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Career information

He wrote memoirs, including many stories about his submarine adventures, and they were published recently by Whittles as 'Wingfield at War'.

Mervyn Wingfield describes in his recently published memoirs 'Wingfield at War'(pp 123-127) his involvement in the surrender of about 90 U-boats in Norwegian ports, his discussions with Schnee, and the voyage of 25 U-boats from Oslo to Scapa Flow with U-2502 as his flagship. He describes how impressed he was by the Type XXI U-boat. He was then involved in the ion of the ten U-boats to be retained by Britain.

Submarine HMS H 28 (N 28)

1 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 28 (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) completed her post refit trials. (1)

3 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 28 (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) shifted from Sheerness to Harwich. (2)

5 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 28 (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) conducted exercises off Harwich. (2)

7 Oct 1940
HMS H 28 (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) conducted attack exercises off Harwich. HMS Guillemot (Lt.Cdr. H.M. Darell-Brown, RN) served as target ship during these exercises. (2)

8 Oct 1940
HMS H 28 (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Harwich for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the northern Dutch coast.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS H 28 during this patrol see the map below.

(3)

11 Oct 1940 (position 53.11, 4.40)
HMS H 28 (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) attacked an enemy transport in a convoy off Texel in position 53°11'N, 04°40'E. Two torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.

The convoy attacked was made up of the German Meise (821 GRT, built 1918) and Dutch (in German service) Nijenburgh (399 GRT, built 1939). They were escorted by the auxiliary submarine chasers UJ-A, UJ-C and UJ-F. UJ C reported being missed astern by one torpedo by a margin of about 10 meters.

1700 hours - Sighted an enemy convoy. Commenced attack.

1705 hours - Fired two torpedoes against an enemy transport from 3000 yards. No hits were obtained. It is thought the torpedoes missed astern due to the speed being underestimated. A hunt for the submarine was now started in which three depth charges were dropped but these did no damage. (3)

18 Oct 1940
HMS H 28 (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at Harwich.

Earlier that day, at 0805 hours, H 28 was machine gunned by a German Heinkel 111 aircraft in position 52°12'N, 02°04'E. H 28 sustained no damage. (3)

30 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 28 (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Harwich for Rosyth. She took passage in convoy FN 23. (2)

1 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 28 (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) arrived at Rosyth. (4)

6 Nov 1940
HMS H 28 (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) shifted from Rosyth to Dundee.

Out of Dundee she was to participate in special trials with Coastal Command aircraft. (5)

20 Nov 1940
HMS H 28 (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Dundee for Rothesay. She made part of the passage in convoy EN 29. (6)

23 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 28 (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) put into Stornoway. (1)

24 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 28 (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Stornoway for Rothesay. (1)

25 Nov 1940
HMS H 28 (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) arrived at Rothesay where she joined the 7th Submarine Flotilla for training duties. (4)

1 Dec 1940
HMS H 28 (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown where she was to participate in A/S exercises. (7)

13 Dec 1940
HMS H 28 (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Rothesay [not sure of this date]. (7)

Submarine HMS Umpire (N 82)

17 Jul 1941
HMS Umpire (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Sheerness for Holy Loch. She joined convoy EC-47.

At Holy Loch she was to begin her training period. (8)

Submarine HMS Sturgeon (N 73)

11 Dec 1941
With her refit completed, HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN), shifted from Troon to Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (9)

13 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (9)

14 Dec 1941
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (9)

15 Dec 1941
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (9)

16 Dec 1941
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (9)

17 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. These were followed by noise trials in Loch Goil. (9)

18 Dec 1941
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (9)

19 Dec 1941
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) conducted attack and gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. These inclided night exercises. (9)

20 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (9)

23 Dec 1941
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (9)

27 Dec 1941
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (9)

29 Dec 1941
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (9)

1 Jan 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Polyarny, northern Russia.

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

(10)

11 Jan 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) arrived at Polyarny, northern Russia. (10)

27 Jan 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Polyarny for her 24th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Trondheim area, Norway.

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

(11)

13 Feb 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) ended her 24th war patrol at Lerwick. (11)

15 Feb 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Tigris (Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Beaumaris (Lt.Cdr. D.S. Campbell, RNVR). (12)

18 Feb 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (12)

16 Mar 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Holy Loch for passage to Plymouth. She made the passage south through the Irish Sea together with HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) that is to proceed to the Far East. They were escorted by the British destroyer HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. H.G.D. de Chair, RN) that is en-route to Portsmouth for a refit.

During the passage through the Irish Sea extreme thick fog is encountered and the ships were delayed as they had to anchor bacause of the low visibility. (13)

19 Mar 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) arrived at Plymouth. (13)

20 Mar 1942
During the night of 20/21 March 1942, HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN), conducted exercises off Plymouth together with MGB's. (13)

23 Mar 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Plymouth for her 25th war patrol. She was ordered to act as a beacon during Operation Chariot (offsite link), the British raid on St. Nazaire.

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

(11)

27 Mar 1942
In the evening HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) succesfully accomplished her beacon duties. (11)

3 Apr 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) ended her 25th war patrol at Holy Loch. (11)

18 Apr 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made the passage together with HMS P 43 (Lt. A.C. Halliday, RN). They were escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (14)

20 Apr 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (14)

24 Apr 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Lerwick for her 26th war patrol. She was ordered to proceed to Seidisfjord, Iceland. She was to act as close escort for convoy PQ 15.

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

(11)

27 Apr 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) arrived at Seidisfjord. (11)

28 Apr 1942
Early in the morning, HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Seidisfjord together with HMS Ledbury (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, RN), HMS Ulster Queen and a tanker to join convoy PQ 15. In the evening they joined convoy PQ 15 but not before Sturgeon was attacked by a friendly aircraft receiving some bullet hits on her bridge. (11)

1 May 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) left convoy PQ 15 to take up a patrol position off northern Norway. (11)

6 May 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) ended her 26th war patrol at Lerwick. (11)

8 May 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS P 43 (Lt. A.C. Halliday, RN). They were escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (15)

10 May 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (15)

11 May 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Elderslie for repairs to her main battery. (15)

23 May 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) shifted from Elderslie to Holy Loch. (15)

27 May 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) was docked in AFD 7 at Rothesay. (15)

1 Jun 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) was undocked at Rothesay. She then returned to Holy Loch. (16)

22 Jun 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made the passage together with HMS P 54 (Lt. C.E. Oxborrow, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (16)

24 Jun 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (16)

25 Jun 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Lerwick for her 27th war patrol. She was ordered to provide cover during passage of convoy PQ 17.

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

(11)

12 Jul 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) ended her 27th war patrol at Lerwick. (11)

20 Jul 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch together with HMS Trident (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN) (17)

22 Jul 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (17)

1 Aug 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She was escorted by HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN). On 3 August HMS Stella Pegasi (T/Lt. F.S. Howell, RNR) took over the escort. (18)

3 Aug 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (18)

4 Aug 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Lerwick for her 28th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Lister, Norway.

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

(11)

12 Aug 1942 (position 58.07, 6.21)
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant Boltenhagen (3335 GRT, built 1912) off southern Norway in position 58°07'N, 06°21'E.

(All times are zone -1)
1515 hours - Sighted masts and barrage balloon of a merchant ship of about 3500 tons. Shortly afterwards an A/S trawler was seen escorting her. Also another small merchant was present. Started attack.

1548 hours - In position 58°07'N, 06°21'E fired three torpedoes from 1600 yards at the largest merchant vessel. One hit was obtained. Following this attack the A/S trawler counter-attacked with 5 depth charges between 1602 - 1609 hours, but none of these were close. (11)

16 Aug 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) ended her 28th war patrol at Lerwick. She departed later the same day for Holy Loch escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (11)

2 Sep 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Lerwick for her 29th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the approaches to Narvik.

