Laid down (32)

1919: Oiler Salinas (AO 19)

1934: Submarine L-7 - Submarine L-8

1935: Destroyer Dunlap (DD 384) - Destroyer Fanning (DD 385)

1939: Submarine O 25

1940: Escort destroyer Hurworth (L 28) - Escort destroyer Lamerton (L 88) - Escort destroyer Middleton (L 74) - Corvette Snowdrop (K 67)

1941: Destroyer Rotherham (H 09) - Minesweeper Defiance (AMc-73)

1942: Minesweeper BYMS 2045 (J 845) - Motor torpedo boat PT 117

1943: Frigate Hoquiam (PF-5) - Destroyer Escort Lamons (DE 743) - Minesweeper Mainstay (AM 261) - Motor torpedo boat PT 263 - Seaplane tender Salesbury Sound (AV 13)

1944: Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-609 (LCI(L)-609) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-757 (LCI(L)-757) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-758 (LCI(L)-758) - Medium landing ship LSM 15 (LSM 15) - Medium landing ship LSM 16 (LSM 16) - Medium landing ship LSM 17 (LSM 17) - Medium landing ship LSM 18 (LSM 18) - Medium landing ship LSM 317 (LSM 317) - Tank landing ship LST 628 (LST 628) - Motor torpedo boat PT 481 - Destroyer Escort Rombach (DE 364) - Destroyer Tolman (DM 28)

1945: Medium landing ship LSM 558 (LSM 558)

Launched (58)

1918: Light cruiser Dauntless (D 45)

1919: Destroyer Castleton (I 23) - Destroyer Aaron Ward (i) (DD 132)

1929: Submarine Actéon - Submarine Henri Poincaré - Light cruiser Pluton - Submarine Poncelet

1930: Sloop Hastings (L 27 / U 27) - Sloop Penzance (L 28) - Heavy cruiser Chicago (i) (CA 29)

1934: Submarine ShCh-309

1935: Minesweeper Czajka (C) - Submarine ShCh-310 - Submarine ShCh-311 - Submarine ShCh-322 - Submarine ShCh-323 - Submarine ShCh-324

1940: Corvette Gardenia (K 99)

1941: Corvette Buttercup (K 193) - Escort destroyer Hurworth (L 28) - MS Trawler Islay (T 172) - Destroyer Pathfinder (G 10) - Corvette Buttercup (K 193) - Minesweeper Develin (AMc-45)

1942: Minesweeper YMS-44 (YMS-44)

1943: Landing Craft Tank LCT 876 (LCT 876) - Corvette Statice (K 281) - Destroyer Escort Brough (DE 148) - Destroyer Escort Foss (DE 59) - Minesweeper Lance (AM 257) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-352 (LCI(L)-352) - Minesweeper Logic (AM 258) - Motor torpedo boat PT 259 - Motor torpedo boat PT 280 - Motor torpedo boat PT 332 - Submarine chaser SC-1299 (SC-1299) - Submarine chaser SC-1311 (SC-1311) - Submarine chaser SC-1312 (SC-1312) - Submarine chaser SC-1345 (SC-1345) - Submarine chaser SC-720 (SC-720) - Submarine chaser SC-987 (SC-987) - Corvette Vim (PG-99)

1944: Destroyer Colhoun (ii) (DD 801) - Destroyer Escort Ely (DE 309) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-591 (LCI(L)-591) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-976 (LCI(L)-976) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-977 (LCI(L)-977) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-978 (LCI(L)-978) - Landing craft tank LCT 744 (LCT 744) - Landing craft tank LCT 790 (LCT 790) - Landing craft tank LCT 827 (LCT 827) - Landing craft tank LCT 871 (LCT 871) - Patrol craft PCE(R)-855 (PCE(R)-855)

1945: Motor minesweeper MMS 258 (J 758) - MS Trawler Vallay (T 434) - Medium landing ship LSM 556 (LSM 556) - Medium landing ship LSM 557 (LSM 557) - Submarine Odax (484)

Commissioned (40)

1922: Light cruiser Capetown (D 88)

1931: Light cruiser Pluton

1941: Motor Launch ML 161 (ML 161) - Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 49 (MTB 49)

1942: Submarine Traveller (N 48) - ASW Trawler Yestor (T 222) - Submarine Halibut (232) - Submarine M-121

1943: Tank landing ship Boxer (F 121) - Minesweeper BYMS 2032 (J 832) - Minesweeper Cockatrice (J 229) - Harbour Defence Motor Launch HDML 1297 (ML 1297) - Minesweeper Orestes (J 277) - Rescue Tug Weazel (W 120) - Submarine tender Bushnell (AS 15) - Destroyer Escort Edsall (ii) (DE 129) - Minesweeper Firm (AM 98) - Destroyer Halford (DD 480) - Patrol craft PC-623 (PC-623) - Motor torpedo boat PT 325

1944: Sloop Lark (U 11) - Frigate Loch Fada (K 390) - Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 436 (MTB 436) - Frigate Charlottesville (PF-25) - Destroyer Escort Earl K. Olsen (DE 765) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-1056 (LCI(L)-1056) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-588 (LCI(L)-588) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-672 (LCI(L)-672) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-748 (LCI(L)-748) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-958 (LCI(L)-958) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-959 (LCI(L)-959) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-960 (LCI(L)-960) - Tank landing ship LST 550 (LST 550) - Tank landing ship LST 657 (LST 657) - Tank landing ship LST 732 (LST 732) - Patrol craft PC-792 (PC-792)

1945: Medium landing ship LSM 482 (LSM 482) - Motor torpedo boat PT 588 - Motor torpedo boat PT 637 - Minesweeper Refresh (AM 287)

1940: Destroyer Hardy (i) (H 87) - Destroyer Hunter (i) (H 35) - Submarine Tarpon (N 17) - Submarine Thistle (N 24)

1942: Submarine tender Canopus (AS 9) - Minesweeper Finch (AM 9)

1943: Submarine Triton (201)

1944: Submarine chaser SC-984 (SC-984)

1945: Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 710 (MTB 710)

More information on Allied Warships losses.

1940

Light cruiser HMS Despatch: HMS Despatch (Capt. J.W. Farquhar, RN) arrived at Kingston, Jamaica from patrol.

Heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins: Around 0835O/10, HMS Hawkins (Capt. E. Rotherham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral Sir H. Harwood, KCB, OBE, RN) departed Montevideo to resume her patrol in the River Plate focal area.

Light cruiser HMAS Sydney: Around 0940H/10, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Fremantle to search for Danish and Norwegian merchant vessels in the Western Australia focal area.

Light cruiser HMS Birmingham: HMS Birmingham (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from operations off Norway.

Light cruiser HMS Glasgow: Around 1900A/10, HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from operations.

Light cruiser HMS Liverpool: HMS Liverpool (Capt. P.A. Read, RN) returned to Hong Kong on completion of last night's exercises.

Light cruiser HMS Sheffield: HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from operations off Norway.

Light cruiser HMS Manchester: In the afternoon, HMS Manchester (Capt. H.H. Bousfield, RN), returned to Scapa Flow to fuel and re-ammunition. Early that night (shortly before 0100 hours), HMS Manchester, had reported running over a submerging German submarine. Depth charges were dropped but these failed to explode. This encounter was with U-49.

Light cruiser HMS Southampton: In the evening, HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN), arrived at Scapa Flow from operations.

Light cruiser HMAS Adelaide: Around 1330K/10, the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, OBE, DSO, RN) and the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Sydney for Melbourne.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Ark Royal: Around 0630B/10, the aircraft carriers HMS Ark Royal (Capt. A.J. Power, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.V. Wells, CB, DSO, RN) and HMS Glorious (Capt. G. D’Oyly-Hughes, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) and HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN) departed Alexandria for the U.K. Around 1630B/11, off Malta, the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) joined. HMS Bulldog and HMS Westcott then went to Malta to fuel. Around 0715A/12, HMAS Waterhen was detached to return to Malta after HMS Bulldog and HMS Westcott had returned after fuelling from Malta. Around 1900A/13, HMS Ark Royal, HMS Glorious, HMS Bulldog, HMS Westcott and HMAS Stuart arrived at Gibraltar.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Carthage: Around 1430D/10, HMS Carthage (Capt.(Retd.) B.O. Bell-Salter, RN) parted company with the (troop) transport Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923). HMS Carthage was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Aden to intercept and board all Danish and Norwegian ships encountered and then sent them to Aden.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Circassia: Around 0700A/10, HMS Circassia (Capt.(Retd.) H.G.L. Oliphant, DSO, RN) arrived at Greenock from patrol.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Corfu: Around 0900A/10, HMS Corfu (Capt. W.G. Agnew, RN) returned to Greenock from patrol.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Ranchi: HMS Ranchi (Capt.(Retd.) H.C. Legge, DSC, RN) departed Durban for patrol. She is to search for Danish and Norwegian merchant vessels.

Submarine HMS Otus: HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) conducted exercises off Colombo.

Submarine HMS Parthian: HMS Parthian (Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rimington, RN) departed Singapore for Colombo.

Submarine HMS Perseus (i): HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Singapore.

Submarine HMS Phoenix: HMS Phoenix (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Nowell, RN) departed Singapore for Colombo.

Submarine HMS Proteus: HMS Proteus (Lt.Cdr. R.T. Gordon-Duff, RN) departed Singapore for Colombo.

Submarine HMS Severn: HMS Severn (Lt.Cdr. B.W. Taylor, RN) is ordered to patrol off Kristiansand.

Submarine HMS Clyde: HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) is ordered to patrol in position 58°00'N, 06°30'E.

Submarine HMS Grampus: HMS Grampus (Lt.Cdr. C.A. Rowe, RN) was undocked.

Submarine HMS Narwhal: HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) arrived at Immingham. After embarking mines she departed later the same day for her 9th war patrol. She was ordered to lay a minefield (F.D. 5) off Skagen. As no log is available for this period it is not possible to display a map of this patrol.

Submarine HMS Cachalot: HMS Cachalot (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN) Portsmouth for Blyth.

