• Home
• The U-boats
• The Men
• The Allies
• Maps
• Forums
• Articles
• Gallery
• Books
• Movies
• WWI

Allies in WWII

• Ships hit by U-boats
• Allied Warships
• Allied Commanders
  • Listing of officers
  • Decorations
  • Personal info
• Ships & Navies
• Aircraft & Air Forces
• Weapons & Techn.

Career information

He was the son of Vice-Admiral Hon. Edmund Rupert Drummond and Lady Evelyn Frances Butler.

Ralph was educated at St Aubyn’s, Rottindean and the naval college at Dartmouth.

Submarine HMS H 32 (N 32)

4 Aug 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rodgers, RN) and HMS Anemone (Lt.Cdr. P.G.A. King, RD, RNR). (1)

5 Aug 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rodgers, RN), HMS Anemone (Lt.Cdr. P.G.A. King, RD, RNR), HMS Parrsboro (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.C.L. Gaussen, RNVR) and HMS Wedgeport (T/Lt. G.L. Fetherstonhaugh, RNR). (1)

8 Aug 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Clover (Lt.Cdr. F.A. Shaw, RNR), HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN) and HMS Abelia (T/Lt. F. Ardern, RNR). (1)

9 Aug 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Bideford (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Moore, RNR), HMS Landguard (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) R.E.S. Hugonin, RN), HMS Hastings (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Philpott, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Londonderry (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, RN). (1)

10 Aug 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with ships from the 40th Escort Group and HMS Cowdray (Lt.Cdr. C.W. North, RN). (1)

11 Aug 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Stork (Cdr. G.N. Brewer, RN), HMS Marigold (Lt. J.A.S. Halcrow, RNR), HMS Samphire (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Renny, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Cowdray (Lt.Cdr. C.W. North, RN). (1)

12 Aug 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Cowdray (Lt.Cdr. C.W. North, RN), HMS Narcissus (Lt. W.G.H. Bolton, RNR) and FFS Renoncule. (1)

13 Aug 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Clare (Lt.Cdr. L.H. Landman, RN) and HMS Cowdray (Lt.Cdr. C.W. North, RN). (1)

19 Aug 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Monkshood. (1)

20 Aug 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Walney (Lt.Cdr. P.C. Meyrick, RN), HMS Aberdeen (Lt. S.G. Rivers-Smith, RN), HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. A.E.T. Christie, OBE, RN), HMS Hartland (Lt.Cdr. G.P. Billot, RNR) and HMS Clare (Lt.Cdr. L.H. Landman, RN). (1)

21 Aug 1942
During 21/22 August 1942 HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with USS Madison, USS Lansdale, USS Hilary P. Jones, USS Charles F. Hughes and USS Plunkett. These also included night exercises. (1)

23 Aug 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with USS Lansdale, USS Plunkett, HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. A.H.T. Johns, RN) and HMS Yestor (Lt. R.C. Holt, RNVR). (1)

25 Aug 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Yestor (Lt. R.C. Holt, RNVR) and HMS Beverley (Lt. R.A. Price, RN). (1)

26 Aug 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Yestor (Lt. R.C. Holt, RNVR), HMS Beverley (Lt. R.A. Price, RN), USS Babbitt, USS Spencer, HMCS Collingwood (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W. Woods, RCNR) and HMCS Trillium (T/Lt. P.C. Evans, RCNR). (1)

27 Aug 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with USS Babbitt. (1)

30 Aug 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Carnation (Lt. A. Branson, RNR). (1)

31 Aug 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Folkestone (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G.C. Gibson, OBE, RN), HMS Wellington (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN) and HMS Black Swan (Cdr. T.A.C. Pakenham, RN). (1)

3 Sep 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMCS Amherst (T/Lt. H.G. Denyer, RCNR), HMCS St. Croix (A/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Dobson, DSC, RCNR), USS Nicholson and USS Ludlow. (2)

4 Sep 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMCS Amherst (T/Lt. H.G. Denyer, RCNR), HMCS St. Croix (A/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Dobson, DSC, RCNR), HMCS Ottawa (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A. Rutherford, RCN), HMCS Sherbrooke (T/Lt. J.A.M. Levesque, RCNR), HMCS Arvida (T/Lt. A.I. MacKay, RCNR) and HMCS Brandon (T/Lt. R.J.G. Johnson, RCNVR). (2)

5 Sep 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Clematis (T/Lt. C. Morrison-Payne, RNVR) and HMS Gentian (Lt. F.M. Osborne, DSC, RANVR). (2)

