George Robson Colvin DSO, DSC, RN
| Birth details unknown | |||
| Died | 10 Mar 1943 | HMS Tigris (N 63) | |
| Ranks
Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for George Robson Colvin, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS H 43 (N 43) | Lt. | Submarine | 15 Apr 1940 | 13 Sep 1940 |
| HMS Sunfish (N 81) | Lt. | Submarine | 23 Sep 1940 | Aug 1941 |
| HMS Graph (P 715) | Lt. | Submarine | 31 Aug 1941 | 10 Oct 1941 |
| HMS Sealion (N 72) | Lt. | Submarine | 12 Oct 1941 | Apr 1942 |
| HMS Tigris (N 63) | Lt.Cdr. | Submarine | 15 Apr 1942 | 10 Mar 1943 (+) |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Submarine HMS H 43 (N 43)
1 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Plymouth. (1)
2 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Plymouth. (1)
3 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Plymouth. (1)
4 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Plymouth. (1)
13 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Plymouth. (1)
14 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Plymouth. (1)
15 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Plymouth. (1)
16 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Plymouth. (1)
17 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Plymouth. (1)
20 May 1940
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Plymouth for her 4th war patrol. She is to patrol off the west coast of Ireland with the ASW trawler HMS Manor (T/Lt. A. Rosling, RNVR).
For the daily positions of HMS H 43 during this patrol see the map below.
(2)
31 May 1940
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Plymouth. (2)
5 Jun 1940
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) is docked at the Devonport Dockyard. (3)
8 Jun 1940
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) is undocked. (3)
12 Jun 1940
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Plymouth. (3)
14 Jun 1940
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Plymouth. (3)
17 Jun 1940
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Plymouth.
[For the period July - October 1940 there are no logs available for HMS H 43, therefore no details of her opertions can be given besides the events listed below during this period.] (3)
4 Jul 1940
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Plymouth with HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. C.B. Alers-Hankey, RN). (4)
6 Jul 1940
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Plymouth for her 5th war patrol. She was to conduct a special operation (Operation Anger). A reconnaissance agent was to be landed on Guernsey. HMS H 43 was escorted out until 2230 hours by HMS Lord Stanhope (Skr. W.R.A. Hicks, RNR).
[No log is available for HMS H 43 for this period so no map for this patrol can be displayed.] (2)
8 Jul 1940
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) landed a reconnaissance agent (Second Lieutenant Nicolle) on Guernsey shortly after midnight. (2)
9 Jul 1940
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Plymouth.
She departed later the same day for her 6th war patrol. She was to conduct a special operation (the second part of Operation Angler). Two reconnaissance agents were to be landed on Guernsey and the agent landed on the 8th had to be taken off. HMS H 43 was escorted out until 2230 hours by HMS Indian Star.
[No log is available for HMS H 43 for this period so no map for this patrol can be displayed.] (2)
11 Jul 1940
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) landed two reconnaissance agents (Second Lieutenants Martell and Mulholland) on Guernsey in the early morning hours. The agent landed on the 8th (Second Leutenant Nicolle) was taken off. (2)
12 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Plymouth. (2)
14 Jul 1940
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Plymouth for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol between Plymouth and the French Coast.
[No log is available for HMS H 43 for this period so no map for this patrol can be displayed.] (5)
15 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at Plymouth. (6)
5 Aug 1940
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Plymouth for her 8th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Brest, France.
[No log is available for HMS H 43 for this period so no map for this patrol can be displayed.] (2)
10 Aug 1940
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 8th war patrol at Plymouth. (2)
12 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Plymouth for Portsmouth. (7)
13 Sep 1940
HMS H 43 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Portsmouth.
After a change of Commanding Officers, in which Lt. Newton took over from Lt. Colvin, HMS H 43 departed Portsmouth for her 9th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the English Channel.
[No log is available for HMS H 43 for this period so no map for this patrol can be displayed.] (8)
Submarine HMS Sunfish (N 81)
26 Sep 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) conducted exercises off Rosyth. (9)
30 Sep 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Rosyth for her 16th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off south-west Norway.
For the daily positions of HMS Sunfish during this patrol see the map below. No position is currently known to us for 11 October 1940.
(10)
13 Oct 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 16th war patrol at Rosyth. (10)
26 Oct 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Rosyth for her 17th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol north of the Shetland Islands for an anti-U boat patrol.
For the daily positions of HMS Sunfish during this patrol see the map below.
(10)
8 Nov 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 17th war patrol at Rosyth. (10)
10 Nov 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Rosyth for Blyth. She was escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (11)
11 Nov 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Blyth. (11)
27 Nov 1940
MS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Blyth for her 18th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol between Stadlandet and Fro Havet, Norway.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Sunfish during this patrol see the map below.