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

(11)

3 Sep 1942 (position 62.15, 1.05)
At 0610 hours (zone -1), HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN), sighted a U-boat on the surface bearing 160 degrees. Position was 62°15'N, 01°05'E. Enemy course was 260°, range 7000 yards. An attack was started but the range could not be closed. This was most likely the German U-216 that was en-route to the Atlantic for her 1st war patrol. (11)

6 Sep 1942
On board HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) the after hydroplanes malfunctioned. It was not possible to dive safely and the patrol had to be abandoned. Course was set to return to Lerwick. (11)

10 Sep 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) ended her 29th war patrol at Lerwick. (11)

14 Sep 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Lerwick for Methill. She was to proceed to the Chatham Dockyard for repairs to her after hydroplanes. She was escorted by HMS Preston North End (Lt. K.A. Vasey, MBE, RNR). (19)

15 Sep 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow to effect more temporary repairs. (19)

16 Sep 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Sheerness. She made the passage south together with HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) that was to proceed to Blyth. They were escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). (19)

17 Sep 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) joined southbound convoy FS 10 off Methil. (19)

19 Sep 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) arrived at Sheerness. (19)

21 Sep 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) shifted from Sheerness to Chatham. (19)

25 Sep 1942
HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) was docked in No.5 dock at Chatham. (19)

Submarine HMS Taurus (P 339)

1 Nov 1942
Around 1445A/1, P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) departed from her builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt.Cdr. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN). (20)

2 Nov 1942
Around 1830A/2, P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to commence a period of trials and training.

En-route from Barrow-in-Furness acceptance trials had been carried out. (20)

3 Nov 1942
P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) conducted D/G trials as well as further acceptance trials in the Clyde area on completion of which she was taken over from the shipyard. (20)

6 Nov 1942
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (20)

7 Nov 1942
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (20)

8 Nov 1942
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (20)

9 Nov 1942
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) conducted gunnery trials off Fairlie. (20)

10 Nov 1942
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (20)

16 Nov 1942
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Arrochar for her torpedo discharge trials. (20)

18 Nov 1942
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (20)

19 Nov 1942
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (20)

20 Nov 1942
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (20)

23 Nov 1942
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Upon completion of these trials she returned to Holy Loch. (20)

25 Nov 1942
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) and HMS P 49 (Lt. J.P. Fyfe, RN) both conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN) served as target. (21)

27 Nov 1942
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) proceeded to Campbeltown on completion of her night exercises. (20)

28 Nov 1942
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) conducted radar exercises off Campbeltown. She departed for Holyhead later the same day escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). (20)

29 Nov 1942
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) arrived at Holyhead from Campbeltown. (20)

30 Nov 1942
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) conducted exercises off Holyhead. She departed for Holy Loch later the same day, again escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). (20)

1 Dec 1942
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) arrived at Holy Loch from Holyhead. (22)

5 Dec 1942
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. She proceeded to Kames Bay on completion of these exercises. At Kames Bay she was immediately docked in AFD 7. (22)

6 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) is undocked at Kames Bay. She then proceeded to Rothesay. (22)

7 Dec 1942
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (22)

8 Dec 1942
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (22)

9 Dec 1942
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (22)

10 Dec 1942
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (22)

13 Dec 1942
Around 1330A/13, HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) departed from Holy Loch for Lerwick. Passage north to Lerwick was made together with HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) and ORP Sokol (Lt.Cdr. J. Koziolkowski). They were escorted by HMS Cape Palliser (Lt. B.T. Wortley, RNR). (23)

15 Dec 1942
Around 2330A/15, HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) arrived at Lerwick from Holy Loch. (23)

16 Dec 1942
Around 1100A/16, HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) departed from Lerwick for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Northern Norway. She is part of a cover force for a convoy to Russia.

For the daily positions of HMS P 339 during this patrol see the map below.

(23)

28 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1200A/28, HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) left patrol to return to Lerwick. (23)

1 Jan 1943
Around 1600A/1, HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) ended her 1st war patrol, which had been uneventful, at Lerwick. (23)

2 Jan 1943
Around 1200A/2, HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) departed from Lerwick for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) and HMS P 223 (Lt. G.D.N. Milner, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Ayrshire (T/Lt. R.W.H. Elsden, RNVR). (24)

4 Jan 1943
Around 0915A/4, HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) arrived at Holy Loch from Lerwick. (24)

12 Jan 1943
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (22)

14 Jan 1943
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Kames Bay. At Kames Bay she is docked in AFD 7. (24)

15 Jan 1943
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) is undocked at Kames Bay and then proceeded to Holy Loch. (24)

19 Jan 1943
Around 0001A/19, HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) departed from Holy Loch for Gibraltar. She is to join the Mediterranean Fleet.

Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with and HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) and HMS P 312 (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN). They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN).

HMS Cutty Sark parted company with the submarines around 1530A/21.

For the daily positions of HMS P 339 during this passage see the map below.

(24)

29 Jan 1943
Around 1300A/29, HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Holy Loch. (24)

2 Feb 1943
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (25)

3 Feb 1943
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (25)

4 Feb 1943
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (25)

5 Feb 1943
HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (25)

6 Feb 1943
Around 1615A/6, HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) departed from Gibraltar for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). This is a working up patrol off Alicante, Spain. Afterwards she is to proceed to Algiers.

For the daily positions of HMS P 339 during this patrol see the map below.

(23)

14 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0400A/14, HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) left patrol to proceed to Algiers. (23)

15 Feb 1943
Around 0940A/15, HMS P 339 / Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. Only Spanish ships had been sighted on some of which dummy attacks had been made.

She was escorted in. She had met the escort (unidentified) at 0815A/15. (23)

26 Feb 1943
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) conducted A/S and gunnery exercises off Algiers. (25)

27 Feb 1943
Around 1800A/27, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) departed from Algiers for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She is to patrol off Southern France.

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

(23)

2 Mar 1943
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) sank the French fishing vessel Clairette (150 GRT) with gunfire off Cape Ferrat, southern France.

Late in the evening HMS Taurus had to dive for what was thought to be an approaching destroyer.

1450A/2 - In position 200°, Cape Ferrat, 1.5 nautical miles sighted a small sailing vessel.

1501A/2 - Surfaced and opened fire with the 4" gun, the Oerlikon and one Vickers gun.

1503A/2 - A shore battery opened fire.

1504A/2 - The target appeared to be sinking. Shortly afterwards the 3rd round of the shore battery fell close. Dived and proceeded to seaward.

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2345A/2, the Officer of the Watch sighed what is thought to be a destroyer less than a mile away coming towards.

2347A/2, Dived. It is thought the enemy, which was transmitting on Asdic suspected something as he steered round in the area in which Taurus dived at varying speeds and sometimes briefly stopping. The HE of two merchant vessels was also picked up for about 10 minutes before it faded out to the eastward.

[We have no clue about the identity of the vessels sighted / heard.] (23)

6 Mar 1943 (position 43.19, 4.36)
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) torpedoed and sank the Spanish merchant vessel Bartolo (3120 GRT, built 1918) about 25 nautical miles west of Marseilles, southern France.

In response to this attack the Italian torpedo boat Giaconto Carini and German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ 2205 were sent from Marseilles to hunt the attacker of the Rhone estuary.

0743A/6 - Sighted a westbound merchant vessel in ballast about 6 nautical miles away. Started attack.

0814A/6 - Fired 4 torpedoes from 3000 yards. All missed.

0838A/6 - Surfaced and chased the merchant vessel now identified as the Spanish Bartolo.

0948A/6 - Opened fire with the 4" gun from 5000 yards. Fired 34 rounds. The ship eventually stopped after many hits. There was no sign that she was being abandoned.

0958A/6 - Fired another 10 rounds from 1000 yards. There was still no sign of sinking and she started to make SOS signals by W/T.

1005A/6 - Fired a torpedo from 600 yards. It missed so another torpedo was fired. This one hit just abaft the funnel. The ship sank and the stern hit the bottom at 9 fathoms. The bow remained above the water. 6 rounds were now fired into the bow. The ships Master and one other survivor was picked up. The rest was left in the water as there were numerous fishing boats in the area.

1032A/6 - Set course to clear the coast.

1034A/6 - The Bartolo was seen to sink in position 43°19'N, 04°36'E. (26)

10 Mar 1943 (position 43.25, 4.11)
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) torpedoed and sank the transport Derna (Italian, 1769 GRT, built 1912) about 15 nautical miles East of Sete, southern France.

1630A/10 - Sighted a westbound merchant ship, carried out a torpedo attack with the stern tubes. The target was thought to be the Italian Derna, so it was identified correctly by Lt.Cdr. Wingfield. One hit was obtained just before the bridge. The crew was seen to be abandoning ship.