Submarine HMS Shark (i): HMS Shark (Lt.Cdr. P.N. Buckley, RN) was ordered to patrol further to the North.

Submarine HMS Seawolf: HMS Seawolf (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Studholme, RN) was ordered to proceed to position 56°30'N, 06°20'E (off the west coast of Denmark).

Submarine HMS Spearfish: During the evening, HMS Spearfish (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Forbes, RN), was hunted and depth charged by 'what was thought to be' a German Leberecht Maass class destroyer.

Submarine HMS Sunfish: Around 1150 hours HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) (probably) missed the German merchant Hanau (5892 GRT, built 1921) with a torpedo. At 1520 hours HMS Sunfish (probably) missed the German merchant Leuna (6856 GRT, built 1928) with two torpedoes. The attack does not appear to have been observed. Around 2000 hours HMS Sunfish torpedoed and sank the German merchant Antares (2593 GRT, built 1937) in the Kattegat in position 58°03'N, 11°00'E. 1150 hours - Attacked but missed a 3000 tons northbound merchant vessel with one torpedo. ----------------------------------------------------- 1520 hours - Attacked but missed a 3000 to 4000 tons northound German merchant vessel with two torpedoes (She was seen to fly the German ensign). ----------------------------------------------------- 1720 hours - Sighted eight German A/S trawlers to the westward heading 350° in line ahead. Distance was about 7000 yards. Heard ASDIC impulses but we were not hunted. They were possibly on passage. ----------------------------------------------------- 1940 hours - Sighted a darkened merchant vessel, northbound. Closed to attack but the vessel zigged away. Another merchant vessel of about 3000 tons was sighted close astern and this was attacked at 2000 hours with one torpedo which hit. The enemy went slowly down by the stern in position 58°11'N, 11°17'E. Six A/S trawlers were then seen to close the sinking ship. 2200 hours - Sunfish surfaced about a mile from the sinking wreck and managed to escape on the surface to the south and then to the west. The wreck was seen to sink at 2230 hours.

Submarine HMS Triton: While operating in the Kattegat, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) attacked a German convoy made up of the transports Espana (7465 GRT, built 1922), Friedenau (5219 GRT, built 1920), Hamm (5874 GRT, built 1921), Scharhörn (2643 GRT, built 1927), Tucuman (4621 GRT, built 1918), Wigbert (3648 GRT, built 1921) of II.Seetransportstaffel and Antares (2593 GRT, built 1937), Itauri (6838 GRT, built 1923) and Muansa (5472 GRT, built 1911) from I.Seetransportsteffel. They were escorted by the old torpedo boats old torpedo boats T 107, T 108 and T 110 (it appears T 153 and T 155 also joined up but this may have been just after the attack), auxiliary submarine chasers UJ G, UJ H, UJ I and UJ K (13th UJ-Group) and the armed trawlers V 1501, V 1505, V 1506, V 1507, V 1508 and V 1509 (15 V-Flotilla). A total of eleven transports of the II.Seetransportstaffel had sailed independently on 8 April from Gotenhafen (Gdynia) at various times so as not to reveal their true purpose as the invasion occurred only the next day and the escorts were disposed in the Kattegat at various focal points where a submarine attack could be expected. After the invasion was known some thirteen vessels began forming a convoy (including stragglers from I.Seetransportstaffel). Five vessels of II.Seetransportstaffel were separated in the night of 9/10 April. These were Hanau (5892 GRT, built 1921), Kellerwald (5032 GRT, built 1923), Rosario (6079 GRT, built 1913) and Wandsbek (2388 GRT, built 1938) who proceeded independently some hours ahead of the convoy while Wolfram (3648 GRT, built 1921) appeared to have fallen behind. When she was attacked by HMS Sunfish the Hanua was thus proceeding alone. During the attack on the convoy HMS Triton sank the transports Friedenau and Wigbert (3648 GRT, built 1921) and the auxiliary patrol vessel V 1507 / Rau 6 (356 GRT, built 1937) in position 57°27'N, 10°46'E. 1726A/10, fired 6 torpedoes from 2500 yards (the last on board). Four hits were heard. Triton went to 85 feet upon firing and turned stern on the convoy. Very shortly after the last torpedo explosion was heard depth charging started. For the next hour at least 78 depth charges were dropped of which the ones dropped about 5 minutes after the last torpedo hit were the closed. These shook Triton considerably but no serious damage was done. 2115A/10, surfaced at set course for home as Triton was now out of torpedoes.

Submarine HMS Trident: HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. A.G.L. Seale, RN) fires two torpedoes at the German transport Wandsbek (2388 GRT, built 1938) south-south-east of the Oslo fjord in position 58°38'N, 10°32'E. Both torpedoes missed their target. 0210A/10 - In position 58°38'N, 10°36'E dived on sighting a small vessel. Continued to proceed, but now submerged, to position 58°40'N, 11°00'E. Heavy air patrol were seen all day. 1430A/10 - In position 58°40'N, 11°00'E sighted a merchant vessel hull down to the westward. It was proceeding northwards. No enemy shipping was seen within five miles off the land so proceeded to the westward to get on the shipping route. 1845A/10 - In position 58°38'N, 10°32'E sighted and attacked a northbound merchant vessel. Fired two torpedoes from 4000 yards that both missed. 2100A/10 - Surfaced in position 58°35'N, 10°46'E and patrolled in the area during the night. 2240A/10 - In position 58°31'N, 10°29'E put down by what was thought to be an enemy destroyer proceeding at 21 knots. Surfaced after the enemy had passed. 2330A/10 - Again put down by what is thought to be an enemy destroyer which subsequently passed overhead with two other ships.

Submarine HMS Taku: HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at Loch Long.

Submarine HMS H 32: HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Portland.

Submarine HMS H 44: HMS H 44 (Lt. E.D. Norman, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Portland.

Battleship HMS Royal Sovereign: Convoy HX 34. This convoy departed Halifax on 10 April 1940. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Beechwood (British, 4987 GRT, built 1940), British Colony (British (tanker), 6917 GRT, built 1927), Chulmleigh (British, 5445 GRT, built 1938), Custodian (British, 5881 GRT, built 1928), Domingo de Larrinaga (British, 5358 GRT, built 1929), Empire Conveyor (British, 5911 GRT, built 1917), F.J. Wolfe (British (tanker), 12190 GRT, built 1932), Forsdale (British, 11023 GRT, built 1924), Generton (British, 4797 GRT, built 1936), (British, GRT, built ), Henry Dundas (British (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1937), Lake Halwill (Estonian, 3165 GRT, built 1907), Malancha (British, 8124 GRT, built 1937), Manchester Spinner (British, 4767 GRT, built 1918), Merchant Prince (British, 5229 GRT, built 1939), Mount Pelion (Greek, 5655 GRT, built 1917), Oiltrader (British (tanker), 5550 GRT, built 1927), Parracombe (British, 4702 GRT, built 1928), Port Montreal (British, 5882 GRT, built 1937), Prince Rupert City (British, 4749 GRT, built 1929), Ross (British, 4878 GRT, built 1936), San Ubaldo (British (tanker), 5999 GRT, built 1921), Saranac (British (tanker), 12049 GRT, built 1918), Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920), Seminole (British (tanker), 10389 GRT, built 1936), Texas Ranger (British, 2689 GRT, built 1919), Thiara (British (tanker), 10364 GRT, built 1939), Toronto City (British, 2486 GRT, built 1925), Varand (British (tanker), 6023 GRT, built 1927) and Wellfield (British (tanker), 6054 GRT, built 1924). On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) and the destroyers HMCS HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN), HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN) and HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN). On the same day of departure HMCS Ottawa collided with a tug and had to return to Halifax for repairs. The other two Canadian destroyers parted company with the convoy on 11 April. Around 0415Z/20, in position 48°52'N, 23°36'W, HMS Royal Sovereign parted company with the convoy on 20 April and set course for Gibraltar as she was to join the Mediterranean Fleet. The Toronto City was last seen around 2000Z/20, in position 49°48'N, 20°23'W. She arrived at Swansea on 26 April. At 0720Z/20, in position 50°01'N, 19°26'W, it was seen that the Domingo de Larrinaga (arrived at Swansea on 25 April) and Wellfield (arrived at Greenock on 26 April) were no longer with the convoy. At 2030Z/20, in position 49°54'N, 14°52'W, the Lake Halwill (apparently proceeded to Bristol (?) arrival date not known) and Ross (arrived at Barry on 26 April) were last seen. On 23 April, in position 50°05'N, 13°10'W, the San Ubaldo dropped out of the convoy with engine trouble. She arrived at Boulogne-sur-Mer, France on 27 April. Also on 23 April the destroyers HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) and HMS Windsor (Lt.Cdr. P.D.H.R. Pelly, RN) joined the convoy which was subsequently split into two sections. The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Beechwood (arrived in the Clyde on 26 April), Chulmleigh (arrived at Liverpool on 26 April), Custodian (arrived at Liverpool on 26 April), Manchester Spinner (arrived at Liverpool on 26 April), Oiltrader (arrived at Liverpool on 26 April), Prince Rupert City (arrived at Liverpool on 26 April), Saranac (arrived in the Clyde on 26 April), Scottish American (destination was Scapa Flow but torpedoed and damaged on 27 April north of Loch Eriboll by the German submarine U-13. Towed to Loch Eriboll where cargo was transferred to another tanker), Seminole (destination was Swansea but mined and damaged off Mumbles on 25 April. Then beached but later salvaged and repairs) and Varand (arrived at Liverpool on 26 April). They were escorted by HMS Warwick which arrived at Liverpool on 26 April. The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; British Colony (arrived in the Downs on 26 April), F.J. Wolfe (arrived at Le Havre on 26 April), Fordsdale (arrived at Portsmouth on 26 April), Generton (arrived at Portland on 25 April), Henry Dundas (arrived in the Downs on 26 April), Malancha (arrived in the Downs on 26 April), Merchant Prince (arrived at Portland on 25 April), Mount Pelion (arrived in the Downs on 26 April), Parracombe (arrived in the Downs on 26 April), Port Montreal (arrived at Dunkirk on 1(?) May), Texas Ranger (arrived at Portland on 25 April) and Thiara (arrived in the Downs on 26 April). They were escorted by HMS Windsor which arrived at Dover on 26 April.