(10)
5 Dec 1940 (position 62.03, 5.06)
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) torpedoed and sank the Finnish merchant Oscar Midling (2182 GRT, built 1889) in Sildegapet, Norway in position 62°03'N, 05°06'E.
1448 hours - Sighted a southbound merchant vessel of about 4000 tons, heavily laden, close inshore, enemy speed 9 knots. Range was 4500 yards. Started attack.
1509 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 4000 yards.
1513 hours - Heard a double explosion. Two large columns of water were observed near the ship. Two hits had been obtained.
1514 hours - Heard a second double explosion. These were two torpedoes hitting the land beyond the ship.
1515 hours - Nothing was seen of the target, it must have gone down very quickly. (10)
6 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) attacked the Norwegian passenger / cargo ship Nordstjernen (1920 GRT, built 1937) with four torpedoes off Stadlandet, Norway in position 62°58'N, 06°50'5"E. No hits were obtained.
1553 hours - While fixing position by shore lights observed a steamer of about 2000 tons bearing 130°. Range was about 3000 yards proceeding northwards at 9 knots. Turned at high speed to attack.
1556 hours - Reduced speed. By this time it was fairly dark and it was difficult to estimate the range and / or size of the target. Since she was buring navigation lights and was not darkened it was more east to judge her course. She appeared to be a steamer of 2000 tons with passenger accomodation, and since Sunfish had only one more day in the area, Lt. Colvin decided to attack.
1602 hours - Fired four torpedoes from an estimated range from 2000 yards in position 62°58'N, 06°50'5"E. However at the moment of firing the target altered course and all torpedoes missed. The ship continued on her way, the attack most likely be unnoticed. (10)
7 Dec 1940 (position 62.10, 5.05)
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Norwegian merchant Dixie (1715 GRT, built 1937, offsite link) off Stadlandet, Norway in position 62°10'N, 05°05'E.
1501 hours - Sighted a tanker of about 4000 tons steering north (Dixie had the engine aft and bridge amidships, therefore Lt. Colvin thought the target was a tanker). Started attack. Range on sighting was 6000 yards.
1509 hours - Sighted a small vessel about half a mile astern of the tanker. Sighted a 3000 tons merchant vessel of about 3000 tons astern of this coaster. Continued the attack on the tanker, the best target.
1516 hours - In position 62°10'N, 05°05'E fired four torpedoes at the tanker from 3000 yards.
1521 hours - Observed the tanker to be listing but not sinking. All torpedoes had now been expended. The coaster remained near the tanker.
Set course to return to base. (10)
10 Dec 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 18th war patrol at Blyth. (10)
27 Dec 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Blyth for her 19th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol between Fejeosen and the Buefjord, Norway.
For the daily positions of HMS Sunfish during this patrol see the map below.
(10)
8 Jan 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 19th war patrol at Blyth. (10)
24 Jan 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Blyth for her 20th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Skagerrak.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Sunfish during this patrol see the map below. Mo daily positions are known from 1 February 1941 onwards as there is no log available for February 1941.
(10)
27 Jan 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) landed a Norwegian agent near Lindesnes, Norway. (10)
30 Jan 1941 (position 58.11, 8.32)
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) attacked what is thought to be a tanker with four torpedoes near Kristiansand, Norway in position 58°11'N, 08°32'E. No hits were obtained.
[We consider it unlikely that the target was a medium-seized Norwegian tanker, most likely it was a smaller engine-aft coastal transport vessel.]
1315 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 020°, range 6 nautical miles. Closed to investigate.
1328 hours - The contact was now seen to be a medium seized ship. Closed at high speed to attack.
1348 hours - The target was now seen to be a 4000 to 5000 tons tanker flying the Norwegian flag. Enemy course 220°, speed 12 knots.
1353 hours - In position 58°11'N, 08°32'E fired four torpedoes from 4000 yards. No hits were obtained. Two torpedoes exploded on hitting the coast beyond the target. (10)
2 Feb 1941 (position 58.02, 6.46)
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) attacked but missed the German merchant Hanau (5892 GRT, built 1921) with four torpedoes near Lister, Norway. Sunfish was then hunted by the German auxiliary minesweeper M 1108 but she mananged to escape without damage.
1120 hours - Sighted a 2000 tons merchant ship crossing astern on an easterly course. Started attack. Enemy course was 105°, speed 8 knots.
1131 hours - In position 58°02'N, 06°46'E fired four torpedoes from 1200 yards. The torpedoes must have been sighted as the enemy altered course. The first torpedoes narrowly missed her stern.
