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Submarine HMS H 33 (N 33)

12 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. (1)

13 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (1)

14 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (1)

15 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (1)

16 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (1)

17 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (1)

23 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (1)

24 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (1)

25 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (1)

26 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (1)

27 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Rothesay. (1)

30 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

2 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Ardrishaig. (2)

3 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. (2)

4 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) proceed from Ardrishaig to Campbeltown where she participated in A/S exercises. (2)

6 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

7 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

8 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

9 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

14 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) proceeded from Campbeltown to Rothesay. (2)

15 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) departed Rothesay for Tobermory. (2)

16 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Tobermory. (2)

17 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (2)

18 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (2)

19 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (2)

21 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (2)

22 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) proceeded from Tobermory to Oban. (2)

23 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) returned to Tobermory from Oban. (2)

25 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (2)

27 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (2)

28 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (2)

1 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (3)

2 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (3)

4 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. (3)

5 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) proceeded from Tobermory to Oban. (3)

6 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) returned to Tobermory from Oban. (3)

7 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS H 33 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory. Upon completion of these exercises Lt. Rankin took over command of HMS H 33 from Lt. Favell. (3)

Submarine HMS Otus (N 92)

11 Jun 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) was docked at Gibraltar. (4)

13 Jun 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) was undocked. (4)

3 Jul 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (5)

4 Jul 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (5)

5 Jul 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (5)

6 Jul 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (5)

12 Jul 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta. This was her 1st storage trip.

Otus was not to return to Gibraltar but to proceed to Alexandria where she was to join the 1st Submarine Flotilla.

For the daily positions of HMS Otus during this storage trip to Malta see the map below.

(5)

20 Jul 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Malta. (5)

21 Jul 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) was docked at Malta. (5)

22 Jul 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) was undocked. (5)

24 Jul 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) departed Malta for her 12th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Benghazi and to proceed to Alexandria upon completion of this patrol.

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

(6)

25 Jul 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) is ordered to proceed direct to Alexandria. (6)

27 Jul 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) is ordered to proceed to position 34°25'N, 19°40'E to intercept a southbound Italian convoy (troop transports Neptunia (19475 GRT, built 1932), Oceania (19507 GRT, built 1933) and Marco Polo (12567 GRT, built 1912), escorted by the Italian destroyers Aviere, Geniere, Camicia Nera, Vincenzo Gioberti and Alfredo Oriani). The convoy was not sighted an late in the evening passage to Alexandria was resumed. (6)

31 Jul 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) ended her 12th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (6)

9 Aug 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted engine trials off Alexandria. (7)

13 Aug 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta. This was her 2nd storage trip.

The cargo she had on board was:
3 wardroom passengers
15 other passengers
21760 gallons of 100 octane petrol
10800 gallons of kerosine
6.5 tons of surgical dressings
0,5 ton Army kit and baggage
1 Ursula-class generator
12 small boxes, Ursula-class electrical spares
90 bags of mail and
the baggage of the passengers.

For the daily positions of HMS Otus during this storage trip to Malta and the return passage to Alexandria see the map below.

(6)

14 Aug 1941 (position 32.41, 27.35)
HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. M. Willmott, RN) attacks a submarine with torpedoes about 140 nautical miles north-west of Alexandria in position 32°41'N, 27°35'E. All torpedoes fired fortunately missed their target as the submarine attacked later turned out to be HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN). (6)

20 Aug 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Malta. She arrived with engine defects. (6)

1 Sep 1941
With most of the engine defects repaired, HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN), departed Malta for Alexandria for the return trip of her 2nd storing trip.

The cargo she had on board was: 1 wardroom passenger
14 other passengers
2.25 tons of 4.5" HE ammunition
1.75 tons of 6" BE ammunition (HE)
12 crates of armament stores
1.5 tons of RAF stores
2 crates of personal gear
28 bags of mail and
the baggage of the passengers. (6)

2 Sep 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) is ordered to position 33°50'N, 18°00'E to intercept an enemy convoy from the Strait of Messina to Tripoli. The position Otus was to take up was altered twice during the day, first to 34°42'N, 17°50'E and later to 35°40'N, 18°16'E. Early the next morning this position was changed, for the last time to 35°40'N, 18°08'E. (6)

3 Sep 1941 (position 35.40, 18.07)
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) fires a torpedo at ' what is identified as ' an enemy armed merchant cruiser of 4000 tons in the central Mediterranean about 175 nautical miles east of Valetta, Malta in position 35°40'N, 18°07'E. The torpedo misses its target.

The convoy attacked was made up of the Italian transports Rialto (6099 GRT, built 1927), Vettor Pisani (6339 GRT, built 1939) and Sebastiano Venier (6311 GRT, built 1940). They were escorted by the Italian destroyers Nicoloso da Recco, Folgore and Strale. The convoy had departed Naples at 2200/1 bound for Tripoli via Messina. The target of the attack appears to have been Rialto.

(All times are zone -3)
1345 hours - Sighted two aircraft to the northward, circling round and round, obviously over a convoy. Went to diving stations, blew up the tubes.

1412 hours - Heard HE on the starboard quarter.

1415 hours - Sighted a convoy of three ships in two columns, escorted by three destroyers. Started attack on the leading ship of the starboard column.

Fired four torpedoes at the selected target (thought to be a RAMB-class transport or auxiliary cruiser) from 2000 yards. Two faint dull thuds were heard 1,5 minutes after firing. Went deep on firing and took avoiding action, 16 depth charges followed the attack. Depth charging ceased at 1500 hours.

1600 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight.

1630 hours - Surfaced to pass an enemy report. On surfacing sighted, to our surprise, a ship sinking about 6 nautical miles away with a destroyer in attendance. Crash dived immediately and started to reload the torpedo tubes.

1800 hours - Periscope depth. Nothing in sight.

2042 hours - Surfaced in position 35°49'N, 18°27'E and passed an enemy report.

(6)

11 Sep 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Alexandria. Otus suffered from problems with her main engine clutches which required major repairs. Otus was not fit for operational use and was assigned to exercises duty. (6)

18 Sep 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (8)

24 Sep 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (8)

25 Sep 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (8)

26 Sep 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) departed Alexandria for Port Said. (8)

27 Sep 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Port Said for repairs. (8)

30 Sep 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) was docked at Port Said. (8)

14 Oct 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) was undocked. (9)

12 Nov 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) was docked at Port Said. (10)

27 Dec 1941
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) was undocked. (11)

2 Jan 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) departed Port Said for Alexandria. (12)

3 Jan 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Alexandria. (12)

14 Jan 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Gurkha (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, RN) and HrMs Isaac Sweers (Cdr. W. Harmsen, RNN). (12)

15 Jan 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Havock (Lt. G.R.G. Watkins, DSC, RN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN). (12)

19 Jan 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (12)

20 Jan 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, OBE, RN) and HMS Southwold (Cdr. C.T. Jellicoe, DSC, RN). (12)

22 Jan 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Cumbrae (T/Lt. C.E. Midwinter, RNR) and FFS Vikings. (12)

23 Jan 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison DSO, RN) and HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSO, DSC, RN). (12)

28 Jan 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Farndale (Cdr. S.H. Carlill, RN) and HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSC, RN). (12)

31 Jan 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Griffin (Capt. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO, RN) and HMS Hasty (Lt. N.H.G. Austen, RN). (12)

5 Feb 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (13)

7 Feb 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, OBE, RN) and HMS Southwold (Cdr. C.T. Jellicoe, DSC, RN). (13)

9 Feb 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Kingston Cyanite (Skr. F.A. Yeomans, RNR) and HMS Thorgrim (Lt. J.B. Sparkes, RNR). (13)

13 Feb 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Romeo (T/Skr. W.R.H. Stewart, RNR) and HMSAS Southern Sea (T/Lt A. Thomas, DSC, SANF(V)). (13)

17 Feb 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS HDML 1005 and HMS HDML 1007. (13)

18 Feb 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (13)

19 Feb 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (13)

20 Feb 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Zulu (Cdr. H.R. Graham, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Lively (Lt.Cdr. W.F.E. Hussey, DSC, RN). (13)

24 Feb 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Kingston Cyanite (Skr. F.A. Yeomans, RNR) and HMS Kingston Coral (Ch.Skr. I. Mackintosh, MBE, RNR). (13)

26 Feb 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (13)

3 Mar 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (14)

4 Mar 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (14)

5 Mar 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Heythrop (Lt.Cdr R.S. Stafford, RN) and RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas, RHN). (14)

6 Mar 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN) and HMS Lively (Lt.Cdr. W.F.E. Hussey, DSO, DSC, RN). (14)

7 Mar 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Hyacinth (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F.C. Hopkins, DSC, RNR). (14)

9 Mar 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, OBE, RN) and HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSC, RN). (14)

10 Mar 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Kingston Coral (Ch.Skr. I. Mackintosh, MBE, RNR) and HMS Kingston Crystal (Skr. R. Armstrong, RNR). (14)

14 Mar 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (14)

16 Mar 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Delphinium (Cdr.(Retd.) R.L. Spalding, RN) and HMS Hyacinth (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F.C. Hopkins, DSC, RNR). (14)

17 Mar 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS MA/SB 2 and HMS HDML 1007. (14)

18 Mar 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (14)

20 Mar 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (14)

26 Mar 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (14)

28 Mar 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (14)

31 Mar 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Peony (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) M.B. Sherwood, DSO and Bar, RN). (14)

1 Apr 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with RHS Vasilissa Olga (Lt.Cdr. G. Blessas, RHN) and HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, OBE, RN). (15)

3 Apr 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (15)

4 Apr 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Klo (Lt. M.C. English, RNR) and HMS Falk (Lt. H.S. Upperton, RNR). (15)

6 Apr 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN). (15)

7 Apr 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (15)

8 Apr 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Delphinium (Cdr.(Retd.) R.L. Spalding, RN). (15)

10 Apr 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, OBE, RN) and HMS Hurworth (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, RN). (15)

11 Apr 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Kingston Cyanite (Skr. J.A. Cornelius, RNR) and an HDML. (15)

14 Apr 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Peony (Lt.Cdr.(ret.) M.B. Sherwood, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Gloxinia (Lt. A.F. Harkness, DSC, RNR), HMS Hurworth (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, RN), HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, OBE, RN), HMS Falk (Lt. H.S. Upperton, RNR) and HMS Klo (Lt. M.C. English, RNR). HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, OBE, RN) (15)

