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Submarine HMS H 44 (N 44)

8 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (1)

9 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (1)

10 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. Upon completion of these exercises HMS H 44 proceeded to Rothesay. (1)

12 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. (1)

13 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (1)

14 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Rothesay. (1)

16 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) shifted Rothesay to Glasgow. (1)

17 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) is docked at Glasgow. (1)

26 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) is undocked. (1)

28 Mar 1942
HMS H 44 (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) shifted from Glasgow to Rothesay. (1)

30 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) departed Rothesay for Tobermory. She is escorted by HMS Algerine (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Cooke, RN). (1)

31 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) arrived at Tobermory. (1)

1 Apr 1942
HMS H 44 (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN). (2)

2 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (2)

3 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (2)

4 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (2)

6 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (2)

7 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (2)

8 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (2)

9 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 44 (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (2)

Submarine HMS Tribune (N 76)

21 Dec 1942
HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. These included A/S exercises and practice attacks. (3)

22 Dec 1942
Around 1800A/22, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) departed from Gibraltar for Algiers.

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

(3)

25 Dec 1942 (position 37.24, -1.13)
At 1050A/25, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) is bombed by an unidentified aircraft (it was thought that this was a German JU-88). Tribune dived and no damage was inflicted. [Tribune's log however does not give a position of the attack.]

However in February 2013 Mr. Eric Zimmerman informed us that this attack on Tribune was by Wellington 179/C (HX749) piloted by P/O S.H. Nicholson that attacked a submarine at 1058A/25 in position 37°24'N 01°13'W.

After gaining a radar contact the aircraft homed and was able to sight at 6 miles the conning tower of a submarine on an easterly course. The submarine submerged and the Wellington attacked with a stick of 3 depth charges (the 4th hung up) from a height of 50 feet. The 3rd depth charge fell dead on the track of the submarine which could be seen under the water some 200 feet ahead of the swirl. Despite what seemed like a direct hit the after results of the attack were disappointing being no more than a small patch of oil which quickly dispersed. Baiting tactics were employed but no further contacts were made. (3)

26 Dec 1942
Around 1100A/26, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) arrived at Algiers from Gibraltar. (3)

30 Dec 1942
Around 1600A/30, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) departed from Algiers for her 16th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Southern France and the Italian Ligurian coast. She is also to carry out a special operation (landing agents on Corsica).

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

(4)

2 Jan 1943
In the early morning hours, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) tries to perform reconnaissance of the landing zone where the agents had to landed. Due to the bad weather this was not possible.

A second attempt was made during the evening but it was decided to postpone the special operation for a while and to continue to the south coast of France to patrol there. (4)

5 Jan 1943
HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) returned to Corsica to land the agents at Lava Bay. When about to do so a searchlight swept through the area. The landing was abandoned as the area seemed to be too well defended. A new position to land to the south of Ajaccio was selected. (4)

7 Jan 1943
HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) successfully completed her special operation ( 'Operation Sideline' ).

This was an SOE operation. The agents were the Corsican Captain Godefroy 'Fred' Scamaroni (aka François-Edmond Severi), Jean-Baptiste Hellier [probably code names BASIN and URCHIN or vice versa] and 2nd Lt. Alan William Jickel. After about two months, Scamaroni and Hellier were caught, the first managed to hang himself in his cell, the latter was executed in July. Jickell [who used the code names GUSTAVE, ANATOLE and LABURNAM] apparently escaped in June or July 1943.

0623A/6 - Dived and closed Cupaiba Bay and carried out close reconnaissance from 1/2 mile.

1700A/6 - Withdrew dived to the seaward.

1923A/6 - Surfaced and proceeded to seaward to charge.

2140A/6 - Returned to the bay for operation Sideline.

2240A/6 - Proceeded on main motors instead of diesels.

2345A/6 - Brought up the rubber boats, baggage and bicycle onto the fore casing. Trimmed down forward.

0025A/7 - In position 41°44'N, 08°45'E both rubber boats were launched with the three agents.

0240A/7 - The boats and their 'drivers' were recovered. The agents and their stores had been successfully landed. (4)

10 Jan 1943 (position 43.52, 8.03)
HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) torpedoed and damaged the transport Dalny (German (former French), 6672 GRT, built 1914) 15 nautical miles from San Remo, Italy. The Dalny was beached to prevent her from sinking.

0910A/10 - Sighted funnel and mast of a merchant ship against the land. The ship was eastbound. Closed at speed to intercept. One aircraft was seen to escort the merchant.

1003A/10 - In position 43°52'N, 08°03'E fired four torpedoes from 1200 yards. In the next 20 minutes 10 bombs were dropped from aircraft. 2 Of these were quite close. Tribune lost depth control upon firing the torpedoes and the periscope standards briefly broke surface, giving her position away. Despite this the first torpedo fired hit the ship.

1016A/10 - Returned to periscope depth. Saw the merchant laying stopped. She was of about 6000 tons and was seen wearing a Nazi ensign. Tribune quickly returned to 90 feet and retired from the scene as the aircraft had detected her a periscope depth.

The crew of Dalny was saved including three wounded. (4)

11 Jan 1943
HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) again torpedoed and damaged transport Dalny (German (former French), 6672 GRT, built 1914) off Capo Cervo, Italy.

1645A/11 - Sighted the 6000 tons merchant ship that was torpedoed yesterday ashore on Capo Cervo. Closed to fire a single bow torpedo but got too close. Ran out to seaward and at ....