1134 hours - Sighted an A/S trawler approaching from the eastward at high speed.
1136 hours - The trawler started dropping depth charges but Sunfish managed to escape without damage. (10)
5 Feb 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 20th war patrol at Blyth. (10)
7 Feb 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) was taken in hand at Blyth for repairs to her A/S dome. (12)
10 Feb 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) was docked at Blyth. (13)
13 Feb 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) was undocked. (13)
23 Feb 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Blyth for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Mollusc (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Aldworth, RN) until 0440/24 when HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN) took over the escort. (13)
24 Feb 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow after conducting W/T trails with HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN). (13)
25 Feb 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Scapa Flow for her 21th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Vestfjord, Norway to participate in a raid on the Lofoten Islands (Operation Claymore).
For the daily positions of HMS Sunfish during this patrol see the map below. No daily positions are known for the period of 25 - 28 February 1941 as there is no log available for February 1941. Besides that we miss the page for 8 March 1941 from the March 1941 log.
(10)
3 Mar 1941
In the evening, HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN), acted as beacon to guide in the ships participating in operation Claymore. (10)
11 Mar 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 21th war patrol at Blyth. (10)
26 Mar 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. She departed later the same day for her 22th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay.
For the daily positions of HMS Sunfish during this patrol see the map below.
(10)
14 Apr 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 22th war patrol at Portsmouth. (10)
18 Apr 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN), HMS L 27 (Lt. H.N. Edmonds, DSC, RN) and HMS H 50 (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSC, RN) all departed Portsmouth for passage to Sheerness. The latter however was forced to return to Portsmouth shortly after departure with engine defects. (14)
19 Apr 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Sheerness. (14)
20 Apr 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) and HMS L 27 (Lt. H.N. Edmonds, DSC, RN) both departed Sheerness for passage to Blyth in convoy FN 56. (14)
21 Apr 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Blyth. (14)
24 Apr 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) shifted from Blyth to Wallsend-on-Tyne where she was to refit at the Swan Hunters shipyard. (14)
Submarine HMS Graph (P 715)
29 Sep 1941
U 570 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Hvalfjörður, Iceland for Barrow. She made the passage under her own power escorted by HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN). (13)
3 Oct 1941
U 570 (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Barrow where she was to undergo repairs before a full series of trials could commence. (13)
Submarine HMS Sealion (N 72)
22 Oct 1941
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Portsmouth for Scapa Flow.
For the daily positions of HMS Sealion during the passage from Portsmouth to Polyarnoe, northern Russia, see the map below.
(15)
24 Oct 1941
At 0720 hours, HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN), made rendez-vous with HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN) to the south-west of the Lizard. They then proceeded north up the Irish Sea. (15)
27 Oct 1941
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (15)
28 Oct 1941
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Polyarnoe, Russia. (15)
6 Nov 1941
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Polyarnoe. (16)
12 Nov 1941
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Polyarnoe for her 21th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off northern Norway.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Sealion during this patrol see the map below.
(17)
15 Nov 1941 (position 71.06, 26.54)
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) attacked the Norwegian merchant Bessheim (1774 GRT, built 1912) in approximate position 71°06'N, 26°54'E with one torpedo which missed the target.
(All times are zone -3) 1010 hours - Sighted an A/S trawler proceeding to the westward.
1025 hours - When in position 047°, Svaerholt Klubben, 8 nautical miles sighted a merchant vessel of about 1200 to 1500 tons crossing the entrance of the Lakse Fjord and observed that the trawler that was sighted 15 minutes earlier formed one of the escorts of three or four of these vessels. Range was 7000 - 8000 yards. Started attack.
1045 hours - Fired one torpedo from 5500 to 6000 yards. It missed. Enemy course was 265°, speed 7 knots. No counter attack followed. (17)
18 Nov 1941 (position 71.00, 27.01)
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) sank the Norwegian tanker Vesco (331 GRT, built 1926, offsite link) off the Laksefjord, Norway in position 71°00'N, 27°01'E.
(All times are zone -3) 1051 hours - When in position 053°, Svaerholt Klubben, 5 nautical miles sighted a merchant vessel of about 1000 tons. Started attack.
1127 hours - Sighted another merchant vessel that appeared to be bigger so shifted target. This new target was however soon seen to be much smaller then first thought but as it was seen to be a small diesel tanker which was deeply laden it was decided to go ahead with the attack due to her valuable cargo.
1142 hours - Fired three torpedoes from 600 - 800 yards. All torpedoes missed.
