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Submarine HMS H 50 (N 50)

28 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). (1)

29 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) departed Rothesay for Holyhead. She was escorted by HMS Virginia (Cdr.(Retd.) S.H.S. Moxley, RN). (1)

30 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) arrived at Holyhead. (1)

3 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Holyhead with MA/SB 6. Upon completion of these exercises HMS H 50 conducted independent exercises before returning to Holyhead. (2)

12 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Holyhead with HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN). (2)

13 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Holyhead with HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) and HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN). (2)

17 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Holyhead with HMS Aberdeen (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, RN). (2)

18 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Holyhead with HMS Highlander (Cdr. W.A. Dallmeyer, RN) and HMS Wolverine (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rowland, RN). (2)

20 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Holyhead with HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) and another vessel [unable to read the name in the log of HMS H 50]. (2)

29 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Holyhead with HMS Scarborough (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, RN) and HMS Candytuft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR). (2)

31 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Holyhead with HMS Huddersfield Town (Skr. R. Armstrong, RNR). (2)

2 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Holyhead with HMS Richard Crofts (T/Skr. R.H. Maulkinson, RNR). (3)

3 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Holyhead with HMS Wild Swan (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, RN). (3)

4 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Holyhead with HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) and another vessel [unable to read the name in the log of HMS H 50]. (3)

5 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Holyhead with HMS Aberdeen (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, RN) and another vessel [unable to read the name in the log of HMS H 50]. (3)

6 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Holyhead with HMS York City (Skr. W. Tucker, RNR). (3)

8 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Holyhead with HMS Vanquisher. (3)

9 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Holyhead with HMS Vanquisher and HMS Derby County (Skr. W.J.P. Soloman, RNR). (3)

14 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) is docked at Holyhead. (3)

19 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) is undocked. (3)

22 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) departed Holyhead for Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS Virginia (Cdr.(Retd.) S.H.S. Moxley, RN). (3)

23 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (3)

26 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. (3)

27 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Carina (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.C.G. Jolly, RN) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (3)

29 Jan 1941
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Carina (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.C.G. Jolly, RN) and HMS Spaniel (Skr. C. Coultas, DSC, RNR). (3)

30 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Carina (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.C.G. Jolly, RN) and HMS Spaniel (Skr. C. Coultas, DSC, RNR). (3)

31 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) N.T.B. Holt, RN) and HMS Spaniel (Skr. C. Coultas, DSC, RNR). (3)

2 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) N.T.B. Holt, RN) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (4)

3 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR) and HMS Spaniel (Skr. C. Coultas, DSC, RNR). (4)

4 Feb 1941
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) N.T.B. Holt, RN) and HMS Lady Sharazad (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) D.S. Hore-Lacy, RN). (4)

6 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR) and HMS Boarhound (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR). (4)

7 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR). (4)

8 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Rothesay. (4)

11 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted torpedo firing trials / exercises in the Clyde area. (4)

12 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HrMs Z 8 (Lt.Cdr. P.A. de Boer, RNN). (4)

15 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) departed Rothesay for Tobermory. She was escorted by HMS Hydrangea (Lt. J.E. Woolfenden, RNR). (4)

16 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) arrived at Tobermory. (4)

17 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted exercises off Tobermory with HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RNR) and HMS Abelia (T/Lt. F. Ardern, RNR). (4)

18 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted exercises off Tobermory with HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RNR) and HMS Abelia (T/Lt. F. Ardern, RNR). (4)

20 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted exercises off Tobermory with HMS Violet (Lt.Cdr. K.M. Nicholson, RNR) and HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RNR). (4)

21 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) shifted from Tobermory to Oban and back. (4)

22 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted exercises off Tobermory with HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RNR) and another vessel [unable to read the name in the log of HMS H 50]. (4)

23 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted exercises off Tobermory with HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J. Windram, RNR) and another vessl [unable to read the name in the log of HMS H 50]. (4)

26 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) conducted exercises off Tobermory with HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J. Windram, RNR) and HMS Violet (Lt.Cdr. K.M. Nicholson, RNR). (4)

28 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) shifted from Tobermory to Oban. (4)

1 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 50 (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, RN) proceeded from Oban to Tobermory. (5)

Submarine HMS Talisman (N 78)

6 Mar 1941
HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) and HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. A.C.C. Miers, RN) departed from Holy Loch for Halifax, Canada. They were escorted out by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) until around 2030A/7 when they parted company in position 57°57'N, 10°59'W.

En-route Talisman was ordered to several patrol positions to hunt the German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau who are operating against Allied sipping in the North-Atlantic.

