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Submarine HMS L 27 (N 27)

25 Apr 1940
HMS L 27 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) is docked at Portsmouth. The date of undocking is currently not known to us.

Submarine HMS H 43 (N 43)

9 Jun 1941
HMS H 43 (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. After these exercises Lt. Martin took over command from Lt. Mackenzie. (1)

11 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) departed Tobermory for Rothesay. (1)

12 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (1)

18 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) conducted a practice attack on HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). after which H 43 proceeded to Ardrishaig. (1)

19 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. (1)

20 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. (1)

21 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. Upon completion of these exercises HMS H 43 proceeded to Fairlie. (1)

23 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. Upon completion of these exercises she proceeded to Rothesay. (1)

24 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Convoy attack exercises were carried out in the Clyde area.

The convoy was made up of HMS Cyclops (A/Capt. R.L.M. Edwards, RN), which served as the 'main target'. She was escorted by HMS Alecto (Cdr. R.M.G. Gambier, RN), HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN), HrMs Z 5 (Lt. J.J. Steensma, RNN), HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) and FFS La Moqueuse.

This convoy was attacked in the morning by two submarines; HMS Oberon (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSC, RN) and HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN).

In the afternoon the convoy was attacked (near Campbeltown) by HMS L 27 (Lt. H.N. Edmonds, DSC, RN), HMS H 31 (Lt. R.J. Hemingway, DSC, RN) and HMS H 32 (Lt. B.G. Heslop, DSC, RN). (2)

25 Jun 1941
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig.

Following the completion of yesterdays convoy attack exercises H 43 had proceeded to Ardrishaig. (1)

26 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. (1)

27 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. (1)

28 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. (1)

30 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. (1)

1 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. Upon completion of these exercises HMS H 43 proceeded to Rothesay. (3)

4 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Londonderry. (3)

7 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

8 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

9 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

10 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

11 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

12 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

15 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

16 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

17 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

18 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

19 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

23 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

24 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

25 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

27 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (3)

1 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (4)

2 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (4)

8 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (4)

9 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (4)

11 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (4)

12 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (4)

13 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. A.C. Halliday, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (4)

Submarine HMS Utmost (N 19)

21 Oct 1941
HMS Utmost (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) conducted exercises off Malta. (5)

23 Oct 1941
HMS Utmost (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) departed Malta for 15th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Kuriat and also to perform a special operation. Lt. J.D. Martin, RN had taken over command for this patrol from Lt.Cdr. R.D. Cayley, DSO, RN) in order to give this last officer a rest and to enable complete recovery from sandfly fever.

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

(6)

26 Oct 1941
At 0245 hours HMS Utmost (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) completed her special operation in the Gulf of Hammamet. This was probably to land stores for the remnants of the Breuillac resistance network. After sabotaging a couple of Italian ships, one of the saboteurs was captured and talked. Mounier had been forced to flee to Malta but was killed on his return trip when his plane (a captured Heinkel 115) crashed. The folbot sank as it was returning but the crew managed to swim to the submarine. (6)

31 Oct 1941 (position 35.47, 11.04)
At 0020 hours, HMS Utmost (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN), in position 35°47'N, 11°04'E, fired one torpedo at the grounded Italian merchant Marigola (5996 GRT, built 1906) but missed. (6)

1 Nov 1941
HMS Utmost (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) destroys the (already grounded and damaged) Italian merchant Marigola (5996 GRT, built 1906) off Kuriat Island, Tunisia.

(All times are zone -1)
2230 hours - Set course and speed to close the stranded vessel.

2303 hours - Opened fire on this vessel. In all 39 HE and 19 SAP shells were fired from 400 yards. About 50 hits were obtained.

2335 hours - Retired to seaward. The stranded vessel was now definitely a total loss. (6)

3 Nov 1941
HMS Utmost (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) ended her 15th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (6)

Submarine HMS Urge (N 17)

30 Dec 1941
Around 1835B/30, HMS Urge (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) departed Malta for her 15th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the East coast of Tunisia between Kuriat and Lampion Island.

Spare Commanding Officer Martin had taken temporary command of HMS Urge in order to give Lt.Cdr. Tomkinson a rest.

