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Submarine HMS P 511 (P 511)

5 Aug 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Cape Comorin (T/Lt. W.R. Blower, RANVR) and HMS Wallflower (Lt. G.R. Greaves, RNR). Also exercises were held with the boarding party of HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. R. Dyer, RN). (1)

6 Aug 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. R. Dyer, RN) and HMS Wallflower (Lt. G.R. Greaves, RNR). (1)

8 Aug 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Polyanthus (T/Lt. J.G. Aitken, RNR), HMCS Drumheller (T/Lt. L.P. Denny, RCNR), HMS Lagan (Lt.Cdr. (retired) A. Ayre, RNR), HMCS Kamloops (T/Lt. D.M. Stewart, RCNR), HMCS Gatineau (Cdr. P.W. Burnett, RN), HMCS Chambly (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.F. Pickard, RCNR), HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN) and HMS Primrose (T/Lt. P.E. Kitto, RNR). (1)

9 Aug 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Stork (Cdr.(Retd.) G.W.E. Castens, RN), HMS Bazely (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Blackwood (Lt.Cdr. L.T. Sly, RD, RNR) and HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN). (1)

12 Aug 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN). (1)

13 Aug 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMCS Trillium (T/Lt. P.C. Evans, RCNR), HMS Totland (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.E. Tourtel, RNR) and HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN). (1)

14 Aug 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Hotspur (Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN) and HMS Churchill (Lt. A.C.D. Leach, RN). (1)

16 Aug 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Weston (Lt.Cdr. E. Gleave, RNR) and HMS Northern Pride (T/Lt. A.L.F. Bell, RNR). (1)

17 Aug 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Burnham (Lt. C.H. Rankin, RN) and HMCS Skeena (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN). (1)

18 Aug 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMCS Bittersweet (T/Lt. F.B. Brooks-Hill, RCNVR), HMCS Pictou (T/Lt. P.T. Byers, RCNR), HMCS Saskatchewan (Cdr. R.C. Medley, DSO, RN) and HMCS Mayflower (Lt. V. Browne, RCNR). (1)

21 Aug 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Hesperus (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Vesper (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rodgers, RN), HMS Sweetbriar (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R. Edwards, RNVR), HMS Mourne (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Holland, RD, RNR) and HMS Campanula (Lt. T.W. Lewis, DSC, RANVR). (1)

22 Aug 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) and HMS H 32 (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) both departed Londonderry for Rothesay. They were escorted by HMS Kihna (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR). (1)

23 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (1)

7 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

8 Sep 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Rothesay for Tobermory. She was escorted by HMS Blade (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR). (2)

9 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) arrived at Tobermory. (2)

10 Sep 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR) and HMS Foulness (T/Lt. W.E. Mercer, RNVR). (2)

11 Sep 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR) and HMS Odzani (Lt.Cdr. L.A. Sayers, RNR). (2)

12 Sep 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Magpie (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Abram, RN), HMS Odzani (Lt.Cdr. L.A. Sayers, RNR), HMS Onyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.C.L. Gaussen, RNVR) and HMS Cyclamen (T/Lt. W.S. Joliffe, RNR). (3)

13 Sep 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Tobermory for the Clyde. She was escorted by a British trawler (unable to read the name in the log of HMS P 511). (3)

14 Sep 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) arrived at Kames Bay where she was immediately docked. (3)

16 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) was undocked at Kames Bay. She then shifted from Kames Bay to Rothesay. (2)

17 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. (2)

19 Sep 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Lycett, RD, RNR). (2)

20 Sep 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR) and HMS Altair (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) W.R.T. Clements, RNR). (2)

21 Sep 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR). (2)

22 Sep 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H.T. Pitt, RN) and HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (2)

23 Sep 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H.T. Pitt, RN) and HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. H. Crighton, RNR). (2)

26 Sep 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (2)

27 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

28 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

30 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

1 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Campbeltown for Tobermory. She was escorted by HMS Kihna (A/Cdr. (retired) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR). (4)

2 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) arrived at Tobermory. (4)

