Laid down (35)

1919: Destroyer John D. Edwards (DD 216)

1924: Submarine Phoque

1929: Sloop Folkestone (L 22 / U 22)

1931: Submarine P-1

1934: Aircraft carrier Yorktown (i) (CV 5)

1940: Submarine Graph (P 715)

1941: MS Trawler Earraid (T 297) - Minesweeper Energy (AMc-78) - Motor torpedo boat PT 45 - Minesweeper Skipper (AMc-104) - Minesweeper YMS-104 (YMS-104) - Minesweeper YMS-106 (YMS-106) - Minesweeper YMS-109 (YMS-109)

1942: Minesweeper St. Boniface (J 332) - Minesweeper BYMS 2032 (J 832) - Minesweeper BYMS 2212 (J 1012) - Submarine Pargo (264) - Motor torpedo boat PT 128 - Minesweeper YMS-212 (YMS-212)

1943: Submarine Doris (P 84) - Escort Carrier Puncher (D 79) - Submarine Utsira (P 85) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-444 (LCI(L)-444) - Frigate Ogden (PF-39) - Submarine chaser SC-1483 (SC-1483) - Escort carrier Willapa (CVE 53) - Minesweeper YMS-381 (YMS-381)

1944: Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-1070 (LCI(L)-1070) - Landing craft tank LCT 1301 (LCT 1301) - Medium landing ship LSM 35 (LSM 35) - Medium landing ship LSM 36 (LSM 36) - Medium landing ship LSM 37 (LSM 37) - Medium landing ship LSM 38 (LSM 38) - Tank landing ship LST 779 (LST 779) - Tank landing ship LST 786 (LST 786)

Launched (45)

1917: Destroyer Vampire (D 68) - MS Trawler Damito (FY 521) - MS Trawler Grosmont Castle (FY 671)

1924: Light cruiser Primauguet - MS Trawler Overdale Wyke (FY 338)

1925: ASW Whaler Southern Spray (FY 323)

1931: Submarine L-2

1932: Heavy cruiser Algérie - Heavy cruiser Portland (CA 33)

1935: Submarine Shark (i) (174)

1936: ASW Trawler Kirkella (FY 174) - Heavy cruiser Vincennes (i) (CA 44)

1940: ASW Trawler Hornpipe (T 120) - Submarine Trout (202)

1941: Minesweeper Drummondville (J 253)

1942: Motor minesweeper MMS 132 (J 632) - Rescue Tug Bold (W 114) - Minesweeper Broadbill (AM 58) - Submarine chaser SC-646 (SC-646) - Submarine chaser SC-664 (SC-664)

1943: Dock landing ship Eastway (F 140) - Landing Craft Tank LCT 431 (LCT 431) - Landing Craft Tank LCT 632 (LCT 632) - Landing Craft Tank LCT 720 (LCT 720) - Motor minesweeper MMS 1033 (FY 1033) - Minesweeper Impeccable (AM 320) - Motor torpedo boat PT 346

1944: Submarine Boarfish (327) - Minesweeper Device (AM 220) - Minesweeper Diploma (AM 221) - Destroyer Hank (DD 702) - Minesweeper Hazard (AM 240) - Destroyer John W. Weeks (DD 701) - Medium landing ship LSM 23 (LSM 23) - Medium landing ship LSM 24 (LSM 24) - Medium landing ship LSM 25 (LSM 25) - Medium landing ship LSM 26 (LSM 26) - Patrol craft PC-1256 (PC-1256) - Destroyer Escort Vammen (DE 644)

1945: Tank landing ship LST 1147 (LST 1147) - Motor torpedo boat PT 603 - Motor torpedo boat PT 706 - Motor torpedo boat PT 793 - Destroyer William C. Lawe (DD 763)

1948: Submarine Volador (490)

Commissioned (23)

1940: MS Trawler Chestnut (T 110) - Corvette Hibiscus (K 24)

1941: Motor Gun Boat MGB 67 (MGB 67) - Motor Launch ML 227 (ML 227) - Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 45 (MTB 45)

1942: Minesweeper Ardrossan (J 131) - Harbour Defence Motor Launch HDML 1126 (ML 1126) - Submarine Unshaken (P 54)

1943: Minesweeper BYMS 2052 (J 852) - Rescue Tug Hesperia (W 106) - Minesweeper Ready (J 223) - Destroyer Black (DD 666) - Destroyer Escort Hopping (DE 155) - Patrol craft PC-1228 (PC-1228)

1944: Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-1066 (LCI(L)-1066) - Medium landing ship LSM 203 (LSM 203) - Tank landing ship LST 912 (LST 912)

1945: Minesweeper Michael (J 444) - Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 727 (MTB 727) - Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 797 (MTB 797) - Frigate Transvaal (K 602) - Destroyer Dyess (DD 880) - Motor torpedo boat PT 598

1940: Destroyer L'Adroit - ASW Trawler Cape Passaro (FY 270)

1941: Destroyer Juno (F 46)

1944: Tank landing ship LST 179 (LST 179) - Tank landing ship LST 353 (LST 353) - Tank landing ship LST 39 (LST 39) - Tank landing ship LST 43 (LST 43) - Tank landing ship LST 480 (LST 480) - Tank landing ship LST 69 (LST 69)

More information on Allied Warships losses.

1940

Heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire: A replacement Walrus aircraft for HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN), which was still at Tromso, arrived.

Light cruiser HMS Caledon: HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Port Said.

Light cruiser HMAS Hobart: At 1439Z/21, HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN) received a signal ordering to proceed up the Red Sea to provide cover of British and Allied shipping.

Light cruiser HMS Birmingham: HMS Birmingham (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN) arrived at Rosyth from Immingham.

Light cruiser HMS Liverpool: At 1830 hours (zone -3), HMS Liverpool (Capt. P.A. Read, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J.L. Murray, DSO, OBE, RN) departed Aden for the Perim patrol. For the daily positions of HMS Liverpool during the period of 21 to 27 May 1940 see the map below.

Light cruiser HMS Southampton: HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral M.L. Clarke, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials in the Firth of Forth.

Light cruiser HNMS Tromp: HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.W. Termijtelen, RNN) was undocked. She departed Surabaya later the same day to patrol in the Java Sea.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Hector: HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) proceeded from Wellington to Picton.

Submarine HMS Otway: HMS Otway (Lt.Cdr. D.E. Mansfield, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. Upon completion of these exercises HMS Otway proceeded to Yarmouth.

Submarine HMS Parthian: HMS Parthian (Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rimington, RN) departed Alexandria for her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the north of Crete. For the daily positions of HMS Parthian during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Proteus: HMS Proteus (Lt.Cdr. R.T. Gordon-Duff, RN) departed Alexandria for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the Anti-Kithera Channel. For the daily positions of HMS Proteus during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Pandora: HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. She then departed for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was to patrol to the North of Crete (Suda Bay area). For the daily positions of HMS Pandora during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Rainbow: HMS Rainbow (Lt.Cdr. L.P. Moore, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore with HMS Stronghold (Lt.Cdr. R. Alexander, RN) and HMS Scorpion (Cdr.(Retd.) F.W. Crowther, DSC, RN).

Submarine HMS Truant: HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. H.A.V. Haggard, RN) departed from Tromsø. She is to patrol off Northern Norway.

Submarine HMS H 31: HMS H 31 (Lt. R.J. Hemingway, RN) conducted post-refit trials off Sheerness.

Submarine HMS H 31: HMS H 31 (Lt. R.J. Hemingway, RN) conducted post-refit trials off Sheerness.

Light cruiser HMS Neptune: HMS Neptune (Capt. J.A.V. Morse, DSO, RN) and HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.C. Tovey, CB, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria.

Battleship HMS Revenge: HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN), HMS Acasta (Cdr. C.E. Glasfurd, RN) and HMS Ardent (Lt.Cdr. J.F. Barker, RN) arrived in the Clyde after convoy escort duty.

Destroyer HMS Jaguar: HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN), HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) and HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) returned to Harwich from operations.

Destroyer HMS Khartoum: HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Hostile (Cdr. J.P. Wright, RN), HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicolson, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Khartoum (Cdr. D.T. Dowler, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta from Gibraltar. They all departed again later the same day for Alexandria except for HMS Hostile.

Submarine HMS L 23: HMS L 23 (Lt. C.G. Walker, RN) depated Portsmouth for her 10th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the North Sea. [As no log is available for this period and the patrol report does not give position no map can be displayed.]

1941

Heavy cruiser HMS Exeter: HMS Exeter (Capt. O.L. Gordon, MVO, RN) arrived at Greenock.

Light cruiser HMS Diomede: HMS Diomede (Capt. J.W. Farquhar, RN) intercepted the Vichy-French tanker Shéhérazade (13467 GRT, built 1935) about 800 nautical miles east-south-east of Bermuda in position 29°37'N, 49°16'W. The Canadian armed merchant cruiser HMCS Prince David (Cdr. K.F. Adams, RCN) which had also been ordered to search for the tanker arrived at the spot about two hours later.

Light cruiser HMAS Sydney: Around 1400H/21, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J. Burnett, RAN) returned to Fremantle from patrol. At 0100H/21, she had been informed that a suspicious vessel had been sighted north of Rottnest Island. HMAS Sydney therefore proceeded to make rendezvous with the troopship Queen Mary (British, 81235 GRT, built 1936) which was in the area. Rendezvous was affected at 0540H/21 and the troopship was then escorted to Fremantle.