No map of this passage can be displayed as there are no logs available for HMS Talisman for this period. (6)

12 Mar 1941 (position 54.02, -34.30)
At 1837O/12, in mid-Atlantic, HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) sighted two warships in position 54°02'N, 34°30'W. As the warships are thought to be the German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau. Lt. Willmott dived and started an attack but the warships were soon recognised as British. They were in fact HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) and HMS King George V (Capt. W.R. Patterson, CVO, RN). Lt. Willmott made a practice attack. At 2022 hours HMS Talisman surfaced and identified herself. (6)

26 Mar 1941
HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) arrived at Halifax, Canada. In the early morning hours she was to rendez-vouz of the Sambro light vessel with the Canadian armed yacht HMCS Otter (T/Lt. D.S. Mossman, RCNR). HMS Talisman arrived at the rendez-vouz in thick fog, when the fog lifted at 0920Q/26 HMCS Otter was seen to be on fire. Talisman closed and found her abandoned. 4 survivors out of 9 that were on a raft were rescued, the other 5 unfortunately drowned.

HMCS Otter sank at 1115Q/26 in position 44°23'N, 63°23'W.

At 1415Q/26, HMS Talisman arrived at Halifax. (6)

8 Apr 1941
HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN), most likely, conducted exercises off Halifax. (7)

10 Apr 1941
Around 1540Q/10, HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) departed from Halifax for convoy escort duty in the North Atlantic. She is to escort convoy SC 28 for part of the journey to the U.K.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy SC 28 ' for 9 April 1941.]

[No map of this convoy escort mission can be displayed as there are no logs available for HMS Talisman for this period.] (6)

19 Apr 1941 (position 53.34, -38.28)
At 1718P/19, HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) parted company with convoy SC 28 in position 53°34'N, 38°28'W and set course to return to Halifax. (6)

26 Apr 1941
Around 1415Q/26, HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) arrived back at Halifax. (6)

13 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) is docked at Halifax. (8)

15 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) is undocked. (8)

16 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN), most likely, conducted exercises off Halifax. (8)

19 May 1941
HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) departed from Halifax for convoy escort duty in the North Atlantic. She is to escort convoy SC 32 for part of the journey to the U.K.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy SC 32 ' for 19 May 1941.]

[No map of this convoy escort mission can be displayed as there are no logs available for HMS Talisman for this period.] (6)

30 May 1941
At 2000N/30, HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) parted company with convoy SC 32 in position 47°35'N, 32°58'W and set course back towards Halifax. On the way back she was ordered through several positions to search for the German heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen. (6)

9 Jun 1941
Around 0830P/9, HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) arrived back at Halifax from convoy escort duty. (6)

4 Jul 1941
Around 1600P/4, HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) departed from St. John's for Gibraltar. Talisman is to join the 1st submarine flotilla at Alexandria.

[No map of this passage can be displayed as there are no logs available for HMS Talisman for this period.] (9)

7 Jul 1941
At 0042P/7, when in position 39°56'N, 43°41'W, HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) was informed that the British merchant City of Auckland (British, 8336 GRT, built 1914) was being shelled by a U-boat (this was U-109) and she was ordered to assist her. She reached the position (33°14'N, 31°21'W) on 10 July but did not see anything except a baulk of timber. In fact the merchant vessel had managed to make her escape. (9)

17 Jul 1941
At 1055A/17, HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) arrived at Gibraltar.

HMS Talisman was escorted in by HMS Haarlem (T/Lt. L.B. Merrick, RNR) which had joined around 0530Z/17.

At Gibraltar HMS Talisman is docked at an (to us) unknown date. It is currently also not known to us when she was undocked. (9)

29 Jul 1941
Around 1300A/29, HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) departed from Gibraltar for Malta. On departure A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. H.G.D. de Chair, RN) and HMS Vidette (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, RN).

[No map of this passage can be displayed as there are no logs available for HMS Talisman for this period.] (10)

3 Aug 1941 (position 37.55, 12.00)
At 0445A/3, when south-west of Marittimo near position 37°55'N, 12°00'E, HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) sighted four destroyers of the Navigatori class on course 290°, 20 knots. Six tubes were readied but the submarine could not close to less than 6200 yards and the attack was aborted. These were most likely the torpedo-boats Cigno, Centauro, Clio and Calliope. They had sailed a few hours before from Trapani to search for an enemy force. (10)

5 Aug 1941
At 1640A/5, HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) arrived at Malta from Gibraltar where she discharged 5500 gallons of aviation spirit she had carried as cargo. (10)

8 Aug 1941
Around 1830B/8, HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) departed from Malta for Alexandria. Before departing exercises were carried out with HMS Jade (Boatswain W.J.H. Fellows, RN) which had escorted her out.

