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Submarine HMS Otus (N 92)

2 Sep 1939
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Singapore for Penang. (1)

3 Sep 1939
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) arrived at Penang. (1)

7 Sep 1939
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) conducted exercises off Penang. (1)

9 Sep 1939
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Penang for Singapore. (1)

10 Sep 1939
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) arrived at Singapore. (1)

12 Sep 1939
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) was docked at Singapore. (1)

13 Sep 1939
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) was undocked. (1)

14 Sep 1939
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore together with HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN). (1)

19 Sep 1939
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore together with HMS Leith (Cdr. G.R. Waymouth, RN). (1)

20 Sep 1939
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore together with HMS Leith (Cdr. G.R. Waymouth, RN). (1)

28 Sep 1939
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Singapore for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Sabang, Netherlands East Indies.

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

(1)

20 Oct 1939
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Singapore. (2)

24 Oct 1939
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Singapore for Colombo.

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

(2)

30 Oct 1939
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) arrived at Colombo. (2)

1 Nov 1939
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Colombo for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Cochin, India.

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

(3)

5 Nov 1939
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Colombo. (3)

7 Nov 1939
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Colombo for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Chagos Archipaligo and the Maldives.

Shortly after sailing she returned with a major engine defect which was however quickly repaired.

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

(3)

8 Nov 1939
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Colombo to resume her 3rd war patrol. (3)

5 Dec 1939
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Colombo. (4)

9 Dec 1939
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) was docked at Colombo. (4)

21 Dec 1939
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) was undocked. (4)

1 Jan 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Colombo for her 4th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Indian Ocean.

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

(5)

7 Jan 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) arrived at Mahé, Seychelles. (5)

8 Jan 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Mahé, Seychelles to resume her 4th war patrol. (5)

11 Jan 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) arrived at Diego Suarez. (5)

12 Jan 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Diego Suarez to resume her 4th war patrol. (5)

13 Jan 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) arrived at the Farquhar Islands. She departed for the Agalega Islands later the same day. (5)

14 Jan 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) sets course for Astove Island. (5)

16 Jan 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) arrived off Astove Island. (5)

17 Jan 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Astove Island to resume her 4th war patrol. She was to proceed to Mombasa. (5)

19 Jan 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) arrived at Mombasa ending her 4th war patrol. (5)

25 Jan 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Mombasa for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Indian Ocean.

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

(5)

27 Jan 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) arrived at the Aldabra Atoll. She departed later the same day for the Glorieuses Islands. (5)

28 Jan 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) arrived at the Glorieuses Islands. She departed for Diego Suarez later the same day. (5)

29 Jan 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Diego Suarez. (5)

1 Feb 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Diego Suarez for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Indian Ocean together with the French sloop Rigault de Genouilly (Capitaine De Fregate (Cdr.) L.G.E. Frossard).

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

(6)

4 Feb 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) arrived at Mahé, Seychelles. (6)

7 Feb 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Mahé, Seychelles to resume her 6th war patrol still with French sloop Rigault de Genouilly (Capitaine De Fregate (Cdr.) L.G.E. Frossard) in company. (6)

12 Feb 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Port Louis, Mauritius. (6)

20 Feb 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Diego Suarez for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Indian Ocean and to end this patrol at Colombo.

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

(6)

1 Mar 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at Colombo. (7)

28 Mar 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) was docked at Colombo. (7)

4 Apr 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) was undocked. (8)

10 Apr 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) conducted exercises off Colombo. (8)

16 Apr 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Colombo for Aden. HMS Otus was to proceed to Malta to join the Mediterranean Fleet.

For the daily position of HMS Otus during the passage Colombo - Malta see the map below.