Light cruiser HMAS Adelaide: Around 0430K/21, HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the (troop) transport Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924) departed Sydney for Auckland.

Submarine HNMS O 9: HrMs O 9 (Lt. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) participated in R.D.F. trials off Holyhead.

Submarine HNMS O 10: HrMs O 10 (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMCS Eyebright (T/Lt. E. Randell, RCNR) and HMS Carnation (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Houchen, OBE, RNR).

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Carthage: Around 0900B/21, when off Durban, HMS Carthage (Capt.(Retd.) H.L.I. Kirkpatrick, OBE, RN) parted company with the troop transport Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920). HMS Carthage did not enter harbour as she proceeded on patrol in the area to the east of Durban to the southern entrance to the Mozambique Channel.

Submarine HMS Oberon: HMS Oberon (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with MA/SB's.

Submarine HMS Olympus: HMS Olympus (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Dymott, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. As no log is available for this period no map can be displayed.

Submarine HMS Parthian: HMS Parthian (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) departed Port Said for Alexandria.

Submarine HMS Rover: HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) was docked at Port Said.

Submarine HMS Sturgeon: HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. D. St. Clair-Ford, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Dartmouth with two ML's.

Submarine HMS Tigris: At 1045A/21, off the French west coast about halfway between the Gironde estuary and the Spanish border HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) sighted a merchant vessel in ballast thought to be of about 3000 tons. She was escorted by three M-class minesweepers. She was not attacked. As the weather conditions were favourable HMS Tigris intended to try to pick up French agents who had been sent to sabotage the electric transformer station at Pessac (SOE operation Josehine B.) the following night, the ships were not attacked. At 1145A/21, a heavy explosion was heard. The ships sighted must have been the German merchant vessel Dresden (5567 GRT, built 19397) which was on passage from Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Royan. She was escorted by the minesweepers M 32, M 24 and M 18. Two depth charges had been dropped for intimidation purposes at 1143 hours which may have been the heavy explosion heard by HMS Tigris. The Dresden came from Brasil and in the Atlantic had met the German raiders Atlantis and Kormoran. On board were crewmembers and passengers from ships that had been sunk by the Atlantis. At 1215A/21, a corvette type vessel and seven ML type vessels were seen in line abreast stearing 190°. HMS Tigris took avoiding action. At 1330A/21, the ships sighted at 1215A/21, turned to port presumably for a return sweep further inshore. At 1408A/21, three trawlers were seen in line abreast on course 010°. HMS Tigris took avoiding action. At 1455A/21, the trawlers were seen to turn 180° for a return sweep. It was considered too much a coincidence for this concentration of A/S vessels near the rendezvous position with the agents and it was decided to abandon the operation to extract them.

Submarine HMS Union: HMS Union (Lt. R.M. Galloway, RN) departed Malta for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol North of Lampedusa Island. For the daily positions of HMS Union during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Urge: HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) attacked an Italian task force of two light cruisers escorted by three destroyers about 15 nautical miles North-East of Lampedusa in position 35°42'N, 12°24'E. The destroyer Alpino reported being missed by two torpedoes. This was the same task force as seen yesterday. It was made up of the Italian light cruisers Luigi di Savoia Duca Delgi Abruzzi and Giuseppe Garibaldi. They were escorted by the Italian destroyers Granatiere, Alpino and Bersagliere. 1300B/21 - In position 35°42'N, 12°24'E heard HE bearing 130°. Sighted two Italian light cruisers escorted by three destroyers on that bearing. Enemy course was 270°, speed 22 knots, range 8000 yards. Started attack. 1304B/21 - Fired four torpedoes from 6000 yards. 1309B/21 - Heard two torpedoes exploding. A destroyer was then heard coming towards at high speed. She dropped 13 depth charges. She then stopped to listen but soon afterwards went off at high speed. 1318B/21 - Heard two explosions, most likely the other two torpedoes exploding at the end of their run. 1401B/21 - Returned to periscope depth. An flying boat was patrolling the area so went deep again.

Submarine HMS Uproar: HMS P 31 (Lt. J.B.de B. Kershaw, RN) departed from Scapa Flow for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Stadlandet, Norway. On 23 May the submarine was ordered to position 65°30'N, 02°00'E as the German battleship Bismarck and heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen had been observed in the fjords off Bergen. When it became clear that the two German ships had departed P 31 was ordered to patrol to the North-North-East of the Shetlands. No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed.

Submarine HMS H 28: HMS H 28 (Lt. D.S.R. Martin, RN) shifted from Tobermory to Oban. She was escorted by HMS Spindrift.

Submarine HMS H 32: HMS H 32 (Lt. B.G. Heslop, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) N.T.B. Holt, RN).

Submarine HMS H 33: HMS H 33 (Lt. C.H. Rankin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS H 34: HMS H 34 (Lt. C.P. Norman, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises (salvo firing) in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS H 44: HMS H 44 (Lt. W.N.R. Knox, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included two practice attacks on HMS Oberon (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSC, RN).

Minelayer HMS Abdiel: Minelaying operation Mat One. Between 0328C/21 and 0411C/21, HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) laid a total of 158 mines in two fields as follows; A) 80 Mines along a dog legged line extending for 2.2 miles in a direction of 180° and thence for 1.3 miles in a direction of 340° from a position of 111°, Cape Dukato Lighthouse, 3.7 miles. B) 78 Mines along a dog legged line extending for 2.8 miles in a direction of 155° and thence for 1.2 miles in a direction of 020° from a position of 277°, Cape Dukato Lighthouse, 1.1 miles. All mines were set to a depth of 8 feet and 16 of them were fitted with grapnels. On completion of the minelay, HMS Abdiel retired from the area at high speed. She arrived back at Alexandria on 22 May. Meanwhile enemy ships had ran into the mines. First the Italian destroyer Carlo Mirabello and auxiliary gunboat Matteucci were sunk and a few hours later the German transports Kybfels (7764 GRT, built 1937) and Marburg (7564 GRT, built 1928) were also sunk.

Minelayer HMS Latona: After having taken on board Oerlikon 20mm AA guns from HMS Furious, HMS Latona (Capt. S.L. Bateson, RN) departed Gibraltar for Freetown.

Light cruiser HMS Phoebe: HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN) is docked in the floating dock at Alexandria.

Battlecruiser HMS Hood: In the afternoon and early evening, the battlecruiser HMS Hood (Capt. R. Kerr, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow during which she was escorted by the destroyers HMS Electra (Cdr. C.W. May, RN), HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. C.H.deB. Newby, RN) and HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN).

Battleship HMS Nelson: Around 1255Z/21, in approximate position 02°35'N, 10°45'W, the battleship HMS Nelson (Capt. G.J.A. Miles, RN) and aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, CBE, RN) were joined by the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. S. Boucher, RN) and HMS Duncan (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) which had departed Freetown in the morning of the 20th.

Battleship HMS King George V: HMS King George V (Capt. W.R. Patterson, CVO, RN, flying the flag of A/Adm. J.C. Tovey, KCB, DSO, RN) conducted D/G trials at Scapa Flow. These were followed by AA gunnery exercises.

Destroyer HMAS Voyager: Around 2230C/21, HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) departed Alexandria to join the battlefleet at sea. [For more info and subsequent movements see the event ' Battle for Crete ' for 20 May 1941.]

Destroyer HMAS Nestor: HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN) is undocked.

Submarine HMS L 27: HMS L 27 (Lt. H.N. Edmonds, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth.

1942

Sloop HMS Totland: HMS Totland (Lt.Cdr. S.G.C. Rawson, RN) picks up 12 survivors from the British merchant New Brunswick that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-159 about 140 nautical miles east-south-east of Santa Maria, Azores in position 36°53'N, 22°55'W.

Submarine HNoMS Uredd: HNoMS Uredd (Lt. Røren) arrived at Lerwick. She departed for her 3rd war patrol later the same day. She was to provide cover during convoy operations to and from Northern Russia (convoys PQ 16 / QP 12). For the daily positions of HNoMS Uredd during this patrol see the map below.

Heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland: HMS Cumberland (Capt. A.H. Maxwell-Hyslop, AM, RN) conducted HA gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow followed by night 8" gunnery exercises.

Light cruiser HMS Colombo: Around 1430Z/21, HMS Colombo (Capt. W.P. Carne, RN) and the troop transport Empress of Russia (British, 16810 GRT, built 1913) arrived at Freetown from Pointe Noire.

