William Gordon Meeke DSC, RN
| Born | 22 May 1914 | Paddington district, Greater London, England, U.K. | |
| Died | 3 Dec 1998 | (84) | Malta |
| Ranks
Retired: 29 Jul 1966 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for William Gordon Meeke, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS Una (N 87) | Lt. | Submarine | 25 Jul 1943 | Oct 1943 |
| HMS Shalimar (P 242) | Lt. | Submarine | 10 Nov 1943 | 30 Oct 1945 |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Submarine HMS Una (N 87)
5 Aug 1943
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) ended her refit at Blyth. (1)
11 Aug 1943
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN), HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) and HMS Uther (Lt. P.S. Beale, RN) departed Blyth for Holy Loch. They were escorted by HMS ML 300 (T/Lt. F.C.R. Piesse, RNVR) until Dundee where HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR) took over the escort. (1)
14 Aug 1943
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) arrived at Rothesay. Una was to be used for training from now on. (1)
16 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) conducted independent exercises in Loch Striven. (1)
18 Aug 1943
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) departed Rothesay for Fishguard. She made the passage in company with HMS Otus (Lt. R.H.H. Brunner, RN) that was on passage to West Africa. The submarines were escorted by HMS Blade (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR). (1)
19 Aug 1943
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) arrived at Fishguard where she was to participate in exercises with aircraft. (1)
24 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (2)
25 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (1)
27 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (1)
30 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (1)
31 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (1)
1 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (3)
2 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (3)
3 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (3)
6 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (3)
7 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (3)
8 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (3)
9 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (3)
10 Sep 1943
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) shifted from Fishguard to Milford Haven. (3)
10 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) shifted from Fishguard to Milford Haven. (3)
13 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Milford Haven with HMS Fiaray (T/Lt. M.G. King, SANF(V)), HMS Bern (T/Lt. E.S. Brookes, RNVR) and HMS Damsay (T/Lt. A.M. Sullivan, RNVR). (3)
14 Sep 1943
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) shifted from Milford Haven to Fishguard. (3)
14 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Milford Haven on a target towed by HMS Damsay (T/Lt. A.M. Sullivan, RNVR). (3)
15 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (3)
16 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (3)
18 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (3)
20 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (3)
21 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (3)
23 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (3)
24 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (3)
27 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (3)
6 Oct 1943
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) departed Fishguard for Rothesay escorted by HMS Kihna (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR). (4)
7 Oct 1943
HMS Una (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (4)
Submarine HMS Shalimar (P 242)
7 Apr 1944
Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) departed her builders yard at Chatham for Sheerness where she arrived later the same day. (5)
8 Apr 1944
Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted trials of Sheerness. (5)
9 Apr 1944
Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) departed Sheerness for Portsmouth. She was escorted by HMS Boston (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.L. Choppin, DSC, RNVR). (5)
10 Apr 1944
Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (5)
11 Apr 1944
Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted trials on the Solent. (5)
12 Apr 1944
Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted trials on the Solent. (5)
14 Apr 1944
Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) departed Portsmouth for Plymouth. She made the passage together with the Free French submarine FFS Rubis.
Both submarines arrived at Plymouth later the same day. (5)
16 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with a COPP party. These included night exercises. (6)
16 Apr 1944
Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) departed Plymouth for St. Mary's, Scilly Islands together with the Free French submarine FFS Rubis.
