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Allies in WWII

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Career information

Became a diplomat after the war.

Submarine HMS Otway (N 51)

12 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Otway (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted A/S exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Kingfisher (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) G.H. Gandy, RN) and HMS ML 472. (1)

17 Nov 1942
HMS Otway (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) departed Rothesay for Plymouth. She was escorted by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN). (1)

20 Nov 1942
HMS Otway (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) arrived at Plymouth. It had been intended that she was to proceed to Portsmouth to refit but this was now changed to Barrow. So she now went back north again still escorted by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN). (1)

23 Nov 1942
HMS Otway (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) arrived at Barrow where she was to refit. (1)

Submarine HMS L 23 (N 23)

1 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. J.S. Bridger, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR). (2)

2 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J. Windram, RNR) and HMS Spaniel. (2)

3 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

4 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR). Upon completion of these they both proceeded to Rothesay. (2)

5 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown escorted by HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (2)

6 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

7 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

8 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

10 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

11 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). (2)

12 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (2)

14 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR). (2)

15 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

17 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

18 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. E. Gleave, RNR) and HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR). (2)

20 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (2)

22 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN) and HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Webster, RNR). (2)

Submarine HMS Stubborn (P 238)

18 Feb 1943
Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) departed her builders yard at Liverpool for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt.Cdr. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN). (3)

19 Feb 1943
Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and exercises off the Scottish West coast. (3)

20 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted speed trials on the Arran measured mile following which she was commissioned at Holy Loch. (3)

21 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (3)

22 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (3)

23 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted echo sounding and log trials in Loch Long. (3)

26 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (3)

27 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (3)

28 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (3)

1 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted RDF (radar) exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (4)

2 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted D/F trials in the Clyde area. Following these trials A/S and attack exercises were carried out with HMS Cygnet (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Proudfoot, RN). These included night exercises. (4)

5 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to the torpedo firing range at Arrochar. (4)

7 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (4)

8 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (4)

9 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. On completion of these trials she proceeded to Holy Loch. (4)

11 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) served as target. (4)

12 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted RDF (radar) exercises in the Clyde area with HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt.Cdr. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN). (4)

13 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted A/S exercises in the Clyde area with aircraft. Following these exercises attack exercises were carried out during which HMS Archer (Cdr. J.I. Robertson, RN), HMS Biter (Capt. E.M.C. Abel Smith, RN) and three escorts served as the targets. These included night attack exercises. (4)

14 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (4)

19 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted RDF (radar) exercises in the Clyde area with HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt.Cdr. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN). (4)

20 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Rothesay. (4)

21 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A. E. Johnston, RN) served as target. (4)

22 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Skate (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN) and HMS L'Incomprise (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.S. Deveson, RNR) served as targets. (4)

23 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Skate (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN) and HMS L'Incomprise (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.S. Deveson, RNR) served as targets. (4)

27 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) served as target. (4)

1 Apr 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made the passage North together with HMS Tuna (Lt. D.S.R. Martin, RN) and HMS Universal (Lt. C. Gordon, RN). They were escorted by HMS Tadoussac (T/Lt. J.P. Davies, RNR). (5)

3 Apr 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) arrived at Lerwick. After fuelling she departed later the same day for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Lofoten, Norway.

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

(6)

18 Apr 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) is ordered to take up a patrol position near Jan Mayen Island for a anti-uboat patrol. (6)

25 Apr 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. She departed later the same day for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Kingston Beryl (T/Lt. T.C. Kidd, RNVR). (6)

27 Apr 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (5)

29 Apr 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) is docked at Rothesay. (5)

30 Apr 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) is undocked. (5)

6 May 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) is docked in AFD 7 at Gareloch. (7)

9 May 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) is undocked. (7)

10 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (7)

14 May 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made the passage together with HMS Tuna (Lt. D.S.R. Martin, RN) and HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN). They were escorted by HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR).