8 Sep 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMCS Brandon (T/Lt. R.J.G. Johnson, RCNVR). (2)

9 Sep 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Weston (Cdr. L.F. Durnford-Slater, RN) and HMS Hyderabad (Lt. S.C.B. Hickman, DSC, RNR). (2)

10 Sep 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HNoMS Molde, HMCS Dauphin (T/Lt. R.A.S. MacNeil, RCNR) and HMCS Brandon (T/Lt. R.J.G. Johnson, RCNVR). (2)

11 Sep 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMCS Dauphin (T/Lt. R.A.S. MacNeil, RCNR), HMCS Brandon (T/Lt. R.J.G. Johnson, RCNVR), HMCS Drumheller (A/Cdr. G.H. Griffiths, RCN) and Morden (T/Lt. J.J. Hodgkinson, RCNR). (2)

16 Sep 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Fame (Cdr. R. Heathcote, RN). (2)

17 Sep 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMCS Galt (T/Lt. A.D. Landles, RCNR), HMCS Agassiz (A/Lt.Cdr. B.D.L. Johnson, RCNR), HMCS Sackville (T/Lt. A.H. Easton, RCNR) and HMCS Wetaskiwin (Lt.Cdr. G.S. Windeyer, RCN). (2)

18 Sep 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMCS Wetaskiwin (Lt.Cdr. G.S. Windeyer, RCN). (2)

19 Sep 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HNoMS Montbretia and HNoMS Potentilla. (2)

21 Sep 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Bradford (Lt.Cdr. J.N.K. Knight, RN) and HMS Spey (Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR). (2)

24 Sep 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Beagle (Cdr. R.C. Medley, RN), ORP Garland (Lt.Cdr. H. Eibel), HMCS Chambly (T/Cdr. J.D. Prentice, DSO, RCN), HMCS Napanee (T/Lt. S. Henderson, RCNR) and HMCS Eyebright (Lt. H.C.R. Davis, RCNR). (2)

25 Sep 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Beagle (Cdr. R.C. Medley, RN), ORP Garland (Lt.Cdr. H. Eibel) and HMCS Eyebright (Lt. H.C.R. Davis, RCNR). (2)

26 Sep 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Anchusa (A/Lt.Cdr. D.M. Gibb, RNR), HMS Monkshood (Lt. G.W. McGuiness, RNR) and HMS Snowflake (Lt. H.G. Chesterman, RNR). (2)

27 Sep 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rodgers, RN) and HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. W.B. Piggott, OBE, RD, RNR). (2)

30 Sep 1942
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) departed Londonderry for Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS Blackfly (T/Lt. A.P. Hughes, DSC, RNR). (2)

1 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (3)

5 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. Upon returning to Rothesay Lt. Gordon took over command from Lt. Drummond. (3)

Submarine HMS Sickle (P 224)

28 Nov 1942
P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Birkenhead for Holy Loch. (4)

29 Nov 1942
P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch for a period of trials and training. (4)

30 Nov 1942
P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (4)

1 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted full power trials on the Arran measured mile following which she was commissioned at Holy Loch. (5)

3 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (5)

4 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (5)

5 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (5)

6 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (5)

7 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted echo sounding trials in the Clyde area. (5)

8 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery and S.T.U. (mine detection) trials in the Clyde area. (5)

12 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to the torpedo firing range at Arrochar.

Later this day she conducted torpedo disharge trials there. (5)

13 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (5)

14 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (5)

15 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) shifted from Arrochar to Loch Goil where she conducted noise trials. (5)

16 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) shifted from Loch Goil to Holy Loch. (5)

17 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials in the Clyde area. (5)

19 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (5)

20 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. On completion of these exercises she proceeded to Loch Goil. (5)

21 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. On completion of these trials P 224 proceeded to Holy Loch. (5)

22 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Campbeltown. (5)

23 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Campbeltown. On completion of these she proceeded to Holy Loch. (5)

26 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (5)

28 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course). (5)

29 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course). (5)

30 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course). (5)

31 Dec 1942
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course).

[No logs are available for January, February and March 1943.] (5)

9 Jan 1943
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made the passage together with HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) and HMS P 314 (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Qualicum (T/Lt. F.S. Tolliday, RNR). (6)

11 Jan 1943
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) arrived at Lerwick. Later the same day she departed Lerwick for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Norwegian coast near position 64°45'N, 09°27'E (Trondheim area).

For the daily positions of HMS P 224 during this patrol see the map below.