Light cruiser HMS Liverpool: Convoy operation to and from northern Russia, convoy's PQ 16 and QP 12. Convoy PQ 16 from Reykjavik to the Kola Inlet and convoy QP 12 from the Kola Inlet to Reykjavik. Timespan: 21 May 1942 to 1 June 1942. 21 May 1942. On this day convoy PQ 16 of 35 merchant vessels departed Reykjavik for northern Russia. The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels. Alamar (American, 5689 GRT, built 1916), Alcoa Banner (American, 5035 GRT, built 1919), American Press (American, 5131 GRT, built 1920), American Robin (American, 5172 GRT, built 1919), Arcos (Russian, 2343 GRT, built 1918), Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Carlton (American, 5127 GRT, built 1920), Chernyshevski (Russian, 3588 GRT, built 1919), City of Joliet (American, 6167 GRT, built 1920), City of Omaha (American, 6124 GRT, built 1920), Empire Baffin (British, 6978 GRT, built 1941), Empire Elgar (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942), Empire Lawrence (British, 7457 GRT, built 1941), Empire Purcell (British, 7049 GRT, built 1942), Empire Selwyn (British, 7167 GRT, built 1941), Exterminator (Panamanian, 6115 GRT, built 1924), Heffron (American, 7611 GRT, built 1919), Hybert (American, 6120 GRT, built 1920), John Randolph (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), Lowther Castle (British, 5171 GRT, built 1937), Massmar (American, 5828 GRT, built 1920), Mauna Kea (American, 6064 GRT, built 1920), Michigan (Panamanian, 6419 GRT, built 1920), Minotaur (American, 4554 GRT, built 1918), Mormacsul (American, 5481 GRT, built 1920), Nemaha (American, 6501 GRT, built 1920), Ocean Voice (British, 7174 GRT, built 1941), Pieter de Hoogh (Dutch, 7168 GRT, built 1941), Revolutsioner (Russian, 2900 GRT, built 1936), Richard Henry Lee (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), Shchors (Russian, 3770 GRT, built 1921), Stary Bolshevik (Russian, 3974 GRT, built 1933), Steel Worker (American, 5685 GRT, built 1920), Syros (American, 6191 GRT, built 1920) and West Nilus (American, 5495 GRT, built 1920). Close escort was initially provided by the western escort which was made up of the British minesweeper HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. J.R.A. Seymour, RN) and the A/S trawlers St. Elstan (Lt. R.M. Roberts, RNR), Lady Madeleine (T/Lt. W.G.Ogden, RNVR), HMS Northern Spray (T/Lt. G.T. Gilbert, RNVR) and (until 23 May) Retriever (Free French). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Also on this day convoy QP 12 of 15 merchant vessels departed northern Russia for Reykjavik. The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels. Alcoa Rambler (American, 5500 GRT, built 1919), Bayou Chico (American, 5401 GRT, built 1920), Cape Race (British, 3807 GRT, built 1930), Empire Morn (British, 7092 GRT, built 1941), Expositor (American, 4959 GRT, built 1919), Francis Scott Key (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), Hegira (American, 7588 GRT, built 1919), Ilmen (Russian, 2369 GRT, built 1923), Kuzbass (Russian, 3109 GRT, built 1914), Paul Luckenbach (American, 6606 GRT, built 1913), Scotish American (British, 6999 GRT, built 1920), Seattle Spirit (American, 5627 GRT, built 1919), Southgate (British, 4862 GRT, built 1926), Texas (American, 5638 GRT, built 1919) and Topa Topa (American, 5356 GRT, built 1920). Close escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN), HMS Escapade (Lt.Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN), HMS Venomous (Cdr. H.W. Falcon-Steward, RN), HNoMS St. Albans (Lt.Cdr. S.V. Storheill, RNorN), escort destroyer HMS Badsworth (Lt. G.T.S. Gray, DSC, RN), AA-ship HMS Ulster Queen (Capt.(Retd.) D.S. McGrath, RN), minesweeper HMS Harrier (Cdr. E.P. Hinton, DSO, RN) and the A/S trawlers HMS Cape Palliser (Lt. B.T. Wortley, RNR), HMS Northern Pride (T/Lt. A.R. Cornish, RNR), HMS Northern Wave (T/Lt. W.G. Pardoe-Matthews, RNR) and HMS Vizalma (T/Lt. J.R. Anglebeck, RNVR). Furthermore a eastern local escort escorted the convoy as far as 30°E. This was made up of the Russian destroyers Grozniy, Sokrushitelny and the British minesweepers HMS Bramble (Capt. J.H.F. Crombie, RN), HMS Leda (Cdr. A.D.H. Jay, DSC, RN), HMS Seagull (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Pollock, RN), and HMS Gossamer (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Crease, RN). 22 May 1942. The British heavy cruisers HMS Norfolk (Capt. E.G.H. Bellars, RN), HMS Kent (Capt. A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, RN) and light cruiser HMS Liverpool (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN) left Hvalfiord to make rendez-vous with Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron in position 66°00'N, 13°00'E the next day and then form the cruiser covering force for convoy's PQ 16 and QP 12. The US destroyers USS Wainwright (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Gibbs, USN), USS Mayrant (Cdr. C.C. Hartman, USN), USS Rhind (Lt.Cdr. H.T. Read, USN), and USS Rowan (Lt.Cdr. B.R. Harrison, Jr., USN) left Hvalfiord for Seidisfiord to fuel before joining the battlefleet at sea. Force Q; RFA tanker Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) and her escort, the escort destroyer HMS Ledbury (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, RN) as well as the close escort for convoy PQ 16 the AA ship HMS Alynbank (A/Capt.(rtd.) H.F. Nash, RN), corvettes HMS Honeysuckle (Lt. H.H.D. MacKillican, DSC, RNR), FFS Roselys, HMS Starwort (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Duck, RD, RNR), HMS Hyderabad (Lt. S.C.B. Hickman, RN)and the submarines HMS Seawolf (Lt. R.P. Raikes, RN)and HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) left Seidisfiord to join convoy PQ 16 at sea. 23 May 1942. The battlefleet, made up of the battleships HMS Duke of York (Capt. C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), USS Washington (Capt. H.H.J. Benson, USN, with Rear-Admiral R.C. Griffen, USN on board), aircraft carrier HMS Victorious (Capt. H.C. Bovell, CBE, RN), heavy cruiers USS Wichita (Capt. H.W. Hill, USN), HMS London (Capt. R.M. Servaes, CBE, RN), destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN), HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A. de W. Kitcat, RN), HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. E. Mack, DSC, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Blankney (Lt.Cdr. P.F. Powlett, RN), HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC, RN), HMS Middleton (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, RN), and HMS Wheatland (Lt.Cdr. R.de.L Brooke, RN) left Hvalfiord around midnight during the night of 22/23 May 1942, to provide distant cover for convoy's PQ 16 and QP 12. Light cruiser HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.M. Burrough, CB, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.T. Armstong, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Oribi (Lt.Cdr. J.E.H. McBeath, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Ashanti (Cdr. R.G. Onslow, RN), HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, DSO, RN), HMS Martin (Cdr. C.R.P. Thomson, RN), HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, DSC, RN), HMS Volunteer (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, RN), and ORP Garland (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) H. Eibel, ORP) left Seidisfiord and joined the escort of PQ 16 P.M. heaving made rendez-vous with HMS Norfolk, HMS Kent and HMS Liverpool before joining the convoy. Force Q (RFA Black Ranger and HMS Ledbury and the close escort HMS Alynbank, HMS Honeysuckle, FFS Roselys, HMS Starwort, HMS Hyderabad, HMS Seawolf and HMS Trident also joined convoy PQ 16 P.M. The US destroyers USS Wainwright, USS Mayrant, USS Rhind and USS Rowan arrived at Seidisfiord to fuel before joining the battlefleet at sea sailing P.M. 24 May 1942. The US destroyers USS Wainwright, USS Mayrant, USS Rhind and USS Rowan joined the battlefleet in position 65°50'N, 13°01'E. British destroyers HMS Faulknor, HMS Fury, HMS Eclipse, HMS Intrepid and HMS Icarus were detached from the battlefleet to fuel at Seidisfiord, arriving A.M. and rejoining the battlefleet at sea P.M. HMS Middleton, HMS Lamerton, HMS Wheatland and HMS Blankney were then detached from the Battlefleet to fuel at Seidisfiord, arriving P.M. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ One merchant vessel of convoy QP 12 had to return with engine defects, this was the American Hegira. 25 May 1942. Both convoy's were reported by enemy aircraft this day. Also several German U-boats from the 'Greif-wolfpack' were able to make contact with convoy PQ 16 during the day. First one was U-209 at 0620 hours (All times of the U-boats are Berlin time). She was however driven off with gunfire from HMS Martin a little over an hour later. She again made contact briefly around 1750 hours. Then at 0645 hours, U-436 also made contact. She however lost contact around 0800 hours. At 0655 hours, U-703 briefly made contact but was driven off. At 0751 hours U-591 briefly made contact. At 1200 hours U-703 again made contact but lost contact soon afterwards. At 1500 hours U-591 was detected and engaged with gunfire by HMS Martin. She dived and was then depth charged but sustained no damage. U-436 again made contact at 1522 hours but lost contact again soon afterwards. At 1615 hours, U-586 made contact also to loose contact soon afterwards. At 2005 hours U-591 briefly made contact with the convoy but lost it soon afterwards. PQ 16 was also attacked by torpedo and dive bombers, many near misses were obtained, The American merchant ship Carlton had a fractured a steam pipe and proceeded to Seidisfiord in tow of the A/S trawler HMS Northern Spray. 26 May 1942. Shortly before 0300 hours U-703 attacked convoy PQ 16 and managed to torpedo and sink the American merchant Syros in position 72°35'N, 05°30'E. During the remainder of day enemy aircraft were in contact and were homing in U-boats. At 0400 hours (All U-boat times are Berlin time) U-209 briefly made contact. At the same time U-436 was also in contact and fired one torpedo which missed. At 0427 hours U-436 fired two torpedoes at the A/S trawler HMS Lady Madeleine. Both missed and Lady Madeleine then counter attacked with depth charges causing damage to the German submarine forcing her to break off her patrol. At 0846 hours U-591 attacked HMS Achates with three torpedoes which missed. Achates then counter attacked but the depth charges fell way off. At 0930 hours U-586 was driven off with gunfire by HMS Martin. At 1400 hours U-703 briefly made contact. At 2212 hours U-703 was detected by HMS Martin and engaged with gunfire. On diving she was depth charged but sustained no damage. 27 May 1942. During the day convoy PQ 16 was attacked many times by emeny aircraft. Three of the merchant vessels were sunk by bombs; Empire Lawrence, Empire Purcell and Mormacsul. The Alamar was heavily damaged by bombs and was scuttled by HMS Trident. Also the merchant vessel Lowther Castle was sunk by enemy torpedo aircraft. The merchant vessels Stary Bolshevik, Ocean Voice (with the Convoi-Commodore Capt. Gale on board), Empire Baffin and City of Joliet were damaged during the air attacks. The destroyer ORP Garland was also damaged and detached to Murmansk. It is possible the destroyer was damaged by her own depth charges while attacking U-703 shortly before noon. The already damaged merchant vessel Carlton, in tow of HMS Northern Spray towards Seidisfiord is also attacked by enemy aircraft but no hits were obtained on her. Also on this day Russian destroyers from the eastern local escort sailed from Murmansk to join convoy PQ 16. It was made up Grozniy, Sokrushitelny, Valerian Kyubishev. Also four British minesweepers sailed to join the escort as well, these were HMS Bramble, HMS Leda, HMS Seagull and HMS Gossamer. They all joined the convoy escort the next day. Force Q (RFA tanker Black Ranger escorted by HMS Ledbury is detached to Scapa Flow. HMS Middleton, HMS Lamerton, HMS Wheatland and HMS Blankney departed Seidisfiord to make rendez-vous with the battlefleet in position 66°50'N, 11°25'W. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The merchant vessels Cape Race, Empire Morn and Southgate split off from convoy QP 12 and set course for the Clyde escorted by HMS Ulster Queen, HMS Venomous and HMS Badsworth. 28 May 1942. HMS Victorious was detached from the battlefleet to Hvalfiord escorted by HMS Faulknor, HMS Fury and HMS Eclipse. HMS Middleton, HMS Lamerton, HMS Wheatland and HMS Blankney joined the battlefleet at sea. HMS Kent detached from the cruiser cover force and set course for Hvalfiord. The damaged American merchant vessel City of Joliet had to be abandoned and was scuttled. 29 May 1942. HMS Intrepid and HMS Icarus left the battlefleet for Skaalefiord to fuel, arriving A.M. and after fuelling sailed independently for Scapa Flow. HMS Victorious end her escort HMS Faulknor, HMS Fury and HMS Eclipse arrived at Hvalfiord. Force Q (RFA Black Ranger and HMS Ledbury) was ordered to proceed to Sullom Voe instead of Scapa Flow. The cruiser cover force HMS Nigeria, HMS Liverpool, HMS Norfolk, HMS Onslow, HMS Oribi and HMS Marne arrived at Scapa Flow. The battlefleet, which at that time was made up of the battleships HMS Duke of York, USS Washington, heavy cruisers HMS London, USS Wichita, destroyers USS Wainwright, USS Mayrant, USS Rhind and USS Rowan and the escort destroyers HMS Middleton, HMS Lamerton, HMS Wheatland and HMS Blankney also arrived at Scapa Flow. HMS Kent arrived at Hvalfiord. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Convoy QP 12 (minus the three merchants and their escort that had been detached on the 27th) arrived at Reykjavik, Iceland. 30 May 1942. The merchant vessels Cape Race, Empire Morn and Southgate (Ex QP 12) escorted by HMS Venomous and HMS Badsworth arrived at the Clyde. Ulster Queen had been ordered to proceed to Belfast where she arrived also on this day. Convoy PQ 16 arrived at Murmansk. Six merchant ships continued on to Archangel where they arrived on 1 June.