(8)

24 Apr 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) arrived at Aden. (8)

26 Apr 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Aden for Port Said. (8)

1 May 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) arrived at Port Said. (9)

2 May 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Port Said for Malta. (9)

7 May 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) arrived at Malta. (9)

9 May 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) is taken in hand for refit at Malta. (9)

20 May 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) was docked at Malta. (9)

18 Sep 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) was undocked. (10)

18 Oct 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) was docked at Malta. She was undocked after only a few hours. (11)

28 Oct 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Malta for trials. (11)

30 Oct 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) returned to Malta. (11)

2 Nov 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) was docked at Malta. She was undocked after only a few hours. (12)

3 Nov 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Malta for exercises. (12)

5 Nov 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) returned to Malta. (12)

10 Nov 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Malta for exercises. (12)

12 Nov 1940
At 0700 hours, HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) broke off her exercises and set off for her 8th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Cape Colonne, Italy.

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

(13)

19 Nov 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) is ordered to patrol off the Gulf of Taranto. (13)

22 Nov 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed her patrol area to return to Malta. (13)

25 Nov 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (13)

29 Nov 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria.

For the daily position of HMS Otus during this passage see the map below.

(12)

5 Dec 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) arrived at Alexandria. (14)

14 Dec 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria with HMS Peony (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) M.B. Sherwood, RN). (14)

19 Dec 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Alexandria for passage to Gibraltar where she was to join the newly established 8th Submarine Flotilla.

For the daily positions of HMS Otus during the passage from Alexandria to Malta see the map below.

(14)

20 Dec 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) is ordered to return to Alexandria. (14)

21 Dec 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) arrived at Alexandria. She departed again for Gibraltar (via Malta) later the same day. (14)

24 Dec 1940 (position 33.20, 22.43)
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) encountered the Italian submarine Luigi Settembrini north of Derna, Libya. Settembrini fired one torpedo which missed Otus which was unable to attack the Italian submarine herself.

(All times are zone -2)
0530 hours - In position 33°20'N, 22°43'E sighted an Italian submarine, thought to be of the Mameli-class, right ahead stearing a course of 124° at close range. Otus was steering 299 degrees with a heavy head sea and the moon fine on the port quarter. Both submarines dived. Otus altered course to starboard to 055° and went to 55 feet.

0532 hours - Obtained Asdic contact bearing 135° at a range of 2000 yards.

0545 hours - Heard a loud explosion which seemed some way off. It was thought the enemy might have fired a torpedo. Otus went to periscope depth in the hope the enemy might surface but the enemy was not seen.

Otus was indeed attacked by an Italian submarine. This was Luigi Settembrini which had fired one torpedo. (13)

28 Dec 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) arrived at Malta. (14)

29 Dec 1940
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Malta for her 9th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to make a short patrol in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea before proceeding to Gibraltar.

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

(14)

10 Jan 1941
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (15)

17 Jan 1941
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 10th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Azores.

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

(13)

12 Feb 1941
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) ended her 10th war patrol at Portsmouth. At Portsmouth repairs were made and a new loop aerial was fitted. (13)

5 Mar 1941
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Portsmouth for Dartmouth. (16)

6 Mar 1941
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) arrived at Dartmouth for a training period as most of her crew had been changed. (16)

7 Mar 1941
During work-up exercises and while submerged, HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN), lost contact with the escorting Motor Launch in bad visibility. Contact could not be establised and for a while the worst was feared but eventually HMS Otus showed up off the harbour entrance around 1800 hours. Her late return was caused by engine defects. (17)

13 Mar 1941
With her engine defects repaired HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Dartmouth for Gibraltar.

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

(18)

19 Mar 1941
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. Otus had a defective armature on her starboard engine, only her port main engine was operational. (16)

1 Apr 1941
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (19)

2 Apr 1941
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (19)

3 Apr 1941
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 11th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Oran as it is thought that the Vichy-French battleship Dunkerque might be leaving that port.

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

(13)

5 Apr 1941
Her patrol off Oran is cancelled, HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) is ordered to return to Gibraltar. (13)

7 Apr 1941
HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) ended her 11th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Gibraltar. Otus was now out of action with engine defects for a while. (13)

Submarine HMS Taku (N 38)

25 Apr 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) participated in RD/F trials off Gibraltar.

26 Apr 1941
Around 2030A/26, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed from Gibraltar for her 11th war patrol. This is her 1st Mediterranean war patrol. She is to patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea and to proceed to Alexandria afterwards.