15 Apr 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Kingston Coral (Ch.Skr. I. Mackintosh, MBE, RNR) and HMS HDML 1004. (15)

16 Apr 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Sikh (Capt. St.J.A. Micklethwait, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN). (16)

17 Apr 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Kingston Cyanite (Skr. J.A. Cornelius, RNR) and HMS Kingston Coral (Ch.Skr. I. Mackintosh, MBE, RNR). (15)

20 Apr 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Alexandria together with HMS Sikh (Lt. D.E. Cole-Hamilton, DSC, RN) and HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. N.H.G. Austen, RN). (15)

22 Apr 1942
HMS Otus (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (15)

Submarine HMS L 23 (N 23)

23 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (17)

24 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (17)

25 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS L 23 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners. (17)

Submarine HMS Trespasser (P 312)

23 Sep 1942
Around 1030A/23, P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Barrow for the Clyde. She was escorted by HMS Angle (T/Lt. E. Playne, RNVR). (18)

24 Sep 1942
Around 1450A/24, P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Holy Loch from Barrow. Full power, steering and various other trials had been carried out during the passage. (18)

25 Sep 1942
P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted full power trials on the Arran measured mile on completion of which she was accepted from the shipyard. (18)

27 Sep 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (18)

28 Sep 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (18)

29 Sep 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. Also a deep dive trial was carried out. (18)

2 Oct 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted gunnery trials in the Clyde area. (19)

3 Oct 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (19)

4 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (19)

6 Oct 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at Holy Loch. (19)

7 Oct 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at Holy Loch. (19)

8 Oct 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at Holy Loch. (19)

9 Oct 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at Holy Loch. Upon completion of these she proceeded to the torpedo range at Arrochar for further torpedo discharge trials. (19)

10 Oct 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (19)

11 Oct 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (19)

12 Oct 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (19)

13 Oct 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (19)

14 Oct 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (19)

15 Oct 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (19)

16 Oct 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (19)

17 Oct 1942
Having completed her torpedo discharge trials, HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN), proceeded from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (19)

18 Oct 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted telemotor trials in the Clyde area on completion of which D/G trials were carried out of Helensburg. (19)

19 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (19)

20 Oct 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (19)

21 Oct 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (19)

22 Oct 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (19)

23 Oct 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (19)

24 Oct 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted attack exercises off Campbeltown during which HMS La Flore (Lt. P.H. Grieves, RNR) served as the target. HMS P 312 proceeded to Holy Loch on completion of these exercises. (19)

26 Oct 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted special trials in the Clyde area with HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN). (19)

27 Oct 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S and attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Partridge (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, OBE, RN) served as target. (19)

31 Oct 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (19)

2 Nov 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (20)

3 Nov 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (20)

5 Nov 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Holy Loch for her 1st war patrol. She is to patrol of the west coast of Norway, near Alesund, to intercept the German heavy cruiser Admiral Scheer that is moving from Trondheim to the Baltic. Later she patrolled off Northern norway to give cover for convoy QP 15. Passage was made together with HMS P 216 (Lt. A.R. Daniell, DSC, RN) and HMS Trooper (Lt. J.S. Wraith, DSO, DSC, RN). P 216 was en-route to Lerwick while HMS Trooper parted company on the 6th and proceeded to Port HHZ. They were escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). (21)

5 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily positions of HMS P 312 during her 1st war patrol see the map below.

7 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0530A/7, HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) parted company with HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) and proceeded on patrol. (22)

11 Nov 1942
At 0930A/11, HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) sighted the upperworks of a patrol vessel similar to a large trawler. This patrol vessel remained in sight on and off for the entire day. She appeared to be patrolling the entrance to Breidsundet on approximately east and west courses. Also air patrols were seen during the day. [We have so far been unable to identify this vessel, perhaps it was a unit of the 57th VP Flotilla which was based at Alesund but no detailed information of the 57th VP Flotilla is available in German records.]

At 1615A/11, Capt. S 9's signal timed 1504A/11 was received which ordered HMS P 312 to patrol off the North Cape. On surfacing at 1800A/11, course was set accordingly. (21)

25 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0050A/25, HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) received Capt. S 9's signal, timed 2305A/24, ordering her to leave patrol and proceed to Lerwick. (21)

29 Nov 1942
Around 0900A/29, HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. (21)

30 Nov 1942
Around 1330A/30, HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Lerwick bound for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS P 216 (Lt. A.R. Daniell, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Scalby Wyke (Skr. A. Mackay, RNR) until 1300A/1 when HMS Foxtrot took over the escort. (20)

2 Dec 1942
Around 1230A/2, HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Holy Loch from Lerwick. (23)

8 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburg. (23)

11 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Holy Loch. (23)

12 Dec 1942
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course). (23)

13 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) is wiped (degaussed) at Holy Loch. (23)

15 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Holy Loch and D/G trials off Helensburg. (23)

23 Dec 1942
Around 1230A/23, HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Lerwick from Holy Loch. (23)

24 Dec 1942
Around 1600A/24, HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Lerwick for her 2nd war patrol. She is to patrol off Northern Norway, to give cover for convoy JW 51. Later she was ordered to patrol in the Trondheim area to intercept German heavy units.

For the daily positions of HMS P 312 during this patrol see the map below.

(21)

3 Jan 1943
At 1600A/3, HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) received Capt. S 9's signal timed 1641A/3, ordering her to leave patrol P.M tomorrow and to return to Lerwick.

She eventually left patrol on surfacing at 1557A/4. (21)

5 Jan 1943
At 2100A/5, HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) received Capt. S 9's signal timed 1814A/5, ordering her to patrol off Trondheim. During the time she was ordered to patrol of Trondheim her ordered patrol position was modified several times. (21)

13 Jan 1943
At 0754A/13, HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) sighted a bright light in the direction of Grip lighthouse. It was first thought that the lighthouse had turned on its light but then the light was seen to move rapidly towards the submarine and an other light appeared beneath it. It was thought now to be a fishing boat. As it was now beginning to get light HMS P 312 dived and switched off all noisy machinery. No HE was picked up.

0855A/13, came to periscope depth.

0917A/13, sighted the origin of the light about 1500 yards away on the starboard quarter. It was indeed seen to be a fishing vessel. HMS P 312 turned stern on. The fishing vessel then started to make Asdic transmissions so it turned out to be an enemy patrol vessel.

HMS P 312 kept stern on but then another, similar type vessel was sighted about 2500 yards away. One of them then appeared to be in contact for about three minutes but fortunately contact was then lost and they drew astern. Their A/S transmissions were heard on and off for the remainder of the day.

At 1500A/13, Capt. S 9's signal timed 1311A/13 was receivd ordering her to return to Lerwick. Course was set accordingly. (21)

15 Jan 1943
Around 0800A/15, HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Lerwick. (21)

16 Jan 1943
Around 1300A/16, HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Lerwick bound for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS P 49 (Lt. J.P. Fyfe, RN), HMS P 55 (Lt. A.D. Piper, DSC and 2 bars, RNR). They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (24)

18 Jan 1943
Around 1500A/18, HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (25)

19 Jan 1943
Around 1700A/19, HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Holy Loch bound for Plymouth where she is to be taken in hand for repairs at the Devonport Dockyard. Also radar was to be fitted.

Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) and HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN). They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN).

21 Jan 1943
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Plymouth from Holy Loch. (25)

25 Jan 1943
HMS P 312 (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) is taken in hand for repairs and also for the fitting of RDF (radar) at the Devonport Dockyard. (25)

22 Feb 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted RDF trials off Plymouth with HNoMS Eskdale (Lt.Cdr. S.V. Storheill, RNorN), HMS Northcotes (T/Lt. A.G. Hallows, RNVR) and motor launches. (26)

23 Feb 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted RDF trials off Plymouth. (26)

24 Feb 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted RDF trials off Plymouth. (26)

26 Feb 1943
With her repairs and trials completed, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Plymouth around 0815A/26 bound for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HNoMS King Haakon VII. (26)

27 Feb 1943
Around 2355A/27, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (26)

1 Mar 1943
Around 1830A/1, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow.

Around 2130A/1, she joined HMS Usurper (Lt. D.R.O. Mott, DSC, RN), which was also to proceed to Scpa Flow, and HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) coming from Brodick Bay which they had departed around 2100A/1. (27)

3 Mar 1943
Around 1015A/3, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Holy Loch. (27)

5 Mar 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) started the day with A/S exercises with HMS Gleaner (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Hewitt, DSC, RN), HMS Halcyon (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Corbet-Singleton, RN) and several aircraft.

After dinner she makes a full speed trail run on the measured mile. (27)

6 Mar 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) started the day with A/S exercises with the Canadian destroyer HMCS Athabaskan (Cdr. G.R. Miles, DSO, OBE, RCN) and the Free French escort destroyer La Combattante (Lt.Cdr. A. Patou).

After dinner A/S exercises continued but now with HMS Salamander (Lt. W.R. Muttram, RN) and HMS Middleton (Lt. C.S. Battersby, RN). (27)

8 Mar 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) carried out exercises with HMS Usurper (Lt. D.R.O. Mott, DSC, RN), HMS Offa (Capt. J. A. McCoy, DSO, RN) and HMS Middleton (Lt. C.S. Battersby, RN). (27)

9 Mar 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) carries out A/S exercises with the Free French escort destroyer La Combattante (Lt.Cdr. A. Patou) and the British minesweeper HMS Salamander (Lt. W.R. Muttram, RN). (27)

11 Mar 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) carries out A/S exercises with the British destroyer HMS Offa (Capt. J. A. McCoy, DSO, RN), the British escort destroyer HMS Middleton (Lt. C.S. Battersby, RN) and the British minesweeper HMS Salamander (Lt. W.R. Muttram, RN).

Later HMS Trespasser departed from Scapa Flow bound for Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS Tekoura (Skr. G. Main, RNR). (27)

13 Mar 1943
Around 1650A/13, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Rothesay from Scapa Flow. (27)

15 Mar 1943
Around 0630A/15, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) departed Rothesay for Port HHZ. She was escorted by HMS Alecto (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN). (27)

16 Mar 1943
Around 2100A/16, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Port HHZ but she departed to return to Holy Loch after only 1 hour and 45 minutes (around 2245A/16). (27)

18 Mar 1943
Around 0620A/18, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (27)

24 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted log calibration trials in Loch Long. (27)

28 Mar 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) is docked at Rothesay. (27)

29 Mar 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) is undocked and returned to Holy Loch. (27)

30 Mar 1943
Around 1730A/30, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Holy Loch bound for Gibraltar. She made the passage South through the Irish Sea together with HMS Sportsman (Lt. R. Gatehouse, DSC, RN). They were during the passage through the Irish Sea escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). HMS Trespasser joined the other ships around midnight during the night of 30/31 March.

