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Allies in WWII

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Submarine HMS P 511 (P 511)

19 Mar 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN) and HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR). Upon completion of these exercises Lt. Launders took over as Commanding Officer from Lt. Pelly. (1)

21 Mar 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR) and HMS Spaniel. (1)

22 Mar 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. E. Gleave, RNR) and HMS Spaniel. (1)

23 Mar 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. E. Gleave, RNR) and HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR). (1)

24 Mar 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). (1)

25 Mar 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (1)

26 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (1)

31 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Tobermory. (1)

2 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) shifted from Tobermory to Loch na Lataich. (2)

3 Apr 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off the Isle of Mull together with HMS Duncan (Cdr. Sir P.W Gretton, DSO and Bar, DSC, OBE, RN) and HMS Kite (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN). (2)

4 Apr 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off the Isle of Mull together with FFS Commandant Detroyant, HMS Trent (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.G. Rankin, DSC, RNR) and HMS Wild Goose (Cdr. D.E.G. Wemyss, RN). (2)

5 Apr 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off the Isle of Mull together with FFS Commandant Detroyant and HMS Promise (T/Lt. S.A. Sargent, RNVR). (2)

8 Apr 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off the Isle of Mull together with FFS Commandant Detroyant and HMS Promise (T/Lt. S.A. Sargent, RNVR), ML 559 (T/Lt. C.A. Head, RNVR) and ML 453 (T/Lt. L.V. Horne, RNVR). (2)

9 Apr 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off the Isle of Mull together with FFS Commandant Detroyant and HMS Promise (T/Lt. S.A. Sargent, RNVR), HMS Castleton (Cdr.(Retd.) C.W.V.T.S. Lepper, RN) and HMS Sapper (T/Lt. R.C. Lees, RNR). (2)

10 Apr 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off the Isle of Mull together with HMS Castleton (Cdr.(Retd.) C.W.V.T.S. Lepper, RN), HMS Lady Sharazad and two ML's. (2)

12 Apr 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off the Isle of Mull together with HMS Castleton (Cdr.(Retd.) C.W.V.T.S. Lepper, RN) and HMS Chanticleer (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Bristowe, DSO, RN). (2)

13 Apr 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off the Isle of Mull together with HMS Castleton (Cdr.(Retd.) C.W.V.T.S. Lepper, RN), HMS Chanticleer (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Bristowe, DSO, RN), HMS Coverley (T/Lt. L.R. Lord, RNVR) and HMS Sapper (T/Lt. R.C. Lees, RNR). (2)

14 Apr 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off the Isle of Mull together with HMS Coverley (T/Lt. L.R. Lord, RNVR), HMS Sapper (T/Lt. R.C. Lees, RNR), HMS Burwell (Lt. A.H. Parish, RN) and HMS Whitethorn (T/Lt. G.W. Slough, RANVR). (2)

15 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off the Isle of Mull together with HMS Burwell (Lt. A.H. Parish, RN), HMS Whitethorn (T/Lt. G.W. Slough, RANVR), HMS Bream (Skr. S.C. Larner, RNR) and another vessel (unable to read the name in the log of P 511>). (2)

15 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) departed Tobermory for Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS Sapper (T/Lt. R.C. Lees, RNR). (2)

16 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (2)

1 May 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. (3)

2 May 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (3)

3 May 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bretwalda (Skr.Lt. J.R. Coultas, RD, RNR). (3)

4 May 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN). (3)

5 May 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bretwalda (Skr.Lt. J.R. Coultas, RD, RNR). (3)

6 May 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Lycett, RD, RNR). (3)

7 May 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Lycett, RD, RNR). (3)

10 May 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H.T. Pitt, RN) and HMS Bretwalda (Skr.Lt. J.R. Coultas, RD, RNR). (3)

11 May 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN), HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR) and HMS L'Incomprise (Lt.(Retd.) F.S. Deveson, RNR). (3)

12 May 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H.T. Pitt, RN) and HMS Spaniel. (3)

13 May 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, 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). (3)

14 May 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Lycett, RD, RNR). (3)

16 May 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H.T. Pitt, RN) and HMS Spaniel. (3)

17 May 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR) and HMS Spaniel. (3)

18 May 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Altair (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) W.R.T. Clements, RNR) and HMS Spaniel. (3)

19 May 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H.T. Pitt, RN) and HMS Altair (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) W.R.T. Clements, RNR). (3)