1713A/10 - Surfaced and fired 9 rounds of 4" into the target to speed up the sinking.

1721A/10 - The target sank in position 43°25'N, 04°11'E. (23)

13 Mar 1943 (position 43.09, 5.26)
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) sank the French tug Ghrib (82 GRT) and the lighter Labillon with gunfire off Cassis, southern France.

0850A/13 - Near position 43°09'N, 05°26'E sighted a tug towing an empty lighter proceeding Westbound. Closed to attack.

0928A/13 - Surfaced and opened fire with the 4" gun from 500 yards.

0932A/13 - The tug sank, followed five minutes later by the lighter. (23)

15 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1915A/15, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) surfaced after a day of submerged patrol and then left patrol to return to Algiers as ordered in Capt. S 8's signal timed 1442A/14. (23)

18 Mar 1943
Around 0930A/18, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers.

She had met her inward escort (identity not known) at 0810A/18. (27)

1 Apr 1943
Around 1715A/1, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) departed from Algiers for her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She is to patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

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

(23)

5 Apr 1943
At 0617A/5, in the central Tyrrhenian Sea, in position 39°22'N, 11°50'E, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) sighed a northbound enemy convoy made up of two transports escorted by two destroyers / torpedo boats, one ahead and one astern. Range was about 7 nautical miles which could not be closed for an attack. Course of the convoy was 330° at a speed of about 11 knots.

This may have been the convoy made up of the transports Pierre-Claude (Italian (former French), 1787 GRT, built 1934) and Belluno (Italian (former French Fort de France), 4279 GRT, built 1935) escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Antares and Tifone. They had sailed from Bizerte at 1500B/4 for Leghorn where they arrived at 0750B/6. (23)

7 Apr 1943
At 1713A/7, in the central Tyrrhenian Sea, in position 39°14'N, 11°56'E, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) sighted a transport of 3000 to 5000 tons escorted by a destroyer / torpedo boat. Range was about 6 miles. Taurus could not get within attacking range. Enemy course was 180°.

This may have been the transport Nicolo Tommaseo (Italian, 4573 GRT, built 1943) escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Ardimentoso. They had sailed from Leghorn at 1943B/6 and stopped at Trapani at 0300B/8 before proceeding to Bizerte.

At 1820A/7, HMS Taurus surfaced with the intention to overtake and attack the convoy during the night but at 1855A/7 an aircraft appeared which fired four white stars near the convoy. HMS Taurus dived and the chase had to be abandoned. (23)

10 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2100A/10, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) left her current patrol area to patrol off Giglio Island as ordered in Capt. S 8's signal timed 1520A/10. (23)

12 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1700A/12, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) received Capt. S 8's signal timed 1244A/12 ordering her to patrol off the Corsican coast between 41°40'N and 42°20'N.

On surfacing at 1950A/12, HMS Taurus set course accordingly to comply with this order. (23)

13 Apr 1943 (position 42.19, 9.53)
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) sank the Portuguese merchant vessel Santa Irene (520 GRT, built 1921) with gunfire about 30 nautical miles south-east of Bastia, Corsica, France in position 42°19'N, 09°53'E.

The Portugese ship was in ballast and on passage from Genoa to Civitavecchia.

In the dark the Portuguese flag was mistaken for the Italian one. Also the ship was in a sink at sight area and was not reported to be in that area to the British. There was only one survivor from the Santa Irene, he was picked up by the Italian hospital ship Epomeo.

0001A/13 - Sighted the navigation lights of a distant ship. Closed. Thought this might be a hospital ship.

While closing noted that both sides of the ship were illuminated making it even more likely that it was a hospital ship.

When even closer Lt.Cdr. Wingfield was surprised to see the Italian flag painted on the ships sides. Fire was immediately opened from 1000 yards with the 4" gun as a submarine trap was suspected. The ship was soon on fire and stopped as the first round was a hit in the engine room.

One torpedo was fired from 500 yards but it just missed astern as the ship still had some headway. Re-opened fire with the 4" gun while getting into position to fire another torpedo.

0039A/13 - Fired a torpedo from 750 yards that hit the ships stern after 30 seconds. The ship was seen to be sinking by the stern shortly afterwards near position 42°18'5"N, 09°52'5"E. Taurus retired to the south at full speed.

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0930A/13 - Two motor torpedo boats were seen passing Alistro lighthouse northbound. They were proceeding at a speed of 15 knots. (23)

14 Apr 1943 (position 42.16, 9.36)
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) sank the small tanker Alcione C. (Italian, 521 GRT, built 1915) with gunfire off the east coast of Corsica, France in position 42°16'N, 09°36'E.

The Alcione C. was on passage from La Maddalena to Bastia. There were thirteen survivors (including three wounded), two of the crew were missing and presumed killed.

0648A/14 - Sighted a northbound motor torpedo boat proceeding at a speed of around 30 knots.

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1340A/14 - Sighted a small, Northbound merchant ship, range 10000 yards. Closed at full speed submerged for 30 minutes.

1414A/14 - Surfaced on the targets Starboard quarter and opened fire from 3000 yards.

1422A/14 - After 54 rounds the target sank in position 42°16'N, 09°36'E.

1437A/14 - Dived for an approaching aircraft.

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1930A/14 - A destroyer / torpedo boat was seen proceeding southwards at a range of 5 nautical miles. [We have been unable to identify this vessel.]

1957A/14 - Surfaced 10 miles from Alistro light. Sighted a destroyer laying stopped, beam on, only 3000 yards away. Taurus immediately dived again and took evasive action expecting a hail of depth charges but nothing happened.

2310A/14 - HE of the enemy, which had been sniffing around in the area until now became very faint so Taurus surfaced. (23)

15 Apr 1943 (position 41.32, 10.47)
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian sailing vessel Luigi (433 GRT, buil 1904) 52 nautical miles south-west of Civitavecchia in position 41°32'N, 10°47'E.

The Luigi was on passage from Civitavecchia to Albia with a cargo of explosives.

2000A/15 - Surfaced after a day of submerged patrol and set course to leave patrol and return to Algiers in accordance with Capt. S 8's signal timed 1752A/14.

2150A/15 - Sighted a darkened ship about 4000 yards away. Shortly afterwards the target was seen to be a large four masted sailing vessel under power with no sails set.

2204A/15 - Fired one torpedo from 800 yards. It was seen to pass just ahead. An end of run explosion was heard at 2213A/15.

2205A/15 - Fired another torpedo. This was seen to hit about amidships and the target blew up with a great explosion. (23)

20 Apr 1943
Around 0830A/20, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers.

She was escorted in (identity of the escort not known). She had made rendezvous with the escort at 0725A/20. (23)

24 Apr 1943
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) is docked at Algiers for periodical inspection and repairs to her propellers. On docking down it was found that she had damaged after hydroplanes. (28)

15 May 1943
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) is undocked. She then conducted diving trials off Algiers while being escorted by HMS HDML 1138 (?). (29)

19 May 1943
Around 1830A/19, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) departed from Algiers for Malta. She is to join the 1st Submarine Flotilla operating in the Eastern Mediterranean.

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

(23)

24 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2149B/24, to the south of Sicily, in position 37°11'N, 13°08'E, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) dived from an unidentified ship thought to be either a submarine or motor torpedo boat. The ship was on the port bow and appeared, according to the Officer of the Watch, to be bows on at a range of 3000 yards. Visibility was poor particularly in the direction of this ship which was inshore of Taurus. A sharp but distant explosion was heard seven minutes after diving which was thought to have been a end of run explosion of a torpedo. No HE or Asdic transmissions were heard. (23)

25 May 1943
Around 1030A/25, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta from Algiers. She was escorted in (identity of the escort not known) and had made rendezvous with the escort around 0730A/25. (23)

27 May 1943
Around 1700B/27, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) departed from Malta for her 5th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She is to patrol in the Aegean. Afterwards she is to proceed towards Beirut.

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

(23)

3 Jun 1943 (position 38.28, 24.17)
While operating in the Aegean Sea, east of Euboea Island, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) sank the Greek sailing vessel Syr 674 / Aris (58 GRT) with gunfire in position 38°28'N, 24°17'E.