4 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Betony (Lt. N.B.J. Stapleton, RD, RNR) and HMS Bardsey (T/Lt. V.S. Jeffery, RNVR). (4)

5 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Flint (T/Lt. R. Pakenham, RNR) and HMS Lindisfarne (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR). (4)

6 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Aries (Cdr. W.B. Tanner, RD, RNR), HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN), HMS Betony (Lt. N.B.J. Stapleton, RD, RNR) and HMS Flint (T/Lt. R. Pakenham, RNR). (4)

8 Oct 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Bardsey (T/Lt. V.S. Jeffery, RNVR), HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN) and HMS Flatholm (A/Skr.Lt. J.A. Cornelius, RNR). (4)

9 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN), HMS Aries (Cdr. W.B. Tanner, RD, RNR), HMS Bardsey (T/Lt. V.S. Jeffery, RNVR) and HMS Dorothy Gray (T/Skr. R.H. Maulkinson, RNR). (4)

11 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Flint (T/Lt. R. Pakenham, RNR) and another vessel (unable to read the name in the log of HMS P 511). (4)

13 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Dorothy Gray (T/Skr. R.H. Maulkinson, RNR), another vessel (unable to read the name in the log of HMS P 511), HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN) and HMS Aries (Cdr. W.B. Tanner, RD, RNR). (4)

14 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Tobermory for Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS Kihna (A/Cdr. (retired) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR). (4)

15 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (4)

26 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. (4)

27 Oct 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Spaniel. (4)

28 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with aircraft. (4)

29 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR). (4)

31 Oct 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR) and HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J.B. Henderson, RNR). (4)

1 Nov 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (5)

2 Nov 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (5)

3 Nov 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). (5)

4 Nov 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (5)

5 Nov 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR). (5)

8 Nov 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR). (5)

9 Nov 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. E. Gleave, RNR) and HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J.B. Henderson, RNR). (5)

10 Nov 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR). (5)

11 Nov 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and another vessel (photograph of the log of HMS P 511 is blurred, unable to read the name). (5)

12 Nov 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR). (5)

14 Nov 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(retired) H. Buckle, RN), HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR), HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR). (5)

15 Nov 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR), HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR), HMS Spaniel and HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR). (5)

16 Nov 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR), HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR), HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR). (5)

17 Nov 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR). (5)

18 Nov 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (5)

21 Nov 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR). (5)

22 Nov 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN), HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR) and HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. E. Gleave, RNR). (5)

23 Nov 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (5)

24 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Rothesay. (5)

29 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) was docked at Kames Bay. (5)

3 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) was undocked at Kames Bay. She then proceeded back to Rothesay. (6)

Submarine HMS Severn (N 57)

8 Apr 1944
After a long time of repairs, HMS Severn (Lt. J.F. Michell, RN), conducted trials and exercises off Beirut.

On completion of these exercises Lt. R.H. Bull resumed command from Lt. Michell. (7)

9 Apr 1944
HMS Severn (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted trials and exercises off Beirut. (7)

10 Apr 1944
HMS Severn (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Beirut for Port Said. (7)

11 Apr 1944
HMS Severn (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said where she was to continue her repairs and refit. (7)

19 Apr 1944
HMS Severn (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) is docked in the floating dock at Port Said. (7)

8 May 1944
HMS Severn (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) is undocked. (8)

28 May 1944
HMS Severn (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) is docked again in the floating dock at Port Said. (8)

7 Jun 1944
HMS Severn (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) is undocked. (9)

10 Jun 1944
HMS Severn (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted trials and exercises off Port Said. (9)

11 Jun 1944
HMS Severn (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted trials and exercises off Port Said. (9)

19 Jun 1944
HMS Severn (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted trials and exercises off Port Said. (9)

22 Jun 1944
HMS Severn (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted trials and exercises off Port Said. (9)

24 Jun 1944
HMS Severn (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Port Said for Suez where she arrived later the same day. (9)

25 Jun 1944
HMS Severn (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Suez for Aden.

For the daily positions of HMS Severn during the passage from Suez to Trincomalee see the map below.