Both submarines arrived there later the same day. They anchored off the town. (5)
17 Apr 1944
Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) and FFS Rubis departed St. Mary's. They made rendez-vouz with HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) and their escort HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR). Course was then set for Holy Loch. (5)
19 Apr 1944
Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of training. (5)
20 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (5)
22 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted speed trials on the Arran measured mile following which she was commissioned at Holy Loch. (5)
24 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (5)
25 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted gunnery trials in the Clyde area. (5)
26 Apr 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (5)
28 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted S.T.U. (mine detection) trials off Fairlie. (5)
29 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (5)
1 May 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to the torpedo firing range at Arrochar. (7)
2 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (7)
3 May 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (7)
4 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. On completion of these trials she proceeded to Holy Loch. (7)
8 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (7)
9 May 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. (7)
10 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted RDF (radar) exercises off Campbeltown. On completion of these she put into Campbeltown for evaluation. (7)
11 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Holy Loch. (7)
13 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (7)
14 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area on a target that was being towed by HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (7)
15 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area on a target that was being towed by HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (7)
17 May 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.R. Patterson, CB, CVO, RN) served as the target The cruiser was out on bombardment exercises. On completion of these exercises HMS Shalimar proceeded to Campbeltown. (7)
19 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (7)
21 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (7)
22 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (7)
24 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (7)
25 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (7)
26 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (7)
28 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (7)
29 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (7)
31 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Rothesay. (7)
1 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Kihna (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR) served as the target. (6)
2 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) proceeded to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (6)
4 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (6)
8 Jun 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as the target. (6)
9 Jun 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted night exercises in the Clyde area. On tcompletion of these exercises she proceeded to Holy Loch. (6)
10 Jun 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) and HMS Subtle (Lt. B.J.B. And rew, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR) and HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as the targets. (6)
11 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area. On tcompletion of these exercises she proceeded to Holy Loch. (6)
15 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (6)
17 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) proceeded to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (6)
25 Jun 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) was docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (6)
28 Jun 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) was undocked. (6)
29 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) and HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which they made attacks on each other. These included night attacks. (6)
30 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area. On completion of these she proceeded to Holy Loch. (6)
1 Jul 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) and HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as the targets. These included night exercises. (8)
2 Jul 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. (8)
3 Jul 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as the target. On completion of these exercises HMS Shalimar proceeded to Holy Loch. (8)
4 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (9)
8 Jul 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) departed Holy Loch for her 1st (work-up) war patrol. She was to patrol to the East of the Orkney Islands on an anti-uboat patrol.
She was escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) until 0830/10.
For the daily positions of HMS Shalimar during this patrol see the map below.
(10)
25 Jul 1944
At 1600 hours, HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) made rendez-vouz with her escort HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) in position 59.00'N, 01.00'W.
At 2045 hours they were joined by Varne (Lt. I.G. Raikes, DSC, RN). They then proceeded together to Holy Loch. (10)
27 Jul 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Holy Loch. (10)
30 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (8)
31 Jul 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) was docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (8)
2 Aug 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) was undocked. (8)
6 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted full power trials on the Arran measured mile. (11)
11 Aug 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) departed Holy Loch for the Far East. The first leg of the trip was to Malta for which she joined convoy OS-86 / KMS 60.
For the daily positions of HMS Shalimar during the passage to the Far East see the map below.
(11)
29 Aug 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) arrived at Malta. (11)
4 Sep 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) departed Malta for Port Said. (12)
9 Sep 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) arrived at Port Said. (12)
10 Sep 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) departed Port Said for Aden. (12)
15 Sep 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) arrived at Aden. (12)
18 Sep 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) departed Aden for Trincomalee. (12)
28 Sep 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (12)
12 Oct 1944
During 12 and 13 October, HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN), conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night exercises. Paractice attacks were made on HMS Wager (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN) and HMS Wessex (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN). (13)
15 Oct 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) departed Trincomalee for 2nd war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off Car Nicobar and the approaches to Port Blair. She was escorted out by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. L.C. Cockrell, RNR).
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Shalimar during this patrol see the map below.
(10)
26 Oct 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) was depth charged while trying to attack an escorted merchant vessel that was leaving Port Blair. No damage was done to Shalimar but the attack had to be broken off.
(All times are zone -6.5) 1528 hours - Sighted a small merchant ship of about 700 tons leaving Port Blair bearing 265°. Range was 6000 yards. She was escorted by a motor launch. A submarine chaser was laying stopped about one mile to the North.
1539 hours - Range was now 3500 yards. The motor launch was weaving in front of the ship while the chaser remained stopped to the Northward. Enemy course was 095°. Started attack.
1546 hours - Range was now 1100 yards.