At 2345/15 HMS Seadog left the 'convoy' for Scapa Flow while HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) joined for passage to Lerwick. (7)

16 May 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (7)

17 May 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) departed Lerwick for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Norwegian Sea on an anti-uboat patrol.

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

(6)

3 Jun 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Lerwick. (6)

4 Jun 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Tuna (Lt. D.S.R. Martin, RN) and HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR). They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN).

The next moring they were joined by HMS Syrtis (Lt M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN). (8)

6 Jun 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (8)

13 Jun 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) is docked at Rothesay. (8)

14 Jun 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) is undocked. (8)

16 Jun 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Malaya (Capt. J.W.A. Waller, RN) served as target. (7)

21 Jun 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) departed Holy Loch for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay.

The passage South through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Universal (Lt. C. Gordon, RN). They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN).

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

(6)

2 Jul 1943 (position 44.47, -2.55)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) fired 6 torpedoes at the last submarine in line out of a group of 3 German submarines escorted by 2 destroyers. The torpedoes however missed their targets and the attack was not observed by the Germans.

The submarines concerned were U-180, U-518, U-530. The two escorts were identified by Stubborn as 'Narvik-class' destroyers and this was correct as they were Z-24 and Z-32. The German submarines were returning from patrol and were bound for Bordeaux. U-180 was actually returning from the Far East and due to the important cargo carried by this U-boat, the destroyers were sent out to escort it in the Bay of Biscay. The destroyers met U-180 and U-530 in quadrant BF7643 at 0615 hours on 1 July 1943 and were joined by U-518 at 1100 hours in quadrant BF8427.

(All times are zone -2)
0731 hours - Sighted 2 German 'Narvik-class' destroyers to the East. The submarines that were supposed to be with them could not yet be seen in the morning haze. Started attack.

0755 hours - In position 44°47'N, 02°55'W fired 6 torpedoes at the last submarine in line from 1000 yards. No hits were obtained and no couter attack followed. (6)

9 Jul 1943
At 1400 hours (zone -2), HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN), made rendez-vous off Bishops Rock with HMS H 28 (Lt. E.C. Croswell, DSC, RN) and their escort HMS Scimitar (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Cuthbertson, DSC, RNR). They then proceeded together North through the Irish Sea towards Holy Loch. (6)

11 Jul 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Holy Loch. (6)

18 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (9)

25 Jul 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. At Scapa Flow she is to participate in exercises including exercises and practice attacks for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course). (9)

26 Jul 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted attack exercises off Scapa Flow for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Renown (Capt. W.E. Parry, CB, RN) served as target.

Following her service as target HMS Renown conducted gunnery exercises. (10)

27 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course). (9)

28 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. (9)

29 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course). (9)

30 Jul 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course). HMS Danae (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN) acted as target. (11)

31 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow. (9)

2 Aug 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted attack exercises off Scapa Flow during which HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN) served as target.

The cruiser also conducted gunnery exercises and exercises with aircraft. (12)

3 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted attack exercises off Scapa Flow during which HMS Duke of York (Capt. C.H.J. Harcourt, RN) served as target. (13)

4 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with aircraft. (13)

5 Aug 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted attack exercises off Scapa Flow during which HMS Ceylon (Capt. G.B. Amery-Parkes, RN) served as target. (13)

6 Aug 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Danae (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), RHS Themistocles and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN). (13)

7 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMIS Godavari (Capt. J.W. Jefford, OBE, RIN), HMS Savage (Cdr. R.C. Gordon, DSO, RN) and HMS Middleton (Lt. C.S. Battersby, RN). (13)

8 Aug 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Stoic (Lt. P.B. Marriott, DSO, RN), and HMS Sceptre (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, MBE, DSC, RN). They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR). (13)

9 Aug 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (13)

17 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) served as target. (13)

18 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) served as target. (13)

19 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) served as target. (13)

23 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted attack and RDF (radar) exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS White Bear served as target. These included night exercises. (13)

24 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (13)