20 May 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Spaniel. Upon completion of these exercises Lt. Taylor took over from Lt. Launders as Commanding Officer of HMS P 511. (3)

Submarine HMS Venturer (P 68)

18 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted trials off Barrow following which she departed for Holy Loch. (4)

19 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. She then conducted acceptance trials in the Clyde area following which she returned to Holy Loch where she was commissioned for service. (4)

21 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (4)

22 Aug 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (4)

23 Aug 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (4)

25 Aug 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to the torpedo firing range at Arrochar. (4)

26 Aug 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (4)

27 Aug 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (4)

28 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Having completed her torpedo discharge trials, HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN), shifted from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (4)

29 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (4)

30 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted echo sounding trials in Loch Long. (4)

31 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Campbeltown from where she conducted RD/F trials. (4)

1 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (5)

3 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted S.T.U. trials off Fairlie. (5)

4 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN) served as the target. (5)

7 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted deep dive trials in the Clyde area. (5)

8 Sep 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (5)

9 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted night exercises in the Clyde area. (5)

10 Sep 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (5)

11 Sep 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (5)

12 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (5)

13 Sep 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (5)

14 Sep 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (5)

16 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Campbeltown. (5)

17 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR) and HMS Altair (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) W.R.T. Clements, RNR). (5)

19 Sep 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR) and HMS Altair (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) W.R.T. Clements, RNR). (5)

20 Sep 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Lycett, RD, RNR). (5)

21 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS L'Incomprise (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.S. Deveson, RNR). (5)

22 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). (5)

23 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (5)

24 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Altair (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) W.R.T. Clements, RNR). (5)

26 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (5)

27 Sep 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (5)

28 Sep 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). (5)

29 Sep 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). (5)

30 Sep 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). (5)

1 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Holy Loch. (6)

3 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Pheasant (Cdr. L.F. Durnford-Slater, RN). Upon completion of these exercises HMS Venturer proceeded to Rothesay. (6)

4 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Larne. She was escorted by HMS Dittany (T/Lt. S.W. Lock, RNVR). (6)

5 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Cyclamen (T/Lt. W.S. Joliffe, RNR), HMS Bideford (Cdr. J.R. Westmacott, RN) and HMS Aubretia (Lt. G.D. Fowler, RNR). (6)

6 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN), ships from the 41st Escort Group and HMS Bideford (Cdr. J.R. Westmacott, RN).

9 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Meadowsweet (T/Lt. W.E. Saunders, RNVR). (6)

10 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN), ships from B 7 Escort Group, HMS Pink (Lt. R. Atkinson, DSC, RNR) and HMS Lowestoft (A/Cdr.(Retd.) L.H. Phillips, RN). (6)

11 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Vidette (Lt.Cdr. R. Hart, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Sunflower (A/Lt.Cdr. J. Plomer, DSC, RCNVR). (6)

14 Oct 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (6)

15 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with ships from the 1st Escort Group. (6)

16 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Pelican (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, DSO, RN) and HMS Evenlode (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.L. Turner, RNR). (6)

17 Oct 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (6)

18 Oct 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (6)

19 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. (6)

22 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (6)

23 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as the target. (6)

25 Oct 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS La Flore (Lt. F.W. Hayden, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. (6)

26 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (6)

2 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (7)

6 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (7)

8 Nov 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) arrived at Lerwick. She departed later the same day for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Sørøya, nothern Norway.

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

(8)

23 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. She departed for Holy Loch later the same day. She was escorted by HMS Brimness (A/Skr.Lt. J.F. Banks, RNR). (8)

25 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (7)

10 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made the passage together with HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN), HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) and HMS Syrtis (Lt M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN) [HMS Syrtis was to proceed to Scapa Flow]. They were escorted HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(retired) R.H. Mack, RN). (9)

12 Dec 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (9)

13 Dec 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for her 2nd war patrol She was to conduct an anti-Uboat patrol in the Norwegian Sea.

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

(10)

27 Dec 1943
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Lerwick. (10)

30 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) arrived at Dundee. (9)

10 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) departed Dundee for Lerwick. She is escorted by HMS Lord Ashfield (T/Lt. J.B. Morpeth, RNR). (11)

11 Jan 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) arrived at Lerwick. She departed later the same day for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Norway.

