines were escorted by the British minesweeper HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). (1)

2 Oct 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (2)

3 Oct 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted her acceptance trials in the Clyde area. (2)

7 Oct 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

8 Oct 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

9 Oct 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area which included a practice attack on HMS La Flore (Lt. F.W. Hayden, RN). Also gunnery exercises were carried out on a target that was towed by HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). (2)

11 Oct 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar where she was to conduct her torpedo discharge trials. (2)

13 Oct 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (2)

14 Oct 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (2)

15 Oct 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Upon completion of these she proceeded to Holy Loch. (2)

16 Oct 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) and HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which they made practice attacks on each other. (2)

19 Oct 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (2)

21 Oct 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted RD/F exercises off Campbeltown with aircraft. (2)

22 Oct 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) shifted from Campbeltown to Holy Loch. (2)

23 Oct 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area on a target that was towed by HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). These included night exercises. (2)

24 Oct 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (2)

25 Oct 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) and HMS Milford (Lt.Cdr. G. MacClelland, RN) served as the targets. (2)

27 Oct 1943
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN), HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Unswerving (Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR). (3)

31 Oct 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) shifted from Holy Loch to Campbeltown. (2)

1 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (4)

2 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (4)

3 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (4)

4 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) collided with HMS H 43 (Lt. I.G. Raikes, DSC, RN). She sustained minor damage.

HMS Unswerving then participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (4)

5 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (4)

7 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (4)

8 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Lycett, RD, RNR). (4)

9 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR). (4)

9 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR). (4)

10 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. Upon completion of these she proceeded to Holy Loch. (4)

13 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. (4)

14 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (4)

15 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Holy Loch for Londonderry, Northern Ireland where she was to participate in A/S exercises. During this passage she was escorted by HMS Winchelsea (Lt. C.T. Shuttleworth, RNVR). (4)

16 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) arrived at Londonderry. (4)

18 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Londonderry with HMS Mignonette (Lt. H.H. Brown, DSC, RNR). (4)

19 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Londonderry with HMS Primrose (T/Lt. R.F. Pembry, RNR) and HMS Mignonette (Lt. H.H. Brown, DSC, RNR). (4)

20 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Londonderry with HMS Primrose (T/Lt. R.F. Pembry, RNR), USS Mackenzie (T/Cdr. B.N. Rittenhouse, Jr., USN) and HMS Verity (Lt. C.G. Cowley, RN). (4)

21 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) was to conducted A/S exercises off Londonderry with HMS Primrose (T/Lt. R.F. Pembry, RNR) and HMS Verity (Lt. C.G. Cowley, RN). However the other ships collided with each other and the exercises were cancelled. (4)

27 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted exercises off Londonderry. (4)

28 Nov 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted exercises off Londonderry. (4)

1 Dec 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Londonderry for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). (5)

2 Dec 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) arrived at Holy Loch. (5)

10 Dec 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) was docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (5)

13 Dec 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) was undocked. (5)

20 Dec 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) was docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (5)

27 Dec 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) was undocked. (5)

28 Dec 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted noise trials at Loch Goil. (5)

30 Dec 1943
HMS Stratagem (T/Lt. R.L. Willoughby, RNR) and HMS Unswerving (Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. They were escorted by HMS Arcturus (T/Lt. H.R. Grief, RNR). (6)

1 Jan 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) arrived at Lerwick. (7)

2 Jan 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Lerwick for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to perform an anti-uboat patrol in the Norwegian Sea.

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

(8)

15 Jan 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. (8)

16 Jan 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Lerwick for passage to Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN). Around 0930/17 they made rendez-vous off Scapa Flow with HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) and their escort HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN).

18 Jan 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) arrived at Holy Loch.

[As no logs are available for HMS Unswerving for the months of January and February 1944 no details can be provided for these months other then the ones currently listed.] (7)

31 Jan 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Holy Loch for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to perform an anti-uboat patrol and to proceed to Gibraltar afterwards.

Passage through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Telemachus (Cdr. W.D.A. King, DSO, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN).

