Ronald George Mills DSO, DSC, RN
| Born | 27 Dec 1904 | Putney, London, England, UK | |
| Died | 30 Oct 1987 | (82) |
| Ranks
Retired: 7 Jan 1958 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for Ronald George Mills, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS Tetrarch (N 77) | Lt.Cdr. | Submarine | 30 Nov 1939 | 15 Nov 1940 |
| HMS White Bear (4.02) | Cdr. | Armed Yacht | mid 1943 | 31 Aug 1943 |
| HMS Duckworth (K 351) | Cdr. | Frigate | 19 Nov 1943 | Feb 1945 |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Submarine HMS Tetrarch (N 77)
13 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) conducted a test dive and basis trials in Devonshire Dock at Barrow-in-Furness. (1)
20 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) conducted a test dive and inclining experiment in Devonshire Dock at Barrow-in-Furness. (1)
23 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Barrow-in-Furness. (1)
24 Jan 1940
Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) departed her builders yard for for trials in the Clyde area. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (1)
25 Jan 1940
Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) conducted speed trials in Gare Loch. (1)
26 Jan 1940
Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) conducted a series of trials in Gare Loch. (1)
27 Jan 1940
Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) conducted engine trials in the Clyde area. (1)
28 Jan 1940
Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) conducted engine trials in the Clyde area. (1)
29 Jan 1940
Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) returns to her builders yard at Barrow. (1)
15 Feb 1940
Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) departed her builders yard at Barrow for Greenock where she arrived later the same day. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). At Greenock she was then commissioned for service. (2)
18 Feb 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) was to depart Greenock for Portsmouth escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). But the sailing has to be postponed as Tetrarch developed problems with her after hydroplanes. (2)
24 Feb 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) carried out diving trials in the Clyde area during which she was escorted by the destroyer HMS Fame (Cdr. P.N. Walter, RN). (3)
4 Mar 1940
After repairs to her after hydroplanes and a period of trials and training in Loch Long, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) departed Greenock for Portsmouth. She is escorted by HMS Vesper (Lt.Cdr. W.F.E. Hussey, DSC, RN). (2)
6 Mar 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (2)
12 Mar 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) departed Portsmouth for Portland for a period of trials and work up exercises. She arrived at Portland later the same day. She was escorted by HMS Warrior II (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (2)
22 Mar 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) departed Portland for Portsmouth where she arrived later the same day. She was escorted by HMS Warrior II (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (2)
26 Mar 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) is docked at Portsmouth.
12 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) is undocked. (4)
13 Apr 1940
Around 1515A/13, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) departed Portsmouth for Rosyth. On departure D/G trials were carried out. HMS Tetrarch was initially escorted by HMS Foxglove (Lt.Cdr. T.I.S. Bell, RN).
The next day HMS Tetrarch was ordered to patrol off Lister, Norway making this her 1st war patrol.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Tetrarch during this patrol see the map below.
(5)
22 Apr 1940
At 1000A/22, fog lifted and HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) then closed the Swedish coast up to four miles.
Subsequently two attacks were started on ships but both were broken off.
The first attack was on an tramp type merchant vessel estimated to be 6000 tons. The ship was approaching from the north but stopped about 5 miles from HMS Tetrarch and then turned north again.
The target of the second attack attempt was seen to be an A/S trawler so this attack attempt was broken off.
At 1200A/22, HMS Tetrarch was in position 58°18'N, 11°00'E.
Between 1730A/22 and 1930A/22, several A/S vessels passed overhead. They appeared to be carrying out a sweep but none gained contact.
Most likely the A/S vessels encountered during this day were from the 12th UJ flotilla which were operating in these waters. (5)
23 Apr 1940 (position 58.21, 10.24)
During an intense A/S hunt against her following a failed attack on an enemy convoy in which the German transport Ahrensburg (2988 GRT, built 1939) was missed, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) torpedoed and sank German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ B / Treff V (330 GRT, built 1936) in the Skagerrak in position 58°21'N, 10°24'E.
1830A/23 - Sighted a southbound enemy convoy bearing 270°, distance about 5 nautical miles. The convoy was made up of a large merchant vessel and three escorting destroyers. Started attack. [This was the above mentioned Ahrensburg escorted by the old torpedo boats T 153, T 155, escort vessels F 5, F 8 and the motor minesweepers R 33, R 37 and R 40 on passage from Larvik to Fredrikshaven.]