About one hour later she sank the Greek sailing vessel Chi 100 / Panagia (110 GRT) with gunfire in position 39°12'N, 23°21'E.

The first target (a laden caique of about 60 tons) was spotted at 1220C/3. At 1248C/3 Taurus surfaced and engaged with the gun. 31 rounds were expended before the target sank in position 38°28'N, 24°14'E.

While the above action was in progress a second vessel was sighted. This ship was identified as a schooner of about 120 tons sailing northwards. As soon as the first target was sunk Taurus submerged again (at 1257C/3) and an attack on the second target was commenced. At 1352C/3 Lt.Cdr. Wingfield surfaced about 2000 yards on the beam of the target. 17 rounds were expended before the target sank in position 38°28'N, 24°14'E.

After the attacks Taurus proceeded northwards. (23)

5 Jun 1943 (position 39.25, 23.15)
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) sank two Greek caiques with gunfire off Skiathos. These were the Vol 29 / Agios Georgios and Vol 146 / Agios Georgios.

1830C/5 - Two southbound caiques, of 50 tons each, were sighted and an attack commenced.

1912C/5 - Taurus surfaced and opened fire at 3000 yards. six rounds were fired at one of the caiques which then commenced to settle. The crew abandoned ship instantly.

Fire was now shifted to the other caique that was about a mile away. Six rounds were fired, with no hits, before an aircraft was seen approaching from the east. Taurus dived immediately.

With the aircraft gone Taurus surfaced at 1937C/5 and re-started the attack on the caique that had not been hit. At 1943C/5 this caique was sunk in position 39°25'N, 23°15'E.

Fire was now shifted to the first caique attacked and this one burst into flames before sinking at 1948C/5 a mile north of the other one. (23)

6 Jun 1943 (position 39.15, 25.45)
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) sank the Greek caique Hyd 146 / Panagia with gunfire west of Mitylene, Greece in position 39°15'N, 25°45'E.

1526C/6 - Taurus surfaced and sank a 50 tons caique with gunfire. Soon after the first rounds were fired the caiques crew hoisted a white flag, so Lt.Cdr. Wingfield allowed the crew to abandon their ship with a dinghy.

1830C/6 - Just as Lt.Cdr. Wingfield wanted to surface to sink another caique, an aircraft was sighted that continued to patrol the area. This attack eventually had to be abandoned. (23)

9 Jun 1943
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) has an encounter with two German decoy vessels to the North of Cape Doro. She manages to escape without damage.

These were the German auxiliary patrol vessels GA 41 and GA 43. GA 41 fired back 15 rounds of 8.8 cm, 54 of 3.7 cm and 150 of 2 cm and claimed a hit on the submarine but this was not the case.

0600C/9 - Two northbound caiques were sighted proceeding under power from the Doro Channel. Position 6 nautical miles North of Cape Doro. Started attack.

0618C/9 - Surfaced and opened fire on the leading caique. Lt.Cdr. Wingfield had underestimated the range, thinking that the caiques were much smaller then they turned out to be. Both caiques soon opened fire. Their fire was very accurate and unpleasantly close. It was either 3" or 12pdr gunfire as well as machine gun fire.

Taurus scored a hit on the leading caique but her Oerlikon was out of action early in the engagement. After seven rounds of 4" Taurus dived at 0622 hours.

0740C/9 - The caiques started dropping depth charges but the were way off as the caiques had gone to the East while Taurus went to the North-West after Taurus had dived. In all they dropped 32 depth charges. (23)

10 Jun 1943 (position 36.33, 26.38)
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) attacked the Italian submarine Galatea with six torpedoes 10 nautical miles south-east of Stampalia in position 36°33'N, 26°38'E. All torpedoes missed their target.

Galatea (T.V. Tenente di Vascello Carlo Gladstone Cruciani) had just sailed from Leros at 1620 hours/10 June (Rome time) when at 1950 hours she was shaken by one loud explosion followed by two more as intense but probably more distant. She had sailed for a patrol south of Crete, escorted by a MAS boat and a CANT Z 501 aircraft.

2014C/10 - When about 10 nautical miles South-East of Stampalia an enemy submarine escorted by a small ship and an aircraft was sighted coming from the direction of Leros, steering to pass South of Stampalia. Range was about 10000 yards. Taurus was not in a favourable attack position and there were also problems with the high power periscope. No accurate plot could be made.

2041C/10 - In position 36°33'N, 26°38'E fired six torpedoes from 4000 yards. All missed. The enemy submarine was heard to dive before the end of run detonations of the torpedoes were heard. (23)

11 Jun 1943 (position 36.26, 27.32)
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) sank two caiques with gunfire off Piscopi, Greece. These caiques were the Rhodes 1433 / San Giovanni (35 GRT) and Rhodes 1084 / Nuova Fortuna (7 GRT).

1600C/11 - Sighted a medium sized caique of 40 tons to the north-west near Piscopi Island (Now called Tilos). Taurus surfaced and chased the target and opened fire with the deck gun at 2000 yards. The target sank at 1730 hours in position 36°26'N, 27°32'E.

Another caique was sighted inshore so Taurus closed to sink this one as well. 7 rounds were enough to sink this caique of 25 tons in position 36°26'N, 27°27'E. This 2nd caique was flying the Italian flag.

The San Giovanni was on passage from Rhodes to Patmos with 30 tons of provisions, the three crewmembers were saved.

The Nouva Fortuna was on passage from Rhodes to Nisiris with 12 tons of provisions, there were two survivors, one was missing. (23)

12 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
A 2300C/12, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) received Capt. S 1's signal, timed 0740C/12, ordering her to leave patrol. Course was set accordingly. (23)

15 Jun 1943
Around 0830C/15, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (23)

27 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) conducted D/G trials at Beirut. (30)

29 Jun 1943
Around 2015C/29, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) departed from Beirut for her 6th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She is to patrol in the Aegean.

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

(23)

5 Jul 1943
At 0536C/5, half an hour before sunrise, off the Tikriri Channel, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) sighted a small unescorted merchant vessel to the westward at a range of about 5000 yards. An attack was started but when about to fire the target turned away and proceeded up the south side of the Trikiri Channel.

This was most likely the small German transport Sifnos (315 GRT, built 1891) on passage from Saloniki to Suda Bay. She passed Trikiri around 0520B/5. (31)

8 Jul 1943
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) torpedoed and damaged the German transport Konstantinos Louloudis (Former Greek, renamed Luneburg only a few days after this attack, 4697 GRT, built 1922) at the mouth of the Trikeri Channel, Greece. She was escorted by the German minelayer Bulgaria and the German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ 2105. They had left Saloniki around 1500B/7 for Piraeus. Initially Konstantinos Louloudis was believed to have been mined but eyewitnesses had seen torpedo tracks. She was first towed to Oreos Bay and later towed by the tug Titan to Saloniki.

Taurus also sank the Greek sailing vessels Pi 2540 / Georgios through ramming and Mimis with a demolition charge off Skiathos, Greece.

0525C/8 - Sighted a merchant vessel with two escorts, one ahead and one astern. Started attack.

0538C/8 - Fired four torpedoes from 1000 yards. 42 Seconds after firing a torpedo hit was heard. 5 Seconds after this first hit a second hit was heard. When Lt.Cdr. Wingfield was about to fire a fifth torpedo one of the others was seen to hit the target in the bow. No further torpedoes were fired and Taurus was taken deep. No counter attack followed.

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2045C/8 - Surfaced in position 38°57'N, 24°00'E and closed a small caique. A boarding party searched the ship but found nothing of interest. The crew had already abandoned ship. The caique was sunk by ramming.

2205C/8 - Sighted another caique. Boarded and took the ships papers. As there was no dinghy the crew was taken on board and the caique was sunk with a demolition charge. (23)

9 Jul 1943
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) sank three sailing vessels (2 Greek and one Bulgarian) with two torpedoes and gunfire at Kastron harbour, Lemnos, Greece. Two Greek sailing vessels were damaged in the attack.