30 Aug 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) departed Holy Loch for Port HHZ (Loch Cairnbawn). She made the passage together with HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Alecto (Cdr.(Retd.) K.M. Greig, DSO, DSC, RN). (13)

31 Aug 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) arrived at Port HHZ where she was to participate in exercises with midged submarines. (13)

1 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the night of 1/2 September 1943, HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN), conducted special trials (with X-craft) near port HHZ. (14)

3 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the night of 3/4 September 1943, HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN), conducted special trials (with X-craft) near port HHZ. (14)

11 Sep 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) departed from Port HHZ. for her 4th war patrol. She is to tow midget submarine X 7 to the entrance to the Alten Fjord in Northern Norway.

Stubborn and X 7 are part of Operation Source. An attack by six midget submarines on the German battleship Tirpitz.

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

(15)

15 Sep 1943
At 1550 hours the tow between HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) and X-7 (with T/Lt. P.H. Phillip, SANF(V) as passage commanding officer) parted. At 1700 hours the towline was repaired and they proceeded.

At 1715 hours Stubborn sighted X-8 (with T/Lt. J. Stewart, RNVR as passage commanding officer) about 2 miles to the East. Stubborn then set course towards that midget submarine that had her towline also parted and she had lost contact with HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN), the submarine that was to tow her. Stubborn then slowed down and sent out a signal to make rendes-vouz with Sea Nymph. However around 2300 hours contact with X-8 was lost. Sea Nymph however was able to find X-8 and reconnect the tow line. (15)

18 Sep 1943
Around 2015 hours HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) placed the operational crew on board of X-7 and took off the passage crew. But on going ahead the tow parted. It took several hours before the two submarines were again connected together. (15)

20 Sep 1943
At 0105 hours HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) sighted a floating mine but before it could be evaded it got stuck in the towline and slowly made its way towards X-7. It then got stuck on the bow of X-7 until X-7's CO (Lt. B.C.G. Place, DSC, RN) was able to 'kick' it off.

At 2000 hours X-7 slipped and proceeded towards the Soroy Sund. Stubborn then departed the area to take up her patrol position. (15)

28 Sep 1943
At 0058 hours, in position 70°42'N, 22°17'E, HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) made contact with X-10 (T/Lt. K.R. Hudspeth, RANVR). The midget submarine was taken in tow. The operation crew of this submarine was taken on board Stubborn the next evening and the passage crew of X-7 was placed on board the midget submarine. (15)

3 Oct 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) has to scuttle her tow, midget submarine X-10 due to a gale warning she had received. X-10 was scuttled at 2040 hours in position 66°13'N, 04°02'E. (15)

5 Oct 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Lerwick.

She departed later the same day for Holy Loch together with HMS Truculent (Lt.Cdr. R.L. Alexander, DSO, RN) and HMS Syrtis (Lt M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). (15)

7 Oct 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (16)

12 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (16)

16 Oct 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) is docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (16)

20 Oct 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) is undocked. (16)

21 Oct 1943
Around 1830A/21, HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) and HMS Syrtis (Lt M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN) both departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. They were escorted by HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR). (16)

23 Oct 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (16)

25 Oct 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) departed Lerwick for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Northern Norway.

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

(6)

11 Nov 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Lerwick. (6)

14 Nov 1943
Around 1015A/14, HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) and HMS Syrtis (Lt M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. They were escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN). (17)

16 Nov 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (17)

30 Nov 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) and HMS Syrtis (Lt M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN) both conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR) served as target. They also made practice attacks on each other. (18)

3 Dec 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) and HMS Syrtis (Lt M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN) both conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which they made practice attacks on each other. (19)

4 Dec 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) and HMS Syrtis (Lt M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN) both conducted attack and RDF (radar) exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. Also gunnery exercises were carried out on a target that was being towed by HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). (19)

5 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (20)

10 Dec 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made the passage together with HMS Syrtis (Lt M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN), HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) and HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN). They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (20)

14 Dec 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) departed Lerwick for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off central Norway off Kya.