Light cruiser HMS Manchester: HMS Manchester (Capt. H. Drew, DSC, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow.

Submarine HNMS K XI: HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) departed Colombo for Bombay, India. She was escorted by the Australian minesweeper HMAS Bathurst (Lt.Cdr. A.V. Bunyan, RANR(S)).

Submarine HNMS K XI: HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Deketh, RNN) arrived at Bombay.

Submarine HNMS O 14: HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Derwent (Cdr. R.H. Wright, DSC, RN) and HMS Regal (Ch.Skr. H.E. Dodd, RNR). She also made practice attacks on HMS Manchester (Capt. H. Drew, DSC, RN).

Submarine HNMS O 9: HrMs O 9 (Lt. J.F. Drijfhout Van Hooff, RNN) participated in D/F trials off Rothesay.

Submarine USS Tambor: USS Tambor (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Murphy, Jr) left Pearl Harbor to patrol north-west off Midway during the defence of this island.

Submarine USS Trout: USS Trout (Lt.Cdr. F.W. Fenno) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 4th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Midway.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Corfu: Around 0900EF/21, HMS Corfu (Capt.(Retd.) J.P. Landon, RN) and the troop transport Dunera (British, 11162 GRT, built 1937) arrived at Bombay from Aden.

Submarine HMS Otway: HMS Otway (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Otus: HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Hayes, DSO, RN) and HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. L.StG. Rich, RN).

Submarine HMS Sahib: HMS 212 (Lt. J.H. Bromage, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to the torpedo range at Arrochar.

Submarine HMS P 222: HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS La Flore served as the target.

Submarine HMS Thrasher: At 1030C/21, in position 40°23'N, 18°25'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) sighted three auxiliary schooners, apparently minesweeping, coming up from Otranto. They were close inshore. On reaching the San Cataldo lighthouse they turned round and made off to the south-east. They were tempting targets for a gun action but it was hoped bigger prey may come our way and it was decided not to disclose the presence of the submarine. At 2315C/21, in position 40°25'N, 18°30'E, HMS Thrasher sighted an escorted darkened ship bearing 270° at a range of about 6 miles. Thrasher turned and gave chase at 14 knots but after a long chase Thrasher had gained very little. After 1.5 hours the range was still over 3 miles ahead and now approaching Brindisi. As it was now clearly impossible to overtake and attack before the enemy arrived at Brindisi the chase was reluctantly abandoned. The ships sighted were most likely the transport Menes (German, 5609 GRT, built 1926) and her escort, the Italian destroyer Emanuele Pessagno. They were en-route from Benghazi (left around 1930B/19) to Brindisi (arrived at 0055B/22).

Submarine HMS Utmost: HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt.Cdr. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN).

Submarine HMS United: P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar together with HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon DSC, RN) and HMS Partridge (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, OBE, RN).

Submarine HMS Unrivalled: HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) is docked at Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Unrivalled: HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Kames Bay where she was docked for a propeller change.

Submarine HMS Unshaken: HMS P 54 (Lt. R. Gatehouse, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training.

Submarine HMS H 28: HMS H 28 (Lt. J.S. Bridger, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Stork (Cdr. F.J. Walker, DSO, RN), HMS Convolvulus (T/Lt. R.C. Connell, RNR), HMS Gardenia (T/Lt. C.J. Jackson, RNVR), HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Hulton, RN), HMS Bradford (Lt.Cdr. J.N.K. Knight, RN), HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN) and HMS Sandwich (Lt.Cdr. H. Hill, RD, RNR).

Submarine HMS H 32: HMS H 32 (Lt. J. Whitton, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory.

Submarine HMS H 33: HMS H 33 (Lt. D. Lambert, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS H 34: HMS H 34 (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth.

Submarine HMS H 44: HMS H 44 (Lt. C.E. Oxborrow, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS P 514: HMS P 514 (Lt. W.A. Phillimore, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Harbour Grace.

Sloop HMS Weston: HMS Weston (Cdr. J.G. Sutton, RN (retired)) picks up 7 survivors from the British merchant New Brunswick that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-159 about 140 nautical miles east-south-east of Santa Maria, Azores in position 36°53'N, 22°55'W.

Sloop HMS Wellington: HMS Wellington (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN) picks up 61 survivors from the British tanker Montenol that is torpedoed and damaged by German U-boat U-159 about 140 nautical miles east-south-east of Santa Maria, Azores in position 36°41'N, 22°45'W. HMS Wellington also picks up 10 survivors from the British merchant New Brunswick that was also torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-159 about 140 nautical miles east-south-east of Santa Maria, Azores in position 36°53'N, 22°55'W.

Light cruiser HMS Nigeria: Light cruiser HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.M. Burrough, CB, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.T. Armstong, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Oribi (Lt.Cdr. J.E.H. McBeath, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Ashanti (Cdr. R.G. Onslow, RN), HMS Martin (Cdr. C.R.P. Thomson, RN), HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, DSC, RN), HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, DSO, RN), HMS Volunteer (Lt. A.S. Pomeroy, RN) and ORP Garland (Lt.Cdr. H. Eibel, ORP) arrived at Seidisfjord from Hvalfjord.

