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Notable events involving Visigoth include:

The history of HMS Visigoth 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 and/or the identity of escort vessels) is kindly provided by Mr. Platon Alexiades, a naval researcher from Canada.

This page was last updated in November 2019.

8 Mar 1944
Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) departed her builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Paynter (T/Lt. T.B.S. Brown, RNVR). (1)

9 Mar 1944
Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted acceptence trials in the Clyde area following which she proceeded to Holy Loch where she was commissioned. (1)

12 Mar 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

13 Mar 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

14 Mar 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

16 Mar 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (1)

18 Mar 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar. (1)

19 Mar 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (1)

20 Mar 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (1)

21 Mar 1944
Having completed her torpedo discharge trials, HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN), shifted from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (1)

22 Mar 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted log trials in Loch Long. (1)

23 Mar 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery trials in the Clyde area. (1)

24 Mar 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted D/G and D/F trials in the Clyde area. (1)

25 Mar 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

26 Mar 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

27 Mar 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted radar exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). Upon completion of these HMS Visigoth proceeded to Campbeltown. (1)

28 Mar 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Holy Loch. (1)

29 Mar 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (1)

31 Mar 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) and HrMs O 19 (Lt.Cdr. A. van Karnebeek, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area, during which HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR) served as the target. (1)

1 Apr 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Wolfe (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN) served as the target. (2)

4 Apr 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Sardonyx (A/Lt.Cdr. T.A. Easton, RNVR). (2)

6 Apr 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (2)

7 Apr 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (2)

8 Apr 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (2)

8 Apr 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (2)

9 Apr 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (2)

10 Apr 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (2)

11 Apr 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (2)

12 Apr 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (2)

13 Apr 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. One of the ships involved in the A/S exercises was HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, DSO, RN). (2)

14 Apr 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (2)

15 Apr 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (2)

17 Apr 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (2)

17 Apr 1944
HMS Scylla (Capt. T.M. Brownrigg, CBE, RN) conducted towing exercises at Scapa Flow during which she was taken in tow by HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. S.V. Storheill).

HMS Scylla also conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow and also A/S exercises were carried out during which HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) acted as target. (3)

18 Apr 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (2)

19 Apr 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (2)

20 Apr 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (2)

21 Apr 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HrMs O 15 (Lt. J.B.M.J. Maas, RNN) which also departed Scapa Flow but then to proceed to Rothesay. At sea they joined HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) and her escort, the armed yacht HMS Cutty Sark, which came from Lerwick. (2)

23 Apr 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (2)

26 Apr 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (2)

27 Apr 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (2)

29 Apr 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (2)

30 Apr 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (2)

1 May 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow. (4)

2 May 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (4)

3 May 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Larne. She was escorted by HMS ML 225 (T/Lt. D. Kaye, RNVR). (4)

4 May 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (4)

5 May 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (4)

6 May 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (4)

7 May 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (4)

8 May 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (4)

9 May 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (4)

10 May 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (4)

11 May 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (4)

12 May 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (4)

13 May 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (4)

15 May 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (4)

16 May 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. (4)

19 May 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (4)

20 May 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (4)

21 May 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (4)

22 May 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) is docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (4)

23 May 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) is undocked. (4)

27 May 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted log calibration trails in Loch Long. (4)

29 May 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil.

[No logs are available for June and July 1944, so no details can be given for these months other then currently listed.] (4)

1 Jun 1944
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) and HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) both departed Holy Loch for their first was patrols. They were both ordered to conduct a work-up patrol in the North Sea. They were escorted by the Norwegian submarine chasers HNoMS Hitra until 1915/3. (5)

1 Jun 1944
For the daily positions of HMS Visigoth during her 1st war patrol see the map below.

17 Jun 1944
Between 0900 and 1000 hours, HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) and HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN), both made rendez-vous with their escort towards Holy Loch, the Norwegian submarine chaser HNoMS Vigra. (5)

19 Jun 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Holy Loch. (6)

1 Jul 1944
HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) and HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) both departed Holy Loch for Malta. They made the passege in convoy OS.82 / KMS.56. (7)

13 Jul 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar.

14 Jul 1944

Convoy UGS 48.