[No map of this passage can be displayed as there are no logs available for HMS Talisman for this period.] (10)

14 Aug 1941 (position 32.41, 27.35)
HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) attacks a submarine with torpedoes about 140 nautical miles north-west of Alexandria in position 32°41'N, 27°35'E. All torpedoes fired fortunately missed their target as the submarine attacked later turned out to be HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN).

1040B/14 - In position 32°19'N, 27°51'E heard HE. Nothing in sight. Commenced attack on a submerged submarine.

After trailing the contact for a while three torpedoes were fired at 1253B/14. The course and speed of the submerged submarine were by now well known. No explosions occurred so the submarine must have been deep. Talisman continued to shadow the submarine until it surfaced.

1927B/14 - The target surfaced.

1932B/14 - Talisman surfaced and closed with gun crews at the ready.

2030B/14 - Contact was lost.

2046B/14 - The submarine was sighted again. While closing Talisman was sighted by the other submarine and challenged at a range of about 1000 yards by the Allied Private Signal. The reply was made and course was resumed towards Alexandria. The identity of the other submarine was not established until after arrival at Alexandria when it was learnt that it was HMS Otus.

Talisman was not aware that Otus was on passage from Alexandria to Malta. This was known so Otus was routed way to the North of the route of Talisman. An investigation showed that Talisman was way out of position. (10)

15 Aug 1941
Around 1235B/15, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) arrived at Alexandria. (10)

21 Aug 1941
Around 1930C/21, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 8th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte and off Benghazi.

[No map of this patrol can be displayed as there are no logs available for HMS Talisman for this period.] (10)

23 Aug 1941 (position 33.35, 24.23)
HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) attacked the German transport Bellona (German, 1297 GRT, built 1929) with three torpedoes about 80 nautical miles North-North-East of Tobruk, Libya. No hits were obtained. Talisman had to go deep because one of the torpedoes had a gyro failure.

The German ships was on her way from Suda Bay to Bardia. She was unescorted as the Italian torpedo boat Sagittario had turned back to return to Suda Bay a few hours before.

1358C/23 - While proceeding at periscope depth in position 33°35'N, 24°23'E sighted a merchant vessel of about 2500 tons bearing 337°, range 4.5 nautical miles. Enemy course was 157°, speed 12 knots. Started attack. No escort was seen.

1425C/23 - Fired three torpedoes from 1000 yards.

1427C/23 - One of the torpedoes passed Talisman due to a gyro failure. Went deep with all despatch.

1429C/23 - The torpedo went overhead.

1440C/23 - Went to periscope depth. Saw the target zig-zagging on a North-Easterly course. Range was now 3000 yards. (10)

26 Aug 1941
At 0530/26, on board HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) a major defect is discovered on the port engine. This engine was out of action for the remainder of the patrol unless in an emergency. (10)

28 Aug 1941
At 0855C/28, while patrolling off Benghazi, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN), a northbound Spica-class torpedo boat was sighted.

At 0951C/28, most likely the same torpedo boat was seen returning from the northward carrying out an A/S sweep. The enemy passed HMS Talisman at a range of about a mile and then remained in the area for about 40 minutes. The enemy left soon after HMS Talisman went to 80 feet and stopped all motors.

This was the torpedo boat Perseo which was patrolling off Benghazi and returned to harbour at 1018B/28. (10)

30 Aug 1941 (position 32.16, 20.06)
HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) damaged two motor sailing vessels with gunfire about five nautical miles north of Benghazi, Libya. It was thought possible that one of these had been sunk.

According to Italian sources these were actually the auxiliary minesweepers R 86 / San Michele (48 GRT, built 1939) and DM 3 / Tenacemente (81 GRT). One Italian rating was killed and two were wounded. The two vessels fled to Benghazi.

1129C/30 - Sighted two motor sailing vessels approaching on a course of 040°. Started attack. Position was 32°16'N, 20°06'E.

1154C/30 - Surfaced to engage with the 4" gun and with the Lewis machine gun. Range was 1000 yards.

1203C/30 - One of the sailing vessels was seen to be hit forward and aft. It was abandoned and low in the water. The other had increased the range and was proceeding inshore faster than Talisman could steam on one engine and motor trimmed down. She had been hit forward once. This sailing vessel opened fire with a light automatic machine gun. Talisman was hit but no casualties were sustained. Dived and retired seawards. 39 Rounds of 4" were fired in this action. (10)

31 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In a signal timed 0145C/31, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) was informed by Capt. S.1 that she had been sighted at 1847C/30. (11)

1 Sep 1941
At 0122C/1, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) received a signal from Capt. S 10, timed 2310B/31, that an enemy convoy of seven ships and four escorts had been sighted at 2219B/31 in position 33°28'N, 13°22'E proceeding on course 085°.