1147 hours - Surfaced in position 71°00'N, 27°01'E for gun action. Range was 1500 yards. The first round was already a hit. Fifteen rounds were fired for several hits in the engine room. The crew then abandoned ship so fire was ceased while their boat got clear. The boat was ordered alongside and the Master and the Second Engineer, who was wounded, were taken on board. Gunfire was re-opened. Twenty-two rounds were fired from close range and the ship was soon on fire.
1208 hours - Dived and cleared the area. (17)
20 Nov 1941
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 21th war patrol at Polyarnoe. (17)
1 Dec 1941
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Polyarnoe for her 22th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off northern Norway.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Sealion during this patrol see the map below.
(17)
5 Dec 1941 (position 71.07, 27.54)
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) torpedoed and sank the Norwegian merchant Island (638 GRT, built 1918, offsite link) north of Mehavn, Norway in position 71°07'N, 27°54'E.
(All times are zone -3) 1145 hours - Sighted an unescorted merchant vessel of about 1200 tons bearing 267°, range 6000 yards. Estimated enemy course 110°, speed 11 knots. Started attack.
1201 hours - In position 71°07'N, 27°54'E fired three torpedoes from 900 yards. One hit was obtained.
1250 hours - The ship was seen to sink by the bows. (17)
12 Dec 1941
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 22th war patrol at Polyarnoe. (17)
21 Dec 1941
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Polyarnoe for her 23th war patrol. She was ordered to act as a beacon submarine during Operation Anklet (offsite link).
For the daily positions of HMS Sealion during this patrol see the map below. (No positions are known from 1 January 1942 onwards as there is no log available for this period and the patrol report does not give daily positions.)
(17)
27 Dec 1941
During 27-29 December 1941, HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN), remained in the area where she was to be in to particiate in Operation Anklet. (17)
3 Jan 1942
At 0915 hours, HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN), made rendez-vous with HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). They then proceeded towards Holy Loch. (17)
5 Jan 1942
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 23th war patrol at Holy Loch. (17)
8 Jan 1942
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Holy Loch for Portsmouth. During the passage south through the Irish Sea she was escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). (18)
3 Feb 1942
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Portsmouth for her 24th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Brest.
No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (17)
14 Feb 1942
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 24th war patrol at Portsmouth. (17)
23 Feb 1942
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Portsmouth for Holy Loch. (18)
27 Feb 1942
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (18)
4 Mar 1942
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She was escorted by HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN). (18)
6 Mar 1942
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (18)
7 Mar 1942
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Lerwick for her 25th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off central Norway.
No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (17)
19 Mar 1942
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 25th war patrol at Lerwick. She returned from patrol with serious defects to her port main motor. (17)
25 Mar 1942
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. (18)
27 Mar 1942
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (18)
7 Apr 1942
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Holy Loch for Blyth where she was to refit. She made the passage together with HMS Tuna (Lt. M.B. St. John, RN). They were escorted by HNoMS Draug. (18)
9 Apr 1942
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Blyth. (18)
12 Apr 1942
HMS Sealion (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) was taken in hand for refit at Blyth. (19)
Submarine HMS Tigris (N 63)
21 Jul 1942
With her refit completed, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN), departed from Plymouth for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN).
23 Jul 1942
Around 0800A/23, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Holy Loch for a period of trials and training. (20)
27 Aug 1942
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) is docked at Ardrossan. She was undocked later the same day. (21)
31 Aug 1942
Around 0630A/31, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed from Holy Loch for Lerwick. She makes the passage together with HMS P 614 (Lt. D.J. Beckley, RN) and HMS Sturgeon (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN).
The submarines were escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (18)
2 Sep 1942
Around 0800A/2, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Lerwick. She departed Lerwick around 1700A/2 for her 15th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Northern Norway to provide cover for Convoy PQ 18 to northern Russia.
[no log is available so no map can be displayed.] (22)
10 Sep 1942 (position 69.12, 15.18)
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) fires five torpedoes at the German heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper (thought to be battleship Tirpitz) in approximate position 69°12'N, 15°18'E. All torpedoes fired missed the target.
The enemy force consisted, besides of the above mentioned heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper, the heavy cruiser Admiral Scheer, light cruiser Koln. They were escorted by the destroyers Z 4 / Richard Beitzen, Z 23, Z 27, Z 29 and Z 30.
1330A/10 - While in position 034°, Anda Lighthouse, 9.8 nautical miles (approximately 69°12'N, 15°18'E) sighted a HE-115 aircraft flying across the entrance to Gavl Fjord. Shortly afterwards she was seen to fly to the South until out of sight.