This convoy departed Hampton Roads on 14 July 1944.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; Alexander Martin (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Andrew Furuseth (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Athelvictor (British (tanker), 8320 GRT, built 1941), Augustin Stahl (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), British Harmony (British (tanker), 8453 GRT, built 1941), British Pride (British (tanker), 7106 GRT, built 1931), British Respect (British (tanker), 8479 GRT, built 1943), Calvin Coolidge (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Cape Hawke (British, 5081 GRT, built 1941), Carole Lombard (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), Charles W. Wooster (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Colin P. Kelly Jr. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Cornelius Harnett (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), D.L. Harper (British (tanker), 12223 GRT, built 1933), David Lubin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Donacilla (British (tanker), 8113 GRT, built 1939), Edward Livingston (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Egda (Norwegian (tanker), 10050 GRT, built 1939), Empire Emerald (British (tanker), 8032 GRT, built 1941), Empire Nerissa (British, 7096 GRT, built 1942), Empire Rangoon (British, 6988 GRT, built 1944), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Esek Hopkins (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Esso Concord (American (tanker), 7698 GRT, built 1940), Finley Peter Dunne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George H. Dern (American, 7181 GRT, built 1943), George Read (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), George Uhler (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry George (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James McCosh (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Turner (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), John Banvard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), John Barton Payne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Dickinson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Morton (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), John P. Holland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Stevens (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Jose Bonifacio (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph N. Teal (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joshua A. Leach (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Leland Stanford (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Leopold Damrosch (American, 7207 GRT, built 1943), Levi Woodbury (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Linn Boyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), M. Michael Edelstein (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Maria Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nueva Granada (Norwegian (tanker), 9968 GRT, built 1937), Oliver Loving (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Oscar S. Straus (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1944), Park Holland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Rachel Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Rivercrest (British, 7008 GRT, built 1944), Samgallion (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samsylarna (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Sidney Sherman (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Thomas B. Reed (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Cresap (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Heyward (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Thomas W. Owen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Tweedsmuir Park (Canadian, 7143 GRT, built 1943), Vacport (British (tanker), 6774 GRT, built 1930), Walt Whitman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William R. Day (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943) and Zachary Taylor (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942).

On departure from Hampton Roads the convoy was escorted by the destroyer USS Moffett (T/Cdr. G.H. Richards, Jr., USN, with COMTASKFOR 62, T/Capt. C.M.E. Hoffman, USN on board) and the escort destroyers USS Amick (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Barsumian, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 15, T/Cdr. F.C.B. McCune, USN, on board), USS Atherton (T/Lt.Cdr. M. Kelly, Jr., USN), USS Booth (Lt. F.O. Moorman, USNR), USS Carroll (T/Lt.Cdr. F.W. Kuhn, USN), USS Cooner Lt.Cdr. T.L. Bergen, USNR), USS Eldridge (Lt. W.K. Vanallen, USNR), USS William T. Powell (Lt. J.L. Davenport, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 66, Cdr. G.F. Adams, USNR, on board), USS Buckley (Lt.Cdr. B.M. Abel, USNR), USS Reuben James (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Isaacs, USNR), USS Spangenberg (T.H.P. Whitney, USNR), USS Alexander J. Luke (T/Lt.Cdr. J.V. Cameron, USN), USS Robert I. Paine (Lt.Cdr. D. Cochran, USNR).

The naval stores ships USS Yukon (Lt.Cdr. V.J. Barnhart, USNR) and USS Merak (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Cawthon, USN) were also part of the convoy as were the naval tankers USS Maumee (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Ballard, USNR), USS Winooski (Lt.Cdr. T.B. Christenson, USNR), USS Chiwawa (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Goza, USNR) and USS Cowanesque (Cdr. L.S. McKenzie, USNR).

On 18 July 1944, the six destroyer escorts of CortDiv 66 fuelled from USS Maumee.

On 21 July 1944, USS Moffett fuelled from USS Maumee.

On 22 July 1944, the six destroyer escorts of CortDiv 66 fuelled from USS Maumee.

On 23 July 1944, the six destroyer escorts of CortDiv 15 fuelled from USS Maumee.