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

(20)

3 May 1941
At 2300C/3, while patrolling off Cape Vaticano, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) sighted a searchlight bearing 180°. HMS Taku dived.

At 2326C/3, HMS Taku surfaced but had to submerge again when the searchlight was seen again at 2328C/28 at a range of about 2000 yards. It was thought to have originated from a MAS boat. Evasive action was taken while submerged.

At 0033C/3, HMS Taku surfaced and proceeded to the westward. (21)

4 May 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) attacked the Italian transport Goggiam (1994 GRT, built 1922) ship in position 350° - Cape Vaticano - 6 nautical miles. Two torpedoes were fired but both missed.

Goggiam was on passage from Messina to Naples and initially reported that she had been torpedoed but this was later corrected. She took refuge in Vibo Valentia. The submarine chaser Albatros sailed from Messina to hunt the submarine but made no contact.

1234C/4 - Sighted a small merchant ship of about 1100 tons bearing 166°, range 6900 yards, speed 9 knots. Commenced attack.

1251C/4 - In position 350° Cape Vaticano 6 nautical miles fired two torpedoes from 3000 yards. Both missed. The target altered course away and closed the coast. (20)

5 May 1941
At 1132C/5, while south-east of Stromboli Island, in approximate position 38°45 N, 15°16'E, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) sighted what is thought to be an Azio-class minelayer / Lepant-class sloop followed by an Partenope-class torpedo boat. They were proceeding on course 340°.

At 1400C/5, the Azio-class minelayer was seen returning to the southward on course 140°. She passed at a range of 3000 yards. (21)

6 May 1941 (position 39.18, 15.59)
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian transport Cagliari (2322 GRT, built 1907) in the Tyrrhenian Sea off San Lucido, Calabria, Italy in position 39°18'N, 15°59'E.

Of a crew of 52, 34 were saved including 11 wounded. The submarine chaser Albatros sailed from Messina to hunt the submarine but found nothing.

1411C/6, sighted a tug proceeding on course 180° at a range of 2000 yards. Did not attack so as not to give the submarines position to the enemy.

1554C/6 - In position 39°11'N, 15°58'E sighted a coaster in ballast abeam. Enemy course was 340°. Range 3500 yards. Again did not attack.

1929C/6 - In position 39°18'N, 15°59'E sighted a merchant ship bearing 140° (thought to be Belvedere, 7166 GRT, built 1913). Enemy course 348°. Range 7300 yards. Started attack.

1936C/6 - The enemy altered course to 328°. Range now 3600 yards.

1944C/6 - Fired three torpedoes from 700 yards. Enemy course still 328°. All three torpedoes hit and the ship sank within a few minutes.

2331C/6 - Surfaced. Retired to the west to clear the area. (20)

7 May 1941
At 0150C/7, well to the north-east of Stromboli Island, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) sighted a hospital ship bearing 200°. It was proceeding northwards on course 325°. Naturally did not attack.

This was most probably the Italian hospital ship Sicilia (9646 GRT, built 1924) who arrived at Naples at 1150B/7 from Tripoli.

At 0438C/7, when in position 004° - Stromboli Island - 24 nautical miles HMS Taku changed course to 250° to leave the patrol area and proceed to Alexandria as ordered in Capt S.1's signal timed 2221C/6. (20)

10 May 1941
At 0345C/10, when in position 360° - Pantelleria - 4.5 nautical miles, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) sighted several destroyers proceeding westwards at high speed. Recognition signals were exchanged between the leader and Taku. The destroyers in question were HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Fearless (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN). The destroyers had departed Malta for a high speed run westwards to rejoin Force H the previous evening. (20)

