Allied Warships

HMS Voracious (P 78)

Submarine of the V class

NavyThe Royal Navy
TypeSubmarine
ClassV 
PennantP 78 
Built byVickers Armstrong (Newcastle-on-Tyne, U.K.) 
Ordered21 May 1942 
Laid down27 Oct 1942 
Launched11 Nov 1943 
Commissioned13 Apr 1944 
End service 
History

Scrapped at Cochin, India on 19 May 1946.

 

Commands listed for HMS Voracious (P 78)

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
1Lt. Frederick Danford Gordon Challis, DSC, RN15 Jan 194414 May 1945
2Lt. Donald Rupert Wilson, DSC, RANVR14 May 194522 Oct 1945

You can help improve our commands section
Click here to Submit events/comments/updates for this vessel.
Please use this if you spot mistakes or want to improve this ships page.

Notable events involving Voracious include:


The history of HMS Voracious 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.

13 Mar 1944
Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted acceptance trials in the Clyde area following which she was commisioned at Holy Loch. (1)

30 Mar 1944
Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) departed the Tyne for Blyth where she arrived later the same day. En-route trials were carried out. (2)

31 Mar 1944
Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth. (2)

3 Apr 1944
Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth. (1)

4 Apr 1944
Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth. (1)

7 Apr 1944
Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) departed Blyth for Holy Loch. She was escorted by the brand new corvette HMS Knaresborough Castle (Lt. J.R. Freeman, RNR). (1)

10 Apr 1944
Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (1)

14 Apr 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

15 Apr 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

16 Apr 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

17 Apr 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials in Gare Loch.

19 Apr 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar where she was to conduct her torpedo discharge trials. (2)

20 Apr 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (2)

21 Apr 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (2)

22 Apr 1944
Having completed her torpedo discharge trials, HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN), shifted from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (2)

24 Apr 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted radar exercises in the Clyde area. Upon completion of these she proceeded to Campbeltown. (1)

25 Apr 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. She proceeded to Holy Loch on completion of these. (1)

26 Apr 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted S.T.U. trials off Fairlie. (1)

27 Apr 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted trials in Loch Long. (1)

29 Apr 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) and HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). These included night exercises. (1)

30 Apr 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (1)

1 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (3)

2 May 1944
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) and HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Blyth and Scapa Flow respectively. They were escorted by HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR).

At 1540/3 Taku parted company with Voracious and Sardonyx and continued her passage to Blyth but now escorted by HMS Godetia (T/Lt. M.A.F. Larose, RNR) while Voracious and Sardonyx proceeded to Scapa Flow. (4)

4 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (3)

5 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at/off Scapa Flow with HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. R.M.W. MacFarlan, RN) and HMS Whelp (Cdr. G.A.F. Norfolk, RN). (3)

6 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at/off Scapa Flow with HMS Eskimo (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, DSC, RN), HMS Kempenfelt (Capt. M.L. Power, OBE, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. R.M.W. MacFarlan, RN). (3)

7 May 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt. E.T. Stanley, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises at/off Scapa Flow with each other. (5)

9 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at/off Scapa Flow with HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. R.M.W. MacFarlan, RN), HMS Wizard (Lt.Cdr. D.T. McBarnet, DSC, RN), HMS Whelp (Cdr. G.A.F. Norfolk, RN) and HMS Danae (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN). (3)

10 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at/off Scapa Flow with HMS Whelp (Cdr. G.A.F. Norfolk, RN) and HMS Wizard (Lt.Cdr. D.T. McBarnet, DSC, RN). (3)

11 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at/off Scapa Flow with HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Opportune (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Oribi (Lt.Cdr. J.C.A. Ingram, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Speedy (A/Lt.Cdr. W.L.G. Dutton, RNR). (3)

12 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at/off Scapa Flow with HMS Eskimo (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, DSC, RN), ORP Blyscawica (Cdr. K.F. Namiesniowski) and HMS Onslaught (Cdr. the Hon. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN). (3)