Battlecruiser HMS Repulse: To cover the retreat from Narvik of the remaining destroyers from the 2nd Destroyer Flotilla, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Yates, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, RN), HMS Eskimo (Cdr. St.J.A. Micklethwait, DSO, RN), HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. R.G.K. Knowling, RN) had proceeded up the Vestfiord. In the evening the dispositions of the 'Renown' force was as follows; Battlecruisers HMS Renown (Capt. C.E.B. Simeon, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral W.J. Whitworth, CB, DSO, RN) and HMS Repulse (Capt. E.J. Spooner, DSO, RN) were patrolling unescorted to the west of the Vestfiord. The destroyers HMS Bedouin and HMS Eskimo were patrolling south of Tjeldøya. The destroyers HMS Punjabi and HMS Kimberley were patrolling north-east of Tranøy. The light cruiser HMS Penelope was nearby patrolling off the Tranøy Lighthouse. The destroyers HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.R. Marshall-A'Deane, RN) and HMS Havock (Cdr. R.E. Courage, RN) were conducting an A/S hunt off Røst. The destroyers HMS Esk (Lt.Cdr. R.J.H. Couch, RN, with Capt. J.G. Bickford, DSC, RN, Capt. D.10 onboard), HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, RN) and HMS Ivanhoe (Cdr. P.H. Hadow, RN) were patrolling in the Vestjord. The destroyers HMS Hostile (Cdr. J.P. Wright, RN) and HMS Hotspur (Cdr. H.F.H. Layman, RN) were anchored in the Skelfjord, Flakstadøya. During the night of 10/11 April, the two remaining seaworthy German destroyers at Narvik, Z 9 / Wolfgang Zenker and Z 12 / Erich Giese tried to break out but off Tranøy they encountered British ships that were patrolling there (HMS Penelope, HMS Punjabi and HMS Kimberley). The German destroyers then returned to Narvik undetected.

Destroyer HMAS Vampire: HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Malta for Marseilles. She was escorting the transport Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939).

Destroyer HMAS Vendetta: HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Malta to make rendezvous with the aircraft carriers HMS Ark Royal (Capt. A.J. Power, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.V. Wells, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Glorious (Capt. G. D’Oyly-Hughes, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN), HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN) that are coming from Alexandria. The other ships arrived at the rendezvous early and HMAS Vendetta was not informed of this and thus missed the rendezvous. She was then ordered to search for Danish and Norwegian merchant vessels. HMAS Vendetta returned to Malta on 12 April.

Destroyer HMAS Waterhen: HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) arrived at Malta from Marseilles. She departed again later the same day with HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN) the aircraft carriers HMS Ark Royal (Capt. A.J. Power, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.V. Wells, CB, DSO, RN) and HMS Glorious (Capt. G. D’Oyly-Hughes, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and their escort coming from Alexandria.

Destroyer HMS Defender: HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, RN) departed Freetown to make rendez-vous with the cable ship Mirror (British, 1850 GRT, built 1923) and escort her to Freetown.

Destroyer HMS Hotspur: HMS Hotspur (Cdr. H.F.H. Layman, RN) was severely damaged in the first battle of Narvik. Repairs were completed by Chatham Dockyard on 13 July.

Destroyer HMS Icarus: On 10 April 1940 the German merchant ship Alster was captured by the British destroyer HMS Icarus (Cdr. C.D. Maud, DSC, RN) in the Vestfjord, north of Bod? and was escorted to Britain by the British trawler HMS Ullswater (~ (Sub-Lt. D.R. Stavert, RN). The vessel was renamed Empire Endurance by the Ministry of War Transport (MoWT). NOTES:- Empire Endurance. History: built as German Alster for Norddeutscher Lloyd, Bremen. On 18 March 1940 taken over by Kriegsmarine and used as troop transport in operation Weser?bung, the invasion of Norway.

Destroyer HMS Jupiter: Around 1530 hours the destroyers HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), HMS Afridi (Capt. P.L. Vian, RN), HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN), HMS Somali (Capt. R.S.G. Nicholson, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Electra (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, RN), HMS Brazen (Lt.Cdr. M. Culme-Seymour, RN) and HMS Codrington (Capt. G.E. Creasy, MVO, RN) arrived at Sullom Voe to fuel.

Submarine ORP Orzel: At 1822A/10, ORP Orzel (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) J. Grudzinski, DSO) fires two torpedoes against the German auxiliary patrol vessel V 705 / Carsten (258 GRT, built 1923) in the Skagerrak. Despite the range being only 250 yards the trawler was not hit. It appears one of the torpedoes exploded prematurely. German sources give the position as 58°42'N 10°02'E. [No position is noted in the patrol report of ORP Orzel.]

ASW Trawler HMS Northern Chief: HMS Northern Chief (Lt. H. Kirkwood, RN) picks up 29 survivors from the Swedish tanker Sveaborg and 32 survivors from the Norwegian merchant Tosca that were both sunk by the German U-boat U-37 north-west of the Faroe Islands and landed them in Kirkwall on 11 April.

1941

Heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk: HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) departed Hvalfjord for the Denmark Strait patrol. Later in the day she was ordered to provide cover for convoy HX 119. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy HX 119 ' for 6 April 1941.]

Heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk: HMS Suffolk (Capt. R.M. Ellis, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow.

Heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra: HMAS Canberra (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, RAN) is ordered abandon her patrol and return to Port Victoria, Seychelles giving distant cover for convoy WS 6, which was passing through the area, en-route.

Heavy cruiser HMS Dorsetshire: HMS Dorsetshire (Capt. B.C.S. Martin, RN) arrived at Durban from convoy escort duty.

Heavy cruiser HMS Exeter: HMS Exeter (Capt. O.L. Gordon, MVO, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with FFS Minerve (Lt. P.M. Sonneville).

Light cruiser HMS Capetown: The damaged HMS Capetown (Capt. P.H.G. James, RN) arrived at Port Sudan for temporary repairs.

Light cruiser HMS Cardiff: HMS Cardiff (Capt. P.K. Enright, RN) conducted gunnery exercises for the gunnery school in the Clyde area.

Light cruiser HMS Ceres: Around 0745D/10, HMS Ceres (Capt. E.G. Abbott, AM, RN) parted company with the troopship Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927) off Berbera. HMS Ceres then set course for Aden where she arrived later the same day.

Light cruiser HMS Dauntless: Around 0515/10, HMS Dauntless (Capt. G.D. Moore, RAN), departed Penang and made rendezvous with the French (British controlled) troopship Felix Roussel (17083 GRT, built 1930) with 300 Indian soldiers on board for Bombay. HMS Dauntless was to escort the troopship until west of Ceylon. She parted company with the troopship at 1937/14. HMS Dauntless arrived at Colombo around 0730/15.

Light cruiser HMAS Perth: Around 0700B/10, HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D.B. McCarthy, RN) and HMAS Perth (Capt. P.W. Bowyer-Smith, RN) arrived at Suda Bay from patrol. They then both fuelled from the chartered tanker British Lord (British, 6098 GRT, built 1922). In the afternoon, during an air raid four bombs were dropped close to HMS Ajax but no damage was sustained. The cruisers departed around 1730B/10 to cover the passage of the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN) and HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN) from Suda Bay to Malta. These destroyers had departed Suda Bay around 1200B/10.

Light cruiser HMAS Sydney: Around 0915K/10, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the troopship Queen Mary (British, 81235 GRT, built 1936) departed Jervis Bay to join convoy US 10 at sea on 11 April. At 1000K/10, HMS Achilles (New Zealand Division) (Capt. H.M. Barnes, RN) took over from HMAS Sydney which then set course for Sydney arriving around 1430K/10. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 10 ' for 7 April 1941.]

Light cruiser HMS Manchester: HMS Manchester (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN) shifted from Newcastle to Rosyth.

Submarine HNMS O 24: HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. O. de Booy, RNN) conducts exercises off Gibraltar with several British escort vessels (their names are not listed in the log of O 24).

Submarine HNMS O 9: HrMs O 9 (Lt. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) shifted from Falmouth to Plymouth. She was escorted by HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN).

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Alaunia: Around 1000Q/10, HMS Alaunia (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Woodward, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Bermuda from Halifax.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Carnarvon Castle: HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) G.B. Lewis, RN) is again fumigated at Capetown. The crew is allowed to return to the ship only on 15 April 1941.

Submarine HMS Severn: HMS Severn (Lt.Cdr. A.N.G. Campbell, RN) twice attacked an Italian submarine, most likely the Ferraris in approximate position 24°33'S, 20°03'W. All torpedoes fired missed their target. (All times are zone +1) 1942 hours - Sighted a submarine on the surface. Altered course to attack. 1947 hours - Fired four torpedoes. Missed. 1950 hours - Fired two torpedoes. Missed again. 1959 hours - Dived. 2142 hours - Surfaced. Set course for rendez-vous position with HMS Alcantara and HMS Milford.

Submarine HMS Seawolf: HMS Seawolf (Lt. P.L. Field, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow where she was to participate in A/S exercises.

Submarine HMS Trident: HMS Trident (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) is undocked.

Submarine HMS Tigris: HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, DSO, DSC, RN) left patrol to return to Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Truant: HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. H.A.V. Haggard, RN) is wiped (degaussed) at Alexandria. She then made three trial runs over the D/G range.

Submarine HMS Talisman: Around 1540Q/10, HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) departed from Halifax for convoy escort duty in the North Atlantic. She is to escort convoy SC 28 for part of the journey to the U.K. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy SC 28 ' for 9 April 1941.] [No map of this convoy escort mission can be displayed as there are no logs available for HMS Talisman for this period.]