16 May 1941
At 1100A/16, to the north-north-west of Marsa Matruh, in position 32°08'N, 26°54'E, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) sighted a destroyer bearing 260° proceeding to the east-south-east. It was identified as an Australian V&W-class destroyer. This was HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) operating with the inshore squadron for Tobruk ferry runs. (20)

17 May 1941
Around 0915C/17, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) ended her 11th war patrol at Alexandria. (20)

22 May 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) is docked at Alexandria in the Gabbari graving dock. (22)

26 May 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) is undocked. (22)

30 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) is wiped (degaussed) at Alexandria. (22)

1 Jun 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 12th war patrol. This is her 2nd Mediterranean war patrol. She is to patrol in Gulf of Sirte.

Before proceeding on patrol exercises were carried out with the Greek torpedo boat RHS Aspis. (23)

1 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Taku during her 12th war patrol see the map below.

6 Jun 1941
At 2008A/6, when off Benghazi in position 32°08'N, 19°56'E, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) sighted a large transport leaving the harbour. An attack was started but the transport returned to harbour at 2030A/6. An A/S trawler was continually in sight at a range of 3000 yards.

This may possibly have been (just a guess) the transport Sparta (German, 1724 GRT, built 1936) which had arrived at Benghazi on 3 or 4 June. It is possible that she sailed from there on 6 June but was quickly recalled when traffic between Libya and Italy was suspended on that day (until the following day) following information that a British naval force was at sea. (23)

7 Jun 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) attacked a small convoy made up of one schooner, one tug towing a lighter and one A/S trawler with gunfire. The action however had to be broken off soon due to the gun malfunctioning.

The vessels attacked were the Italian schooners Elisa and Nadia escorted by the Italian auxiliary gunboat Mario Bianco.

During the night of 7-8 June 1941 the folbot party was landed on Gharah Island. The island was found to be uninhabited.

0800C/7 - In position 30°59'N, 20°02'E, sighted a schooner and a tug towing lighter escorted by an A/S trawler.

0850C/7 - Surfaced astern of the schooner at a range of 800 yards. Due to a misunderstanding fire was opened on the lighter instead of the schooner which, on the first round being fired, started to abandon ship. A missfire occurred after the first round which had falled short. The next round then went over. Order was then given to change target but the gun continued to misfire and the attack had to be broken off.

0852C/7 - Dived and retired to the westward.

0900C/7 - Depth charging started which lasted for 15 minutes. Six depth charges were counted in all. (23)

8 Jun 1941
During the night of 8/9 June 1941, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) lands a folbot party at Al Burayqah, Libya. The folbot party made a landing and investigated the old ford. It was found to be ruined and deserted. Then another landing was made but the folbot party was detected and had to leave the beach under a hail of bullets. Fortunately no one was hit. The shore battery at Al Burayqah was then bombarded by HMS Taku after the folbot party was recovered. Seven rounds were fired for one hit and one possible hit. (23)

11 Jun 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) torpedoed and sank the German transport Tilly L.M. Russ (1600 GRT, built 1926) at Bengasi, Libya. Several smaller vessels were also sunk or damaged.

When the transport, with ammunition on board, Tilly L.M. Russ blew up there were 15 men missing including all her AA gunners. The auxiliary schooners Giorgina (253 GRT, raised in July 1941) and Nadia (243 GRT) were sunk by the blast and the transport Ninfea (607 GRT, built 1918) and the schooners Rosina (244 GRT), [also reported as damaged by aircraft on 9 June] and Luigi (? GRT) were set afire, the water tanker Elisa (216 GRT) was also damaged.

2140C/11 - In position 1 nautical mile bearing 270° from the Benghazi breakwater light, fired one torpedo at a supply ship in the harbour. The torpedo hit the target and started a large fire. Three minutes later Taku proceeded up the Benghazi swept channel back out to sea. (23)

12 Jun 1941 (position 32.27, 18.42)
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) intercepted a convoy and torpedoed and sank the transport Silvio Scaroni (Italian 1367 GRT, built 1921) in the Gulf of Sirte 70 nautical miles bearing 283° off Benghazi, Libya in position 32°27'N, 18°42'E.