13 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at/off Scapa Flow. (3)

15 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at/off Scapa Flow with HMS Grenville (Capt. H.P. Henderson, RN), HMS Urchin (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Undine (Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN). (3)

16 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at/off Scapa Flow with HMS Urchin (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Nubian (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Pack-Beresford, RN) and HMS Grenville (Capt. H.P. Henderson, RN). (3)

17 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at/off Scapa Flow with HMS Whelp (Cdr. G.A.F. Norfolk, RN), HMS Undine (Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN), HNoMS Narvik and HMS Tekoura (A/Skr.Lt. W.B. Cowie, RNR). (3)

18 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at/off Scapa Flow with HMS Nubian (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Pack-Beresford, RN), HMS Hazel (T/Lt. J.J. Good, RNR) and HMS Macbeth (A/Skr.Lt. R.C. Green, DSC, RNR). (3)

19 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at/off Scapa Flow with HMS Nubian (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Pack-Beresford, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN), HMS Whelp (Cdr. G.A.F. Norfolk, RN) and HMS Wizard (Lt.Cdr. D.T. McBarnet, DSC, RN). (3)

20 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises at/off Scapa Flow with HMS Opportune (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Ulysses (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Hanson, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Verulam (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, DSC, RN) and HMS Nubian (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Pack-Beresford, RN).

Upon completion of these exercises HMS Voracious departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR). (3)

22 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (3)

24 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). (3)

25 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (3)

26 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) and gunnery exercises on a target that was being towed by HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). (3)

27 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). These included night exercises. (3)

28 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (3)

29 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Larne. She was escorted by HMS ML 225 (T/Lt. D. Kaye, RNVR). (3)

30 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) arrived at Larne. (3)

31 May 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Cdr. L.F. Durnford-Slater, RN) and ships from the B.2 Escort Group. (3)

1 Jun 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with ships from the 2nd Escort Group. (6)

2 Jun 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with ships from the 2nd Escort Group. (6)

4 Jun 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. (6)

6 Jun 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Unseen (T/Lt. T.D. Wood, DSC, RNVR) served as target. (6)

7 Jun 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS PC 74 (A/Lt.Cdr. A. Richardson, RNR) and HMS Blade (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR). (6)

8 Jun 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Sardonyx (A/Lt.Cdr. T.A. Easton, RNVR) and HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). These included night exercises. (6)

9 Jun 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (6)

10 Jun 1944
HMS Upshot (Lt. H.W. Wilkinson, RN) and HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as the target. (7)

14 Jun 1944
HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN) and HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area during which they served as targets for each other. (8)

15 Jun 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (6)

17 Jun 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) and HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). (6)

18 Jun 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) is docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (6)

20 Jun 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) is undocked. (6)

21 Jun 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (6)

23 Jun 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted echo sounding trials in Loch Long. (6)

24 Jun 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) is docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (6)

25 Jun 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) is undocked. (6)

26 Jun 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (6)

29 Jun 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) is yet again docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. After a propeller change she was undocked later the same day. (6)

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

30 Jun 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. At the same time HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the northern North Sea. The submarines were escorted on their passage north by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (9)

2 Jul 1944
At 1616 hours, HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN), parted company with her escort, HMS Sardonyx (A/Lt.Cdr. T.A. Easton, RNVR), and proceeded to her patrol area. (10)

16 Jul 1944
At 1046 hours, HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN), made rendez-vous with her escort, HMS Sardonyx (A/Lt.Cdr. T.A. Easton, RNVR). They then proceeded in company towards Holy Loch. They were joined at 1725 hours by HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) which came from Scapa Flow. (10)

18 Jul 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Holy Loch. (11)

26 Jul 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials in the Clyde area. (11)

1 Aug 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Gibraltar. She was to joined a convoy KMS 85 for the passage. Until she joined this convoy she was escorted by HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN).