Submarine HMS Tetrarch: At 2202B/10, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.M.T. Peacock, RN) received a signal from Capt. S 1, timed 2005B/10, orderinngd her to proceed with despatch towards the approaches to Tripoli.

Submarine HMS Torbay: HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. A.C.C. Miers, RN) left from her patrol area to proceed to Gibraltar as ordered in FOS (Flag Officer Submarines) signal timed 1911A/10. HMS Torbay was to join the Mediterranean Fleet.

Submarine HMS Union: HMS Union (Lt. R.M. Galloway, RN) conducted independent exercises off Portsmouth.

Submarine HMS Upholder: HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) made two torpedo attacks on merchant vessels off Cape Bon, Tunisia. No hits were obtained in either attack. The target of the first attack was thought to be the Italian transport Andalusia (4454 GRT, built 1907), this is however not possible as the Andalusia had sought refuge in the Canary Islands and remained there until 1944). The target might have been the Honor (5303 GRT, built 1919) which had sailed from Sfax at 0200B/9 carrying phosphate for Pozzuoli. The target of the second attack was the Italian transport Antonietta Lauro (5428 GRT, built 1928) and the tanker in ballast was the Italian Capacitas (5371 GRT, built 1920). They reported being attacked in position 37°09'N, 11°10'E. 1050B/10 - In position 37°01'N, 11°08'E sighted a single fully laden merchant vessel of about 5000 tons. She was stearing a course of 355° at 9 knots. Closed to attack. 1155B/10 - In position 37°09'N, 11°08'E the target altered course. Range was now 7000 yards. 1204B/10- Fired two torpedoes from 6400 yards. No hits were obtained. ------------------------------------------------ 1415B/10 - In position 37°10'N, 11°12'E sighted two merchant vessels stearing a course of 230° at a speed of 10.5 knots. Closed at speed to attack. 1448B/10 - Fired three torpedoes at the second ship from 1850 yards, a half laden merchant vessel of about 6000 tons. The other ship was a tanker of about 4000 tons in ballast. 1449B/10 - The target was observed combing the tracks of the torpedoes. No hits were obtained.

Submarine HMS Urge: HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN) arrived at Sheerness.

Minelayer HMS Abdiel: With the repairs completed, HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) departed Cowes for Greenock where she arrived the following day. While in the Clyde area she was docked at Govan for an examination of her propellers [dates currently not known to us].

Light cruiser HMS Naiad: HMS Naiad (Capt. M.H.A. Kelsey, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.L.S. King, CB, MVO, RN) sustains some minor splinter damage in an air attack. She is then towed from North Shields to Newcastle.

Light cruiser HMS Phoebe: Around 0900C/10, HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN) arrived at Aden. After having fuelled she departed for Port Said around 1815C/10.

Light cruiser HMS Hermione: HMS Hermione (Capt. G.N. Oliver, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Light cruiser HMS Fiji: HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) was detached from 'Force H' to return to Gibraltar. As she was to proceed to Freetown later on by orders from the Admiralty.

Light cruiser HMS Nigeria: HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow after patrol and convoy escort duty.

Battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth: Around 2200A/10, HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. C.B. Barry, DSO, RN) departed her patrol area to proceed to Gibraltar. Around 1000A/13, she was joined by the destroyers HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Maitland-Makgill Crichton, DSC, RN) and HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN). Around 1400A/13, the destroyer HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN) also joined. HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Fury, HMS Boreas and HMS Velox arrived at Gibraltar around 1000A/14.

Battleship HMS Resolution: Around 1910A/5, the battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, CBE, RN) and the armed merchant cruiser HMS Derbyshire (Capt.(Retd.) E.A.B. Stanley, DSO, RN) departed Hvalfjord for Halifax. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN), Léopard (Lt.Cdr. J. Evenou), ORP Garland (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) K.F. Namiesniowski) and ORP Piorun (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) E.J.S. Plawski). Around 0630Z/11, ORP Garland was detached to go to the assistance of the merchant vessel Saleier (Dutch, 6563 GRT, built 1920) that had been attacked, actually she was sunk, by the German submarine U-52. Around 0300N/12, Léopard was detached to return to Iceland. Around 0630N/12, HMS Legion and ORP Piorun were detached to return to Iceland.

Battleship HMS Rodney: Convoy TC 10. This convoy of troopships departed Halifax on 10 April 1941 for the Clyde where it arrived on 19 April 1941. The convoy was made up of the following troopships; Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936) and Georgic (British, 27759 GRT, built 1932). On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) and the destroyer HMCS St Croix (Cdr. H. Kingsley, RCN). On 11 April 1941, HMCS St. Croix was detached to return to Halifax. On 15 April 1941, the destroyers HMS Hesperus (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN), HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN) and Léopard (Lt.Cdr. J. Evenou) joined the convoy coming from Iceland. On the 16th, Léopard was detached. Four more destroyers joined coming from Iceland, these were HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, RN), HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. C.H.deB. Newby, RN) and ORP Garland (Lt.Cdr. K.F. Namiesniowski, ORP) and Piorun (Cdr. E.J.S. Plawski). On the 18th, HMS Active and HMS Echo were detached to Scapa Flow. The convoy arrived in the Clyde on the 19th.

Destroyer HMS Kelly: HMS Kelly (Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, DSO, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN),HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN) and HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) returned to Plymouth having sighted nothing. HMS Kelly and HMS Kelvin were then taken in hand at the Devonport Dockyard for repairs. HMS Kelvin also had a docking.

Destroyer HMAS Nestor: HMAS Nestor (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) proceeded up river to the Fairfield shipyard for a post work-up refit and alterations to her radar outfit.

Destroyer HMS Wryneck (i): Convoy AS 25 This convoy departed Piraeus on 10 April 1941 for Alexandria / Port Said where it arrived on 15 April 1941. The convoy was made up of the merchant vessels Alfios (Greek, 5116 GRT, built 1920), Fred (Greek, 4043 GRT, built 1907), Hellas (Greek, 2081 GRT, built 1916), Ioannis Fafalios (Greek, 5670 GRT, built 1919) and Theofano Livanos (Greek, 4815 GRT, built 1937). They were later joined at sea by the tanker Pericles (Dutch, 3167 GRT, built 1938) which came from Suda Bay. Escort was provided by the destroyer HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN) and the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN). On sailing from Piraeus the AA cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN) was also part of the escort. She parted company with the convoy on the 11th. HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) then joined the convoy, also on the 11th. On the 14th, the tanker Pericles broke in two in position in 32°09'N, 29°40'E. HMS Grimsby took off the crew. Destroyer HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN) was sent to her assistance but she could only sink the stern section with gunfire.

Destroyer HMS Decoy: Around 0900B/10 HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, CBE, RN), HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN) and HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) arrived at Port Said. HMS Eagle immediately entered to Suez Canal and proceeded southbound to the Great Bitter Lakes where she anchored around 1705B/10. The destroyers departed again around 1915B/10 with the the infantery landing ship HMS Glenroy (Capt.(Retd.) Sir J.F. Paget, RN) to embark troops at Lemnos. They were later joined at sea (around 0540B/12) by the AA cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN).

1942

Heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk: HMS Norfolk (Capt. E.G.H. Bellars, RN) departed Scapa Flow for convoy cover duty. [See the event ' Convoy operation to and from northern Russia, convoy's PQ 14 and QP 10 ' for 8 April 1942 for more information.]

Light cruiser HMS Cardiff: HMS Cardiff (Capt. G.F. Stevens-Guille, DSO, OBE, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with aircraft.

Light cruiser HMS Danae: Around 1920D/10, HMS Danae (Capt. F.J. Butler, MBE, RN) departed Khor Kuwai for patrol in the Strait of Hormuz.

Light cruiser HMS Despatch: HMS Despatch (Cdr.(Retd.) C. Appleton, RN) is docked in No.5 Dock at the Chatham Dockyard. The dock is pumped dry the following day. [As no logs are available for June and July 1942 some details for these month will be missing.]

Light cruiser HMS Durban: Upon completion of de-ammunitioning, HMS Durban (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), proceeded to the Brooklyn Navy Yard where she is taken in hand.

Light cruiser HMS Birmingham: HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN) conducted AA gunnery exercises in False Bay.

Submarine HNMS O 14: HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) departed Scapa Flow for Dundee. She was escorted by the British ASW trawler HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR).

Submarine HNMS O 10: HrMs O 10 (Lt. J.H. Geijs, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Georgetown (Lt.Cdr. P.G. MacIver, RNR), HMS Salisbury (Lt.Cdr. M.H.R. Crichton, RN), HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN), HMS Rockingham (Lt.Cdr. A.H.T. Johns, RN), USS Temptress (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Kirvan, USN) and USS Restless (Lt. E.C. Long, USN).

Submarine USS Thresher: USS Thresher (Lt.Cdr. W.L. Anderson) torpedoed and sank the Japanese transport ship Sado Maru (3039 GRT) about 5 nautical miles north of Oshima, near the entrance to Tokyo Bay, Honshu, Japan in position 34°59'N, 139°29'E.

Submarine USS Grayback: USS Grayback (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Saunders) ended her 1st war patrol at Pearl Harbor.

Submarine USS Grouper: USS Grouper (Lt.Cdr. C.E. Duke, USN) transited the Panama Canal and arrived at Balboa.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Alaunia: HMS Alaunia (Capt.(Retd.) E.N. Kershaw, RN) conducted D/G trials at Bombay.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Asturias: HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) is undocked at the Simonstown Dockyard following which she conducted gunnery exercises in False Bay.

Submarine HMS Otway: HMS Otway (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area training a class of new submariners.

Submarine HMS Otus: 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).

Submarine HMS Clyde: HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 1st storage trip to Malta. For the daily positions of HMS Clyde during this storage trip from Gibraltar to Malta and back to Gibraltar see the map below.

Submarine HMS Truant: At 1830F/10, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Balston, DSO, RN) left patrol to return to Colombo.