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

(6)

11 Jan 1942
Around 0800B/11, HMS Urge (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) ended her 15th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. The patrol had been uneventful. (6)

Submarine HMS Umbra (P 35)

1 Aug 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) departed Haifa for her 9th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to proceed to Malta passing to the North of Crete en-route.

For the daily positions of HMS P 35 during this patrol see the map below.

(7)

12 Aug 1942
HMS P 35 (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (7)

Submarine HMS Una (N 87)

20 Nov 1942
HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) departed Malta for her 16th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Tunis.

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

(8)

27 Nov 1942 (position 37.34, 10.33)
HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) attacked an enemy convoy with three torpedoes north of the Gulf of Tunis in position 37°34'N, 10°33'E. All torpedoes missed their intended target despite the cliam for a hit.

Later on the same day Una made another attack on a single escorted merchant vessel. Four torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -1)
0004 hours - Sighted two merchant vessels and one destroyer bearing 235°. Altered course to close.

0006 hours - Dived, the enemy meanwhile changed course to 185°. Stared attack.

0047 hours - Fired three torpedoes from 1500 yards. 50 Seconds after firing a very loud explosion was heard which broke numerous glass fittings in Una. As this gave a running range of 1200 yards it is thought that this was a torpedo hitting the target. The intended fouth torpedo of the salvo was now not fired. Evasive action was taken but Una was not counter attacked.

The convoy attacked by Una was most likely made up of the Italian merchants Honestas (4932 GRT, built 1920), Sant'Antioco (4994 GRT, built 1919) and the German barge FP 477. They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Procione, Ciclone and Ardente. They heard two underwater explosions.

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

1128 hours - Observed three destroyers circling about three nautical miles to the North.

1132 hours - Sighted a merchant vessel of 3000 to 4000 tons steering about 240°. Una was right ahead at a range of about 8000 yards. It was assumed that Una was at the place of a rendez-vous. Started attack.

1226 hours - Near position in position 37°34'N, 10°47'E fired four torpedoes from 1200 yards. Una went deep upon firing. No sounds of a hit were heard.

1236 hours - Retured to periscope depth. The target was seen to proceed to the South-West with one of the destroyers. The other two destroyers were proceeding to the North.

According to Italian sources these were the transports Monginevro (5324 GRT, built 1940), and Sestriere (7992 GRT, built 1942) escorted by destroyers Maestrale, Grecale, Ascari and Camicia Nera proceeding to Bizerta. (8)

28 Nov 1942
While on passage back from her patrol area to Malta and South of Sicily, at 2213 hours (zone -1) HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) was attacked by enemy Motor torpedo boats. Two torpedoes were evaded, one of which should otherwise have been a certain hit. (8)

1 Dec 1942
HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) ended her 16th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean) at Malta where she was immediately docked. (8)

10 Dec 1942
HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) was undocked. (9)

12 Dec 1942
HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) departed Malta for her 17th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the east coast of Tunisia.

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

(8)

20 Dec 1942 (position 35.38, 11.13)
HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) made a torpedo attack on a small merchant vessel near Kuriat, Tunisia. No hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -1)
0913 hours - While patrolling South-East of Kuriat sighted a Southbound merchant ship of about 2000 tons. She was escored by two aircraft. Started attack.

0938 hours - Near position 35°38'N, 11°13'E fired four torpedoes from 2800 yards. No explosions followed however. This was the German Dora (584 GRT, built 1898) on passage from Sousse to Tripoli. (8)

24 Dec 1942
HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) ended her 17th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)

4 Jan 1943
HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) departed Malta for her 18th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol North of Sicily.

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

(8)

10 Jan 1943
At 1705 hours, west of Cape Gallo, HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) was detected by the Italian torpedo boat Pallade escorting the Italian tanker Saturno (5029 GRT, built 1914) with the torpedo boat Sirio and the corvettes Antilope, Artemide and Gabbiano. Pallade carried out a depth charge attack which was reported by the submarine as 'fairly close' but did not detect the convoy. (8)

19 Jan 1943
While on the return passage to Malta after a blank patrol, HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) at 1841 hours (zone -1) surfaced and bombarded a shed at Linosa Island. 20 Rounds were fired and the shed was destroyed. Una was taken under fire by four machine guns but was not hit. (8)

20 Jan 1943
HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) ended her 18th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)

30 Jan 1943
HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) departed Malta for her 19th war patrol (17th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the Gulf of Hammamet, Tunisia.