For the daily positions of HMS Voracious during the passage to Gibraltar see the map below.

(12)

2 Aug 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) joined convoy KMS 85 for the passage to Gibraltar. (12)

13 Aug 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (12)

18 Aug 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. P.R. Ward, RN). (12)

21 Aug 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with aircraft. (12)

22 Aug 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (12)

29 Aug 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta. She was escorted out by HMS Haarlem (T/Lt. D.D.H. Kerr, RNVR) until she joined convoy UGS 51 for the passage.

For the daily positions of HMS Voracious to Malta see the map below.

(12)

3 Sep 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (13)

7 Sep 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean.

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

(10)

15 Sep 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) fires three torpedoes against the German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ 2110 north of Skopelos Island, Greece. All torpedoes fired missed their target.

(All times are zone -2)
1231 hours - In position 39°16'N, 23°27'E sighted a vessel bearing 187°. Range 7500 yards. Commenced to close to attack.

1236 hours - Range now 7000 yards.

1241 hours - Target now bearing 175°, range 6500 yards.

1244 hours - Fired four torpedoes. Enemy course 091°, speed 9 knots. Range 6500 yards. Went deep on firing.

1250 hours - Heard one explosion followed by four more explosions in quick succession.

1301 hours - Heard one explosion, most likely a depth charge.

1310 hours - Heard another explosion, most likely another depth charge.

1400 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight.

17 Sep 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) fires four torpedoes against ' what is identified as 'a merchant north of the Skopelos Channel, Greece in position 39°15'N, 23°37'E. All four torpedoes fired missed their target.

(All times are zone -2)
0203 hours - Sighted a ship bearing 340°, range 4000 yards. Commenced attack but opened the range at first.

0238 hours - Now in the finals stages of the attack. Enemy course 060°, speed 5 knots.

0241 hours - In position 39°15'N, 23°37'E fired four torpedoes from 800 yards. Four torpedo explosioned were heard after 8 minutes so all missed and most likely had run under.

22 Sep 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Malta. (10)

1 Oct 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials at Malta. (14)

3 Oct 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) is docked in No.1 dock at Malta. (14)

9 Oct 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) is undocked. (14)

11 Oct 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean.

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

(10)

16 Oct 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) arrived at Mitylene. (10)

17 Oct 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) departed Mitylene for a survey for mines in the Imbros area. (10)

18 Oct 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) retuned to Mitylene. (10)

19 Oct 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) departed Mitylene for Khios. Voracious was however ordered to return shortly afterwards. (10)

20 Oct 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) departed Mitylene to patrol north of the Skiathos Channel. (10)

22 Oct 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) departed her patrol area for Khios. (10)

23 Oct 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) arrived at Khios. (14)

24 Oct 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Khios. (14)

24 Oct 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) departed Khios to patrol south of Cape Paliuri, Cassandra peninsula to monitor the movements of German hospital ships. (14)

28 Oct 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) was relieved on patrol off Cape Paliuri by HMS Vampire (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR). Vorcious then set course to return to Malta via Turkish waters. (10)

2 Nov 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Malta. (10)

5 Nov 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials at Malta. (15)

15 Nov 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) is docked in No.1 dock at Malta. (15)

17 Nov 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) is undocked. (15)

21 Nov 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) departed Malta for Port Said.

For the daily positions of HMS Voracious during her passage from Malta to Colombo see the map below.