1548 hours - Range was now 650 yards and Lt. Meeke was about to fire torpedoes when the ship suddenly altered towards and dropped four depth charges. The attack was immediately broken off and Shalimar went deep to 300 feet. In all seven explosions thought to be depth charges were heard but none were very close.
1627 hours - No more HE could be heard.
1700 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. (10)
29 Oct 1944 (position 11.37, 93.40)
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) made a torpedo attack on an escorted Japanese merchant vessel of about 3000 tons. Six torpedoes were fired but all missed.
(All times are zone -6.5) 1330 hours - Sighted masts through the periscope and commenced attack.
1418 hours - Near position 11°37'N, 93°40'E fired six torpedoes from 2500 yards at a 3000 tons merchant vessel escorted by four A/S vessels. Enemy course was 124°, speed 7.5 knots. Three explosions were heard between 5 and 7 minutes after firing. No hits were obtained.
1520 hours - Came to periscope depth. Sighted all four escorts circling around bearing 160°.
1620 hours - Surfaced in position 11°38'N, 93°56'E. Mast of the escorts were seen bearing 180°. Began chase but in the end this had to be abandoned. (10)
2 Nov 1944 (position 9.12, 92.50)
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) destroyed 5 Japanese landing craft, a jetty and several small vessels with gunfire at Car Nicobar Island.
(All times are zone -6.5) 1430 hours - Sighted two landing craft beached to the North of Malacca, Car Nicobar Island.
1456 hours - Surfaced in position 09°12'N, 92°50'E and began shelling the landing craft.
1500 hours - Sighted three more. Shifted target to these.
1510 hours - Shifted target to Malacca jetty with several small craft besides it.
1535 hours - All craft were now considered sunk or destroyed and the jetty was on fire. Retired from the area. (10)
6 Nov 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Trincomalee. She was escorted in by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. L.C. Cockrell, RNR). (10)
19 Nov 1944
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) was docked at Trincomalee. (14)
22 Nov 1944
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) was undocked. (14)
24 Nov 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee.
Practice attacks were made, first on HMS Porpoise (A/Lt.Cdr. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) and later on HMS Lewes (T/Lt. M.H. Grylls, SANF(V)), HMAS Napier (A/Capt. H.J. Buchanan, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN). Also an A/S exercise was carried out with these three destroyers. (14)
27 Nov 1944
During 27 and 28 November 1944 HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night exercises. (14)
29 Nov 1944
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) departed Trincomalee for 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Strait.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Shalimar during this patrol see the map below.
(10)
4 Dec 1944 (position 6.10, 99.37)
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire in the Malacca Strait.
(All times are zone -6.5) 1815 hours - Surfaced in position 06°10'N, 99°37'E (off Langkawi) and sank a 20 tons junk with gunfire. 11 Rounds were fired from 500 yards. (10)
5 Dec 1944 (position 5.12, 99.57)
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) sank three sailing vessels with gunfire in the Malacca Strait (off Penang).
(All times are zone -6.5) 0315 hours - Sank a 20 tons junk with gunfire in position 05°12'N, 99°57'E. 20 Rounds were fired from 500 yards.
-------------------------------------
1747 hours - Sank a 40 tons junk in position 05°15'N, 100°00'E. 13 Rounds were fired from 2600 yards.
1826 hours - Sank a 40 tons schooner in position 05°07'N, 99°55'E. 13 Rounds were fired from 500 yards. (10)
6 Dec 1944 (position 4.26, 98.18)
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) damaged a Japanese coaster and landing craft with gunfire in the Malacca Strait. Three torpedoes had been fired before Shalimar surfaced for gun action but two ran under the targets and the third missed.
(All times are zone -6.5) 0737 hours - Sighted 2 coasters bearing 350°. Range was 8000 yards. Enemy course was 120°. Closed to attack.
0800 hours - It was now seen that there was a convoy made up of 5 coasters and 3 landing craft.