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

(8)

1 Feb 1943 (position 36.26, 10.43)
HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) damaged two Italian schooners with gunfire in the Gulf of Hammamet, Tunisia in position 36°26'N, 10°43'E. Una had to break of the attack due to gunfire from shore batteries

(All times are zone -1)
1210 hours - Surfaced and gunned two 250 tons 2-masted Italian motor schooners anchored off Nabeul jetty. Opening range was 1500 yards bu this was closed to 500 yards. 40 Rounds were fired with the 12-pdr. gun. Two hits were obtained on one schooner and at least 6 on the other. Una was under fire from shore during the whole action. At first this fire from the shore was inaccurate but when an anti-tank gun joined in Una was soon hit twice and one of the gun crew was injured by splinters. When Una dived she grounded at 10 feet and it was necessary to surface and run to seaward for about 10 minutes. During this time she sustained two more hits.

According to Italian sources the two schooners were L’Angelo Raffaele (74 GRT) and Nicolo’ Lo Porto (71 GRT). (8)

2 Feb 1943
HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) is recalled to Malta to land the injured crew member. (8)

3 Feb 1943
At 1115 hours HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) arrived at Malta to land the injured crew member and to effect small repairs.

At 1600 hours Una departed Malta to resume her patrol. She was now ordered to patrol South of the Strait of Messina and off the East coast of Calabria.

10 Feb 1943 (position 38.30, 16.40)
HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Italian merchant Cosala (4294 GRT, former Yugoslavian Serafin Topic, built 1913) near position 38°30'N, 16°40'E.

The damaged Italian ship is grounded, declared a total loss and sank during a storm.

(All times are zone -1)
1455 hours - Sighted a Northbound unladen 4000 tons merchant vessel escorted by one aircraft. Started attack.

1551 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 1000 yards. One hit was obtained after just over a minute.

1556 hours - Sighted the target down by the stern. Una meanwhile withdrew to seaward to reload the torpedo tubes. (8)

15 Feb 1943 (position 39.16, 17.08)
HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) torpedoed and sank the (already damaged and grounded) Italian merchant Petrarca (3329 GRT, built 1910) about 10 nautical miles north of Crotone, Calabria, Italy in position 39°16'N, 17°08'E.

(All times are zone -1)
0545 hours - Dived in position 39°03'N, 17°19'E and started to close the beached vessel. The area was patrolled by an aircraft, an A/S schooner, an A/S brigantine and an armed yacht. Salvage operations were seen to be in progress. As the sea was flat calm Una was very visible from the air a periscope depth. It was decided to wait to attack after sunset.

1700 hours - Closed the target while dived.

1704 hours - Fired three torpedoes from about 3000 yards. The torpedoes were seen to run straight to the target but the result could not be seen as depth control was lost soon afterwards. A hit was heard given a running range of 2700 yards. (8)

19 Feb 1943
HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) ended her 19th war patrol (17th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)

1 Mar 1943
HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) depared Malta for the U.K. where she was to refit.

For the daily positions of HMS Una during this passage see the map below.

(8)

10 Mar 1943
HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (8)

13 Mar 1943
HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) depared Gibraltar for Holy Loch.

For the daily positions of HMS Una during this passage see the map below.

(8)

26 Mar 1943
HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (8)

28 Mar 1943
HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) departed Holy Loch for Blyth. She was escorted by HMS Alecto (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN) until 0915/30 when HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR) took over the escort. (8)

31 Mar 1943
HMS Una (Lt. J.D. Martin, RN) arrived at Blyth to refit. (8)

Submarine HMS Unbending (P 37)

13 Nov 1943
With her refit completed HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted trials and exercises off Plymouth. (10)

14 Nov 1943
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted trials and exercises off Plymouth. (10)

15 Nov 1943
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) shifted from Plymouth to Dartmouth. (10)

17 Nov 1943
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) shifted from Dartmouth to Plymouth. She returned to the Devonport Dockyard for some repairs and to have a new forward periscope fitted. (10)

