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Notable events involving Manxman include:

This page dealing with the wartime history of HMS Manxman was created in April 2024.

This page was last updated in May 2024.

[No logbooks (except one for May 1945) are available for this ship, therefore some details will be missing on this page.]

23 Jun 1941
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed her builders yard for work-up exercises at Scapa Flow. (1)

24 Jun 1941
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow to commence a period of work-up exercises. (1)

10 Jul 1941
Around 1900B/10, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Scapa Flow for the Clyde. (2)

11 Jul 1941
Around 0900B/11, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Greenock from Scapa Flow. (2)

12 Jul 1941

Convoy WS 9C

This convoy was formed at sea and was initially made up of the British merchant vessels / troop transports Avila Star (14443 GRT, built 1927), City of Pretoria (8049 GRT, built 1937), Deucalion (7516 GRT, built 1930), Durham (10893 GRT, built 1934), Leinster (4302 GRT, built 1937), Melbourne Star (11076 GRT, built 1936), Pasteur (30447 GRT, built 1939), Port Chalmers (8535 GRT, built 1933) and Sydney Star (11095 GRT, built 1936).

They were escorted by the battleship HMS Nelson (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN) (12-20 July), cruisers HMS Manchester (Capt. H. Drew, DSC, RN) (12-17 July), HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN), (12-17 July), AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Cdr. E.J. van Holthe, RNN) (12-15 July), cruiser-minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN), (15-16 July), destroyers HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, OBE, DSC, RN) (12 July), HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. J.G.W. Deneys, DSO, RN) (12-15 July), HMS Wanderer (Cdr. A.F.St.G. Orpen, RN) (12-15 July), ORP Garland (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) K.F. Namiesniowski) (12-15 July), HMS Gurkha (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, RN) (12-15 July), HMS Cossack (Capt. E.L. Berthon, DSC and Bar, RN) (12-17 July), HMS Maori (Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) (12-17 July), HMS Sikh (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN) (12-17 July), HMS Lightning (Cdr. R.G. Stewart, RN) (12-17 July), HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN) (12-17 July), HMS Fearless (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) (17-20 July), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSO, DSC, RN) (18-20 July), HMS Foresight (Cdr. J.S.C. Salter, RN) (17-20 July), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, DSC and Bar, RN) (17-20 July), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN) (17-20 July), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN) (17-20 July), escort destroyers HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, RN) (18-20 July), HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN) (18-20 July), HMS Farndale (Cdr. S.H. Carlill, RN) (18-20 July) and sloop HMS Stork (Lt. G.T.S. Gray, DSC, RN) (12-13 July).

The merchant ships from the convoy departed either Avonmouth, Liverpool, the Clyde area and Belfast. The convoy was finally formed up at sea early on the 13th in position 55°40'N, 06°55'W.

The passage of the convoy was uneventful.

HMS Gurkha and ORP Garland left the convoy around 0330B/15 reaching the limit of their endurance. HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck, HMS Vanoc and HMS Wanderer did the same around 1830B/15. Around 2000B/15 HMS Manxman joined the convoy, she parted company at 1900B/16 and set course for Gibraltar. The merchant vessel Avila Star had meanwhile left the convoy at 1000B/16.

At 0700B/17 the 8th Destroyer Flotilla was to join the convoy coming from Gibraltar but due to thick for no contact was made. At 1000B/17 the Pasteur left the convoy for Gibraltar escorted by HMS Manchester, HMS Maori, HMS Lightning and HMAS Nestor. Shortly afterwards the fog lifted and the 8th Destroyer Flottilla was sighted and joined the convoy. At 1200B/17 the Leinster also left the convoy for Gibraltar escorted by HMS Arethusa, HMS Cossack and HMS Sikh.

At 1800B/18 HMS Firedrake joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar.

At 0700B/18 HMS Avon Vale, HMS Eridge and HMS Farndale joined the Pasteur, HMS Manchester, HMS Lightning and HMAS Nestor. HMS Maori then left that group and joined the group that was made up of the Leinster, HMS Arethusa, HMS Cossack and HMS Sikh. HMS Manchester departed the ‘Pasteur group’ at 1000B/19 to join the ‘Leinster group’ which she did at 1500B/19.

The ‘Pasteur group’ arrived at Gibraltar shortly after noon on the 19th and around 0330B/20 the ‘Leinster group’ arrived at Gibraltar. Troops aboard these ships then disembarked.

Around 0200B/20, HMS Edinburgh, HMS Manxman, HMS Lightning, HMAS Nestor, HMS Avon Vale, HMS Eridge and HMS Farndale departed Gibraltar to rendez-vous with the now incoming convoy WS 9C. They joined the convoy shortly before noon, the six F-class destroyers of the 8th Destroyer Flotilla then left to refuel at Gibraltar.

For the continuation of the events see the event for 21 July 1941 on Operation Substance. (3)

13 Jul 1941
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Greenock for Gibraltar. She was to join convoy WS 9C for part of the way.

[See the event ' Convoy WS 9C ' for 12 July 1941 for more info on this convoy.] (1)

19 Jul 1941
Around 0530B/19, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Greenock. (1)

21 Jul 1941

Operation Substance, convoys to and from Malta

Passage through the Straits of Gibraltar of the eastbound convoy and sailing from Gibraltar of the remaining ships involved in the operation.

Around 0130B/21 convoy WS 9C passed the Straits of Gibraltar. The convoy at that moment consisted of six merchant ships; City of Pretoria (8049 GRT, built 1937), Deucalion (7516 GRT, built 1930), Durham (10893 GRT, built 1934), Melbourne Star (11076 GRT, built 1936), Port Chalmers (8535 GRT, built 1933) and Sydney Star (11095 GRT, built 1936).

At the time they passed through the Straits they were escorted by HMS Nelson (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN), HMS Edinburgh (Capt. H.W. Faulkner, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.N. Syfret, RN), HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. R.G. Stewart, RN), HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN), HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, RN), HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN) and HMS Farndale (Cdr. S.H. Carlill, RN).

HMS Manchester (Capt. H. Drew, DSC, RN), HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN), HMS Cossack (Capt. E.L. Berthon, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Sikh (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN) departed Gibraltar around 0200B/21 escorting troopship Leinster (4302 GRT, built 1937) which was to join the convoy. However Leinster grounded while leaving Gibraltar and had to left behind. The small fleet tanker RFA Brown Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941, master D.B.C. Ralph) left Gibraltar around the same time escorted by the destroyer HMS Beverley (Lt.Cdr. J. Grant, RN).

About one hour later, around 0300B/21, HMS Renown (Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Ark Royal (Capt. L.E.H. Maund, RN), HMS Hermione (Capt. G.N. Oliver, RN), HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Fearless (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Foresight (Cdr. J.S.C. Salter, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN) and HMS Duncan (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) departed Gibraltar to give convoy for the convoy during the passage to Malta.

At sea the forces were redistributed;
Force H, the cover force
HMS Renown, HMS Nelson, HMS Ark Royal, HMS Hermione, HMS Faulknor, HMS Foresight, HMS Forester, HMS Fury, HMS Lightning and HMS Duncan.

Force X, the close escort for the convoy
HMS Edinburgh, HMS Manchester, HMS Arethusa, HMS Manxman, HMS Cossack, HMS Maori, HMS Sikh, HMAS Nestor, HMS Fearless, HMS Firedrake, HMS Foxhound, HMS Avon Vale, HMS Eridge and HMS Farndale.

Plan for the operation

Force H was to cover the convoy until it reached the narrows between Sicily and Tunisia. Force X was to escort the convoy all the way to Malta. Ships of Force X also had troops for Malta on board that had been taken to Gibraltar by troopship Pasteur. On 23 July 1941, the day the eastbound convoy would reach ‘the narrows’ five empty transports and two tankers would depart Malta for Gibraltar (Convoy MG 1) The seven empty transports were;
Group 1 (speed 17 knots)
HMS Breconshire (9776 GRT, built 1939),
Talabot (6798 GRT, built 1936),

Group 2 (speed 14 knots)
Thermopylae (6655 GRT, built 1930),
Amerika (10218 GRT, built 1930),

Group 3 (speed 12 knots)
Settler (6202 GRT, built 1939),
Tanker Svenor (7616 GRT, built 1931) and
Tanker Hoegh Hood (9351 GRT, built 1936)
These were escorted by the destroyer HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) which had been repairing and refitting at Malta.

Through intelligence it was known that the Italian Navy had five battleships operational (three of them at Taranto) and about ten cruisers divided between Taranto, Palermo and Messina. The Italian Air Force had about 50 torpedo planes and 150 bombers (30 of which were dive bombers) stationed in Sardinia and Sicily, roughly half of each type on both islands.

The Royal Air Force was able to be of more help than during the previous convoy trip from Gibraltar to Malta last January. Aircraft from Gibraltar conducted A/S patrols for the fleet during the first two days of the passage to the east. Also patrols were flown between Sardinia and the coast of Africa, while aircraft from Malta conducted reconnaissance between Sardinia and Sicily, besides watching the Italian ports. Malta would also provide fighter escort for Force X and the convoy after Force H would part with them and HMS Ark Royal could no longer provide fighter cover for them.

During the operation eight submarines (HMS Olympus (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Dymott, RN), HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN), HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN), HMS Upright (Lt. J.S. Wraith, DSC, RN), HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN), HMS Utmost (Lt.Cdr. R.D. Cayley, DSO, RN), HMS P 32 (Lt. D.A.B. Abdy, RN) and HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN)) were on patrol to report and attack Italian warships that might be sailed to intercept the convoy.

The passage East, 22 July 1941

On 22 July the destroyers from Force X oiled from the Brown Ranger two at a time. A task that took about 10 hours. Having completed the oiling of the destroyers the Brown Ranger and her escort returned to Gibraltar. An Italian aircraft had reported Force H in the morning but the convoy and Force X, at that moment about 100 nautical miles to the south-westward, appeared not to have been sighed. At 2317B/22 the Italian submarine Diaspro missed HMS Renown with torpedoes. HMAS Nestor sighted the torpedo tracks and was able to warn HMS Renown which was then able to avoid the torpedoes by doing an emergency turn to port.

The passage East and attacks by the Italian Air Force, 23 July 1941

Force H rejoined the convoy around 0800B/23 as the British were now approaching the danger area. Shadowing aircraft had already reported the position of the fleet that morning and heavy air attacks soon followed.

The first came at 0945 hours, a well times combination of nine high level bombers and six or seven torpedo planes approaching from the north-east. HMS Ark Royal had eleven fighters up, which met the bombers about 20 miles from the fleet. They managed to down two of the nine bombers but unfortunately three Fulmars were shot down by the enemy. The other seven bombers came on working round the head of the screen of destroyers to attack the convoy from the starboard beam at a height of 10000 feet. Their bombs fell harmlessly amongst the leading ships as they altered course to avoid the attack. The torpedo planes however were more successful. They came from ahead out of the sun, flying low, and as the destroyers opened fire they divided into groups of two or three and to attack the convoy on both sides. Two aircraft attacked HMS Fearless, stationed ahead in the screen, dropping their torpedoes at ranges of 1500 and 800 yards from a height of 70 feet. The destroyer avoided the first torpedo, but was hit by the second, set on fire, and completely disabled. Other aircraft went to press on their attacks on the convoy itself. One of them, dropping its torpedo between two merchant vessels hit HMS Manchester as she was turning to regain her station after avoiding two torpedoes fired earlier. She reversed helm once more but to no avail. During the attacks three enemy torpedo bombers were shot down by AA fire from the ships.

HMS Manchester was badly damaged and could only use one engine out of four. At first she could steam only 8 knots. She was ordered to make for Gibraltar with HMS Avon Vale as escort. That evening, further to the westward, they were attacked again by three enemy torpedo planes but their AA gunfire kept the enemy at a distance. Both ships successfully reached Gibraltar on the 26th.