0823 hours - Fired three torpedoes at an overlapping target of a coaster and landing craft. Range was 500 yards and 400 yards. The first torpedo track was seen to pass under the landing craft and ahead of the coaster. The second track ran under the coaster and the third missed astern of the coaster. Shalimar retired to 50 feet but no counter attack followed.
0827 hours - Returned to periscope depth and saw the last ship, a landing craft towing a patrol boat, passing 800 yards to Starboard. As no air escort was seen it was decided to surface for gun action.
0834 hours - Surfaced in position 04°26'N, 98°18'E and engaged the largest coaster with gunfire. Shalimar was taken under fire by several of the other ships and the range had to be opened to about 1500 yards. Range eventually was 5200 yards. The coaster was damaged as well as one of the landing craft.
0912 hours - Radar picked up an aircraft contact so the action was broken off and Shalimar dived. In all 98 rounds had been fired as well as 3 pans of Oerlikon. (10)
10 Dec 1944 (position 3.20, 101.08)
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire in the Malacca Strait.
(All times are zone -6.5) 1545 hours - Surfaced in position 03°20'N, 101°08'E and sank a 100 tons junk with gunfire. 24 rounds were fired from a range of 2000 to 1200 yards. (10)
11 Dec 1944 (position 4.08, 100.34)
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire in the Malacca Strait.
(All times are zone -6.5) 1154 hours - Surfaced in position 04°08'N, 100°34'E and sank a 120 tons junk with gunfire. 9 Rounds were fired from 300 yards.
After this sinking Shalimar retired to seaward on the surface. She remained patrolling the shipping routes surfaced during the whole day. (10)
14 Dec 1944 (position 3.37, 99.11)
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) torpedoes and sinks the Japanese auxiliary minesweeper Choun Maru No.7 (163 GRT) in the Malacca Strait.
(All times are zone -6.5) 0710 hours - Sighted a convoy of 4 coasters escorted by a motor launch and an aircraft.
0736 hours - In position 03°37'N, 99°11'E fired three torpedoes at the leading coaster from 1200 yards. All three torpedoes exploded 400 yards ahead of Shalimar. It was thought the first torpedo prematured taking the other two with it.
Shalimar meanwhile went deep but as nothing happened she returned to periscope depth.
0751 hours - Fired the stern tube at the last ship of the convoy. Range was 1500 yards. It was observed to hit. Shalimar now went deep and was counter attacked. Seven depth charges were dropped by the motor launch. All rather close but no damage was done by them. Aircraft patrolled the area during the whole day. (10)
15 Dec 1944 (position 4.31, 98.12)
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) sank a Japanese tug and two lighters with gunfire in the Malacca Strait.
(All times are zone -6.5) 0940 hours - Sighted a small tug flying the Japanese ensign that was towing two large lighters.
1000 hours - Surfaced ahead of the tug in position 04°31'N, 98°12'E and opened fire from a range of 1200 yards. Sank the tug and then shifted fire to the lighters. These were laden with empty oil drums and therefore difficult to sink. In the end one was sunk with gunfire but the other, also holed by the gunfire, refused to sink. She was finished off by a demolition charge. Took on board four prisoners, one of them was badly wounded. During the action 26 rounds were fired.
1038 hours - Dived for an aircraft and withdrew from the scene submerged. (10)
21 Dec 1944
HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. She was escorted in by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. L.C. Cockrell, RNR). (10)
2 Jan 1945
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) was docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (15)
3 Jan 1945
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) was undocked. (15)
10 Jan 1945
During 10 and 11 January 1945 HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night exercises. (15)
12 Jan 1945
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) departed Trincomalee for 4th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Strait.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Shalimar during this patrol see the map below.
(10)
17 Jan 1945 (position 4.26, 98.16)
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) destroyed 5 Japanese landing craft with gunfire in the Malacca Strait.
(All times are zone -6.5) 0830 hours - In position 04°26'N, 98°16'E sighted 5 landing craft coming down the coast close inshore.