5 Dec 1943
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (11)

8 Dec 1943
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for Fishguard. She was escorted by HMS Mazurka (A/Skr.Lt. J. Baxter, RNR). (11)

9 Dec 1943
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) arrived at Fishguard. (11)

13 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (11)

14 Dec 1943
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (11)

15 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (11)

16 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (11)

19 Dec 1943
During the night of 19/20 December 1943, HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN), conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (11)

21 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (11)

22 Dec 1943
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (11)

23 Dec 1943
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (11)

27 Dec 1943
During the night of 27/28 December 1943, HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN), conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (11)

28 Dec 1943
During the night of 28/29 December 1943, HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN), conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (11)

30 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the night of 30/31 December 1943, HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN), conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (11)

31 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the night of 31 December 1943 / 1 January 1944, HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN), conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (11)

3 Jan 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) departed Fishguard for Rothesay. During the passage north through the Irish Sea she was escorted by HMS Kihna (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR). (12)

5 Jan 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (12)

11 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with ORP Dragon (Cdr. S.T. Dzienisiewicz). (12)

12 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in the Clyde area. (12)

14 Jan 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) departed Rothesay for Londonderry. During the passage she was escorted by HMS Kihna (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR). (12)

15 Jan 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) arrived at Londonderry where she was to be employed as A/S target for escort ships. (12)

17 Jan 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises in Lough Foyle with HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN) and anchored at Moville. (12)

18 Jan 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises in Lough Foyle with HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN) and anchored at Moville. (12)

19 Jan 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) shifted from Moville to Londonderry. (12)

21 Jan 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises in Lough Foyle with HMS Lossie (Lt.Cdr. A.F. MacFie, OBE, RNR) then anchored at Moville. (12)

22 Jan 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises in Lough Foyle with HMS Erne (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR) and HMS Churchill (Lt. A.C.D. Leach, RN). (12)

23 Jan 1944
HHMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises in Lough Foyle with HMS Erne (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR), HMCS Fennel (A/Lt.Cdr. W.P. Moffat, RCNVR) and HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. P.R. Ward, RN). (12)

24 Jan 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises in Lough Foyle with HMS Mourne (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Holland, RD, RNR) and HMS Clematis (T/Lt. R.H. Farrands, DSC, RNR). (12)

26 Jan 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) departed Lough Foyle for Blyth. She was escorted by HMS Kihna (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR). (12)

29 Jan 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) arrived at Blyth. (12)

1 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (13)

2 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (13)

3 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (13)

4 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (13)

7 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (13)

8 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (13)

9 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (13)

11 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (13)

12 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (13)

14 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (13)

15 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (13)

16 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (13)

17 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (13)

18 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (13)

22 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (13)

23 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (13)

24 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (13)

25 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (13)

28 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (13)

6 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (14)

7 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (14)

8 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (14)

9 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (14)

10 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (14)

14 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (14)

16 Mar 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) departed Blyth for Lerwick.

The Admiralty was under the impression that the damaged Tirpitz might be leaving Norway for Germany to effect repairs. So a whole lot of submarine were sent to patrol off Norway including several submarines from training flotillas including HMS Unbending. (15)

17 Mar 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (15)

18 Mar 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for her 18th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Utvaer, Norway.

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

(15)

21 Mar 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) was recalled from patrol and was to return to Lerwick where she arrived later the same day ending her 17th war patrol. (15)

24 Mar 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for Blyth. She made the passage together with HMS Unbroken (Lt. P.L. Langley-Smith, RN) and HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). (15)

25 Mar 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) arrived at Blyth. (15)

30 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (14)

31 Mar 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

3 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

4 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

5 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

10 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

11 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

12 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

13 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

14 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

19 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

19 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

20 Apr 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. Following these exercises HMS Unbending was docked in No. 3 dock at Blyth. (16)

21 Apr 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) was undocked. (16)

24 Apr 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

25 Apr 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

26 Apr 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

27 Apr 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

28 Apr 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (16)

4 May 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (17)

5 May 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (17)

17 May 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (17)

18 May 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (17)

19 May 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (17)

23 May 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (17)

25 May 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (17)

26 May 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (17)

31 May 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (17)

1 Jun 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (18)

2 Jun 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (18)

5 Jun 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (18)

6 Jun 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (18)

7 Jun 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (18)

8 Jun 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (18)

9 Jun 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (18)

12 Jun 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (18)

13 Jun 1944
HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (18)

Submarine HMS Solent (P 262)