1833 hours - In approximate position 58°18'N, 10°47'E fired two torpedoes, went deep and retired at high speed.
1837 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The three escorting destroyers were seen approaching down the torpedo tracks a high speed. One of the destroyers was only 1500 yards away. Tetrarch went to 300 feet at full speed and under full helm. Later she even went a bit deeper. The hunt for Tetrarch was now own and the first depth charges followed soon afterwards.
Around 2000 hours the hunt was taken over by a flotilla of A/S trawlers.
2220 hours - Surfaced but soon sighted two trawlers 1000 yards away coming straight towards [This were the auxiliary submarine chasers UJ A and UJ B]. Two torpedoes were fired to discourage their approach. (One of these torpedoes was a hit on UJ-B but this was not noticed on board Tetrarch as she dived upon firing.) [As the torpedoes approached, UJ B made the fatal decision to turn away and was hit broadside on. There were only three survivors.]
Tetrarch was hunted and kept down all through the night. When it became light no ships were in sight but she was unable to surface for fear of detection from the air. Tetrarch eventually surfaced in position 58°45'N, 10°20'E at 2130A/24 and set a course to return to the U.K. (5)
28 Apr 1940
Around 1400A/28, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Rosyth. (5)
7 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Rosyth. (6)
10 May 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) was docked in AFD 3 at Rosyth. (6)
11 May 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) is undocked. (6)
12 May 1940
Around 2000A/12, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) departed Rosyth for her 2nd war patrol. She was to patrol off the West coast of Denmark and off the Skagerrak.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Tetrarch during this patrol see the map below.
(5)
18 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0050A/18, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN), sighted another submarine bearing 120° at a range of 1000 yards. Both submarines subsequently dived. It was thought the submarine sighted may have been the Achille (Lieutenant de vaisseau (Lt.) E.J. Michaud) which was indeed the case.
[Neiher patrol report of Tetrarch or Achille give a position of this encounter.] (7)
23 May 1940 (position 56.55, 6.50)
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) damages the Danish fishing vessel L 61 / Terje Viken (28 GRT) in the North Sea in position 56°55'N, 06°50'E. [It was thought the ship had sunk but the scuttling was not properly done and she was found later by the Danish cutter Grethe adrift and abandoned and was towed to Thyborøn (information provided by Theodor Dorgeist).]
Shortly afterwards Tetrarch captures the Danish fishing vessel L 100 / Immanuel in position 56°59'N, 06°58'E. The ship is taken to Leith as a prize.
1202A/23 - Surfaced in position 56°55'N, 06°50'E and proceeded on main motors to search for fishing vessels.
1215A/23 - Embarked four crew from the Danish fishing vessel L 61 / Terje Viken and scuttled their vessel.
1235A/23 - Sent a boarding party to the Danish fishing vessel L 100 / Immanuel under command of S.Lt. J.P. Fyfe, RN). Ordered him to make for Leith. While en-route to Leith, another Danish fisihing vessel, the L 156 / Jens Hvas (33 GRT) was captured by the prize crew of the Immanuel. Both ships now proceeded together to Leith. (5)
24 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1712A/24, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) left patrol having been instructed to do so in Capt. S 2's signal timed 1433A/24. (5)
26 May 1940
Around 0600A/26, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Rosyth. (5)
29 May 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) was docked in AFD 3 at Rosyth. (6)
30 May 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) was undocked. (6)
5 Jun 1940
At 1100A/5, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) departed Rosyth for her 3rd war patrol. She was to patrol off the South coast of Norway.
Before leaving the Firth of Forth exercises were carried out with HMS Tribune (Lt. E.F. Balston, RN). (5)
5 Jun 1940
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Tetrarch during this patrol see the map below.
6 Jun 1940
At 1415A/6, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) sighted, what was thought to be a torpedo, running slowly on the surface, apparently at the end of its run (no position is given in the patrol report, Tetrarch's noon position had been 56°44'N, 01°11'E). Range was only 100 yards on the port bow. HMS Tetrarch then ran down the suspected torpedo track for 5000 yards and carried out an A/S sweep on the Asdic while at 80 feet. A promising contact was picked up at 1500A/6 and held for two hours after which it was classified as non-sub.