The submarines parted company with their escort around 2100A/1.

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

(21)

11 Apr 1943
Around 1700A/11, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Holy Loch. (21)

21 Apr 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN) and HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN). (28)

23 Apr 1943
During 23/24 April 1943, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN), conducted exercises off Gibraltar, these included night exercises with the Gibraltar defences. On the 24th A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN) and HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN). (28)

1 May 1943
Around 1815B/1, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Gibraltar for her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She is to patrol off Southern France.

On departure exercises were carried out, first A/S exercises with HMS Eggesford (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Austin, RN) and later exercises with aircraft. (21)

1 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily positions of HMS Trespasser during her 3rd war patrol see the map below.

11 May 1943
At 0818B/11, in approximate position 43°08'N, 05°20'E, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN), sighted two eastbound merchant vessels passing out of range, close to the land steering about 115°. They were only seen when clear of Riou Island and an attack was not possible. The second was a ship of about 3000 tons and the first may have been a converted escort vessel.

[We have been unable to identify these vessels.]

Note: The German B-Dienst appears to have deciphered her outward route (see NARA, T1022, roll 2460). ] (21)

12 May 1943
At 0810B/12, in approximate position 43°09'N, 05°20'E, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) sighted what was thought to be a small tanker of about 1000 tons but on closer inspection was seen to be a large trawler. It was sweeping using Asdic and appeared to be very well armed.

[We have been unable to identify this vessel.] (21)

13 May 1943
At 1415B/13, in approximate position 43°09'N, 05°22'E, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) two large A/S trawlers conducting an A/S sweep during which they eventually passed close down the starboard side of the submarine.

At 1930B/13, HMS Trespasser left patrol to proceed to Algiers as ordered in Capt. S 8's signal timed 1610A/12.

[We have been unable to identify these vessels.] (21)

17 May 1943
Around 0845B/17, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Algiers.

She was escorted in by HMS Cava (T/Lt. R.L. Petty-Major, RNVR) which she had met around 0700B/17. (21)

27 May 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Algiers with HMS Stroma (A/Skr.Lt. J.S. Harper, RNR) and HMS Ruskholm (T/Lt. R. Erskine, RNVR). (29)

29 May 1943
Around 1745B/29, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Algiers for her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She is to patrol off Southern France.

On departure A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Eggesford (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Austin, RN) and HMS Whaddon (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN). (21)

29 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily positions of HMS Trespasser during her 4th war patrol see the map below.

30 May 1943
While en-route from Algiers to her patrol area in the Gulf of Lyon HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) fires three torpedoes (in error) at a dead whale. Position was about 30 nautical miles South of Mallorca, Spain.

0438B/30 - Sighted a dark shape on the port bow. The Officer of the Watch went to Night Alarm Stations. The dark shape turned out to be a large dead whale floating on the surface. As Trespasser passed it the first time it was thought to be a boat so Trespasser turned around to have another look. Lt. Favell was about to give the order 'Fall out Night Alarm Stations' when he realized that the torpedo tubes had not been reported as ready. He therefore gave the order 'Report when the tubes are ready'. He then turned his glasses once more at the whale. About 15 seconds later he saw the tracks of two torpedoes leave their tubes (three were fired). The order given was not understood correctly by the TGM (Torpedo Gunner's Mate) and thought to be 'Fire the Port tubes when ready'. The torpedo officer, who could otherwise has stopped this from happening was not in the forward torpedo room as he was at that moment the Officer of the Watch. (21)

5 Jun 1943
At 1150B/5, when in approximate position 43°00'N, 06°01'E, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) sighted what is thought to be an E-boat (motor torpedo boat) proceeding from the Gulf of Giens to a position two nautical miles south of Cape Cepet and then back.

At 1215B/5, another 'E-boat' was seen proceeding from Toulon harbour to the Gulf of Giens.

[We have been unable to identify these vessels.] (21)

6 Jun 1943
At 0727B/6, when in approximate position 42°59'N, 06°02'E, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) sighted what is thought to be a (former) French La Cordeliere-class torpedo boat entering Toulon harbour coming from the eastwards. Range was 9000 yards and as these ships only draw 8 feet. Lt. Favell did not attempt to start an attack.

This must have been the German torpedo boat TA 10 (former French La Pomone) on passage from Genoa to Toulon. (30)

7 Jun 1943
At 0730B/7, when in approximate position 43°02'N, 06°02'E, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) sighted nine motor minesweepers (R-boats) and / or motor torpedo boats (E-boats) as well as a brigantine sweeping the channel from Little Pass in a direction of 302° to the entrance to Toulon Bay, then to position 092° - Cape Cepet - 2 miles and from there in a direction of 180° Freres Isles - 1 nautical mile. They were lost from sight around 0930B/7 when fog descended on the area. The fog lifted at 1045B/7.

At 1515B/7, a large trawler was seen to the south of Cape Sicie. She was later seen to enter Toulon harbour.

[We have been unable to identify these vessels.] (21)

8 Jun 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) fires six torpedoes at a tanker off Marseilles, France. No hits were obtained.

Looking at German sources the convoy must have been the following; three tanker barges Savoie, Norte and Citerna XI. They were escorted by UJ 2214, R 1, R 6, R 7 and R 8. They had sailed from Marseille at 0700 hours and arrived at Toulon at 1355 hours. They did not observe the attack (which was a long range attack, carried out from 6000 yards) but the description of the convoy fairly matches the one given by Trespasser: three tankers escorted by an A/S trawler and several E-boats and if one looks at a map they should have been in the vicinity of HMS Trespasser at that time.

0910B/8 - In position 160° - Cassidaigne Reef - 3.5 nautical miles sighted a large A/S trawler off Riou Island (near Marseilles, France). It appeared to be patrolling up and down. As this was the last day of the patrol Lt. Favell decided to take a shot at it.

1000B/8 - Sighted three tankers and another trawler coming out of the mist. Shifted target to this convoy. Decided to attack the stern most tanker. About six smaller A/S vessels were also observed to be around this convoy.

1014B/8 - Fired 6 torpedoes at the third tanker (thought to be about 4000 tons) and then went deep. Range was 6000 yards.

1018B/8 - Heard one explosion that sounded like a torpedo hitting the target, giving it a running range of nearly 5850 yards.

1021B/8 - Heard five more explosions as the rest of the torpedoes hit the shore. An ineffective counter attack followed by the two A/S trawlers and a couple of smaller A/S vessels. No depth charges were dropped.

1600B/8 - After reloading the torpedo tubes returned to periscope depth to find nothing in sight. Then left patrol as ordered by Capt. S 8 in his signal timed 1616B/6. (31)

12 Jun 1943
Around 0900B/12, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. She was escorted in and had met the escort around 0630B/12. [Identity of the escort not known.] (21)

14 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the morning, around 0800B/14, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) departed Algiers for Oran. (32)

15 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000B/15, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Oran from Algiers. (32)

16 Jun 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) is docked in the floating dock at Oran. (32)

18 Jun 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) is undocked. She then left Oran around 0900B/18 for Algiers shortly afterwards. (32)

19 Jun 1943
Around 0800B/10, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Algiers. (32)

28 Jun 1943
Around 2000B/28, HMS Trespasser (Lt. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Algiers for her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She is to patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea, to the west of Giglio Island, to give cover for the Allied landings on Sicily.

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

(21)

4 Jul 1943 (position 42.22, 10.38)
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) made a torpedo attack on a convoy of two merchant vessels of about 3000 tons, thought to be possibly armed merchant cruisers. No hits were obtained.

These ships were in fact the German auxiliary minelayers Brandenburg and Pommern escorted by auxiliary patrol vessel SG 13 on passage from La Maddalena to Livorno where they were to pick up troop. It was the Brandenburg which reported being that she was missed by a torpedo.

1250B/4 - In position 42°22'N, 10°38'E sighted two ships bearing 206° coming straight towards. The ships were in line abreast and about 1000 yards apart. Turned towards and started attack. Enemy course was 026°

1308B/4 - Fired two torpedoes from 1700 yards. The speed of the targets was estimated at 18 knots. Both torpedoes missed due to a failed setup of the attack. (21)

7 Jul 1943
At 0930B/7, to the west of Giglio Island, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) sighted a small armed trawler passing through the area on a course of 085°. She was not attacked.

[We have been unable to identify this vessel.] (21)

10 Jul 1943
At 2325B/10, to the south-west of Giglio Island, in approximate position 42°14'N, 10°42'E, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) sighted two darkened ships bearing 330°. They were steering 220°. HMS Trespasser commenced to close at speed and the bow torpedo tubes were brought to the ready. The speed of the enemy was estimated at 8 knots. One was at first thought to be a large submarine but when the enemy ships crossed the moons path they were though to be patrol vessels. It also became apparent that HMS Trespasser was much closer than thought.

[We have been unable to identify these vessels.] (21)

11 Jul 1943
At 1310B/11, to the west-north-west of Giglio Island, in approximate position 42°26'N, 10°38'E, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) sighted two ships bearing 160°. When first sighted they looked like small destroyers but later were seen to be large ML-type vessels. When looked at from forward of 30 degrees on the bow they looked like large U-boats. They were patrolling to the west of Giglio on a 250° - 070° course and dropping small depth charges or acoustic charges at intervals. They were not pinging.

It was now thought this must also have been the same vessels that had been seen last night.

Around 1500B/11, the patrol vessels were seen leaving the area westwards. [We have been unable to identify these vessels.]

At 1535B/11, smoke was seen to the southwards. This developed into a large merchant vessel escorted by an auxiliary A/S trawler, possibly an UJ boat. The merchant vessel was very light, half of her propeller was out of the water. Enemy speed was 8 knots. An attack was stated but in the final phase of the attack HMS Trespasser was put down by the escort and hunted for 1.5 hours. No depth charges were dropped though despite the fact that the escort passed overhead three times.

At 1800B/11, HMS Trespasser returned to periscope depth. The merchant vessel was seen 8000 yards to the northward running in circles so that the escort could catch up.