The sailing vessels sunk were the:
Alx 22 / Nikolaos Kampanas
Pi 518 / Katina
Russe (This was a Bulgarian caique)

The sailing vessels damaged were the:
Chi 128 / Katherina
Chi 129 / Themes

Four Greeks were killed and two soldiers slightly wounded. All the targets were hit by gunfire. Actually none of the torpedoes caused any damage. The first torpedo "hit" was actually on a rock.

2114C/9 - Just before dark two torpedoes were fired into the harbour. Taurus surfaced three minutes later and proceeded to bombard the inside of the harbour. The two torpedoes were seen to explode, one amongst several caiques. A warehouse was set on fire, other buildings were slightly damaged and several shots were dropped on the Italian headquarters. (23)

11 Jul 1943
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) sank a whole bunch of small Greek sailing vessels as well as the small tug Romano (59 GRT) with gunfire at Nea Playia and Nea Moudania.

Shipping sunk or damaged is believed to have been the following ships.
at Nea Playia;
Hyd 585 / Evangelistria (sunk),
Sal 254 / Agia Sotira (sunk),
My 194 / Agia Paraskevi (damaged)

At Nea Moudania:
Italian tug Romano (59 GRT) (sunk),
My 101 / Evangelistria (sunk),
My 552 / Charilaos (sunk),
Sal 457 / Filipaki (sunk),
Sal 80 / Agios Konstantinos (sunk),
Sal 112 / Agia Ekaterina (sunk),
Syr 320 / Evangelistria (sunk),
Naf 28 / Agios Nikolaos (sunk),
Kav 347 / Agia Kyriaki (damaged).

There is some confusion as to where the caiques were hit, a total of 12 caiques and a tug (Romano) were confirmed by the Germans as sunk. Romano was actually hit by four shells and supposedly repairable in 4 to 5 weeks, and two of the caiques sunk at Nea Playia were reported raised on 21 July.

(All times are zone -3)
Closed the coast to attack shipping at Nea Playia as ordered.

2054C/11 - Fired one torpedo at the pier from 1500 yards. It seemed impossible that the torpedo would not hit anything but this was exactly what it did and it could be heard running on the beach. It was considered very likely that this torpedo had fallen into enemy hands intact.

Surfaced and opened fire with the 4" gun. Sank three caiques and a big warehouse was shelled. Several hits were scored before the placed became obscured with smoke. Finally the pier was shelled. In all 52 rounds were fired. Taurus now increased to full speed and proceeded to the South-East to attack shipping of Nea Moudania that had been sighted earlier.

2116C/11 - Opened fire on a large warehouse. Later fire was shifted to shipping. A steam tug was sunk and at least eight caiques were destroyed. Nothing but some small boats were left afloat. Meanwhile several machine guns had opened fire on Taurus. One of the crew was wounded in the foot and some minor damage was caused to the conning tower. Fire was now shifted to a second warehouse and when this was obscured by smoke the action was broken off. 52 Rounds were fired, just like in the previous action. Taurus now retired from the scene. (23)

15 Jul 1943
At 1700C/15, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) was put down by an aircraft in position 230° - Cape Amista (Chios) - 8 nautical miles. The aircraft was later joined by another and were making big circles which indicated that something of interest was coming towards.

At 1800A/15, a merchant vessel was seen at a range of 4500 yards. She was steering 340°. Escort was provided by three destroyers, one ahead and the other two on each quarter. When about to start an attack depth control was lost due to an error in trimming and the submarine went to 70 feet. Taurus position when she accidentally went deep was 280° - Cape Mastiko - 11 nautical miles.

The target was thought to be of about 4000 tons and seemed to be high in the water.

The convoy sighted must have been the one made up of the transport Sinfra (German (former French), 4470 GRT, built 1929) on passage from Leros (departed around 0835B/15) for Saloniki escorted by the Italian destroyer Francesco Crispi and the Italian torpedo boats Calatafimi and Solferino.

The convoy as listed departed from Portolago at 0830B/15 for Saloniki but Sinfra's port engine broke down and they were diverted to Piraeus where they arrived at 1325B/16.

Following this failed attack HMS Taurus set course for the Doro Channel. (23)

22 Jul 1943
Around 0745C/22, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (23)

9 Aug 1943
Around 1945C/9, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) departed from Beirut for her 7th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She is to patrol in the Aegean and also to carry out two special operations.

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

(23)

14 Aug 1943
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) carries out special operation Brinscall. A party of three agents was landed on Rhodes near Grea-Nisi. They casted off from the submarine at 0036C/14. (23)

16 Aug 1943
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) carries out special operation Settler. Two agents were landed around 2225C/16 at Karelades Bay, Euboea. (23)

20 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0400C/20, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) sighted a large lighted ship leaving the Dardanelles and proceeding southwards. This ship, most likely Turkish, was not attacked. (23)

23 Aug 1943 (position 39.58, 25.57)
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) is rammed during an attack on an enemy convoy of the Dardanelles. The periscopes and periscope shears are damaged.

The convoy HMS Taurus was attacking was made up of the tanker Celeno (Italian, 3741 GRT, built 1899) and the transport Thisbe (German, 1782 GRT, built 1925, former French). They were escorted by the German torpedo boat TA-10 and the German auxiliary submarine chasers UJ-2101, UJ-2104, UJ-2109 and the R-boats (motor minesweepers) R 34, R 194, R 195 and R 211.

[This 'event' is often listed as happened the day before. This is also listed as such in the patrol report of Taurus. The log of Taurus however gives 23 August as the correct date. This is also the date this convoy arrived off the Dardanelles, therefore the correct date for this (failed) attack is 23 August 1943.]

1600C/23 - Sighted a seaplane patrolling to the south.

1730C/23 - The seaplane was joined by a second one. Looks like a convoy was approaching from the south.

1819C/23 - Sighted masts of the convoy, distance 7 nautical miles.

1831C/23 - The convoy changed course and was seen to be made up of two merchant ships of 2000 and 3000 tons. Five escorts were seen as well as five aircraft. Also two E-boats were seen. Started attack.

In the closing stages of the attack Taurus came very close to the target and due to the strong currents off the Dardanelles she collided with the target at 1936 hours in position 39°58'N, 25°57'E. The target was thought to be the Italian tanker Celeno (Lt.Cdr. Wingfield was correct in this). No counter attack followed. Set course to the South.

2100C/23 - Surfaced. Found both periscope badly damaged. Set course to return to Beirut. (32)

27 Aug 1943
Around 1030C/27, the damaged HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut.

A few hours before arriving (0737B/27) she is attacked by German U-boat U-407 with 2 torpedoes, both missed and the attack was not observed on board Taurus. Position given by the Germans was grid CP 5635 which has it centre in position 33°45'N, 35°06'E. (33)

15 Sep 1943
Around 0800C/15, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) departed from Beirut for Port Said. She is to proceed to Colombo to join the Eastern Fleet.

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

16 Sep 1943
Around 0810C/16, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Said where she is immediately docked in the floating dock. (34)

18 Sep 1943
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) is undocked. (34)

22 Sep 1943
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) transited the Suez Canal southbound and arrived at Suez. (34)

23 Sep 1943
Around 0600C/23, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) departed from Suez for Aden. (34)

28 Sep 1943
Around 1930C/28, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) arrived at Aden from Suez. (34)

2 Oct 1943
Around 1000C/2, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) departed from Aden bound for Colombo. (35)

12 Oct 1943
Around 1715FG/12, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) arrived at Colombo from Aden. (35)

19 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials at Colombo. (35)

21 Oct 1943
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) carries out attack exercises off Colombo on HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) and HMS Kenya carried out A/S excerises with HMS Taurus.

In the afternoon HMS Kenya also carried out HA gunnery exercises on a target towed by aircraft. (36)

6 Nov 1943
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Colombo for her 8th war patrol (1st in the Far East). She is to patrol in the Malacca Straits and in the Andaman Sea.

On departure A/S exercises were carried out [the logbook does not state with which ships].

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

(23)

13 Nov 1943 (position 5.18, 100.05)
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese submarine I-34 (offsite link) west of Penang, Malaya in position 05°18'N, 100°05'E.

I-34 was hit on the starboard side just below the conning tower. About 20 men are able to escape from the forward part of the submarine. Fourteen of these were picked up by a small sailing vessel and arrived at Penang the same evening. The Japanese sent out a submarine chaser to hunt the enemy submarine [see 14 November 1943]. I-34 was on passage from Singapore to Penang from where she was later to departed for a trip to France.