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

(8)

8 Feb 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) was ordered to make a short anti-uboat patrol off the Portugese coast. (8)

11 Feb 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) and HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) made rendes-vous with HMS Kilbirnie (T/Lt. E.R.H. Seddon, RNVR). They then set course for Gibraltar. (8)

13 Feb 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) ended her 2nd war patrol at Gibraltar. (8)

28 Feb 1944
During 28 February and 1 March 1944 HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. These included night exercises. (9)

2 Mar 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (9)

5 Mar 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (9)

6 Mar 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Gibraltar for Malta. She made the passage in convoy KMS 43.

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

(9)

11 Mar 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) arrived at Malta where she joined the 1st submarine flotilla. (9)

15 Mar 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Malta for her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the south-west Aegean.

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

(8)

19 Mar 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) fires four torpedoes against the German transport Gertrud (1960 GRT, built 1930, former Danish Gerda Toft) about 10 nautical miles north-north-east of Cape Maleas, Greece. All torpedoes missed their target. Gertrud was escorted by the German torpedo-boats TA 16, TA 17, the German motor minesweepers R 34, R 210 and the German auxiliary submarine chasers UJ 2105, UJ 2106. Two torpedoes were seen to pass underneath TA 16.

(All times are zone -1)
0545 hours - Heard Asdic transmissions bearing 287°.

0547 hours - Sighted 12 Arado seaplanes carrying out an A/S search.

0550 hours - Started attack on German merchant vessel Gertrud. She was escorted by two former Italian Solferino-class torpedo-boats and two U.J. boats, all towing barrage balloons.

0629 hours - In position 36°35'N, 23°15'E fired four torpedoes. All missed.

0637 hours - Heard a succession of explosions which were the torpedoes exploding on the end of their run. Unswerving meanwhile had gone to 120 feet but no counter attack materialised. (8)

20 Mar 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) sank the Greek sailing vessel (in German control) PI 223 / Agia Paraskevi (20 GRT) with gunfire north of Crete in position 35°57'N, 24°02'E.

(All times are zone -1)
0430 hours - Sighted an armed caique in position 35°57'N, 24°02'E. Opened fire with the gun. Four rounds were fired for two hits before the caique caught fire.

0434 hours - Dived.

0546 hours - The caique exploded and sank. No survivors were seen at all. (8)

26 Mar 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) fires four torpedoes against the German transport Gertrud (1960 GRT, built 1930, former Danish Gerda Toft) off Souda Bay, Crete, Greece in position 35°33'N, 24°18'E. All torpedoes missed their target. Gertrud was escorted by the German torpedo-boats TA 16, TA 17 and the German motor minesweepers R 34, R 210.

(All times are zone -1)
0510 hours - Heard HE and Asdic transmissions bearing 290°.

0520 hours - Sighted two destroyers rounding Cape Maleka from the west.

0522 hours - Sighted Gertrud leaving Suda Bay.

0525 hours - Started attack. Two R-boats had now appeared and with the destroyers they started to form a screen around Gertrud. Numerous floatplanes were sighted but as it was raining Lt. Tattersall ignored them as the rain made it difficult for them to see Unswerving.

0555 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 1900 yards.

0559 hours - Head one explosion. HE of the target stopped.

0603 hours - Heard three more explosions. These were the remaining torpedoes hitting the shore.

0631 hours - 10 Depth charges were dropped but they were not very close and caused only some minor damage. Withdrew at 120 feet. (8)

30 Mar 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) ended her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)

4 Apr 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) was docked in No.1 dock at Malta. (10)

13 Apr 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) was undocked. (10)

22 Apr 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Malta for her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the western Aegean.

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

(8)

3 May 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) is detected and depth charged while trying to attack an enemy convoy off Anti-Milos, Greece. This convoy was formed by Gertrud (1960 GRT, built 1930, former Danish Gerda Toft) and Susanne (552 GRT, buit 1919, former Spanish San Juan II) escorted by UJ 2101, UJ 2105, UJ 2106, UJ 2110 and R 210 and were en-route from Heraklion to Piraeus.

Late in the evening Unswerving sank the Greek caique NAF 8 / Agios Nikolaos (45 GRT) with gunfire in position 37°07'N, 23°10'E

(All times are zone -1)
1340 hours - Heard distant explosions.

1435 hours - More distant explosions. Looks like HMS Sportsman, to our south was being hunted and depth charged.

1545/1727 hours - Numerous aircraft kept coming and going from a southerly direction. Looks like the expected convoy from the south was coming our way.

1747 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 154°. Estimated enemy course was 332°, speed 7 knots.