1728A/11 - Fired the stern tube from 2200 yards. A hit was obtained. The ship was on an exposed beach and was now considered to be a total loss. (4)

13 Jan 1943 (position 43.14, 6.47)
HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) makes a torpedo attack on a transport off Saint-Tropez, France. Three torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.

This may have been the French Guyane (1794 GRT, built 1934, later transformed as a minelayer and, renamed by the Italians as Acqui, and became the German Niedersachsen). MARICOTRAF records that she sailed from Marseilles at 1400B/12 at 12 knots for Genoa. This does not match the position given by HMS Tribune unless the French ship was delayed (for instance by a stopover in Toulon). We do not have the time of her arrival at Genoa.

(All times are zone -1)
1735 hours - Sighted a 2500 tons merchant ship in ballast. She was eastbound. Closed to attack.

1753 hours - In position 43°14'N, 06°47'E fired three torpedoes from 2500 yards. All missed and probably ran under as the ship proved smaller then was initially thought. (4)

14 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1854A/14, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) surfaced after a days submerged patrol. She then left patrol to return to Algiers. (4)

17 Jan 1943
Around 1030A/17, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) ended her 16th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (4)

26 Jan 1943
HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) conducted exercises off Algiers. (5)

31 Jan 1943
HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) is docked at Algiers. (5)

2 Feb 1943
HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) is undocked. (6)

4 Feb 1943
Around 1730A/4, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) departed from Algiers for her 17th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

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

(7)

9 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1130A/9, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) sighted four auxiliary A/S schooners leaving the Bocca Piccola and spread to seaward within a five mile area, two to seaward and two inshore of the current patrol position of HMS Tribune. A Cant 506B aircraft was also seen patrolling from 1030A/9 to 1130A/9.

At 1230A/9, two mineweepers were observed in Bocca Piccola to sweep as far a the 100 fathom line and then return to the northward. Meanwhile the A/S schooners made the movements of HMS Tribune difficult and it was thought that the presence of the submarine was suspected. (7)

10 Feb 1943 (position 40.09, 14.59)
At 0100A/10, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) sighted an illuminated one funnelled hospital ship leaving the Bocca Piccolo on a course of 170°. Off course it was not attacked. This must have been the Italian hospital ship Toscana (9429 GRT, built 1923) which had left Naples harbour around 2130A/9.

At 0942A/10, HMS Tribune started an attack on a northbound merchant vessel of 1000 tons. The ship was in ballast and proceeded at a speed of 9 knots. The range could not be closed enough and the attack was abandoned at 1022A/10.

This was the steamer Cesena (ex-French Mécanicien Moutte, 1730 GRT built 1918). Two torpedoes were observed to explode on the coast.

At 1230A/10, HMS Tribune makes a torpedo attack on an Italian southbound merchant vessel of 2500 tons about 5 nautical miles South-West of Acciaroli, Italy. Three torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.

Italian sources report that the Italian auxiliary V 265 / Cesena (105 GRT, built 1921) sighted two torpedoes exploding on the coast at this time and location. If another ship was involved (given the tonnage difference), it has not been identified so far.

1202A/10 - Sighted a merchant vessel at a range of 9000 yards. She was wearing the Italian ensign. Closed to attack. The ship was heavily laden so the torpedoes were set to 10 feet, enemy speed was 10 knots. The target was not escorted but there were several aircraft patrolling the area.

1230A/10 - In position 40°09'N, 14°59'E fired three torpedoes from 2300 yards. No hits were obtained. The attack was not observed as the target continued on its course. (8)

11 Feb 1943
At 1000A/11, while patrolling near Licosa Point, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) sighted a schooner close inshore (half a mile) proceeding northbound. She was escorted by what was thought to be a motor torpedo boat. Did not attack. Nothing further was seen all day. (7)

12 Feb 1943
While patrolling near Licosa Point, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) only sighted an A/S schooner patrolling further to the southward, to the north-west of Palinuro Point. Further only transport aircraft, mostly JU 52's passed through the area. Also several trains, including fuel trains were seen on the coastal railway. (7)

13 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) returned to patrol off the Bocca Piccola.

At 1100A/13, five auxiliary A/S schooners were seen leaving the Bocca Piccola and then subsequently swept to seaward in line abreast to take up their stations about 6 nautical miles from the entrance. One schooner passed within 600 yards while HMS Tribune was at periscope depth. Sounding charges were dropped but no Asdic impulses were heard. The A/S schooners frustrated Lt. Porters patrol all day.

At 1600A/13, a motor torpedo boat carrying two torpdoes and depth charges left Bocca Piccola and proceeded eastwards along the coastal route. It passed 1200 yards astern of HMS Tribune at 12 knots. Very little HE could be heard at this speed.

At 1700A/13, HMS Tribune set course to retire to the seaward evading three of the A/S schooners which were returning to Naples Bay. Lt. Porter decided that the presence of HMS Tribune must be known by the enemy and he decided to once again patrol on the coastal route for the time being. (7)

14 Feb 1943
At 0512A/14, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) closed the coast to the south of Licosa Point and then dived for a day of submerged patrol.

At 1700A/14, Capt. S 10's signal, timed 1450A/14 was received which stated that two merchant vessels were northbound along the coast. They had been seen in position 38°54'N, 16°00'E on course 360° at 10 knots. It was calculated that they could be off Licosa Point by 2030A/14 but they were not seen.

Possibly this referred to the Italian auxiliary D 7 / Olbia (3514 GRT, built 1929) and the tanker Romagna (Italian, 1416 GRT, built 1899). They sailed from Palermo at 1215B/13 for Naples where they arrived at 1430B/15.