(7)

20 Jan 1943 (position 64.54, 9.32)
At 0014 hours, a submarine was sighted in position 64°54'N, 09°32'E and HMS P 224 attempted to close at full speed but gave up after fifteen minutes. The silhouette appeared to be that of HMS Trident. (7)

21 Jan 1943
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) is ordered to a new patrol position off Northern Norway (70°50'N, 21°56'E). (7)

26 Jan 1943
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) is ordered to return to Lerwick. (7)

31 Jan 1943
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. (7)

8 Feb 1943
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for Rosyth. She made the passage South together with HrMs O 15 (Lt. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN), FFS Junon (Cdr. J. Querville, RN) and ORP Sokol (Lt.Cdr. J. Koziolkowski). They were escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). (6)

10 Feb 1943
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) arrived at Rosyth. (8)

14 Feb 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Rosyth for Chatham where she was to be fitted with R.D.F. (radar) before being sent to the Mediterranean. (8)

16 Feb 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) arrived at the Chatham Dockyard. (8)

15 Mar 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed the Chatham Dockyard for Portsmouth. (8)

16 Mar 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (8)

4 Apr 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Portsmouth for Portland where she arrived later the same day. She made the passage together with HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) and HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Kingston Turquoise (Ch.Skr. H.E. Dodd, RNR). (7)

5 Apr 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Portland together with HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) and HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Kingston Turquoise (Ch.Skr. H.E. Dodd, RNR).

After a few hours they were ordered to return to Portland due to suspected enemy mining of Lyme Bay. (7)

6 Apr 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Portland together with HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) and HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Kingston Turquoise (Ch.Skr. H.E. Dodd, RNR).

Tuna and Ursula were to proceed to Plymouth. Sickle was to proceed to Gibraltar to join the 8th Submarine Flotilla at Algiers.

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

(7)

10 Apr 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) is ordered to intercept the Italian blockade breaker Himalaya that had left Bordeaux, France for passage to Japan. Her orders to intercept were cancelled later the same day when it became clear the Italian ship had set course to return to Bordeaux. (7)

13 Apr 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (7)

18 Apr 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to perform a work up patrol off Valencia, Spain and to proceed to Algiers afterwards.

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

(7)

23 Apr 1943 (position 39.31, 0.14)
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) fires two torpedoes against the Italian merchant Mauro Croce (1049 GRT, built 1898) off Valencia, Spain. The torpedoes ran under the target and Sickle then surfaced and fired 19 rounds with her deck gun scoring several hits. The action had to be broken off when the gun jammed and could not be cleared.

(All times are zone -1)
0704 hours - Received a signal that the Italian merchant Mauro Croce was to leave Valencia at 0700 hours this morning.

0832 hours - Sighted the Mauro Croce leaving the harbour. Started attack just outside territorial waters.

0910 hours - In position 39°31'N, 00°14'20"E fired two torpedoes from 400 yards. Both ran under. Most likely the range was too close and the torpedoes had not yet gained the correct depth.

0917 hours - Surfaced for gun action. Opened fire with the 3" gun and the Oerlikon. Hits were obtained immediately.

0920 hours - The enemy altered course to reach Spanish territorial waters.

0922 hours - The gun jammed and could not be cleared so the action had to be broken off. 19 Rounds had been fired for 15 hits.

0930 hours - Dived.

According to Italian sources Mauro Croce had three killed and four wounded. The Italian government lodged a protest as it claimed that the attack had occurred in Spanish territorial waters. (7)

27 Apr 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (7)

10 May 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Southern France.

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

(7)

15 May 1943 (position 43.25, 7.25)
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ-2213/L'Heureux (1116 GRT) south of Nice, southern France in position 43°25'N, 07°25'E. She was escorting three vessels in company with UJ 2206 and UJ 2211.

(All times are zone -1)
1114 hours - sighted a very assorted collection of ships rounding Cape Ferrat. The leading ship was a small tanker of about 1500 tons. She had a small funnel aft and was painted blue/grey (UJ-2213/L'Heureux looked like a tanker). An A/S trawler was on her starboard quarter. Another ship was on her port quarter but this ship could not be identified. Four small motor torpedo boats were also nearby. Started attack on the tanker.

1138 hours - Fired 4 torpedoes from 1500 yards. One hit was heard followed by breaking up noises. Sickle had gone to 100 feet upon firing.

1159 hours - An enemy escort appeared to be in contact.

1214 hours - When directly overhead the enemy dropped a pattern of 8 depth charges which were very close causing minor damage. Sickle then went to 350 feet.

1241 hours - The enemy abandoned the hunt.

1346 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight.

UJ 2206 picked up 67 survivors (including 18 wounded), nine were missing. (7)

20 May 1943 (position 42.50, 6.00)
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) attacked the German U-boat U-755 (KL Walter Göing) in position 42°50'N, 06°00'E but her torpedoes missed the target. She was sailing from Toulon for her last patrol.