1752 hours - Masts were now visible.

1800 hours - Started attack.

1900 hours - The whole convoy was now in sight. Position was 37°13'N, 23°43'E.

1918 hours - An escort vessel turned towards.

1931 hours - Went to 60 feet.

1948 hours - Raised periscope in the final stages of the attack. The port wing escort was seen to turn towards under full helm. The periscope must have been sighted.

1949 hours - Went to 60 feet. Attempted to fire torpedoes by Asdic but the HE of the target could not be picked up because of the noise of the escorts.

1951 hours - Went to 120 feet. Three escorts were in contact with their Asdics. One escort then attacked. 11 Depth charges were dropped quite close.

2015 hours - HE faded.

2029 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight.

2052 hours - Surfaced in position 37°11'N, 23°43'E.

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

2330 hours - In position 37°07'N, 23°10'E attacked and sank by gunfire two medium seized caiques proceeding from the Moravian coast in the direction of Petsai Strait, course 020°. (8)

5 May 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) sank three caiques with gunfire in the Gulf of Nauplia, Greece.

(All times are zone -1)
1030 hours - Sighted a small caique bearing 130°.

1122 hours - Sighted two larger caiques in position 37°16'N, 23°03'E. They were twin masted. Enemy course was 200°. Closed to attack.

1200 hours - Surfaced and engaged both caiques from 1500 yards. The crews of both abandoned ship as soon as fire was opened.

1215 hours - Both caiques were sunk. They were laden with cement and oil drums.

1221 hours - Dived.

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

1515 hours - Proceeded to intercept a caique sailing slowly to the south-east.

1600 hours - The caique was observed to be flying a red cross flag.

1700 hours - The caique was seen to be abandoned and sailing herself.

1722 hours - Surfaced in position 37°08'N, 23°00'E and engaged the caique from 600 yards.

1730 hours - Left the cauque aground and in a sinking condition. (8)

10 May 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) ended her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)

16 May 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) was docked in No.1 dock at Malta. (11)

29 May 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) was undocked. (11)

12 Jun 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted trials of Malta. (12)

14 Jun 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Malta for her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean.

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

(8)

17 Jun 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) attacked but missed the German auxiliary patrol vessel GK 1 (former Greek Nais, 133 GRT) and two caiques at Potamo.

(All times are zone -2)
1230 hours - Entered Potamo Anchorage (Anti-Kithera) and at 1315 hours fired one torpedo at a caique (that was alongside a UJ boat with another caique on the other side). The target was not hit but the torpedo exploded close ahead causing the caique to break adrift while settling by the bows. Another torpedo was fired at the remaining caique and the UJ boat. This torpedo exploded close alongside the target. A large column of water with debris of the caique and UJ boat were seen to rise to 300 feet. The targets were not seen thereafter. Unswerving now made off at speed. She was hunted by another patrol vessel that had been in the anchorage.
(8)

23 Jun 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) sank the German guard boats GN 61 and GN 62 with gunfire north of the Skiathos Channel in position 39°26'N, 23°25'E.

(All times are zone -2)
0325 hours - Sighted two dark shapes in line ahead. They are thought to be two medium seized caiques of 80-100 tons.

0340 hours - Opened fire on the second caique from 2500 yards. After 19 rounds the target blew up and sank at 0345 hours.

Target was now shifted to the first caique. After eight rounds the crew began to abandon ship. Unswerving now came alongside, removed all papers and finally sank the target with more gunfire after a demolition charge failed to do the job it was intended for. 7 survivors were picked up from the water. (8)

30 Jun 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) ended her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)

13 Jul 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Malta for her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the North of Crete.

Unswerving carried only 4 torpedoes. The space for the reload torpedoes was taken by canoes and stores for a raiding party which was to place limped mines on shipping inside Suda Bay if suitable targets were present there but this operation was cancelled later in the patrol as several members of the raiding party were sick (sandfly fever).

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

(8)

20 Jul 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) fires three torpedoes at the German transport KT 18 / Pelikan (834 GRT, built 1944) and it's escort the German torpedo-boat TA 19 off Suda Bay, Crete. All torpedoes missed.

(All times are zone -2)
0400 hours - Dived in position 35°37'N, 24°15'E.

0422 hours - In position 35°37'5"N, 24°14'E sighted a KT transport ship escorted by a destroyer / torpedo-boat. Started attack.