Light cruiser HMS Jamaica: At Barrow-in-Furness, Jamaica (Capt. J.L. Storey, RN) is commissioned for trials.

Battleship HMS Rodney: HMS Rodney (Capt. J.W. Rivett-Carnac, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow.

Destroyer HMAS Nizam: HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr M.J. Clark, DSC, RAN) arrived at Mombasa / Kilindini from Port Victoria, Seychelles.

Corvette HMS Clarkia: HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) picks up 18 survivors from the Canadian merchant Troisdoc that was shelled and sunk by German U-boat U-558 about 55 miles west of Jamaica in position 18°15'N, 79°20'W.

Submarine USS S-24: USS S-24 arrived at New London, Connecticut from Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone.

Submarine USS R-2: USS R-2 (Lt. D.T. Hammond, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-11: USS R-11 (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Folger, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-13: USS R-13 (Lt. A.R. Gallaher, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Destroyer ORP Garland: ORP Garland joins an escort of convoy PQ-16 from Iceland to Murmansk (Russia). From May 25th to May 28, ORP Garland participated in defence of the convoy against numerous attacks of the Luftwaffe. On May 28, she was released from escort duty and sent to Murmansk due to numerous damaged and loss of 22 dead and 46 wounded seamen and officers.

Corvette HMS Woodruff: HMS Woodruff (A/Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR) scuttles the British tanker Montenol with gunfire. The Montenol was torpedoed and damaged by German U-boat U-159 about 140 nautical miles east-south-east of Santa Maria, Azores in position 36°41'N, 22°45'W. HMS Woodruff also picks up 5 survivors from the British merchant New Brunswick that was also torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-159 about 140 nautical miles east-south-east of Santa Maria, Azores in position 36°53'N, 22°55'W.

ASW Trawler HMS Retriever: HMS Retriever is part of the escort for convoy PQ-16 from 21 May 1942 until 23 May 1942.

Submarine HMS L 23: HMS L 23 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners.

Submarine HMS P 615: HMS P 615 (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) participated in A/S and attack exercises off Campbeltown.

1943

Heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland: HMS Cumberland (Capt. A.H. Maxwell-Hyslop, AM, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow.

Heavy cruiser HMS Kent: HMS Kent (Capt. A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral L.H.K. Hamilton, CB, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Hvalfjord from Scapa Flow.

Heavy cruiser HMS Sussex: HMS Sussex (Capt. W.Y.La R. Beverley, RN) arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius. She departed again later the same day for landing exercises off Mauritius.

Light cruiser HMS Dauntless: HMS Dauntless (Capt. N.J.W. William-Powlett, DSC, RN) departed Durban for Simonstown.

Light cruiser HMS Newcastle: The Commanding Officer of the 4th Cruiser Squadron, Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN, hoisted his flag on board HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN).

Light cruiser HMS Belfast: Around 1615Z/21, HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, CB, OBE, RN) departed Hvalfjord for Scapa Flow.

Destroyer USS Nields: The Italian submarine Gorgo was probably sunk off Oran by the US destroyer USS Nields. USS Nields was on a anti-submarine patrol out off Oran when a British aircraft reported a submarine contact. At 1716hours Nields established a sound contact. At 1718hours she dropped a pattern of 9 depth charges. At 1723 the sound contact was regained and another 9 depth charges were dropped. At 1731 and 1741hours more depth charges were dropped. Within seconds of the last attack, oil patches were observed. This, probably, meant the end of the Italian submarine Gorgo.

Light cruiser HNMS Tromp: HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNN) departed Fremantle to escort the British liner (troopship) Dominion Monarch (27155 GRT, built 1939) towards that port. Dominion Monarch was already escorted by the Australian light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN).

Submarine HNMS K XV: HrMs K XV (Lt.Cdr. Baron C.W.T. van Boetzelaer, RNN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A.

Submarine USS Sailfish: Around 0800X, USS Sailfish (T/Cdr. J.R. Moore, USN) arrived at Midway from Pearl Harbour. She departed for her patrol area, initially of the Kuriles, around 1300X/21 after having Topped off with fuel and having embarked fresh water and some provisions.

Submarine USS Wahoo: USS Wahoo (Cdr. D.W. Morton) ended her 5th war patrol at Pearl Harbor. She was now ordered to proceed to the Mare Island Navy Yard for a major overhaul.

Submarine USS Balao: USS Balao (Cdr. R.H. Crane, USN) departed New London, Connecticut for the Portsmouth Navy Yard for repairs.

Escort Carrier HMS Fencer: Around 1125A/21, HMS Fencer (Capt. E.W. Anstice, RN) arrived at belfast. She departed for Liverpool around 1410A/21.

Submarine HMS Ursula: HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Larne.

Submarine HMS Oberon: HMS Oberon (Lt.Cdr. J.W. McCoy, DSC, RN) departed Kames Bay for special trials at Loch Alsh.

Submarine HMS Sealion: HMS Sealion (Lt. N.J. Coe, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) served as the target.

Submarine HMS Seraph: HMS Seraph (Lt. N.L.A. Jewell, OBE, RN) departed Algiers for her 10th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea. For the daily and attack positions of HMS Seraph during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Sickle: HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank German U-boat U-303 (KL Karl-Franz Heine) proceeding on trials south of Toulon, France in position 43°00'N, 05°59'E. (All times are zone -1) 1456 hours - Sighted a German u-boat leaving Toulon. Started attack. 1510 hours - Fired two torpedoes from about 3000 yards. 1512 hours - Saw one torpedo hit about 30 feet abaft the conning tower. An enormous column of water and smoke was thrown up. She sank in about half a minute. Sickle then went deep and retired to seaward.

Submarine HMS Syrtis: HMS Syrtis (Lt. M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow to participate in A/S and attack exercises.

Submarine HMS Trident: HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) departed from Algiers bound for Malta.

Submarine HMS Truant: HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Thrasher: HMS Thrasher (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Plymouth with The escort destroyers HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.E.C.G. Baines, RN) and ORP Krakowiak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) J.A. Tchórznicki) in the morning and with HMS Wensleydale (Lt. W.P. Goodfellow, RNVR) and HMS Tanatside (Lt.Cdr. F.D. Brown, RN) in the afternoon. Upon completion of the A/S exercise in the afternoon Thrasher made a pracice attack on HMS Wensleydale.

Submarine HMS Templar: HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar for some more torpedo discharge trials.

Submarine HMS Truculent: HMS Truculent (Lt.Cdr. R.L. Alexander, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Lerwick.

Submarine HMS Upright: HMS Upright (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises of Blyth training a class of new submariners.

Submarine HMS Ultimatum: HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, RNR) departed Lerwick for her 16th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Norwegian Sea for an anti-Uboat patrol. Nothing was seen. For the daily positions of HMS Ultimatum during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Unbroken: HMS Unbroken (Lt. B.J.B. Andrew, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Bologna (5439 GRT, built 1917, former French Monaco) 8 nautical miles bearing 210° of Cape Vaticano in position 38°34'N, 15°44'E. She was proceeding from Naples to Messina with Siena (ex French Astrée, 2147 GRT, built 1921) and Polluce (1949 GRT, built 1917) escorted by the torpedo boats Groppo and Orione. (All times are zone -1) 1655 hours - Sighted smoke of a convoy made up of three merchant ships and two destroyers. Closed. 1744 hours - Fired four torpedoes from about 3500 yards at a 4000 tons (the largest) merchant vessel. An explosion was heard 2m 21s after firing. Unbroken had gone to 120 feet on firing. 1753 hours - Depth charging commenced but they were dropped a good way off. Withdrew to the north-west. 1834 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Saw one of the destroyers stopped in the position of the attack, possibly picking up survivors. The other destroyer was hunting. The two smaller merchant vessels could still be seen but there was no sign of the larger one.

Submarine HMS Unruly: HMS Unruly (Lt. J.P. Fyfe, RN) attacked the Italian submarine Marcantonio Bragadin with a full salvo off torpedoes to the east of Augusta, Sicily. No hits were obtained. The Italian submarine was on passage from Lampedusa to Taranto. The four torpedo tracks were sighted just in time and the submarine turned away. (All times are zone -2) 2344 hours - Sighted an outward bound submarine on the port quarter. 2345 hours - Dived. Started attack. 2357 hours - In position 37°12'N, 15°30'E fired a salvo of four torpedoes from 3000 yards. No hits were obtained.

Submarine HMS Unshaken: HMS Unshaken (Lt. J. Whitton, RN) ended her 12th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) at Malta.

Submarine HMS Usurper: HMS Usurper (Lt. D.R.O. Mott, DSC, RN) was undocked and then returned to Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Upstart: HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Larne.

Submarine HMS H 32: HMS H 32 (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR).

Submarine HMS H 33: HMS H 33 (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Borage (T/Lt.Cdr. A. Harrison, RNR), HMS Dahlia (T/Lt. M.S. Work, RNR), HMS Rockingham (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Duck, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Meadowsweet (T/Lt. W.E. Saunders, RNVR) and HMS Monkshood (Lt. G.W. McGuiness, RNR).