(All times are zone -1)
2150 hours - In position 42°50'N, 06°00'E sighted a German u-boat bearing 110°. The Officer of the Watch that made the sighting altered course towards.

2155 hours - Fired 6 torpedoes from 4500 yards. Went deep on firing. A loud explosion was heard followed by breaking up noises. It was thought the uboat had sunk but this was not the case. (7)

21 May 1943 (position 43.00, 5.59)
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank German U-boat U-303 (KL Karl-Franz Heine) proceeding on trials south of Toulon, France in position 43°00'N, 05°59'E.

(All times are zone -1)
1456 hours - Sighted a German u-boat leaving Toulon. Started attack.

1510 hours - Fired two torpedoes from about 3000 yards.

1512 hours - Saw one torpedo hit about 30 feet abaft the conning tower. An enormous column of water and smoke was thrown up. She sank in about half a minute. Sickle then went deep and retired to seaward. (7)

25 May 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (7)

30 May 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for Oran. (9)

31 May 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) arrived at Oran. (9)

2 Jun 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) was docked in No.2 dock at Oran. (10)

4 Jun 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) was undocked. She immediately departed Oran for Algiers. (10)

6 Jun 1943
During 6 and 7 June 1943 HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Algiers. These included night exercises. (10)

15 Jun 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Genoa and off the East coast of Corsica.

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

(7)

18 Jun 1943 (position 41.09, 7.03)
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) attacked an enemy submarine with a salvo of 6 torpedoes. No hits were obtained. The submarine was most likely Italian. We have been unable to place a German submarine in that position at that time.

This attack was probably on the Italian submarine Bronzo on her way for a patrol off Bougie. It was not observed.

(All times are zone -2)
1640 hours - In position 41°09'N, 07°03'E sighted an enemy submarine. Range was 4000 yards. Started attack.

1654 hours - Fired 6 torpedoes from 4000 yards. All torpedoes missed. (7)

1 Jul 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (7)

13 Jul 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 5th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Genoa and off the East coast of Corsica.

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

(7)

17 Jul 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) attacked an enemy merchant ship in an escorted convoy 3 nautical miles East of Bastia, Corsica, France. Three torpedoes were fired but all missed.

This convoy consisted of the transports Giglio (1272 GRT, built 1918), Docilitas (1236 GRT, built 1900) and Lezardrieux (865 GRT, built 1922) escorted by the Italian corvettes Cormorano and Danaide and the German minesweepers R 6, R 12, R 13 and R 16.

(All times are zone -2)
1730 hours - Sighted masts of ships approaching Bsstia from the East.

1740 hours - Started an attack on the leading ship of the convoy which consisted of three small merchant ships, all were between 2000 and 3000 tons. The convoy was escorted by what appeared to be a corvette and an E-boat. A seaplane was flying up and down ahead of the convoy.

1808 hours - Fired 3 torpedoes from 500 yards. All missed. The first torpedo most likely missed ahead but Lt. Drummond could find no reason for the other two to miss, possibly they ran under.

1809 hours - Sickle broke surface. She immediately went deep afterwards.

1825 hours - A pattern of 7 depth charges was dropped, rather close.

1848 hours - 18 depth charges were dropped in 18 seconds but fortunately about 2 miles away.

According to Italian sources the minesweepers R 6 and R 12 sighted a periscope and dropped each six depth charges. The hunt was then taken over by the two Italian corvettes but Danaide has a defective sonar and returned to port leaving Cormorano to carry on. At 1850 hours she obtained a contact and dropped 35 depth charges but no debris was observed and Cormorano remained in the area. At 2317 hours she was joined by the fast motorboat VAS 225 and three antisubmarine vessels which had sailed from Bastia. The following evening VAS 225 heard HE and dropped depth charges. They remained in the zone until the early hours of the 19th. An assessment by the Italian Antisom (antisubmarine) section concluded that none of the attacks had caused damage. (7)

18 Jul 1943 (position 43.24, 10.03)
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) sank the Italian auxiliary minesweepers No. G.61/ Costante Neri (100 GRT) and No. R.164/ Rosa Madre (39 GRT) with gunfire 7 miles East of the island of Gorgona, Italy.

(All times are zone -2)
1150 hours - In position 43°24'N, 10°03'E sighted masts. Closed submerged at speed.

1205 hours - The enemy ships turned out to be a small steam tug or trawler and two motor schooners. Enemy course was 180°.

1235 hours - The tug and one schooner altered course 20° towards. The other schooner altered away towards the coast.