At 2030A/14, HMS Tribune cleared the coast to surface.

At 2108A/14, HE was heard passing astern. It was thought to be diesel HE from an auxiliary schooner which started and stopped and proceeding towards the land.

At 2156A/14, HMS Tribune surfaced. Nothing was in sight. There was bright moonlight so Lt. Porter decided not to close the coast and patrol close inshore as this would be useless as HMS Tribune would certainly be seen. (7)

15 Feb 1943
At 0513A/15, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) dived and closed the land to the south of Licosa Point. Earlier that day (0015A/14) she had received a signal from Capt S 10, timed 1758A/14, informing her that a small northbound convoy had been reported. Nothing was however seen.

At 0650A/15, two merchant vessels were seen to the north-east of Licosa Point. They were southbound. One was thought to be of 3000 to 4000 tons and camouflaged. The other was a smaller vessel of about 1500 tons. When the range was 11000 yards the ships turned to the north again. The larger of the two stopped for a short while before taking the direct route to the Bocco Piccola.

At 1500A/15, three northbound A/S schooners passed within a mile of the coastal route. They were not towing sweeps and were in loose but close formation. When north of Licosa Point the changed course direct for Bocco Piccola and started dropping sounding charges.

At 2353A/15, an A/S schooner was seen patrolling 7 miles to the north-west of Licosa Point. It was considered that this schooner might have heard HMS Tribune running in towards the land in the morning and had warned the ships sighted at 0650A/15 causing them to turn back.

16 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) remained on the coastal route near Licosa Point instead of returning to the Bocco Piccola as planned. This was due to motor defects that had developed the previous evening. Due to the noise now generated it was not considered wise to return to the area where the highest enemy A/S activity was to be expected.

Only one southbound A/S schooner was seen on this day. It passed at a range of 1.5 nautical miles. (7)

17 Feb 1943
At 1200A/17, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) carried out a dummy attack on a small three masted northbound A/S schooner proceeding along the coastal route. Decided not to engage with the deck gun as the range to the shore was too close and also aircraft were patrolling in the area.

At 1330A/17, HMS Tribune altered course away from the coast and to return to Algiers as ordered in Capt. S 8's signal timed 1132A/16. (7)

21 Feb 1943
At 1100A/21, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) ended her 17th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (7)

28 Feb 1943
Around 1730A/28, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) departed from Algiers for Gibraltar for some repairs that could not be done at Algiers.

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

(6)

3 Mar 1943
Around 1145A/3, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. Before entering harbour D/G trials were carried out. (9)

4 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) is wiped at Gibraltar. (9)

6 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Gibraltar. (9)

8 Mar 1943
With her repairs completed, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN), departed from Gibraltar around 1545A/8, to return to Algiers. (9)

12 Mar 1943
Around 0800A/12, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) arrived at Algiers from Gibraltar. (9)

16 Mar 1943
Around 1830A/18, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) departed from Algiers for her 18th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

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

(7)

21 Mar 1943
At 0512A/21, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) dived and entered her assigned patrol area. It had been not possible to reach the coast during the night. So passage eastwards was continued submerged. (7)

22 Mar 1943 (position 39.14, 15.59)
HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) torpedoed and damaged the tanker President Herrenschmidt (German, former French, former Norwegian, 9103 GRT, built 1932) about 5 nautical miles south-west of San Lucido, Italy in position 39°14'N, 15°59'E. The President Herrenschmidt was escorted by the torpedo boat Sirio. She was later towed to Naples by the tugs Salvatore Primo and Athleto. The German auxiliary submarine chasers UJ 2203 and UJ 2205 also joined as additional escorts the following morning. UJ 2203 was later relived by UJ 2208.

Torpedo tracks were observed from the German tanker and she was hit astern at 1117A/22. Sirio did not observe the torpedoes but dropped six depth charges in the general direction and covered the stricken ship with a smoke screen. At 1209 hours, Sirio dropped another two depth charges then proceeded to take Président Herrenschmidt in tow and ordered MAS 541, who was proceeding from Messina to Salerno, to hunt the submarine. Towing the ship proved to be very difficult as she had a tendency to turn to starboard and it was believed that the explosion had blocked the steering gear. After three attempts at towing, the ship was finally brought 400 metres from the shore with Sirio patrolling near her in case the submarine attacked again. In the meantime, VAS 204 and VAS 215 had sailed from Cape Vaticano to reinforce the escort, the first arriving at 1543A/22 and the second at 1654A/22. The tug Athleta arrived at 0115A/23 to take over the towing, joined at 1300A/23 by the tug Salvatore Primo. At 1335A/23, the convoy was reinforced by the German submarine chasers UJ 2203 and UJ 2205 and proceeded to Naples at 5 knots. At 2210A/23, the convoy was attacked by an aircraft, UJ 2205 and Président Herrenschmidt opening AA fire. UJ 2205 was machine-gunned, hit by 69 rounds and had five seriously wounded; she informed Sirio of her predicament only at 0747A/24. The Italian torpedo boat immediately sent her medical officer, but he reported that the five men must be landed as soon as possible. The five wounded were transferred to Sirio. The average speed of the convoy was now 4.6 knots and the convoy arrived in Naples just after an air raid was observed, entry being delayed due to the dense smoke screen that had been laid over the city. Sirio finally moored at 0247A/25 and landed the wounded.

1040A/22 - Sighted vessel southbound, and hull down at a range of about 12000 yards. Tribune was between the land and the target.