At 1010B/23 five more bombers tried to attack the convoy crossing this time from north to south. Fighters from HMS Ark Royal forced them to drop their bombs from great height and mostly outside the screen.

At 1645B/23 five more torpedo planes led by a seaplane came in from the northward. Three Fulmars caught them about 20 miles away. They managed to shoot down two planes and drove the remainder away.

Soon afterwards the fleet arrived off the entrance to the Skerki Channel. There HMS Hermione was transferred to Force X to take the place of HMS Manchester. Six destroyers were assigned to Force H and eight to Force X. At 1713 hours Vice-Admiral Somerville hauled round to the westward. HMS Ark Royal kept her Fulmars up until RAF Beaufighters had arrived from Malta to take over.

The convoy was attacked again around 1900B/23. Four torpedo planes arrived from the eastward, flying low and and working round from ahead to the starboard side of the convoy. They approached in pairs in line abreast. They kept HMS Sikh (on the starboard bow of the screen) between them and their target until nearly the moment for attack, thereby hampering the AA fire from the other ships. They dropped their torpedoes from long range from a height of 50 feet and nearly hit HMS Hermione, sternmost ship in the starboard column. To avoid the attack each column of the convoy turned 90° outwards and all warships opened barrage fire from all guns that would bear. The barrage however fell short but it caused the Italians to drop their torpedoes early. Also one of the enemy was possibly shot down.

This attack scattered the convoy and it took some time to reform. At 1945B/23 about seven bombers appeared from ahead at a height of about 14000 feet to attack the convoy from the port side. The convoy altered 40° to port together and the escort opened up a controlled fire with some hesitation as the Italian aircraft looked a lot like Beaufighters. The bombing was extremely accurate. Several bombs fell near HMS Edinburgh which was leading the port column, and a near miss abreast a boiler room disabled HMS Firedrake which had been sweeping ahead of the convoy. She could no longer steam so Rear-Admiral Syfret ordered her back to Gibraltar in tow of HMS Eridge. They had an anxious passage, being shadowed by aircraft continuously during daylight hours, but were not again attacked. On the 25th HMS Firedrake managed to lit one boiler so the tow was slipped. Both destroyers entered Gibraltar harbour on the 27th.

Soon after leaving the Skerki Channel in the evening of the 23th the convoy hauled up to the north-east towards the coast of Sicily. This was to lessen the danger of mines. The Italians did not shadow the convoy after the attack at 1945 hours and missed this alteration of course which they clearly did not expect. Around 2100 hours, as it was getting dark, enemy aircraft were seen searching along its old line of advance. During the evening the convoy sighted flares several times about 20 miles to the south.

Continued passage to the east and enemy attacks, 24 July 1941

Between 0250 and 0315 hours the convoy was however attacked by the Italian MAS boats MAS 532 and MAS 533. The managed to torpedo and damaged the Sydney Star. HMAS Nestor went alongside and took off almost 500 soldiers. Sydney Star was however able to continue her passage as staggler escorted initially by HMAS Nestor. Admiral Syfret however sent back HMS Hermione. At 1000B/24 eight German dive bombers and two high level bombers attacked. Their bombs fell close the escorting ships. HMS Hermione shot down one dive bomber. The three ships arrived at Malta early in the afternoon.

The main body of the convoy meanwhile continued on its way unhindered after the attacks of the motor torpedo boats except for an attempt by three torpedo planes around 0700 hours. They dropped their torpedoes at a safe distance when fired on by the destroyers in the screen ahead. According to the orders Rear-Admiral Syfret was to leave the convoy now, if there was no threat from Italian surface forces, and go on to Malta with the cruisers and some of the destroyers. They were to land the passengers and stores, complete with fuel and return to Force H as soon as possible. The remaining destroyers were to accompany the transports to Malta. They too were to join Force H as soon as possible. Rear-Admiral Syfret felt easy about the surface danger as all Italian ships were reported in harbour the day before, but he was anxious about the threat to the convoy from the air. He decided to go ahead with the cruiser but leave all destroyers with the convoy so at 0745B/24, HMS Edinburgh, HMS Arethusa and HMS Manxman left the convoy and pressed ahead at high speed to Malta where they arrived at noon the same day. The transports and the destroyers arrived about four hours later. They had been attacked only once by a torpedo plane since the cruisers separated.

Return passage of the warships of force X to make rendez-vous with Force H.

In the evening HMS Edinburgh, HMS Arethusa, HMS Hermione and HMS Manxman sailed together followed by five destroyers; HMS Cossack, HMS Maori, HMS Sikh, HMAS Nestor, HMS Foxhound, later the same evening. The destroyers overtook the cruisers in the morning of the 25th. The sixth destroyer, HMS Farndale, had to be left at Malta due to defects (condenser problems). All ships made rendez-vous with Force H to the north-west of Galita Island at 0800B/25.

Movements of Force H after it parted from the convoy.

After parting with the convoy in the evening of the 23rd, Vice-Admiral Somerville had taken force H westward at 18 knots until the afternoon of the 24th going as far west as 03°30’E. He then turned back to meet Admiral Syfret, also sending from HMS Ark Royal six Swordfish aircraft which left her in position 37°42’N, 07°17’E at 1000B/25. After their junction Forces H and X made the best of way towards Gibraltar. Fighter patrols of HMS Ark Royal shot down a shadowing aircraft soon after the fleet had shaped course to the westward, losing a Fulmar in doing so. However another aircraft had meanwhile reported the fleet.

High level bombers appeared from the east and torpedo bombers from the north at 1100 hours. HMS Ark Royal at that moment had four fighters in the air and sent up six more. They prevented the bombing attack shooting down three aircraft out of eight at a cost of two Fulmars, while the ships watched the enemy jettison their bombs 15 miles away. The torpedo attack came to nothing too for the enemy gave up the attempt and retired while still several miles from the fleet. Two days later, on the 27th, the fleet reached Gibraltar.

The movements of the seven empty ships coming from Malta.

Six of the transports / tankers left Malta for Gibraltar in the morning of the 23rd, escorted by HMS Encounter. The seventh ship, tanker Svenor grounded while leaving harbour and was held up for some hours. At dusk, when a few miles from Pantelleria, the six ships devided into pairs according to their speed. HMS Encounter initially escorted the middle pair but joined the leading ships in the evening of the 24th when past the Galita Bank.

Italian aircraft, both high level bombers and torpedo planes, attacked all these ships on the 24th to the southward of Sardinia. They made their first attempt on the second pair of transports and HMS Encounter. Four torpedo planes attacked at 1230B/24 and four bombers at 1250B/24. No ships were hit though the bombs fell close. Next came the turn for the leading pair, which were attacked further westwards by two bombers that came singly at 1330B/24 and 1400B/24. The second plane nearly hit HMS Breconshire. Finally when the third pair of ships reached about the same position in the evening they were attacked by torpedo planes and the Hoegh Hood was damaged but she managed to arrive at Gibraltar only a few hours after her consort on the 27th. The last ship, the one that had been delayed at Malta, arrived on the 28th. (4)

30 Jul 1941

Operation Style.

Ferrying of troops and supplies to Malta and diversery attack on Sardinia.

' Force X ', made up of the light cruisers HMS Hermione (Capt. G.N. Oliver, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN), fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and escorted by the destroyers HMS Sikh (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN) and HMS Lightning (Cdr. R.G. Stewart, RN) departed Gibraltar on the 31 July 1941 carrying the troops and supplies that had been on the troopship Leinster and the light cruiser HMS Manchester which had not reached Malta during Operation Substance.

To cover ' Force X ', ' Force H ' departed Gibraltar around 0600A/30 and it was made up of the battleship HMS Nelson (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, DSO, RN), battlecruiser HMS Renown (Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. L.E.H. Maund, RN). They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. E.L. Berthon, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN), HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Foresight (Cdr. J.S.C. Salter, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN). They were also ordered to create a diversion for the operation.

An then these was also ' Force S ' which was made up of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Brown Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941, master D.B.C. Ralph) escorted by the escort destroyer HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, RN). This force also departed Gibraltar on 30 July 1941.

At 1630B/31, the destroyers HMS Cossack and HMS Maori were detached to bombard the harbours of Alghero and Port Conte on Sardinia and fire star shells for a night raid by aircraft from the aircraft carrier Ark Royal. Also the seaplane base at Porte Conte was to be attacked.

The destroyers at first proceeded as of making for the Straits of Bonifacio altering course after dark.

At 0130B/1, HMS Maori parted company with HMS Cossack and proceeded toward Porte Conte while Cossack went towards Maddalena Island where she switched on her searchlight at 0220B/1 to search the bay and the harbour. Cossack also fired starshell on various bearings from north to south-east and moved right into Alghero Roads. They harbour and roads were completely emptry and no targets could be found. One starshell started a fire in a building about 2 miles north of the town.

Meanwhile Maori had opened fire with starshell at 0210B/1 in the entrance to Port Conte and steamed up the bay at 12 knots. The whole bay was illuminated and seen to be empty. Buildings on the hill to the east of the harbour were illuminated by searchlight and the Customs house and one other official looking building were demolished by gunfire at a range decreasing from 4000 to 2000 yards. A church between these two targets was not fired at. Maori detected a large number of sharp asdic contacts ahead and thinking they might be possibly caused by a line of mines, stopped engines and turned round.

At 0235B/1, Cossack sighted a plane flying up the coast from the south and passing over Alghero. As there were no targets to be engaged and as he considered a sufficient diversion had been caused in the vicinity, Capt. Berthon ordered both destroyers to withdraw which they then did to the south-west. When clear of the 50 fathom line speed was increased to 32 knots and course was shaped to rejoin ' Force H ' after daylight.

At 0310B/1, ' Force H ' alterered course together and HMS Ark Royal flew off 9 Swordfish from position 40°43'N, 06°35'E, for a bombing attack on Alghero airodrome. On completion of flying off the fleet withdrew on course 255° at 20 knots.

The aircraft, which were armed with four 250lb G.P. bombs, 40lb G.P. bombs and 20lb H.E. bombs abd flares were ordered to attack aircraft on the ground and the aerodrome buildings and hangars.

When they attacked two direct hits were observed on the equipment shop where a fire broke out. The eastern and western hangars and the living quarters were also hit and fired were caused in the two latter targets.

As soon as the flares illuminated the aerodrome considerable light AA fire was experienced but no aircraft was hit. No enemy aircraft were observed. A fire was burning in a two storey building just to the north of the town of Alghero which was probably that started by the starshell from HMS Cossack.

All aircraft returned to the carrier. Landing on began at 0621B/1. As the third aircraft landed a 40lb G.P. bomb exploded which had probably hung up on the racks, exploded setting the aircraft on fire, blowing a hole in the deck and killing four officers and three ratings. One rating was wounded. The remaining aircraft now could not be landed before the remains of the burnt aircraft had been hauled aft and the flight deck was repaired. Also the arrestor gear was damaged by the explosion and had to be repaired. Repairs were completed at 0715B/1 after the remaining six aircraft landed on. Course was continued to the westward and HMS Cossack and HMS Maori rejoined at 0800B/1.

At 0812B/1, an Italian aircraft was sighted but the fighters could not intercept as it hid in the low cloud.

Another aircraft was reported to the southward at 0852B/1 but again the fighters failed to make contact. The aircraft was however believed to be a Spanish flying boat.

All aircraft were landed on by noon owing to low visibility and approaching heavy rain.

Attempts to refuel destroyers in the afternoon from Brown Ranger did not succeed owing to the weather and the tanker with its escort were ordered to proceed further to the south. HMS Cossack and HMS Maori went with them as they were the first that had to refuel. They were ordered to try to refuel during the night if possible ad make rendezvous with ' Force H ' at 0630B/2.