0449 hours - Fired three torpedoes from 3200 yards.

0452 hours - Went to 200 feet.

0457/0458 hours - Heard three explosions, these are thought to be end of run explosions.

0500 hours - The escort dropped three depth charges but these were not close.

0532 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. (8)

23 Jul 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) ended her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)

25 Jul 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) was docked in No.1 dock at Malta. (13)

28 Jul 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) was undocked. (13)

31 Jul 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Malta for her 7th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the south-west Aegean.

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

(8)

3 Aug 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) is detected on surfacing about 8 nautical miles south-west of Milos. An escort vessel dropped 16 depth charges causing some damage to Unswerving.

(All times are zone -2)
2054 hours - Surfaced in position 36°32'N, 24°16'5"E. Immmediately on arriving on the bridge a small convoy of sailing vessels was sighted. The sighting must have been mutual as the convoy fired series of green flares. Unswerving was silhoutted against a light horizon whereas the enemy had the advantage of the dark background of the land.

2056 hours - Proceeded to withdraw in a southerly direction at full speed with the intention to work round the convoy to obtain a favourable position for gun action.

2104 hours - Dived, as the range by radar was coming round rapidly indicating something of greater speed then Unswerving.

2110 hours - 8 Depth charges were dropped.

2114 hours - 8 More depth charges were dropped. Asdic and hydrophones went out of action.

2145 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Sighted one large caique or escort bearing 180°

2200 hours - Surfaced in position 36°31'N, 24°13'E and gave chase, the enemy being up moon.

2300 hours - Broke off the chase as the range did not seem to be decreasing. (8)

8 Aug 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) claims to have damaged what was thought to be an A/S caique with gunfire in the Aegean Sea. In fact the ship engaged was the German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ 2142 that opened fire on Unswerving which then broke off the action.

(All times are zone -2)
0200 hours - In position 36°28'N, 24°25'E sighted a small vessel presumed to be an A/S caique, bearing 360°, range 8 nautical miles. The enemy was patrolling to the south of Paximadi Island. Unswerving started to work round the enemy at full speed to obtain the advantage of the light.

0257 hours - Opened fire from 4800 yards. The enemy immediately opened fire as well with Oerlkons type automatic weapons and a larger calibre gun.

0302 hours - Broke off the action and retired at 14 knots. The enemy meanwhile set course to Milos. (8)

10 Aug 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) attacks the small German transport Toni (638 BRT, built 1911, former Greek Thalia) with four torpedoes off Milos, Greece. All torpedoes however miss their target although the British thought they have obtained one hit and the ship was sunk. Toni was escorted by the German motor minesweeper R 34.

(All times are zone -2)
0435 hours - In position 36°53'N, 24°19'E sighted a dark shape on the horizon. Closed to investigate.

0443 hours - Sighted an R-boat ahead of the target which by now was seen to be a small merchant vessel. Started attack.

0519 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 1400 yards. The third torpedo broke surface but afterwards ran straight. The tracks of all the others ran true. Went to 150 feet.

0521 hours - A magnificent explosion occured. Presumed to be a hit. [In fact the torpedo had exploded prematurely.]

0526 hours - Heard three more explosions. These were the remaining torpedoes going up at the end of their run.

0534 hours - Three depth charges were dropped but these caused no damage.

0625 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. (8)

14 Aug 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) ended her 7th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)

16 Aug 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) was docked in No.1 dock at Malta. (14)

19 Aug 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) was undocked. (14)

25 Aug 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) was docked in No.3 dock at Malta. (14)

29 Aug 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) was undocked. (14)

31 Aug 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted exercises off Malta. (14)

1 Sep 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Malta for her 8th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the southern Aegean.

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

(8)

5 Sep 1944
At 0334 hours (zone -2), in position 35°37'N, 24°47'E, HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR), sighted a dark object. Shortly afterwards the object had disappeared. This is thought to be a German u-boat. If this was correct this must have been U-565. (8)

6 Sep 1944
At 0135 hours (zone -2), in position 35°36'N, 24°24'E, HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR), again sighted a dark object. 5 Minutes later the object was lost from sight. Again 5 minutes later the object was seen again and was identified as a German u-boat. If this was correct this must have been U-565. At 0150 hours the enemy dived. (8)

12 Sep 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) ended her 8th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)

22 Sep 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Malta for her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the northern Aegean.