5 Sep 1944
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) departed her builders yard for Holy Loch. (19)

6 Sep 1944
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (19)

3 Oct 1944
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) departed Rothesay for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (20)

6 Oct 1944
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow where she was to participe in attack and A/S exercises. (20)

8 Oct 1944
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises off Scapa Flow together with HMS Trusty (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSC, RN). (20)

9 Oct 1944
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Volage (Cdr. L.G. Durlacher, OBE, RN) and HMS Zephyr (Lt.Cdr. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and 2 Bars, RN). (20)

10 Oct 1944
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (20)

11 Oct 1944
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (20)

12 Oct 1944
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (20)

13 Oct 1944
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (20)

14 Oct 1944
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (20)

15 Oct 1944
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Sardonyx (A/Lt.Cdr. T.A. Easton, RNVR). (20)

16 Oct 1944
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (20)

25 Nov 1944
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for her 1st war patrol. She was made the passage North through the Miches together with HMS Volatile (Lt. F.R. Lawrence, RN) and HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. P.J.S. de Jong, RNN). They were escorted by escorted by HMS Sardonyx (A/Lt.Cdr. T.A. Easton, RNVR). (21)

25 Nov 1944

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

HMS Solent 1st war patrol click here for bigger map (21)

26 Nov 1944
At 2000 hours (zone -1) HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) parted with her escort and proceeded to her patrol area midway between the Orkney Islands and the Norwegian coast. (21)

6 Dec 1944
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (22)

9 Dec 1944
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) and Votary (Lt. P.M. Staveley, RN) both departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. They were escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (22)

10 Dec 1944
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Holy Loch. (22)

11 Dec 1944
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) is docked at Holy Loch. (22)

17 Dec 1944
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) is undocked. (22)

2 Jan 1945
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for passage to Gibraltar. She made the passage in convoy OS 102 / KMS 76.

This was the first leg of the trip to the Far East.

For the daily positions of HMS Solent during this passage see the map below.

HMS Solent passage Holy Loch - Fremantle click here for bigger map (23)

11 Jan 1945
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (23)

14 Jan 1945
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta. (23)

17 Jan 1945
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (23)

22 Jan 1945
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) departed Malta for Port Said. (23)

26 Jan 1945
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said. (23)

31 Jan 1945
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) transited the Suez Canal Southbound and arrived at Suez. (23)

10 Feb 1945
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) departed Suez for Aden. (24)

15 Feb 1945
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden. (24)

16 Feb 1945
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) departed Aden for Trincomalee. This was later changed to Colombo. (24)

25 Feb 1945
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) made a short stop at Colombo to take on board fuel. She departed for Trincomalee later the same day. (24)

27 Feb 1945
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (25)

3 Mar 1945
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for Fremantle, Australia. (26)

17 Mar 1945
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) arrived at Fremantle. (26)

5 Apr 1945
During 5 to 7 April 1945 HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (27)

9 Apr 1945
HMS Solent (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Fremantle together with HMS Sleuth (Lt. K.H. Martin, RN). (27)

11 Apr 1945
HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) and HMS Sleuth (Lt. K.H. Martin, RN) carried out practice attacks off Fremantle on HMS Adamant (Capt. H.M.C. Ionides, RN). (27)

14 Apr 1945
HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) departed Fremantle for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the South-East Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol together with HMS Sleuth (Lt. K.H. Martin, RN) in the Eastern Java Sea.

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

HMS Solent 2nd war patrol click here for bigger map (28)

18 Apr 1945
HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) and HMS Sleuth (Lt. K.H. Martin, RN) arrive at Exmouth Bay to fuel. Both submarines departed in company for their patrol area later the same day. (28)

23 Apr 1945 (position -8.53, 115.04)
HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank a small Japanese merchant vessel or large coaster with a torpedo to the South of Bali, Netherlands East Indies in position 08°53'S, 115°04'E.

(All times are zone -9)
0824 hours - Sighted a laden merchant vessel thought to be of about 1300 tons escorted by a large fast looking whaler type escort vessel approaching from the Eastward. Started attack.