At 1807B/1, HMS Renown reported that her port bulge wa coming away and that she would require docking on arrival at Gibraltar and that high speed was undesirable except in an emergency.

Meanwhile ' Force X ' had proceeded to the eastward some 35 nautical miles from the African coast. They streamed paravanes at 0700B/1 and then proceeded at 25 knots increasing to 26 knots at noon. At 2000B/1 speed was increased to 28 knots which was Arethusa's best speed with paravanes streamed.

While ' Force X ' was passing south of Sardinia, ' Force H ' proceeded down the western side of the Balearics to make rendezvous with Brown Ranger the following morning.

At 0025B/2, ' Force X ' intercepted an enemy report which might have emanated from a submarine sighting the force while it passed the Cani Rocks. Cape Bon was passed 1.5 nautical miles abeam to starboard at 0145B/2.

At 0510B/2 the light cruiser Hermione rammed and sank Italian submarine Tembien between Pantelleria and Linosa in position 36°21'N, 12°40'E. The light cruiser sustained only light damage. HMS Lightning was then briefly detached to search the area but soon rejoined having sighted nothing.

' Force X ' arrived safely at Malta at 0900B/2.

Meanwhile ' Force H ', having passed to the westward of the Balearics during the night, made rendezvous with the Brown Ranger at 0630 some 40 nautical miles south-east of Ibiza. HMS Cossack and HMS Avon Vale had topped off with fuel ad HMS Maori who made an unsuccesful attempt before dark was completing with fuel as ' Force H ' approached.

There was a north-westerly wind force 4 and a slight south-west swell. Brown Ranger steamed to and fro south of te islands on courses either directly with or against the prevailing south-westerly swell whilst ' Force H ' cruised within visibility distance changing destroyers as necessary for fuelling. Problems with the gear on board the Brown Ranger caused some delays. All destroyers were however able to refuel and at 1900B/2 Brown Ranger was ordered to return to Gibraltar now escorted by HMS Eridge.

While oiling was tanking place and A/S patrol was kept up over the area while a fighter patrol was kept ready on the deck of HMS Ark Royal.

At 1900B/2, after the last destroyers had just completed fuelling, ' Force H ' altered course to 102° at 18 knots. Speed was increased to 20 knots at 2200B/2 to rendezvous with ' Force X ' about 0830B/3 in position 38°05'N, 07°28'E.

While ' Force H ' had been spending the day south of the Balearics, ' Force X ' was unloading troops and stores and fuelling at Malta. ' Force X ' sailed at 1600B/2 augumented by the escort destroyer HMS Farndale (Cdr. S.H. Carlill, RN) who had completed repairs at Malta. The force proceeded at 24 knots, this being HMS Farndale's best speed. When north of Gozo, HMS Farndale reported that she could not maintain a higher speed than 18 knots. She was then ordered by HMS Hermione to return to Malta.

' Force X ' then increased speed to 26 knots and returned by the same route which they had followed successfully on the eastward passage through Tunisian territorial waters. Owing to loss of paravanes HMS Hermione was stationed astern of the line, which was led by HMS Arethusa.

At 2215B/2, RDF indicated a low flying aircraft 20 miles to the southward and up moon. The aircraft came straight in, unseen, and passing about 1000 feet overhead, opened 8 miles to the northward and faded. It was though the aircraft had failed to sight the force but a little later it returned and appeared to circle ahead.

At 2225B/2 when in position 36°28'N, 12°00'E, the aircraft approached at right angles on HMS Hermione's port beam and dropped one torpedo at a range of 100 yards abreast Hermione's stern. The aircraft was engaged by pom-pom and seen to jink just before dropping it's torpedo which missed well astern. The speed of ' Force X ' was evidently considerably underestimated. The aircraft which did not appear to be hit was held by RDF as far as Pantellaria before it faded. Twenty minutes later a shore station was heard apparently homing an aircraft but no enemy report was intercepted.

At 0027B/3, ' Force X ' was turning to starboard to approach Kelibia a small darkeneded vesel was sighted at about 5000 yards on the port beam. Guns and searchlights were trained on but as the vessel drew into the path of the moon it was identified as a small schooner. The order was passed to 'revert to normal' but Hermione's pom-pom opened fire at about 4000 yards. HMS Manxman and HMS Arethusa both joining in. Cease fire was immediately ordered by W/T. No hits were observed.

' Force X ' proceeded without further incident to rendezvous with ' Force H '. A low layer of misty cloud and reduced visibility probably accounted for the abence of enemy air reconnaissance.

At 0612B/3, HMS Ark Royal, flew off a reconnaissance of three aircraft along tracks 080°, 093° and 106° to a depth of 80 miles to locate ' Force X ' and any enemy forces that might be to the northward and between forces ' X ' and ' H '.

At 0640B/3, HMS Foresight sighted a floating mine and sank it with small arms fire. HMS Foresight was then stationed 3 miles 160° from HMS Nelson to asist in homing in the reconnaissance aircraft.

The first fighter patrol was flown off at 0700B/3. An hour later the reconnaissance aircraft returned reporting ' Force X ' bearing 117°, 33 nautical miles from HMS Nelson. No enemy forces had been sighted. HMS Foresight was then ordered to rejoin the destroyer screen.

at 0835B/3, when ' Force H ' was 75 nautical miles west-north-west of Galita, ' Force X ' was sighted 6 nautical miles to the eastward.

' Force H ' altered course to 270° as ' Force X ' joined and the whole fleet withdrew to the westward at 20 knots. Visibility gradually improved.

At 0927B/3, while the visibility was still low, an enemy aircraft was sighted and one section of fighters was sent to investigate. The enemy only entered the visibility circle to the north-west for a very short period before making off at high speed on a course of 250°. The fighters were not able to intercept the enemy.

At 1006B/3, a shadower was detected by RDF and four fighters in the air were sent to intercept. The enemy was engaged by one of the Fulmars but was able to take cover in the clouds and disappeared to the north-east.

An enemy report was intercepted at 1045B/3 indicating that this aircraft reported the position of the fleet at 1010B/3. No further enemy aircraft were sighted.

Course was altered to 260° at 1515B/3 and speed was reduced to 18 knots as by this time HMS Repulse's port bulge had started to fold back. At 1917B/3 course was altered to 250°.

Low visibility probably persised in the vicinity of Cagliari during the forenoon and early afternoon may have been partly responsible for the enemy's lack of enterprise.

At 0400 when in position 37°22'N, 01°01'E, look-outs in HMS Avon Vale heard shouts and after investigating picked up an RAF sergeant pilot from a rubber dinghy. He was the sole survivor of a Wellington aircraft whichhad force landed on the night of 31 July when en-route from Gibraltar to Malta.

At daylight the fleetwas divided into three groups to facilitate berthing arrangements at Gibraltar. Group one comprising HMS Ark Royal, HMS Hermione, HMS Lightning, HMS Sikh, HMS Encounter and HMS Forester proceeded ahead at 27 knots and entered harbour at 2030B/4.

Group two, comprising HMS Nelson, HMS Arethusa, HMS Manxman, HMS Faulknor, HMS Foresight, HMS Foxhound and HMS Fury proceeded at 20 knots and entered harbour at 2230B/4.

And finally, Group three, comprising HMS Renown, HMS Cossack, HMS Maori, HMAS Nestor and HMS Avon Vale proceeded at 18 knots and entered harbour at midnight. (5)

5 Aug 1941
Around 2230B/5, HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN) and HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Gibraltar for the U.K.

They parted company around 1700B/9. (6)

10 Aug 1941
Around 0825B/10, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Port ZA (Loch Alsh) from Gibraltar. (7)

15 Aug 1941
Around 1830A/15, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) for Milford Haven. While at Port ZA she had been disguised as a French destroyer of the Chacal-class. (7)

16 Aug 1941
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Milford Haven from Port ZA (Loch Alsh). (8)

17 Aug 1941
After having embarked mines, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed from Milford Haven around 1730A/17 for Gibraltar. (8)

21 Aug 1941
Around 2230A/10, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Milford Haven. (8)

21 Aug 1941

Operation Mincemeat.

Air attacks on Sardinia and minelaying in the Gulf of Genoa.

At 2200A/21, ' Force H ', departed Gibraltar and set course to the eastward. It was made up of the battleship HMS Nelson (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN, now flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, DSO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. L.E.H. Maund, RN) and light cruiser HMS Hermione (Capt. G.N. Oliver, RN). They were escorted by the destroyers HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN), HMS Foresight (Cdr. J.S.C. Salter, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN) and HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN).

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Gibraltar at 0210A/22 and also set course to the eastward.

' Force H ' passed 9 miles south of Alboran Island at 0530A/22 and shaped course 080° at 17 knots altering course to 065° at 1400A/22 when 28 miles north of Oran.

An east-north-east wind persisted all day, rising to force 6 by 1800A/22 after which it fell to a light breeze. The visibility throughout the day was approximately 10 miles from 1000 feet and there is no reason to suppose that the force was sighted by enemy aircraft.

Several exercises had been carried out during the day. At 2200A/22, ' Force H ' was in position 37°00'N, 01°32'E, steering 070°.

At 0600A/23, when ' Force H ' was in position 37°48'N, 04°07'E course was altered to 300° to avoid being too far to the eastward before dark.

The first RDF report was at 0810A/23 when the fleet was 80 nautical miles north-north-east of Algiers. An aircraft was detected bearing 020°, 30 miles. It pased from east to west some 25 miles north of the fleet. A section of fighters was then flown off from HMS Ark Royal.

An aircraft was sighted by HMS Ark Royal at 0850A/23 and the fighters were directed on. The shadower, a Cant 506B, was attacked nine times fom astern before all ammunition was expended. The rear gunner was put out of action and one wing was damaged, but the aircraft escaped. Whilst returning to the carrier the fighters reported a second enemy aircraft ten miles to the southward and a relief section of fighters was flown off at 0915A/23 and made contact ten minutes later with another Cant 506B. Seven attacks were carried out before all ammunition was expended. Although some of these attacks were made from close range, the enemy escaped with his rear gunner out of action. It appears that the pilots and engines in these aircraft are now well armoured.

At 1230A/23, ' Force H ' altered course to 055° when in position 38°23'N, 02°45'E. Speed was increased to 18.5 knots to reach the required position for flying off the night striking force.

During the afternoon there were various RDF reports but the aircraft were all considered to be civil machines bound to or from North Africa. At 1722A/23 when in position 38°58'N, 04°17'E an aircraft was sighted low down bearing 300° passing from North to South. The fighters were vectored on and shortly afterwards reported they had shot down a Ju.52 with swastika markings on the tail.

Speed was increased to 19 knots at 2000A/23 and forty minutes later course was altered to 047° to reach the flying off position about 80 miles west of Port Conte.

At 0250A/24, ' Force H ' altered course to 115° into the wind and increased speed to 23 knots. Ten Swordfish were flown off from position 40°50'N, 06°59'E to attack the cork woods in the vicinity of Tempio. Immediately all aircraft had flown off course was altered to 235° and withdrawal was made at 20 knots.

Flying conditions were good and navigation was aided by a clear starlight night and a poor black out at Tempio. Woods to the west and south-east of the town were attacked with incendiaries and many large fires were started. A warehouse on the south-west outskirts of the town was also left well alight. It was unfortunate there was only a slight breeze in the target area or the conflagration might have been considerably assisted. Only light AA fire was encountered. All aircraft returned safely at 0615A/24 and all were landed on at 0645A/24.

At 0735A/24 an unknown aircraft was detected by RDF bearing 170° 32 miles and the fighter patrol was sent in to intercept. On reaching a position 28 miles from the fleet the unknown aircraft turned away and faded from the screen. The fighters were recalled.

At 0920A/24 two signals were intercepted from an aircraft from Malta reporting units of the Italian Fleet about 30 miles south of Cagliari at 0810A/24 steering 240° at 15 knots. The total enemy force at this time was reported as two battleships, four cruisers and nineteen destroyers.