An enemy report (timed 1714A/6) reporting an enemy submarine was sent on surfacing at 1800A/6. The position of the contact given in this signal is 56°48'N, 01°30'E.
[No German submarine reported an attack near this position on this day.] (5)
13 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1127A/13, while on patrol near the Lister lighthouse, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) sighted a large transport of about 8000 tons proceeding southwards at a range of about 8000 yards. An attack was not possible given the range. Tetrarch's noon position was 58°05.5'N, 06°28'E.
[We have so far been unable to find a likely candidate for the ship sighted.] (5)
14 Jun 1940
While still on patrol near Lister, at 1530A/14, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN), sighted a small fast northbound transport. It passed at a range of about five nautical miles and could not be attacked. [We have so far not been able to identify this vessel.]
At 1735A/14, an oil tanker escorted by three large destroyers was sighted bearing 180° at a range of 9000 yards. An attack was started but the target soon changed course leaving HMS Tetrarch 8000 yards off track so the attack had to be broken off. The tanker was the German Schwarzes Meer (3374 GRT, built 1923) en-route from Kristiansand (departed at 0830 hours) to Trondheim (arrived there on the 18th). She was at that moment escorted by the minesweepers M 8, M 7 and M 5. M 5 was detached to Stavanger early the following day. (8)
16 Jun 1940 (position 58.12, 6.13)
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) torpedoed and sank the German tanker Samland (5978 GRT, built 1929) south-west of Lista, Norway in position 58°12'N, 06°13'E. The escorting R-boats were able to pick up 66 survivors (54 were first reported but this was later changed to 66) from the tanker which sank in only seven minutes.
(All times are zone -1) 0447 hours - Sighted an enemy transport vessel of about 8000 tons right ahead. Range was about 4 nautical miles. Started attack. Three or four small escorts (E-boats or R-boats) [Sammland was escorted by minesweepers from the 3rd R-Flotilla, R 33, R 34, R 35, R 36, R 37, R 38, R 39, R 40] were sighted to be screening the enemy.
0508 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 1500 yards and went to 60 feet. Two hits were obtained. Tetrarch eventually went to 250 feet. The enemy dropped only 2 depth charges which did no damage. The hunt continued until around 0900 hours.
0930 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. (5)
18 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1810A/18, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) left patrol to return to Rosyth. (9)
20 Jun 1940
At 0820A/20, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Rosyth. (10)
22 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials off Rosyth. (9)
26 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials off Rosyth. (9)
3 Jul 1940
At 1900A/3, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) departed Rosyth for her 4th war patrol. She was to patrol off the South-West coast of Norway near Bergen.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Tetrarch during this patrol see the map below.
(5)
4 Jul 1940 (position 57.52, 2.47)
While en-route to her patrol area, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) encounters a submarine in position 57°52'N, 02°47'E. An attack is started but it had to be broken off.
The submarine sighted might have been HMS Shark (Lt.Cdr. P.N. Buckley, RN). that had left Rosyth the previous day (like Tetrarch) and was also en-route to her patrol area.
2200A/4 - Sighted a submarine bearing 330°, distance 2 nautical miles. The submarine was thought to be a u-boat so an attack was started.
2220A/4 - After twenty minutes of steering a most erratic course the submarine altered course 360° and disappeared. (5)
5 Jul 1940 (position 59.17, 3.15)
At 1938A/5, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) was attacked by six British Swordfish aircraft from 823 Squadron in position 59°17'N, 03°15'E. Five torpedoes were dropped but no damage to Tetrarch was done as she dived upon spotting the aircraft.
The Swordfish aircraft were on a mission to intercept and attack a German light cruiser escorted by a destroyer that had departed Bergen earlier that day [No such ships had departed Bergen on this day.] (5)
11 Jul 1940
At 0135A/11, in approximate position 60°15'N, 04°19'E, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) encountered an eastbound submarine. Range was about two nautical miles. Dived and so did the contact which at first was thought to be HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. H.A.V. Haggard, RN).
HMS Tetrarch remained deep for half an hour tryinng to communicate using the Asdic but there was no reply. Later it was found out this was a U-boat passage route and it was realised the submarine must have been enemy.