1100A/22 - No air escort was sighted but there was a camouflaged Spica class torpedo boat as escort present on the seaward side of the target. Tribune was thus well placed for an attack.

1115A/22 - In position 39°14'N, 15°59'E fired three torpedoes from 1200 yards against what was identified as a 6000 tons tanker. The second torpedo hit the tanker aft in the engine room and the targets HE ceased at once.

1130A/22 - A counter attack was commenced by the torpedo boat. Due to a leak in a ballast tank Tribune took more water in and lost trim. She sank to 320 feet. Ten depth charges were dropped singly as well as two aircraft bombs. These last two were quite close but the depth charges were not close.

1312A/22 - Came to periscope depth after it had been quit for over 40 minutes. Saw the tanker in sight, stopped and well down by the stern. The torpedo boat was still present as were three aircraft. Went deep again.

1429A/22 - Returned to periscope depth. No sign of the tanker but had to go deep again for aircraft. It was thought possible that the tanker had sunk. (10)

23 Mar 1943
At 0603A/23, in position 39°51'N, 15°06'E, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) sighted two vessels to the north-east. The sea was glassy calm so Lt. Porter decided to close while being deep. The vessels turned out to be a 400 tons trawler with what is thought to be an 800 tons flak ship 3 cables astern. Enemy course was 140°, speed 8 knots. The flak ship was a converted coaster with the funnel aft and very light draught. She was transmitting on Asdic. The trawler was seen to be well armed for AA work but was not using Asdic. Decided that a torpedo attack would be unprofitable on a ship with such a shallow draught.

The ships sighted were possibly the German auxiliary submarine chasers UJ 2203 and UJ 2205 en-route to the tanker HMS Tribune had torpedoed the previous day.

At 1049A/23, a southbound vessel was seen three miles from Palinuro Point. Closed to find it to be a 400 tons trawler well armed for AA work transmitting on Asdic. Enemy speed was 7 knots.

The ship sighted at 1049A/23 was possibly UJ 2208 also en-route to the tanker HMS Tribune had torpedoed the previous day. (11)

24 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1500A/24, while patrolling south-west of Palinuto Point, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN), sighted three A/S schooners sweeping from the northward at slow speed. about 2 miles apart in very loose formation. The nearest schooner passed within 3000 yards but did not to be aware of the submarines position.

Late in the evening a two funnelled hospital ship was sighted in position 39°50'N, 14°50'E. Its course was 170° at 12 knots. (7)

25 Mar 1943
At 1306A/25, in position 39°47'N, 13°45'E, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN), sighted two destroyers proceeding on course 040° at 20 knots. The leading ship was a Navigatori-class and the second ship looked like a Folgore-class. The two ships were about 4 cables apart zig-zagging 40 degrees every four minutes. The Navigatori-class destroyer passed within 600 yards. No Asdic impulses were heard. An attack was not attempted given their high speed and zig-zag course.

The were the Leone Pancaldo and Camicia Nera which had sailed at 0555B/25, 0620B/25 from Trapani and reached respectively Pozzuoli (west of Naples) at 1720B/25 and Naples at 1825B/25.

These two destroyers had just landed troops in La Goulette (Tunisia) and were returning home via Trapani (two other destroyers of the group had been mined and sunk on 24 March (Ascari and Lanzerotto Malocello). (7)

30 Mar 1943 (position 39.37, 13.15)
HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) unsuccessfully fires three torpedoes at the Italian transport Benevento (former French Fort de Souville, 5229 GRT, built 1918) about 50 nautical miles north of Ustica, Italy in position 39°37'N, 13°15'E. No hits were obtained. Benevento did however not reach Tunis (her destination), she was sunk during the night of 31 March / 1 April by British motor torpedo boats (HMS MTB 266, HMS MTB 267, HMS MTB 315 and HMS MTB 316 which were on on offensive sweep off Bizerta having sailed from Bone.)

A convoy made up of the transports Chieti (former French Arizona, 5457 GRT, built 1925), Nuoro (former French Saint Ambroise, 3075 GRT, built 1920), Crema (former French Hebe, 1684 GRT, built 1920) escorted by the Italian torpedo boats, Cigno (convoy leader), Clio, Cassiopea and the German auxiliary submarine chasers UJ 2202, UJ 2203, UJ 2207 and UJ 2210 sailed at 1900B/29 from Naples. On departure UJ 2207 and UJ 2210 were almost immediately recalled.

The transport Benevento sailed a few hours later due to mechanical defects. She was escorted by UJ 2207

At 0500B/30, Clio was detached from the main convoy to join the escort of Benevento.

At 1435B/30, Benevento was attacked by a submarine (HMS Tribune). UJ 2207 observed a couple of bombs dropped at a long distance from an escorting aircraft. At the time she appears to have been escorted only by Clio and UJ 2207 with air cover. It is possible that Clio dropped a few depth charges for intimidation purposes. Since the attack came from long range, it is doubtful, that the counterattack was very determined.

The Benevento section merged with the main convoy at 0700B/31 off Trapani.

1224A/30 - Sighted masts and funnel of a ship at a range of 7 nautical miles, course south-west. Commenced attack.

1250A/30 - Identified the target as a deeply laden 6000 tons merchant ship. Two armed trawlers were ahead. A Spica class torpedo boat was astern. Several aircraft were also patrolling the area.

1325A/30 - Closed to 7000 yards. Not able to get much more closer.