0857 hours - Fired a salvo of 5 torpedoes from 2000 yards. Went deep on firing. One loud explosion was heard. This was followed by four more explosions which were most likely the other torpedoes hitting the shore. One of the torpedoes circled overhead twice.

0906 hours - The escort commenced a counter attack which laster for just over one hour. 24 Depth charges were dropped and these were fairly close at first.

1019 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Only saw the escort 5000 yards astern. The target was not sighted. Also one aircraft was seen to be patrolling the area. Went deep again to reload and retired from the area. (28)

24 Apr 1945
During the night of 24/25 April 1945 HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) passed Lombok Strait Northbound. (28)

26 Apr 1945 (position -4.50, 115.40)
HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) and HMS Sleuth (Lt. K.H. Martin, RN) sink the Japanese auxiliary minesweeper Wa 3 (215 tons) with gunfire in the Java Sea west of Kalambau Island in position 04°50'S, 115°40'E.

(All times are zone -9)
1818 hours - Sighted smoke on the horizon bearing 150°.

1829 hours - Sighted masts and funnels.

1857 hours - Incorrectly judged the ships to be a coaster and a seatruck. Passed this information by SS/T to Sleuth.

1900 hours - Passed to Sleuth 'stand by for gun action'. It was the intention to let the vessels get halfway between both submarines and the engage the larger one together. As it was thought no escort was present there were no restrictions on the use of SS/T.

1918 hours - Went deep to allow the ships to pass overhead. Sent to Sleuth 'enemy is passing me now' The larger vessel now turned out to be an escort vessel and must have head the transmission which was on full power.

1922 hours - A total of 7 depth charges was dropped fairly close in about 10 minutes. Solent went deep as the enemy appeared to be in contact.

1954 hours - The enemy escort had left the scene and as it was dark sent to Sleuth 'surface and close'.

1957 hours - Surfaced and commenced trailing the enemy.

2030 hours - Sleuth joined company and took station 400 yards on Solents port beam. Spent the next two hours manouvering in a position down moon from the enemy and then opened fire with the 4" gun. Fall of shit was difficult to observe as Sleuth was also firing. The enemy replied with 3" and Oerlikon gunfire. After about 15 minutes the escort was hit about 10 times by Solent en Sleuth and ceased firing. She turned towards at speed and was seen to be on fire aft. The enemy passed down Solent's port side at a range of 100 yards when she was riddled with Oerlikon fire at point blank range. Solent then set off in chase of the landing barge that was escorted by this ship. The barge made for Kalambau Island and was soon lost in the shadow of this island. Solent then returned to the escort which was still afloat. Fire was then opened again with the Oerlikon at the centre and fore part.

2245 hours - The escort blew up with a tremendous explosion and a shower of debris landed on Solent. A search was then started to find the landing barge off Kalambau Island.

2252 hours - When Solent was about 900 yards from the shore and was searching the area with her Aldis light she was straddled by a fierce burst of machine gun fire. The barge however could not be seen.

2355 hours - Sighted a ship approaching from the North-East. Sleuth engaged this ship with her 4" gun. Very shortly afterwards Solent was straddled with 3" and Oerlikon gunfire. As the capabilities of this newcomer were unknown it was decided to retire from the scene. Ordered Sleuth to disengage and join Solent.

Continued on 27 April 1945. (28)

27 Apr 1945
HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) sank a landing barge of Kalambau Island.

(All times are zone -9)
Continuation of the events of 27 April 1945

0121 hours - Sleuth reported that she had obtained 4 hits on the target. Decided to re-engage and both submarines turned round. Searched the North coast of the island and the sea about 5 nautical miles beyond but no sign of her was found. Decided to patrol off the Island during the night to prevent the landing barge from leaving.

0647 hours - Both submarines dived and closed the island to search for the landing barge.

0721 hours - Sighted the landing barge close inshore. Surfaced and closed to 300 yards. Sank the landing barge with 7 rounds of 4" and a pan of Oerlikon. Whilst withdrawing and about 400 yards from the shore sighted a Japanese swimming in the water hanging on to wreckage. Closed and he gratefully scrambled on board. He was a survivor of the escort sunk the day before and he had been in the water for about 10 hours. (28)

29 Apr 1945 (position 4.33, 116.03)
HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) and HMS Sleuth (Lt. K.H. Martin, RN) together sank a seatruck with gunfire in position 04°33'S, 116°03'E.