Shortly afterwards a signal from Capt. S 10, timed 2355B/31, was received with stated the position of the reported enemy convoy as 32°52'N, 13°52'E proceeding on course 095°. The convoy was thought to be en-route to Benghazi.

There was no such convoy en-route from Tripoli to Benghazi on this day. The signal may have referred to the convoy made up of the Italian liners (troopships) Victoria (13098 GRT, built 1931), Oceania (19507 GRT, built 1933) and Neptunia (19475 GRT, built 1932) escorted by the destroyers Aviere, Camicia Nera, Vincenzo Gioberti, Antonio Da Noli, Antoniotto Usodimare and Emanuele Pessagno. This convoy had sailed at 2020B/31 from Tripoli for Taranto.

At 0415C/1, HMS Talisman set course to patrol in position 311°, 15 nautical miles from the Benghazi lighthouse. (12)

2 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1400C/2, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) left patrol to return to Alexandria. (10)

7 Sep 1941
Around 1030C/7, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (10)

20 Sep 1941
Around 1500C/20, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 9th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean. Before proceeding on patrol exercises were performed with included a practive attack on HMS Havock (Lt. G.R.G. Watkins, DSC, RN).

[No map of this patrol can be displayed as there are no logs available for HMS Talisman for this period.] (10)

22 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2040B/22, in position 34°34'N, 27°16'E, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) sighted the Vichy French hospital ship Canada (9684 GRT, built 1912). (10)

23 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the day, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) made a submerged northbound passage of the Kaso Strait and entered the Aegean. (10)

24 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the morning, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) entered and reconnoitred the Bay / harbour at Santorin harbour.

At 2150B/24, Capt. S 1's signal, timed 0505B/24, was received. It ordered her to patrol off the Dardanelles. Course was set to proceed there via the Doro Channel. (10)

25 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0913B/25, in position 37°19'N, 24°41'E, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) sighted a MAS boat at a range of four miles proceeding towards Syros. (10)

26 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the early hours of the night, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) passed through the Doro Channel eastbound. No enemy patrols were sighted. Heavy weather was encountered on this day. (10)

27 Sep 1941
At 0127B/27, south-west of Tenedos Island, in position 39°47'N, 25°55'E, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) sighted two destroyers conducting an A/S sweep. They were evaded.

The German auxiliary minelayer Bulgaria and the Italian torpedo boats Sirio, Aldebaran, Alcione, Monzambano and Calatafimi had sailed from Saloniki at 0630B/26 for the Dardanelles for a minelaying mission and from there proceeded to Mudros where they arrived at 0600B/27. The two 'destroyers' must have belonged to the above. (10)

28 Sep 1941
At 0016B/28, south-west of Tenedos Island, in position 39°48'N, 25°54'E, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) sighted three destroyers conducting an A/S sweep. They were evaded.

Again probably belonging to Bulgaria group (see the event for 27 September 1941). They sailed from Mudros at 2000B/27 and arrived at Saloniki at 1500B/28 after minelaying mission had been completed. (10)

29 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2130B/29, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) received Capt. S 1's signal, timed 1615B/29, ordering her to patrol in 'Area A' between 37°N and 38°30'N as well as to the west of 25°40'E. She was to concentrate her patrol off the Gulf of Athens. (13)

30 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the night of 30 September / 1 October 1941, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) passed through the Doro Channel westbound. Due to the bright moon the passage was made submerged. (10)

1 Oct 1941 (position 37.35, 23.57)
HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) attacks an enemy convoy west of the Zea Channel missing the transports Arkadia (German, 1756 GRT, built 1927) and Lauretta (Italian, 938 GRT, built 1901). Following this attack Talisman was attacked by the escorting Italian torpedo boat Libra with 24 depth-charges. Although severely shaken Talisman was only slightly damaged. The convoy attacked was en-route from Piraeus to Thessaloniki (Lauretta only to Kavalliani) passing to the west of Euboea Island. The German patrol vessel 12 V 1 and a motor torpedo boat were also part of the escort. Later, from the Trikiri Channel onwards the Italian torpedo boat Aldebaran took over the escort of the Arkadia.

According to Italian sources Libra dropped eight 100-kg and sixteen 50-kg depth charges and observed two 150-metre wide oil slicks and four minor ones.