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

(8)

2 Oct 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) fires four torpedoes against the German auxiliary minelayer Zeus (2423 GRT, built 1929, former Italian Francesco Morosini) about 6 nautical miles south-south-east of Cape Kassandra, Greece. Zeus was on a milelaying mission together with the torpedo boat TA 37.

(All times are zone -1)
0928 hours - In position 39°52'N, 23°26'E sighted one motor vessel escorted by one destroyer bearing 331°. Range was 15000 yards.

0931 hours - Closed to attack. It was seen that the target was Zeus and that also two Siebel ferries were present.

0958 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 6000 yards.

1006 hours - Heard one torpedo explosion. This was thought to be an end of run detonation.

1008 hours - Heard a second explosion.

1014 hours - Heard one depth charge explosion.

1034/1036 hours - Depth charges were dropped. A total of 9 could be counted. They were fairly close but did no damage.

1100 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The destroyer was still searching astern. Also an UJ-boat and another vessel were seen approching from the south. The target was not seen. It was hoped that Greek submarine Nereus in the next area could attack an unescorted target. (8)

3 Oct 1944
HMS Unswerving (Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) torpedoed and sank the German tanker Bertha (1810 GRT, built 1922, former French Bacchus) about 10 nautical miles south of the Kassandra peninsula, Greece. Bertha was in convoy together with the German transport Zar Ferdinand (1994 GRT, built 1913). They were escorted by the German torpedo-boat TA 18 and 2 smaller escort vessels GD 97 and GK 92. This convoy was on passage from Piraeus to Saloniki. By the time Unswerving attacked Zar Ferdinand had already been sunk by the French submarine FFS Curie (Lt. P.J. Chailley).

(All times are zone -1)
0035 hours - In position 39°48'5"N, 23°26'5"E sighted two dark shapes bearing 235°, range 10000 yards. Enemy course was 360°, speed 9 knots. This turned out to be Bertha escorted by one destroyer.

0040 hours - Dived to attack.

0113 hours - Fired three torpedoes (the 4th was defective) from 5400 yards.

0117 hours - Heard one torpedo explosion, giving a running range of 6000 yards from the first torpedo. Unswerving meanwhile withdrew at 150 feet, course 175°. No counter attack was carried out by the enemy. (8)

8 Oct 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) ended her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)

11 Oct 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) was docked in No.1 dock at Malta. (15)

19 Oct 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) was undocked. (15)

28 Oct 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Malta for her 10th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was initially ordered to patrol in the northern Aegean.

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

(8)

2 Nov 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) arrived at Khios where she performed W/T duties. Her patrol in the northern part of the Aegean was cancelled. (8)

8 Nov 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Khios for Malta. (8)

14 Nov 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) ended her 10th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)

18 Dec 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Malta for Alexandria. (16)

22 Dec 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) arrived at Alexandria. She was now assigned to training duties. (16)

27 Dec 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria with HMS Crane (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Jenkins, DSC, RN). (16)

28 Dec 1944
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria with HMS Crane (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Jenkins, DSC, RN).

[No logs are available for HMS Unswerving after December 1944, so no further details can be provided other then the ones currently listed.] (16)

2 Feb 1945
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Alexandria for Malta. (7)

6 Feb 1945
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) arrived at Malta. (7)

15 Apr 1945
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Malta for Gibraltar. (7)

19 Apr 1945
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) arrived at Gibraltar. (7)

20 Apr 1945
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Gibraltar for Portsmouth. She made the passage in convoy MKS 96. (7)

27 Apr 1945
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) arrived at Portsmouth. (7)

15 May 1945
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Portsmouth for Sheerness. (7)

16 May 1945
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) arrived at Sheerness where she was to refit.

When the war ended Unswerving was nearing the completion of her refit. (7)

Sources

  1. ADM 173/18428
  2. ADM 173/18429
  3. ADM 173/18179
  4. ADM 173/18430
  5. ADM 173/18431
  6. ADM 173/18129
  7. ADM 199/2573
  8. ADM 199/1822
  9. ADM 173/19263
  10. ADM 173/19264
  11. ADM 173/19265
  12. ADM 173/19266
  13. ADM 173/19267
  14. ADM 173/19268
  15. ADM 173/19270
  16. ADM 173/19272

ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.


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