On 27 July 1944, USS Moffett and the six destroyer escorts of CortDiv 66 fuelled from USS Maumee.

On 28 July 1944, the following ships parted company with the convoy to proceed to Casablanca; Calvin Coolidge, John Barton Payne and Samgallion while the French naval tanker Var joined the convoy coming from Casablanca. She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessels L'Emporté and L'Enjoue which then returned to Casablanca with the three ships that had parted company with the convoy.

Around noon on 29 July 1944, the merchant vessel Pacheco (British, 1405 GRT, built 1927), submarines HMS Truant (Lt. E.C. Croswell, DSC, RN) and HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) as well as the rescue tug HMRT Vagrant joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar.

Around 1945A/29, the AA cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. G.R. Waymouth, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1845B/30, the following ships were detached to Oran; Andrew Furuseth, John Banvard, John Stevens, Oscar S. Strauss, USS Yukon, USS Merak, USS Winooski, USS Chiwawa and USS Cowanesque while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Andrew Hamilton (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Christopher Gale (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Henry W. Longfellow (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Jonathan Elmer (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Warren (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Robert Treat Paine (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and Will R. Wood (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943).

Around 1700B/31, the following ships were detached to Algiers; Andrew Hamilton, British Pride, Empire Nerissa, Jonathan Elmer, Joseph Warren, Thomas B. Reed, Thomas Heyward and Will R. Wood while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Alexandre Andre (Belgian (tanker), 5261 GRT, built 1928), Empire Highway (British, 7166 GRT, built 1942), Fort Carlton (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Fort Columbia (British, 7155 GRT, built 1942), Hardingham (British, 7269 GRT, built 1942), Narva (British, 1575 GRT, built 1937), Samlamu (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samuel V. Shreve (British, 1813 GRT, built 1943), Stanhill (British, 5969 GRT, built 1942) and Van Honthorst (Dutch, 6140 GRT, built 1943) as did the landing ship HMS LST 322 (Lt.Cdr. L.H. Howard, RNR).

During the night of 31 July / 1 August 1944, the convoy was attacked by enemy aircraft but no damage was sustained.

Around 2000B/1, the Esso Concord and HMRT Vagrant were detached to Bone while the Vito (Norwegian, 5181 GRT, built 1937) and the rescue tug HMRT Charon joined coming from Bone.

Around 0645B/2, the following ships were detached to Benghazi; British Harmony, British Respect, Colin P. Kelly Jr., Donacilla, George H. Dern, James McCosh, John Morton, Levi Woodbury, Narva, Samuel V. Shreve, Thomas Cresap, Walt Whitman, William R. Day and Zachary Taylor as well as LST 322 while the merchant vessel Mirabeau B. Lamar (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta.

Also, HMS Delhi and all American escort vessels as well as the naval tanker USS Maumee arrived at Bizerta after having been relieved by a group of British escort vessels, these were the following; sloops HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN), HMS Amethyst (?), corvette HMS Campion (Lt. T.F. Alderman, RNR) and the A/S whaler HMSAS Southern Maid (?).

On 3 August the following ships were detached to Malta; Empire Highway and Pacheco. Also detached to Malta were HMS Truant and HMS Visigoth. They were escorted there by HMS Campion which afterwards rejoined the convoy.

On 4 August the following ships were detached to Augusta; Alexandre Andre, Athelvictor, Christopher Gale, Cornelius Harnett, D.L. Harper, David Lubin, Egda, Empire Emerald, Empire Stalwart, Esek Hopkins, Finley Peter Dunne, Fort Carlton, Fort Columbia, Hardingham, Henry George, Henry W. Longfellow, James Turner, John Dickinson, John P. Holland, Joseph N. Teal, Leland Stanford, Maria Mitchell, Mirabeau B. Lamar, Nueva Granada, Robert Treat Paine, Stanhill, Van Honthorst and Var while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Augusta; Empire Splendour (British, 7335 GRT, built 1942) and Trevanion (British, 7371 GRT, built 1944).