0854B/1 - Near position 37°35'N, 23°57'E sighted masts of a convoy. Brought six torpedo tubes to the ready. Three small one funnel A/S ships with the appearance similar to tugs were disposed a few miles ahead and on either bow. One destroyer or torpedo boat was astern of this A/S screen and zig-zagging violently ahead of the main target, a merchant vessel of about 4000 tons with a grey hull, buff upper works, black masts and funnel. Two floatplanes were also patrolling in the area. Started attack.

1000B/1 - Fired three torpedoes from 2500 yards. Went to 210 feet. A loud explosion was heard after 2 minutes and 30 seconds. A possible hit was claimed.

1004B/1 - Talisman was counter attacked for three quarters of an hour. In all 37 depth charges were dropped. Some were quite close but no damage was caused.

1155B/1 - Came to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. (14)

3 Oct 1941
HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) destroys the wreck of the transport Yalova (German, 3751 GRT, built 1920) that was grounded at Agios Giorgios Island.

The Yalova had been torpedoed and damaged by HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Greenway, RN) on 28 September 1941. She was run aground to prevent her from sinking.

1500B/2 - Sighted a grounded merchant vessel beached on the west side of St. Giorgio Island near position 37°28.5'N, 23°55'E. One Italian armed caique was patrolling in the area.

1532B/2 - Another caique was seen to secure alongside the beached vessel.

1600B/2 - The caique was seen to cast off and set course towards Piraeus. Frequent air patrol was also observed in the area. Lt.Cdr. Willmott decided to wait till tomorrow to attack and destroy the ship as he hoped salvage vessels would be alongside and that these could also be destroyed in the torpedo explosion.

1045B/3 - Completed reconnaissance of the beached ship. One sailing vessel was patrolling 1 nautical mile to the South-West. Two steam vessels were seen alongside the beached ship. They must have arrived during the night. Lt.Cdr. Willmott decided to fire three torpedoes in the attack.

1207B/3 - Fired the first torpedo. This torpedo had a gyro failure and exploded on the shore. The smallest of the salvage vessels immediately slipped and went full astern.

1211B/3 - Fired the second torpedo. This one was seen to run towards the target before Talisman lost trim. The ship was later seen to have sunk on an even keel with the upper deck nearly awash.

1215B/3 - Counter attacked with bombs and depth charges. Went deep. (10)

4 Oct 1941 (position 37.44, 24.23)
HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) torpedoed and sank the Vichy-French passenger ship Theophile Gautier (8194 GRT, built 1926) north-east of Kea Island, Greece in position 37°44'N, 24°23'E. Theophile Gautier was in convoy with the Italian tanker Torcello (3336 GRT, built 1892). They were en-route from Thessaloniki to Piraeus. The convoy was escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Monzambano, Calatafimi and Aldebaran.

When the Théophile Gautier was torpedoed, Monzambano was 700 metres ahead and turned to port, increasing speed to 22 knots and dropped depth charges set to a depth of 100 metres in the presumed spot from which the submarine had fired the torpedoes and at the same time ordered Calatafimi to help the stricken ship. At 1912 hours, Calatafimi reported that Théophile Gautier had sunk. Monzambano ordered Caltafimi and Aldebaran to rescue the survivors.

At 1926 hours, after the explosion of a 50-kg depth charge , Monzambano observed four succeeding explosions, followed by a large oil slick and a strong smell of oil. At that time, she was 4000 metres distant from Calatafimi and 2500 metres distant from Aldebaran. At 1947 hours, Calatafimi reported having picked up 84 survivors including 12 wounded and Aldebaran another seven survivors including one wounded. Calatafimi was ordered to bring the survivors to Piraeus while Monzambano and Aldebaran proceeded at 21 knots to catch up with Torcello who had proceeded independently after the torpedoing of Théophile Gautier and they arrived At Piraeus at 0225B/5.

1754B/4 - In position 37°48'N, 24°29'E sighted a convoy passing through the Doro Channel towards the Zea Channel. One large two funnel ship and one small tanker or coaster. Escort was provided by three destroyers / torpedo boats. No aircraft were seen. Commenced attack on the two funnel ship of about 9000 tons.

1835B/4 - Fired four torpedoes from 1000 yards. Went deep to 210 feet. One hit was heard. The HE of the target ceased immediately.

1840B/4 - Talisman was counter attacked for 1.5 hours. 29 Depth charges were dropped but these caused no damage. (14)

6 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1900B/6, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) left her patrol area to return to Alexandria. She was ordered to patrol along the north coast of Crete on the way back. (10)

7 Oct 1941 (position 35.39, 24.14)
HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) attacked the German transports Salzburg (1742 GRT, built 1921) and Trapani (1855 GRT, built 1926) with torpedoes about 10 nautical miles north of Suda Bay, Crete, Greece in position 35°39N, 24°14'E. All torpedoes fired missed their targets. Trapani reported being only just missed. One torpedo was seen by the Germans to be running on the surface. The convoy was escorted by the Italian destroyer Quintino Sella and the Italian torpedo boat Castelfidardo. The convoy was en-route from Suda Bay to Piraeus.