0843 hours - Surfaced abreast the second landing craft and engaged it with the 3" gun from a range of 3600 yards. After a while four of the landing craft were beached. The 5th put up a smoke screen and was seen to have anchored after the smoke screen cleared. The crews of all abandoned ship and swam ashore. Shalimar closed to about 3000 yards and engaged all the landing craft in turn.
0900 hours - Retired on the surface after all landing craft were on fire. (10)
18 Jan 1945 (position 3.48, 100.43)
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) sank three sailing vessels with gunfire in the Malakka Strait.
(All times are zone -6.5) 1340 hours - Surfaced in position 03°48'N, 100°43'E to engage a 80 tons junk from 2800 yards. After 20 rounds the junk sank.
Steered South and soon after despatched a 60 tons junk with 23 rounds.
Shortly afterwards sighted a large 100 tons junk to the South. The junk turned and made for the beach but a lucky shot from 4000 yards dismasted her. Range was closed to 3000 yards and she was sunk with 38 rounds.
1530 hours - Dived for aircraft in position 03°34N, 100°48'E. (10)
20 Jan 1945 (position 3.04, 99.57)
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) wrecked a coaster with gunfire in the Malacca Straits. Another coaster and a small merchant vessel were damaged by gunfire.
(All times are zone -6.5) 1115 hours - Sighted a 100 tons motor coaster on a course of 315°.
1135 hours - Surfaced in position 03°04'N, 99°57'E and engaged the coaster with gunfire from 3600 yards. The coaster turned inshore and zigged wildly. After 12 hits she was left half submerged and aground. In all 92 rounds were fired but she rufused to burn. Dived at 1208 hours upon completing the action.
1325 hours - Sighted another 100 tons coaster approaching.
1341 hours - Surfaced in position 03°05'N, 99°59'E and engaged from 2000 yards. The fourth round hit but Shalimar was then put down by an aircraft approaching. The mast of a ship thought to be an A/S vessel was seen approaching also so it was decided to go deep and retire to seaward.
1430 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Saw that the mast was not of an A/S vessel but that it was a small merchant vessel of about 800 tons.
1454 hours - Surfaced in position 03°05'N, 100°01'E and chased. The merchant vessel opened fire but her rounds fell short of Shalimar so opened fire on this vessel from 3800 yards. Two hits were obtained and the target turned for the shore. 26 Rounds were fired but then all ammo was gone and the action had to be broken off. (10)
21 Jan 1945 (position 3.26, 100.55)
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) attacked a Japanese submarine in the Malacca Strat with in total 7 torpedoes. None of the torpedoes hit.
The target was most likely either RO 113 or RO 115 (both offsite links) that were both on passage from Penang to Singapore.
(All times are zone -6.5) 0512 hours - Dived.
0540 hours - In position 03°26'N, 100°55'E sighted the conning tower of a Japanese submarine of the RO-100 class bearing 270°. enemy course was 090°. Distance about 6 nautical miles. Started attack.
0619 hours - Fired 6 torpedoes from 1200 yards. 40 Seconds after firing the first torpedo a large explosion occured. When the periscope was put up a large parch of brown smoke was seen over the water half way to the target. The target made off at high speed on her original course.
0626 hours - Fired the stern torpedo tube from 3500 yards. The torpedo was observed by the Japanese who were seen to turn away.
0640 hours - No more sign of the enemy submarine. (10)
27 Jan 1945 (position 2.55, 100.07)
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) sank a coaster with gunfire in the Malakka Strait.
(All times are zone -6.5) 0852 hours - Sighted masts bearing 289°. Closed at speed. Shortly afterwards sighted more masts.
1021 hours - The convoy was now well in sight and was seen to consist of two coasters of 250 tons, 2 coasters of 100 tons and 1 landing craft.
1045 hours - Surfaced in position 02°55'N, 100°07'E and engaged one of the two largest coasters with gunfire (starshell as all the other ammo was gone).
1052 hours - All ammo was expended and the coaster was now ablaze and abandoned. Closed to point blank range and peppered it with Oerlikon. Retired from the scene on the surface. (10)
31 Jan 1945 (position 4.40, 98.02)
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) damaged a coaster with machine gun fire in the Malacca Strait. Two torpedoes were fired to finish her off but both missed.