0454FG/13 - The officer of the Watch sighted what later turned out to be a large submarine. Started attack.

0504FG/13 - Fired six torpedoes. Nearly four minutes after firing the last torpedo an explosion was heard. Due to the bad weather conditions Lt.Cdr. Wingfield had been unable to estimate the range to the target. Given the running range of the torpedo it must have been somewhere between 5800 and 6600 yards. Nothing further was heard or seen of the enemy submarine that was identified as a large Japanese submarine. (23)

14 Nov 1943 (position 4.16, 100.23)
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) is detected and depth charged by the Japanese submarine chaser CH-20 (offsite link). A gun battle followed in which CH-20 was heavily damaged.

0344FG/14 - A dark shape was seen to follow Taurus. Lt.Cdr. Wingfield gave order to increase to full speed. The 'shape' closed from about 8 nautical miles to 3 nautical miles and could not be shaken off.

0402FG/14 - Dived in position 04°16'N, 100°23'E. Depth control could not be hold and Taurus bottomed at 150 feet. The pursuing ship could now be heard coming in. Lt.Cdr. Wingfield decided that it was best for the moment to stay on the bottom.

0413FG/14 - One depth charge was dropped.

0414FG/14 - Another depth charge was dropped. They were close, but not very close. Some lamps were broken, fuses were blown and some cork came off. Lt.Cdr. Wingfield decided for the moment to stay on the bottom but as the hunting vessel knew roughly where the submarine was and would undoubtedly call up reinforcements. He decided to wait until the enemy moved a bit further off so that he could get off the bottom undetected and so to slip away. When this was not possible Taurus had to surface and fight it out before his 'friends' arrived.

0600FG/14 - By now it seemed unwise to wait any longer as more A/S vessels were to be expected shortly. When Taurus made efforts to get off the bottom the enemy was heard to come in again to attack. Taurus was still on the bottom but the first depth charge lifted her off. Five more depth charges were dropped, each one a little closer then the last. Telemotor pressure now failed, putting the hydroplanes, steering and periscopes out of action. All depth gauges, including the ones shut off, were affected. The crew now had no longer any idea of the submarines depth. There was also much minor damage.

Telemotor pressure was soon restored. Steering of the after hydroplanes was however still out of action. By using the fore planes periscope depth was reached. Lt.Cdr. Wingfield now could see the enemy. It was a submarine chaser. It was decided to surface and take him on.

0622FG/14 - Surfaced for gun action. The enemy was 1000 yards off and fired with a machine gun. When fire was opened with the 4" gun the enemy also opened fire with his gun (a 3" or 12pdr gun). Meanwhile Taurus had opened fire with the Oerlikon but it jammed after firing just on pan of ammunition.

Range had now increased to 2000 yards and both ships were running on parallel courses. All the enemy's rounds fell over although some were quite close. Taurus now scored her first hit on the enemy's forecastle. His gun crew immediately retired below decks but came up soon afterwards and were seen to attempt to bring the gun back into action. In this they did not succeed and only machine gun fire came from the enemy from now. A hit was now scored on the enemy's bridge and the enemy now turned away. Two more hits were scored into the hull stopping her engines. After eight hits an aircraft was seen to approach.

0635FG/14 - Dived to 60 feet. Taurus was now under full control, all defects had been made good by now. The aircraft dropped three depth charges.

0650FG/14 - Came to periscope depth. Found the submarine chaser still stopped in the same position. Taurus now retired from the scene. (23)

22 Nov 1943 (position 12.27, 97.35)
At 0714FG/22, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) sighted the Japanese transport Kiyokawa Maru (6863 GRT, built 1937) escorted by the Japanese torpedo boat Kari (both offsite links) off the Mergui Archipelago in position 12°27'N, 97°35'E. Taurus is not able to attack as the range is to great.

At 1800FG/22, HMS Taurus left patrol to return to Colombo. (23)

27 Nov 1943
A 1040FG/27, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Colombo.

She was escorted in by HMS Overdale Wyke (?) which had joined around 0900FG/27. (23)

2 Dec 1943
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) is docked at Colombo. (37)

9 Dec 1943
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) is undocked and then departed from Colombo for Trincomalee around 1040FG/9. (37)

12 Dec 1943
Around 0320FG/12, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Trincomalee.

She was escorted in by HMS Tewara (T/Lt. J.G.A. Curtis, RNVR) which had joined around 0020FG/12. (37)

13 Dec 1943
In the evening, under cover of darkness, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises at Trincomalee for her upcoming patrol during which a special operation was to be carried out. (37)

15 Dec 1943
Around 1900FG/15, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Colombo for her 9th war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She is to carry out a special operation and to patrol of Car Nicobar and Sabang.

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

(23)

19 Dec 1943
Between 19 and 22 December 1943, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) carries out special operation Baldhead III during which stores and fourteen officers and men were landed on the west coast of South Andaman Island.

By the afternoon of 19 December 1943, HMS Taurus was off Port Campbell on the west coast of South Andaman Island. She then worked slowly northwards along the coast and identified the bay where the landing was to take place. To make sure the correct spot had been found Taurus proceeded further north and identified Breakfast Bay which was very conspicuous as it had an island at its mouth. Taurus then turned south again and identified the landing spot beyond doubt.

After having charged the batteries, HMS Taurus turned towards the shore at 2200FG/19.

At 2320FG/19, two Folbots were launched carrying Major Greig and three men. The distance to the shore was about 1000 yards and the soundings varied between 8 and 13 fathoms as the bottom was very irregular.

The next day, the 20th, was spent patrolling off the landing place. During the forenoon HMS Taurus grounded lightly 1.5 nautical miles from the shore and about half a mile south of Breakfast Bay. The periscope standards broke surface but the submarine soon slipped off into deeper water. The echo sounder showed 15 fathoms immediately afterwards.

The flag signal was seen between 1200FG/20 and 1300FG/20 and later also between 1700FG/20 and 1800FG/20.

After charging to seaward and getting some Folbots and gear onto the deck HMS Taurus closed the coast looking for the flashing light signal. The coast was very difficult to identify in the dark and it was thought several times that Taurus was in the correct spot but no flashing light was seen until 0015FG/21. No more signals were seen though which were to guide the Folbot in. Despite this at 0110FG/21, Captain Faulknor was sent in to try to contact the shore party but in this he was unsuccessful. He returned after about 45 minutes. At 0215FG/21, the light signal was seen again to everybody's relief. Captain Faulknor then went in again and was now able to contact Major Greig. As it was now rather late only a limited number of stores could be landed.

The next day, at 1200FG/21, the flag signal was not shown. This was later found out due to an aircraft having been sighted by the party. At 1700FG/21 the flag signal was seen. Taurus then closed the coast again but at 2300FG/21, the light signal was seen far to the northward. Contact was however soon established and the first stores were landed at 2354FG/21.

By 0230FG/22, all stores and men had been landed and the operation was concluded. (38)

25 Dec 1943 (position 5.50, 95.09)
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) unsuccessfully attacks an escorted Japanese transport with six torpedoes off Pulau Weh (Sabang), northern Sumatra. Due to a wrong plot made by the ships navigation officer the targets speed was over estimated and all torpedoes missed their target.

0630FG/25 - In position 3 nautical miles south-west of the north-east tip of Pulau Weh (approx. 05°50'N, 95°09'E) sighted the masts of a merchant ship and escort due north. They were steering 115°, distance was about 8 nautical miles. Started attack. The enemy as proceeding towards Sabang.

0701FG/25 - Fired six torpedoes from 3500 yards. All missed due to an error in the plot. Speed was estimated at 17 knots where as this should have been 10 knots.

0721FG/25 - The escort, possibly an Otori-class torpedo boat (if this was the case then it must have been Kari (offsite link)), dropped one depth charge. Meanwhile Taurus retired to the west and then left patrol to return to Trincomalee. (23)

28 Dec 1943
Around 1430FG/28, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Trincomalee.

She was escorted in and had met the escort [unidentified] at 0630FG/28. (23)

17 Jan 1944
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) carried out gunnery exercises off Trincomalee. Also attack exercises were carried out by both submarines during which Eritrea acted as target. (39)

19 Jan 1944
Around 1800FG/19, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 10th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off the west coast of Sumatra but first she was to carry out a special operation (Baldhead IV) off the Andaman Íslands.