At 1251A/24 a signal was intercepted from HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) reporting one battleship, two cruisers and six destroyers in position 38°30'N, 12°00'E, steering 215° at 25 knots at 1030A/24. This brought the total strenght of the enemy up to three battleships, six cruisers and twenty-five destroyers.

It was clear that ' Force H ' alone could not engage this concentration, but it hoped it might prove possible to launch a torpedo-bomber attack at dusk, provided the enemy were sufficiently far to the westward to reduce to a reasonable extent the chances of the torpedo-bombers being intercepted by enemy shore-based fighters. ' Force H ' steered 235° until 1340A/24, when ' Force H ' was 67 miles south-east of Palma when course was chenged to 170°.

Vice-Admiral Somerville however received no further information on the enemy and at 1420A/24 he broke W/T silence to ask the Vice-Admiral Malta if he could shadow then enemy between 1600A/24 and 2100A/24, providing they were west of Cagliari. At 1520A/24 when in position 38°28'N, 04°05'E, ' Force H ' altered course to 090°.

By 1600A/24 there was still no information on the enemy's whereabouts. As it was thought possible that the enemy was within 40 to 50 miles of ' Force H ' if he had continued a westerly course at high speed, ' Force H ' turned to the westward flying off an air reconnaissance from position 38°25'N, 04°14'E to search to a depth of 110 miles.

At 1705A/24 te RDF detected a hadower approaching from the eastward and the fighters were vectored on. Contact was made at 1720A/24 and the shadower, although engaged until all ammunition was expended after sixteen attacks, escaped with his rear gunner silenced. Some fourty minutes later an enemy report was intercepted from an Italian aircraft.

The reconnaissance, which had sighted nothing, was landed on at 1945A/24 when course was altered to 230° and speed reduced to 17 knots.

At 2012A/24 a signal was received from the Vice-Admiral, Malta stating the air reconnaisance had sighted two battleships and fourteen destroyers in position 38°38'N, 09°31'E, steering 140°, speed 15 knots at 1655A/24, and four cruisers and five destroyers in position 38°35'N, 09°25'E at 1700A/24 steering 070° at 15 knots. The signal added that ethe enemy were not being shadowed. This report indicated that an attack on the enemy was not feasable and it was clearly his intention to refuse action except under close cover of his shore-based air forces.

At 2230A/24, ' Force H ' altered course to pass between Ibiza and Majorca during the night.

At 0330A/25, course was altered to 290° to steer for Valencia, where it was intended ' Force H ' should make a demonstration with a large number of aircraft in the air. Paravanes were streamed at 0645A/25 before entering coastal waters.

At 0930A/25, HMS Ark Royal started flying off aircraft and ' Force H ' steamed down the coast from Sugunto to Valencia seven miles off shore. Fourteen Fulmars and seventeen Swordfish circling overhead. During this demonstration a Spanish submarine surfaced about four miles on the port bow and displayed two large Spanish ensigns. Several small craft were passed at close quarters.

All aircraft were landed on by 1200A/25 and the force proceeded to the southward at 17 knots. Various exercises were carried out during the afternoon and evening. One Swordfish, taking part in a navigation exercise, force landed due to oil-failure. HMS Hermione was despatched ahead at full speed and recovered the crew uninjured.

After dark a night-encounter exercise was carried out with HMS Hermione, star-shell and searchlights being used.

Various practices were carried out. Including an attack by aircraft during which nine torpedoes were dropped.

' Force H ' retuned to Gibraltar at 1430A/26.

Movements of HMS Manxman.

HMS Manxman passed between the Balearic Islands and the Spanish coast during the night of 22/23 August. At sunrise she was about 40 nautical miles to the north of Majorca and course was then set for Toulon with the French colours and pendant hoisted and the crew in similar disguise. Visibility was extreme as the ship made her way northwards. A flying boat, though to be a Donier, passed eight miles on her port beam without showing any interest.

By 1535A/23, the hills behind Toulon were in sight and course was altered to 090°. Three hours later course was altered towards Ajaccio to further emphasise her ' French ' character during the last hours of daylight. At 1845A/23, she entered a thick fog bank which cleared after about 15 minutes but from then on visibility was no longer extreme.

At 2015A/23, the mountain tops of Corsica were sighted at a distance of 60 miles and an hour later, after the sun had set the French coulours were replaced by the White Ensign. Also the French uniforms were discarded, the false bow dismantled and paravanes streamed. Speed was then increased to 30 knots and course set to pass close north of Corsica and then onwards to the laying area.

The minelay commenced at 0208A/24, and was completed, without a hitch by 0338A/24. A total of 140 mines and 16 obstructors were laid in four paralllel lines on a heading of 070° - 250°, within a rectangle contained by lines joining positions;
A) 43°13'N, 10°12'E.
B) 43°17'N, 10°12'E.
C) 43°19'N, 10°19'E.
D) 43°16'N, 10°21'E.

On completion of the minelay HMS Manxman retired on a course of 276° to pass six nautical miles to the south of Gorgona Island and so to obtain a final check on the position of the lay. As it was suspected hydrophones would be present at the island speed was reduced to 10 knots which also allowed the paravanes to be recovered and to refit the false bow. At 0414A/24, course was set to the westward at 37 knots in a race to get clear of the Gulf of Genoa before sunrise.

At 0648A/24, the full disguise was again assumed and speed reduced to 33 knots so as to ensure that no smoke was made. Having covered a further 150 miles to the west by 1100A/24 course was altered more to the southwards and speed reduced to 20 knots.

The Commanding Officer had decided to keep closer to the Spanish coast then on the outward passage and this turned out to be a wise move when shortly afterwards a warship was sighted hull down to the south-east on a north-easterly course. This was thought to be a Vichy French warship on passage from North Africa to Toulon.

During the night of 24/25 August, HMS Manxman passed to the west of the Balearic Islands and at 1200A/25 she assumed her own nationality. She arrived at Gibraltar around 2300A/25 and after fuelling left for the U.K. to be clear of land by daylight on the 26th.

The minefield was discovered by the Italians on 26 August 1941 after 22 mines had been sighted on the surface. The whole field was swept but the Italian auxiliary minesweeper G 28 / Carmelo Noli (109 GRT, built 1929) set off a magnetic mine and sank around 1330B on 21 September 1941. (9)

30 Aug 1941
Around 0630A/30, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Port ZA (Loch Alsh) from Gibraltar. (7)

2 Sep 1941
Around 1910A/2, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) for Scapa Flow where she arrived early the following day. (7)

2 Sep 1941

Minelaying operation EH.

Minelaying operation off Stadtlandet, Norway.

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Port Z.A. (Loch Alsh) at 1910A/2 for Scapa flow where she arrived around 0245A/3.

She departed for the operation around 0945A/3 together with the light cruiser HMS Kenya (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.M. Burrough, CB, RN) and the destroyer HMS Lightning (Cdr. R.G. Stewart, RN).

The force passed to the west of the Orkneys and Shetlands at a speed of 24 knots until reaching position ' B ' (62°30'N, 00°30'E) at 2200A/3. HMS Manxman was then detached to proceed ahead to the laying position at 35 knots. HMS Kenya and HMS Lightning following at 28 knots.

Rendezvous was set for 0600A/4 in position ' B '.

Due to the weather conditions HMS Manxman had difficulty fixing her position.

Minelaying started at 0217A. A total of 155 mines were laid in three groups as follows:

Group 1; From position 62°18'30"N, 05°06'48"E, 124 mines along a doglegged line extending for 2.2 nautical miles in a direction 175°, then through an arc to a direction 305° and continuing for 2.6 nautical miles.

Group 2; 16 miles along a line extending for 0.4 nautical miles in a direction 305° from position 62°18'36"N, 04°58'40"E.

Group 3; 15 miles along a line exerending for 0.4 nautical miles in a direction 215° from position 62°18'40"N, 04°55'24"E.

All mines were fitted with flooders set to operate on 18 September 1941, and laid at a depth of eight feet.

On completion of the lay HMS Manxman withdrew to the north-westward at high speed, cutting an enemy mine in her paravenes in approximate position 62°32'N, 04°00'E. At dawn the wind veered suddenly and the resulting cross sea caused her to reduce speed to 15 knots. Consequently she did not reach the rendezvous until 1545A/4.

The force then returned to Scapa Flow arriving at 0030A/5.

HMS Manxman arrived back at Port Z.A. (Loch Alsh) at 1920A/5. (10)

9 Sep 1941
Around 0615A/9, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) for Scapa Flow where she arrived later the same day. On board was the Rear Admiral Minelaying, Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, OBE, RN, which was to visit the C-in-C, Home Fleet, A/Adm. J.C. Tovey, KCB, DSO, RN. (7)

10 Sep 1941
Around 1535A/10, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN, with the Rear Admiral Minelaying, Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, OBE, RN on board) arrived at Port ZA (Loch Alsh) from Scapa Flow. (7)

15 Sep 1941
Around 1305A/15, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) for Milford Haven. (7)

17 Sep 1941
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Milford Haven from Port ZA (Loch Alsh). After embarking mines she departed for Plymouth later the same day where she also arrived later on this day before departing on a minelaying operation. (11)

17 Sep 1941

Minelaying operation HF.

Minelaying operation off Brittany, France.

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Plymouth around 2015A/17.

Between 0042A/18 and 0209A/18 a total of 157 mines were laid in groups within an area enclosed by parallels 49°02'N, 48°57'N and meridians 03°08'W, 03°20'W. 74 of the mines were fitted with delayed release sinkers set to operate in groups of 28 September, 3, 8 and 13 October. Sprockets were fitted to 19 units and grapnels to a further 19. Flooders were set to operate on 28 October 1941.

On completion of the minelay, HMS Manxman proceeded to Portsmouth arriving A.M. on the 18th. (8)

19 Sep 1941

Minelaying operation JT.

Minelaying operation off Le Havre, France.

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Portsmouth around 1900A/19.

At 0012A/20, she commenced laying a minefield of 156 mines in groups within an area enclosed by parallels 49°33'N, 49°37'N and meridians 00°01'E, 00°03'W. Delayed release sinkers were fitted to 80 of the mines set to operate in groups of 20 on 30th September, 5th, 10th and 15th October. 16 Of the remainder were fitted with sprockets and 16 with grapnels. All mines were laid at a depth of 8 feet and set to flood on 30 October 1941.

On completion of the minelay HMS Manxman returned to Portsmouth at 35 knots. (8)

21 Sep 1941

Minelaying operation JU.

Minelaying operation off Dieppe, France.

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Portsmouth around 1745A/21.

At 2226A/21, she commenced laying a minefield of 156 mines in groups within an area enclosed by parallels 50°00'N, 50°07'N and meridians 01°01'E, 00°50'E. Delayed release sinkers were fitted to 80 of the mines set to operate in groups of 20 on 1st, 6th, 11th and 16th October. 16 Of the remainder were fitted with sprockets and 16 with grapnels. All mines were laid at a depth of 8 feet and set to flood on 1 November 1941.

On completion of the lay HMS Manxman set course for Port ZA (Loch Alsh) via Milford Haven. (8)

22 Sep 1941
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Milford Haven from a minelay off Dieppe (Operation JU). After embarking mines she departed for Port ZA (Loch Alsh) later the same day. (1)

23 Sep 1941
Around 1853A/23, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Port ZA (Loch Alsh) from Milford Haven. (7)

27 Sep 1941

Minelaying operation SN 16A.

Minelaying operation for the laying of a minefield off Aberdeen.

The fast minelayers HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) around 1945A/27.

During daylight on the 28th, a total of 314 mines were laid at a depth of 10 feet along a line joining positions;
A) 57°12.54'N, 00°57.12'W.
B) 57°06.36'N, 01°05.02'W.