(9)

30 Jun 1944
HMS Severn (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden. (9)

3 Jul 1944
HMS Severn (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Aden for Colombo. During this passage her destination was changed to Trincomalee. (10)

16 Jul 1944
HMS Severn (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (10)

7 Aug 1944
HMS Severn (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 22th war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to perform two special operations ('Durian' and 'Likewise').

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

12 Aug 1944
HMS Severn (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) tried to conduct the first of her special operations (Operation 'Durian') but it had to be postponed due to the bad weather. The weather did not impove the next day and the operation had to be cancelled.

0524FG/12, Landfall was made and Severn dived in position 08°50'N, 97°19'E. At 0600FG/12, Great Sayer Island was sighted

0600FG/12, Altered course to 083° towards Perforated Island which was sighted at 0600FG/12. Passage was then made northabout of Perforated Island which was passed at 1400FG/12 at a distance of about one mile in order that close-up photographs could be taken. Course was then set for a point two miles north of Lem Krang Jai.

1845FG/12, Surfaced in position 08°46'N, 98°00'E and commenced closing the coast at slow speed on one engine sounding continuously. The echo sounder gave excellent results so the distance from the shore could be judged accurately by this and by the radar giving the distance and bearing of Perforated Island.

On surfacing the weather was found to be reasonably calm and both the leader of the Durian party and Lt. Bull were of the opinion that if the weather got no worse, the operation would be possible that night. But when almost in the launching position, it started to blow up from the south-west, with heavy intermittent rain, and it was obvious that the landing could not be attempted that night.

2030FG/12, HMS Severn stood out to seaward.

0532FG/13, Dived in position 08°46'N, 98°00'E and closed the coast with a view of carrying out a reconnaissance and taking photographs, but by 0745 hours it was obvious that the visibility precluded any such a thing. As Severn had to be in a patrol position by 0800FG/15 in the northern approaches to Penang at 0800FG/13 course was set to comply with this order. It was intended to return at a later date for a second attempt of conduction operation Durian. (11)

17 Aug 1944
HMS Severn (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) had to cancel the execution of her second special operation (Operation 'Likewise') due to engine defects.

The operational area for Operation Likewise was closed during the night of 15/16 August 1944 and at 0500FG/16 HMS Severn dived 10 miles due west of Pulo Bunting and commenced closing the land. They day was spent carrying out periscope reconnaissance of the area and it was decided that the launching position should be 265°, 4 miles from the southern tip of Pulo Bidan.

A large number of native craft were fishing in the area and Severn spent most of the day dodging them.

At 1900FG/16, Severn surfaced in position 05°45'N, 110°15'E and closed the launching position at slow speed, while the party commenced getting the boats and strores, etc., on deck. The boats were brought up through the fore hatch and the stores through the gun tower, the idea being to train the gun on the beam and lower the stores directly into the boats. One boat was launched and fitted with an engine, but there was too much sea running to accomplish loading and the boat was bumping the ship's side, filling up with water and damaging its engine. It was impossible to embark the stores, as the boat was surging wildly.

An attempt was then made to embark the stores from the fore planes, but this was impracticable again due to the sea running.

By this time it was 2300 hours and it was decided that the operation was impracticable that night. Severn then stood to seaward and dived.

At 0450FG/17, Severn dived in position 05°52'N, 100°01'E and remained further to seaward than the previous day, to avoid the local fishermen.

At 1900FG/17, Severn surfaced in position 05°45'N, 100°12'E and closed the launching position. A new method was used this time and proved highly successful. The story carrying boats were inflated, launched over the side, hauled up onto the fore planes and loaded. The remaining two boats were inflated and left on the top of the casing.

When the time came to launch the boats, the submarine was first trimmed down sufficiently for the two boats on the fore planes to float off. This was accomplished at 2100FG/17.

Infortunately, only one of the outboards could be persuaded to work and this one succeeded in breaking away from its cradle and falling over the side and was lost.