The ships sighted at 1535B/11, were most likely the transport Nino Padre (4171 GRT, built 1913) and her escort, the German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ 2207 on passage from Naples (departed 1550B/10) to La Spezia (arrived 1850B/12) but UJ 2207 was detached to Porto Ferraio earlier. Their speed of advance was 6.5 knots (source Maricotraf, Vol. 15). However, if you plot this on a map, both vessels would have been quite a bit south of Giglio Island, but perhaps there is an error somewhere. (33)

13 Jul 1943 (position 42.20, 9.50)
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) sank the Italian auxiliary patrol vessel V8 / Filippo (242 GRT) with gunfire about 25 nautical miles south of Bastia, Corsica, France.

0900B/13 - In position 42°19'N, 09°56'E, sighted funnel tops bearing 280°. Ran in at speed for 15 minutes but the range could not be closed then 12000 yards. A large trawler could be identified but of the other ship only the funnel top was all that could be seen. The enemy ships were southbound. [We have been unable to identify these vessels.]

1135B/13 - In position 42°20'N, 09°50'E, sighted a large three masted schooner of about 200 tons in position 42°20'N, 09°50'E. She was laying stopped with her stern to a sea anchor or some sort of buoy.

1230B/13 - Surfaced and opened fire on the schooner with the deck gun. The crew of the schooner abandoned ship and the vessel burst into flames.

1447B/13 - Sighted two patrol vessels of the same type that had seen before on this patrol carrying out an A/S sweep in the area. They never gained contact but were a nuisance until the disappeared to the south-west around 2115B/13. This were most likely the Italian corvettes Cormorano and Danaide which were on an A/S sweep. (21)

14 Jul 1943 (position 42.46, 9.49)
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) makes a torpedo attack on an unescorted 6000-ton merchant vessel in approximate position 42°46'N, 09°49'E and misses. One torpedo has a gyro failure and circles near the submarine.

The transport Sassari (Italian (former French Sidi Mabrouk), 2485 GRT, built 1917) had departed Bastia around 0600B/14 for Leghorn where she arrived around 1530B/14. At the same time the Italian naval auxiliary Silvia Onorato (208 GRT, built 1895) had also departed Bastia for Portoferraio (Elba) where she arrived around 1045B/14. From the description of the target given by Lt.Cdr. Favell it was, most likely, the Sassari that was the target.

0800B/14 - In position 42°46'N, 09°49'E sighted a large unescorted merchant vessel bearing 180° at a range of about 11000 yards. Enemy course was 081° at a speed of 9 knots. Ran in at speed.

0830B/14 - Fired four torpedoes from 8100 yards(!) at this merchant vessel which was estimated as being of around 6000 tons. No hits were obtained. One torpedo has a gyro failure and circles near the submarine.

0900B/14 - Sighted a large tanker to the northwards. She had apparently just left Bastia and was steering a course of around 050° and was passing to the south of Capraia Island. This must have been the tanker Champagne (German (former French), 9946 GRT, built 1938) escorted by the German auxiliary patrol vessel SG 10 as they had sailed from Bastia at 0700B/14 for Leghorn.

1015B/14 - Sighted a landing ship (barge) passing 6000 yards to the southwards on a course of 070° at a speed of 10 knots. This may have been the self-propelled German fuel barge Star en-route from Bastia (departed around 0600B/14) to Leghorn.

1130B/14 - Received Capt. S 8's signal timed 0834B/14 which stated that two battleships, a cruiser and a destroyer had been sighted in position 43°54'N, 09°40'E proceeding on a course of 190° at 15 knots. It was decided to keep a full bow salvo of eight torpedoes ready to attack these ships if they may show up.

1330B/14 - A destroyer was sighted passing through the area, looking like one of the Tigre class. Her course was 165°. It was thought this ship may be patrolling ahead of what was to come.

This was most likely the destroyer FR 22 (former French Panthère) who sailed at 0830B/14 from La Spezia for Naples where she arrived at 08745B/15.

1345B/14 - Received Capt. S 8's signal timed 0934B/14 which stated that the previous enemy report had been a false one.

1415B/14 - Sighted three most peculiar ships, whose silhouette was just like a large submarine, to the southward at a range of 8000 yards. Their course was 250°. They were thought to be either patrol craft or landing ships. The range was too great to identify them properly.

[We have been unable to identify these vessels.]

1745B/14 - Sighted the masts and upperworks of two patrol vessels who were carrying out an A/S sweep bearing 210°. Most likely this were the same vessels that had been seen yesterday afternoon. This were most likely the Italian corvettes Cormorano and Danaide who were on A/S sweep. (34)

15 Jul 1943
At 0040B/15, in position 42°30'N, 09°50'E, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) sighted a patrol vessel laying stopped or moving very slowly to the northward. HMS Trespasser turned away to avoid the enemy vessel. [We have been unable to identify this vessel.]

At 1130B/15, in position 42°15'N, 09°58'E, HMS Trespasser sighted the masts and funnel tops of a Leone-class destroyer. HMS Trespasser turned towards and increased speed to close but the destroyer soon disappeared to the southward.

This was possibly the light cruiser Scipione Africano which had sailed from La Spezia at 0616B/15 and was bound for Taranto. (21)

17 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2228B/17, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) surfaced after a day of submerged patrol. She then set course to leave patrol and return to Algiers as ordered in Capt. S 8's signal timed 1456B/15. (21)

23 Jul 1943
Around 0730B/23, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. She had met the escort (identity not known) around 0620B/23. (21)

4 Aug 1943

Convoy GTX 5.

This convoy departed Gibraltar on 4 August 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Avristan (British, 7266 GRT, built 1942), Charles M. Hall (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), City of Lyons (British, 7063 GRT, built 1926), Contractor (British, 6004 GRT, built 1930), Forresbank (British, 5155 GRT, built 1925), Fort Aklavik (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Pine (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), George Shiraz (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Hannis Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Levernbank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925), Limburg (Dutch, 345 GRT, built 1928), Marit Maersk (Greek (former Danish), 1894 GRT, built 1938), Nurjehan (British, 5424 GRT, built 1923) and Pierre Laclede (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942).

The tugs Empire Ace (British, 274 GRT, built 1942) and Empire Denis (British, 274 GRT, built 1943) were also part of the convoy.

Also taking passage in the convoy were the minesweepers HMS BYMS 11 (T/Lt. L. Hutchinson, RNR), HMS BYMS 14 (T/Lt. E.D.J. Cox, RNR), HMS BYMS 24 (T/A.Skr.Lt. A.H.V. Winfield, RNR) and HMS BYMS 209 (T/Lt. P.H. Shorter, RNR).

On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Haydon (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN) and the corvettes HMS Dianella (T/Lt. J.F. Tognola, RNR), HMS Lotus (Lt.Cdr. H.J. Hall, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Poppy (T/Lt. D.R.C. Onslow, RNR) and HMS Starwort (Lt. A.H. Kent, DSC, RNR).

On 5 August 1943, the Pierre Laclede was detached to Oran while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Oran; Argonne (French, 2115 GRT, built 1920), Gulfdisc (American (tanker), 7140 GRT, built 1938), Lawton B. Evans (American, 7197 GRT, built 1943) and Thomas Nelson Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

HMS Farndale also made a brief stop at Oran and most likely escorted the ships leaving and joining the conyoy.

On 6 August 1943, the Charles M. Hall, George Shiras, Hannis Taylor as well as the Empire Ace and Empire Denis were detached to Algiers while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Oran; Alexander White (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Atlantic Coast (British, 890 GRT, built 1934), Beacon (American (tanker), 10388 GRT, built 1921), Como (British, 1295 GRT, built 1910), Corvus (Norwegian, 1317 GRT, built 1921), Defender (British, 8078 GRT, built 1915), Henry Middleton (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Iceland (British, 1236 GRT, built 1914), Isaac Coles (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James Monroe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Lochee (British, 964 GRT, built 1937), Lucretia Mott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nacella (British (tanker), 8196 GRT, built 1943), Ocean Vigour (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ousel (British, 1533 GRT, built 1922), Peter J. McGuire (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935), Spero (Norwegian, 3619 GRT, built 1919) and Stephen C. Foster (American, 7196 GRT, built 1943). Also joining from Algiers were the submarine HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) and the mooring vessel HMS Moorfly (?).

HMS Haydon and HMS Dianella also made a brief stop at Algiers and most likely escorted the ships leaving and joining the convoy.

On 7 August 1943, the merchant vessel Chateau Latour (French, 1912 GRT, built 1914) joined the convoy off Bougie.

Also on 7 August the Chateau Latour and Como were detached to Philippeville.

When to the west of Bone, the German submarine U-371 attacked the convoy and torpedoed and sank the Contractor.

Also on 7 August the Corvus, Fort Aklavik and Lawton B. Evans were detached to Bone while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Bone; Empire Scout (British, 2185 GRT, built 1936), Gallium (French, 1775 GRT, built 1924), Good Gulf (Panamanian (tanker), 7805 GRT, built 1938), Janine (French, 2345 GRT, built 1918) and Lewant (Polish, 1942 GRT, built 1930).

On 8 August 1943 the following merchant vessels were detached to Bizerta Alexander White, Argonne, Empire Scout, Good Gulf, Henry Middleton, Isaac Coles, James Monroe, Lucretia Mott, Nacella, Peter J. McGuire, Stephen C. Foster and Thomas Nelson Page while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Diloma (British (tanker), 8146 GRT, built 1939), Empire Prospero (British, 6766 GRT, built 1943), Frontenac (Norwegian (tanker), 7350 GRT, built 1928), Ocean Viking (British, 7174 GRT, built 1941) and Ocean Wanderer (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942).

Also on 8 August 1943, the following merchant vessels were detached to Tunis; Gallium, Lochee, Ocean Vigour, Ousel and Spero.

On 9 August 1943, the following merchant vessels arrived at Sousse after having been detached from the convoy; Atlantic Coast and Janine.

On 9 August 1943, the following ships were detached to Malta; Gulfdisc and Iceland as well as HMS BYMS 11, HMS BYMS 14, HMS BYMS 24, HMS BYMS 209 and HMS Moorfly.

The following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Malta; Afghanistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), City of Newcastle (British, 6921 GRT, built 1915), Custodian (British, 5881 GRT, built 1928), Falkefjell (Norwegian (tanker), 7927 GRT, built 1931), Fort Augustus (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943) and Forthbank (British, 5057 GRT, 1929).

The following merchant vessel joined the convoy coming from Sicily (Augusta / Syracuse); Benreoch (British, 5818 GRT, built 1921).

The Beacon was detached to Sicily.