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

(6)

18 Dec 1943 (position 64.36, 10.33)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) attacked an enemy convoy about 10 nautical miles North-East of Kya, Norway. No hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -1)
1110 hours - In position 64°36'N, 10°33'E sighted a convoy bearing 085°. Enemy course was 230°, speed 8 knots. Started attack.

The convoy was seen to consist of 4 merchant vessel of 1500 to 3000 tons and was escorted by 2 trawlers.

1147 hours - Fired 4 torpedoes at the leading ship, a merchant vessel of about 3000 tons, range was 3500 yards. Went to 120 feet after firing. No hits were obtained. A torpedo explosion was heard after about 8 minutes. No depth charges were dropped following this attack. (6)

24 Dec 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Lerwick. (6)

25 Dec 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR). Late the same day, while off Scapa Flow, HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN) also joined. (20)

27 Dec 1943
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (20)

5 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Campbeltown. (21)

6 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) departed Campbeltown for Larne. On leaving the Clyde, HMS ML 249 (T/Lt. H.W. Evans, RNVR), joined as escort. (21)

7 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (21)

8 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) departed Larne for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS ML 249 (T/Lt. H.W. Evans, RNVR) until off the Clyde. (21)

10 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (21)

11 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR) served as the target. These exercises however had to be abandoned due to the bad visibilty. (21)

12 Jan 1944
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) is docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (21)

13 Jan 1944
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) is undocked. (21)

14 Jan 1944
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made the passage North through the Minches together with HMS Vox (Lt. J.M. Michell, RN) that was en-route to Scapa Flow. They were escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN). (21)

16 Jan 1944
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) arrived at Lerwick.

After a few hours she departed Lerwick for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off central Norway off Kya.

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

(6)

26 Jan 1944 (position 64.36, 10.42)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) attacked but missed the Norwegian merchant (in German service) Kong Dag (1862 GRT, built 1923, offsite link) with torpedoes off the Follafjord, west of Namsos, Norway.

(All times are zone -1)
1055 hours - In position 64°36'N, 10°42'E sighted a merchant vessel of 2000-3000 tons escorted by a whaler bearing 070° at a range of 4 nautical miles. Started attack.

1115 hours - Fired 4 torpedoes from 4500 yards. Went to 20 feet upon firing and took avoiding action. Thought to have obtained 2 hits but this was not the case. The whaler searched the area but dropped no depth charges.

Kong Dag was escorted by the German patrol vessel V-6104. (6)

30 Jan 1944
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at Lerwick. (6)

6 Feb 1944
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for her 8th war patrol. Again she was ordered to patrol off central Norway off Kya.

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

(6)

11 Feb 1944 (position 64.35, 10.36)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant Makki Faulbaums (1907 GRT, built 1912) and torpedoed and damaged the Norwegian merchant (in German control) Felix (2047 GRT, built 1907) some 25 miles north-west of Namsos, Norway.

(All times are zone -1)
1058 hours - In position 64°36'N, 10°36'E sighted a convoy of 7 ships with 5 escorts and an aircraft overhead bearing 084 degrees, range 6 to 7 nautical miles. The Merchants were between 2000 to 4000 tons and were all laden. Started attack. During the setup of the attack an M-class minesweeper approached from the South-West, she was using Asdics.

1149 hours - In position 64°35'N, 10°36'E fired 6 torpedoes from a range of 2500 to 3000 yards. 4 Torpedoes were fired at a 3000tons merchant ship and 2 torpedoes at 2 merchant ships of 3000 and 4000 tons that were just beginning to overlap. It is thought this resulted in 4 hits on 3 ships. On firing Stubbons went to 150 feet and took avoiding action.

1153 hours - A counter attack commenced. 34 Depth charges in all were dropped.

1315 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Two escorts were still hunting and the aircraft was also patrolling overhead and was very near Stubborn. Went deep again and decided to retire from the area.