1253 hours - Surfaced and engaged the steam tug with the gun. The schooner altered course to the North and made off at full speed.

1302 hours - The tug sank after being hit 35 times. Altered course and set off in pursuit of the schooner that was now 3 nautical miles to the North.

1310 hours - Opened fire on the schooner. The crew immediately abandoned ship.

1318 hours - The schooner sank after about 20 hits. In all 116 rounds had been fired at both targets.

According to Italian sources MAS 525 was sent to their assistance and rescued all the survivors. There were no casualties. (7)

19 Jul 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) sank the Italian auxiliary minesweeper V 131/Angiola Maria C. (65 GRT) with gunfire off Porto Vecchio, Italy.

(All times are zone -2)
0835 hours - A schooner approached from the East. It remained in the vicinity for three hours. She appeared to follow Sickle around and was most likely an A/S vessel.

1135 hours - A second schooner approached from the East. The first schooner closed her and at 1225 hours she made off to the South-West.

1308 hours - Closed the second schooner to 400 yards. After inspection decided for gun action.

1314 hours - Unfortunately the periscope was sighted by one of the schooners crew. This did not result in the Italians taking offensive action but in them abandoning ship !!!

1319 hours - Surfaced.

1327 hours - Secured alongside. A boarding party removed as much as possible that could be of any use.

1344 hours - The schooner was set on fire. An explosive charge had also been placed in the bilges.

1352 hours - Dived.

1405 hours - The schooner blew up and sank. (7)

21 Jul 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Italian merchant Alfredo Oriani (4307 GRT, built 1942) 8 nautical miles West-North-West of Elba. She was on a trip from La Maddalena to Genoa. Two hours earlier, Oriani had survived an attack by torpedo bombers.

(All times are zone -2)
1016 hours - Sighted a modern looking merchant ship of about 6000 tons escorted by a destroyer approaching to the West. The destroyer was later seen to be a torpedo boat of the Climene-class [actually it was Calliope]. Started attack.

1028 hours - Fired 4 torpedoes from 1400 yards. One hit was obtained.

1044 hours - A pattern of 12 depth charges was dropped fairly close.

1105 hours - Another pattern of 12 depth charges was dropped.

1130 hours - Another pattern of depth charges was dropped.

1205 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The merchant ship was stopped four nautical miles to the North and the torpedo boat was circling her. Sickle then commenced reloading the torpedo tubes while closing at speed. The torpedo boat soon took the damaged merchant ship in tow.

1338 hours - Fired two torpedoes at the merchant vessel while she was under tow. Range was 2500 yards. Both missed.

1341 hours - Fired another torpedo which hit.

1344 hours - Went deep.

1502 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Was amazed to find the merchant still afloat. A tug had taken her in tow and no less than 4 torpedo boats were now patrolling the area.

1508 hours - The enemy was now being attacked by Allied aircraft but as one of the torpedo boat came nearer went deep again as to not overstay out welcome. This was a very disappointing conclusion having failed to sink this important ship with no less than 7 torpedoes.

Calliope took Alfredo Oriani in tow and two tugs were sailed to assist them and she was reinforced by a corvette. In the afternoon the convoy came again under air attack from torpedo bombers. The torpedoes were avoided but the aircraft strafed Calliope who suffered seven killed and twenty-eight wounded but they managed to reach Portoferraio. (7)

22 Jul 1943 (position 42.54, 9.48)
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) attacked a large enemy merchant vessel to the North-East of Bastia, Corsica, France. This was the German tanker Champagne (9946 GRT, built 1938) on passage from Bastia to Leghorn escorted by SG 11.

(All times are zone -2)
1400 hours - In position 42°54'N, 09°48'E sighted two ships steering south six nautical miles from the Corsican coast.

1405 hours - The ships were identified as an 8000 tons merchant ship in ballast with a 1000 tons ship weaving ahead of her. Started attack.

1425 hours - Fired 2 torpedoes from 1600 yards. A few seconds after firing the target altered course so the torpedoes missed. No counter attack followed. Due to the choppy sea the torpedo tracks were most likely not even seen.

In fact the attack had been observed by both German ships but SG 11 elected not to linger for a depth charge attack and abandon her charge. (7)

28 Jul 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (7)

5 Aug 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) was docked (in the small dock) at Algiers. (11)

6 Aug 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) was undocked. (11)

14 Aug 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) carried out exercises off Algiers. (11)

17 Aug 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 6th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the East coast of Corsica.