(15)

26 Nov 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said. (15)

28 Nov 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) departed Port Said for Aden. (15)

4 Dec 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden. (16)

7 Dec 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) departed Aden for Colombo. She was escorted out by HMS Gorleston (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.A.E. Leonard, RNZNVR). (16)

18 Dec 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) arrived at Colombo. (16)

27 Dec 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Colombo with HMS Nigella (T/Lt. F.F. Johnson, RANVR), HMS Monkshood (T/Lt. O.R.D. Stephen, SANF(V)), HMIS Rajputana (A/Lt.Cdr. A. Chakraverti, RIN) and HMIS Oudh (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Shackleton, RINVR). (16)

28 Dec 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Colombo with HMIS Rajputana (A/Lt.Cdr. A. Chakraverti, RIN), HMIS Oudh (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Shackleton, RINVR), HMIS Kathiawar (Lt. A.K. Chatterji, RIN) and HMIS Konkan (T/Lt. W. Little, RINVR). (16)

29 Dec 1944
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Colombo with HMIS Rajputana (A/Lt.Cdr. A. Chakraverti, RIN), HMIS Oudh (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Shackleton, RINVR), HMIS Kathiawar (Lt. A.K. Chatterji, RIN) and HMIS Konkan (T/Lt. W. Little, RINVR). (16)

15 Jan 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) departed Colombo for Fremantle, Australia.

For the daily positions of HMS Voracious during the passage from Colombo to Sydney see the map below.

(17)

1 Feb 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) made a short fuel stop at Exmouth Gulf. She continued her passage to Fremantle later the same day. (18)

5 Feb 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) arrived at Fremantle. (18)

10 Feb 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) was put on the slipway at Fremantle. (19)

11 Feb 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) was put back in the water. (19)

14 Feb 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) departed Fremantle for Melbourne. (18)

23 Feb 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) arrived at Melbourne. (18)

27 Feb 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) departed Melbourne for Sydney. (18)

2 Mar 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) arrived at Sydney. (20)

13 Mar 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with HMAS Kybra (T/Lt. R.V.A. Corbett, RANR(S)). (20)

14 Mar 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with HMAS Kybra (T/Lt. R.V.A. Corbett, RANR(S)) and aircraft. (20)

15 Mar 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with HMAS Kybra (T/Lt. R.V.A. Corbett, RANR(S)) and aircraft. (20)

16 Mar 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with HMAS Kybra (T/Lt. R.V.A. Corbett, RANR(S)) and aircraft. (20)

19 Mar 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with HMAS Nizam (A/Lt.Cdr. W.F. Cook, RAN) and HMAS Wollongong (T/Lt. J. Hare, RANR(S)).

HMAS Nizam also conducted gunnery and torpedo firing exercises. (21)

20 Mar 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with HMAS Kybra (T/Lt. R.V.A. Corbett, RANR(S)). (20)

26 Mar 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with HMAS Kybra (T/Lt. R.V.A. Corbett, RANR(S)). (20)

27 Mar 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with aircraft. (20)

3 Apr 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with aircraft. (22)

4 Apr 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with HMAS Bathurst (A/Lt.Cdr. K.O. Stewart, RANR). (22)

5 Apr 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with aircraft. (22)

11 Apr 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with HMAS Kybra (T/Lt. R.V.A. Corbett, RANR(S)) and aircraft. (22)

12 Apr 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with aircraft. (22)

13 Apr 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with aircraft. During these exercises HMS Voracious collided with submerged wreckage after which the exercises were broken off. (22)

17 Apr 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with HMAS Kybra (T/Lt. R.V.A. Corbett, RANR(S)). (22)

18 Apr 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with aircraft. (22)

19 Apr 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with aircraft. (22)

20 Apr 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with HMAS Kybra (T/Lt. R.V.A. Corbett, RANR(S)). (22)

22 Apr 1945
HMS Virtue (Lt. R.D. Cairns, DSC, RN), HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) and HMS Vox (Lt. J.M. Michell, RN) all conducted attack exercises off Sydney during which HMS Newcastle (Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN) served as the target.