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

(12)

25 Jan 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Lerwick. (10)

29 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (11)

30 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) is docked in AFD 20 at Rothesay. (11)

8 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) is undocked. (13)

11 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) is docked in AFD 20 at Rothesay. (13)

14 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) is undocked at Rothesay which she then departed immediately for Dundee. She made the passage north through the minches together with the Dutch submarine HrMs Zeehond (Lt.Cdr. Baron D.T. Mackay, RNN) which departed Rothesay for Lerwick. They were escorted by HMS Brimness (T/Skr. W. Anderson, RNR). (13)

16 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (13)

17 Feb 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Dundee. At sea she joined HMS Satyr (Lt. T.S. Weston, RN) and HMS Unshaken (Lt. J. Whitton, RN) coming from Lerwick. They were escorted by HMS Lord Ashfield (T/Lt. J.B. Morpeth, RNR). (13)

18 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) arrived at Dundee. (13)

21 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Dundee. (13)

25 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) departed Dundee for Lerwick. She is escorted by HMS Lord Ashfield (T/Lt. J.B. Morpeth, RNR). (13)

26 Feb 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) arrived at Lerwick. She departed from Lerwick later the same day for her 4th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Norway, Stadtlandet area.

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

(14)

2 Mar 1944 (position 62.13, 5.07)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant Thor (2526 GRT, built 1922) off Stadlandet, Norway in position 62°13'N, 05°07'E.

Thor was loaded with 3240 tons of coal and was in convoy with Hermann Fritzen (3845 GRT, built 1906) and Tugela (5559 GRT, built 1921) escorted by V 5101 and M 252. Thor was sunk with all her crew rescued. Only a rating in V 5101 sighted a torpedo track. There was also a detonation near V 5101 which was shaken, and two explosions near Hermann Fritzen.

(All times are zone -1)
2153 hours - Sighted two merchant vessels and one escort in position 62°10'N, 05°05'E, course 350°, speed 7 knots. Shortly afterwards a third merchant vessel was sighted.

2159 hours - Snow started to fall.

2208 hours - The snow cleared and this showed two merchant ships. The range to the nearest was 1000 - 1500 yards. Started attack.

2210 hours - Fired four torpedoes in position 62°13'N, 05°07'E and dived.

2211 hours - At least one hit was obtained giving a running range of 1200 yards.

2212 hours - A heavy explosion occured. The submarine was shaken. This was followed by breaking up noises.

2213 hours - Depth charging started.

2215 hours - Heard two torpedoes hitting the shore.

2216 hours - Bottomed at 305 feet. Stopped all machinery. From now until about 2330 hours the escort carried out an A/S hunt and dropped 18 more depth charges.

2347 hours - Came off the bottom and retired from the area to the south-west. (10)

6 Mar 1944 (position 62.26, 5.58)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) attacked but missed a large merchant vessel near Alesund, Norway in position 62°26'N, 05°58'E.

[so far (November 2019), we have been unable to indentify this vessel.]

(All times are zone -1)
1537 hours - Sighted a large flushdecker with Danish markings emerging from behind Kvitneset Point, course 360°. Estimated lenght 500 feet, speed 11 knots, draught 18 feet. Set the torpedoes to 24 feet. Ran in while torpedoes were being prepared. The contact was hard to see against the land behind but was similar in general appearance to the Danish ship Louisiana. She was painted olive green with three Danish flags on the side and one on the bridge. She had one small funnel.

1542 hours - The target altered course to 020°.

1544 hours - In position 62°26'N, 05°58'E fired four torpedoes at the target from 3000 yards. Went to 220 feet on firing. No counter attack followed as no escort had been sighted.

1547 hours - Heard a loud mettalic explosion. Possibly a torpedo hit giving a running range of 5200 yards.

1551 hours - Heard two more explosion thought to be torpedoes hitting the shore. (10)

8 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Lerwick. She departed for Dundee later the same day. She was escorted by HMS Lightfoot (Lt.Cdr. T.M. Williams, RNR). (15)

10 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) arrived at Dundee. (16)

13 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) is docked in the East Graving Dock at Dundee. (16)

15 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) is undocked. (16)

21 Mar 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S and attack exercises off Dundee with HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN). (16)

22 Mar 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted A/S and attack exercises off Dundee with HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN). (16)

5 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Dundee. (17)

8 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) departed Dundee for Lerwick. She was escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). (17)

9 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (17)

10 Apr 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the south Norwegian coast between Lister and Egerøy.

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

(17)

14 Apr 1944 (position 58.14, 6.17)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) attacked but missed a merchant vessel with three torpedoes west of Lister, Norway.

[so far (November 2019), we have been unable to indentify this vessel.]