(All times are zone -9)
1500 hours - Sighted masts bearing 081°.

1520 hours - Identified the target as a seatruck. Told Sleuth by SS/T to stand by for gun action.

1601 hours - Signalled to Sleuth 'surface and engage'.

1602 hours - Surfaced. Range that was thought to be 2000 yards turned out to be about 4000 yards. The target increased to full speed and started zig-zagging. A hit from Sleuth destroyed her rear machine gun. The forward machine gun of the target could not be brought to bear. This machine gun was soon also knocked out by gunfire.

1620 hours - The target was well on fire but was still proceeding at about 8 knots. Sleuth then closed and fired 4" shells into her waterline but she still would not sink. A lot of men were seen to jump overboard thought to be Japanese soldiers. Upon passing one of them it was seen that he was Malay and soon it was seen that there was a grat number of them including women and children. Both submarines then started to pick up the survivors.

1824 hours - An aircraft was seen to be approaching so both submarines dived. By this time about 90 survivors had been picked up, several were wounded.

1956 hours - Surfaced and proceeded towards the Laurot Islands in the hope of finding a native fishing vessel to get rid of most of the survivors. A prau was sighted and it took off the survivors from Sleuth. Another prau was then sighted and this one took off the survivors from Solent. 4 Trips to the island were needed. By 0130 hours next morning all survivors were landed except 4 Malays who volunteered to remain on board. Many more also would have liked to do so but there was no room for them. (28)

2 May 1945 (position 4.33, 115.31)
HMS Sleuth (Lt. K.H. Martin, RN) sank an enemy seatruck with gunfire. She was assisted by HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) which also obtained one hit on the target. Position was 04°33'S, 115°31'E.

(All times are zone -9)
0740 hours - Sleuth reported enemy in sight bearing 020°.

0745 hours - The enemy was sighted by Solent, it was a deeply laden coaster of about 300 tons. Both submarines closed at speed. As Sleuth was closer she was ordered to assume tactical command.

0809 hours - Surfaced but as Solent was still 7000 yards from the target did not open fire. Sleuth was much closed and after having fired 4 rounds she hit the target forward starting a small fire which started spreading as other rounds hit. Solent then opened fire from 5500 yards. 3 Rounds were fired for 1 hit but by this time the target was fully on fire. The vessel was seen to burn until 1600 hours when she sank. (28)

8 May 1945
During the night of 8/9 May 1945 HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) passed Lombok Strait Southbound. (28)

11 May 1945
HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) and HMS Sleuth (Lt. K.H. Martin, RN) both arrive at Exmouth Gulf. (28)

13 May 1945
HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) and HMS Sleuth (Lt. J.C. Ogle, DSC, RN) both depart Exmouth Gulf to return to their patrol area in the Eastern Java Sea.

At Exmouth Gulf fuel was taken on board as well as provisions. The prisoner and survivors were landed. Minor repairs were also carried out.

The jounger of the Martin brothers, the Commanding Officer of HMS Sleuth arrived at Exmouth Gulf with a fever. He was relieved temporary by the spare Commanding Officer of the flotilla, Lt. Ogle.

They were to patrol there for a week and then proceed to Subic Bay, Philippines. This patrol was later cancelled and they were both ordered to proceed to Subic Bay directly. (28)

16 May 1945
During the night of 16/17 May 1945 HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) passed Lombok Strait Northbound. (28)

25 May 1945
HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol (1st in the South-East Pacific area) at Subic Bay. (28)

13 Jun 1945
During 13 and 14 June 1945 HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) and HMS Sleuth (Lt. K.H. Martin, RN) both conducted exercises off Subic Bay. These included night exercises. (29)

17 Jun 1945
HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) departed Subic Bay for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the South-East Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol together with HMS Sleuth (Lt. K.H. Martin, RN) off Banka Strait and to the East of Singapore.