Submarine HMS H 34: HMS H 34 (T/Lt. R.L. Willoughby, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Altair (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) W.R.T. Clements, RNR) and HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Lycett, RD, RNR).

Submarine HMS H 44: HMS H 44 (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bretwalda (Skr.Lt. J.R. Coultas, RD, RNR) and HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR).

Submarine HMS P 511: HMS P 511 (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR).

Light cruiser HMS Charybdis: Combined convoy OS 48 / KMS 15G. This combined convoy assembled off Oversay on 21 May 1943. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Herries (British, 4574 GRT, built 1940), Boronesa (British, 8663 GRT, built 1918), Benjamin Williams (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Bradford City (British, 7266 GRT, built 1943), City of Adelaide (British, 6589 GRT, built 1920), City of Canberra (British, 7484 GRT, built 1927), City of Khios (British, 5574 GRT, built 1925), Clan MacIver (British, 4500 GRT, built 1925), Dalhanna (British, 5571 GRT, built 1930), Delane (British, 6054 GRT, built 1938), Duke of Sparta (British, 5397 GRT, built 1940), Eastgate (British, 5032 GRT, built 1940), Empire Livingstone (British, 6997 GRT, built 1941), Empire Miranda (British, 7054 GRT, built 1943), Empire Prospero (British, 6766 GRT, built 1943), Empire Rosalind (British, 7290 GRT, built 1943), Empire Splendour (British, 7335 GRT, built 1942), Empire Stanley (British, 6921 GRT, built 1941), Empire Sunbeam (British, 6711 GRT, built 1941), Empire Tide (British, 6978 GRT, built 1941), Empire Trent (British, 5006 GRT, built 1927), Empire Trumpet (British, 7059 GRT, built 1943), Fort Churchill (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort Finlay (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Jemseg (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Lac La Ronge (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Fort Steele (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), George Chamberlain (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Hardingham (British, 7269 GRT, built 1942), Hermiston (British, 4813 GRT, built 1939), Historian (British, 5074 GRT, built 1924), Incomati (British, 7369 GRT, built 1934), Industria (British, 4850 GRT, built 1940), Inventor (British, 6210 GRT, built 1935), Johilla (British, 4042 GRT, built 1937), John Vining (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Kaituna (British, 4914 GRT, built 1938), Kindat (British, 4358 GRT, built 1938), Lodestone (British, 4877 GRT, built 1938), Madras City (British, 5080 GRT, built 1940), Margalau (British, 4541 GRT, built 1926), Nairung (British, 5414 GRT, built 1942), Narbada (British, 8988 GRT, built 1915), Nela (British, 7220 GRT, built 1916), Ocean Valour (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vista (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Wanderer (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Panaghis (Greek, 5187 GRT, built 1920), Port Melbourne (British, 9142 GRT, built 1914), Pundit (British, 5305 GRT, built 1919), Regin (Norwegian, 1386 GRT, built 1917), Rookley (British, 4998 GRT, built 1940), Stuyvesant (Dutch, 4249 GRT, built 1918), Thysville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922), Tudor Star (British, 7199 GRT, built 1919), Urlana (British, 6852 GRT, built 1941), Vancouver City (British, 7261 GRT, built 1942), Wearpool (British, 4982 GRT, built 1936) and Zypenberg (Dutch, 4973 GRT, built 1920). The RFA tanker Celerol (British (tanker), 2649 GRT, built 1917) was also with the convoy. The convoy was escorted by the AA ship HMS Alynbank (A/Capt.(Retd.) the Hon. V.M. Wyndham-Quin, RN), sloop HMS Fowey (Cdr.(Retd.) L.B.A. Majendie, RN) and the corvettes HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR), HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR), 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), HMS Stonecrop (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Smythe, RNR). The minesweeper HMS Sharpshooter (Lt.Cdr. W.L. O'Mara, RN), which was en-route to the Mediterranean Station was also part of the escort. Distant cover during part of the convoy's passage was provided by the AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) and the destroyer ORP Orkan (Cdr. S. Hryniewiecki) which had departed Plymouth on 23 May. On 29 May the merchant vessels; Empire Envoy (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942), Empire Forest (British, 7025 GRT, built 1942), Fort Reliance (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Fame (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942) and another merchant vessel (?) joined coming from Gibraltar. They were escorted by the escort destroyer HMS Lauderdale (Lt. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN), corvette HMS Convolvulus (A/Lt.Cdr. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR) and the A/S trawler HMS Foxtrot (T/Lt. J.B. Bald, RNVR). The convoy then split up shortly afterwards. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Convoy KMS 15G proceeded to Gibraltar. This convoy was made up of the following merchant ships; Baron Herries, Benjamin Williams, Bradford City, City of Adelaide, City of Canberra, City of Khios, Clan MacIver, Dalhanna, Duke of Sparta, Empire Miranda, Empire Prospero, Empire Rosalind, Empire Splendour, Empire Stanley, Empire Sunbeam, Empire Tide, Empire Trumpet, Fort Churchill, Fort Finlay, Fort Lac La Ronge, George Chamberlain, Hardingham, Industria, Investor, John Vining, Kaituna, Kindat, Madras City, Nairung, Ocean Valour, Ocean Vista, Ocean Wanderer, Pundit, Regin, Vancouver City and Wearpool. RFA tanker Celerol was also with them. They were escorted by HMS Alynbank, HMS Lauderdale, HMS Sharpshooter, HMS Bergamot, HMS Bryony, HMS Convolvulus and HMS Foxtrot. The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 30 May 1943. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Convoy OS 48 proceeded to Freetown. This convoy was made up of the following merchant ships; Baronesa, Delane, Empire Livingstone, Empire Trent, Fort Jemseg, Fort Steele, Hermiston, Historian, Incomati, Johilla, Lodestone, Margalau, Narbada, Nela, Panaghis, Port Melbourne, Rookley, Stuyvesant, Thysville, Tudor Star, Urlana and Zypenberg. Shortly after the convoy's had split five more merchant vessels joined the convoy; Empire Barrie (British, 7168 GRT, built 1942), Fort Douglas (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort Drew (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943) and Fort Thompson (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942) coming from Casablanca. They were escorted by ?. [ADM 199/639 gives the escort as the sloop HMS Folkestone but this ship was refitting in the UK so this can't be correct.] And there was also the Charles Schiaffino (French, 3664 GRT, built 1930) which joined coming from Safi. After the convoy's split, convoy OS 48 was escorted by HMS Fowey, HMS Campion, HMS La Malouine, HMS Mallow, HMS Myosotis, HMS Stonecrop. During the passage the merchant ships Empire Barrie and Fort Steele were detached to Dakar. The merchant vessel Empire Addison (British, 7010 GRT, built 1942) joined coming from Dakar. The convoy arrived at Freetown on 7 June 1943.

Destroyer HMAS Vendetta: Convoy BT 61. This convoy departed Caloundra (near Brisbane) for Townsville on 18 May 1943. This convoy was made up of the transports; Balikpapan (Dutch, 1279 GRT, built 1938), Henry Dearborn (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Pahud (Dutch, 2075 GRT, built 1927), Suva (British, 4873 GRT, built 1938), Van Spilbergen (Dutch, 3234 GRT, built 1908) and William Ellery Channing (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942). On departure from Caloundra the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), minesweeper HMAS Goulburn (Lt.Cdr. B. Paul, RANR(S)), submarine chaser USS SC 648 (?). Around 0800K/23, USS SC 648 obtained an A/S contact and dropped depth charges. HMAS Vendetta joined the hunt but no contact could be obtained. The hunt was called off around 1030K/23 and USS SC 648 set course to rejoin the convoy. HMAS Vendetta did not rejoined the convoy as she was ordered to proceed to a rendezvous with the American troop transport President Johnson. The convoy arrived at Townsville on 24 May 1943.

Submarine USS R-2: USS R-2 (Lt. A.K. Tyree, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-4: USS R-4 (Lt. W.L. Fey, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-7: USS R-7 departed New London, Connecticut for Bermuda.

Submarine USS R-11: USS R-11 (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Parham, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-13: USS R-13 (Lt. D.L. Mehlop, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-14: USS R-14 (Lt. R. Holden, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USSR M-111: M-111 fires a torpedo against the German barge F170 west of Anapa, Russia in position 45°03'N, 36°51'E. The torpedo missed its target.

Destroyer HMAS Norman: Around 2120C/21, HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN), HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN and HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN) arrived at Durban with the Durban Section of convoy WS 29.

Submarine USS S-15: USS S-15 (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Acker, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine HMS L 26: HMS L 26 (Lt. H.D. Verschoyle, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with a training class of new submariners.

Submarine HMS L 27: HMS L 27 (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Eade, RNR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with a training class of new submariners.

1944

Heavy cruiser HMS Sussex: HMS Sussex (A/Capt. M. Everard, RN) arrived at Algiers.

Heavy cruiser HMS Frobisher: HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. Also speed trials were conducted on the measured mile.

Heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins: HMS Hawkins (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN) conducted bombardment and AA gunnery exercises in the Clyde area.

Battleship USS Iowa: USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) returned to Majoro Atoll.

Submarine HNMS O 10: HrMs O 10 (Lt.Cdr. A. van Altena, RNN(R)) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Buttercup (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Hunter, RNR) and HNoMS Rose (Lt. L.R. Lund, RNorN).