The minelayers returned to Port ZA around 0017A/29. (7)

2 Oct 1941

Minelaying operation SN 16B.

Minelaying operation for the laying of a minefield off the east coast of the U.K.

The fast minelayers HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) around 1935A/2.

During daylight on the 3rd, a total of 313 mines were laid at a depth of 10 feet along a line joining positions;
A) 57°22.36'N, 00°49.42'W.
B) 57°16.00'N, 00°57.30'W.

The minelayers returned to Port ZA around 2228A/3. (7)

8 Oct 1941

Minelaying operation SN 16C.

Minelaying operation for the laying of a minefield off the east coast of the U.K.

The fast minelayers HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) around 1904A/8.

During daylight on the 9th, a total of 314 mines were laid at a depth of 10 feet along a line joining positions;
A) 57°32.42'N, 00°41.42'W.
B) 57°26.06'N, 00°50.24'W.

The minelayers returned to Port ZA around 0120A/10. (7)

12 Oct 1941
Around 1135A/12, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) for Milford Haven where they arrived at following day to embark mines. (7)

14 Oct 1941
Having embarked mines HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) proceeded from Milford Haven (departed 1400A/14) to Plymouth. (12)

21 Oct 1941

Minelaying operation HG.

Minelaying operation off Lorient, France.

The fast minelayers HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) departed Plymouth around 1330A/21. The operation had already been postponed twice due to unsuitable weather conditions.

Minelaying began around 2300A/21 and a total of 314 mines were laid in groups within an area enclosed by lines joining positions;
A) 47°40'N, 03°40'W.
B) 47°20'N, 03°35'W.
C) 47°32'N, 04°05'W.

Mines were laid at a depth of 6 feet and flooders were set to operate on 1 December 1941. The delayed release sinkers were arranged to operate in groups in intervals.

On completion of the minelay, HMS Manxman and HMS Welshman returned to Plymouth arriving around 1000A/22. (8)

23 Oct 1941
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) proceeded from Plymouth to Portsmouth where they arrived around 0720A/23. (13)

25 Oct 1941

Minelaying operations JX A and JX B.

Minelaying operations off Northern France (near Dieppe) .

After a delay of one day due to unsuitable weather conditions, the fast minelayers HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) departed Portsmouth around 1700A/25. They parted company of the Nap to lay their respective minefields as follows;

Minelaying operation JX A.

This minefield of 156 mines was laid by HMS Welshman near Saint-Valery-en-Caux. The mines were laid along a line joining positions;
A) 49°57.7'N, 00°30.5'E.
B) 49°53.4'N, 00°35.3'E.
C) 49°56.3'N, 00°39.4'E.

Delayed release sinkers were to the mines and set to operate in groups on 3rd, 8th, 13th, 18th and 23rd November. Sprockets and grapnels were fitted to one mine in five. All mines were laid at a depth of 6 feet and flooders were set to operate on 4 December 1941.

On completion of the minelay HMS Welshman proceeded to Plymouth where she arrived around 0838A/26.

Minelaying operation JX B.

This minefield of 156 mines was laid by HMS Manxman near Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. The mines were laid within an area bounded by line joining positions;
A) 50°18'N, 01°11'E.
B) 50°15'N, 01°18'E.
C) 50°10'N, 01°11'E.
D) 50°13'N, 01°05'E.

Delayed release sinkers were fitted to 52 mines and set to operate in groups of 13 on 4th, 9th, 14th and 19th November. Sprockets and grapnels were fitted 20 mines each. All mines were laid at a depth of 6 feet and flooders were set to operate on 4 December 1941.

On completion of the minelay HMS Manxman proceeded to Portsmouth where she arrived around 0830A/26. At Portsmouth she was then taken in hand for some minor engine repairs. (14)

31 Oct 1941
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Portsmouth for Port ZA (Loch Alsh. (1)

1 Nov 1941
Around 1730A/1, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Port ZA (Loch Alsh from Portsmouth. (7)

4 Nov 1941
Having embarked mines HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) around 2310A/4 for Scapa Flow. (7)

5 Nov 1941
Around 0800A/5, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Port ZA (Loch Alsh). At Scapa they were on short notice to lay mines in Norwegian waters in case German large naval units were on the move. (2)

8 Nov 1941
HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. G. Quint, RNN(R)) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) and HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN). (15)

21 Nov 1941
Around 1700A/21, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Port ZA (Loch Alsh). (2)

22 Nov 1941
Around 0915A/22, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Port ZA (Loch Alsh) from Scapa Flow. At Port ZA she commenced boiler cleaning. (7)

3 Dec 1941
Around 0930A/3, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1700A/3. (2)

9 Dec 1941
Around 0045A/9, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Milford Haven. (2)

10 Dec 1941
Around 1225A/10, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Milford Haven from Scapa Flow. (16)

12 Dec 1941
Around 1400A/12, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Milford Haven for Gibraltar. On board were urgently required stores and personnel. (12)

16 Dec 1941
Around 0200A/16, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Milford Haven. (5)

17 Dec 1941
Around 1615A/17, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Gibraltar for Milford Haven. (5)

20 Dec 1941
Around 1010A/20, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrivd at Milford Haven from Gibraltar. (5)

22 Dec 1941

Minelaying operation HJ 3.

Minelaying operation off Brest, France.

The fast minelayers HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) departed Milford Haven around 1135A/22.

They passed Wolf Rock at 1827A/22 and course was set to the initial position at 25 knots in ideal conditions.

Minelaying began at 0040A/23 and was compeleted at 0121A/23. A total of 316 mines were laid along a line extending for 8.9 nautical miles in a direction of 165° from position 47°24'N, 05°42.9'W, thence for 0.9 miles in a direction of 140° and thence for 0.2 miles in a direction of 090°.

All mines were set of six feet with flooders to operate on 1 February 1942. Sprockets and grapnels were fitted to one mine in five.

Both minelayers experienced delays during the minelay caused by bad drill and this resulted in the last 20 mines being laid in waters over 100 feet deep.

On completion of the minelay HMS Welshman returned to Milford Haven where she arrived around 1340A/23.

HMS Manxman proceeded to Liverpool where she was taken in hand repairs and also for half yearly docking by the Harland and Wolff shipyard. She arrived at Liverpool around 1420A/24. (12)

29 Jan 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Liverpool for Port ZA (Loch Alsh). (17)

30 Jan 1942
Around 0945A/30, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Port ZA (Loch Alsh) from Liverpool. (17)

1 Feb 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) for Milford Haven. (1)

2 Feb 1942
Around 1720A/2, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived a Milford Haven from Port ZA (Loch Alsh). (18)

3 Feb 1942

Minelaying operation HJ 4.

Minelaying operation off Lorient, France.

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Milford Haven for this operation around 1130A/3.

The sky was overcast but during the lay bright moonlight flooded the scene but the minelay is not thought to have been detected by the enemy.

A total of 156 mines were laid on a broad zig-zag within a rectangle contained by lines joining positions;
A) 47°29.2'N, 03°53.5'W.
B) 47°34.0'N, 03°49.0'W.
C) 47°28.0'N, 03°37.0'W.
D) 47°23.7'N, 03°41.8'W.

Mines were set to a depth of six feet with flooders set to operate on 16 March 1942. Sprocket and grapnels were fitted to one mine in five.

On completion of the minelay HMS Manxman returned to Milford Haven where she arrived around 1352A/4. (19)

5 Feb 1942

Minelaying operation HL 1.

Minelaying operation off Ile Vierge, France.

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Milford Haven for this operation around 1400A/5.

A total of 156 mines were laid in a continuous zig-zag within an area bounded by lines joining positions; A) 48°47.3'N, 04°25'W.
B) 48°47.3'N, 04°22'W.
C) 48°43.7'N, 04°22'W.
D) 48°43.7'N, 04°25'W.

All mines were set to a depth of eight feet, with flooders set to operate on 17 March 1942. Sprockets and grapnels were fitted to one mine in five. 67 Mines were fitted with delay release sinkers arranged in groups each day from 6th-15th February.

HMS Manxman arrived back at Milford Haven at 0937A/6. (19)

7 Feb 1942

Minelaying operation HL 2.

Minelaying operation off Ile de Batz, France.

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Milford Haven for this operation around 1315A/7.

A total of 156 mines were laid on an zig-zag line within an area bounded by lines joining positions;
A) 48°53.0'N, 04°02.7'W.
B) 48°54.0'N, 03°58.0'W.
C) 48°50.0'N, 03°55.5'W.
D) 48°49.0'N, 03°59.5'W.

All mines were set to a depth of six feet, with flooders set to operate on 20 March 1942. Sprockets and grapnels were fitted to one mine in five. Delayed release was arranged for a group each day from 9th-18th February.

HMS Manxman arrived back at Milford Haven at 0839A/8. (19)

10 Feb 1942

Minelaying operation HJ 5.

Minelaying operation in the Bay of Biscay.

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Milford Haven for this operation around 1353A/10.

While passing through the St. George's Channel fire was opened on German aircraft which were attacking a convoy.

HMS Manxman proceeded to the position of the lay at 28 knots in perfect weather.

Minelaying started at 0214A/11. A total of 156 mines were laid along a zig-zag line within an area bounded by the parallels 47°22'N, 47°16.5'N and meridians 05°45.5'W, 05°32'W.

Mines were set to a depth of six feet with flooders set to operate on 23 March 1942. Sprockets and grapnels were fitted to one mine in three.

On completion of the minelay HMS Manxman returned to Milford Haven where she arrived around 1331A/11. (19)

14 Feb 1942

Minelaying operation HJ 7.

Minelaying operation in the Bay of Biscay.

The fast minelayers HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) and HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) departed Milford Haven for this operation around 1351A/14.

They passed Wolf Rock at 2005A/14 and then proceeded at 28 knots to the laying area. The C-in-C Plymouth warned them of a homeward bound enemy submarine near position 48°00'N, 08°00'W but nothing was seen though (C-in-C Plymouth's signal timed 1944A/14). This signal most likely referred to U-86 which arrived at Brest around 1300B/15.

The lay was carried out in good weather conditions between 0102A/15 and 0126A/15. HMS Manxman was stationed four cables astern on the port beam of HMS Welshman. A total of 314 mines were laid in two lines in a direction of 207° within a rectangle enclosed by lines joining positions;
A) 47°46.3'N, 07°03.1'W.
B) 47°45.5'N, 07°00.4'W.
C) 47°36.6'N, 07°05.6'W.
D) 47°37.4'N, 07°07.3'W.

Mines were set to a depth of six feet with flooders set to operate on 27 March 1942. Sprockets and grapnels were fitted to one mine in three. Delayed release was arranged for 40 mines on 15 February.

On completion of the minelay HMS Manxman and HMS Welshman returned to Milford Haven where they arrived around 1301A/15. (19)

17 Feb 1942

Minelaying operation HJ 8.

Minelaying operation in the Bay of Biscay.

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Milford Haven for this operation around 1330A/17.

In the early hours of the 18th, in ideal weather conditions, HMS Manxman laid a total of 156 mines along a zig-zag line within a rectangle bounded by lines joining positions;
A) 47.54'N, 07.06'W.
B) 47.56'N, 07.14'W.
C) 48.06'N, 07.06'W.
D) 48.04'N, 06.58'W.

Mines were set to a depth of six feet with flooders set to operate on 30 March 1942. Sprockets and grapnels were fitted to one mine in three.

On completion of the minelay HMS Manxman returned to Milford Haven where she arrived around 1110A/18. (19)

19 Feb 1942
After having loaded mines, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) proceeded from Milford Haven to Plymouth. (8)

20 Feb 1942

Minelaying operation HJ 9.

Minelaying operation in the Bay of Biscay.

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Plymouth for this operation around 1930A/20.