[Unfortunately, no report was found in the Sella or Castelfidardo files at the Italian archives except a signal from Sella reporting a submarine. The German B-Dienst deciphered a signal from the Admiralty to the British Naval Attaché in Istanbul which mentioned the attack and identified the submarine as HMS Talisman.]

1035B/7 - Sighted a convoy, distance 9 nautical miles.

1110B/7 - In position 34°45'N, 24°08'E identified the convoy as being two Navigatori class destroyers and two merchant ships of 2500 and 3000 tons. Two floatplanes were patrolling overhead. Started attack.

1158B/7 - Fired one torpedo at the smaller target. Range was 2500 yards.

1159B/7 - Fired two torpedoes at the larger target. Range was 3000 yards. Went deep to 210 feet.

1202B/7 - Heard one explosion.

1209B/7 - Counter attacked for 35 minutes. No damage was caused o the submarine. (14)

12 Oct 1941
Around 1120B/12, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (10)

20 Oct 1941
Around 1700B/20, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 10th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She is to perform a special operation.

[No map of this patrol can be displayed as there are no logs available for HMS Talisman for this period.] (10)

24 Oct 1941
HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) conducts her special operation. A team of four is landed to perform a reconnaissance of a landing beach near Ras-el-Hilal that was intended to be used for a later special operation.

0526B/24 - Dived and closed Ras-el-Hilal for periscope observation.

0824B/24 - Completed reconnaissance.

0830B/24 - Bottomed at 145 feet in position 32°54.5'N. 22°11.5'E.

2028B/24 - Surfaced.

2110B/24 - Increased buoyancy to get out the Folbot canoes.

2115B/24 - Trimmed down.

2210B/24 - The party of four left Talisman in two folbots. The gun crews of Talisman were on deck to cover them in case they had to return. After 35 minutes it was considered that a successful landing had been made.

When Talisman left the area the party was seen to proceed inshore for half a mile. They were not seen afterwards. Between 0300B/25 and 0400B/25 sounds were heard that were thought to be gunshots. (10)

25 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0047B/25, in position 32°55.5'N, 22°12.5'E HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) sighted a destroyer / torpedo boat searching about three miles from the coast. The destroyer / torpedo boat was lost from sight at 0124B/25. (10)

26 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0240B/26, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) left the rendezvous position off Ras-al-Hilal (32°54.5'N, 22°12'E) after the reconnaissance party she had landed on the 24th had failed to show up. Course was set to return to Alexandria. (10)

29 Oct 1941
Around 1100B/29, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (10)

10 Nov 1941
Around 1620B/10, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott) departed from Alexandria with orders to perform a special mission. (This is the 4th Mediterranean War Patrol of HMS Talisman). On board were 3 officers and 25 other ranks from the Scottish Commando as well as 2 officers and 2 other ranks of the Folbot section.

The nature of the special mission was to land party of commando troops was to be landed behind enemy lines to kill the commander of the German Africa corps. HMS Torbay also participated in this operation called 'Flipper'. For more information on Operation Flipper see this article on Wikipedia.

[No map of this patrol can be displayed as there are no logs available for HMS Talisman for this period.]

14 Nov 1941
During the night of 14/15 November, commandos (No.11 Scottish Commando) from HMS Talisman were landed some 250 miles behind enemy lines.

Talisman grounded during the attempt and only one boatload of commandos was able to land. Talisman had to retire from the area. Some of the commandos that were swept into the water by ground waves when Talisman grounded were recovered as the current had swept them out to sea.

20 Nov 1941
Around 1100B/20, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) ended her 11th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria.

27 Nov 1941
Around 1715B/27, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 12th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She is to patrol off the Western entrance to the Aegean (Kythera area). During her patrol she is also diverted to the West coast of Greece.

[No map of this patrol can be displayed as there are no logs available for HMS Talisman for this period.] (10)

30 Nov 1941
At 0920B/30, in position 35°20'N, 23°12'E, to the west of Crete, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) sighted a 'small' destroyer proceeding on a course of 45° at 12 knots. No attack was made, the weather was unsuitable to fire torpedoes set to 8 feet. (10)

1 Dec 1941
At 1116B/1, when in position 36°01'N, 23°06'E (Kithera Channel), HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) sighted the masts and funnel of a 'small' destroyer. Three torpedo tubes were brought to the ready and an attack was started.