Submarine HMS Torbay: At 0105C/10, while in position 183° - Othonoi Island - 20 nautical miles, HMS Torbay (Cdr. A.C.C. Miers, DSO and Bar, RN) A/S transmissions were heard from the south-eastward. At 0108C/10, a destroyer / torpedo boat was sighted on the same bearing at a range of about 2 nautical miles. She was approaching fast. Torbay turned towards and dived. The enemy passed ahead at about 24 knots on a course for the Adriatic. This was possibly the Italian torpedo boat Libra which was operating in the vicinity of Paxos. At 0144C/10, HMS Torbay surfaced and resumed her northerly course. At 0240C/10, A/S transmissions were heard to the northwards. At 0245C/10, the destroyer / torpedo boat was sighted fine on the starboard bow about 3 nautical miles distant. Torbay dived to 80 feet. The enemy passed on the starboard side at a speed of about 24 knots heading for Paxos Island. At 0322C/10, HMS Torbay surfaced and once again resumed her passage north. At 0622C/10, HMS Torbay dived in position 313° - Othonoi Island - 11 nautical miles. At 2111C/10, HMS Torbay surfaced in position 018° - Othonoi Island - 11.7 nautical miles. Cdr. Miers decided to patrol to the north of Corfu for another day.

Submarine HMS Thrasher: At 0640C/10, in position 31°05'N, 19°53'E, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) sighed a Spica-class torpedo boat bearing 140°. At 0653C/10, the enemy altered course towards and an attack was started but before this attack could be completed the enemy turned away around 0705C/10 and the attack had to be broken off.

Submarine HMS Traveller: At 1740B/10, Traveller (Lt.Cdr. G.D.A. Gregory, DSO, RN) arrived at Holy Loch having successfully conducted acceptance trials in the Clyde area. She was then placed in full commission.

Submarine HMS Turbulent: HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSC, RN) attacks the Italian merchant vessel Sangini (3666 GRT, built 1911) with three torpedoes about 5 nautical miles North of Pescara, Italy in position 42°36'N, 14°11'E. All missed. One other torpedo was then fired but this torpedo also missed. According to Italian sources Sangini sighted three torpedo tracks and opened fire for intimidation. The submarine could not close to use her gun because of the shallow waters. The Italian merchant vessel Cerere (1198 GRT, built 1920), 7 nautical miles away, was warned and turned away, she was not seen by Turbulent. Earlier in the day, at 0730C/10, Cdr. Linton, had let a coaster of around 500 tons get away so as to not give away his position and wait for bigger prey. At 2240C/10, a light was seen which turned out to be a small fishing boat which was not molested. 1620C/10 - Sighted a ship of about 1500 tons approaching and started attack. 1650C/10 - Sighted a 3000 tons merchant ship approaching and shifted the attack to this ship. 1721C/10 - In position 42°36'N, 14°11'E fired three torpedoes. All missed. 1732C/10 - Fired another torpedo which also missed.

Submarine HMS Upholder: 10 Apr 1942 In the evening, Captain 'Tug' Wilson, RM and Lance Corporal Charles Parker of the Beds and Herts Regiment and two SIS agents were landed. The two SIS agents (Arabs) were to enter Libya through Tunisia for Intelligence activities but both were arrested by the Vichy police. The two Britons returned to the submarine and Captain Wilson was transferred to HMS Unbeaten (Lt.Cdr. E.A. Woodward, DSO, RN) at 0340 hours on 11 April in position 35°34'N, 12°17'E as this submarine was proceeding to Gibraltar. Wilson was the last man to see the crew of HMS Upholder. Upholder was then sent to patrol east of Djerba Island and then received an order to form a patrol line with HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, RN) and HMS Urge (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tomkinson, DSO and Bar, RN) to intercept an important convoy approaching Tripoli from the east (the Aprilia convoy). Upholder was not heard from again.

Submarine HMS United: HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) proceeded from Arrochar to Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Unruffled: HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) conducted independent exercises in lower Loch Long.

Submarine HMS H 32: HMS H 32 (Lt. N.J. Coe, DSC, RNR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS H 43: HMS H 43 (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS H 50: HMS H 50 (Lt. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle.

Submarine HMS P 511: HMS P 511 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) shifted from Tobermory to Oban and back. Upon returning to Tobermory Lt. Watson took over as Commanding Officer from Lt. Ainslie.

Submarine HMS P 514: HMS P 514 (Lt. J.C. Ogle, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at St. Margaret's Bay.

Minelayer HMS Manxman: HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN) arrived at Plymouth from Port ZA (Loch Alsh).

Minelayer HMS Welshman: HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) for Milford Haven.

Light cruiser HMS Penelope: At 1150 hours, the after steering position of HMS Penelope (Capt. A.D. Nicholl, RN) had to be evacuated due to flooding. Steering now had to be done by the main engines. At 1630 hours, HMS Penelope arrived at Gibraltar and 15 minutes later she secured in No.2 Dock. De-ammunitioning commenced immediately. After this was completed temporary repairs were undertaken before she would be fit to put to sea again to go to the UK for full repairs. Later it was decided to sent her to the USA for full repairs.

Light cruiser HMS Cleopatra: HMS Cleopatra (Capt. G. Grantham, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral P.L. Vian, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Alliston, DSO, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St.Clair Ford, DSO, RN), HMS Sikh (Capt. St.J.A. Micklethwait, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. N.H.G. Austen, RN), HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, OBE, RN) and HMS Hurworth (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria although it is possible that some of the destroyer / escort destroyers were on A/S patrol off Alexandria instead of exercising.

Light cruiser HMS Kenya: HMS Kenya (Capt. A.S. Russell, RN) conducted a refuelling exercise at Scapa Flow with HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN). In the afternoon and early evening HMS Kenya, HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.M. Burrough, CB, RN) and HMS Charybdis (Capt. L.D. Mackintosh, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow.

Destroyer HMAS Vendetta: HMAS Vendetta (Lt. W.G. Whitting, RANR(S)) departed Adelaide for Melbourne. Once again she was in tow of the merchant vessel Islander (British, 1619 GRT, built 1929). they were escorted by the minesweeper HMAS Whyalla (T/Lt. L.N. Morison, RANR(S)). Tow parted on the 12th but it was re-established after a few hours. Tow parted again on the 13th but it was re-established after a few hours. Very early on the 15th the tug Tooronga took over the tow and towed HMAS Vendetta into Port Phillip and they arrived at Melbourne later the same day.

Submarine USS R-1: USS R-1 (Lt. J.D.L. Grant, USN) conducted exercises off Bermuda.

Submarine USS R-2: USS R-2 (Lt. D.T. Hammond, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-4: USS R-4 (Lt. P.W. Garnett, USN) was put back in the water.

Submarine USS R-11: USS R-11 (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Folger, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-13: USS R-13 (Lt. A.R. Gallaher, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-14: USS R-14 (Lt. G.W. Kehl, USN) was put on the slipway at Key West.

Submarine USSR M-176: M-176 fires two torpedoes against ' what is identified as ' a merchant of 8000 tons off the Varangerfjord. The torpedoes missed their target.

ASW Trawler HMS Norwich City: HMS Norwich City (T/Lt. L.H. Stammers, RNVR) picks up 22 survivors from the British tanker San Delfino that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-203 east of Cape Hatteras in position 35°35'N, 75°06'W. HMS Norwich City also up a 35 survivors from the American tanker Tamaulipas that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-552 about 18 nautical miles north-east of Cape Lookout, North Carolina in position 34°25'N, 76°00'W.

Submarine HMS L 23: HMS L 23 (Lt. M.G.R. Lumby, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Onslow (Capt. H.T. Armstrong, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Ewing, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Hursley (Lt. W.J.P. Church, DSC, RN).

Submarine HMS L 26: HMS L 26 (Lt. H.D. Verschoyle, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with a training class of new submariners.

Submarine HMS P 614: After several days of torpedo firing tirals, HMS P 614 (Lt. D.J. Beckley, RN), returned to Holy Loch from Arrochar.

Submarine HMS P 615: HMS P 615 (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Hall, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

1943

Frigate HMS Trent: HMS Trent (A/Lt.Cdr. J.G. Rankin, DSC, RNR) picks up 15 survivors from the Dutch merchant Blitar that was torpedoed and sunk by the German U-boat U-632 about 520 miles east of Cape Farewell on 6 April.

Light cruiser HMS Ceres: HMS Ceres (Capt. C.C.A. Allen, RN) departed Kilindini for Aden. She is escorting the transport Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924).

Light cruiser HMS Dauntless: HMS Dauntless (Capt. N.J.W. William-Powlett, DSC, RN) proceeded to Khor Kuwai.

Light cruiser HMS Birmingham: HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN) departed Freetown for Plymouth.

Submarine HNMS O 14: HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wallace, DSC, RN), HMS Lauderdale (Lt. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN) and HMS Stevenstone (Lt. P.B.N. Lewis, DSC, RN).

Submarine HNMS Dolfijn: Around 1015A/10, HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN) ended her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. She was escorted in [identity of the escort not known] which had joined around 0815A/10.

Submarine USS Bonita: With her refit completed, USS Bonita, arrived at New London, Connecticut from the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Escort Carrier HMS Battler: HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN) conducted flying trials / exercises in the Clyde area.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Canton: Convoy BA 42. This convoy departed Bombay on 10 April 1943. It was made up of the transports; Esperance (British, 5072 GRT, built 1923) and Itola (British, 6793 GRT, built 1940). On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN). The convoy was dispersed around 1500D/15.

Submarine HMS Ursula: HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Parthian: HMS Parthian (Lt. M.B. St. John, RN) ended her 17th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut.

Submarine HMS Regent: While en-route to her patrol area in the Adriatic, HMS Regent (Lt. W.N.R. Knox, DSC, RN), developed defects. Course was set to return to Malta to effect repairs.