In the early hours of the 21st HMS Manxman laid a total of 156 mines along a zig-zag line within a rectangle bounded by lines joining positions;
A) 47.38'N, 06.48'W.
B) 47.49'N, 06.40'W.
C) 47.47'N, 06.32'W.
D) 47.36'N, 06.40'W.

Mines were set to a depth of six feet with flooders set to operate on 2 April 1942. Sprockets and grapnels were fitted to one mine in three.

On completion of the minelay HMS Manxman set course for Port ZA (Loch Alsh) where she arrived on 22 February 1942. (20)

6 Mar 1942

Minelaying operation SN 18A.

Minelaying operation for the laying of a minefield off the east coast of the U.K.

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) around 1000A/6.

Commencing around 0300A/7, a total of 158 mines were laid in a line extending for 4.2 nautical miles bearing 180° from position 56°36.7'N, 01°33.1'W. Depth of the mines was set at 10 feet.

HMS Manxman arrived at Rosyth AM on the 7th. (21)

8 Mar 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Rosyth for Port ZA (Loch Alsh). (1)

9 Mar 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Port ZA (Loch Alsh) from Rosyth.

After embarking mines she proceeded to Scapa Flow later the same day. At Scapa Flow she was kept ready at short notice for possible minelaying operations off Norway if required when German heavy units were on the move. (1)

26 Mar 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Port ZA (Loch Alsh). (22)

27 Mar 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Port ZA (Loch Alsh) from Scapa Flow. (22)

30 Mar 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) proceeded from Port ZA (Loch Alsh) to Tobermory for A/S training.

[No further details available on the A/S exercises other then currently displayed.] (22)

1 Apr 1942
HMS H 44 (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN). (23)

6 Apr 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) proceeded from Tobermory to Port ZA (Loch Alsh). (17)

9 Apr 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) for Plymouth. (1)

10 Apr 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Plymouth from Port ZA (Loch Alsh). (1)

18 Apr 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Plymouth for Gibraltar.

HMS Manxman is to proceed to the East Indies Station. (1)

21 Apr 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Plymouth. (1)

22 Apr 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Gibraltar for Freetown. (1)

27 Apr 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Freetown from Gibraltar. (1)

28 Apr 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Freetown for Takoradi. (1)

29 Apr 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Takoradi from Freetown. (1)

30 Apr 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Takoradi for Simonstown. (1)

7 May 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Simonstown from Takoradi. (1)

8 May 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Simonstown for Durban. (1)

9 May 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Durban from Simonstown. (1)

10 May 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) departed Durban to join 'Force F' off Madagascar. (24)

13 May 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Diego Suarez from Durban. She departed for Kilindini / Mombasa later the same day. (25)

15 May 1942
Around 1700C/15, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa from Diego Suarez. (26)

25 May 1942
Around 1000C/25, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Port Victoria, Seychelles. (27)

27 May 1942
Around 1000C/25, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles from Kilindini / Mombasa. (1)

28 May 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Port Victoria, Seychelles for Colombo. (1)

1 Jun 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Colombo from Port Victoria, Seychelles. (1)

7 Jun 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Colombo for Bombay. (1)

9 Jun 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Bombay from Colombo. (1)

17 Jun 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Bombay for Colombo. (1)

19 Jun 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Colombo from Bombay. (1)

20 Jun 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. (1)

21 Jun 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Trincomalee from Colombo. (1)

23 Jun 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Trincomalee for Addu Atoll. (1)

26 Jun 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Addu Atoll from Trincomalee. (1)

4 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Addu Atoll for Trincomalee. (1)

6 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Trincomalee from Addu Atoll. (1)

8 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Trincomalee for Calcutta. (1)

11 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Calcutta from Trincomalee. (1)

14 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Calcutta for Visakhapatnam. (1)

16 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Visakhapatnam from Calcutta. (1)

18 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Visakhapatnam for Madras. (1)

19 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Madras from Visakhapatnam. (28)

21 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Madras for Colombo. (28)

22 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Colombo from Madras. (28)

29 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Colombo for Madras. (28)

30 Jul 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Madras from Colombo. (28)

30 Jul 1942

Operation Stab.

Diversionary operation in the Bay of Bengal.

The object of this diversionary operation in which landings on the Andaman Islands simulated was to distract Japanese naval forces in conjunction with American operations in the Solomons.

To simulate landing forces three convoys were to leave India and Ceylon. These were;
' Force V ', sailing from Vizagapatam.
Tansports Blackheath (British, 4637 GRT, built 1936), Cranfield (British, 5332 GRT, built 1919) and Mahout (British, 7921 GRT, built 1925). These ships were escorted by the sloop HMIS Jumna (Cdr. J.E.N. Coope, RIN, Senior Officer) and the destroyer HMS Scout (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN).

' Force M ', sailing from Madras
Transports Clan McIver (British, 4606 GRT, built 1921), Custodian (British, 5881 GRT, built 1928), Hoperange (British, 5177 GRT, built 1939), Tasmania (British, 6405 GRT, built 1935) and Yuen Sang (British, 3229 GRT, built 1923). These ships were escorted by the fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN, Senior Officer), corvette HMS Aster (Lt. W.L. Smith, RNR) and patrol vessel HMIS Sonavati (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.F. Smith, RINR).

' Force T ', sailing from Trincomalee
Transport (RAF Tender) Shengking (British, 2999 GRT, built 1931) and the tankers Marit Maersk (Danish, 1894 GRT, built 1938), Appleleaf (Royal Fleet Auxiliary, 5892 GRT, built 1917) and Broomdale (Royal Fleet Auxiliary, 8334 GRT, built 1937). These ships were escorted by the sloop HMIS Hindustan (A/Cdr. I.B.W Heanly, RIN, Senior Officer) and the corvette HMS Marguerite (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Blundell, RNR).

These forces were to proceed at best speed and reverse their course after dark at 1700Z/1 and return to their ports at best speed to arrive there before dusk on 2 August 1942.

' Force A ' of the Eastern Fleet was to sail from Colombo at 0400Z/31 so as to be eastward of Trincomalee by the time ' Force T ' was due to sail on the 1st August. Thereafter, ' Force A ' was to cover ' Force T ' from the eastward during the 1st and 2nd August. Subsequent movements of ' Force A ' were to depend on the situation, the force finally returning to Colombo about the 4th August.

During the night of 1/2 August, whilst forces are at sea, a wireless diversion (called Operation Spark) was to be carried out to simulate the following events.
1.) An imaginary collision was to occur in ' Force M '.
2.) One of the damaged ships was to make a plain language W/T signal reporting she had been in collision and is unable to proceed on the operation. One of the escort was to order her to keep silence and later to report to the Commander-in-Chief that ' Force M ' was unable to proceed. The Commander-in-Chief was then to postpone the operation and order all forces to return to their ports.
3.) Shore Wireless Stations were to carry out their normal W/T procedure.

Catalina Patrols were to be established well to the eastward to cover the three convoys during the short period they were at sea and ' Force A ' whilst operating in the Bay of Bengal.

At 2200F/30, the Commander-in-Chief received the following enemy report from the Dutch submarine HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNethN) which was on patrol in the Malacca Straits: ' Two cruisers of the Takao-class and four destroyers in position 05°32'N, 98°50'E. Course 340°. Speed 14 knots. Torpedoes missed. Time of Origin of the signal of HrMs O 23 was 2352Z/28.

It seemed unlikely that the enemy cruiser force, moving northwards close to the Thailand coast, was a sign of enemy reaction to the 'planted' rumours in India that seaborne forces wear being prepared to attack the Andaman Island. A more probable reason to account for this movement was a possible raid on shipping in the northern part of the Bay of Bengal or a visit to Rangoon to coincide with the establishment of the new Burmese puppet government.

HrMs O 23 was due to leave patrol in the Malacca Straits on the 31st July and return to Colombo. In view of the enemy forces reported previously by her and the forthcoming Operation Stab, she was ordered to remain on patrol until 3rd August.

Forces ' T ' and ' M ' were provided with air cover (this was not possible for ' Force V '), both by the long range reconnaissance Catalina patrols and local fighter escort, and in addition would have Force A covering them to the eastward, but ' Force V ' would be without air cover and too far away to be covered by ' Force A '. The Commander-in-Chief therefore decided to cancel the sailing of ' Force V ', but that all preparations for its departure were to continue.

In view of the enemy cruisers reported in the Malacca Straits on 29th July, The Commander-in-Chief decided to proceed with ' Force A ' from Colombo in the afternoon of 30 July. This would enable operation Stab to be carried out on the prearranged date and also admit of intercepting the Japanese force should it venture to the southern part of the Bay of Bengal.

' Force A ', comprising the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Illustrious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D.W. Boyd, CBE, DSC, RN), HMS Formidable (Rear-Admiral A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), light cruisers HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN), AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Cdr. E.J. van Holte, RNethN) and the destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr M.J. Clark, DSC, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN) sailed from Colombo at 1700F/30.

Course was shaped to keep out of sight of land and to be in a position 35 miles to eastward of Trincomalee by 1000F/1.

Two air searches were sent out from ' Force A ' on 31st July. The first at 0800F to cover the section 050° to 080° ahead of the fleet to a depth of 150 miles; and the second at 1500F to search the sector 000° to 110° to a depth of 160 miles. Nothing was seen in either search.

Since no further information of the enemy cruiser force had been received, the Commander-in-Chief decided at 1100F/31 to postpone the sailing of ' Force M ' until 4 hours later and ordered a Catalina patrol to the north eastward of this force whilst at sea so as to give warning of approach of any possible enemy forces.

' Force T ' sailed from Trincomalee at the prearranged time, 0900F/1. At that time ' Force A ' was 40 miles north-east of Trincomalee, course south-west. At 1000F/1 course was altered to north-east, parallel to that of ' Force T ', and throughout the day, ' Force A ' maintained a covering position to the north-east of ' Force T '.An air reconnaissance was flown off at 0830F/1 to cover the section 340° to 000° to 130° to a depth of 150 nautical miles. This search saw nothing.

At 1040F/1, when ' Force A ' was in position 09°00'N, 21°42'E, 40 nautical miles north-east of Trincomalee, course northeast, an RDF contact was obtained on an aircraft bearing 100° range 73 miles. This was at first through to be one of the reconnaissance aircraft returning, but the absence of IFF indication being the unfortunately the rule rather than the exception. This aircraft was tracked around the fleet and passed astern at 1130F/1 on a bearing 220°, range 24 miles thence proceeded to the north-westward and finally faded on bearing 060° at 60 miles at 1215F/1. The aircraft was sighted by HMS Formidable and identified by two officers and an air lookout as a Catalina and reported as such. HMS Formidable did not send out fighters to investigate. Although the prearranged programme of the Catalina reconnaissance did not suggest one of these aircraft should be acting in this manner, the possibility was accepted in view of the lack of training of many of the newly arrived Catalina crews. Subsequent investigations and a warning of the presence of British forces broadcast from Tokyo established this was an enemy aircraft.

At noon a fighter umbrella of two Martlets was maintained by HMS Illustrious. One Martlet crashed into the barrier on deck landing. The need to economise on the fighter umbrella was governed by the necessity of conserving the Martlets. Had the aircraft referred earlier not been wrongly identified as a Catalina, The Commander-in-Chief was convinced that it could have been intercepted by Martlets that were ranged at readiness in both aircraft carriers.

A further air search was sent out at 1500F/1 to cover the sector from 000° to 110° to a depth of 150 miles but nothing was seen.

At 1800F/1, one of the Fulmar search aircraft made an emergency landing on HMS Illustrious, but crashed on desk due to a fractured oil pipe spraying the pilot’s windscreen, and was badly damaged.