Accordingly, the party was re-embarked in the following manner. The four boats were lined up along one side of the submarine, which was then trimmed down until the casing was awash and the boats floated on. Main ballast tanks were blown and the four boats were left high and dry on the casing. It was then decided the operation had to be abandoned due to the defects. (11)

26 Aug 1944
HMS Severn (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) ended her 22th war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Trincomalee. Once again Severn returned to base with serious engine defects. Besides that her general state was considered very poor and the submarine needed a large refit before she was to be fit to be operationally employed. (11)

28 Aug 1944
HMS Severn (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) accidentaly fired a torpedo from no.8 torpedo tube inside Trincomalee harbour. The torpedo hit and damaged the RFA tanker Broomdale (8334 GRT, built 1937) which was out of action for a few months. (12)

Submarine HMS Clyde (N 12)

11 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
A fire broke out in No.1 battery compartment on board HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN). Four dockyard hands were slightly wounded. Damage to Clyde herself was negligible. (13)

24 Sep 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Fremantle for Trincomalee via Exmouth Gulf. Defects had kept HMS Clyde from being deployed operationally from Australia.

With HMS Severn now out of action and beyond economical repair on the station it had been decided to replace her with HMS Clyde. The Commanding Officer of HMS Severn, was flown to Fremantle to take over HMS Clyde.

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

(13)

27 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) briefly put into Exmouth Gulf to fuel. She continued her passage after a few hours. (13)

5 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (14)

10 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (14)

19 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) served as target for HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) during exercises off Trincomalee. (14)

20 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) served as target for HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) during trials and exercises off Trincomalee. (14)

31 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee with HMS Lewes (T/Lt. M.H. Grylls, SANF(V)). (14)

1 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted trials off Trincomalee. (14)

4 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (14)

6 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (14)

18 Nov 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 29th war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She is ordered to patrol off the west coast of Siam and to carry out two special operations (C.S.O. 54 and C.S.O. 55). These were operations Congress and Balmoral.

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

(15)

22 Nov 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) commenced special operation C.S.O. 54 / Operation Congress.

[No further details currently (Jan. 2019) known to us.] (16)

24 Nov 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) completed special operation C.S.O. 54 / Operation Congress.

HMS Clyde commenced special operation C.S.O. 55 / Operation Balmoral later the same day.

[No further details currently (Jan. 2019) known to us.] (16)

26 Nov 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) completed special operation C.S.O. 55 / Operation Balmoral.

[No further details currently (Jan. 2019) known to us.] (16)

30 Nov 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) ended her 29th war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. She was escorted in by HMS Pathfinder (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Hallifax, RN). (16)

8 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) is docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (17)

12 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) is undocked. (17)

18 Dec 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 30th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She is ordered to patrol off the west coast of the Andaman Islands and to carry out a special operation.

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

(16)

21 Dec 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) commenced special operation C.S.O. 58 / Operation 'Hatch I'. A party of 28 men and 24000lbs of stores was landed on the west side of South Andaman Island.

[No further details currently (Jan. 2019) known to us.] (16)

23 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) completed special operation C.S.O. 58 / Operation 'Hatch I'. (16)

25 Dec 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) ended her 30th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. She was escorted in by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. L.C. Cockrell, RNR). (16)

1 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) is docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (18)

11 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) is undocked. (18)

15 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night exercises. (18)

16 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) returned to Trincomalee on completion of last night's exercises. (18)

18 Jan 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 31st war patrol (4th in the Far East). She is ordered to patrol off the Andaman Islands and to carry out two special operations.

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

(16)

21 Jan 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) commenced special operation C.S.O. 59 / Operation 'Bacon'. A party of four with 2000lbs of stores was landed on the east coast of North Andaman Island.

[No further details currently (Jan. 2019) known to us.] (15)

22 Jan 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) completed special operation C.S.O. 59 / Operation 'Bacon'. She then cleared the area. (16)

23 Jan 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) commenced special operation C.S.O. 60 / Operation Balmoral IV'. The operation was completed later the same day. This was the landing off a further ten members for party in the Mergui area that had been landed there by HMS Clyde in November 1944.