(All times are zone -6.5) 0730 hours - Sighted the upperworks of a coaster that was anchored. Decided to close submerged as much as possible and then engage with Oerlikon and Vickers.
0818 hours - Touched bottom so surfaced in position 04°40'N, 98°02'E and closed. Opening fire with the Oerlikon when the range was 1500 yards.
0830 hours - Stopped 500 yards from the coaster and blazed away with the Oerlikon and Vickers. As the target was a stell coaster the hull could not be penetrated. Considerable damage was done to the superstructure and a small fire was started that however went out quickly. In all 13 magazines Oerlikon and 15 pans of Vickers were emptied into the target.
0843 hours - Radar picked up an aircraft so went seaward at full speed. Two minutes later a fighter dived from the clouds 3000 yards away. Shalimar dived to 10 feet and continued seawards along the bottom. After 5 minutes of being machine gunned she reached 30 feet.
0908 hours - Decided to fire a torpedo against the coaster from 1800 yards. The track however was deflected to the left and the torpedo missed.
0921 hours - Fired a second torpedo. No track was observed. Possibly both torpedoes hit the bottom on being discharged. Gave up the attempts to sink this coaster. (10)
5 Feb 1945
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (10)
7 Feb 1945
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) departed Trincomalee for Colombo where she will be refitted to make good various defects. (16)
9 Feb 1945
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) arrived at Colombo. (16)
16 Feb 1945
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) was docked at Colombo. (16)
9 Mar 1945
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) was undocked. (17)
5 May 1945
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) was docked at Colombo. (18)
13 May 1945
HMS Shalimar (A/Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) was undocked. (18)
7 Jul 1945
HMS Shalimar (Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. (19)
9 Jul 1945
HMS Shalimar (Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (19)
18 Jul 1945
HMS Shalimar (Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 5th war patrol (4th in the Far East). She was to patrol in the Malacca Straits together with HMS Seadog (Lt. E.A. Hobson, RN).
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Shalimar during this patrol see the map below.
(10)
27 Jul 1945 (position 2.22, 101.51)
While operating together HMS Shalimar (Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) and HMS Seadog (Lt. E.A. Hobson, RN) destroyed a Japanese tank landing ship off Cape Rachado near position 02°22N, 101°51'E.
(All times are zone -6.5) From the patrol report of Shalimar 1440 hours - Sighted a tank landing ship bearing 175°. Range was 3400 yards. Shortly afterwards the landing ship opened fire. This was thought to be directed against Shalimar's periscope. [It appeared the landing ship was not firing at the periscope but was being engaged and hit by HMS Seadog which was seen on the surface]
1505 hours - Surfaced and engaged the landing craft from 5000 yards. The landing craft made off for the beach.
1545 hours - The landing ship beached herself and both submarines closed to finish her off with gunfire and soon after the landing ship was well ablaze.
Both submarines retired to seaward on the surface. (10)
1 Aug 1945 (position 3.04, 100.02)
HMS Shalimar (Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) sank a sailing vessel with demolition charges in the Malacca Strait.
Later on the day a 100 tons lugger was sunk with gunfire together with HMS Seadog (Lt. E.A. Hobson, RN).
(All times are zone -6.5) 0400 hours - Boarded a 20 tons junk in position 03°04'N, 100°02'E. Took of the crew of five and sank the junk with demolition charges.
------------------------------------------
1412 hours - Sighted a 100 tons lugger approaching from the South. Ordered Seadog by SST to concentrate.
1450 hours - Surfaced in position 03°06'N, 99°58'E and engaged from the quarter from 1200 yards.
1452 hours - Seadog surfaced and engaged from the luggers bow.
1514 hours - Lugger sank. Shalimar had fired 93 rounds during the action. The survivors were picked up including one Japanese.
1530 hours - Retired on the surface together with Seadog. (10)
2 Aug 1945
HMS Shalimar (Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) and HMS Seadog (Lt. E.A. Hobson, RN) together sank a tug and a lighter with gunfire in the Malacca Strait off the mouth of the Bernam River.