The following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Tripoli; Evviva (Norwegian, 1597 GRT, built 1921), Fort Cataraqui (British, 7130 GRT, built 1942), Fort Chambly (British, 7130 GRT, built 1942), Fort Maurepas (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Garoet (Dutch, 7118 GRT, built 1917), Kalarand (British, 1496 GRT, built 1906) and Kola (British, 1538 GRT, built 1924).

The Lewant was detached to Tripoli.

At 1200B/10, HMS Trespasser was detached to proceed to Beirut independently.

On 14 August 1943 the following merchant vessels arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy; Afghanistan, Benreoch, City of Newcastle, Custodian, Defender, Empire Prospero, Forresbank, Fort Augustus, Fort Chambly, Fort Gaspereau, Fort Maurepas, Forthbank, Kalarand, Kola, Limburg, Ocean Viking and Ocean Wanderer.

Also the following escorts arrived at Alexandria; HMS Farndale, HMS Calpe, HMS Dianella and HMS Lotus.

HMS Haydon proceeded to Haifa.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 15 August 1943.

6 Aug 1943
Around 1000B/6, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Algiers bound for Beirut. She joins convoy GTX 5.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy GTX 5 ' for 4 August 1943.]

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

(21)

10 Aug 1943
Around 1200B/10, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) parted company with convoy GTX 5 and continues her passage to Beirut alone. (21)

14 Aug 1943
Around 0700C/14, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Beirut from Algiers. (21)

19 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted D/G trials at Beirut. (35)

24 Aug 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Beirut. (35)

27 Aug 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Beirut. (35)

29 Aug 1943
Around 1915C/29, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Beirut for her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She is to patrol in the south-east Aegean, in the Kos / Rhodes area.

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

(21)

3 Sep 1943 (position 36.37, 27.21)
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) attacked an enemy convoy with four torpedoes south of Kos in position 36°37'N, 27°21'E. No hits were obtained.

The convoy attacked was the one made up of the transports Silva (Italian, 646 GRT, built 1889), Pola (Italian, 451 GRT, built 1941) and Postiglioni (Italian, 194 GRT, built 1928). They were escorted by the Italian destroyer Turbine and the German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ 2110. They had departed from Leros at 1500B/3 and arrived at Rhodes at 0645B/4. Speed had been 7.5 knots.

2330C/3 - Sighted a convoy of two small merchant ship escorted by a destroyer and three Italian RD-class minesweepers to the north. Distance was 6000 yards. Turned towards and started attack.

2352 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 3200 yards at one of the merchant vessels and went deep to 300 feet. The torpedoes most likely missed ahead as the speed was overestimated. No counter attack followed. (36)

4 Sep 1943
At 0130C/4, in approximate position 36°37'N, 27°21'E, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) sighed an enemy patrol vessel laying stopped bearing 090°. HMS Trespasser turned away and evaded to continue her battery charge between Niseros and Piskopi.

At 0320C/4, with the battery charge completed and now proceeding eastward to the patrol area, HMS Trespasser sighted three very small ships proceeding northwards at very slow speed. One of them looked like a trawler, one a cross between a trawler and a tanker and one looked like an E-boat (motor torpedo boat). They were most likely some sort of patrol. [We have been unable to identify these vessels.]

Lt.Cdr. Favell decided to proceed westwards and to patrol to the south of Kandelioussa during the day. (21)

5 Sep 1943
At 0027C/5, in approximate position 36°31'N, 27°19'E, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) sighted darkened ship which turned out to be a small patrol craft, possibly an Italian RD-class minesweeper. It was also much closer then it was initially thought to be so at 0034C/5, HMS Trespasser dived to 200 feet. The enemy kept starting and then stopping to listen. Also Asdic was used but she never gained contact despite the enemy passing overhead at 0115C/5.

At 0230C/5, HMS Trespasser surfaced to find nothing in sight.

At 0442C/5, a patrol craft was seen laying stopped about 6 nautical miles to the south-west of Seskli Island. HMS Trespasser turned away to evade this patrol craft.

During the day only some small caiques were seen proceeding through the area.

At 2330C/5, in approximate position 36°28'N, 27°38'E, a small low vessel was sighted midway between Piskopi and Symi proceeding on a course of 300° at 6 knots. She appeared to be the Italian RD-class minesweeper seen earlier today. HMS Trespasser turned away to avoid the enemy vessel.

[We have been unable to identify the vessels sighted on this day.] (21)

6 Sep 1943
At 1015C/6, north of Rhodos, in approximate position 36°30'N, 28°06'E, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) two motor caiques of about 50 to 100 tons were sighted passing to the south at a range of 2000 yards. They were in line abreast about three cables apart making good about 5 knots. They eventually to the westwards south of Symi.

At 1400C/6, the same two caiques were now seen two miles to the southward. They were proceeding slowly westwards in line ahead. They were later seen to turn to return to Rhodos in company. Lt.Cdr. Favell suspected these caiques had been minesweeping. Both were flying the Italian flag and did not seem to be armed although any armament could have been concealed. (21)

7 Sep 1943
At 0120C/7, in approximate position 36°28'N, 27°40'E, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) sighted a darkened vessel. At first this ship appeared much larger then the usual patrols that had been encountered lately. She was closed on the motors until it became clear that the enemy was laying stopped. It was thought it may have been a 'Generali-class' torpedo boat. [None was in the area so this is thus not possible.] HMS Trespasser then turned away to avoid.

At 0450C/7, a small boat was seen, possibly an ML-type or perhaps and E- or R-boat. HMS Trespasser dived to avoid. No HE was picked up. During the day HMS Trespasser patrolled between Piskopi and Symi.

At 1820C/7, three sailing caiques of about 20 tons each proceeding towards Cape Krio. They were not attacked to not give HMS Trespasser's position away.

[We have been unable to identify the vessels sighted on this day.] (21)

8 Sep 1943
At 0150C/8, in approximate position 36°27'N, 27°42'E, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) sighed a small vessel which was obviously patrolling. She appeared to be an Italian RD-class minesweeper. The enemy was not using Asdic but was heard to fire acoustic charges occasionally. At 0220C/8, HMS Trespasser turned away to avoid. [We have been unable to identify this vessel.]

At 0511C/8, HMS Trespasser dived and patrolled off Cape Krio during the day.

During the day two Turkish ships and two Swiss Red Cross ships were seen. It was clear that the enemy only moved to Rhodos during darkness.

At 2100C/8, information was received from the BBC news that an armistice with Italy had been signed. (21)

9 Sep 1943 (position 36.27, 27.39)
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) makes a torpedo attack on an enemy convoy. All torpedoes fired missed their intended target.

[No Italian records are available for this period. In German records we have been unable to find anything regarding this convoy.]

0006C/9 - Sighted two small ships in position 090° - Piskopi Head - 8 nautical miles (approx position was 36°27'N, 27°39'E). These turned out to be a small coaster of about 500 tons escorted by an armed trawler.

At 0114C/9 - Capt. S 1's signal timed 2339C/8 was received which was an emergency signal that unfortunately was incorrectly cyphered. After an hour of hard work it was discovered where the fault lay and the signal could be read. It contained instructions how to deal with the now changed situation given the Italian armistice.

0307C/9 - After shadowing the ships for three hours it was obvious these were not proceeding to Alexandria to surrender so attacked with three torpedoes from 600 yards. No hits were obtained. One torpedo was seen to pass under the target. No counter attack followed.

HMS Trespasser patrolled between Piskopi and Symi during the day but nothing at all was sighted. (21)

10 Sep 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) attacked the Italian destroyer Euro with five torpedoes. No hits were obtained.

Euro was proceeding from Leros to Rhodes at the time of the attack.

0905C/10 - In position 7 nautical miles south-east of Cape Alupo sighted a destroyer wearing the Italian ensign. She did not fly a blue pendant meaning she was surrendering so therefore she was attacked. Five torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained. The torpedoes are thought to have missed astern.

The destroyer was then seen to be approaching Rhodos harbour. She hoisted a recognition signal consisting of four black balls and was then immediately fired upon by shore batteries whose fire she returned. The destroyer then turned back on the same route that she had taken on the way in. She disappeared to the south-west.

1425C/10 - A motor torpedo boat, heavily laden with passengers was seen leaving Rhodes and proceeding round Cape Alupo northwards towards the Gulf of Symi. (21)

11 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1700C/11, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) saw one motor torpedo boat and a fast motorboat leaving Rhodes harbour while being fired upon by shore batteries. They proceeded towards the Gulf of Symi. (21)

12 Sep 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) attacks a merchant ship with two torpedoes. No hits were obtained.

Perhaps this was the German transport Taganrog (508 GRT, built 1899) now under Italian control and escaping from Rhodos to Leros.

0725C/12 - When in position 090° - Kos roads - 4 nautical miles sighted a 1000 tons merchant vessel approaching from Cape Krio. Attacked with two torpedoes from 3300 yards, both of which missed. As the ship was in ballast the torpedoes most likely ran under. (21)

14 Sep 1943
At 0015C/14, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) received Capt. S 1's signal timed 1029C/13 recalling her from patrol. Also Capt. S 1's signal timed 1554C/13 was received which stated that the entire Aegean was now controlled by the Germans. Lt.Cdr. Favell therefore decided to remain on patrol another day and have a shot at the depot ship that had been seen inside Kos harbour on the 12th. Course was thus set for Kos.

At 0430C/14, Capt. S 1's signal timed 0045C/14 was received which stated that Kos was in Allied hands. Course was thus set to leave patrol via the Scarpanto Straits. (21)

16 Sep 1943
Around 1000C/16, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (21)

29 Sep 1943
Around 0800C/29, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Beirut bound for Port Said. She is to proceed to Colombo to join the Eastern Fleet.

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

(37)

30 Sep 1943
Around 0900C/30, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Port Said from Beirut. (37)

3 Oct 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) is docked at Port Said. (38)

8 Oct 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) is undocked. (38)

9 Oct 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) transited the Suez Canal southwards and on leaving the canal set course towards Aden. (38)

16 Oct 1943
Around 1445C/16, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Aden from Port Said. (38)

16 Oct 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Aden.

[The logbook does not give the names of the vessel(s) these exercises were carried out with but the following escort vessels were at Aden at the time; frigaes HMS Derg (Lt. E.J. Binfield, DSC, RNR) , HMS Kale (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Houchen, OBE, RD, RNR), HMS Tay (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Sherwood, RNR), corvettes HMS Rockrose (T/Lt. H.J. Makepeace, RNR), HMS Thyme (Lt. H. Roach, RNR) and the minesweepers HMAS Toowoomba (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Simpson, RANR(S)) and HMIS Kumaon (Lt. G.R.W.T. Horner, RIN). Of these HMS Derg, HMS Tay, HMS Thyme, HMAS Toowoomba and HMIS Kumaon left Aden on convoy escort duty early in the afternoon.] (39)

21 Oct 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Aden bound for Colombo. (38)

21 Oct 1943

Convoy AKD 4.