Submarine HMS Safari: HMS Safari (Cdr. B. Bryant, DSO, DSC, RN) attacked an Italian convoy and torpedoed and sank the Italian auxiliary Loredan / D 19 (1355 GRT, built 1936) and the Italian naval tanker Isonzo (3363 GRT, built 1937) near Cape Torre delle Stelle off Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy. They were in company with Entella (2691 GRT, built 1899), the minesweeper RD 29 and MAS 507. Entella, while attempting to avoid torpedoes, ran aground at Torre Finocchio. Following the attack, the minesweeper RD 29 opened fire on the periscope and was joined by RD 41 who was in the vicinity escorting the sailing vessel Idria. The motor torpedo boat MAS 507 arrived and dropped five depth charges in the first run and a sixth (her last) in a second run, claiming the submarine sunk. About an hour and a half after the attack, the motor torpedo boat MAS 510 arrived on the scene, observed a large patch of oil and dropped ten depth charges. Both MAS boats then returned to base. 1550A/10 - Sighted a convoy leaving Cagliari. This convoy consisted of 3 ships. These later proved to be a modern cargo liner of about 5000 tons that appeared to be an armed merchant cruiser, a medium seized tanker of about 3500 tons and a merchant vessel of about 3000 tons. A various number of small craft were around, E-boats, Motor Minesweepers and other small craft. Also an RD-class minesweeper was in the area. Started attack. 1719A/10 - 4 Torpedoes were fired at the tanker and the Armed Merchant Cruiser. It was intended to fire to remaining 2 torpedoes however trim was lost and the attack had to be broken off. 1720A/10 - All four torpedoes hit their targets. 2 Hits were obtained on the tanker and 2 on the AMC. A short glimpse through the periscope was taken and the air was seen to be full of spray and debris. Breaking up noises were heard at 1723 and 1806 hours, these were the 2 ships sinking. 1723A/10 - A counter attack now followed. Went to 230 feet in 270 feet of water. However at 210 feet Safari hit the bottom and got stuck. 1725A/10 - Depth charges were dropped and some lamps were broken. 1900A/10 - Finally came off the bottom however the A/S craft heard Safari and depth charges were dropped but none were very close. 1940A/10 - Returned to periscope depth and saw a torpedo boat very close. Safari made off to seaward at slow speed and did not surface until midnight. She was however not pursued any further.

Submarine HMS Satyr: HMS Satyr (Lt. T.S. Weston, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Saladin (Lt. A.A. Diggens, DSC, RN) and HMS Campanula (Lt.Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR).

Submarine HMS Seraph: HMS Seraph (Lt. N.L.A. Jewell, OBE, RN) arrived at Holy Loch for a short period of exercises.

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

Submarine HMS Simoom: HMS Simoom (Lt. C.H. Rankin, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Surf: HMS Surf (Lt. D. Lambert, DSC, RN) conducted night bombardment exercises off Arran.

Submarine HMS Taku: During 10 April and 11 April 1943, HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN), conducted exercises off Plymouth. These included night exercises with RAF aircraft.

Submarine HMS Taurus: At 2100A/10, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, RN) left her current patrol area to patrol off Giglio Island as ordered in Capt. S 8's signal timed 1520A/10.

Submarine HMS Templar: Around 1630B/10, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick.

Submarine HMS Tally-Ho: Around 1530B/10, HMS Tally-Ho (Lt.Cdr. L.W.A. Bennington, DSO, DSC, RN) departed her builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Kirkella (T/Lt. M.J. Rowlands, RNVR).

Submarine HMS Unison: HMS Unison (Lt. A.R. Daniell, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 13th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the North of Sicily. Before proceeding on patrol exercises were carried out with HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) and HMS Paladin (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, RN). For the daily and attack positions of HMS Unison during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Unshaken: At 1819 hours (zone -1), HMS Unshaken (Lt. J. Whitton, RN), surfaced and shelled a suspension bridge near Korba, Tunisia. Fire was opened from 3000 yards. Range decreased to 2300 yards during the action. In all fifteen rounds were fired and several hits were obtained.

Submarine HMS Universal: HMS Universal (Lt. C. Gordon, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow.

Submarine HMS Untamed: HMS Untamed (Lt. G.M. Noll, RN) departed Blyth for Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS H 33: HMS H 33 (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Rothesay.

Submarine HMS H 34: HMS H 34 (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) arrived at Rothesay.

Submarine HMS H 44: HMS H 44 (Lt. P.S. Beale, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS P 511: HMS P 511 (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN) conducted A/S exercises off the Isle of Mull together with HMS Castleton (Cdr.(Retd.) C.W.V.T.S. Lepper, RN), HMS Lady Sharazad and two ML's.

Light cruiser HMS Uganda: Around 0530A/10, HMS Uganda (Capt. W.G. Andrewes, RN) departed Gibraltar for an anti-blockade runner patrol off the Bay of Biscay.

Light cruiser HMS Newfoundland: HMS Newfoundland (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN) and HMS Eskimo (Capt. J.W.M. Eaton, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Mers-el-Kebir where they arrived later the same day.

Destroyer HMAS Stuart: Convoy CO 87. This convoy departed from Sydney and Newcastle on 3 April 1943. The Sydney section was made up of the following transports; Cycle (Australian, 3952 GRT, built 1939), Montoro (British, 4057 GRT, built 1911) and Mundalla (Australian, 3018 GRT, built 1926). On it's departure from Sydney it was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN). The Newcastle section was made up of the following transports; Adelong (Australian, 3576 GRT, built 1936), Enchunga (Australian, 3362 GRT, built 1922), Michael J. Goulandris (Greek, 6672 GRT, built 1921) and William McArthur (Australian, 2393 GRT, built 1924). It was escorted by the minesweeper HMAS Bundaberg (Lt.Cdr. N.D. Pixley, RANR). The two sections merged around 1730K/10. The AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holthe, RNN) also arrived near the convoy to provide cover during part of her passage to Fremantle. The transport Iron Knob (Australian, 3349 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy later coming from Port Kembla. Around 0740K/13, convoy OC 87 was met and and both convoy exchanged escorts so HMAS Stuart and HMAS Bundaberg parted company and the A/S patrol vessel HMAS Doomba (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F.H. Reading, RANR(S)) joined. The convoy arrived at Melbourne later on 13 April 1943.

Destroyer HMCS Restigouche: HMCS Restigouche (A/Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, RCN) picks up 23 survivors from the Dutch merchant Blitar that was torpedoed and sunk by the German U-boat U-632 about 520 miles east of Cape Farewell on 6 April.

Submarine USS R-2: USS R-2 (Lt. A.K. Tyree, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-4: USS R-4 (Lt.Cdr. P.W. Garnett, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-6: USS R-6 arrived at St. Thomas, Virgin Islands from New London, Connecticut (via Bermuda).

Submarine USS R-11: USS R-11 (Lt. W.B. Parham, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-13: USS R-13 (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Gallaher, USN or Lt. D.L. Mehlop, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-20: USS R-20 (Lt. E.T. Shepard, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USSR S-56: S-56 fires two torpedoes against ' what is identified as ' a merchant of 8000 tons off the Tanafjord. Both torpedoes missed their target.

Destroyer HNMS Van Galen (ii): The attack transport USS Henry T. Allen (14174 GRT, built 1921, Capt. P.A. Stevens, USN) departed Port Phillip (Melbourne) for Sydney. She was escorted by the destroyer HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).

Submarine HMS L 26: HMS L 26 (Lt. H.D. Verschoyle, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with a training class of new submariners.

Submarine HMS L 27: HMS L 27 (Lt. W.N. Eade, RNR) conducted special torpedo trials in Loch Long.

1944

Light cruiser HMS Colombo: The AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), sloops HMS Pheasant (Cdr. W.E.J. Eames, DSC, RN), HMS Bideford (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.J. Beverley, DSO, DSC, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Alisma (Lt. G. Lanning, RANVR), HMS Saxifage (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Renwick, DSO, RNR) and HMS Spiraea (Lt. A.H. Pierce, OBE, RNR) arrived at Gibraltar from escort duty with convoy MKS 45.

Light cruiser HMS Dauntless: HMS Dauntless (Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, DSO, RN) and HMS Diomede (Cdr. R.A. Ewing, DSC, RN) departed Rosyth for exercises upon completion of which they proceeded to Methil.

Light cruiser HMS Newcastle: From 10 to 12 April 1944, the light cruisers HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN), HMS Nigeria (Capt. S.H. Paton, RN) and HMNZS Gambia (Capt. N.J.W. William-Powlett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. During the night of 10/11 April 1944, they were joined by the battleship HMS Valiant (Capt. G.E.M. O’Donnell, DSO, RN) and her escort of made up of the destroyers HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and USS Cummings (T/Cdr. P.D. Williams, USN). HMS Valiant and her destroyer escort had first been carrying out bombardment and gunnery exercises during the 10th. During 11 to 12 April they were joined by the heavy cruisers HMS London (Capt. R.V. Symonds-Tayler, DSC, RN), HMS Cumberland (Capt. F.J. Butler, RN) and the light cruiser HrMs Tromp (A/Capt. F. Stam, RNN).

Escort carrier USS Guadalcanal: German U-boat U-68 was sunk north-west of Madeira, Portugal, in position 33°24'N, 18°59'W, by depth charges and rockets from Avenger and Wildcat aircraft of the US escort carrier USS Guadalcanal (VC-58).

Submarine HNMS K XV: During 10 - 12 April 1944 HrMs K XV (Lt.Cdr. Baron C.W.T. van Boetzelaer, RNN) conducted exercises off Darwin.

Submarine HNMS O 21: Around 0800B/10, HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) arrived at Holy Loch from Dundee.

Submarine HNMS O 10: HrMs O 10 (Lt.Cdr. A. van Altena, RNN(R)) participated in A/S exercises with ML's off Ardishaig.

Submarine USS Growler: USS Growler (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Schade) sank a Japanese auxiliary vessel with gunfire in position 24°28'N, 144°42'E.

Submarine USS Pompon: USS Pompon (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Gimber) ended her 4th war patrol at Pearl Harbor.

Escort Carrier HMS Khedive: HMS Khedive (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Haynes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted flying exercises in the North Channel.