[No further details currently (Jan. 2019) known to us.] (15)

26 Jan 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) ended her 31st war patrol (4th in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (16)

21 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo firing trials inside Trincomalee Bay. (19)

22 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (19)

25 Feb 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 32nd war patrol (5th in the Far East). She is ordered to patrol off the west coast of Sumatra and to conduct a special operation.

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

(16)

1 Mar 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) commenced special operation C.S.O. 63 / Operation Carriage I. A party made up of one Dutch officer, one British officer and four Chinese were to be landed on the west coast of northern Sumatra. The landing failed as the party was ambushed by the Japanese. The whole party was however taken off again.

[No further details currently (Jan. 2019) known to us.] (15)

3 Mar 1945 (position 3.06, 97.14)
At 0907 hours (zone -6.5), HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN), sank a Japanese sailing vessel with gunfire off the west coast of Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies in position 03°06'N, 97°14'E.

4 Mar 1945 (position 4.08, 96.08)
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) sank the Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser Kiku Maru (233 GRT, built 1920) with gunfire off Meulaboh, Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies in position 04°08'N, 96°08.5'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0920 hours - Engaged a Japanese auxiliary patrol vessel inside Meulaboh Bay. Fire was opened from 4000 yards. The trawler, which had been at anchor, was able to get underway due to Clyde approaching on the surface before opening fire as the water was too shallow to dive.

The enemy opened fire but this soon ceased after a hit from Clyde. Several small guns on the shore also opened fire but their fire was inaccurate. The trawler meanwhile was zig-zagging wildly around the bay.

After fourty rounds had been fired the trawler had been hit at least seven times, three of which were hits near the waterline. She was on fire amidships and appeared to be sinking.

0937 hours - The trawler suddenly turned and ran herself up the beach. As fire from shore now increased and became more accurate it was decided not to overstay our welcome and to call it a day. Clyde then strarted to clear the area for deeper water. While doing so twelve rounds were fired at barracks on the shore. Some hits were obtained.

0950 hours - Dived when an aircraft was sighted coming towards. No attack followed.

7 Mar 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) ended her 32nd war patrol (5th in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (16)

19 Mar 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) is docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (20)

24 Mar 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) is undocked. (20)

25 Mar 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 33rd war patrol (6th in the Far East). She is ordered to patrol off the west coast of the Andaman Islands and to conduct a special operation.

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

(16)

28 Mar 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted special operation C.S.O. 70 / Hatch II. A party of 28 and 2 prisoners were evacuated from the west coast of South Andaman Island. The party had been landed by HMS Clyde in December 1944.

[No further details currently (Jan. 2019) known to us.] (16)

31 Mar 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) ended her 33rd war patrol (6th in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (16)

29 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) is docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (21)

5 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) is undocked. (22)

6 May 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 34th war patrol (7th in the Far East). She is ordered to patrol off the west coast of Siam and to conduct two special operations.

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

(16)

7 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) developed defects and set course to return to Trincomalee for repairs. (16)

8 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) arrived at Trincomalee for repairs. (16)

9 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
After repairs had been completed, HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN), departed Trincomalee to resume her 32nd war patrol (7th in the Far East). (16)

12 May 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) commenced special operation C.S.O. 75 / Balmoral VII. This was a supply mission to a party on Chance Island, Mergui that had been landed by HMS Clyde on 23 January 1945.

[No further details currently (Jan. 2019) known to us.] (15)

14 May 1945 (position 9.33, 98.18)
At 1225 hours (zone -6.5), HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN), sank a Japanese sailing vessel of the west coast of Siam in position 09°33'N, 98°18'E. The target was a small sampan of about 10 tons.

15 May 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) completed special operation C.S.O. 75. Besides landing the supplies for party, eight Malay prisoners were taken on board. She then set course to proceed to the area where special operation C.S.O. 76 was to be carried out.

Soon afterwards however the after hydroplanes were found to be defective. Repairs were not possible and course was set to return to Trincomalee. The second special operation therefore could not be carried out. (15)

18 May 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) ended her 34th war patrol (7th in the Far East) at Trincomalee.

It was decided that HMS Clyde was no longer fit for operations given her many defects. She was to be stripped for spare parts and paid off. (16)

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