At 1830F/1, all the search aircraft except two Fulmars had returned to their carriers. The two missing aircraft reported to HMS Formidable by wireless that they were lost and requested D/F bearings. The Commander-in-Chief at once ordered wireless silence to be broken to home these aircraft. The fleet was turned at 1840F/1 to close one of the aircraft when bearing had been definitely established by D/F and RDF. Searchlights were burned at dusk to assist returning aircraft and at 1920F/1 Very’s lights were sighted to the south-west. A few minutes later one of the aircraft was sighted and closed the carriers. Unfortunately, the aircraft by this time so short of petrol that it had to force land in the sea. The crew were picked up by HMAS Norman.

By 2000F/1. ' Force A ', which had become somewhat dispersed during reversal of course and whilst locating the crew of the aircraft, was reformed and course altered to the north west. Unfortunately nothing further was heard or seen of the other missing Fulmar with the exception of one report that a light had been seen to the eastward. A night search for the survivors of this aircraft was considered, but as they would have left the convoy uncovered to the northeast, The Commander-in-Chief decided it was preferable to return to this area at dawn and carry out a daytime air search. The Commander-in-Chief therefore continued to the north-west and at 0100F/2 in position 11°30'N, 82°15'E, course was reversed to the south-east and at daylight course was altered to south.

The wireless diversion (Operation Spark) was carried out as previously arranged during the night at 2300F/1 and appears to have been fully effective.

At 0630F/2, a thorough air search was sent out to look for survivors of the Fulmar which had been lost the previous evening. Whilst this attack was continuing, ' Force A ' was manoeuvred in the area in which it was estimated that the survivors might have landed. No survivors were located and it must be presumed with regret that the crew of two was lost. Catalinas which would be operating through this area were requested to keep a good lookout for survivors.

At 1030F/2, despatches were transferred by HMAS Norman from HMS Warspite to HMS Illustrious and thence sent by aircraft to Trincomalee for onward transmission. At 1100F/2, HMS Formidable flew off two Martlets as fighter umbrella. At 1112F/2, both carriers reported RDF contact on an aircraft bearing 055°, range 55 miles. HMS Formidable directed two Martlets onto this aircraft. When the fighters sighted the enemy flying boat at 10000 feet they first thought it was a Catalina, but on approaching closely identified it as a Japanese flying boat Navy Type 97, and promptly shot it down in approximate position 09°26'N, 83°16'E. The flying boat, which appeared to be taken completely by surprise, gave no return fire and after the second burst of fire from the Martlets, caught fire, disintegrated and fell in flames. No survivors were seen.

In the meantime at 111F/2 a further two Martlets each were flown off by the carriers. One of these Martlets from HMS Formidable crashed into the sea on taking off. The pilot was rescued by HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck.

A fighter umbrella of two Martlets was maintained for the rest of the day by HMS Illustrious. At 1530F/2 one of these Martlets appeared to have an engine failure and crashed into the sea whilst approaching to land on. The pilot was lost.

At about 1100F/2, the Commander-in-Chief had received information from the Flag Officer, Ceylon that Air Headquarters Bengal considered there were indications of naval activity south of the Andamans at 2300Z/31, that pointed to the possibility of an attack on Madras at dawn on the 3rd August and that the information on which this was based was from a most secret source. Flag Officer, Ceylon, had also informed Admiralty and the Deputy Commander in Chief, Eastern Fleet.

There was nothing in Air Headquarters Bengal signal to indicate what was the nature of the naval activity which had been reported nor the reliability of the source. The Commander-in-Chief immediately requested Flag Officer, Ceylon to obtain amplification of this report.

Although a dawn attack by this Japanese naval force on Madras on 3rd August was possible, The Commander-in-Chief considered the following factors would make it very improbable.
1.) ' Force A ', probably having been sighted by the Japanese flying boat A.M. 1st August.
2.) ' Force A ', breaking wireless silence to endeavour to recover aircraft on the evening of 1st August. 3.) The wireless diversion (Operation Spark), carried out on the night of 1st/2nd August.

Nevertheless the Commander-in-Chief felt that he could not disregard Air Headquarters Bengal report and he therefore decided to proceed at once to Trincomalee and refuel destroyers in preparation for an extension of the present operation. he informed Their Lordships of his intentions in his signal 1215Z/2. Course was altered at 1215F/2 to the westward and speed increased to reach Trincomalee before dark.

' Force A ' entered Trincomalee at 1915F/2 and refuelling of destroyers commenced at once and as completed at 2200F/2 when it had been intended that ' Force A ' should sail again.

Additional Catalina patrols had been arranged to cover the approaches to Madras from the east and south-east, from p.m. 2nd August until daylight 3rd August.

It was not until ' Force A ' arrived at Trincomalee at 1900F/2 that the Commander-in-Chief received a message from Air Headquarters India (Flag Officer Ceylon’s 0744/2) stated that they did not agree with the deductions nor authorize the message from Air Headquarters Bengal. After discussion with Rear Admiral Commanding, Aircraft Carriers and Rear Admiral Commanding Fourth Cruiser Squadron, the Commander-in-Chief decided that there was no real basis for this report and in view of HMS Formidable and HMS Birmingham being required at an early date to return to Kilindini for Operation Streamline Jane, the Commander-in-Chief decided the ' Force A ' should return to Colombo.

The Commander-in-Chief informed Their Lordships of his revised intentions in his message 1649Z/2.

' Force A ' sailed accordingly from Trincomalee at 0600F/3 and shaped course for Colombo keeping out of sight of land. During the day a safety patrol of one aircraft was maintained 30 miles ahead of the Fleet. This patrol was carried out by Walrus aircraft from cruisers during the afternoon but had to be cancelled owing to rising wind and sea. A fighter umbrella of two Martlets was maintained throughout the day.

At 1030F/3, HMS Manxman, who was returning from Madras to Colombo, as about 30 miles south-west of ' Force A '. An aircraft was sent to order her to join ' Force A ', which she did at 1300F/3.

At 1430F/3, HMS Illustrious obtained an RDF contact on an aircraft bearing 60° and at 1440F/3, HMS Warspite obtained a doubtful contact on the same bearing at a range of 50 miles. Both contacts faded ten minutes later. At that time ' Force A ' was in position approximately 06°40'N, 82°10'E. The RDF contact may have been a Japanese flying boat, but more probably an aircraft operating from China Bay as no Catalina were know to be in that area. The uncertainty and short duration of the contacts rendered fighter interception impracticable.

Before leaving Trincomalee the Commander-in-Chief had proposed to Air Officer Commanding, Ceylon that opportunity should be taken to exercise that Fighter Direction of shore based fighters from HM ships and any other air exercises he might wish to carry out.

From 1645F/3 to 1800F/3, successful fighter direction exercise was carried out using two Fulmars from HMS Illustrious as the enemy. R/T communication was obtained quickly and no difficulty experienced in directing the Hurricanes on to their target. From 1800F/3 till dusk these two Fulmars took over the duties of fighter umbrella.

The next air exercise was a night shadowing exercise and a night torpedo and bombing attack on the fleet.

At 1850F/3, HMS Illustrious reported an aircraft in sight bearing 190° and directed the fighter umbrella of two Fulmars to investigate. This aircraft which was clearly in sight from HMS Warspite was a flying boat just visible above the horizon and though it presented characteristics of a Catalina, it could not definitely be identified as such. HMS Illustrious directed the Fulmars on to the target, a warning being given by R/T that the aircraft was possibly friendly. Unfortunately the designation 'Bandit' i.e. enemy aircraft, as opposed to 'Bogey' i.e. unidentified aircraft, was employed by the Fighter Directing Officer. For this and other reasons which are being investigated by a Board of Enquiry one of the Fulmars opened fire on this flying boat, which proved to be a Catalina. Fire was ceased directly the pilot realized his mistake but the Commander-in-Chief regret to report that one airman was killed and two injured and the Catalina’s rudder damaged. The Fulmars returned to HMS Illustrious and from subsequent signals it appeared that the Catalina was still airborne and returning to her base. As a safety measure HMS Mauritius and HMS Manxman were detached to search the area in case the Catalina was forced to land, but were recalled when it was clear from RDF bearings that the Catalina was proceeding to Koggala.

During the night of 3rd/4th August the shore based reconnaissance aircraft were unable to locate ' Force A ' and in consequence no attacks were delivered. From 0530F/4 to 0645F/4 another fighter direction exercise with shore based aircraft was successfully carried out.

' Force A ' arrived at Colombo at 0900F/4. (29)

3 Aug 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Madras for Colombo.

While en-route she was ordered to join Force A of the Eastern Fleet. [See the event ' Operation Stab ' for 30 July 1942 for more info.] (28)

4 Aug 1942
At 1800F/4, having completed fuelling, the aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Rear-Admiral A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN), light cruiser HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN), and the destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr M.J. Clark, DSC, RAN) departed Colombo for Kilindini / Mombasa. The HMS Manxman and the destroyers were to refuel at Seychelles during the passage which they did on 8th August. They rejoined later the same day / early the next morning.

These ships arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa around 1000C/11. (30)

1 Sep 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Diego Suarez. (1)

3 Sep 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Diego Suarez from Kilindini / Mombasa. (1)

9 Sep 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Diego Suarez, presumably for operations in conjunction with Operation Stream, the landings at Majunga, Madagascar.

[No further infomation available on Operation Stream for the moment, further research is required.] (1)

18 Sep 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) returned to Diego Suarez for oprations. She departed again later the same day, presumably for operations in conjuction with operation Jane.

The date she returned to Diego Suarez is currently not known to us.

[No further infomation available on Operation Jane for the moment, further research is required.] (1)

27 Sep 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Diego Suarez for Tamatave.

She returned to Diego Suarez on 3 October 1942. (1)

4 Oct 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Diego Suarez for Kilindini / Mombasa. (1)

6 Oct 1942
Around 1025C/6, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa from Diego Suarez. (31)

16 Oct 1942
Around 1710C/16, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Kilinidini / Mombasa for Aden. HMS Manxman is to proceed to the Mediterranean for the upcoming operation ' Torch '. (32)

20 Oct 1942
Around 0940C/20, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Aden from Kilindini / Mombasa.

Around 1725C/20, she left Aden for Suez. (33)

23 Oct 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Suez from Aden. (1)

30 Oct 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) transited the Suez Canal northbound and arrived at Port Said. (1)

10 Nov 1942
Around 0700B/10, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN), HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, RN), HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) and HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, OBE, RN) proceeded from Port Said to Alexandria where they arrived after dark the same day. (34)

11 Nov 1942

Operation MH 1.

Around 0500B/11, the fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) and HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, OBE, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta.

On board HMS Manxman was 350 tons of foodstuff, including powdered milk, dried cereals and preserved meat as well as 200 military personnel.

On leaving the boom, HMS Manxman grounded but was soon towed clear by a tug. As she had no apparent damage it was decided to go ahead with the operation.

After dark, the escort destroyers parted company and returned to Alexandria arriving on the 12th. HMS Manxman then proceeded unescorted at high speed. (34)

12 Nov 1942
Around 1700A/12, HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta from Alexandria. She was swept in by HMS Hythe (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Miller, RN). (34)

25 Nov 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Malta for Algiers. (35)

26 Nov 1942
HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) arrived at Algiers from Malta. (35)

29 Nov 1942

Minelaying operation off Cani Rocks.

The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Algiers around 0730A/29 to lay a minefield near the Cani Rocks.

When off Bone the paravanes were streamed and speed was increased to 28 knots. At 1950A/29, she passed four nautical miles to the south of Galita Island. The night was clear with bright starlight and good visibility. At 2014A/29, what appeared to be a motor torpedo boat was sighted 300 yards on the starboard bow and course was altered sharply to starboard to comb a possible torpedo. HMS Manxman passed close under the stern of the craft and deliberately avoided the ram. The First Lieutenant, from aft, reported that he saw many depth charges on deck but no torpedoes and that the craft closely resembled one of the British motor launches. At 2152A/29, HMS Manxman turned to the south again.