This was indeed the case as the submarine was the German U-58 which had left Bergen some hours before. The Germans most likely sighted the British first as they were preparing to attack (therefore when seen by the British they were proceeding east). The Germans dived to complete the attack as it was too light for an attack on the surface. It was most likely just before they dived they had been seen by the British. (11)
12 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1800A/12, west of Bergen, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) sighted what was thought to be a destroyer proceeding northwards close inshore. Visibility was bad and HMS Tetrarch had retired a bit further from the coast and the enemy passed out of range. [We have so far not been able to identify this ship.] (5)
15 Jul 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) attacked the German submarine U-57 with three torpedoes off the entrance to the Kors Fjord near Bergen, Norway. All torpedoes fired missed their target. The Germans observed two torpedo tracks.
1840A/15 - While off the entrance to the Kors Fjord what was thought to be a small sailing vessel was sighted. This however soon was seen to be a U-boat. Started attack.
1846A/15 - Fired three torpedoes from 2500 yards. The enemy was able to evade the salvo as she turned hard to Port. Gun action was ordered but this was cancelled as the enemy was seen to submerge.
1900A/15, Abandoned the hunt and proceeded on course 260° to gain bearing.
2117A/15, Having seen no further sign of the enemy Tetrarch surfaced and proceeded on course 300° at full speed to get away further from the shore and to still try to intercept the enemy submarine.
2130A/15, An aircraft appeared forcing Tetrarch to dive. Proceeded submerged on course 270° at 2 knots.
2330A/15, Surfaced. Continued on course 270° but now at full speed.
0030A/16, Lt.Cdr. Mills was still positive that he was ahead of the enemy and on his route. The battery of Tetrarch was now however very low so speed had to be reduced to 8 knots so that the battery could be charged.
0200A/16, Altered course to 215° to intercept.
0223A/16, Sighted the enemy submarine bearing 170° at 2 miles proceeding on course 260°. Both submarines dived simultaneously. [The Germans had spotted a large British submarine at the same time.] Carried out an A/S sweep at 80 feet but obtained very poor results. No HE could be picked up.
0342A/16, While at periscope depth sighed the enemy on the surface bearing 150° at a range of 4000 yards. Tetrarch had to turn to fire but by then the range was too great. (12)
16 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1400A/16, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) left her patrol area to return to Rosyth. (5)
18 Jul 1940
Around 0930A/18, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Rosyth. (5)
20 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Off Rosyth, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo firing trials firing torpedoes from all four external torpedo tubes. (13)
23 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Rosyth. (13)
1 Aug 1940
Around 1800A/1, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) departed Rosyth for her 5th war patrol. She was to patrol off the West coast of Denmark.
For the daily positions of HMS Tetrarch during this patrol see the map below.
(5)
6 Aug 1940
At 2315A/6, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) was recalled from patrol on receipt of R.Adm Submarines signal timed 2036A/6. (14)
10 Aug 1940
Around 0800A/10, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Rosyth. (5)
12 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Shortly after 1900A/12, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) and HMS Sealion (Cdr. B. Bryant, DSC, RN) departed Rosyth for Methil. They were escorted by HMS White Bear (Capt. R. Gill, RD, RNR). They arrived off Methil later the same they where they anchored for the night. (15)
13 Aug 1940
Around 0600A/13, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) and HMS Sealion (Cdr. B. Bryant, DSC, RN) departed Methil for Newcastle where they were both to refit. They were escorted by HMS White Bear (Capt. R. Gill, RD, RNR). The submarines arrived at Newcastle around 1745A/13. (15)
16 Aug 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) is docked at Newcastle. (16)
27 Aug 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) is undocked. (16)
28 Aug 1940
With her short refit and docking completed, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN), departed Newcastle around 0600A/28 for Rosyth where she arrived later the same day. On departure D/G trials were carried out. She arrived at Rosyth around 1815A/28. (6)
4 Sep 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) departed from Rosyth for Gibraltar. She is to join the Mediterranean Fleet.
Passage through British coastal waters (around the north of Scotland and through the Irish Sea) was made together with HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN). They were escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN) until 2130A/7.
For the daily positions of HMS Tetrarch during this passage see the map below.
(17)
14 Sep 1940
Around 0450A/14, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Rosyth. (17)
20 Sep 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 6th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Genoa before proceeding to Malta.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Tetrarch during this patrol see the map below.