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

(7)

28 Aug 1943 (position 42.24, 9.41)
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the German escort vessel SG-10/Felix Henri (2526 GRT, built 1933) east of Corsica, France in position 42°24'N, 09°41'E. With the submarine chasers UJ 2208 and UJ 2209, she was escorting the lighters Vincenzina, Scio and the water tanker Arpino from La Maddalena to La Spezia.

The former fruit transport ship Felix Henri was modified into an auxiliary cruiser by the French in 1940. She was captured by German troops on 14 December 1942 in Marseilles, modified into the fast escort vessel SG-10, commissioned on 1 May 1943 and attached to the 3rd escort flotilla.

(All times are zone -2)
0623 hours - In position 42.23'N, 09.52'E sighted a convoy. This consisted of a 3000 tons camouflaged armed merchant ship, an old 1500 tons merchant ship and a smaller ship astern of her. There were also two escort vessels.

0657 hours - Fired four torpedoes (three were intended) from 800 yards at the armed merchant vessel. Two torpedoes hit the target that sank in less than a minute.

Following this attack in all 35 depth charges were dropped over the next two hours of which the first 5 were fairly close.

Some 122 survivors were picked up, 85 had been killed or missing. (7)

5 Sep 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (7)

11 Sep 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) was docked in No.2 dock at Algiers. (12)

13 Sep 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) was undocked. (12)

19 Sep 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Algiers. (12)

22 Sep 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 7th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Genoa and to perform a special operation.

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

(7)

28 Sep 1943
In the evening HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) landed a party of two Italians near Sestri Levante, Italy (about 20 miles East of Genoa). They are Guglielmo "Mino" Steiner and Fausto Bazzi and their task is to gather information, organize antifascist resistance and the escape of Allied PoWs through Switzerland (special operation LAW). Steiner will be betrayed in March 1944 and shipped to a concentration camp in Germany where he will die in February 1945. (13)

30 Sep 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) attacked a small coaster with 3 torpedoes near Portofino, Italy. No hits were obtained.

This was actually a convoy consisting of Dominante (1100 GRT, built 1891) and Campomisano (344 GRT, built 1917) on passage from Leghorn to Genoa escorted by the German minesweepers R 10 and R 12.

(All times are zone -1)
0740 hours - Sighted a small coaster followed by an E-boat. Started attack.

0818 hours - In position 165°, Portofino Light, 1,5 nautical miles, fired 3 torpedoes from 2500 yards. 2 Explosions followed but as the enemy was seen to be afloat there were most likely torpedoes hitting the shore. The E-boat dropped two depth charges so Sickle went deep. Soon 6 more depth charges were dropped and these were rather close.

The torpedoes had indeed missed, the two German minesweepers dropped depth charges on the submarine. (7)

3 Oct 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) fires three torpedoes against the German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ 2208 off Sestri Levante, Italy. All torpedoes missed their target.

(All times are zone -1)
1302 hours - Sighted a large and well-armed UJ boat. Started attack.

1329 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 800 yards. Shortly before firing the enemy appeared to be in contact. Most likely the torpedoes were evaded. Sickle went deep after firing.

1334 hours - 4 Depth charges were dropped fairly close.

1342 hours - A pattern of 10 depth charged was dropped again fairly close.

1355 hours - Bottomed at 300 feet.

1500 hours - Came off the bottom.

1534 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Sighted the enemy about 5 nautical miles away steering south.

1542 hours - The enemy changed course 180° and returned towards Sickle.

1545 hours - Went deep again.

1550 hours - 2 Depth charges were dropped but these were at least 3 miles away.

1632 hours - A pattern of 7 depth charges was dropped, again 3 miles away.

1810 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. (7)

10 Oct 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (7)

25 Oct 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for Beirut.

For the daily and of HMS Sickle during this passage see the map below.

(14)

31 Oct 1943
At 2130 hours, in position 34°42'N, 34°05'E, HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) reported in contact with a U-boat. The sighting was bogus as no German U-boat was operating in the area. (14)

1 Nov 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Beirut. (15)

9 Nov 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Beirut for Haifa. (15)

10 Nov 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Haifa where she was immediately docked. (15)

11 Nov 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) was undocked. Sickle immediately departed Haifa for her 8th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean.

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

(7)

17 Nov 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) sank the Greek caique Maria (MY 153) with gunfire West of Amorgos island, Greece.

(All times are zone -3)
1655 hours - When 3 nautical miles South of Drima sighted a caique approaching from the East. She was close inshore to Amorgos.