1340A/10 - Sighted the fore-top of a German heavy ship bearing 190°, range about 9 to 10 nautical miles. One HE-115 aircraft was seen to fly overhead. Started overhead.
The single HE 115 aircraft was circling ahead of the ships and was now getting very close so at 1346 hours went to 40 feet.
1349A/10 - Returned to periscope depth. It was seen that the enemy main units were in line abreast.
1351A/10 - The HE-115 aircraft was now almost directly overhead so went to 40 feet again.
1354A/10 - The aircraft had now gone past. It was not seen again. Continued the attack.
1414A/10 - Fired five torpedoes against the Tirpitz (this was actually the Admiral Hipper) from 7000 yards. Enemy speed was 28 knots. No hits were obtained. One of the torpedoes exploded shortly after firing (most likely when the pistol was armed). The four other exploded in the wake of the German task force. (22) 20 Sep 1942 At 1908A/20, HMS Tigris changed course to proceed to patrol in zones K 153 and K 154 (near Andenes, Norway to the north of Harstad) as ordered in FO(S)'s signal timed 1800A/20. (22) 27 Sep 1942 1 Oct 1942 3 Oct 1942 4 Oct 1942 6 Oct 1942 6 Nov 1942 7 Nov 1942 15 Nov 1942 25 Nov 1942 29 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 5 Dec 1942 At 0057A/5, the HE was crossing to the south-west. All torpedo tubes were made ready and course was altered to close.
At 0104A/5, what are thought to be three destroyers were seen to pass ahead at an estimated range of 5 nautical miles. Their course was about 230° at about 22 knots.
At 0118A/5, HE faded out on bearing 230°.
Most likely this was 'Force Q' which conducted an anti-shipping raid during the night of 4/5 December 1942. Force Q at that time was made up of the light cruisers HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, CB, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), HMS Argonaut (Capt. E.W.L. Longley-Cook, RN) and the destroyers HMS Eskimo (Capt. J.W.M. Eaton, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN).
At 1638A/5, HMS Tigris received Capt. S 8's signal timed 0940A/5, ordering her to shift patrol to the Naples area. Course was altered to comply. (22) 6 Dec 1942 (position 38.10, 8.35) 0143A/6 - In position 38°10'N, 08°35'E the Officer of the Watch (Lt. R.G. Sampson, RN) sighted a vessel broad on the Port bow. This he instantly and correctly judged to be a submarine end-on. Lieutenant Sampson immediately swung Tigris towards under full helm(she was doing 12.5 knots), gave the alarm and reduced speed. At the moment Lt.Cdr. Colvin arrived on the bridge the two submarines were practically head on, range about 1200 yards. It was obvious that the other vessel was a submarine steering towards. As P 219 was known to be returning from patrol and might very well be the submarine encountered an immediate attack was out of the question.
0145A/6 - Stopped both engines and when about to make the challenge when the other submarine altered course to port. Range was 600 yards and Lt.Cdr. Colvin was now able to identify the submarine as enemy. She closely resembled a German type 7 U-boat.
0146A/6 - Fired two torpedoes from 600 yards. The first torpedo ran under the stern of the enemy the second torpedo hit between the conning tower and the stern. Tigris closed the scene and rescued one Italian officer and three ratings. (22) 8 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 9 Dec 1942 HMS Tigris then lost depth control and took a bow down angle. The dive could only be checked at 300 feet but after 3 minutes started to sink deeper to 350 feet. This all made quite a bit of noise and the enemy surely must have picked it up. There was no other choice then to blow ballast and after some time a stable trim was caught and held at 90 feet. The enemy dropped three depth charges but these were only small and were also dropped astern.
[We have been unable to identify this 'MAS(B)-boat'.]
At 1847A/9, HMS Tigris received Capt. S 10's signal timed 1240A/9 ordering submarines on patrol near Naples to new positions. HMS Tigris was to patrol in position 258° - Punta Carena (Capri Island) - 10 nautical miles until 1100B/9. Course was set accordingly. (22) 10 Dec 1942 At 1205A/10, HMS Tigris, received Capt. S 10's signal timed 1051A/10, ordering her to patrol in position 300°- Carena Point - 14 nautical miles. Course was set accordingly.
At 1415A/10, an auxiliary A/S schooner was sighted to the north t a range of 4 nautical miles. She was steering west. Course was altered to pass astern of the schooner. Later HMS Tigris altered course to the west to avoid ending up in one of the other submarines billet. Range to the A/S schooner was kept at a minimum of 4 nautical miles.
At 1752A/10, when about to surface, the A/S schooner, which had been laying stopped to listen, was heard to start it engine(s).