This convoy departed Aden on 21 October 1943.

On departure from Aden the convoy was made up of the following ships;
Atlantian (British, 6549 GRT, built 1928), Baron Renfrew (British, 3635 GRT, built 1935), Bosworth (British, 6672 GRT, built 1919), Clan MacDonald (British, 9653 GRT, built 1939), Clan MacIver (British, 4500 GRT, built 1925), Imperial Valley (British, 4573 GRT, built 1924), Ioannis Fafalios (Greek, 6071 GRT, built 1918), Mount Helikon (Greek, 5525 GRT, built 1918), Nirvana (British, 6044 GRT, built 1914), Panaghiotis (Greek, 3575 GRT, built 1901), Romney (British, 5840 GRT, built 1929), Salween (British, 7063 GRT, built 1937), Streefkerk (Dutch, 6185 GRT, built 1921) and Sutherland (British, 5170 GRT, built 1940).

The submarine HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) also took passage in the convoy.

On departure from Aden the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Lulworth (Lt.Cdr. R.C.S. Woolley, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Freesia (T/Lt.Cdr. G.M. Berlyn, SANF(V)) and HMS Jasmine (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.A. Hoodless, RNR).

Around 2100D/24, south-south-west of Socotra, HMS Trespasser parted company to proceed independently to Colombo.

The Mount Helikon straggled from the convoy and did not rejoin. She proceeded to Kilindini / Mombasa independently.

On 31 October 1943, off Kilindini / Mombasa the three corvettes parted company with the convoy after a new escort had joined. This was made up of the A/S trawlers HMS Arctic Explorer (T/Lt. C. Pawley, RNVR), HMS Cape Warwick (T/Lt. K.J. Stern, RNVR), HMS Lady Elsa (T/Lt. A.M. Brown, RNVR) and HMS Northern Isles (T/Lt. J.M. Baldry, RNVR).

Also proceeding to Kilindini / Mombasa were the following merchant vessels Clan MacIver and Salween.

Joined from Kilindini / Mombasa was the following ship; Shirala (British, 7841 GRT, built 1925).

On 1 November 1943, the following ship joined the convoy coming from Dar-es-Salaam; Wyvern (Norwegian, 4007 GRT, built 1929).

On 6 November 1943, the following ships were detached to Beira; Atlantian, Bosworth and Streefkerk while the following ships joined coming from Beira; Alpherat (Dutch, 5759 GRT, built 1928), Fort Maisonneuve (British, 7128 GRT, built 1942) and Geronimo (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On 8 November 1943, the following ships were detached to Lourenço Marques; Baron Renfrew, Imperial Valley, Panaghiotis, Romney and Wyvern.

The convoy arrived at Durban on 9 November 1943. (40)

30 Oct 1943
Around 1530FG/30, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Colombo. On arrival D/G trials were carried out. (38)

10 Nov 1943
Around 0930FG/10, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Colombo for her 7th war patrol (1st in the Far East). She is to patrol in the Malacca Straits and off the Nicobar Islands.

On departure D/F calibration trials and gunnery exercises as well as A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Shoreham (Cdr. E. Hewitt, RD, RNR), HMAS Bathurst (T/Lt. C. Macdonald, RANR(S) and HMIS Rajputana (Lt. W.G. Coltham, RIN). Also a practice attack was made on HMS Shoreham.

On completion of the exercises around 1825FG/10, HMS Trespasser proceeded on patrol. (21)

10 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily positions of HMS Trespasser during her 7th war patrol see the map below.

22 Nov 1943 (position 4.45, 98.04)
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) attacked a northbound Japanese convoy of four transports escorted by two submarine chasers south-east of Diamond Point, Sumatra, in position 04°45'N, 98°04'E. Three stern torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.

The exact composition of the convoy is not known but the Japanese transport Unkai Maru No. 12 reported being missed by two torpedoes in approximately this position on this day.

0758FG/22 - Sighted smoke bearing 147°. Started attack. The convoy turned out to be made up of 4 transports of about 4000 tons escorted by two submarine chasers.

0915FG/22 - Fired three stern torpedoes against one of the merchant ships. No hits were obtained, most likely the torpedo tracks were spotted.

Both submarine chasers hunted the submarine for two hours but did not gain contact. (21)

24 Nov 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) gets caught in fishing stacks off Penang Island but no obvious damage to the submarine is done. After returning from patrol she is docked to check for damage.

0600FG/24 - Sighted a vessel bearing 210° approaching the submarines position. This turned out to be an auxiliary patrol vessel not unlike a trawler. She was not using Asdic. She then proceeded northwards up the west coast of Penang Island.

Around 1600FG/24, HMS Trespasser a fishing stack got caught on something aft and then 'took station' about 10 yards astern of the periscope. Going deep and increasing speed could not shake it off.

1730FG/24 - The same patrol vessel that had been seen in the morning was seen approaching from the northward coming southwards along the coast. She eventually passed 1000 yards to seaward. (21)

27 Nov 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) sighted the Japanese seaplane carrier Kamoi (offsite link) off Car Nicobar Island. Lt.Cdr. Favell is unable to attack as the range could not be sufficiently closed.

1355FG/27, sighted smoke bearing 130°. Altered course towards to close. This contact turned out to be the Japanese seaplane carrier Kamoi. Range could not be closed to less then 7 miles as the enemy ship turned away. She was seen to enter Sawai Bay where it must have anchored. (21)

28 Nov 1943 (position 8.47, 93.10)
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) makes a torpedo attack on an escorted Japanese transport to the South-East of Car Nicobar Island in position 08°47'N, 93°10'E. All torpedoes missed their intended target.

The target was the Unkai Maru No. 12 on passage from Sabang to Car Nicobar.

1048FG/28 - Sighted smoke bearing 285°. Ran at speed to the south until masts and a funnel of a merchant ship escorted by a trawler were sighted. The merchant ship was similar to the Peking Maru.

1423FG/28 - Commenced attack.

1504FG/28 - In position 08°47'N, 93°10'E fired six torpedoes from an estimated range of 4600 yards, went deep. Three explosions were heard the first 4 min. 50 sec. after firing. The HE of the target ceased. The trawler hunted Trespasser for over an hour but no depth charges were dropped. It was thought possible that the target was sunk. (21)

29 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1900FG/19, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) left patrol to proceed to Trincomalee as ordered in Capt. S 4's signal timed 1819Z/28. (21)

3 Dec 1943
Around 1900FG/3, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (21)

8 Dec 1943
Around 0715FG/8, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Trincomalee for Colombo to dock. This is to see if damage is done when Trespasser got stuck in fishing stacks on November 24th.

She was escorted by the Italian sloop Eritrea. (41)

9 Dec 1943
Around 1930FG/9, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Colombo. (41)

10 Dec 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) is docked at Colombo. (41)

13 Dec 1943
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) is undocked. (41)

14 Dec 1943
Around 0800FG/14, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Colombo to return to Trincomalee.

But first A/S exercises were carried out with HMAS Lismore (T/Lt. L.C.G. Lever, RANR(S)). These were completed around 1310FG/14.

Around 1415FG/14, HMS Trespasser was joined by the Italian sloop Eritrea and course was set for Trincomalee. (41)

16 Dec 1943
Around 1130FG/16, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Trincomalee from Colombo. (41)

26 Dec 1943
Around 1600FG/26, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 8th war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She is to patrol of the West coast of Burma and to perform special mission 'Breech'.

She was escorted out until around 2130FG/26 by HMS Lord Grey (T/Lt. J.J. Challis, RNVR). (21)

26 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily positions of HMS Trespasser during hr 8th war patrol see the map below.

31 Dec 1943 (position 13.11, 98.15)
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) landed an agent on Tavoy Island (13°11'N, 98°15'E) as part of operation Breech, part 1.

0440FG/31 - Dived in position 8 miles bearing 277° from the northernmost part of Tavoy Island and proceeded inshore to carry out a periscope reconnaissance.

During the reconnaissance it was decided to land the agent in a bay in position 13°11'20"N, 98°14'50"E. This bay appeared deserted and had a small sandy beach.

1850FG/31 - Surfaced and retired to seaward while charging.

2210FG/31 - The moon set. Proceeded inshore.

2230FG/31 - Disembarked the agent about 3/4 of a mile from the selected position and waited for his signal that he had successfully landed.

2355FG/31 - Just as Trespasser was about to leave having received no signal the agents signal was seen. Trespasser then retired to seaward and set course for the North Moscos Islands. (42)

1 Jan 1944
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) dropped off two agents near Reef Island (North Cosmos Islands) as part of operation Breech, part 2.

0529FG/1 - Dived in position 7 miles bearing 270° from South Island, Middle Cosmos Islands and continued to proceed northwards while submerged.

1400FG/1 - Passed to the south of Long Island, North Cosmos Islands and now set course for position 2.75 miles bearing 090° from Reef Island. Several large junks and some fishing sampans were sighted in the area.

1900FG/1 - Surfaced and charged the batteries to the south of Long Island.

2205FG/1 - The moon set. Proceeded to a position 5 miles bearing 056° from Reef Island.

2220FG/1 - Disembarked two agents in a Folbot. At this time two junks were in sight about two miles off. When the Folbot became waterborne also a small fishing sampan appeared about 300 yards away. The tree occupants were taken on board and the two agents transferred their gear to the Sampan also taking the Folbot with them and if they were not going to need it they would sink it.

During interrogation it became evident that the fishermen had not seen the submarine. HMS Trespasser now set course to clear the area. (42)

4 Jan 1944
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) attempted to pick up the agent who was landed on Tavoy Island on 31 December 1943 but he fails to make the rendezvous.

0522FG/3 - Dived 5 nautical miles to the west of Tavoy Island. Then continued to proceed inshore to conduct a periscope reconnaissance of the pick up area on completion of which HMS Trespasser patrolled five miles from the shore.

0110FG/4 - The moon set.

0130FG/4 - Reached the rendezvous position.

0140FG/4 - Flashing was seen but not from the correct place but about a mile away from where the agent was landed. The flashing appeared to be from a torch pointed at the submarine but it was not in accordance with the pre-arranged signal.