(18)
22 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0745A/22, in position 37°04'N, 00°26'W, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) sighted a Vichy French transport proceeding on course 335° which was thought to be the Algerie (3386 GRT, built 1910).
At 1415A/22, the Vichy French transport Sidi Mabrouk (3809 GRT, built 1906) was sighted in position 37°08'N, 00°20'W proceeding on course 150°. (19)
27 Sep 1940 (position 43.47, 9.34)
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) attacked what was thought to be an Italian destroyer about 25 nautical miles South-West of La Spezia, Italy in position 43°47'N, 09°34'E. Two torpedoes were fired but these missed. A third torpedo was fired but this also missed.
At La Spezia were at time the torpedo boats Antares, Andromeda and Giuseppe la Masa but none of these sortied on this day. The torpedo boat Audace and Giacinto Carini sortied for exercises on 28 September. The light cruiser Giovanni Delle Bande Nere also sortied for exercises on 28 September. The torpedo boat Calatafimi had sortied on 26/9. Torpedo boat Calipso had sailed at 1100B/26 for Naples. The fast motor boat Stefano Tur (59 tons) had sailed from La Spezia at 1820/27 and returned at 0755/28. Perhaps this was the ship sighted and the small size of the ship had been misidentified in the darkness.
2115A/27 - While on the surface, charging, sighted a darkened ship about 3000 yards away bearing 200°. Started attack.
2123A/27 - Fired two torpedoes which missed. The target was now seen to be a destroyer.
2210A/27 - Fired another torpedo which also missed.
2212A/27 - Dived. The target was lost out of sight soon after proceeding southwards.
2241A/27 - Surfaced. (18)
30 Sep 1940
At 1300A/30, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) sighted a southbound destroyer at a range of about 5 nautical miles. Enemy couse was 180° at a speed of 12 knots. The destroyer was believed to be the Italian Audace. She was not attacked.
This was indeed possibly the torpedo boat Audace who had sailed from La Spezia at 0905B/30 for Messina. (18)
3 Oct 1940
At 1740A/3, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) sighted a tramp type merchant vessel of less then 1000 tons bearing 290° at a range of about 5 nautical miles. An attack was started. This ship was later seen to alter course towards the Civita Vechhia lighthouse. At 1820A/3, the attack was stopped. A swept channel was suspected meaning the area was mined. (20)
4 Oct 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) attacked what was identified as a patrol vessel on course 190° in the Northern part of the Tyrrhenian Sea, to the east of Corsica, in position 41°42'N, 10°20'E. Two torpedoes were fired which both missed. [The target has not yet been identified.]
0035A/4 - Sighted a patrol vessel bearing 0° distance about 2 nautical miles. Started attack.
0047A/4 - Fired two torpedoes and dived. No hits were obtained.
0130A/4 - Surfaced. (18)
5 Oct 1940
At 0003A/5, in position 41°43'N, 11°32'E, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) had to dive when, what was thought to be, a MAS boat approached.
At 0228A/5, HMS Tetrarch surfaced but soon two unidentified vessels were seen and Tetrarch dived again four minutes after surfacing. It was later seen the unidentified vessels were fishing vesels. HMS Tetrarch surfaced again at 0430A/5.
At dawn two tramp type merchant vessels were sighted proceeding on a course of 275° at 7 knots. Both were in ballast and under 1000 tons. They were not attacked.
In the afternoon several barquantines were seen proceeding on a course of 245° towards the Bonifacio Strait. They were not attacked. (20)
6 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0030A/6, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) had to dive when, what was thought to be, a MAS boat approached. HE however indicated that it may have been a submarine though. The vessel passed almost overhead on a course of 250°. HMS Tetrarch surfaced an hour later and found nothing in sight. She then commenced closing the coast.
At 0325A/6, she dived for a days submerged patrol. Two large trawlers were subsequently seen patrolling the area. It was thought these were A/S trawlers and evasive action was taken. They passed at a range of 500 yards.
At 0715A/6, a merchant vessel of about 3000 tons was sighted proceeding on a course of 245° at 13 knots. It could not be attacked as the range could not be closed below 5000 yards due to the evasive action that had been taken to avoid the trawlers. (20)
7 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0513A/7, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) had to dive when, in low visibility, HE was picked up bearing 240°. Two A/S trawlers were subsequently seen to close at speed and evasive action was taken as it was feared HMS Tetrarch had been sighted but no attack followed. The two vessels stopped occasionally but eventually moved clear.