At 1800A/10, the schooner was seen to close HMS Tigris on bearing 035°.
At 1810A/10, the bearing of the schooners HE was steady on 35°. Revs. were counted at 220. HMS Tigris turned away to port at slow speed and went to 70 feet.
At 1821A/10, the schooner was very close. Revs. were now counted as 130.
At 1843A/10, HE faded out on bearing 230°. HMS Tigris subsequently surfaced at 1859A/10.
At 1920A/10, Turbine HE was picked up at 200 revs. bearing 045°. On this bearing the land background of Ischia Island made it impossible to see clearly whereas Tigris was silhouetted against the light horizon with a setting moon. Tigris therefore dived. HE was not heard again but Tigris remained dived to allow the moon to set.
At 2040A/10, Tigris surfaced in position 232° - Imperatore Lighthouse - 6.5 nautical miles. Course was then set to position 260° - Imperatore Lighthouse - 7 nautical miles where it was hoped to be able to charge undisturbed and where the point of arrival of inward bound shipping as mentioned in Capt. S 8's signal timed 1258A/5 could also be covered.
[We have been unable to identify these small vessels.] (22) 11 Dec 1942 At 0200A/10, HMS Tigris completed charging. Course was then set on 090° to proceed to the patrol position.
At 0357A/10, a darkened vessel was seen to the south steering to the north-west. HMS Tigris turned towards to close.
At 0405A/10, the vessel was seen to be an A/S schooner. HMS Tigris altered away and resumed her original course.
At 0408A/10, faint HE was picked up on bearing 070° but nothing was visible against the land background of Ischia Island. HMS Tigris altered course to 025°.
At 0438A/10, definite HE was picked up bearing 075°. Diesel at 140 revs.
At 0441A/10, HE was increasing on the same bearing. HMS Tigris dived in position 225° - Imperatore Lighthouse - 4 nautical miles and altered course to 320°. HE continued to be heard on the same bearing until around 0530A/10. The vessel appeared to be circling. Perhaps it was HMS P 247 (Lt. M.G.R. Lumby, DSC, RN).
0630A/10, HMS Tigris altered course to 180° to close the patrol position.
At 0645A/10, two A/S schooners were seen to the southward. HMS Tigris therefore retired to the northwards. These two schooners patrolled to the south and east of Imperatore Lighthouse throughout the day. HMS Tigris therefore patrolled to the north of the route between Ischia and Ventotene Island.
At 1818A/10, HMS Tigris surfaced in position 335° - Imperatore Lighthouse - 12.5 nautical miles. Nothing further had been seen all day.
[We have been unable to identify these small vessels.] (22) 12 Dec 1942 At 1900A/12, HMS Tigris surfaced in position 337° - Imperatore Lighthouse - 13 nautical miles. Course was then set to the south-west to charge.
At 2200A/12, HMS Tigris set course for Algiers as ordered in Capt. S 10's signal timed 1950A/11.
[We have been unable to identify these small vessels.] (22) 16 Dec 1942 27 Dec 1942 2 Jan 1943 14 Jan 1943 [No log is available so no map can be displayed.] (22) 21 Jan 1943 (position 40.32, 18.45) The Citta di Genova, which was en-route from Patras to Bari, was carrying 200 military personnel and 158 Greek PoWs. 173 men are killed or missing, the survivors are picked up by the auxiliary Eolo and a fishing vessel.
1030A/21, Sighted a 3-masted schooner of about 500 tons proceeding on course 110° at 7 knots. It was a tempting gunnery target but Lt.Cdr. Colvin decided not to do so in the hope something bigger would show up. A dummy attack with the stern tube was then made on her.
1250A/21 - Sighted a medium seized merchant vessel bearing 116°. Distance was about 5 nautical miles. Started attack.
1313A/21 - In position in position 40°32'N, 18°45'E fired four torpedoes from 1200 yards. One torpedo was seen to hit the ship under the funnel 63 seconds after firing the first torpedo. The ship swung 90° to Starboard and lost way. Boats were lowered very promptly and the target was seen to settle down slightly on an even keel with no list.
1315A/21 - Tigris turned to port to retire.
1320A/21 - The target appeared not to be settling any deeper so decided to finish her off with another torpedo.
1325A/21 - Fired the stern tube. The target was hit 78 seconds later and she immediately dipped sharply by the bows. The whole after part lifted clear of the water. She went down in a vertical dive 90 seconds later. (22) 23 Jan 1943 This was was most probably the T 1 (ex-Yugoslav) who sailed from Teodo at 0710B/23 and arrived at Durazzo at 1520B/23.