She is escorted out until 2330FG/19 by HMS Tewara (T/Lt. J.G.A. Curtis, RNVR). (23)

19 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Taurus during her 10th war parol see the map below.

21 Jan 1944
On reaching position 09°47'N, 89°58'E, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) set course to proceed towards South Andaman Island to carry out special operation Baldhead IV. (23)

23 Jan 1944
At 1200FG/23, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived in a position near the landing area on the west coast of South Andaman Island. At 1245FG/23, the agreed signal flag was sighted. Some of the shore party were seen walking on the beach.

At 2230FG/23, HMS Taurus closed the coast after having charged her battteries. The first stores were ready to depart immediately on reaching the launching position.

At 2300FG/23, the signal light was seen and half an hour later contact was established with the personnel of the Baldhead III party.

At total of 11 store landing trips were made between 2354FG/23 and 0508FG/24.

HMS Taurus then left the area and made a quick charge of the battery before diving at 0609FG/24 and setting course to her patrol area to the west of Sumatra. (38)

31 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) examined the port of Bengkulen by periscope. No shipping or any other signs of activity were sighted. (23)

6 Feb 1944 (position 1.42, 98.41)
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted a periscope reconnaissance of Sibolga. Later she sank a tug and a schooner with gunfire.

1645FG/6 - Sighted a tug (80 tons) towing a schooner (50 tons) leaving Sibolga.

1710FG/6 - Surfaced in position 01°42'N, 98°41'E and opened fire with the 4" gun from 1600 yards. The third round hit the tug and soon more hits followed. When the tug seemed sufficiently damaged fire was shifted to the schooner. The first round set her on fire.

1720FG/6 - After some more hits on the tug it was seen to sink. The schooner went down soon after. Taurus cleared the area to the West. (23)

7 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1204FG/7, in position 01°15.5'N, 97°42'E, while conducted a periscope reconnaissance of the port of Sitoli, Nias Island, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) is bombed by an enemy aircraft. Only some minor damage was caused though.

HMS Taurus left patrol that evening to return to Trincomalee. (23)

12 Feb 1944
Around 1200FG/12, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Trincomalee.

At 0615FG/12, she joined HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) which was also returning from patrol.

Also joining was the sloop Eritrea which then escorted the submarines to Trincomalee. (23)

16 Feb 1944
Around 1645FG/16, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) departed from Trincomalee for Colombo. They were escorted by the sloop Eritrea. (40)

18 Feb 1944
Around 0845FG/18, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) and Eritrea arrived at Colombo from Trincomalee. Both submarines were then immediately docked together. (40)

26 Feb 1944
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) are undocked.

They then left Colombo for Trincomalee around 1400FG/26 together with HMS Stoic (Lt. P.B. Marriott, DSO, RN). They were escorted by the sloop Eritrea. (40)

28 Feb 1944
Around 1145FG/28, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN), HMS Stoic (Lt. P.B. Marriott, DSO, RN) and Eritrea arrived at Trincomalee from Colombo. (40)

5 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Taurus during her 11th war patrol see the map below.

5 Mar 1944
Around 1830FG/5, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 11th war patrol (4th in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Andaman Sea. She is also to perform a special operation and a mine laying operation in the Malacca Straits.

She is escorted out by HMS Tewara (T/Lt. J.G.A. Curtis, RNVR) until 0130FG/6. (23)

11 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1330FG/11, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) sighted a small ferry entering Port Blair coming from Sir Hugh Ross Island. A few passengers were seen on board. No attack was made so as not to disclose the presence of the submarine. (23)

13 Mar 1944
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) bombarded Government House, warehouses and barracks on Sir Hugh Ross Island.

0305FG/13 - Commenced bombardment of enemy installations on Sir Hugh Ross Island.

0314FG/13 - Ceased fire. A total of 40 rounds had been fired. (23)

16 Mar 1944
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) intercepts a ferry / fishing vessel of Port Blair. The craft was boarded but an aircraft appeared on the scene and Taurus had to crash dive. One Japanese soldier was shot while he was trying to escape.

1550FG/16 - Sighted the ferry that was seen before in a position 3.5 nautical miles North-East of Port Blair. She was steering south-west.

1604FG/16 - Surfaced about two nautical miles on the ferry's port beam and closed at full speed. When at point blank range fire was opened with the machine guns. The ferry however did not stop before one round of 4" was put into her stern. Taurus went alongside and immediately 15 Indians leapt on the casing asking to be taken back to India.

The ferry appeared to be used as a fishing boat as there were half a dozen young shark on the deck. A boarding party went on board to see if there were some Japanese aboard that were hiding. One armed Japanese soldier was found hiding and as he refused to surrender he was shot while trying to escape.

1625FG/16 - Now an aircraft appeared on the scene and the boarding party had to be taken off in a hurry. Taurus crash dived with the Indians still on the deck but they all managed to swim to the ferry.

1710FG/16 - One bomb was heard to explode in the distance. Taurus cleared the area to the south. (23)

19 Mar 1944 (position 2.51, 100.36)
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) lays a minefield (MLO 1 = Mine Laying Order 1) of 12 mines off the Aroa Islands.

2019FG/19 - Started to lay a minefield of 12 mines near position 02°50'5"N, 100°35'5"E. The mines were laid in three groups of four.

2206FG/19 - Completed the mine lay. Cleared the area. (23)

24 Mar 1944
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) carries out special operation Baldhead V during which the entire Baldhead III party was evacuated.

1700FG/24 - HMS Taurus closed the coast and the flag signal was seen.

After a short battery charge the submarine closed to within 400 yards from the reef and Capt. Shaw was sent in by Folbot at 2230FG/24 to contact the shore party.

By 2300FG/24 - The evacuation was in full swing and one hour later the embarkation of stores, arms, ammunition and the party itselft had been completed. Course was then set to return to Trincomalee. (23)

27 Mar 1944
At 1100FG/27, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 11th war patrol (4th in the Far East) at Trincomalee.

She does not appeared to have been escorted in.

12 Apr 1944
Around 1900FG/12, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 12th war patrol (5th in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Straits. She is also to lay a minefield.

She departed Trincomalee together with HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) which is also proceeding on patrol.

They were escorted out until around 2350FG/12 by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. F.R. Crawford, RNVR). (23)

12 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Taurus during her 12th war patrol see the map below.

18 Apr 1944
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) lays mines off Penang (MLO 3).

An opportunity to attack a Japanese submarine was missed later this day. [We have so far been unable to identify a submarine approaching Penang from the southwards.]

Later HMS Taurus is detected by Japanese A/S vessels and depth charged. No damage was done.

0900FG/18 - Started mine laying near position 05°06'N, 100°12'5"E. Three strings of four mines were laid.

1045FG/18 - Completed mine laying.

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

1235FG/18 - HE was reported to the southward. As there were many junks in the direction no target could be seen at first.

However, soon a submarine was sighted which was seen to be Japanese. Range was 5000 yards. Started attack. Position was approximately 05°00'N, 100°11'E.

Taurus was not able to reach a good position for firing torpedoes so the submarine passed by without being attacked.

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

1520FG/18 - Sighted two ships approaching from the North. One was an A/S trawler, the other was thought to be a small merchant vessel. Started attack.

After running in for three minutes at high speed and shortly before firing torpedoes both enemy ships were seen to turn bows on to Taurus. Range was about 2000 yards.

Taurus went to 50 feet. Seven depth charges were dropped but none was close.

Both ships then made off to the south and a submarine chaser took over the hunt. She however never made contact and Taurus was able to escape. (23)

20 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1330FG/20, while patrolling about midway between Phuket and Langkawi, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) sighted masts to the northwards. Commenced to close for an attack. This turned out to be two small vessels, a coaster type vessel and an ML type vessel. They possibly A/S vessels. They were too small for torpedo attack and it was not considered wise to attack these two vessels with the deck gun. (23)

22 Apr 1944 (position 7.15, 99.18)
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) sank the Japanese salvage vessel Hokuan Maru I-Go (558 GRT, built 1929) and a tug with gunfire off the West coast of Siam in position 07°15'N, 99°18'E.