1331A/30 - In position 39°37'N, 13°15'E fired three torpedoes from 6500 yards (four torpedoes were intended). After just over 5 minutes two bombs were heard to explode followed by a deep explosion that was thought to be a hit. This gave a range of about 7400 yards. HE of the target ceased and was not heard again.

1336A/30 - A counter attack now commenced by the two trawlers and the torpedo boat and several aircraft (Actually only torpedo boat Dezza dropped depth charges). As all three escorts joined the hunt it seemed obvious that the target was hit. The vessels circled Tribune and were in contact several times. Only 15 depth charges were dropped as well as several aircraft bombs but these did no damage. Due to trim problems Tribune sank to 380 feet. After almost one and a half hour Tribune managed to escape from the area.

1620A/30 - Came to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. (7)

1 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2000A/1, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) left patrol as ordered in Capt. S 8's signal timed 1248A/31. (7)

5 Apr 1943
At 0920A/5, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) ended her 18th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. She was escorted in by HMS Cava (T/Lt. R.L. Petty-Major, RNVR) which had joined at 0700A/5.

This had been the last operational patrol of HMS Tribune, due to problems with her engines (once again !) she has to return to the U.K. for refit. (7)

1 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) conducted engine trials off Algiers. (12)

3 May 1943
Around 1850A/3, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) departed from Algiers for Gibraltar. She is to proceed back to the U.K.

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

(12)

7 May 1943
Around 1745A/7, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. Before entering harbour D/G trials were carried out. (12)

13 May 1943
Around 1400A/13, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) departed from Gibraltar for Portsmouth. (7)

23 May 1943
Around 2025A/23, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) arrived at Plymouth. She was escorted in by the French patrol vessel Chasseur 13 which had joined off Lizard Head around 1350A/23. (7)

24 May 1943
Around 0650A/23, HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) departed from Plymouth for Portsmouth (Fort Blockhouse) where she arrived around 2100A/23. It has been decided due to the ever returning engine troubles to use Tribune as training boat. At Portsmouth she will undergo repairs to make her fit for her role as training boat. A full refit was not deemed necessary. (7)

21 Jun 1943
HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) is docked at Portsmouth in No.12 dry dock. (13)

30 Jun 1943
HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) is undocked. (13)

2 Jul 1943
HMS Tribune (Lt. S.A. Porter, RN) is docked again at Portsmouth but this time in AFD 2 at HMS Dolphin (the submarine base). She left dock after only a few hours. (14)

Submarine HMS Tudor (P 326)

19 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted trials off Plymouth. (15)

22 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted trials off Plymouth. (15)

23 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted trials off Plymouth. (15)

24 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted trials off Plymouth. (15)

28 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted trials off Plymouth. (15)

30 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted trials off Plymouth. (15)

2 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) is docked at Plymouth. (16)

7 Jan 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) is undocked. (16)

10 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted trials off Plymouth. (16)

12 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN). They were escorted by HMS Rosevean (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L.H. Hill, DSC, RNVR). (16)

14 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (16)

15 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (16)

16 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted speed trials on the Arran measured mile. (16)

20 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (16)

21 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (16)

23 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar where she was to conduct her torpedo discharge trials. (16)

24 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (16)

26 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (16)

28 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (16)

29 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (16)

31 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Upon completion of these trials she proceeded to Holy Loch. (16)

4 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted echo sounding and S.T.U. (mine detection0 trials in the Clyde area. (17)

5 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (17)

6 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (17)

7 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (17)

11 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) and HMS Vivid (Lt. J.C. Varley, RN) both conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which they made practice attacks on each other. (17)

12 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) and HMS Vivid (Lt. J.C. Varley, RN) both conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which they made practice attacks on each other. (17)

13 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted RD/F exercises off Campbeltown. (17)

14 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (17)

15 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted speed trials on the Arran measured mile. (17)

17 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her exercises. (17)

19 Feb 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch exercises and subsequent passage to Scapa Flow. She made the passage together with HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) and HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN). They were escorted by HMS Wallflower (Lt. G.R. Greaves, RNR). (17)

21 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow where she was to participate in A/S exercises. (17)

22 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (17)

23 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow. (17)

24 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow. (17)

25 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow. (17)

26 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow. (17)

28 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow. (17)

29 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow. (17)

1 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow. (18)

2 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow. (18)

3 Mar 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow.

The day started with A/S exercises with HMS Sheffield (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSO, DSC, RN). (19)

4 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow. (18)

6 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow. (18)

7 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow. (18)

9 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (18)

10 Mar 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) which came from Lerwick. They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (18)

11 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (18)

13 Mar 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) is docked at Holy Loch in AFD 7. (18)

14 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) is undocked. (18)

15 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (18)

16 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) proceeded to Larne upon completion of last night's exercises. (18)

17 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (18)

18 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (18)

20 Mar 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) and HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted attack exercises off Larne on each other. (20)

22 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (18)

23 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (18)

24 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (18)

25 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (18)

26 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. (18)

5 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted trials off Holy Loch. (21)

11 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (21)

12 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (21)

13 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted special noise trials in Loch Goil. (21)

14 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted special noise trials in Loch Goil. (21)

15 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted special noise trials in Loch Goil. (21)

16 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) shifted from Loch Goil to Holy Loch. (21)

19 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch to conduct special deep water noise trials off the Hebrides with HMS Loring (Lt. A.d'E.T. Sangster, RN). (21)

28 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her special deep water noise trials off the Hebrides with HMS Loring (Lt. A.d'E.T. Sangster, RN). (21)

29 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted special noise trials in Loch Goil. (21)

8 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) is docked at Holy Loch in ADF 7. (22)

9 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) is undocked. She then proceeded to Loch Goil for noise trials. Upon completion of these she retuned to Holy Loch. (22)

16 May 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch bound for Gibraltar. She is to proceed to Trincomalee to join the Eastern Fleet. She made the passage to south through the Irish Sea together with HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) and HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN).