Submarine HMS Una: HMS Una (Lt. C.A.J. Nicholl, RN) was docked at Rothesay.

Submarine HMS Severn: HMS Severn (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Beirut for Port Said.

Submarine HMS Sealion: HMS Sealion (Lt. P.E. Newstead, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises with aircraft off Morecambe Bay.

Submarine HMS Sunfish: HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) was undocked.

Submarine HMS Safari: HMS Safari (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducted attack exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) in the Clyde area during which HMS Proteus (Lt. H.D. Verschoyle, DSC, RN) served as the target.

Submarine HMS Sceptre: HMS Sceptre (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, MBE, DSC, RN) with her tow arrived at Burra Firth on the Island of Unst.

Submarine HMS Sea Rover: HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) made a torpedo attack on an escorted merchant vessel near Diamond Point, Sumatra in position 05°07'N, 97°45'E. Six torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained. (All times are zone -6.5) 0555 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 145°. 0638 hours - Sighted masts. Started attack on a merchant ship of 5000 tons with one escort. 0736 hours - In position 05°07'N, 97°45'E fired six torpedoes from 4200 yards. Enemy course was 310°. Speed 10 knots. No hits were obtained. It is thought the enemy saw the torpedo tracks. 0745 hours - Two depth charges were dropped but they were well away. 0755 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The target was seen to continue on its course.

Submarine HMS Sirdar: HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Malta for Port Said.

Submarine HMS Spiteful: HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) arrived at Aden.

Submarine HMS Shalimar: Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN) arrived at Portsmouth.

Submarine HMS Statesman: HMS Statesman (Lt. R.G.P. Bulkeley, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Loch Goil.

Submarine HMS Taku: Around 0800B/10, HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed from Lerwick for her 25th war patrol. She is to patrol in the Skagerrak. For the daily positions of HMS Taku during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Truant: HMS Truant (Lt. E.C. Croswell, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included gunnery exercises and a practice attack on HMS Vivid (Lt. J.C. Varley, RN).

Submarine HMS Trusty: HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) conducts exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN), HMS Verulam (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, DSC, RN) and HMS Wizard (Lt.Cdr. D.T. McBarnet, DSC, RN).

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

Submarine HMS Tantalus: HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included A/S exercises with the US destroyers USS Dunlap (Cdr. C. Iverson, USN) and USS Fanning (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Bentley, USN).

Submarine HMS Thorough: HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) conducted exercises off Larne.

Submarine HMS Unbending: HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners.

Submarine HMS Unbroken: HMS Unbroken (Lt. P.L. Langley-Smith, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners.

Submarine HMS United: HMS United (Lt. N.R. Wood, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory together with HMS Waldegrave (Lt. T. Hay, RN) and HMS Narborough (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Muttram, DSC, RN).

Submarine HMS Unshaken: HMS Unshaken (Lt. J. Whitton, RN) ended her 22th war patrol at Lerwick.

Submarine HMS Universal: HMS Universal (Lt. C. Gordon, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) at La Maddalena. The patrol had been uneventful.

Submarine HMS Varangian: During 10/11 April 1944, HMS Varangian (Lt. S.J. Fovargue, RN), conducted exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. These included night exercises.

Submarine HMS Venturer: HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the south Norwegian coast between Lister and Egerøy. For the daily and attack positions of HMS Venturer during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Visigoth: HMS Visigoth (Lt. J.R.H. Haddow, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow.

Submarine HMS Voracious: Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS H 32: HMS H 32 (Lt. M.D. Hutley, RNR) departed Rothesay for Stornoway. She was escorted by HMS Kihna (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR).

Submarine HMS H 34: HMS H 34 (Lt. R.L. Jay, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR).

Submarine HMS H 44: HMS H 44 (Lt. P.N. Joyce, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS P 511: HMS P 511 (Lt. E.A. Hobson, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS P 512: HMS P 512 (Lt. J.A. Wingate, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda.

Light cruiser HMS Ceylon: HMS Ceylon (Capt. G.B. Amery-Parkes, RN) is docked at Colombo.

Destroyer HMAS Vendetta: Around 1515K/10, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Mesley, RAN) arrived at Brisbane from Sydney. Around 1720K/10, she departed for Milne Bay.

Submarine USS R-4: USS R-4 (Lt.Cdr. W.L. Fey, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-10: USS R-10 (Lt.Cdr. G.F. Sharp, USN) is put on the slipway at Key West.

Submarine USS R-13: USS R-13 (Lt.Cdr. D.L. Mehlop, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-14: USS R-14 (Lt.Cdr. R. Holden, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-20: USS R-20 (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Dudley, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS Pipefish: USS Pipefish conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS Piranha: USS Pirhana arrived at Key West, Florida for duty with the Fleet Sound School.

1945

Corvette HMS Tintagel Castle: German U-boat U-878 was sunk in the Bay of Biscay west of St Nazaire, France in position 47°35'N, 10°33'W, by depth charges from the British destroyer HMS Vanquisher (A/Lt.Cdr. F.M. Osborne, DSC, RANVR) and the British corvette HMS Tintagel Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. R. Atkinson, DSC, RN).

Light cruiser HMS Dauntless: HMS Dauntless (Cdr. P.F. Powlett, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Diomede (Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Leith.

Light cruiser HMAS Hobart: Around 0800I/10, Task Group 74.3, made up of the light cruisers USS Phoenix (T/Capt. J.H. Duncan, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 15, T/Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN), HMAS Hobart (Capt. R.S. Dowling, RAN) and the destroyers USS Nicholas (T/Cdr. D.C. Lyndon, USN, with COMDESRON 21, T/Capt. J.K.B. Ginder, USN on board), USS Fletcher (T/Lt.Cdr. R.R. Green, USN), USS Jenkins (T/Cdr. P.D. Gallery, USN), USS O'Bannon (T/Lt.Cdr. J.A. Pridmore, USN), USS Taylor (T/Lt.Cdr. H.H. de Laureal, USN) and HMAS Warramunga (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Subic Bay for exercises. Around 1700I/10, Task Group 74.2, made up of the light cruisers USS Denver (Capt. T.F. Darden, Jr., USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 21, T/Rear-Admiral R.S. Riggs, USN), USS Cleveland (T/Capt. H.G. Hopwood, USN), USS Montpelier (T/Capt. W.A. Gorry, USN) and the destroyers USS Conway (T/Cdr. J.H. Besson, Jr., USN, with COMDESDIV 44, T/Capt. S.G. Hooper, USN on board), USS Stevens (T/Cdr. G.W. Pressey, USN), USS Cony (T/Cdr. A.W. Moore, USN), USS Eaton (T/Cdr. C. Brown, USN), USS Young (T/Cdr. D.G. Dockum, USN) and USS Sigourney (T/Lt.Cdr. F. Hale, Jr., USN) joined the exercises until 2345I/10 when they parted company. All ships of Task Group 74.3 returned to Subic Bay on 11 April. Some rather early in the day but some, which had continued with exercises arrived later in the day.

Destroyer USS Aaron Ward (iii): USS Aaron Ward arrived at Saipan. She left Saipan for Guam the same day. She stayed at Guam for a few days before returning to the Okinawa area.

Destroyer USS Allen M. Sumner: USS Allen M. Sumner (Cdr. N.J. Sampson) completed her repairs at the Hunters Point Navy yard. She served as training ship for prospective destroyer crews for the next three months.

Submarine HNMS O 19: HrMs O 19 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. Drijfhout van Hooff, RNN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese merchant tanker Hosei Maru (676 GRT, former Dutch Poseidon, built 1914) in the Java Sea in position 05°25'S, 106°39'E. (All times are zone -9) 1150 hours - In position 05°25'S, 106°39'E sighted smoke bearing 319°. The target was seen to be a large 'Sugar Charlie'. Decided on torpedo attack. Targets course 155°, speed 6 knots. 1222 hours - Fired two bow torpedoes. No hits. Probably ran under. 1225 hours - Surfaced for gun action. Range was 500 yards. The target was stopped by the first round which hit aft. A total of 86 rounds had to be used before the target was well ablaze and settling. 1242 hours - Ceased fire when the gun malfunctioned. 1255 hours - Saw the target sink.

Submarine USS Mingo: USS Mingo (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Madison) ended her 7th war patrol at Guam or Saipan. She is now sent to the Mare Island Navy Yard for a major overhaul.

Submarine USS Crevalle: USS Crevalle (Cdr. E.H. Steinmetz, USN) torpedoed and damaged the Japanese frigate Ikuna (940 tons, offsite link) south-west of Iki Island in position 33°37'N, 129°12'E. Ikuna was on A/S patrol together with frigate Kaibokan 72. (All times are zone I, -9) 2119 hours - In position 33°40'N, 129°18'E obtained SJ radar contact bearing 005°(T), range 15000 yards. 2122 hours - Stationed radar tracking party. 2126 hours - SJ radar now reported two contacts. 2144 hours - Battle stations. The targets could not be seen from the bridge. 2154 hours - Headed in for attack. Spotted our target at a range of 4300 yards, an A/S vessel. Did not spot the other target. Course of the target was 200°(T), speed 7 knots. 2225 hours - In position 33°37'N, 129°12'E fired torpedoes from 1800 yards. Two hits were obtained. 2232 hours - The target opened up on us with gunfire. Range at this time was 3500 yards. Went ahead flank to open the range. 2251 hours - Lost contact with the target at a range of 10000 yards. Still had contact on the other target at a range of 14000 yards. Considered the target to have sunk. 2255 hours - Secured from battle stations.

Submarine USS Manta: USS Manta (T/Lt.Cdr. E.P. Madley, USN) conducted exercises in the Gulf of Panama with USS MacLeish (Lt. D.S. Cramer, USNR), USS McCormick (Lt. T.J. Moriarty, USNR), USS Coronado (Cdr. N.W. Sprow, USCG), USS Ogden (Lt.Cdr. K.C. Tharp, USCGR), USS PC-1221 (Lt. W.D. Cowell, USNR) and USS SC-1299 (Lt.(jg) I. Wilson, 2nd, USNR).