0705FG/22 - Masts were seen close inshore and finally a small coaster towing a small tug were seen about 5 nautical miles to the North-East.

0715FG/22 - Surfaced in position 07°15'N, 99°18'E and gave chase.

0740FG/22 - Opened fire with the 4" gun from 4000 yards. The third round was a hit and the coaster was soon on fire. A torpedo was fired from 1000 yards to finish her off but it missed just ahead. A second torpedo was now fired but this one ran under.

0755FG/22 - After further shelling the target sank. A few more rounds were used to sink the tugs.

After dark, HMS Taurus left patrol to return to Trincomalee. (23)

26 Apr 1944
Around 1430FG/26, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 12th war patrol (5th in the Far East) at Trincomalee. This was the last patrol of her 1st commission. She is now to return to the U.K. for a refit. (23)

27 Apr 1944 (position 5.03, 100.12)
The Japanese submarine I-37 is damaged when she hits a mine that was possibly laid by HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) on 18 April 1944 south of Penang in position 05°03'N, 100°12'E. It could also have been an air laid mine though.

5 May 1944
Around 1700FG/5, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) departed from Trincomalee for Aden.

She was escorted until shortly before 2200FG/5, by the sloop Eritrea. (41)

5 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily positions of HMS Taurus during the passage from Ceylon to the U.K. see the map below.

15 May 1944
Around 1755C/15, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Aden from Trincomalee. (41)

21 May 1944
Around 1600C/21, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) departed from Aden bound for Port Said. (41)

26 May 1944
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) transited the Suez Canal northbound and arrived at Port Said around 1610C/26. (41)

31 May 1944
Around 0645C/31, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) departed from Port Said for Malta. (41)

4 Jun 1944
Around 0945B/4, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Malta from Port Said. (42)

9 Jun 1944
Around 0600B/9, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) departed from Malta bound for Gibraltar. She makes the passage in convoy GUS 42.

She departed Malta together with the merchant vesseels Andrew Pickens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Hermes (Dutch, 2739 GRT, built 1920). They all joined the convoy around 1200B/9.

They were escorted to the rendezvous by HMS Juliet (T/Lt. T. Paxton, DSC, RNR).

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy GUS 42 ' for 3 June 1944.] (42)

11 Jun 1944

Convoy SL 161.

This convoy departed Freetown on 10 July 1944.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Archangelos (Greek, 5692 GRT, built 1918), Briarwood (British, 4019 GRT, built 1930), Cape Wrath (British, 4512 GRT, built 1940), City of Kimberley (British, 6169 GRT, built 1925), Columbia Star (British, 8293 GRT, built 1939), Coulbeg (British, 5237 GRT, built 1940), Derwenthall (British, 4934 GRT, built 1940), Desirade (British, 9645 GRT, built 1921), Empire Darwin (British, 6765 GRT, built 1941), Filleigh (British, 4856 GRT, built 1928), Fort Ash (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenora (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Graiglas (British, 4312 GRT, built 1940), Groix (French, 9975 GRT, built 1922), Itinda (British, 6619 GRT, built 1938), Karmt (Norwegian, 4991 GRT, built 1938), Lafian (British, 4876 GRT, built 1937), Leonidas (Greek, 4573 GRT, built 1929), Nelius (British, 6685 GRT, built 1911), Silverlaurel (British, 6142 GRT, built 1939), Silverwalnut (British, 6770 GRT, built 1930) and Solarium (British, 6239 GRT, built 1936).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN), HMS Lowestoft (A/Cdr.(Retd.) L.H. Phillips, RN), HMS Sandwich (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR), patrol vessel HMS Kilmartin (T/Lt. E.H.G. Hope, RNVR) and the motor minesweeper HMS BYMS 2150 (T/Lt. H.B. Williams, RNVR).

At 0815Z/14, in position 14°56'N, 18°00'W, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Dakar; Danby (British, 4281 GRT, built 1937), Medie II (French, 5078 GRT, built 1922), Patrick Henry (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941) and Taigete (Italian, 4800 GRT, built 1908). They were escorted to the rendezvous by Chevreuil and two ML's. These escorts then returned to Dakar taking the merchant vessel Itinda with them which had boiler trouble. HMS BYMS 2150 also parted company and proceeded to Dakar.

At 0015Z/16, the Briarwood dropped out of the convoy and reported that both main feed pumps were out of action and that she had to stop. At daybreak she was not in sight and HMS Kilmartin was ordered to search for her astern of the convoy but could not find her. HMS Kilmartin rejoined the convoy around 1200Z/16.

At 2000Z/19, in position 29°08'N, 12°55'W, HMS Lowestoft parted company to proceed to Casablanca to refuel. She later rejoined the convoy around the same time as convoy MKS 52(G) merged with the convoy.

At 1630Z/21, in position 34°29'N, 11°42'W, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Casablanca; Belgian Fisherman (Belgian, 4714 GRT, built 1918), Empire Rain (British, 7290 GRT, built 1941) and Empire Wolfe (British, 2888 GRT, built 1941). They were escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessels USS PC-472 (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Dallis, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-473 (Lt. A.W. Silverstein, USNR). These escorts then returned to Casablanca taking the merchant vessel Medie II with them. They arrived at Casablanca on 22 June 1944.

Around 0700Z/22, in position 35°43'N, 11°52'W, convoy MKS 52(G) joined coming from Gibraltar which it had departed on 20 June 1944. This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Belgian Trader (British, 2890 GRT, built 1942), Bialystok (Polish, 7174 GRT, built 1942), British Commodore (British (tanker), 6865 GRT, built 1923), Cetus (Norwegian, 2614 GRT, built 1920), Drakepool (British, 4838 GRT, built 1924), Empire Ballad (British, 6700 GRT, built 1942), Empire Caxton (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942), Eurybates (British, 6276 GRT, built 1928), Fort Buffalo (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Grodno (British, 2458 GRT, built 1919), Lightfoot (British, 1894 GRT, built 1922), Lochee (British, 964 GRT, built 1937), Noesaniwi (Dutch, 6737 GRT, built 1936), North Devon (British, 3658 GRT, built 1924), Pendeen (British, 4174 GRT, built 1923), Samariz (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Sinnington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928).

Also with them were the rescue ship Accrington (British, 1678 GRT, built 1910), escort oiler Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920), aircraft transport HMS Engadine (Capt. W.T. Fitzgerald, RD, RNR) and the submarines HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Sceptre (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, MBE, DSC, RN).

They were escorted from Gibraltar by the escort carrier Searches, destroyer HMS Hesperus (Cdr. G.V. Legassick, RD, RNR), frigates HMS Cotton (Lt.Cdr. I.W.T. Beloe, RN), HMS Gardiner (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G.H. Bolton, DSC, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Flint Castle (T/Lt. S.G. Wright, RNVR), HMS Rushen Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Warwick, DSC and Bar, RNR), HNoMS Tunsberg Castle (?) and A/S trawler HMS Cape Argona (T/Lt. L.B. Payton, RNVR).

On convoy MKS 52(G) joining, HMS Leith, HMS Sandwich and HMS Kilmartin parted company to proceed to Gibraltar taking the merchant vessels Patrick Henry and Taigete with them.

At 0630Z/27, the Scottish American parted company with the convoy to join southbound convoy OS 81. She was escorted by a frigate [to be investigated] and the corvette HMS Knaresborough Castle (Lt. J.R. Freeman, RNR) which had come over to escort the oiler.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 1 July 1944. (43)

14 Jun 1944
Around 0800B/14, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) parted company with convoy GUS 42. She arrived at Gibraltar around 1500B/14 having passed over the D/G range on entering harbour. She had been escorted to Gibraltar by USS Rinehart Lt. P.W. Crouch, Jr., USN). (42)

20 Jun 1944
Around 0900B/20, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) departed from Gibraltar bound for Holy Loch. She joins convoy MKS 52(G) for the passage. This convoy later merged with convoy SL 161 coming from Freetown.

[For more info on these convoys see the event ' Convoy SL 161 ' for 11 June 1944.] (42)

1 Jul 1944
Around 1815A/1, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (44)

15 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Troon where she is to refit at the Ailsa shipyard. (45)

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