1716 hours - Surfaced at a range of 1000 yards and commenced gun action. After a few hits with the Oerlikon the crew abandoned ship. After 13 hits with the 3" gun had not done enough damage to sink her she was closed to 30 yards and 2 more rounds were put into her which set her ablaze. Now it was seen that 2 of the crew (Greeks) had remained on board. One of them had half his foot shot away. They were recovered from the sea after they had jumped overboard. A small boat was now closed in which was 1 Greek and 1 German. The German was taken prisoner and the 2 Greeks picked up shortly before were put in this boat but not before the injured man's foot was dressed and he got a shot of morphine. The other small boat that got away with 3 Greeks and 4 Germans was left alone. It was not considered wise to take the other 4 Germans prisoner so early in the patrol.

In fact the survivors were five Greeks and three Germans who reached the coast of Naxos, one Greek was killed. (7)

19 Nov 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant (in German service) Giovanni Boccaccio (3160 GRT, built 1919) off Monemvasia, Greece.

(All times are zone -3)
1550 hours - Rounded Cape Monemvasia. Sighted a medium-sized merchant vessel of about 3500 tons at anchor very close inshore in the South-West corner of the Bay. Two patrol vessels were at anchor a few cables away from the merchant vessel. Started attack.

1645 hours - The periscope was sighted by the merchant ship that opened fire with machine guns and a 3pdr gun. The sea was glassy calm.

1646 hours - Fired three torpedoes from 1200 yards. The first two torpedoes hit. The third was not heard to run.

1650 hours - The ship was seen to be over on its side and sinking. The two patrol vessels were closing at speed. Went deep. During the next hour Sickle was hunted but no depth charges were dropped.

Most of the crew of Boccaccio survived, we have no information on casualties at this time. (7)

25 Nov 1943 (position 37.22, 24.15)
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) sank two sailing vessels with gunfire near Milos island, Greece in position 37°22'N, 24°15'E. The two caiques were of Piraeus no. 795 and Samos no. 45 registries.

(All times are zone -3)
0925 hours - Sighted two North bound caiques. They were two-masted and of about 50 tons each with sails fully rigged.

1001 hours - Surfaced at a range of about 900 yards and sank both by gunfire. 36 Rounds in all were fired for 16 hits.

1012 hours - Sighted a seaplane approaching from the West. Dived. (7)

29 Nov 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (7)

13 Dec 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Beirut for her 9th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean and to carry out a special operation.

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

(7)

20 Dec 1943 (position 37.49, 26.34)
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) attacked a German convoy of one F-lighter and two armed caiques with three torpedoes to the North of Samos, Greece. The 2nd torpedo malfunctioned and the attack was spoiled. When Sickle tried to attack with gunfire she was taken under fire by the enemy and had to retire.

These were the submarine chasers UJ 2142 and UJ 2152 escorting MFP 370 from Karlovasi to Piraeus.

(All times are zone -3)
1706 hours - In position 250°, Karlovasi, 6 nautical miles sighted masts approaching from the East. Closed at full submerged speed to attack before it would be to dark.

1728 hours - The enemy was seen to be two armed caiques and one F-class landing craft. One of the caiques was about 100 tons, the other one was much smaller only about 20 tons.

1730 hours - A torpedo attack could not be carried out. It was decided to attack with gunfire after dark.

1818 hours - Surfaced and set off in pursuit of the enemy.

1930 hours - The enemy was seen to be grouped well together so it was decided to attack with torpedoes after all.

1944 hours - Near position 37°49'N, 26°34'E fired 4 torpedoes from 1000-1500 yards. One second after firing the 3rd torpedo there was a colossal explosion about 300 yards ahead of Sickle. A column of spray and smoke arose at least 100 feet above the water. Small bits of explosive began raining down on the bridge. This was caused by a premature explosion of the 2nd torpedo. It undoubtedly effected the running of the 3rd torpedo.

1945 hours - Both caiques opened fire. On board Sickle the gun crews were closed up but as the enemy's gunfire was very accurate from the start it was decided to withdraw. Several hits were obtained by the enemy.

1952 hours - The enemy ceased fire.

1956 hours - Lost sight of the enemy. (7)

21 Dec 1943
In the afternoon, when investigating the harbour of Karlovasi through the periscope HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) observed the German destroyers TA 14 (former Italian Turbine) and TA 15 (former Italian Francesco Crispi) leaving the harbour. A little later Sickle was detected and depth charged. She only sustained minor damage despite some of the depth charges being close. (7)

23 Dec 1943
In the early evening HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) carried out a special operation (Operation Headsman). A party of three Greeks equipped with a wireless set was landed at Kalomos Bay, east coast of Euboea, Greece. This was an SOE operation. (7)

26 Dec 1943
In the evening (1850 and 2230 hours) HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) sank two small Greek sailing vessel with ramming and gunfire east of Mykonos Island, Greece. The crew of both vessels were taken on board.