Upon completion of the exercises HMS Newcastle departed Sydney for Fremantle. (23)

23 May 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. D.R. Wilson, DSC, RANVR) conducted diving trials off Sydney. (24)

24 May 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. D.R. Wilson, DSC, RANVR) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with HMAS Kybra (T/Lt. R.V.A. Corbett, RANR(S)). (24)

25 May 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. D.R. Wilson, DSC, RANVR) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with HMAS Kybra (T/Lt. R.V.A. Corbett, RANR(S)). (24)

28 May 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. D.R. Wilson, DSC, RANVR) is docked at Sydney. (24)

2 Jun 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. D.R. Wilson, DSC, RANVR) is undocked. (25)

5 Jun 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. D.R. Wilson, DSC, RANVR) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with HMAS Kybra (T/Lt. R.V.A. Corbett, RANR(S)). (25)

6 Jun 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. D.R. Wilson, DSC, RANVR) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with HMAS Kybra (T/Lt. R.V.A. Corbett, RANR(S)). (25)

7 Jun 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. D.R. Wilson, DSC, RANVR) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with HMAS Kybra (T/Lt. R.V.A. Corbett, RANR(S)). (25)

8 Jun 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. D.R. Wilson, DSC, RANVR) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with HMAS Kybra (T/Lt. R.V.A. Corbett, RANR(S)). (25)

15 Jun 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. D.R. Wilson, DSC, RANVR) departed Sydney for Brisbane. She was escorted by HMAS Maryborough (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) M.W. Lancaster, RAN). (25)

17 Jun 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. D.R. Wilson, DSC, RANVR) arrived at Brisbane. (25)

21 Jun 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. D.R. Wilson, DSC, RANVR) conducted A/S exercises off Brisbane with HMAS Maryborough (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) M.W. Lancaster, RAN). (25)

22 Jun 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. D.R. Wilson, DSC, RANVR) conducted A/S exercises off Brisbane with HMS Pheasant (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN) and HMS Derg (Lt.Cdr. N.B.J. Stapleton, RD, RNR). (25)

23 Jun 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. D.R. Wilson, DSC, RANVR) conducted A/S exercises off Brisbane with HMS Odzani (A/Lt.Cdr. J.N. Burgess, RANVR) and HMS Whimbrel (Lt.Cdr. N.R. Murch, RN). (25)

24 Jun 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. D.R. Wilson, DSC, RANVR) conducted A/S exercises off Brisbane with HMAS Maryborough (Lt.Cdr. (Emgy.) M.W. Lancaster, RAN), HMAS Bendigo (Lt. W. Jackson, RANVR), HMAS Kalgoorlie (T/Lt.Cdr. John Smyth McBryde, RANR(S)) and another vessel [unable to read the name in the log of HMS Voracious]. (25)

25 Jun 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. D.R. Wilson, DSC, RANVR) conducted A/S exercises off Brisbane with HMAS Whyalla (T/Lt. G.L.B. Parry, RANVR) and HMAS Bendigo (Lt. W. Jackson, RANVR). (25)

27 Jun 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. D.R. Wilson, DSC, RANVR) departed Brisbane for Sydney. She was escorted by HMAS Lismore (T/Lt. D.S. Thomson, RANR(S)). (25)

29 Jun 1945
HMS Voracious (Lt. D.R. Wilson, DSC, RANVR) arrived at Sydney.

[No logs of this submarine are available after June 1945, therefore no further details of her wartime service can be given. HMS Voracious remained in Australia until early/mid 1946.] (25)

Sources

  1. ADM 173/19433
  2. ADM 173/19432
  3. ADM 173/19434
  4. ADM 173/18922
  5. ADM 173/19125
  6. ADM 173/19435
  7. ADM 173/19296
  8. ADM 173/19393
  9. ADM 173/18718
  10. ADM 199/1816
  11. ADM 173/19436
  12. ADM 173/19437
  13. ADM 173/19438
  14. ADM 173/19439
  15. ADM 173/19440
  16. ADM 173/19441
  17. ADM 173/20338
  18. ADM 173/20339
  19. ADM 199/1919
  20. ADM 173/20340
  21. ADM 173/20340 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Nizam for March 1945
  22. ADM 173/20341
  23. ADM 173/20289
  24. ADM 173/20342
  25. ADM 173/20343

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


Return to the Allied Warships section