At 0800A/7, HMS Tetrarch left patrol to proceed to Malta. (20)
11 Oct 1940
At 0620A/11, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (20)
14 Oct 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) was docked in No.1 Dry Dock at the Malta Dockyard. (21)
17 Oct 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) was undocked. (21)
27 Oct 1940
Around 1800A/27, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Malta for her 7th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Tetrarch during this patrol see the map below.
(18)
31 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1700A/31, when west-south-west of Benghazi, in approximate position 31°41'N, 19°06'E, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) sighted a large single funnelled merchant vessel bearing 140°. The enemy was proceeding on a course of 270°. Range was about 5 nautical miles. HMS Tetrarch closed at full speed for about half an hour but as the enemy also changed course to 240° it was not possible to attack.
At 1825A/31, HMS Tetrarch surfaced but found the starboard wing escort, a MAS-boat, only 3000 yards away bearing 230° so HMS Tetrarch quickly dived again. (20)
2 Nov 1940 (position 31.43, 19.13)
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) had to break off an attack on an eastbound enemy convoy.
The convoy sighted was perhaps the transport Livenza (Italian, 5828 GRT, built 1922) escorted by torpedo boat Centauro who had sailed from Tripoli at 2024B/31 and arrived at Benghazi at 1150B/3.
2026A/2 - Sighted smoke of a convoy bearing 335°. Distance was thought to be about 5 nautical miles. Started attack.
2156A/2 - Dived.
2200A/2 - When in position 31°43'N, 19°13'E and about to open fire a motor boat was seen to approach at high speed. Lt.Cdr. Mills abandoned the attack and took Tetrarch deep. (18)
4 Nov 1940 (position 31.36, 19.25)
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and
Bar, RN) torpedoed and heavily damaged the Italian transport Snia Amba (2532 GRT, built 1918) about 50 nautical miles south-west of Benghazi, Libya in position 31°36'N, 19°25'E. The Italian ship was beached to prevent it from sinking and was later declared a total loss.
The Italian transport Pallade (1152 GRT, built 1899) was also part of this convoy and was missed in this attack. The convoy was escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Giuseppe La Farina.
0840A/4 - Sighted a convoy bearing 184°. Started attack.
The convoy was later seen to be made up of two large supply ships of 7000 and 5000 tons respectively. They were screened by several destroyers.
0925A/4 - In position 31°36'N, 19°25'E fired three torpedoes at the largest merchant vessel, three at the smaller merchant vessel and one at the leading destroyer. Obtained one hit on the larger of the two merchant ships.
0930A/4 - Went to 250 feet.
0940A/4 - Depth charging started. This continued to 1115A/4. In all nine depth charges were dropped, all quite close.
1300A/4 - Returned to periscope depth. Saw black smoke in the position of the attack. (18)
9 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) left patrol to return to Malta. (18)
12 Nov 1940
At 0640A/12, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (18)
15 Nov 1940
HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) was docked in No.2 Dry Dock at the Malta Dockyard. (22)
Sources
- ADM 173/16588
- ADM 199/2572
- ADM 199/362
- ADM 53/16589
- ADM 199/1849
- ADM 173/16590
- ADM 199/1849 + ADM 199/1857
- ADM 199/1849 + War diary German 1st Minesweeper Flotilla for 1 to 15 June 1940 (NARA, T1022, roll 3060, PG 49755)
- ADM 173/16591
- ADM 173/16591 + ADM 199/1849
- ADM 199/1849 + War diary (KTB) U-58 for her 9th war patrol (NARA, T1022, roll 2883, PG 30055)
- ADM 199/1849 + War diary (KTB) U-57 for the period of 7 July to 31 August 1940 (NARA, T1022, roll 2883, PG 30054)
- ADM 173/16592
- ADM 199/373
- ADM 173/16518 + ADM 173/16590
- ADM 173/16593
- ADM 173/16594
- ADM 199/283
- ADM 173/16594 + ADM 199/283
- ADM 173/16595 + ADM 199/283
- ADM 173/16595
- ADM 173/16596
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
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