Submarine USS Tautog: USS Tautog (Lt.Cdr. T.S. Baskett) ended her very successful 11th war patrol when she returned to base.

Submarine USS Seadragon: USS Seadragon (Cdr. J.H. Ashley, Jr., USN) made a short stop at Midway to take on board fuel for the passage to Pearl Harbour.

Submarine USS Salmon: USS Salmon (Lt.Cdr. H.K. Nauman) ended her 10th war patrol at Pearl Harbor.

Submarine USS Barb: USS Barb (Lt.Cdr. Eugene Bennett Fluckey) departed from Midway for her 8th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Sea of Okhotsk.

Submarine USS Herring: USS Herring (Lt.Cdr. D. Zabriskie, Jr.) Topped up with fuel at Midway.

Submarine USS Angler: Almost the entire crew of USS Angler (Lt.Cdr. R.I. Olsen) fell ill, possibly due to contaminated drinking water. She was ordered to return to Fremantle at once.

Submarine USS Flier: After the fiasco of what had to be her 1st war patrol, USS Flier (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Crowley) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 'real' 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the South China Sea, west of Luzon, Philippines.

Submarine USS Billfish: USS Billfish (Cdr. V.C. Turner, USN) attacked a convoy west-southwest of the Marianas in position 13°39'N, 140°45'E and torpedoed and damaged the Japanese naval cargo ship Bokuyo Maru (2726 GRT, built 1942). The claimed sinking of a second vessel, estimated at 8500 GRT is unconfirmed, but note that Bokuyo Maru was estimated at 8600 GRT!. Bokuyo Maru was in convoy together with the transports Asaka Maru (7399 GRT, built 1937), Jinzan Maru (5215 GRT, built 1919) and Tenryugawa Maru (3883 GRT, built 1941) escorted by frigate Kaibokan 12, naval auxiliary Shoho Maru, auxiliary minesweeper Fumi Maru No.2 (309 GRT, built 1939) and auxiliary subchaser Uruppu Maru (225 GRT, built 1926). (All times are zone I, -9) 0310 hours - In position 13°09'N, 140°07'E obtained SJ radar contact bearing 320°(T), range 20000 yards. Commenced tracking. 0320 hours - Manned battle stations and put all four engines on propulsion. By this time the SJ radar had picked up three separate pips. 0355 hours - The plot indicated a base course of 35°(T). Range was now 13000 yards. Secured from battle stations as it looked like it would take quite some time to perform an end around for a daylight submerged attack. 0503 hours - Three ships in sight through high periscope. 0539 hours - Course of the convoy now 090°(T). 0551 hours - Lost sight of the target. 0610 hours - Picked up the convoy again through high periscope. 0641 hours - Lost sight of the target. Believed the convoy had changed back to her original course. 0734 hours - The target was still not sighted, changed course to intercept. 0741 hours - The convoy was seen coming out of the haze. Range was about 18000 yards. 0743 hours - Manned battle stations and commenced attack. 0827 hours - The convoy was seen to be made up of four transports. The base course of the convoy was now about 100°(T). 0840 hours - The tops of four escorts were now also in sight. 0922 hours - In position 13°39'N, 140°45'E fired a three torpedo spread at the second ship from the left from 2800 yards. One hit was heard. 0923 hours - Fired another three torpedo spread at the third ship from the left from 2800 yards. Three hits were heard. 0925 hours - Start to go deep and rigged for depth charging. 0938 hours - Fifteen depth charges were dropped, they were not close. 0948 hours - Three depth charges, rather close. 0950 hours - Heard breaking up noises. 0955 hours - Six depth charges, not close. 1200 hours - More depth charges, about thirty. 1300 hours - Heard pinging in various directios. 1353 hours - Returned to periscope depth. 1407 hours - Pinging was getting louder on a constant bearing. 1412 hours - Went deep again. 1530 hours - Pinging was getting weaker. 1600 hours - Returned to periscope depth. All clear. 1851 hours - Surfaced.

Submarine USS Apogon: At 1600 hours (zone -11), USS Apogon (Cdr. W.P. Schoeni, USN), made rendez-vous with USS Burden R. Hastings (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Fay, USNR) that escorted her towards Majuro.

Submarine HMS Ursula: HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted exercises off Rosyth.

Submarine HMS Una: HMS Una (Lt. C.A.J. Nicholl, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Caprice (Lt.Cdr. G.W. McKendrick, RN).

Submarine HMS Otway: HMS Otway (Lt. M.B. St. John, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Stornoway with HMS Trondra (T/A/Lt.Cdr. T.H. Howarth, RNVR).

Submarine HMS Clyde: HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Port Said for Aden.

Submarine HMS Porpoise: HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) passed the Suez Canal southbound and arrived at Suez.

Submarine HMS Sunfish: HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Rosyth to instruct her new Russian crew.

Submarine HMS Safari: HMS Safari (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducted attack exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) in the Clyde area during which HMS Braithwaite (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Mackay, RD, RNR) and HMS Blade (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR) served as the targets.

Submarine HMS Spark: HMS Spark (Lt. D.G. Kent, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises.

Submarine HMS Shalimar: HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS Sturdy (ii): HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) arrived at Aden.

Submarine HMS Truant: HMS Truant (Lt. E.C. Croswell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Larne.

Submarine HMS Trusty: HMS Trusty (Lt. E.T. Stanley, DSO, DSC, RN) is docked at Dundee in the King George V graving dock.

Submarine HMS Taurus: HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) departed from Aden bound for Port Said.

Submarine HMS Thule: HHMS Thule (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar where she was to conduct her torpedo discharge trials.

Submarine HMS Tradewind: HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Trincomalee.

Submarine HMS Varangian: HMS Varangian (Lt. S.J. Fovargue, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle.

Submarine HMS Uther: HMS Uther (Lt. A.A. Catlow, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS Upstart: HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant Saumur (2955 GRT, built 1920, former French) half a mile east of Port Vendres, southern France. [So far, January 2019, we have not been able to identify the identify the escorts.] (All times are zone -2 1733 hours - Sighted a northbound merchant vessel off Cape Gros. 1800 hours - Four R-boats were seen sweeping between Cape Bearat and Port Vendres. 1813 hours - Started attack on German merchant Saumur which was proceeding towards Port Vendres. 1826 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 1000 yards. 1827 hours - Observed two hits. HE of the target ceased immediately. Upstart went deep on firing. A short counter attack by the R-boats followed in which a few small depth charges were dropped quite close but these caused no damage. 1845 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The R-boats were seen hunting astern. The merchant vessel was not sighted and is thought to have sunk.

Submarine HMS Visigoth: HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS H 32: HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Hutley, RNR) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS H 34: HMS H 34 (Lt. R.L. Jay, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle.

Submarine HMS H 43: HMS H 43 (Lt. F.R. Lawrence, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Ardrishag where she participated in A/S exercises.

Submarine HMS H 44: HMS H 44 (Lt. P.N. Joyce, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle.

Submarine HMS P 512: HMS P 512 (Lt. J.A. Wingate, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda.

Battleship HMS Nelson: HMS Nelson (Capt. A.H. Maxwell-Hyslop, AM, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Destroyer HMS Termagant: German U-boat U-453 was sunk in the Ionian Sea north-east of Cape Spartivento, in position 38°13'N, 16°36'E, by depth charges from the British destroyers HMS Termagant (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Scatchard, DSC, RN) and HMS Tenacious (Lt.Cdr. D.F. Townsend, RN) and the British escort destroyer HMS Liddesdale (Lt. C.J. Bateman, RN).

Destroyer HMAS Nizam: Around 1745FG/21, HMS Unicorn (Capt. H.L.St.J. Fancourt, DSO, RN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) arrived at Colombo from Bombay.

Destroyer HMAS Quiberon: Around 1415H/21, HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) departed Fremantle for Williamstown.

Submarine USS R-14: USS R-14 (Lt.Cdr. R. Holden, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-20: USS R-20 (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Dudley, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine ORP Sokol: ORP Sokol (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) J.K.S. Koziolkowski, DSC) arrived at Blyth where she was to refit.

1945

Heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk: HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Palmer, RN) and HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Bergen for Scapa Flow where they arrived the following morning.

Light cruiser HMS Dauntless: HMS Dauntless (Cdr. P.F. Powlett, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Diomede (Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN) departed Rosyth for exercises upon completion of which they proceeded to Leith.

Light cruiser HMS Birmingham: HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), HMS Zephyr (Capt. J.H. Allison, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN) arrived at Rosyth from Copenhagen.

Light cruiser HMS Sheffield: From 21 to 23 May 1945, HMS Sheffield (Capt. J.W.M. Eaton, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted trials and exercises in the Gulf of Maine. She was escorted by the destroyers USS Somers (T/Lt.Cdr. E.M. Luby, USN) and USS Davis (T/Lt.Cdr. T.D. Cunningham, USN).

Light cruiser HMS Belfast: At 0800B/21, at Rosyth, Rear-Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, CBE, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Diadem (Capt. A.M. Knapp, RN) to HMS Belfast (Capt. R.M. Dick, CBE, DSC, RN). Around 1330B/21, HMS Diadem departed Rosyth for Copenhagen. At 2100B/21, the flag of the Rear-Admiral was struck on board HMS Belfast and was hoisted in HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN) at 0800B/22.