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

(22)

29 May 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (22)

11 Jun 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (23)

19 Jun 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) departed from Malta bound for Port Said. (23)

24 Jun 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said. (23)

26 Jun 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) transits the Suez Canal. (23)

27 Jun 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) departed from Suez bound for Aden. (23)

2 Jul 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden. (24)

6 Jul 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) departed from Aden bound for Trincomalee. (24)

16 Jul 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (24)

31 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (24)

2 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (25)

3 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (25)

4 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (25)

6 Aug 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 1st war patrol. She is to patrol off the Northern entrance to the Malacca Straits and to perform a special mission.

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

(26)

17 Aug 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) lands a party to make a beach reconnaissance at Bireuen on the North coast of Sumatra. The party is recovered after about 3 hours. (26)

18 Aug 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) again lands a party to make a beach reconnaissance at Bireuen on the North coast of Sumatra. The party is recovered after about 3,5 hours. (26)

22 Aug 1944 (position 5.19, 96.30)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) sank a junk with gunfire north of Sumatra in position 05°19'N, 96°30'E.

(All times are zone -6,5)
1246 hours - Surfaced to sink a junk, that was 3/4 laden, about 120 feet long and estimated to be 100 tons.

1253 hours - Dived. (26)

23 Aug 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) again lands a party to make a beach reconnaissance at Bireuen on the North coast of Sumatra. The party is recovered early the next day after about almost 4 hours. (26)

30 Aug 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Trincomalee. (26)

12 Sep 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) is docked at Trincomalee in AFD 26. (27)

15 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) is undocked. (27)

18 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (27)

19 Sep 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 2nd war patrol. She is to patrol along the West coast of Siam and to lay a minefield.

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

(26)

24 Sep 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) lays 10 mines off the west coast of Siam.

(All miles are zone -6,5)
2002 hours - Laid 6 mines staggered either side of a line 079° from position 07°23'3"N, 99°04'2"E up to the 5,5 fathom line. Distance between the mines was 600 feet. The depth of the water was 5,5 to 7 fathoms.

2050 hours - completed the first lay of 6 mines.

2310 hours - Commenced the second lay of 4 mines from position 07°28'N, 99°03'9"E, in a 275° direction staggered at 600 feet apart, in a depth of 7 fathoms.

2318 hours - Lay completed. (26)

14 Oct 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Trincomalee. (26)

1 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (28)

2 Nov 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 3rd war patrol. She is to patrol along the West coast of Sumatra.

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

(26)

16 Nov 1944 (position -2.18, 100.52)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) destroys a Japanese coaster with gunfire of the west coast of Sumatra in position 02°18'S, 100°52'E.

(All times are zone -6,5)
0815 hours - Sighted a vessel rounding the buoy off Indrapura Point. Closed to the Northward.

0830 hours - Identified the target as a 150 ton motor ship with the engines and passenger accommodation aft. She was Southbound at 6 knots coast crawling keeping a steady one mile of the coast.

0925 hours - Surfaced in position 02°15'S, 100°48'E on the starboard quarter of the target, range 2000 yards and opened fire with the 4"gun and the Oerlikon. The vessel was soon hit aft in the engine room and stopped with a list to starboard. 3 other hits were observed in the hull after 12 rounds.

0929 hours - After the 12th round a Rufe floatplane was seen coming down the coast from the North. It was heard before it was seen, due to the low clouds.

0930 hours - Dived to 48 feet. Three bombs were dropped by the aircraft. The first one was rather close and did some damage to several gauges.

1130 hours - Sighted the target aground in position 02°18'S, 100°52'E. The stern was still in the water so Lt. Porter decided to fire a torpedo. Closed to the 10 fathom line.

1209 hours - Fired one torpedo from 2000 yards. After an in initial swerve 15° of course the torpedo exploded prematurely after running for 400 yards.

1345 hours - Sighted a patrolling aircraft so surfacing to finish of the ship with gunfire was now out of the question.

1500 hours - After the aircraft had left closed the target again.

1737 hours - Surfaced in position 02°18'5"S, 100°51'E. Opened fire from 2000 yards at the beached motor ship with the 4" gun and the Oerlikon. 8 hits out of 20 rounds of 4" were scored on the vessel. It was now well on fire. This is a total loss to the enemy.

1745 hours -Ceased fire and dived. Retired to the seaward. (26)

26 Nov 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Trincomalee. (26)

11 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (29)

14 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (29)

15 Dec 1944
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 4th war patrol. She is to patrol along the coast of Burma.

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

(26)

22 Dec 1944 (position 13.42, 98.05)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire of the west coast of Burma in position 13°42'N, 98°05'E.

(All times are zone -6,5)
1508 hours - Sighted a two mast schooner that was Northbound. Closed it while dived to attack it with gunfire. The vessel was tacking the coast and just before Tudor was about to surface it anchored off the coast and lowered it sails. She was of similar built to a Chinese timber tongkang.