0200FG/4 - The torch flashed at the submarine again, this time much more brightly. No more flashing was seen after this time.

0400FG/4 - With the agent not having appeared the area was searched to the seaward in case he had missed the submarine and had returned to the bay.

0430FG/4 - The operation was abondoned as there was no sign of the agent. Course was then set to patrol off Port Blair. (21)

5 Jan 1944
At 1040FG/5, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) passed a trawler proceeding to the eastwards at speed. An aircraft accompanied this trawler.

At 1150FG/5, two more aircraft were sighted and it was thought, HMS Trespasser may have been sighted earlier in the day.

At 1310FG/5, the trawler and aircraft re-appeared and the trawler came to within half a mile so Trespasser turned away to evade. The trawler was then seen proceeding towards Port Blair at slow speed.

At 1500FG/5, when in position 11°37'N, 92°53'E a large ship was sighted close under the land steering north. It was most unfortunate that she had not been sighted earlier as she was now out of range and could not be attacked.

She was very difficult to see against the high mountains and into the sun. She passed up the coast but instead of entering the harbour she turned round and came back south again. The ship was now identified as a seaplane tender.

By now there were five trawlers near the harbour entrance and it was now tought that there may be a problem with the boom at Port Blair and that no ships could enter the harbour.

Trespasser meanwhile proceeded southwards along the coast about 6000 yards from shore in the hope the seaplane tender might return but unfortunately this was not the case.

The seaplane tender sighted must have been the Kiyokawa Maru.

At 1915FG/5, as it was getting dark, two trawlers were seen fairly close.

At 1930FG/5, a trawler got rather close at a range of only 1500 yards.

At 2015FG/5, HMS Trespasser surfaced and proceeded to seawards to charge. (21)

6 Jan 1944
At 0310FG/6, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) sighted a trawler crossing the stern at a range of 3000 yards. HMS Trespasser turned stern on and was about to turn of the diesels and start up the motors when the trawler suddenly turned towards and increased speed obviously having detected the submarine so HMS Trespasser dived.

Six depth charges were dropped and later two more vessels were heard to join the hunt.

At 0615FG/6, HMS Trespasser returned to periscope depth to find nothing in sight.

At 0800FG/6, the masts of a patrol vessel were seen bearing 270°. It disappeared an hour later.

At 1300FG/6, the masts re-appeared. It was now thought to be a fleet minesweeper. At 1515FG/6 the enemy vessel again disappeared from sight.

[Perhaps the ship sighted was the torpedo boat Kari which may have been in the area.] (21)

11 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1900FG/11, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) left patrol to return to Trincomalee. (21)

15 Jan 1944
Around 0900FG/15, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (21)

26 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) is fumigated at Trincomalee. (43)

31 Jan 1944
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 9th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She is to perform a special operation ('Operation Corton') and to patrol of the west coast of Burma and off the Nicobar Islands.

On departure gunnery exercises were carried out as well as A/S exercises with HrMs Tromp (A/Capt. F. Stam, RNN). (21)

31 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily positions of HMS Trespasser during her 9th war patrol see the map below.

5 Feb 1944
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell) landed agents in three Folbots and three large rubber boats north of Sir John Metcalfe Island ('Operation Corton'). Arrangements are made for the agents to be picked up on 31 March or 1 April.

0530FG/4 - Dived in position 12°15'N, 97°37'E. Proceeded to carry out a periscope reconnaissance of Elphinstone Island.

A place was chosen for the landing which was a bay on the south-westernmost point of the island (12°18'45"N, 97°57'45"E).

1300FG/4 - Proceeded to seawards.

1905FG/4 - Surfaced and charged.

0200FG/5 - Stopped in position 5 miles north of Sir John Metcalfe Island. Got up three Folbots and three Z type large rubber boats on the casing.

0230FG/5 - Proceeded inshore.

0305FG/5 - The moon set.

0330FG/5 - Disembarked the landing party who proceeded inshore.

0505FG/5 - Received a flashing signal from the party that they were ashore and that all was well. HMS Trespasser then proceeded to seawards. (44)

18 Feb 1944 (position 7.52, 93.38)
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Japanese auxiliary gunboat Eifuku Maru (3520 GRT, built 1939) off Nancowry Island in position 07°52'N, 93°38'E.

1050FG/18 - While in position 121° - Cape Connaught - 4 nautical miles sighted three ships bearing 206°. Distance was about 8000 yards. These were one merchant ship escorted by a minesweeper and one other ship thought to be a trawler. Started an attack.

1109FG/18 - Fired six torpedoes from 3500 yards. 2 minutes and 20 seconds after firing an explosion was heard and the targets HE ceased. A muffled explosion followed a few seconds later. Trespasser went deep upon firing. The minesweeper dropped 19 depth charges over a period of about an hour. No damage was done by these depth charges.

1215FG/18 - Returned to periscope depth to find the minesweeper in sight hull down to the East of Cape Connaught. Nothing else was in sight. The target is thought to have sunk. (21)

19 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Between 0800FG/19 and 1300FG/19, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) carried out a reconnaissance of Sawai Bay, Car Nicobar Island.

At 1925FG/19, she left patrol to return to Trincomalee as ordered in Capt. S 4's signal timed 0746Z/14. (21)

22 Feb 1944
Around 1920FG/22, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Trincomalee.

She was escorted in by Eritrea which had joined around 1715FG/22. (21)

7 Mar 1944
Around 0900FG/7, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 10th war patrol (4th in the Far East). She is to lay a minefield, perform a special mission ('Operation Mullet') and to patrol in the Malacca Straits.

She was escorted out until around 1515FG/7 by HMS Lord Grey (T/Lt. J.J. Challis, RNVR). (21)

7 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily positions of HMS Trespasser during her 10th patrol see the map below.

13 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0201FG/13, when 10 miles to the south of Pulau Perak, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) sighed an S-class submarine bearing 160° at a range of about 6000 yards. This was thought to be HMS Storm (T/Lt. E.P. Young, DSC, RNVR). HMS Trespasser passed a recognition signal by signal lamp and then dived.

The submarine in question was indeed HMS Storm which reported seeing a darkened vessel bearing 330° which looked very much like a submarine. HMS Storm turned stern on but then lost sight of the target. At 0214FG/13, the Officer of the Watch and one lookout sighted a red-flashing Aldis challenge on bearing Red 50°. HMS Storm turned hard-a-starboard and retired at speed. It was now thought this may be a patrol vessel and not a submarine. (45)

14 Mar 1944 (position 3.27, 99.29)
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) laid 12 mines in the Malacca Straits off the east coast of Sumatra. (This was Minelaying Order (M.L.O.) 2).

0525FG/14 - Dived in position 190° Pulo Berhala 17 nautical miles.

0741FG/14 - Commenced laying four mines 600 feet apart in a direction of 220° from position 03°28'20"N, 99°29'20"E.

0906FG/14 - Commenced laying four mines 600 feet apart in a direction of 220° from position 03°27'30"N, 99°29'40"E.

1000FG/14 - Commenced laying four mines 600 feet apart in a direction of 220° from position 03°26'20"N, 99°30'40"E.

1130FG/14 - Sighted a submarine chaser steering a course of 120° and it appeared she proceeded right through the first line of mines which were at that time still be set to safe.

1230FG/14 - The submarine chaser disappeared to the south-eastward. (21)

15 Mar 1944
During the period of 15 to 18 March 1944, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) carried out a special operation ('Operation Remarkable II').

During this period HMS Trespasser patrolled in a position about 4 to 8 nautical miles to the south of Pulau Jarak.

At 0515FG/15, a submarine chaser was sighted 6 miles to the south of Pulau Jarak. HMS Trespasser dived to avoid detection.

During the remainder of the 15th, which was not one of the rendezvous dates, a few small junks and sampans were seen.

During 16 and 17 March nothing at all was seen in the area.

On the 18th, Trespasser patrolled in position 151° - Pulau Rumbia - 11.5 nautical miles. Several junks and small fishing sampans were seen but none were displaying the recognition signal.

On all three rendezvous days (16, 17 and 18th) visibility was excellent and a wide area was thoroughly searched. (44)

15 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0515FG/15, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) sighed a submarine chaser 6 miles to the south of Pulau Jarak. HMS Trespasser dived to avoid detection. (21)

21 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) carried out a periscope reconnaissance of Malacca and Sawai Bay, Car Nicobar Island. No shipping was seen in either place.

At 1930FG/21, on surfacing, HMS Trespasser left patrol to return to Trincomalee. (21)

24 Mar 1944
Around 1315FG/24, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (4th in the Far East) at Trincomalee. This had been the last patrol of HMS Trespasser during her first commission. She will be sent home to the U.K. for refitting.

She was escorted in and the escort, identity not know, had joined around 0900FG/24. (21)

29 Mar 1944
Around 1600FG/29, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Trincomalee bound for Colombo. This is the first leg of her trip home for refit.

She was escorted by the Italian sloop Eritrea. (46)

29 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
For the daily positions of HMS Trespasser during her passage from Ceylon to the U.K. see the map below.

31 Mar 1944
Around 0845FG/31, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Colombo from Trincomalee. (47)

1 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) is docked at Colombo. (48)

10 Apr 1944
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) is undocked. She departed from Colombo for Aden around 1500FG/10. (48)

18 Apr 1944
Around 1445C/18, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Aden from Colombo. (48)

19 Apr 1944
Around 0700C/19, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Aden bound for Suez. (48)

23 Apr 1944
Around 1830C/23, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Suez from Aden. (48)

24 Apr 1944
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) transited the Suez Canal northbound and arrived at Port Said. (48)

27 Apr 1944
Around 2100C/27, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Port Said bound for Malta. (48)

2 May 1944
Around 2140C/2, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Malta. At Malta some repairs were to be made by the Dockyard.

She was escorted in by HMS Tango (T/Lt. R.F. Giles, RNVR) which had joined around 1620C/2. (49)

11 May 1944

Convoy SL 158.