(All times are zone -2)
1315 hours - In position 58°14'N, 06°19'E sighted a 1500 tons merchant ship, two masts with derricks over a single large hold forward, bridge and funnel aft, hull light grey, funnel yellow. Course 300°, speed 10 knots, range 3700 yards. No surface escort was seen to be present. Air escort was present in the area thought to be two Arado 95's and two FW 190's. Started attack.

1328 hours - Fired three torpedoes in position 58°14'N, 06°17'E from 1200 yards. No hits were obtained.

1410 hours - Two A/S vessels, sweeping with Asdics, passed close. It is thought one obtained contact on HMS Venturer but no attack followed. (10)

15 Apr 1944 (position 58.15, 6.10)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) attacked but missed a northbound escorted merchant vessel off Lister in position 58°06'N, 06°32'E. [so far (November 2019), we have been unable to indentify this vessel.]

Later the same day HMS Venturer torpedoed and sank the brand-new German merchant Friedrichshafen (1923 GRT, built 1944) about 15 nautical miles south-south-east of Egersund, Norway in position 58°15'N, 06°00'E.

Friedrichshafen was in convoy with Vela (1180 GRT, built 1930) and Masuren (2383 GRT, built 1935). They were escorted by the auxiliary submarine chasers UJ 1101, UJ 1102, UJ 1103, UJ 1112.

(All times are zone -2)
0852 hours - Heard slow reciprocating H.E. bearing 110°. As it was raining observation through the high power periscope was difficult. Smoke was eventually seen on the bearing and at 0909 hours this resolved into an A/S trawler leading a single northbound mechant vessel.

0909 hours - In position 58°05'N, 06°34'E started attack on this 3000 tons merchant vessel. Enemy course 305°, speed 8 knots.

0931 hours - In position 58°06'N, 06°32'E fired three torpedoes from 1500 yards. Enemy course was now 287°. Went deep on firing. No hits were obtained. It was intended to fire four torpedoes but the fourth torpedo misfired. Most likely the three torpedoes fired all missed ahead and the forth torpedo, if fired, would have been a hit.

No counter attack followed. Possibly the attack was not observed.

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

1830 hours - Heard faint H.E. and A/S impulses bearing 110°.

1952 hours - Sighted a convoy made up of two merchant vessels of 3000 and 5000 tons escorted by four A/S trawlers coming through the mist bearing 111° in position 58°15'N, 06°14'E. Range was 5000 yards and we were 15° on the port bow of the merchantman.

2004 hours - The convoy altered course to 313° and there was now a convenient gap in the A/S screen to attack the larger merchant vessel which was the second in line. A 5000 tons single funnel two masted ship which was fairly deep in the water.

2008 hours - In position 58°15'N, 06°10'E fired our two remaining torpedoes from 2200 yards. The nearest A/S trawler was now 800 yards away.

2010 hours - One torpedo was heard to explode on hitting the target. Breaking up noises were heard. Two A/S trawlers immediately came over to hunt for the attacker. Disengaged to starboard and went deep.

2015 hours - A six depth charge pattern was dropped close by.

2021 hours - A fourteen depth charge pattern was dropped close by.

2040 hours - An eleven depth charge pattern was dropped but now more distant. (10)

19 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Lerwick. (10)

23 Apr 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Stavanger / Egersund area.

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

(10)

29 Apr 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Lerwick. She departed for Dundee later the same day. She was escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). (18)

30 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) arrived at Dundee. (17)

29 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course). (19)

30 May 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course). (19)

31 May 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course). (19)

1 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) departed Rothesay for Larne. (20)

2 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) arrived at Larne. (20)

5 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (20)

6 Jun 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (20)

8 Jun 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (20)

10 Jun 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (20)

11 Jun 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (20)

13 Jun 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (20)

15 Jun 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (20)

20 Jun 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (20)

21 Jun 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (20)

22 Jun 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (20)

28 Jun 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (20)

29 Jun 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (20)

30 Jun 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (20)

1 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (21)

3 Jul 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (21)

4 Jul 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (21)

7 Jul 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (21)

10 Jul 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (21)

11 Jul 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (21)

12 Jul 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (21)

18 Jul 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (21)

19 Jul 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (21)

20 Jul 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (21)

21 Jul 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (21)

22 Jul 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (21)

26 Jul 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) shifted from Larne to Bangor. (21)

27 Jul 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) shifted from Bangor to Larne. (21)

30 Jul 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (21)

31 Jul 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (21)

4 Aug 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) participated in exercises off Larne. (22)

6 Aug 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) shifted from Larne to Rothesay. (22)

7 Aug 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) is docked in AFD 20 at Rothesay. (22)

9 Aug 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) is undocked. (22)

11 Aug 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area training a class of new submariners. These included night exercises. (22)