Submarine HNMS Tijgerhaai: With her initial training completed HrMs Tijgerhaai (Lt.Cdr. A. van Altena, RNN) departed from Holy Loch bound for Dundee.

Submarine HNMS Dolfijn: HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. J.B.M.J. Maas, RNN) conducted snorkel exercises off Dundee.

Submarine USS Searaven: USS Searaven (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Smallwood, Jr., USN) conducted / participated in excercises off Pearl Harbour.

Submarine USS Hackleback: USS Hackleback (T/Lt.Cdr. F.E. Janney, USN) departed from Midway for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Ryukyu Islands, mostly employed for lifeguard duties for Allied airmen, via Saipan where she was to top off with fuel and provisions. For the daily positions of USS Hackleback during her 2nd war patrol see the map below.

Submarine USS Blackfin: USS Blackfin (Lt.Cdr. W.L. Kitch, USN) arrived at Subic Bay.

Submarine USS Blueback: USS Blueback (Cdr. M.K. Clementson, USN) attacked and damaged the Japanese submarine chaser Ch 1 with gunfire south-west of Bawean Island in position 06°03'S, 112°21'E. (All times are zone I, -9) 2225 hours - In position 06°03'S, 112°21'E obtained contact on three ships by sight, sound and radar simultaneously bearing 140°(T), range 8000 yards. Commenced tracking. 2235 hours - The nearest target is closing at 18 knots. Went to four engines and opened the range slowly. This obvious escort can be seen clearly from the bridge at 7000 yards. It was thought to be a submarine chaser. 2247 hours - Stopped and let the escort close the range. Battle stations gun action. 2255 hours - Range was now 5700 yards. Opened fire with 5". The third shot was a hit. The escort turned away when the range was 4100 yards. 2302 hours - The 19th shot now went out. Some other ship had opened fire on us with 3" or 4". Fired some 5" at him and then retired behind a smoke screen. Ammunition expended: 5" - 24 rounds.

Submarine USS Charr: USS Charr (Cdr. F.D. Boyle, USN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Subic Bay. At Fremantle she was refitted by a relief crew of SubDiv 222 and USS Howard W. Gilmore.

Submarine USS Chub: USS Chub (Cdr. C.D. Rhymes, Jr.) torpedoed and sank the Japanese minesweeper W-34 (648 tons, offsite link) in the Java Sea north-east of Kangean Island in position 06°15'S, 116°01'E. (All times are zone I, -9) 0104 hours - In position 06°09'S, 115°36'E obtained SJ radar contact bearing 180(T) at a range of 18000 yards. Commenced tracking. The target was on a base course of 085(T) at varying speeds. 0231 hours - Submerged while 13000 yards ahead of the target. 0248 hours - In position 06°15'S, 116°01'E fired five torpedoes from 2900 yards. The target is thought to be a minesweeper, frigate or torpedo boat. 0250 hours - Went deep, 200 feet. 0251 hours - Heard a timed torpedo explosion. Sound reported that screws and echo ranging had stopped. Started to return to periscope depth. 0255 hours - A heavy explosion occured. It was though that a block buster depth charge was dropped. Remained deep for a while. 0310 hours - Started to come up to periscope depth again. 0342 hours - Radar sweep. All clear. 0344 hours - Surfaced and closed the scene of the attack. 0405 hours - Passed through a large and strong smelling oil slick. No survivors were seen in the dark. Considered target to have sunk.

Submarine USS Bullhead: USS Bullhead (Cdr. W.T. Griffith, USN) departed from Subic Bay for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Siam, then east of Singapore and later in the Java Sea. For daily and attack positions of USS Bullhead during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine USS Dentuda: USS Dentuda (Cdr. J.S. McCain, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour together with USS Pruitt (Lt. D.B. Harby, USNR), USS Wileman (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Tanner, Jr., USNR), USS PC-599, USS Whale (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Carde, 3rd., USN) and USS Carbonero (Cdr. C.L. Murphy, Jr., USN).

Submarine USS Carbonero: USS Carbonero (Cdr. C.L. Murphy, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour together with USS Pruitt (Lt. D.B. Harby, USNR), USS Wileman (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Tanner, Jr., USNR), USS PC-599, USS Whale (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Carde, 3rd., USN) and USS Dentuda (Cdr. J.S. McCain, Jr., USN).

Submarine USS Carp: USS Moray (T/Cdr. F.L. Barrows, USN), USS Carp (Lt.Cdr. J.L. Hunnicutt, USNR) and USS Runner (T/Cdr. R.H. Bass) arrived at Pearl Harbor from Balboa, Panama Canal Zone. On arrival they were taken in hand for voyage repairs and some alterations following which all three commenced their final training before being ready to go on their first patrols.

Submarine USS Entemedor: USS Entemedor (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Smith, Jr., USN) departed New London, Connecticut for the Panama Canal Zone.

Submarine USS Chivo: Having completed her torpedo trials USS Chivo (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Crutcher, USNR) returned to New London, Connecticut.

Submarine USS Lamprey: USS Lamprey (Lt.Cdr. L.B. McDonald) departed from Fremantle for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Siam.

Submarine USS Pilotfish: USS Pilotfish (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Schnable) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Marcus Island.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Venerable: HMS Venerable (Capt. W.A. Dallmeyer, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.J.H. Harcourt, CB, CBE, RN) is undocked.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Vengeance: HMS Vengeance (Capt. D.M.L. Neame, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted flying exercises off Malta.

Submarine HMS Safari: HMS Safari (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducted gunnery exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Sibyl: HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) sank a junk with a demolition charge and a round of 3" in the Malacca Strait. (All times are zone -6.5) 0500 hours - Sighted a junk bearing 325°, steering a course of 250°. Commenced to close. 0539 hours - Dived for an aircraft. 0555 hours - Surfaced and continued to close. 0602 hours - Boarded the junk. Cargo was rubber tyres and shoes. Put the crew of three into their sampan. 0625 hours - Sank the junk with a demolition charge and one round of 3". Position was 04°26'N, 99°45'E.

Submarine HMS Shakespeare: HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) was undocked.

Submarine HMS Sportsman: HMS Sportsman (Lt. P.L. Langley-Smith, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Surf: HMS Surf (T/Lt. T.D. Wood, RNVR) shifted from Ettick Bay to Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Sea Devil: HMS Sea Devil (Lt. D.W. Mills, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at the torpedo firing range at Arrochar.

Submarine HMS Taurus: HMS Taurus (A/Lt.Cdr. P.E. Newstead, DSC, RN) departed from Malta for Port Said.

Submarine HMS Tireless: HMS Tireless (A/Lt.Cdr. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil.

Submarine HMS Terrapin: While proceeding towards Lombok Strait HMS Terrapin (Lt. R.H.H. Brunner, DSC, RN) encounters the American submarine USS Cavalla in position 06°03'S, 113°49'E. The Cavalla is also returning to Fremantle. Cavalla signals the status of Terrapin and it is decided that she will escort Terrapin all the way to Fremantle. That night both submarines made the southbound passage of Lombok Strait.

Submarine HMS Truncheon: HMS Truncheon (A/Lt.Cdr. R.J. Clutterbuck, DSO, RN) arrived at Holy Loch for a period of trials and training.

Submarine HMS Uproar: HMS Uproar (Lt. J.N. Devlin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Carnation (T/Lt. W.R. Fowler, RNVR) and HMS Borage (T/Lt. E.A. Hitchcock, RNR).

Submarine HMS Unrivalled: HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for exercises with aircraft to the north of Brittany, France.

Submarine HMS Unruffled: HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda together with HMCS Trois Rivieres (T/Lt. J.M.S. Clark, RCNVR).

Submarine HMS Unsparing: HMS Unsparing (T/Lt. J.D. Tweedie, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS Untamed: HMS Vitality (Lt. W.T.J. Fox, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS Urtica: HMS Urtica (Lt. R.C. Bucknall, RN) conducted exercises off Moelfre Bay.

Submarine HMS Varne: HMS Varne (Lt. I.G. Raikes, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Rothesay.

Submarine HMS Viking: HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth training a class off new submariners.

Submarine HMS Virulent: HMS Virulent (Lt. F.E. Ashmead-Bartlett, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory.

Submarine HMS Visigoth: HMS Visigoth (Lt. C.H. Hammer, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Colombo.

Submarine HMS Vox: HMS Vox (Lt. W.E.I. Littlejohn, DSC, RANVR) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with HMS Wakeful (Lt.Cdr. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN).

Submarine HMS Amphion: HMS Amphion (Cdr. R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at the torpedo firing range off Arrochar.

Light cruiser HMS Cleopatra: During 21/22 May 1945, HMS Cleopatra (Capt. B.I. Robertshaw, RN), participated in exercises off Malta.

Battleship HMS Anson: From 21 to 23 May 1945, HMS Anson (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN) conducted exercises off Malta.

Submarine USS R-1: USS R-1 (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Cunningham, Jr., USNR) conducted A/S exercises off Casco Bay, Maine together with USS Saucy (Lt. B.H. Farwell, USNR) and USS Courage (Lt. C.G. Helm Jr., USNR).