On 4 August 1944, the convoy was attacked by one or two enemy torpedo bombers which hit and heavily damaged the Samsylarna in position 33°05'N, 20°16'E. HMSAS Southern Maid remained behind to assist and she also took off the crew. The derelict ship was later towed to Benghazi.

On 7 August 1944, the following ships were detached to Alexandria; Cape Hawke, Carola Lombard, Empire Splendour and Rachel Jackson. They took HMS Deptford with them.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 8 August 1944 escorted by HMS Amethyst and HMS Campion.

29 Jul 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta.

3 Aug 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (8)

9 Aug 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean.

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

(6)

23 Aug 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) intercepted a small caique to the east of Anti-Kithera. After examination this caique was allowed to proceed.

(All times are zone -2)
0847 hours - Sighted a caique of about 10 tons proceeding on a course of 140° at a speed of 6 knots. Position was 35°50'N 23°32'E. Closed and boarded this caique. After examination allowed the caique to proceed.

0900 hours - Proceeded to the northward.

0906 hours - Dived.

25 Aug 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (6)

5 Sep 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) is docked in No.1 dock at Malta. (9)

13 Sep 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) is undocked. (9)

15 Sep 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Northern Aegean.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Visigoth during this patrol see the map below. [No positions are known for 17/21 September 1944 as there are no positions noted in the logbook and patrol report.]

(6)

18 Sep 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) reported that two of her officers were suffering from sandfly fever.

Visigoth was ordered to proceed to Khios the next day. (6)

21 Sep 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) arrived at Khios. (6)

24 Sep 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) departed Khios to continue her patrol.

Later the same day she sank the caique Amerikana with gunfire at Strati Island. Another caique was damaged with gunfire.

(All times are zone -1)
1810 hours - Closed Agios Strati on Strati Island. Two large two-masted caiques and several smaller caiques in the harbour.

1817 hours - Opened fire with starshell from a range of 800 yards. Also illuminated the harbour with the 6" signalling lamp. Hits were observed on both large caiques and several of the smaller ones might have been damaged as well. 33 Rounds were fired before the targets became obscured by smoke. Considered on of the large caiques to have sunk, the other large caique to have been damaged as well as several smaller caiques.

1824 hours - Continued passage to the patrol area. (6)

25 Sep 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) attacked but missed the German merchant vessel Salomea (former Greek, 751 BRT, built 1897) with four torpedoes west of Lemnos. She was in convoy with the caiques Syros 578 and Syros 596 and escorted by the patrol boats GN 91 and GN 70.

(All times are zone -1)
1609 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 150°. Closed.

1615 hours - Surfaced and proceeded at full speed to get ahead of the convoy which was later identified as consisting of one merchant vessel (thought to be the Zar Ferdinand (1994 GRT, built 1913), two schooners, two EMS craft and one other vessel (possibly an EMS craft as well). Their course was 285°, speed 6 knots and they were zig-zagging. Position was 40°01'N, 24°43'E. It would be almost impossible to get into attack position a signal was sent to benefit submarines operating to the west of Vigorous.

1648 hours - Dived after clearing our signal.

1711 hours - The enemy altered course to 122°.

1800 hours - Dusk. Lost sight of the merchant vessel. One EMS vessel could still be vaguely seen.

1815 hours - Surfaced and continued in the direction the enemy was last seen.

1845 hours - Sighted the merchant vessel again, with one EMS craft on her starboard quarter and the two schooners just abaft her starboard beam.

1856 hours - The range to the nearest schooner was about 3 nautical miles. Decided to run in dived to avoid being sighted. The merchant vessel was steering 275° at a speed of 4 knots. Position was now 39°53'N, 24°46'E.

1918 hours - An EMS craft appeared on the starboard bow and commenced flashing to the merchant vessel which then started to make smoke.

1921 hours - The merchant vessel was now in the path of the moon and two EMS craft had taken station on either bow.

1922 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 2000 yards. Went deep on firing. Four explosions were heard nearly 9 minutes later. All torpedoes must have missed and exploded at the end of their run.

2034 hours - Surfaced. Sighted two EMS craft laying stopped, bearing 240°, range 2.5 nautical miles.

1 Oct 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) attacked a German lighter with three torpedoes west of Nikaria Island. No hits were obtained. Thetarget was possibly the German landing barge F 497.