The above mentioned Silvio Scaroni was in convoy together with the transport Cadamosto (Italian, 1010 GRT, built 1905) and auxiliary schooner V 87 / Aosta (Italian, 562 GRT, built 1913). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Palade. The convoy had departed Tripoli around 0230B/10 destined for Benghazi.

The Silvio Scaroni was carrying 1350 tons of stores, 250 tons of oil and 200 tons of petrol for the German Afrikakorps. She sank in about 8 minutes. There were 27 survivors and 10 missing. Pallade dropped a single depth charge for intimidation purposes and then proceeded to pick up 26 survivors (27? According to Supermarina war diary).

0435C/12 - In position 32°20'N, 18°49'E, HMS Taku sighted a convoy. The convoy is identified as an Italian Orione class torpedo boat, an Italian MAS boat and three merchant ships of 1500, 2600 and 2500 tons respectively.

0503C/12 - Two torpedoes were fired against the last ship in line. One of these torpedoes was seen to hit just abaft the foremast. The ship sank.

0505C/12 - The torpedo boat was seen heading straight for Taku so Lt.Cdr. Nicolay went deep. (23)

18 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1201C/18, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN), which at that moment to the north-west of Tolmeitha, in position 32°45'N, 20°38'E, left patrol to return to Alexandria.

22 Jun 1941
Around 0800C/22, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) ended her 12th war patrol at Alexandria. (23)

28 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at Alexandria from the external amidships tubes No.9 and No.10. (24)

29 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at Alexandria from the external amidships tube No.10. (24)

1 Jul 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) is docked at Alexandria in the Gabbari graving dock for repairs to her Asdic dome and some other small repairs. (25)

5 Jul 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) is undocked. (25)

6 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at Alexandria from the external amidships tubes No.9 and No.10. (26)

8 Jul 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 13th war patrol. This is her 3rd Mediterranean war patrol. She is to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte.

Before proceeding on patrol exercises were carried out with the Greek torpedo boat RHS Aspis. (23)

8 Jul 1941
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Taku during her 13th war patrol see the map below.

13 Jul 1941
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) torpedoed and sank the passenger / cargo ship Caldea (Italian, 2703 GRT, built 1928) in position 312° - Benghazi lighthouse - 10 nautical miles.

Caldea had sailed from Brindisi for Benghazi. There were two missing and four wounded (two seriously).

0956C/13 - In position 32°11'N, 19°58'E, Taku sighted the target about 7000 yards away. The target was escorted by three A/S trawlers. Taku closed for a torpedo attack.

1014C/13 - Fired four torpedoes. The first torpedo missed the target but the remaining three all hit. The ship sank and there was no counter-attack on Taku. (23)

15 Jul 1941 (position 30.41, 18.19)
HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) sank the Italian motor schooner Vincenzo P. (270 GRT, built 1918) and damaged the tug Nettuno (406 GRT, built 1921) in position 30°41'N, 18°19'E.

1430C/15 - An armed tug and a schooner were sighted in position 30°56'N, 17°56'E. Weather conditions were unfavourable for gunnery action. Taku shadowed the ships.

2126C/15 - The ships were at anchor close inshore in position 30°41'N, 18°19'E. Taku surfaced to launch a folbot party. The folbot however broke in a wave and the idea of a folbot attack was abandoned. (A folbot is a folding kayak).

2314C/15 - The armed tug was engaged with gunfire from 300 yards. A lighter was sighted laying astern of the tug. The lighter was slipped and drifted ashore. The tug was hit, the crew slipped the anchor cable and beached itself. Taku now shifted fire to the schooner. 12 rounds were fired from 150 yards. The schooner was then boarded. Charts, books, etc. were captured. The schooner was the Vincenzo P. and was loaded with provisions. The schooner was then sunk by gunfire. (Italian sources give the tug as Italian tug Nettuno. She was badly damaged and beached, The crew was saved and the tug was later salvaged.) (23)

18 Jul 1941
At 1530C/18, in position 32°06'N, 18°46'E, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN), sighted an Orione-class torpedo boat bearing 286° at a range of 3700 yards. Enemy course was 350°.