At 1045A/23, the torpedo boat dropped a listening charge about 2 miles to the north-west and then went past about a mile to the seaward of HMS Tigris.
At 1120A/23, the torpedo boat was lost from sight to the south-east.
At 1140A/23, a small northbound coaster, in ballast and of about 600 tons, was sighted passing to the inshore of HMS Tigris.
At 1230A/23, a small northbound coaster, in ballast and of about 900 tons, was sighted passing to the inshore of HMS Tigris.
Both coasters were suitable gun targets but Lt.Cdr. Colvin decided not to engage with the gun in the hope something bigger would show up. (22) 24 Jan 1943 (position 41.55, 19.08) Cassala was escorted by the Italian (former Yugoslav) torpedo boat T 1 and proceeding from Durazzo to Teodo. The torpedo boat combed the tracks and dropped all her sixteen depth charges in three runs, claiming the submarine sunk.
1057A/24 - Sighted a merchant vessel of about 2500 tons, escorted by a Partenope class destroyer approaching from the South-East. Range was about 6000 yards. Started attack.
1113A/24 - In position 41°55'N, 19°08'E fired four torpedoes from 3000 yards. All missed as it appeared the targets speed was overestimated. Tigris went to 80 feet after firing. Tigris was hunted by the destroyer for about half an hour in which 14 depth charges were dropped single or in pairs.
1330A/24 - Came to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. Went deep again and retired to seaward. (22) 27 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) On surfacing at 2000A/27, course was set to comply with these orders. (22) 28 Jan 1943 This convoy was most probably the one made up of the transports Ascianghi (Italian, 610 GRT, built 1921), Apuania (Italian, 275 GRT, built 1917), Vesta (Italian 3351 GRT, built 1923) and Raffio (Italian, 316 GRT, built 1912) escorted by the auxiliary Rovigno. They sailed from Valona at 0500B/28 and arrived at Brindisi at 1400B/28. (22) 30 Jan 1943 On surfacing HMS Tigris set course for the Straits of Otranto. (22) 31 Jan 1943 At 1250A/31, HMS Tigris sighted smoke bearing 320°. This turned out to be three small trawler-type vessels, apparently in line abreast, steering a course of 115° along the Brindisi - Corfu route at not more then 5 knots. Avoiding action was taken by HMS Tigris which remained at periscope depth. The vessels passed three nautical miles to the northward at 1430A/31.
On surfacing at 1840A/31, HMS Tigris set course to return to the Cape Dukato area.
[We have been unable to identify the small vessels sighted on this day.] (22) 1 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 4 Feb 1943 18 Feb 1943 [No log is available so no map can be displayed.] (23) 22 Feb 1943 27 Feb 1943 Six officers and fifty-six ratings are missing after the submarine failed to return from patrol. Sources ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
At 0018A/20, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) left patrol to return to Lerwick.
At 2037A/27, on surfacing after a day's submerged patrol, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) left patrol to return to Lerwick as ordered in FO(S)'s signal timed 1926A/26. (22)
Around 1905A/1, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 15th war patrol at Lerwick. She departed for Methil around 2015A/1, escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). (22)
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Methil. (21)
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Methil for Sheerness. She made the pasage in convoy FS 25. (18)
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Sheerness. She then proceeded to Chatham Dockyard for repairs and the fitting of RDF (radar). (21)
With her repairs completed, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed from Sheerness for Portsmouth. (18)
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. She departed for Gibraltar around 1345A/7. En-route she is diverted for a short patrol in the Bay of Biscay to intercept a German blockade breaker but she sighted nothing. (18)
Around 1300A/15, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (21)
Around 1600A/25, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed from Gibraltar for her 16th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She is to perform an anti-U-boat patrol to the south-west of Sardinia. (22)
Around 2300A/29, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived in position Z (38°01'N, 07°30'E). She then commenced to patrol within 20 nautical miles from this position. (22)
At 0055A/5, in position 37°56'N, 07°37'E, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) picked up HE at 220 revs. bearing 110°.
The Italian submarine Porfido was torpedoed and sunk about 90 nautical miles north-north-east off Bone (Annaba), Algeria in position 38°10'N, 08°35'E by the British submarine HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN).
Around 1350A/8, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived in her patrol area near Naples. (22)
At 1415A/9, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN), which was patrolling near Ischia Island, picked up HE and saw a motor A/S boat appear over the horizon coming out of the direction of Ventotene Island. The boat crossed to the south of HMS Tigris but then turned straight towards. HMS Tigris then went to 120 feet. The MASB , which up to then had been doing around 15 knots stopped on the submarines starboard beam and remained there for about 15 minutes. It then passed directly overhead and then stopped on the port beam.