At 1129B/1, this destroyer passed overhead on a mean course of 264° at 24 knots.

At 1920B/1, HMS Talisman was ordered to a position to the south-west of Crete (34°50'N, 22°56'E) to search for survivors of a downed British aircraft. Talisman reached this position at 0217B/2. A signal grenade was fired but no answering flare was seen. The search was abandoned at 0330B/2 when course was set to return to the Kithera Channel. (10)

5 Dec 1941 (position 36.15, 22.45)
HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) attacked the German U-boat U-371 west of Kythera, Greece. In all seven torpedoes were fired but none hit the target.

0256B/5 - In position 36°15'N, 22°45'E sighted a U-boat to the north. Distance about 1500 yards. Course of the target was 050°. Started attack.

0301B/5 - Fired five torpedoes from 1000 yards. All missed.

0306B/5 - Fired a sixth torpedo, missed again.

0308B/5 - Fired a seventh torpedo, missed yet again.

0310B/5 - An explosion occurred, this must be one of the torpedoes hitting land. The U-boat turned stern on she was lost out of sight shortly afterwards. (10)

6 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1826B/6, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN), set course for Argostoli in accordance with the signal from Capt. S 1, timed 1953B/4. (10)

8 Dec 1941 (position 38.00, 20.28)
About 10 nautical miles South of Argostoli, Greece, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) fired three torpedoes at the Italian torpedo boat Orione, carrying gasoline from Brindisi to Argostoli, that they thought was an enemy submarine. Talisman also engaged with gunfire before the mistake was realised and she crash dived. Talisman was depth charged but only minor damage was caused.

2154B/8 - In position 38°00'N, 20°28'E sighted a darkened ship thought to be a submarine.

2157B/8 - Fired three torpedoes from 400 yards. A fourth torpedo was intended but the enemy was full astern at once so fire was withheld, the torpedoes fired missed ahead and / or ran under. Engaged with the 4", Bren and Lewis guns from point blank range.

2200B/8 - The darkened ship endeavoured to ram, on missing Talismans stern by 50 yards it was seen to be a destroyer or torpedo boat. Crash dived.

2205B/8 to 2315B/8 - Counter attacked with 44 depth charges. Some lights were broken but no further damage was inflicted.

2351B/8 - Came to periscope depth, nothing in sight so surfaced. (10)

9 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0720B/9, in position 37°46'N, 20°21'E, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) sighted an illuminated hospital ship which subsequently seen to be the Italian Sicilia (9646 GRT, built 1924). The ship was allowed to pass. (10)

11 Dec 1941 (position 36.23, 20.33)
At 0500B/11, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) left area P to return to Alexandria in accordance with Capt. S 1's signal timed 1941B/9.

Later the same day HMS Talisman torpedoed and sank the transport Calitea (Italian, 4013 GRT, built 1933) about 60 nautical miles west-south-west of Schiza island, Greece in position 36°23'N, 20°33'E. She was escorted by the Italian destroyer Freccia.

Calitea was on passage from Brindisi via Argostoli to Benghazi, carrying four anti-aircraft guns and 533 military personnel. She was hit by two torpedoes and sank in a few minutes. Freccia could not locate the submarine and haphazardly dropped seven depth charges. She then proceeded to rescue the survivors which proved very difficult due to the rough seas as most lifeboats had capsized. She picked up 240 survivors (115 Italian Army personnel, 77 German Army personnel, 12 naval crew members and 36 civilian crew members) and landed them at Navarino.

1615B/11 - In position 36°33'N, 20°34'E heard HE, sighted destroyer and merchant vessel bearing Green 40 distance about 6600 yards. Enemy course 090°.

1622B/11 - Fired four torpedoes at the merchant vessel of 15000 tons. The silhouette was similar to Vulcania. Range on firing was 2300 yards. A fifth torpedo was fired in a misunderstanding.

1624B/11 - Obtained four hits. Talisman was briefly hunted after this attack. The escort dropped 15 depth charges before she started picking up the survivors. (10)

14 Dec 1941
HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) attacked the Italian submarine Dagabur with gunfire south of Crete. A sinking was claimed but the Italian submarine received only minor damage.

1952B/14 - In position 34°05'N, 25°39'E sighted a dark object thought to be a submarine bearing 205°. Distance 800 yards.

1955B/14 - Two torpedoes were heard passing Talisman by ratings in the fore ended (The enemy had indeed fired two torpedoes mistaking Talisman for a cruiser).

1956B/14 - Talisman opened fire with the 4" gun. The second round hit the conning tower of the enemy about three feet above the casing as the enemy was seen to be diving at a range of about 100 yards.