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

HMS Solent 3rd war patrol click here for bigger map (30)

28 Jun 1945 (position -1.24, 105.36)
At 0112 hours (zone -9) HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) sank a Japanese landing craft and damaged another with gunfire to the north of Banka Strait near position 01°24'S, 105°36'E. (30)

6 Jul 1945 (position 1.33, 104.58)
At 0506 hours (zone -9) HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN), near position 01°33'N, 104°58'E, fired 6 torpedoes from 1200 yards against an enemy patrol vessel to the East of Singapore. No hits were obtained. No further details of this attack are known as there is no patrol report of HMS Sleuth for this patrol. (30)

13 Jul 1945
HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the South-East Pacific area) at Subic Bay. (30)

27 Jul 1945
During 27 and 28 July 1945 HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) and HMS Sleuth (Lt. K.H. Martin, RN) both conducted exercises off Subic Bay. These included night exercises.

31 Jul 1945
HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) departed Subic Bay for her 4th war patrol (3rd in the South-East Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol together with HMS Sleuth (Lt. K.H. Martin, RN) in the Gulf of Siam.

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

HMS Solent 4th war patrol click here for bigger map (28)

6 Aug 1945 (position 6.40, 101.58)
HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) sank a junk with gunfire in the Gulf of Siam.

(All times are zone -9)
0812 hours - Surfaced in position 06°40'N, 101°58'E and sank by gunfire a medium seized Southbound junk loaded with rive. The crew abandoned ship and made for the shore in their sampan. (28)

9 Aug 1945 (position 8.50, 100.07)
HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) sank a junk with gunfire in the Gulf of Siam.

(All times are zone -9)
1037 hours - Boarded a medium seized junk laden with rice in position 08°50N, 100°07'E. The crew took to their sampan. Sank the junk with gunfire, 5 rounds being used. (28)

10 Aug 1945 (position 9.40, 99.59)
HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) sank 3 junks with gunfire in the Gulf of Siam.

(All times are zone -9)
1215 hours - Observed 3 heavily laden large junks at anchor in position 09°40'N, 99°59'E and sank them with gunfire.

1245 hours - All junks had been sunk. 46 Rounds had been used. (28)

11 Aug 1945 (position 10.18, 99.19)
HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) sank a junk with gunfire in the Gulf of Siam.

(All times are zone -9)
1518 hours - Surfaced in position 10°18'N, 99°19'E and destroyed a medium seized junk with gunfire (7 rounds being used). She was heavily laden with a cargo of rice. The crew pulled ashore in their sampan. (28)

13 Aug 1945 (position 12.34, 101.01)
HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) sank two junks with gunfire in the Gulf of Siam.

(All times are zone -9)
1615 hours - In position 12°34'N, 101°01E closed two large and two medium seized junks. They were all laden. Sank the two large junks with gunfire. Cargo was rice, oil in drums and crated goods, probably machinery. 29 Rounds had been used. Whilst searching for the medium seized junks an aircraft approached and Solent retired from the scene. (28)

15 Aug 1945 (position 12.35, 101.01)
HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) sank a Japanese patrol vessel and a junk with gunfire in the Gulf of Siam.

(All times are zone -9)
1110 hours - Sighted a large junk escorted by a small patrol vessel of about 100 tons. After clearing the gap between Ko Chuang and the mainland both vessels turned to Port to hug the coastline of the bay putting Solent broad on the bow.

1130 hours - Surfaced in position 12°35'N, 101°01'E and engaged the patrol vessel from a range 2500 yards. The third round hit amidships and the crew was seen to abandon ship. 29 Rounds were fired and the vessel was seen to be sinking. Fire was then shifted to the junk. This vessel which was heavily laden was hit by the first two rounds and sank immediately.

1144 hours - Dived as an aircraft was seen approaching. Withdrew to seaward when the aircraft was seen to search this area. (28)

21 Aug 1945
HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (3rd in the South-East Pacific area) at Subic Bay. (28)

27 Aug 1945
HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) departed Subic Bay for Hong Kong. (31)

30 Aug 1945
HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) arrived at Hong Kong. (31)

12 Sep 1945
HMS Solent (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) departed Hong Kong for passage to the U.K.

She arrived back in the U.K. on 2 November 1945 when she arrved at Portsmouth. She was paid off into reserve on 21 November 1945. (31)

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