12 Aug 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) returned to Rothesay on completion of last night's exercises. (22)

13 Aug 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN), ORP Dzik (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) B.S. Romanowski) and FFS Rubis (Lt.Cdr. H.L.G. Rousselot) all departed the Clyde for Dundee. They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) until 15 August when HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR) took over. (22)

16 Aug 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Dundee. (22)

22 Aug 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Dundee. (22)

25 Aug 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Dundee. (22)

29 Aug 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Dundee. (22)

1 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Dundee for Lerwick. (23)

3 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (23)

5 Sep 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Lerwick for her 7th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol off Norway, between Skudesness and Lister.

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

(10)

11 Sep 1944 (position 58.06, 6.31)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) torpedoed and sank the Norwegian merchant Vang (678 GRT, built 1901, offsite link) off Lister, Norway in position 58°06'N, 06°31'E.

(All times are zone -2)
1207 hours - In position 58°04.5'N, 06°35'E sighted a laden 3000 tons three island, single funnel merchant ship bearing 100°, range 5000 yards. Commenced to attack.

1227 hours - In position 58°06'N, 06°31'E fired four torpedoes from 1300 yards. The first torpedo was seen to break surface once.

1228 hours - Three explosions. The first two separated by one second only. Periscope observation showed two hits forward and one aft. This was followed by the noise of falling debris.

1231 hours - Heard a distant explosion, possibly the remaining torpedo hitting the shore.

1233 hours - Heard fast H.E. approaching on the bearing of the target. Thinking this might have been an unobserved E or R boat, went deep. H.E. started and stopped several times and was now presumed to be a nearby fishing vessel that was picking up survivors. Withdrew to the southward and commenced reloading the torpedo tubes. (10)

13 Sep 1944 (position 58.31, 5.40)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) fires four torpedoes against the Norwegian merchant Force (499 GRT, built 1906, offsite link) north-west of Egersund, Norway in position 58°31'N, 05°40'E. All torpedoes however missed their target. Venturer then engaged the target with gunfire but the submarine was forced to break off this attack as she was fired upon by German shore batteries.

(All times are zone -2)
1440 hours - Sighted masts and funnel of a southbound merchant ship bearing 342°, range 12000 yards. The target was at first thought to be of about 2500 tons but was soon identified as a Norwegian vessel of about 1300 tons. She was in ballast. Steered towards to investigate.

1504 hours - The target changed course to 150°. Commenced attack.

1509 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 1200 yards. The fourth torpedo fired exploded prematurely about 320 yards from the submarine. The target now turned away sharply and the remaining torpedoes missed ahead. The target was now stern on and had stopped her engines.

1518 hours - The target was still stopped and abandoned. No other ships or aircraft were in sight.

1530 hours - Surfaced for gun action. The first four shots fell over. The fifth shot was either a hit or a near miss over.

1532 hours - The German coastal battery at Horr, obviously ready, opened up an accurate fire. Broke off the action.

1533 hours - Dived in position 58°30'N, 05°39'E, went deep and retired to the south-westward. (10)

16 Sep 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at Lerwick. (10)

20 Sep 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Lerwick for Dundee. She was escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). Off Scapa Flow rendez-vous was made with HMS Truculent (Lt.Cdr. R.L. Alexander, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Trusty (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSO, RN). (23)

22 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Dundee. (23)

2 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Dundee with HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi). (24)

3 Oct 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted night exercises off Dundee with HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi). (24)

5 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Dundee for Lerwick. She was escorted by HMT River Lossie (A/Skr.Lt. W. Sutherland, RNR). (24)

7 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Lerwick.

Due to engine problems HMS Venturer departed Lerwick to return to Dundee. She was escorted by HMT River Lossie (A/Skr.Lt. W. Sutherland, RNR). (24)

9 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Dundee. (24)

18 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted engine trials off Dundee. (24)

19 Oct 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted engine trials off Dundee. (24)

29 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) is docked in the East Greaving Dock at Dundee. (24)

30 Oct 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) is undocked. (24)

2 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (25)

4 Nov 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Lerwick for her 8th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol off northern Norway.