The torpedo boat then altered course to 095° and proceeded towards Benghazi at 12 knots.

This was probably the torpedo boat Perseo. She had sailed from Tripoli at 1814B/17 to join the transport Bosforo (Italian, 3648 GRT, built 1929) who was coming from Naples and escort her to Benghazi. Perseo reached the entrance of Benghazi at 1940B/18, but Bosforo was late. She finally met her at 0922B/19, and they subsequently reached Benghazi at 1753B/19. (23)

19 Jul 1941
As a result of an ULTRA intercept, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN), patrolled north of Benghazi to intercept the transport Bosforo (Italian, 3647 GRT, 1929).

The Italian vessel had left Naples around midnight during the night of 15/16 July escorted by the torpedo boat Enrico Cosenz and would be at 0630C/19 July in position 33°06'N, 20°16'E where it would be met by the torpedo boat Perseo which was to take over from Enrico Cosenz. The convoy was to arrive at Benghazi at 1200C the same day.

Nothing was sighted except a fishing boat at 0900C/19 in position 32°33'N, 20°05.6'E. Bosforo in fact arrived late in the afternoon of the 19th, a few hours late on her schedule. Captain S.1 was later criticised for having sent a signal which was too explicit and could have compromised the ULTRA secret it had been deciphered by the enemy or fallen in its hands. It was felt, that he ought to have just changed the submarine patrol position.

21 Jul 1941
In the early morning HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) landed a folbot party of two (Corporal R. Halloran, K.R.R. and Marine Miles from Lay Force) off Benghazi. They were to attack a 2500-ton ship in the harbour (this was most probably the transport Bosforo (Italian, 3647 GRT, 1929)). Several explosions were observed in the harbour 40 minutes after launching the folbot party. The folbot party did not show up on the rendezvous point despite several searches during the day and evening. They were obviously captured.

According to German sources three limpet mines exploded but only minor damage had been done.

At 1420C/21, in position 32°01'N, 19°34'E, sighted a destroyer in the distance on bearing 305° proceeding on a westerly course. (23)

28 Jul 1941
Around 1200C/28, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) ended her 13th war patrol at Alexandria. This was the last patrol of Taku. She is now sent back to the U.K. for a refit due to engine problems she had developed and which could not be repaired locally. (23)

Submarine HMS Perseus (i) (N 36)

11 Aug 1941
HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (27)

12 Aug 1941
HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria with HMS Havock (Lt. G.R.G. Watkins, DSC, RN) and HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN). (27)

15 Aug 1941
HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) was docked at Alexandria. (27)

17 Aug 1941
HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) was undocked. (27)

19 Aug 1941
HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) was docked again at Alexandria. (27)

20 Aug 1941
HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) was undocked. Later this day she departed Alexandria for her 10th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean.

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

HMS Perseus 10th war patrol click here for bigger map (28)

25 Aug 1941
HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) was ordered to patrol in position 36°25'N, 21°19'E to intercept an expected convoy.

28 Aug 1941
HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) was ordered to patrol off the Dardanelles.

5 Sep 1941 (position 39.43, 25.57)
HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Italian tanker Maya (3867 GRT, built 1894) south of Tenedos Island in position 39°43'N, 25°57'E.

Later a second attack was made on the damaged tanker in which a torpedo was fired to finish her off but it missed.

The tanker was beyond salvage and was later sunk by her escort.

(All times are zone -3)
0755 hours - Sighted a merchant ships and a tanker to the Southward. Range was about 7 nautical miles. Estimated the enemy's course at 032°. Closed to attack.

0816 hours - The merchant vessel was identified as the Romanian Balcic (3600 GRT, built 1940). One destroyer/torpedo boat was seen to be the escort (this was the Italian torpedo boat Sirio).