This convoy departed Freetown on 11 May 1944.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Antilochus (British, 9082 GRT, built 1906), Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Baron Elphinstone (British, 4635 GRT, built 1937), Bornholm (British, 3177 GRT, built 1930), Empire Governor (British, 8657 GRT, built 1925), Empire Strength (British, 7355 GRT, built 1942), Fort Douglas (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fresno Star (British, 7998 GRT, built 1919), Generton (British, 4797 GRT, built 1936), Glaucus (British, 7596 GRT, built 1921), Glenpark (British, 5136 GRT, built 1939), Hoggar (French, 5146 GRT, built 1923), Isaac Coles (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Jonathan Holt (British, 4963 GRT, built 1943), Lyras (Greek, 5685 GRT, built 1918), Penrith Castle (British, 6369 GRT, built 1929), Peterston (British, 4680 GRT, built 1925), Queen Adelaide (British, 4933 GRT, built 1936), Sheaf Crown (British, 4868 GRT, built 1929), Slesvig (British, 3098 GRT, built 1938), Stamos (Greek, 3802 GRT, built 1914), Thomas Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929), Tilsington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928) and Topsdalfjord (Norwegian, 4271 GRT, built 1921).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. E.D.J. Abbot, DSC, RN), frigate HMS Ness (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.H. Marchington, MBE, RNVR) and the corvette HMS Pimpernel (Lt. H.D. Hayes, RNR).

Around 1130Z/12, in position 09°14'N, 16°31'W, the minesweeping sloops Annamite and Chevreul joined the convoy. They were then ordered to sweep 30 miles ahead of the convoy as a Support Group which they did until daylight on the 17th.

Around 0800Z/13, in poosition 11°02'N, 18°02'W, the Isaac Coles was detached to proceed independently to Trinidad.

Around 1115Z/14, in position 14°16'N, 17°58'W, the Dakar section of the convoy joined. It was made up of the merchant vessels Gabriel Guist'Hau (French, 2325 GRT, built 1918) and Rutenfjell (Norwegian, 1334 GRT, built 1935) as well as the submarine Atalante. Two of the convoy's merchant vessel parted company and proceeded to Dakar, these were Antilochus and Topsdalfjord.

Around 0700Z/14, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Casablanca; Empire Peacock (British, 6098 GRT, built 1919), Empire Tristram (British, 7167 GRT, built 1942) and Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906). They were escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessels USS PC-474 (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Hummer, USNR) and USS PC-475 (Lt. W.W. Devine, Jr., USNR) which then returned to Casablanca taking the merchant vessels Gabriel Guist'Hau and Hoggar with them as well as the submarine Atalante.

At 1155Z/17, in position 22°49'N, 18°25'W, the Sheaf Crown straggled from the convoy. She proceeded independently to Gibraltar where she arrived on the 25th.

Around 1400Z/22, the convoy merged with convoy MKS 49(G) coming from the Mediterranean.

On this convoy joining HMS Ness parted company with the convoy to escort the Generton to Lisbon while HMS Enchantress and HMS Pimpernel parted company to escort the Empire Strength to Gibraltar.

Convoy MKS 49(G) was made up of the following merchant vessels; Belgian Sailor (Belgian, 7028 GRT, built 1942), Benrinnes (British, 5410 GRT, built 1921), Bestik (Norwegian, 2684 GRT, built 1920), Blackheath (British, 4637 GRT, built 1936), Caithness (British, 4970 GRT, built 1935), Capitaine Saint Martin (French, 3441 GRT, built 1938), Celtic Monarch (British, 5824 GRT, built 1929), City of Leicester (British, 3351 GRT, built 1926), City of Norwich (British, 6726 GRT, built 1913), Cydonia (British, 3517 GRT, built 1927), Empire Cavalier (British (tanker), 9891 GRT, built 1942), Empire Grebe (British, 5736 GRT, built 1918), Empire Melody (British, 2283 GRT, built 1942), Empire Spey (British, 4292 GRT, built 1929), Fort Brandon (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort la Baye (British, 7162 GRT, built 1943), Fort la Traite (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Gorjistan (British, 5888 GRT, built 1929), Helmwood (British, 2156 GRT, built 1923), Modasa (British, 9070 GRT, built 1921), Ocean Stranger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942) and Tordene (British, 4271 GRT, built 1936).

The following warships were also part of the convoy; submarines HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN), HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN), boom carriers HMS Devon City (4928 GRT, built 1933, Cdr.(Retd.) A. McD. Harvey, RN), HMS Kirriemoor (4970 GRT, built 1935, Cdr.(Retd.) H.M. Montague, OBE, RN) and the landing ships USS LST-197 (Lt. J.E. Neal, USNR), USS LST-326 (Lt.(jg) G.R. Ambler, USCGR) and USS LST-381 (Lt. J.P. Houlihan, Jr, USCGR).

Also parted of the convoy were the rescue ship Dewsbury (British, 1631 GRT, built 1910) and the escort oiler Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920)).

On its departure from Gibraltar convoy MKS 49(G) was escorted by the destroyer HMS Highlander (Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR), frigates HMS Foley (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Bird, RNVR), HMS Helmsdale (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Kenilworth Castle (Lt. J.J.Allon, RNR) and HMS Portchester Castle (Lt. A.G. Scott, RNR).

During the afternoon of 24 May, HMS Highlander fuelled from the Scottish American.

Around 1215Z/25, the escort carrier HMS Nairana (Capt. R.M.T. Taylor, RN) and the frigates HMS Louis (Cdr.(Retd.) L.B.A. Majendie, RN) and HMS Inglis (Lt. R.S. Beveridge, RN) joined the convoy.

At 0106Z/26, the frigate HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. L.P. Bourke, RNZNR) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar. She had been unable to sail with convoy MKS 49(G) and had departed later to overtake and join the convoy at sea.

On the 27th, the frigate HMS Lawson (Lt. J.P. Somerville, RN) joined the convoy coming from the Azores.

Around 1630Z/28, the escort carrier HMS Activity (Capt. C. Wauchope, DSC, RN), frigate HMS Ascension (Lt.Cdr. A. Wilkinson, RNR) and the corvette HMS Carisbrooke Castle (T/Lt. W.H. Forster, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 0730Z/29, the escort carrier HMS Emperor (A/Capt. T.J.N. Hilken, DSO, RN) and the frigates HMCS Meon (T/Lt.Cdr. S. Balfour, RCNVR), HMCS Stormont (T/Skr.Lt. G.A. Myra, RCNR) and HMCS Swansea (A/Cdr. C.A. King, DSO, DSC, RCNR) joined.

On these ships joining, HMCS Meon and HMCS Stormont fuelled from HMS Emperor and HMCS Swansea fuelled from the Scottish American.

Around 1030Z/29, HMS Louis, HMS Lawson and HMS Inglis were detached.

Around 1500Z/29, HMS Activity, HMS Ascension, HMS Carisbrooke Castle and HMS Hadleigh Castle were detached.

Around 1530Z/29, HMCS Swansea, HMCS Stormont and HMCS Meon were detached.

On 31 May 1944, HMS Highlander and HMS Kenilworth Castle were detached to escort the three USN LST's to Port Talbot.

During the night of 31 May / 1 June, the Empire Governor straggled from the convoy. She did not rejoin.

Around 1330Z/1, HMS Emperor was detached to proceed independently to Moville.

Around 1800Z/2, the Loch Ewe section of the convoy was detached escorted by HMS Bayntun. Also HMS Nairana left the convoy to proceed to her destination ahead of the convoy.

The remainder of the convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 3 June 1944. (50)

15 May 1944
Around 0600C/15, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Malta bound for Gibraltar. She joined convoy MKS 49 for this passage.

[For more info on this convoy see the event MKS 49 for 9 May 1944.] (49)

20 May 1944
Around noon, HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Gibraltar to fuel and take on board fresh provisions and water. She departed again around 1415B/20 to join convoy MKS 49(G).

[For more info on convoy MKS 49(G) and convoy SL 158, with which convoy MKS 49(G) was to merge, see the event ' Convoy SL 158 ' for 11 May 1944.] (49)

3 Jun 1944
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) parted company with convoy SL 158 / MKS 49(G) and arrived at Holy Loch. (25)

17 Jun 1944
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) departed from Holy Loch for Plymouth. She is to refit at the Devonport Dockyard.

[No info available on a possible escort.] (25)

19 Jun 1944
HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) arrived at Plymouth to start her refit at the Devonport Dockyard. Date of completion is initially estimated to be in October, later to be changed to December. Eventually it was February 1945 when the refit was completed. (25)

Submarine HMS Safari (P 211)

7 Mar 1945
HMS Safari (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (51)

12 Mar 1945
HMS Safari (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) in the Clyde area. (51)

Submarine HMS Talent (iii) (P 337)

25 Jul 1945
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) departed from Barrow for Holy Loch. (25)

26 Jul 1945
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (25)

27 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted full speed trials on the measured mile. (52)

30 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery trials in the Clyde area. (52)

31 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (52)

1 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (53)

3 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (53)

4 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (53)

5 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) and HMS Astute (A/Lt.Cdr. R. Gatehouse, DSC, RN) both conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which they served as targets for each other. (53)

5 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) and HMS Astute (A/Lt.Cdr. R. Gatehouse, DSC, RN) both conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which they served as targets for each other. (53)

7 Aug 1945
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises in the Clyde area together with HMS Brilliant (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR). These included night exercises. (53)

8 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch upon completion of her exercises. (53)

9 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (53)

11 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) shifted Holy Loch to the torpedo range at Arrochar, Loch Long, to conduct her torpedo discharge trials. (53)

12 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (53)

14 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (53)

15 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (53)

17 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (53)

18 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (53)

19 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (53)

20 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Having completed her torpedo discharge trials, HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN), shifted from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (53)

24 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) served as target. These included night exercises. (53)

25 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch upon completion of her exercises. (53)

27 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. Upon completion of these exercises HMS Talent proceeded to Campbeltown. (53)

28 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted radar exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) and HMS Springer (Lt. J.F. Michell, RN). (53)

29 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Campbeltown. She also carried out S.T.U. (mine detection) trials. (53)

30 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Campbeltown. Upon completion of these exercises HMS Talent proceeded to Holy Loch.

[HMS Talent continued her exercises programme in the Clyde area before being sent to the Far East.]

27 Oct 1945
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) departed from Holy Loch for Gibraltar. She is to proceed to the Far East. (25)

2 Nov 1945
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (25)

2 Nov 1945
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) departed from Gibraltar for Malta. (25)

7 Nov 1945
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (25)

14 Nov 1945
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) departed from Malta for Port Said. (25)

18 Nov 1945
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said. (25)

20 Nov 1945
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) departed from Port Said and transits the Suez Canal. She then departed from Suez bound for Aden. (25)

25 Nov 1945
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden. She departed from for Colombo later the same day. (25)

3 Dec 1945
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) arrived at Colombo. (25)

9 Dec 1945
HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) departed from Colombo for Hong Kong. (25)

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