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

(10)

11 Nov 1944 (position 69.18, 16.28)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) torpedoed and sank German U-boat U-771 in the Andfjord about 7 nautical miles east of Andenes, Norway, in position 69°18'N, 16°28'E.

(All times are zone -1)
0839 hours - In position 69°19'N, 16°27'E sighted the conning tower of a 740 tons U-boat on course 195°, speed 15 knots, range 3500 yards. Immediately started attack while the tubes were brought to the ready.

0845 hours - In position 69°18'N, 16°28'E fired a full salvo of four torpedoes from 2000 yards.

0846.5 hours - Heard a loud explosion followed by crackling noises. The targets H.E. immediately ceased.

0848 hours - Heard a small explosion followed by a brief rushing noise thought to be the targets batteries exploding.

0850 hours - Periscope observation showed that the target had disappeared. No sound also was picked up on the bearing of the target.

0853 hours - Retired to the northward as fishing boats H.E. was picked up. (10)

24 Nov 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 8th war patrol at Lerwick. (10)

26 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Dundee. (25)

13 Dec 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) and FFS Rubis (Lt.Cdr. H.L.G. Rousselot) departed Dundee for Lerwick. She was escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. W.E. Turner, RNR). (26)

14 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (26)

15 Dec 1944
The sailing of HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) for patrol had to be delayed for 12 hours due to two ratings being sick. A replacement was flown in from Dundee.

In the evening HMS Venturer departed for her 9th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Norway between Egerøy and Obrestad.

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

(27)

28 Dec 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 9th war patrol at Lerwick. (10)

29 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (26)

31 Dec 1944
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (26)

6 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) is docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (28)

9 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) is undocked. (29)

11 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR) served as the target. (29)

12 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (29)

13 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Votary (Lt. P.M. Staveley, RN) both departed Holy Loch for Lerwick / Scapa Flow. They anchored for the night in Carradale Bay. (29)

14 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Votary (Lt. P.M. Staveley, RN) both departed Carradale Bay to continue their passage north escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (29)

16 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (29)

17 Jan 1945
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Lerwick for her 10th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol between Egerøy and Skudesnes.

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

(10)

20 Jan 1945 (position 58.36, 5.29)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) attacked a German convoy off the Norwegian coast between Egersund and Stavanger. Four torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.

The convoy attacked might be the one made up of the merchant vessels Erna (865 GRT, built 1922), Krückau (287 GRT, built 1897), Storefjeld (2021 GRT, built 1941) and Hillevaag (873 GRT, built 1885) with escorts; UJ-1702, UJ-1706, UJ-1709 and M-251. They did not observe any attack though.

(All times are zone -1)
2050 hours - In position 58°30'N, 05°40'E sighted a dark smudge against the snow covered land. Increased to full speed and set course for the gap in the mine barrier.

2114 hours - Began a radar plot, range turned out to be 7400 yards, bearing 084°. The smudge had by now developed into a convoy of three medium sized merchant ships escorted by four A/S trawlers.

2118 hours - Passed through the mine barrier. Radar plot gave an enemy course of 330°, speed 11 knots.

2125 hours - Range was now 3800 yards. Altered course to complete the attack.

2126 hours - In position 58°36'N, 05°29'E fired a full bow salvo of four torpedoes from 3500 yards at the target, a laden 2500 to 3000 tons merchant vessel. On firing turned to port and dived towards the gap in the mine barrier.

2128 hours - Heard an explosion.

2131 hours - Heard three explosions believed to be the remaining torpedoes hitting the shore. One escort is believed to be in contact now while Venturer was at 240 feet but she managed to escape through the gap in the mine barrier. Two A/S vessels remained in the area to hunt the attacker.

2215 hours - All HE had ceased. The two hunting A/S vessels must have made off to rejoin the convoy. (10)

22 Jan 1945 (position 59.05, 5.18)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant vessel Stockholm (618 GRT, built 1885) north-west of Stavanger, Norway. She was in convoy with Grana (1297 GRT, built 1885), Ida Joerk (954 GRT, built 1901). They were escorted by M 202, M 253, V 5313, FlB 557.

(All times are zone -1)
2305 hours - In position 59°03'N, 05°22'E two dark shapes were seen passing behind Hvidngsoy northbound. These were seen to be followed by at least five more darkened shapes comprising a convoy of at least three merchant ships and four escorts. Range was about 9000 yards.

2306 hours - Turned and ran in on the surface.