(All times are zone -1)
2251 hours - Sighted two darkened vessels bearing 275° about 4.5 nautical miles away. Position was 37°26'N, 25°59'E.

2256 hours - Set course to intercept. The contacts were soon thought to be an R of E boat that was escorting an Este-class lighter.

2323 hours - Enemy course was 095°, speed 6 knots. Dived to close to under 500 yards.

2355 hours - Fired three torpedoes but no hits were obtained. Went deep on firing. Returned to periscope depth after 25 minutes but sighted nothing anymore.

7 Oct 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Malta.

[HMS Visigoth remained at Malta for the remainder of October. No logs are available for November and December so no details for this month can be given, Vigorous remained at Malta during November and the first half of December possibly participating in exercises.] (6)

18 Dec 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) departed Malta for Port Said. (10)

23 Dec 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said. (10)

26 Dec 1944
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) departed Port Said for Aden. (10)

1 Jan 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden. (11)

5 Jan 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) departed Aden for Colombo. (11)

16 Jan 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) arrived at Colombo. She was assigned to A/S training duties. (11)

19 Jan 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo. (11)

24 Jan 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo. (11)

25 Jan 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo. (11)

26 Jan 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo. (11)

29 Jan 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo. (11)

30 Jan 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo. (11)

31 Jan 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo. (11)

2 Feb 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo. (12)

5 Feb 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) shifted from Colombo to Matara. (12)

6 Feb 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) departed Matara for exercises to the south of Ceylon. (12)

8 Feb 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) arrived at Galle on completion of the exercises to the south of Ceylon. (12)

9 Feb 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) shifted from Galle to Colombo. (12)

12 Feb 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo. (12)

14 Feb 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo. (12)

16 Feb 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo. (12)

19 Feb 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo. (12)

22 Feb 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo. (12)

23 Feb 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo. (12)

27 Feb 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo. (12)

28 Feb 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo. (12)

9 Mar 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo. (13)

12 Mar 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo. (13)

13 Mar 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo. (13)

14 Mar 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo. (13)

25 Mar 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. (13)

27 Mar 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (13)

2 May 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (14)

11 May 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) departed Trincomalee for Colombo. (14)

13 May 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) arrived at Colombo. (14)

16 May 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) conducted exercises off Colombo. (14)

21 May 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo. (14)

25 May 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo. (14)

28 May 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo.

[No logs for June, July and August 1945 are available so no details for this period can be given other then currently displayed.] (14)

22 Aug 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. (10)

25 Aug 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (10)

7 Sep 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (15)

10 Sep 1945
HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) departed Trincomalee for Aden where she arrived on 22 September. (15)

22 Sep 1945
HMS Vigorous (Lt. N.R. Wood, RN) and HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) both departed Aden for Suez. (16)

28 Sep 1945
HMS Vigorous (Lt. N.R. Wood, RN) and HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) both arrived at Suez where they entered the Panama Canal. They anchored of Ismaïlia later the same day. (16)

29 Sep 1945
HMS Vigorous (Lt. N.R. Wood, RN) and HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) both departed Ismaïlia, transited the Suez Canal and arrived at Port Said.

They both departed Port Said for Alexandria later the same day. (16)

30 Sep 1945
HMS Vigorous (Lt. N.R. Wood, RN) and HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) both arrived at Alexandria. (16)

6 Oct 1945
HMS Vigorous (Lt. N.R. Wood, RN) and HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) both departed Alexandria for Malta. (16)

10 Oct 1945
HMS Vigorous (Lt. N.R. Wood, RN) and HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) both arrived at Malta. (16)

13 Oct 1945
HMS Vigorous (Lt. N.R. Wood, RN) and HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) both Malta for Gibraltar. (16)

17 Oct 1945
HMS Vigorous (Lt. N.R. Wood, RN) and HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) both arrived at Gibraltar. (16)

19 Oct 1945
HMS Vigorous (Lt. N.R. Wood, RN) and HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) both departed Gibraltar for the U.K. (16)

26 Oct 1945
HMS Vigorous (Lt. N.R. Wood, RN) and HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) both arrived at Holy Loch. (16)