These vessels have not yet been identified. (7)

2 Jan 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (7)

14 Jan 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Beirut for Malta. She was to proceed to Gibraltar for repairs to her main motors.

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

(16)

19 Jan 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (16)

21 Jan 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. She made the passage in convoy GUS 28.

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

(16)

26 Jan 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar for repairs to her main motors. (16)

26 Feb 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) was docked in No.1 dock at Gibraltar. (17)

5 Apr 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) was undocked. (18)

14 Apr 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted trials inside Gibraltar harbour. (18)

16 Apr 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted trials and exercises off Gibraltar. The exercises included an A/S exercise with HMS Jervis (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, DSO, DSC, RN). (18)

17 Apr 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted trials and exercises off Gibraltar. The exercises included an A/S exercise with HMS Hart (Cdr.(Retd.) M.B. Sherwood, DSO and Bar, RN) and her escort group.

18 Apr 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta. She made the passage East in convoy UGS 38 together with HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) and HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN).

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

(18)

23 Apr 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (18)

28 Apr 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Malta. (18)

29 Apr 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 10th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean. (7)

7 May 1944
At 0521 hours, HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN observed the German transport Agathe escorted by three destroyers entering the Doro Channel but soon disappeared in the fog.

This was indeed Agathe (1579 GRT, built 1922) escorted by the torpedo boats of the 9th Flotilla TA 16, TA 17 and TA 19 on passage from Leros to Piraeus. (7)

8 May 1944 (position 38.02, 24.36)
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) sank three sailing vessels, with gunfire scuttling charges and ramming, in the Doro Channel (between Euboea Island and Andros Island). One of them was Aghios Dionysios (Piraeus no. 2710).

(All times are zone -3)
1700 hours - Surfaced and engaged a 50 tons caique west of Cape Phara. After four rounds the gun jammed and could not be cleared. Sickle now came alongside and it was found that she was full with oranges and lemons. A thousand of these were removed and proved to be a welcome addition to the crew's diet. She had sailed from Khios on May 6th. She was flying the Greek flag with the German control pendant underneath. She was holed and sunk. Sickle then dived.

1859 hours - Surfaced and closed a 40 tons caique which also approached from the North-East. The crew immediately abandoned ship. Went alongside hoping to find more loot. However the cargo consisted of empty oil drums. An explosive charge was fitted but before the fuse could be properly laid an aircraft was spotted nearby.

1928 hours - Dived.

1935 hours - Surfaced and went alongside again to light the fuse.

1948 hours - The caique blew up and sank.

2345 hours - Sighted a caique in position 38°02'N, 24°36'E.

2355 hours - Rammed the caique which was about 20 tons in size and was flying the German control pendant. The three crew were taken on board. (7)

11 May 1944
At 1800 hours (zone -3) HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) bombarded an enemy radar station off Chersonisis, Crete, Greece. At 1804 hours the enemy returned fire and soon three of the bridge crew of Sickle were wounded including the commanding officer so at 1811 the action was broken off and Sickle dived. A large column of smoke was rising from the radar station and it had been hit about 17 times. Some damage must have been done.

The station was Flugmeldung Posten 34, fire was returned by the “Melsa” battery. (7)

13 May 1944 (position 35.55, 25.02)
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) sank the German (former Italian) sailing vessel Fratelli Corrao / EMP 518 with gunfire in position 35°55'N, 25°02'E.

(All times are zone -3)
12 May 1944
In position 35°55'N, 25°02'E sighted a ship fine on the Port bow. Altered course away and came round astern to obtain enemy's course and speed from the radar plot.

2400 hours - enemy course was 020°. It was thought to be an F-class lighter or a small coaster.

13 May 1944
0034 hours - Opened fire at a range of 3000 yards. The first round hit. The third and fourth round also hit and as the range closed the target was hit continuously.

0038 hours - Ceased fire. Closed a small boat which only contained Greeks. The German crew members of the crew had either been killed or were in the water.

0048 hours - Closed the target to 40 yards. She was flying the Nazi-flag and was armed. Opened fire again and set her ablaze. Altogether 62 rounds were fired for 45 hits.

Of her crew of nine Germans and four Greeks, one Greek was killed and a Greek and a German were wounded. The survivors were brought to Santorin. (7)

15 May 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (7)

31 May 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 11th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the North Aegean.

No log is availble for this period so no map can be displayed. (7)

You can help improve officers James Ralph Drummond'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.

• Front page
• About
• Contact us
• FAQ
• Glossary
• What's new

 © 1995 - 2024 Guðmundur Helgason