2321 hours - The leading escort was now directly down moon. Range was now about 5000 yards. Dived to complete the attack. However the range could not be closed due to en enemy alteration of course which came earlier then expected.

2334 hours - The rearmost merchant ships were now overlapping at a range of 6000 and 6500 yards. Decided to attack now despite the long range.

2336 hours - In position 59°05'N, 05°18'E fired a full salvo of four torpedoes at the overlapping merchant vessels.

2338 hours - Heard a loud explosion with reverberations. Asdic impulses on that bearing ceased at the moment of the explosion. Breaking up noises were heard throughout the boat for over a minute. This was most likely an escort that fouled the range and was sunk.

2342 hours - Heard a second explosion similar to the first but with more prolonged reverberations. This was thought to be a torpedo hitting one of the targets. Two escorts commenced to hunt the attacker.

0007/23 - Two depth charges were dropped but these were not close. Following these the hunters withdrew towards Karm Sund. (10)

23 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) is ordered to return to Lerwick. (10)

25 Jan 1945
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 10th war patrol at Lerwick. (10)

2 Feb 1945
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Lerwick for her 11th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol off Norway near 60°N.

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

(10)

9 Feb 1945 (position 60.46, 4.35)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) torpedoed and sank German U-boat U-864 in the North Sea west of Bergen, Norway, in position 60°46'N, 04°35'E. This is the only known incident in all of naval warfare in which one submarine sank another while both are submerged.

(All times are zone -1)
0932 hours - Picked up very faint diesel H.E. bearing 340°. It then faded.

1010 hours - Again heard diesel H.E., now bearing 295°. It increased and drawed north.

1035 hours - Bearing of the H.E. was now 320°. Still nothing to be seen.

1050 hours - The Officer of the Watch sighted a thin mast. Nothing however could be seen shortly afterwards. Changed course to intercept.

1115 hours - Sighted a periscope. Prepared to attack. The target was snorting (though no snorkel was seen) and proceeding on the diesel engines at periscope depth.

1117 hours - The target crossed to starboard. Decided not to attack yet but to stalk the enemy to obtain more information on course and speed.

1122 hours - Again sighted the periscope of the enemy.

1151 hours - Sighted the periscope of the target at a range of 2000 yards. Was now able to establish the current course of the enemy of about 135° at a speed of 3.5 knots. We were gaining bearing on his starboard quarter. The enemy appeared to be zig-zagging on a mean course of 120°.

1210 hours - The target altered course to starboard leg of zig. Altered with full helm to 140° track to fire by Asdic.

1212 hours - In position 60°46'N, 04°35'E fired a full bow salvo of four torpedoes.

1214 hours - Heard a sharp explosion followed by breaking up noises.

1217 hours - Heard a fainter sharp explosion followed by two more. These were thought to be the remaining three torpedoes hitting the shore.

1246 hours - Entered a patch of spreading oil on the surface. Also a floating cylinder was sighted. (10)

15 Feb 1945
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 11th war patrol at Lerwick. (10)

20 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) shifted from Lerwick for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HNoMS Narvik. (30)

23 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (30)

26 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (30)

2 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) is docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (28)

4 Mar 1945
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) is undocked. (28)

8 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (28)

11 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. On departure she first conducted exercises in the Clyde area. She anchored for the night in Brodick Bay together with her escort, HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (28)

12 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) continued her passage to Lerick escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (28)

14 Mar 1945
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Lerwick. She departed Lerwick for her 12th war patrol later the same day. She was ordered to patrol off Norway, Fro Havet area.

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

(28)

19 Mar 1945 (position 64.31, 10.27)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant Sirius (998 GRT built 1922) off Namsos, Norway in position 64°31'N, 10°27'E.

Another vessel that was in this convoy was the Glattesee (590 GRT, built 1921). The following ships were part of the escort V 5906, V 5908, V 6403, V 6409.

(All times are zone -1)
0546 hours - After H.E. had been picked up an A/S trawler was sighted bearing 140°, range 4900 yards. This was the leader of a convoy coast crawling inside the Grundene shoals. Commenced to close. Position was 64°29'N, 10°35'E

0620 hours - Obtained our first fix since diving. We were thought to be too close to the shoals. Took action to avoid getting into too shallow water.

0625 hours - Shifted target to the second merchant ship of the four that were by now in sight. Five A/S vessels were now also in sight. One was seen to be an M-class minesweeper. The others were trawlers. The target selected was a large, single funneled two masted coal burner of 3000 to 4000 tons. Range was 6000 yards and this meant that Venturer was further to seaward then was earlier thought. Continued to close.