Submarine USS Blenny: USS Blenny (Cdr. W.H. Hazzard, USN) conducted a deep dive and electronic tests off Subic Bay.

Submarine USS Charr: USS Charr (Cdr. F.D. Boyle, USN) sank a small Japanese vessel with gunfire in the Java Sea in position 04°58'S, 113°32'E. (All times are zone H, -8) 0920 hours - Sighted mast of a ship bearing 272°(T), distance about 16000 yards. 1000 hours - Ship's course 060°(T), speed 7.5 knots. The ship was a small engines aft freighter of about 500 ton. She was loaded with large crates. Decided to attack with the gun. 1025 hours - Surfaced at a range of 4500 yards and manned the 5" gun. 1027 hours - Commenced firing. 1047 hours - Ceased firing. The ship was on fire and sinking. A patrol vessel was now seen coming over the horizon so cleared the area. 1050 hours - Saw the ship sink.

Submarine USS Dentuda: USS Dentuda (Cdr. J.S. McCain, Jr., USN) arrived at Key West.

Submarine USS Sand Lance: USS Sand Lance (Cdr. M.E. Garrison) departed from Pearl Harbor for her 4th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in Japanese home waters off Honshu and Hokkaido.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Formidable: Around 1200I/10, HMS Formidable (Capt. P. Ruck-Keene, CBE, RN) departed Leyte to join the British Pacific Fleet at sea for operations which she did on the 14th. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Kempenfelt (Capt. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN) and HMS Wessex (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN). [For more info on the operations of the British Pacific Fleet see the event ' The British Pacific Fleet during Operation Iceberg, the landings on Okinawa (1st phase) ' for 23 March 1945.]

Aircraft Carrier HMS Glory: HMS Glory (Capt. A.W. Buzzard, DSO, OBE, RN) conducted flying exercises in the Clyde area.

Escort Carrier HMS Fencer: Around 1000H/10, HMS Fencer (A/Cdr.(Emgy.) A.M. Harris, RN) arrived at Leyte from Sydney.

Submarine HMS Turpin: HMS Turpin (A/Lt.Cdr. J.S. Stevens, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick.

Submarine HMS Safari: HMS Safari (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducted exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Satyr: HMS Satyr (Lt. T.S. Weston, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Loch Alsh with ships from the 10th Escort Group.

Submarine HMS Seraph: HMS Seraph (Lt. T. Russell-Walling, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS PC 74 (A/Lt.Cdr. A. Richardson, RNR).

Submarine HMS Stubborn: HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil.

Submarine HMS Statesman: HMS Statesman (Lt. R.G.P. Bulkeley, RN) sank two sailing vessels with gunfire in the Malacca Strait. (All times are zone -6.5) 1010 hours - Sighted a junk standing down the coast inside the minefield. Decided to shadow it and attack it when it became clear of the end. 1155 hours - Sighted the masts of 3 junks at anchor on the port beam. Decided to deal with them after we dealt with the one we were shadowing. 1412 hours - Went to gun action stations. 1428 hours - Surfaced and closed the junk, a 50 tons one. Sighted several more junks tat anchor to the South. 1445 hours - Boarded the junk and took the crew prisoner. 1503 hours - Recovered the boarding party. Meanwhile found out by taking a sight that we were much further to the South than our DR position and were getting into very shallow water. Gave up the idea of attacking the junks to the Southward and went after the junks sighted at 1155 hours. 1515 hours - The junk exploded and sank. 1544 hours - The 3 junks were seen to be 1 large schooner of about 300 tons at anchor. Closed up the guns crew. 1548 hours - In position 02°32'N, 100°32'E opened fire from 5000 yards. 1556 hours - The schooner sank after having fired 26 rounds for 5 hits. 1605 hours - Picked up 12 Chinese survivors, 1 of these was wounded and was given first aid. Sighted a small junk in the distance, decided to put all prisoners / survivors on board this junk. 1630 hours - Transferred the prisoners / survivors to a small sampan which became very crowded. Set course to clear the area and for the Aroa Islands.

Submarine HMS Stygian: HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) sank two coasters with gunfire in the Java Sea. (All times are zone -9) 1330 hours - Sighted smoke inshore bearing 195°. Closed submerged. 1540 hours - Identified the target as a small Westbound coaster. Closed further. 1624 hours - Surfaced in position 06°22'S, 110°48'E and continued closing. Opened fire when the range was 5000 yards on the nearest coaster (by now two coasters of about 200 tons were in sight). The first coaster soon sank. Fire was then shifted to the second coaster but although riddled with shells from 1800 yards she refused to go down. As Stygian was now in very shallow water on the surface for quite some time decided to make for deeper water.

Submarine HMS Scorcher: HMS Scorcher (Lt. K.S. Renshaw, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with ORP Garland (Lt. K. Hess).

Submarine HMS Tactician: HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. L.N.A. Jewell, DSC, MBE, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Tantivy: HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) departed from Gibraltar bound for Plymouth. She made the passage in convoy MKS 94.

Submarine HMS Thorough: HMS Thorough (Lt. A.G. Chandler, RNR) destroyed a beached coaster with gunfire of the west coast of Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies. (All times are zone -6.5) 0516 hours - Dived in position 04°29'N, 98°21'E. 0525 hours - Sighted a beached coaster (thought to be of 900 tons) in position 04°27'N, 98°14'E. The coaster appeared to be afloat aft, but aground forward. As it appeared she could be of (future) use to the enemy it was decided to destroy her with the deck gun. 0701 hours - Surfaced in position 04°27'N, 98°16'E and opened fire from a range of 4000 yards. She was hit numerous times and was soon on fire. 0716 hours - As the coaster was now considered a total loss ceased fire and withdrew to deeper water. 0725 hours - Dived for an aircraft. Went to 80 feet.

Submarine HMS Upright: HMS Upright (Lt. J.A.L. Wilkinson, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda with HMCS Strathroy (T/Lt. J.D. Moore, RCNVR).

Submarine HMS Unruly: HMS Unruly (T/Lt. D.J. Palmer, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel (T/A/Skr. I.W. Sharp, RNR) and HMS Astravel (T/Lt. D.E. Lewis, RNVR).

Submarine HMS Ultor: HMS Ultor (Lt. J.P. Harvey, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory.

Submarine HMS Unshaken: HMS Unshaken (Lt. J.S. Pearce, RNR) conducted exercises off Portsmouth.

Submarine HMS Universal: HMS Universal (Lt. S.S. Brooks, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMCS Rivière du Loup (T/Lt. R.D. Weldon, RCNVR) and HMCS Stellarton (T/Lt. M.G. McCarthy, RCNVR).

Submarine HMS Uther: HMS Uther (Lt. R.A.A.C. Ward, DSC, RN) arrived at Plymouth.

Submarine HMS Upshot: HMS Upshot (Lt. A.J. Boyall, RN) conducted A/S exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Boarhound (Skr. A.G.G. Jenner, RD, RNR) and HMS Spaniel (T/Skr. J. Bruce, RNR).

Submarine HMS Vagabond: HMS Vagabond (Lt. I.M. Stoop, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Varne: HMS Varne (Lt. I.G. Raikes, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Skudesnes-Obrestadt area. For the daily positions of HMS Varne during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Virulent: HMS Virulent (Lt. F.E. Ashmead-Bartlett, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS Volatile: HMS Volatile (Lt. F.R. Lawrence, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory.

Submarine HMS Vox: HMS Vox (Lt. J.M. Michell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Sydney with HMAS Kybra (T/Lt. R.V.A. Corbett, RANR(S)).

Submarine HMS Vulpine: HMS Vulpine (Lt. W.D.S. Scott, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Altair (T/Lt. J.L. James, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (A/Ch.Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR).

Submarine HMS H 34: HMS H 34 (Lt. A.M.B. Buxton, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS St. Modwen (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Rice, RNR).

Light cruiser HMS Cleopatra: HMS Cleopatra (Capt. B.I. Robertshaw, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area upon completion of which she proceeded to Greenock.

Battlecruiser HMS Renown: HMS Renown (Capt. B.C.B. Brooke, RN) departed Gibraltar for Scapa Flow. She is escorted by the destroyers HMS Havelock (Cdr. R.A. Currie, DSC, RN) and HMS Hesperus (Lt. A.C.D. Leach, RN).

Battleship HMS Anson: HMS Anson (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN) conducted speed and compas swing trials at Scapa Flow.

Destroyer HMAS Nizam: Around 0800I/10, HMS Glenearn (Capt.(Retd.) C.A.G. Hutchinson, DSO, RN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN) and HMAS Nizam (A/Lt.Cdr. W.F. Cook, RAN) arrived at Humboldt Bay near Hollandia. Around 1200I/10, they departed again to continue their passage to Leyte.

Submarine USS R-10: USS R-10 (Lt. R.D. McWenthy, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-11: USS R-11 (Lt.Cdr. M. Abrahams, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-13: USS R-13 (Lt. J.R. Edmands, USNR or Lt. D.C. Bowman, USNR) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-20: USS R-20 (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Dudley, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USSR L-21: The German destroyer Z-43 (2519 tons) is mined and damaged off Hela in position 54°36'N, 18°52'E. The mines were laid by the Soviet submarine L-21 on 8 March 1945.

Submarine USSR ShCh-310: ShCh-310 possibly torpedoed and sank the German merchant Ilmenau (1201 GRT) off Libau. ShCh-310 is often credited with this sinking but she made no attack on this day !?

Destroyer HMS Windsor: HMS Windsor (Lt. J.V. Brothers, RN) is undocked.

Submarine USS Runner (ii): USS Runner (ii) (Cdr. R.H. Bass, USN) arrived at Key West.

Submarine HMS Vengeful: HMS Vengeful (Lt. A.S. Melville-Ross, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta.

Minesweeper USS YMS-96: Damaged in a collision with the high speed minesweeper USS Hambleton off Okinawa in position 26°03'N, 127°48'E.