The convoy attacked was made up of the above mentioned merchant ships as well as the German merchants Cambronne (3059 GRT, built 1919, former French), Dalbek (2822 GRT, built 1939), the Norwegian merchants (in German service) Saturnus (956 GRT, built 1930), Grana (1297 GRT, built 1920) and the German tankers Liselotte Essberger (1593 GRT, built 1935) and Feiestein (461 GRT, built 1941). They were escorted by the German patrol vessels V-5715, ND-10, ND-12, ND-33, ND-34 and AF-17. (6)

13 Feb 1944 (position 64.34, 10.38)
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) unsuccessfully attacked a German convoy of 5 ships off the Folda Fjord, Norway. Stubborn fired 6 torpedoes but none found their target. Stubborn is heavily damaged by the German escort ships but eventually manages to escape.

(All times are zone -1)
1045 hours - In position 64°35'N, 10°37'E sighted a convoy bearing 068°. Started attack.

The convoy was made up of 5 merchant vessels, all laden, of 2000 to 4500 tons. They were escorted by 4 trawlers. A minesweepers and a whaler were also patrolling the area as were 2 aircraft.

1148 hours - In position 64°34'N, 10°38'E fired 6 torpedoes from 3000 yards, 4 at a merchant ship of 4500 tons and 2 at a merchant ship of 3000 tons. It is thought that 2 hits were obtained on the 4500 tons merchant vessel and 1 hit on the 3000 tons merchant vessel. (but this was not the case). The results could not be observed as Stubborn had gone deep (150 feet) on firing and took avoiding action.

[The convoy attacked was made up of the following ships: Norwegian merchant (in German service) Svolder (2026 GRT, built 1941), German Merchants Putzig (4906 GRT, built 1924, former British Salmonpool), Ludolf Oldendorf (1953 GRT, built 1903), Eisblink (431 GRT, built ) and German tankers Blexen (715 GRT, built 1942) and Hansa I (493 GRT, built ????). They were escorted by the German minesweeper M-151 and the German patrol vessels V-5704, V-5717, ND-12 and ND-15.

1155 hours - A counter attack was commenced. The hunt was carried out by the M-class minesweeper and 3 of the trawlers. The first 15 depth charges were dropped in the next 20 minutes. These were not close.

1220 hours - The M-class minesweeper obtained a good contact and in the next 15 minutes 36 depth charges were dropped. These were very close. This resulted in the after hydroplanes being jammed hard to dive. Q tank flooded through the outboard vent. The starboard screw was fouled. The main motor was stopped at once as smoke was seen coming from it. Stubborn sank to 390 feet before being stopped by blowing main ballast. There followed an interval spent between 200 and 300 feet trying to catch a trim on main ballast and by moving the hands about.

1310 hours - Broke surface. It appeared that Stubborn was not sighted. The nearest vessel was about 2 nautical miles away. On diving again Stubborn went rapidly down and stopped only at 500 feet. No close attack followed.

1410 hours - 10 Depth charges were dropped but they were not close. Stubborn was kept between 350 and 400 feet.

1445 hours - The rate of rise got out of control and Stubborn again broke surface. The nearest vessel was the M-class minesweeper about 1,5 miles away. Stubborn immediately dived again.

1455 hours - Again she went very rapidly down and at 500 feet main ballast was blown but she kept going down. Shortly afterwards she hit the bottom. She bumped 4 times.

1500 tons - A pattern of 10 depth charges was dropped, very close.

1503 hours - 3 Depth charges were dropped, again very close.

1510 hours - 3 More depth charges were dropped, again they were very close. No more depth charges followed after this attack.

1930 hours - As it was now dark, began trying to surface. There was not enough high pressure air but as pressure inside the submarine was high the compressors were run to top up the H.P. air. The first attempt to surface failed.

2225 hours - After manouvering a bit on the motors blew all main ballast, this time with succes.

2230 hours - Surfaced in position 64°38'N, 10°20'E, just clear of the minefield. Set course to seaward.