1608 hours - Surfaced in position 13°42'N, 98°05'E and opened fire with the 4"gun, range 1300 yards. After hitting with the 3rd round paused to allow the crew to abandon ship, which they did not do. As Lt. Porter did not want to wait in this exposed position (shallow water) the shelling now continued until the vessel blew up with a very satisfactory explosion. The vessel was of about 70 tons and was probably carrying cased petrol judging by the flame and the smoke. 11 Rounds in all were fired for 5 hits.

1613 hours - Dived and retired from the scene. (26)

24 Dec 1944 (position 13.44, 98.04)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) sank two sailing vessels with gunfire of the west coast of Burma in position 13°44'N, 98°04'E.

(All times are zone -6,5)
0800 hours - Sighted a 70 tons schooner rigged tongkang Northbound and a small two masted junk of 25 tons deep laden and also Northbound. Closed the schooner while dived for gun action.

0849 hours - Surfaced in position 13°43'N, 98°04'E and sank the schooner with 5 rounds of 4", all were hits. There was a pause in the shooting to allow the crew to abandon ship which they did not do. The shooting continued and the vessel soon exploded, she was most likely carrying ammunition.

Closed the junk which had now anchored of the shore. The crew was now on the beach having left their ship in a sampan. 18 rounds of 4" were fired before this ship also exploded in position 13°45'N, 98°04'E.

0901 hours - Dived. (26)

25 Dec 1944 (position 13.19, 98.22)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) sank two sailing vessels with gunfire of the west coast of Burma. One in position 13°14'N, 98°17'E and one in position 13°19N, 98°22'E.

(All times are zone -6,5)
0845 hours - Closed a 15 ton two masted junk that was Northbound and deep laden.

0854 hours - Surfaced in position 13°14'N, 98°17'E and fired a warning shot. The crew did not abandon ship. Continued to fire with the 4" gun and after three rounds the vessel sank by the head.

0900 hours - Dived and set course to the Eastward.

1055 hours - A schooner was sighted to the East. It was Northbound. Closed the schooner while dived.

1208 hours - Surfaced in position 13°19'N, 98°22'E and fired a warning shot. The crew took no action. Continued the firing and after 11 hits after 13 rounds the vessel sank.

1214 hours - Dived and retired to the West. (26)

27 Dec 1944 (position 14.01, 98.02)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire of the west coast of Burma in position 14°01'N, 98°02'E .

(All times are zone -6,5)
1100 hours - Sighted a two-masted schooner, deep laden and Northbound.

1131 hours - Surfaced in position 14°01'N, 98°02'E and sank the vessel with 14 rounds of 4".

1140 hours - Dived and proceed Southward. (26)

29 Dec 1944 (position 13.47, 98.04)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) sank a Japanese junk with gunfire of the west coast of Burma in position 13°47'N, 98°04'E.

(All times are zone -6,5)
1430 hours - Sighted a large junk Northbound. closed dived to a range of 1500 yards.

1609 hours - Surfaced in position 13°47'N, 98°04'E. The vessel was of 100 tons, had three masts and was flying the Japanese flag. Nine rounds were fired, all were hits. The vessel sank in 2,5 minutes.

1615 hours - Dived and proceeded southward. (26)

5 Jan 1945
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Trincomalee. (26)

11 Jan 1945
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) is docked at Trincomalee in AFD 26. (30)

16 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) is undocked. (30)

28 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (30)

30 Jan 1945
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for Fremantle, Australia.

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

(30)

13 Feb 1945
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) arrived at Fremantle. (31)

1 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials off Fremantle.

4 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 4 and 5 March 1945, HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN), conducted exercises off Fremantle, these included night exercises. (32)

7 Mar 1945
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) departed from Fremantle for her 5th war patrol. She is to patrol in the Southern part of the South China Sea.

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

(26)

22 Mar 1945 (position 2.26, 108.54)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) attacks a convoy of two small merchants with three escorts in position 02°26'5"N, 108°54'E. Four torpedoes were fired at the largest merchant but none hit. Tudor was hunted and depth charged after the attack but managed to escape.

(All times are zone -8)
1234 hours - In position 02°27'N, 108°52'E sighted puffs of smoke to the South-East. Closed at speed.

1256 hours - The enemy's course appears to be about 050°, speed was about 5 knots. The vessels appeared to be heading towards Royalist Haven (Serasan Island).

1325 hours - Sighted masts and funnel of a ship. Range was about 6000 yards.

1327 hours - Sighted on modern escort ahead of the target using Asdic. The escort was about 400 tons with large sheer and concentrated superstructure, unlike any silhouette in the books, obviously it was new construction. The target was a 1400 ton merchant ship. Astern of the target was another escort with two raked masts and a low superstructure with a gun forward. Astern of this second escort was another merchant of about 1200 tons. Astern of this merchant was a trawler that was bringing up the rear.

1336 hours - In position 02°26'5"N, 108°54'E fired four torpedoes set at 6 feet. Went deep and turned South immediately after firing. No hits were obtained. The leading escort gained contact on Tudor. It went right overhead but dropped nothing at that time despite the firm contact. Shortly afterward 7 small depth charges were dropped but these were not too close. A further 8 depth charges were dropped but also none of these was too close. The escort then started an Asdic hunt. Tudor turned to the South-West to keep end on and gain deeper water.

1430 hours - The escort was joined by a second one. They were in contact but did not drop anything further. They just tried to keep Tudor down.

1500 hours - Heard no more of the escorts, HE and pinging had ceased.

1609 hours - After hearing nothing for over an hour returned to periscope depth. Tudor was detected right away as she came from under a density in the water. The escorts were obviously still there. Tudor returned to 110 feet and altered course to the Westward. The escorts passed overhead but did not drop anything.