1957B/14 - As Talisman was passing the diving enemy it was seen that her hatches were open, she was thought to be diving towards her doom and a sinking was claimed. (10)

17 Dec 1941
Around 1030B/17, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) ended her 12th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria.

It was, reluctantly, decided that HMS Talisman was to return to the U.K. to refit as there was a crack in the cylinder block of the port main engine which was beyond repairs that could be made locally. (10)

29 Dec 1941
HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) departed from Alexandria for Malta carrying passengers and kerosene.

[No map of this passage can be displayed as there are no logs available for HMS Talisman for this period.] (15)

5 Jan 1942
HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) arrived at Malta. (15)

7 Jan 1942
HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) departed from Malta for Gibraltar. (15)

18 Jan 1942
Around 1220A/18, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (16)

21 Jan 1942
Around 1200A/21, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) departed from Gibraltar for the U.K. (6)

30 Jan 1942
At 0825A/30, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN), made rendes-vous with her escort, HMS Man o' War (T/Lt. G.L. Coles, RNVR). They then proceeded north through the Irish Sea to Holy Loch. (6)

1 Feb 1942
Around 1000A/1, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (6)

11 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Troon where she was taken in hand for refit the following day. (17)

5 Jul 1942
With her refit completed, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, DSO, RN) proceeded from Troon to Holy Loch. (18)

6 Jul 1942
HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, DSO, RN) conducted post repair trials in the Clyde area. During these trials the after hydroplanes failed to function properly and she returned to Troon to make good the defect. (18)

10 Jul 1942
With the defect to her after hydroplanes repaired, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, DSO, RN), arrived at Holy Loch at 1915B/10, to continue her trial and exercise programme.

[As no logs of HMS Talisman are available no further details can be given regarding the exercise programme.] (19)

3 Aug 1942
With her refit and work-up period completed, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, DSO, RN), departed from Holy Loch for Gibraltar. She is to proceed to Beirut to re-join the 1st submarine Flotilla.

Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS P 212 (Lt. J.H. Bromage, DSC, RN). They were escorted by they were escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN).

These ships parted company around 2357B/4 in position 49°54.2'N, 06°54'W (near Bishops Rock).

[No map of this passage can be displayed as there are no logs available for HMS Talisman for this period.] (6)

9 Aug 1942 (position 44.20, -12.11)
HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, DSO, RN) is mistakenly bombed by RAAF Sunderland aircraft E/461 (T9114) (P/O C.W. Steley) in the Bay of Biscay in position 44°20'N, 12°11'W. Four depth charges exploded very close causing considerable damage.

1354B/9 - Surfaced in position 44°16'N, 12°11'W to intercept a U-boat in position 45°24'N, 10°56'W, enemy course 265°, speed 10 knots. This U-boat had been sighted by aircraft. A signal was sent to Talisman by radio (Flag Officer Submarines signal timed 1219A/19. This must have referred to U-653.

1411B/9 - Sighted, and dived for, a Sunderland aircraft flying on a Southerly course, distance about 6 nautical miles.

1413B/9 - Talisman broke surface and the Sunderland was observed to be attacking.

1414B/9 - Straddled by a pattern of four depth charges. Talisman was at 47 feet at the moment the depth charges exploded. Severe damage was caused. The attempt to intercept the U-boat was abandoned and Talisman resumed course towards Gibraltar.

Talisman was in an area where she was 'protected' by bombing restrictions for submerged submarines. By surfacing to intercept the reported U-boat Lt.Cdr. Willmott took some risk that if he was sighted by aircraft he could be bombed, and that was just what happened. (6)

13 Aug 1942
Around 1700A/13, the damaged HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, DSO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. She had been escorted in by HMS Leyland (T/Lt. A.K. Nears, RNR). (20)

19 Aug 1942
HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, DSO, RN) is docked for repairs at Gibraltar.

It is currently not known to us when she was undocked. (15)

5 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (21)

7 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (21)

8 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (21)

10 Sep 1942
Around 1700A/10, HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, DSO, RN) departed from Gibraltar for Malta. (15)

14 Sep 1942 (position 37.48, 6.00)
HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, DSO, RN) reported sighting a U-boat in position 37°48'N, 06°00'E. Enemy course 250°, speed 14 knots. This was the last signal received from HMS Talisman. She failed to arrive at Malta on the 18th and was probably mined in the Sicilian Channel.

The submarine sighted by HMS Talisman was most likely the Italian Alabastro. On the basis of this signal a Gibraltar-based Sunderland of 202 squadron was sent and caught the Italian submarine on the surface and sank her, there were no survivors. (22)

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