At 0750A/10, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) sighted two masts about 8 nautical miles to the eastward. A ship was rounding Carena Point bound north. HE was picked up at 180 revs. It appeared to be a small ship and may even have been an auxiliary schooner.
At 0137A/10, diesel HE at 180 revs. was picked up by HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, DSC, RN). This was thought to be an A/S schooner passing to the southward.
At 0510A/12, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, DSC, RN) dived in position 337° - Imperatore Lighthouse - 11 nautical miles. She then set course to the south, skirting the west coast of Ischia Island about 4 to 5 nautical miles from the shore to proceed to the patrol position. Again two A/S schooners were seen on the line of advance. HMS Tigris then commenced to work round them to the west and the south.
Around 1140A/16, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 16th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. She was escorted in by HMS Stornoway (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.R. Fraser, RNR) which had joined at 0925A/16. (22)
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed from Algiers for Malta. (21)
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. At Malta HMS Tigris is docked before she proceeded on her next patrol. [Dates not known to us.] (21)
Around 1300A/14, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, DSC, RN) departed from Malta for her 17th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Greece and the lower Adriatic.
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Citta di Genova (5413 GRT, built 1930) in the Strait of Otranto about 25 nautical miles west of Saseno Island in position 40°32'N, 18°45'E.
At 1030A/23, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, DSC, RN) which was patrolling near Bar, sighted what was thought to be an ex Yugoslav torpedo boat approaching from the north-west at about 12 knots. She stopped several times for about 20 minutes dropping listening charges.
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, DSC, RN) fires four torpedoes against the Italian water tanker Cassala (1771 GRT, built 1902) near Ulcinj, Montenegro, Yugoslavia in position 41°55'N, 19°08'E. All torpedoes missed their target.
Around 1220A/27, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, DSC, RN) received Capt. S 10's signal timed 1051A/27 ordering her to patrol in the Cape Dukato area on the west coast of Greece.
At 0930A/28, when in position 40°32'N, 18°46'E, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, DSC, RN) sighted a convoy bearing 190° at a range of about 10 nautical miles. The convoy was proceeding on an estimated course of 290° and was made up of merchant vessel of about 4000 tons and four smaller vessels of which only some masts and smoke could be seen. No air escort was seen.
At 1200A/30, while patrolling in the Cape Dukato area, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, DSC, RN) sighted the mast of a small vessel leaving Denata Bay steering northwards close inshore. Nothing further was seen for the remainder of the day.
At 0445A/31, in position 40°20'N, 18°57'E, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, DSC, RN) sighted a small vessel fairly close on the port bow, bearing 330°. Visibility was poor. HMS Tigris dived. HE was heard to cross ahead, 60 revs, reciprocating. It faded out on bearing 070°. It was at first thought to have been a patrol vessel but more likely it was a small ship bound for Corfu.
On surfacing at 1810A/1, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, DSC, RN) left the Cape Dukato area to return to Malta. (22)
Around 1130A/4, HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 17th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. She was escorted in by HMS Hythe (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Miller, RN). (22)
HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, DSC, RN) departed from Malta for her 18th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea off Naples, Italy.
At 2330B/22, the Italian merchant vessel, Teramo (1599 GRT, built 1920, former French Marie-Therese le Borgne) reports being attacked by a submarine with gunfire and torpedoes in 41°21'N, 12°53'E (near Cape Circeo). The torpedo boat Cigno sails from Naples to her assistance. If this attack was genuine there is a remote possibility that the attacker was HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) but the place of the attack is well to the north of her patrol area making this unlikely.
The auxiliary submarine chaser UJ 2201 (Flotilla leader) is towing to Naples UJ 2209, which had been damaged by air attack, in company with UJ 2210 when, at 1047B/27 February, in Quadrat CJ 6782 (south of Capri, approximately 40°27'N, 014°18'E), UJ 2201 detects a submarine echo at over 3000 meters. UJ 2210 (Leutnant zur See der Reserve Otto Pollmann) is ordered to investigate. At 1053B/27, the submarine chaser obtains a good echo at a distance of 2400 meters bearing 110° and turns sharply to starboard. The echo is clear at it appears the submarine is trying to take evasive action at 6 knots. Contact is lost at a distance of 180 meters but at 1114B/27, UJ 2210 drops a first pattern of five depth charges set at 70, 70, 90, 120 and 120 meters. More depth charges will follow and contact will be renewed and finally after a last pattern of 15 depth charges dropped at 1234B/27, an oil slick is observed. The hunt is finally ended at 1530B/27 when contact was lost. It is believed that this attack accounted for HMS Tigris.
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