Between 2234A/29 and 2251A/29 a total of 156 mines were laid at a depth of 15 feet and with grapnels fitted to 18 of the mines, within a rectangle bounded by lines joining positions;
A) 37°21.5'N, 10°12.6'E.
B) 37°22.8'N, 10°17.0'E.
C) 37°18.2'N, 10°19.2'E.
D) 37°17.0'N, 10°14.6'E.

The mines were laid in three groups within the rectangle;
1) 81 mines, extending for 2 miles in direction 150° from position 37°20.4'N, 10°14.5'E.
2) 39 mines, extending for 9.5 cables in direction 350° from position 37°18.8'N, 10°16.3'E.
3) 36 mines, extending for 8.75 cables in direction 350° from position 37°20.7'N, 10°16.0'E.

The moon rose as the last mines were being laid. On completion of the lay HMS Manxman retired at 32 knots, passing to the north of Galita Island and arriving at Algiers at 1400A/30.

Two ships were sunk when they hit mines from this field, the transport Menes (German, 5609 GRT, built 1926) hit a mine and sank on 3 December 1942. The hospital ship Graz (German (former Greek), 1870 GRT, built 1927) hit a mine and sank on 5 December 1942. (8)

1 Dec 1942
The fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Algiers for Gibraltar.

At 1705A/1, (time in the German report) in position 36°39'N, 00°15'E German U-boat U-375 fired a spread of four torpedoes at HMS Manxman, which was identified as a London class cruiser, and heard two hits after 51 seconds despite the fact that the British ship was zig-zagging at 21 knots. Two coups de grace fired at 1741A/1 and 1842A/1 missed.

At the time of the torpedoing HMS Manxman was steaming at 21 knots on a mean course of 284°, carrying out a zig-zag and with Asdic watch set. At 1702A/1, (time in the British report) a lookout sighted a torpedo approaching and it was seen to pass close astern from port to starboard, running shallow. About three seconds later another torpedo struck the ship on the port side abreast the engine room and she stopped with a heavy list to starboard, both engine and gear rooms being flooded. A further attack was expected at any moment and everything possible was done to discourage the enemy submarine. The whole armament was fired into the water whenever anything was heard on the Asdic and at dusk the fast motorboat was lowered to drop depth charges round the ship to simulate the arrival of escorts.

At 2315A/1, the destroyer HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived which took the ship in tow. An hour later course was set for Oran. By that time the destroyer HMS Eskimo (Capt. J.W.M. Eaton, DSO, DSC, RN) had also joined. At 0520A/2 the tug HMRT Restive (Lt. D.M. Richards, RNR) had joined to assist. HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN) also joined for A/S protection and at 1300A/2 HMS Manxman arrived at Oran still in tow. (36)

18 Dec 1942
After some temporary repairs, the damaged fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, DSO, RN) departed Oran for Gibraltar. She is being towed by the tugs HMS Nimble and HMRT Salvonia. Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN) and HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN).

HMS Pathfinder and HMS Puckeridge were later detached and returned to Oran.

The tow arrived at Gibraltar around 1300A/20. At Gibraltar HMS Manxman was taken in hand for further temporary repairs to make her fit to proceed to the UK for permanent repairs. (37)

13 Jun 1943

Convoy SL 131.

This convoy departed Freetown on 13 June 1943.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alphard (Dutch, 5483 GRT, built 1937), Anna Odland (Norwegian, 4980 GRT, built 1939), Argyll (British, 4897 GRT, built 1939), Bodegraven (Dutch, 5541 GRT, 1929), Cap Cantin (British (former French), 3317 GRT, built 1933), Cap Padaran (British (former French), 8009 GRT, built 1922), City of Christiania (British, 4940 GRT, built 1921), Cordillera (British, 6865 GRT, built 1920), Dagrun (Norwegian, 4562 GRT, built 1928), Deido (British, 3894 GRT, built 1928), Empire Bardolph (British, 7063 GRT, built 1943), Eskdalegate (British, 4250 GRT, built 1930), Fort Drew (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort McLeod (British, 7127 GRT, built 1942), Fort Rupert (British, 7142 GRT, built 1942), Fort Ville Marie (British, 7122 GRT, built 1941), Karmt (Norwegian, 4991 GRT, built 1938), Lowlander (British, 8059 GRT, built 1925), Peterston (British, 4680 GRT, built 1925), Sobo (British, 5353 GRT, built 1937), Sound Fisher (British, 2931 GRT, built 1941), St. Rosario (British, 4312 GRT, built 1937), Swiftscout (American, 8207 GRT, built 1921) and William Gaston (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

The RFA tanker Fortol (2629 GRT, built 1917) was also with the convoy as escort oiler.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the HMS Fowey (Cdr.(Retd.) L.B.A. Majendie, RN) sloop and the corvettes HMS Campion (Lt.Cdr. A. Brown, RNR), HMS La Malouine (Lt. W.A. Ives, RNR), HMS Mallow (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.T.S. Clouston, RNVR), HMS Myosotis (T/Lt. R. Lugg, RNR) and HMS Stonecrop (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Smythe, RNR).

Around 0600Z/16, in position 13°58'N, 17°33'W the Swiftscout and William Gaston parted company to proceed to Trinidad independently.

Around 0945Z/16, in position 14°29'N, 17°38'W, the merchant vessel Danae II (British, 2660 GRT, built 1936) joined the convoy coming from Dakar. She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the motor launches HMS ML 289 and ML 574 which then returned to Dakar.

Around 1940Z/24, in position 34°02'N, 10°03'W, the tanker Thorshovdi (Norwegian, 9944 GRT, built 1937) joined the convoy.

At 1015A/25, convoy MKS 15G joined the convoy in position 35°25'N, 10°11'W.
This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Dunmore (British, 3938 GRT, built 1933), Baron Yarborough (British, 3388 GRT, 1928), Blairdevon (British, 3282 GRT, built 1925), Empire Heath (British, 6643 GRT, built 1941), Fylingdale (British, 3918 GRT, built 1924), Framlington Court (British, 4888 GRT, built 1924), Grodno (British, 2458 GRT, built 1919), Gullpool (British, 4868 GRT, built 1928), Hallfried (Norwegian, 2968 GRT, built 1918), Kingsborough (British, 3368 GRT, built 1928), Lublin (Polish, 1409 GRT, built 1932), Monkleigh (British, 5203 GRT, built 1927), Norheim (Norwegian (tanker), 9816 GRT, built 1941), Ocean Valentine (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942) and Tynemouth (British, 3168 GRT, built 1940).

With these ships also the damaged fast minelayer HMS Manxman (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN) in tow of the tug HMS Bustler joined.

Also two merchant vessel which came from Lisbon joined, these were the Finland (British, 1375 GRT, built 1939) and Spero (British, 1589 GRT, built 1922).

They were escorted by the corvettes Roselys, Renoncule and the A/S trawlers HMS Sapper (T/Lt. R.C. Lees, RNR), HMS Hornpipe (Lt. H.L. de Legh, RNR) and HMS Reighton Wyke (Skr. G.M. Sutherland, RNR). Two more vessels of the Lisbon section had been sunk by German aircraft while en-route to the rendezvous, these were the Shetland (British, 1846 GRT, built 1921) and Volturno (British, 3419 GRT, built 1914).

At 1230A/25, in position 35°31'N, 10°23'W, the Thorshovdi and Fortol parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar. They took HMS Hornpipe and HMS Reighton Wyke with them as escorts.

At 1710A/25, in position 35°42'N, 10°55'W, the damaged escort destroyer HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN) joined the convoy, but not as escort. She took station in the convoy.

Distant cover for the convoy when it passed the Bay of Biscay area was provided by the light (AA) cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN).

At 0515A/30, in position 47°19'N, 17°02'W, HMS La Malouine parted company to proceed independently to Liverpool.

At 0430A/1, in position 50°39'N, 17°05'W, HMS Avon Vale parted company to proceed to Plymouth. She took the Renoncule with her as escort.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 3 July 1943 where it split into several sections which then proceeded to their repective destinations. (38)

4 Jul 1943
HMS Manxman (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN) arrived at Loch Ewe from Gibraltar. She had made the passage in tow of HMS Bustler in the combined convoy SL 131 / MKS 15. (1)

5 Jul 1943
HMS Manxman (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN) departed Loch Ewe for the Tyne. She had made the passage in tow of HMS Bustler in the convoy WN 450.

[Further research is required regarding this convoy.] (39)

7 Jul 1943
HMS Manxman (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN) in tow of HMS Bustler arrived at the Tyne.

HMS Manxman was then taken in hand for repairs which at first were estimated to last 12 months. During these repairs the ship was in 'dockyard control'. (39)

17 May 1945
HMS Manxman (Capt. G. Thistleton-Smith, RN) proceeded from the Tyne to Sheerness. (40)

18 May 1945
HMS Manxman (Capt. G. Thistleton-Smith, RN) proceeded Sheerness to the Chatham Dockyard where she was taken in hand for further repairs. (40)

16 Jun 1945
HMS Manxman (Capt. G. Thistleton-Smith, RN) departed Sheerness for Portsmouth. (1)

17 Jun 1945
HMS Manxman (Capt. G. Thistleton-Smith, RN) arrived at Portsmouth from Sheerness. (1)

18 Jun 1945
HMS Manxman (Capt. G. Thistleton-Smith, RN) departed Portsmouth for Gibraltar. (1)

21 Jun 1945
HMS Manxman (Capt. G. Thistleton-Smith, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Portsmouth. She departed for Malta later the same day. (1)

23 Jun 1945
HMS Manxman (Capt. G. Thistleton-Smith, RN) arrived at Malta where she is taken in hand for turbine defects. (1)

2 Jul 1945
HMS Manxman (Capt. G. Thistleton-Smith, RN) and HMS Apollo (Capt. L.N. Brownfield, RN) departed Malta for Port Said. (41)

4 Jul 1945
HMS Manxman (Capt. G. Thistleton-Smith, RN) and HMS Apollo (Capt. L.N. Brownfield, RN) arrived at Port Said from Malta. They transited the Suez Canal southbound on either this or the next day. (41)

5 Jul 1945
HMS Manxman (Capt. G. Thistleton-Smith, RN) and HMS Apollo (Capt. L.N. Brownfield, RN) departed Suez for Aden. (41)

8 Jul 1945
HMS Manxman (Capt. G. Thistleton-Smith, RN) and HMS Apollo (Capt. L.N. Brownfield, RN) arrived at Aden from Suez. They departed for Colombo later the same day. (41)

14 Jul 1945
HMS Manxman (Capt. G. Thistleton-Smith, RN) and HMS Apollo (Capt. L.N. Brownfield, RN) arrived at Colombo from Aden. (41)

17 Jul 1945
HMS Manxman (Capt. G. Thistleton-Smith, RN) and HMS Apollo (Capt. L.N. Brownfield, RN) departed Colombo for Fremantle via Cocos Island. (41)

22 Jul 1945
HMS Manxman (Capt. G. Thistleton-Smith, RN) and HMS Apollo (Capt. L.N. Brownfield, RN) made a stop at Cocos Island during their passage from Colombo to Fremantle.

26 Jul 1945
HMS Manxman (Capt. G. Thistleton-Smith, RN) and HMS Apollo (Capt. L.N. Brownfield, RN) arrived at Fremantle from Colombo. (42)

27 Jul 1945
HMS Manxman (Capt. G. Thistleton-Smith, RN) and HMS Apollo (Capt. L.N. Brownfield, RN) departed Fremantle for Geelong / Melbourne. (42)

1 Aug 1945
HMS Manxman (Capt. G. Thistleton-Smith, RN) and HMS Apollo (Capt. L.N. Brownfield, RN) arrived at the RAN mine depot at Swan Island where they disembarked their mines.

They subsequently proceeded to Melbourne where they still were when the Japanese surrendered.