0833 hours - Fired four torpedoes at the tanker from 5100 yards. Two explosions were heard thought to be torpedo hits. A counter attack of 4 depth charges followed but none were close.

0936 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Sighted the damaged tanker with a 50 degree list to Port. One torpedo was fired to finish her off but it missed. Now 13 depth charges followed but again none were close.

1037 hours - Returned to periscope depth. No sign of the tanker or of Balcic. The destroyer/torpedo boat was seen making off at high speed. (28)

9 Sep 1941
HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (28)

22 Sep 1941
HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Alexandria for her 11th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte.

Before proceeding on patrol A/S exercises were carried out with HMSAS Protea and HMS Kingston Cyanite (Skr. F.A. Yeomans, RNR).

No log is available so no map can be displayed. (28)

2 Oct 1941 (position 32.30, 19.09)
HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant Castellon (2086 GRT, built 1935) about 50 nautical miles north-west of Benghazi, Libya in position 32°30'N, 19°09'E. Perseus missed the German merchant Savona (2120 GRT, built 1934) during the same attack.

(All times are zone -3)
0955 hours - Sighted a convoy coming out of the mist at a range of 6000 yards. It comprised two merchant ships and two destroyers/torpedo boats as escort (these were the Italian torpedo boats Calliope and Pegaso. Started attack.

1005 hours - Fired three torpedoes at the leading merchant ship from 3500 yards. One hit was obtained.

1007 hours - Fired two torpedoes at the second ship. Two very loud explosions followed.

1011 - 1034 hours - A counter attack of 38 depth charges followed. None however were very close.

1215 hours - Several explosions were heard followed by breaking up noises. (28)

3 Oct 1941 (position 32.50, 19.18)
HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) attacked an escorted merchant vessel with two torpedoes about 50 nautical miles North-West of Benghazi, Libya in position 32°50'N, 19°18'E. No hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -3)
0210 hours - Sighted two destroyers/torpedo boats bearing 225°, range 4.5 nautical miles. Enemy course was 330°. Shortly afterwards a merchant vessel of 5000 to 6000 tons was seen astern of the escorts. Closed to attack.

0239 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 5000 yards. Both torpedoes missed. Did not set off in pursuit as the ship was bound for Italy and most likely in ballast.

According to Italian sources the targets were actually two merchant ships Capo Faro (3476 GRT, built 1906) and Iseo (2366 GRT, built 1918) escorted by the torpedo boat Pegaso. They had sailed from Benghazi at 1810/2 and were on their way to Brindisi. Capo Faro observed a torpedo track at 0255/3, the position is not given but given the distance from Benghazi, she was with little doubt the target. (28)

4 Oct 1941 (position 31.03, 17.30)
In the early moring hours HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) tried to attack a convoy two schooners and one tug towing a lighter near position 31°03'N, 17°30'E. She was spotted by the escorting destroyer/torpedo boat. At 0445 hours Perseus was forced to dive and subsequently depth charged causing some minor damage.

8 Oct 1941
HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) ended her 11th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (28)

15 Nov 1941
HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Malta for her 12th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Central Mediterranean to intercept an important enemy convoy to North Africa.

No log is available so no map can be displayed. (29)

18 Nov 1941
HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) ended her 12th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. She returned with defective hydroplanes. (29)

26 Nov 1941
HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Malta for her 13th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Benghazi, Libya. Upon completion of this patrol she was to proceed to Alexandria. (28)

27 Nov 1941
HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) is ordered (by signal) to patrol off the West coast of Greece instead of Benghazi, Libya. (28)

1 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During this day, HMS Thunderbolt (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Crouch, DSO, RN) three times established SST communication with HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, DSO, RN). (30)

4 Dec 1941
HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, DSO, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Eridano (3586 GRT, built 1912) 6 nautical miles bearing 280 from Cape Dukato, Lefkada island, Greece.

The Eridano was unescorted and was on passage from Corfu to Patras.

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