(All times are zone -6.5) 1428 hours - Off the mouth of the Bernam river sighted a 20 tons tug towing a 80 tons lighter bearing 340°. Distance was 5 nautical miles. Enemy course was 147°. Enemy speed was 4 knots. Closed.
1430 hours - Received a report from Seadog she had also sighted the tug and lighter and intended to surface and engage.
1439 hours - Surfaced together with Seadog. Shalimar engaged the lighter from 2500 yards and Seadog the tug. The tug proved to be a diffcult shot as she slipped the lighter and altered course wildly. Shalimer now also engaged the tug to dispose of her as soon as possible.
1451 hours - The tug sank. The lighter was heavily damaged and left sinking. Shalimer had expended 66 rounds.
1500 hours - Shalimar went alongside a fishing vessel to transfer the survivors of the previous days minus one Malay and the Japanese. (10)
3 Aug 1945 (position 2.55, 100.03)
HMS Shalimar (Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) sank a Japanese tug and a barge with gunfire in the Malacca Strait.
Shalimar was also bombed by a Japanese aircraft sustaining minor damage.
(All times are zone -6.5) 1105 hours - Sighted a 10 tons tug towing a 50 tons lighter coming up the coast.
1125 hours - Surfaced in position 02°55'N, 100°03'E and engaged with gunfire.
1146 hours - The tug and lighter were sunk. 39 Rounds of 3" were fired as well as 4 pans of Oerlikon.
----------------------------------------
1437 hours - Saw Seadog dive and almost immediately saw the bomber that had been patrolling the area before. She passed overhead and in all three bombs were dropped. Shalimar crash dived and received minor damage. A lucky escape though. (10)
5 Aug 1945
While operating together HMS Shalimar (Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) and HMS Seadog (Lt. E.A. Hobson, RN) sank a coaster with gunfire in the Malacca Strait
Later HMS Shalimar sank two small sailing vessels with demolition charges and ramming.
(All times are zone -6.5) 1020 hours - Near Melaka sighted a 250 tons coaster bearing 280°. Enemy course was 120°. Instructed Seadog through SST about how to attack.
1030 hours - Surfaced 1600 yards on the Port bow. Seadog also surfaced but then 1600 yards on the Starboard bow. In 10 minutes the coaster was blasted to pieces. Shalimar expended 53 rounds during this action.
Instructed Seadog to deal with a large junk to the seaward while Shalimar would take care of two 20 tons junks through demolition charges and ramming.
1210 hours - Joined company with Seadog and retired to the North. (10)
7 Aug 1945 (position 3.04, 99.58)
HMS Shalimar (Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) sank a coaster with gunfire in the Malacca Strait.
(All times are zone -6.5) 1000 hours - Sighted a 150 tons coaster bearing 180° near the mouth of the Asahan River. Enemy course was 310°. Distance was 4 nautical miles.
1030 hours - Surfaced in position 03°04'N, 99°58'E and opened fire on the coaster from 2000 yards. After 26 rounds the coaster was well ablaze. Retired to seaward. (10)
12 Aug 1945
HMS Shalimar (Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (4th in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (10)
4 Sep 1945
HMS Shalimar (Lt.Cdr. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) departed Trincomalee for the U.K. where she arrived at Portsmouth on 23 October 1945. She was placed in reserve at Harwich on 30 October 1945. (19)
Sources
- ADM 173/18338
- ADM 173/19338
- ADM 173/18339
- ADM 173/18340
- ADM 173/18725
- ADM 173/18727
- ADM 173/18726
- ADM 173/18728
- ADM 173/1828
- ADM 199/1872
- ADM 173/18729
- ADM 173/18730
- ADM 173/18731
- ADM 173/18732
- ADM 173/19643
- ADM 173/19644
- ADM 173/19645
- ADM 173/19647
- ADM 199/2570
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
You can help improve officers William Gordon Meeke's page
Click here to Submit events/comments/updates for this officer.
Please use this if you spot mistakes or want to improve his page.