1633 hours - Both escorts lost contact by now. No HE was heard.

1837 hours - Came to periscope depth and found nothing in sight.

1931 hours - Surfaced in position 02°20'N, 108°40'E. Set course for the channel south of Great Natuna Island hoping the enemy would go that way tomorrow. (26)

23 Mar 1945
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) again sights the convoy she unsuccessfully attacked the day before. An attack is set up but as the American submarine USS Boarfish, that is also on the scene, is detected by one of the escorts the convoy changes course. Tudor's attack is spoiled by this change of course.

(All times are zone -8)
1440 hours - In position 03°27'N, 108°09'E sighted a vessel to the Southward. Commenced attack.

1447 hours - Identified the target as an American submarine that was going Northbound at 17 knots and was zigging. Ceased attack.

1454 hours - The American submarine was no longer in sight, it must have dived.

1520 hours - In position 03°26'5"N, 108°09'5"E sighted smoke to the South-East. Closed.

1541 hours - The smoke was identified as coming from a convoy. It was the same convoy that was attacked the day before. Commenced attack on the second merchant ship (Tudor was not in a correct position to be able to attack the first, slightly bigger, merchant ship).

1547 hours - Went deep and closed at speed.

1554 hours - The leading escort was pinging but not in contact.

1604 hours - The convoy zigged towards Tudor.

1605 hours - Tudor was now in position 03°26'N, 108°11'E when it was seen that the leading escort hoisted a flag, turned towards and increased speed. She was in contact but not with Tudor so it must have been the American submarine. The escort dropped 13 depth charges. Meanwhile the convoy had changed course spoiling Tudor's attack. The game of cat and mouse between the escort and both submarines continued for the rest of the day. (26)

15 Apr 1945
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Fremantle. (26)

28 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) is put on the slipway at Fremantle. (33)

30 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) is put back in the water. (33)

3 May 1945
During 3/4 May 1945, HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN), conducted exercises off Fremantle, these included night exercises. (34)

7 May 1945
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) departed from Fremantle for her 6th war patrol. She is to patrol in the Eastern part of the Java Sea.

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

(26)

10 Jun 1945
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (that was blank) at Fremantle. (26)

27 Jun 1945
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) is docked at Fremantle in USS ARD 10. (35)

28 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) is undocked. (35)

29 Jun 1945
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) departed from Fremantle for her 7th war patrol. She is to patrol in the Java Sea. This is her last patrol before she is to be sent back to the U.K. for refit.

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

(26)

9 Jul 1945
After repairs HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) departed from Fremantle to resume her 7th war patrol. (26)

23 Jul 1945 (position -6.09, 108.13)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) sank a schooner with gunfire in the Java Sea in position 06°09'S, 108°13'E.

(All times are zone -9)
1445 hours - Sighted a schooner of about 150 tons Eastbound. The vessel was deep laden and there were oil drums on the upper deck. Closed submerged.

1530 hours - Surfaced in position 06°09'S, 108°13'E and fired warning shots. The crew eventually abandoned ship in a boat and the schooner was sunk with 4" gunfire.

1552 hours - Dived and resumed patrol going Northward. (26)

28 Jul 1945 (position -6.48, 109.31)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) sank two Japanese sea trucks with gunfire in the Java Sea in position 06°48'S, 109°31'E.

(All times are zone -9)
1625 hours - Sighted two sea trucks of about 250 tons each. They were Westbound. No escort or air cover was visible. Closed the 10 fathom line submerged.

1637 hours - Surfaced in position 06°48'S, 109°31'E and opened fire on the leading sea truck. Scored hits on both and the both turned towards the beach and beached themselves. Both were abandoned by the crews. A total of 113 rounds of 4" were fired. Both vessels took many hits.

1707 hours - Turned to the seaward.

1719 hours - Dived in position 06°44'S, 19°34'E. (26)

29 Jul 1945 (position -6.50, 109.37)
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) destroys a Japanese sea truck with gunfire in the Java Sea in position 06°50'S, 109°37'E.

(All times are zone -9)
1845 hours - Sighted a sea truck on the beach at Pekalongan.

1905 hours - Surfaced in position 06°48'S, 109°42'E and opened fire from 4500 yards with the 4" gun. Now a laden sea truck was sighted 4 nautical miles to the West and Eastbound.

1906 hours - Ceased fire and set off to the laden sea truck of about 250 tons. The sea truck saw the submarine and headed towards the beach.

1919 hours - Opened fire from 4000 yards. The sea truck beached itself in position 06°50'S, 109°37'E. Fired 70 rounds for 30 hits. The vessel blew up with a spectacular explosion.

1942 hours - Set course to seaward. (26)

11 Aug 1945
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at Fremantle. (26)

22 Aug 1945
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) departed from Fremantle bound for Aden. She is to proceed to the U.K. where she is to refit. (36)

11 Sep 1945
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) makes a short call at Aden she departed from for Suez the same day. (37)

16 Sep 1945
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) arrived at Suez. (37)

17 Sep 1945
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) transits the Suez Canal and arrived at Port Said. (37)

22 Sep 1945
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) departed from Port Said bound for Gibraltar. (37)

28 Sep 1945
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (37)

30 Sep 1945
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) departed from Gibraltar bound for Portsmouth. (37)

5 Oct 1945
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (37)

23 Oct 1945
HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) departed from Portsmouth for the Devonport Dockyard where she is to refit. (37)

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