0631 hours - Turned to our firing course.

0633 hours - In position 64°31'N, 10°27'E fired a full salvo of four torpedoes from 6000 yards.

0634 hours- Disengaged to starboard and dived deep to withdraw down the coast.

0638 hours - Heard a sharp explosion followed by loud and increasing crackling noises which terminated 3.5 minutes later when a large explosion was heard. The target is believed to have been hit and that either her boilers or the cargo exploded as she sank.

Venturer was then hunted by three A/S vessels for about one hour but these were never in contact.

21 Mar 1945 (position 53.59, 9.46)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) attacked a merchant vessel with four torpedoes to the north of Trondheim, Norway. No hits were obtained.

[so far (November 2019), we have been unable to indentify this vessel.]

(All times are zone -1)
1311 hours - Sighted an unescorted three island, single funneled, two masted merchant ship. We had received a signal shortly before mentioning this ship and that it had four escorts. These could not be seen and probably had just left her when she entered sheltered waters. Decided to attack even from long range as this might be an important target.

1312 hours - Turned and ran in at full speed for 10 minutes. This reduced the range by about 2000 yards.

1326 hours - In position 63°59'N, 09°46'E fired four torpedoes from 6000 yards.

1331 hours - Heard two explosions about 12 seconds apart. Observation showed this to be two torpedo hits on the shore. No further explosions were heard and the target was seen to continue on her way. (10)

25 Mar 1945
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 12th war patrol at Lerwick. (10)

6 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Varne (Lt. I.G. Raikes, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Lerwick. They also made practice attack on each other. (31)

11 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Lerwick. (32)

17 Apr 1945
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Lerwick for her 13th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Norway, between Egersund and Skudesnes.

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

(28)

24 Apr 1945 (position 58.34, 5.35)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) attacked a merchant vessel or large barge under tow between Stavanger and Egersund. All torpedoes fired missed their target.

[so far (November 2019), we have been unable to indentify these vessels.]

(All times are zone -2)
0850 hoours - Sighted through the fine rain a long low flushdeck merchant vessel with two masts and a small thin funnel aft. She was being towed by a small tug. Three small coasters followed close astern. The target was thought to be a damaged merchant vessel that was being towed to the south for repairs. The targets engine seemed to be in use. Range was thougt to be around 3000 yards.

0856 hours - Altered course to fire torpedoes. Observation of the target was most difficult in the rainy conditions. Range was thought to be 1800 yards at maximum.

0903 hours - In position 58°34'N, 05°35'E fired a full salvo of four torpedoes from an estimated range of 1600 yards. Enemy course 160°, speed 8 knots.

0905 hours - Observed four explosions on the coast astern of the target. Maybee the torpedoes ran under and the target might have been a large barge. (10)

25 Apr 1945 (position 59.09, 5.19)
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) attacked the German auxiliary submarine chasers UJ 1751 and UJ 1753 while they were at anchor off Karmøy, Norway with one torpedo. The torpedo failed to explode. Venturer was depth charged following the attack but managed to escape.

(All times are zone -2)
1423 hours - Sighted two A/S trawlers lying alongside each other and at anchor close to the south-east coast of Karmøy. Range was about 6000 yards. Investigated the possibility of attack and decided that one torpedo would be spared to fire at them if the range could be closed sufficiently to ensure a hit. This would leave a salvo of three torpedoes for any valuable target subsequently sighted.

1432 hours - Closed to attack.

1533 hours - Range now 600 yards.

1534 hours - In position 59°09.5'N, 05°19'E fired one torpedo from 500 yards. After about half a minute the Asdic operator reported that the H.E. of the torpedo had stopped and that he had heard a slight concussion. Looks like the torpedo had hit and failed to explode. H.E. of one of the trawlers was heard to pick up.

1546 hours - Depth charging commenced as a single depth charge was dropped. Single depth charges were then dropped at 1547, 1551, 1552, 1553, 1558, 1559, 1600, 1601 and 1606 hours.

1717 hours - Came to periscope depth. Only a small fishing vessel was in sight. (10)

28 Apr 1945
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 13th war patrol at Lerwick. (10)

5 May 1945
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Dundee. (33)

14 May 1945
HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSO and Bar, DSC and Bar, RN) shifted from Dundee to Grangemouth here she was taken in hand for refit. When the war (with Japan) ended the refit had not yet been completed. (33)

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