See 14 February 1944 for the continuation of the events. (6)

14 Feb 1944
The situation on board HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) was now as follows:

Both engines were running but were vibrating rather a lot.
The port shaft was only giving about half power so it appeared that half of the screw was missing
Stubborn could make about 7 knots. Vibration of the whole submsrine however indicated that the hull was probably distorted.
It was found that a number of hull plates were bulging in between the frames of the pressure hull.
The steering gear was labouring and was used as carefully as possible.
Z tank was leaking but the remainder of the internal tanks appeared to be watertight on the surface.
The main ballast appeared to be leaking slightly and the blower was run every hour.
The starboard motor was out of action.

Lt. Duff decided not to dive. Not even in the event of being attacked by aircraft for the following reasons:
We had no idea how much of the keel was missing and therefore what the trim would be like.
The port screw was giving very little propelling power.
Drastic blowing of the main ballast tanks might well make them far worse.
The vibration of the submarine would be aggravating the various small leaks that had developed while we were on the bottom.

3 German aircraft were seen during the day but fortunately Stubborn was not sighted.

At 1720 hours Stubborn refused to answer the helm.

At 1945 hours Stubborn commenced trying to pass a signal about the situation to F.O.S. (Flag Officer Submarines). This was succesful at 0047 hours the next morning.

See 15 February 1944 for the continuation of the events. (6)

15 Feb 1944
On board HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) it was found out that going ahead with one main ballast tank flooded the submarine steered a mean course out to sea.

around 2100 hours course could not be held and Stubborn was stopped. A signal was then sent to F.O.S. to pass her estimated position and estimated rate of drift. A signal had been received that 4 destroyers had been sent out to search for her and to tow her to safety.

See 16 February 1944 for the continuation of the events. (6)

16 Feb 1944
At 0400 hours, HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN), started to sent out D/F bearings in order to home in HMS Musketeer (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, OBE, RN) and HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN).

1200 hours - Started prepartions on deck to establish a tow line.

1455 hours - In position 64°24'N, 06°36'E sighted HMS Musketeer and HMS Scourse bearing 270°. HMS Scourge was ordered to take Stubborn in tow when the weather became suitable. Lt. Duff writes in his patrol report 'I have never previously appreciated the beauty of a destroyer seen bows-on'.

See 17 February 1944 for the continuation of the events. (6)

17 Feb 1944
At 0335 hours HMS Scourge finally was succesful in the attempt to take HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) in tow.

At 1102 hours hours the tow parted and it was decided that Stubborn would proceed under her own power.

See 18 February 1944 for the continuation of the events. (6)

18 Feb 1944
At 0400 hours, HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN), HMS Musketeer and HMS Scourge were joined by HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN) and HMS Swift (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, RN).

At dawn Beaufighters appeared and remained throughout the day.

HNoMS Narvik was sighted to the westward and joined the 'convoy'.

1600 hours - HMS Meteor and HMS Swift parted company.

See 19 February 1944 for the continuation of the events. (6)

19 Feb 1944
At 1127 hours, HMS Musketeer (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, OBE, RN), took HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) in tow. However the tow parted after 16 minutes. Stubborn then again proceeded under her own power.

1648 hours - HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) now took HMS Stubborn in tow. The tow now held and Stubborn was towed succesfully throughout the night.

See 20 February 1944 for the continuation of the events. (6)

20 Feb 1944
At 0830 hours HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) in tow of HMS Scourge arrived off Lerwick. Tow was then parted and HNoMS Molde then took HMS Stubborn alongside and into Lerwick harbour. (6)

23 Feb 1944
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch in tow of HMS Bandit. They were escorted by HNoMS Narvik. (22)

25 Feb 1944
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (22)

27 Feb 1944
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) is docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (22)

28 Feb 1944
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) is undocked. (22)

12 Mar 1944
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Plymouth in tow of HMS Griper. (23)

15 Mar 1944
HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, DSC, RN) arrived at Plymouth where she was to be repaired and refitted at the Devonport Dockyard. (23)

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