Laid down (29)

1911: Fleet tug Sonoma (AT 12)

1919: Submarine S-26 (131)

1941: Escort Carrier Nairana (D 05) - Submarine chaser SC-673 (SC-673)

1942: Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-267 (LCI(L)-267) - Destroyer Zodiac (R 54) - Destroyer Escort Flaherty (DE 135) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-227 (LCI(L)-227) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-267 (LCI(L)-267) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-348 (LCI(L)-348) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-349 (LCI(L)-349) - Landing craft tank LCT 383 (LCT 383) - Patrol craft PC-1213 (PC-1213) - Motor torpedo boat PT 185 - Submarine chaser SC-1340 (SC-1340) - Submarine chaser SC-1362 (SC-1362) - Submarine chaser SC-988 (SC-988) - Net tender Silverbell (AN 51)

1943: Landing craft tank LCT 570 (LCT 570) - Landing craft tank LCT 571 (LCT 571) - Destroyer Escort Leslie L.B. Knox (DE 580) - Tank landing ship LST 59 (LST 59)

1944: Landing craft support LCS(L)-121 (LCS(L)-121) - Landing craft support LCS(L)-86 (LCS(L)-86) - Landing craft tank LCT 1376 (LCT 1376) - Landing craft tank LCT 1420 (LCT 1420) - Tank landing ship LST 968 (LST 968) - Fleet tug Luiseno (ATF 156) - Submarine Sea Leopard (483)

Launched (32)

1917: Torpedo boat Giaconto Carini

1918: Destroyer Bernadou (DD 153)

1923: Large destroyer Jaguar

1931: Heavy cruiser Indianapolis (CA 35)

1935: Destroyer Gipsy (H 63)

1936: Submarine L-12

1940: Corvette Saskatoon (K 158) - Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 263 (MTB 263) - Submarine Gar (206) - Motor torpedo boat PT 14

1941: Minesweeper YMS-35 (YMS-35)

1942: Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-105 (LCI(L)-105) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-105 (LCI(L)-105) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-341 (LCI(L)-341) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-342 (LCI(L)-342) - Landing craft tank LCT 172 (LCT 172) - Landing craft tank LCT 326 (LCT 326) - Tank landing ship LST 478 (LST 478) - Motor torpedo boat PT 158 - Minesweeper Revenge (AM 110)

1943: Landing Ship Infantry Empire Spearhead (F 172) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-383 (LCI(L)-383) - Landing Craft Tank LCT 1029 (LCT 1029) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-383 (LCI(L)-383) - Landing craft tank LCT 562 (LCT 562) - Landing craft tank LCT 926 (LCT 926) - Landing craft tank LCT 927 (LCT 927) - Submarine Lionfish (298) - Submarine Manta (299)

1944: Landing craft support LCS(L)-64 (LCS(L)-64) - Landing craft support LCS(L)-80 (LCS(L)-80) - Minesweeper Risk (AM 291)

Commissioned (42)

1919: Destroyer Volunteer (D 71) - Destroyer Hamilton (DMS 18)

1939: Armed Merchant Cruiser Antenor (F 21) - ASW Whaler Wastwater (FY 239)

1940: Minesweeper Bangor (J 00) - Motor Launch ML 127 (ML 127) - Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 41 (MTB 41) - Submarine M-31 - Submarine M-32

1941: MS Trawler Killegray (T 174) - Rescue Tug Jaunty (W 30) - Motor Launch ML 307 (ML 307) - Submarine M-116 - Destroyer Razumniy

1942: Harbour Defence Motor Launch HDML 1129 (ML 1129) - Motor Launch ML 098 (ML 098) - Motor Launch ML 099 (ML 099) - Motor Launch ML 100 (ML 100) - Motor Launch ML 101 (ML 101) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-165 (LCI(L)-165) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-16 (LCI(L)-16) - Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-216 (LCI(L)-216) - Landing craft tank LCT 172 (LCT 172) - Landing craft tank LCT 250 (LCT 250) - Landing craft tank LCT 326 (LCT 326) - Landing craft tank LCT 497 (LCT 497) - Landing craft tank LCT 72 (LCT 72) - Fleet tug Pawnee (AT 74) - Submarine chaser SC-710 (SC-710)

1943: Motor Launch ML 847 (ML 847) - Destroyer Escort Lovelace (DE 198) - Escort carrier Wake Island (CVE 65)

1944: Frigate Loch Eck (K 422) - Motor Launch ML 854 (ML 854) - Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 386 (MTB 386) - Motor Torpedo Boat MTB 5005 (MTB 5005) - Submarine Hackleback (295) - Tank landing ship LST 817 (LST 817) - Tank landing ship LST 887 (LST 887) - Tank landing ship LST 953 (LST 953) - Tank landing ship LST 953 (LST 953) - Destroyer Escort Presley (DE 371)

1940: Submarine Poncelet - Submarine Swordfish (N 61) - MS Trawler William Wesney

1944: Landing Craft Tank LCT 976 (LCT 976) - Tank landing ship LST 420 (LST 420) - Submarine Albacore (218)

More information on Allied Warships losses.

1939

Heavy cruiser HMS Sussex: HMS Sussex (Capt. A.R. Hammick, RN) and HMS Shropshire (Capt. A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN) returned to Simonstown and Capetown respectively from patrol in the South Atlantic.

Heavy cruiser HMS York: HMS York (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN) arrived at Bermuda from patrol. At Bermuda she was to undergo a repair period by the Bermuda Dockyard.

Light cruiser HMS Caradoc: HMS Caradoc (Capt. E.W.L. Longley-Cook, RN) departed Balboa for patrol towards Cocos Island.

Light cruiser HMS Colombo: Around 0835A/7, HMS Colombo (Commodore R.J.R. Scott, RN) departed Sullom Voe for the Northern Patrol. She is ordered to patrol west of the Faeroer Islands.

Light cruiser HMS Dragon: HMS Dragon (Capt. R.G. Bowes-Lyon, MVO, RN) departed Sullom Voe for the Northern Patrol. She was ordered to patrol south / south-west of the Faeroer Islands.

Light cruiser HMS Effingham: HMS Effingham (Capt. J.M. Howson, RN) departed Plymouth for Halifax. [No log is available for November 1939 so no map can be displayed.]

Light cruiser HMAS Sydney: HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.W.A. Waller, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle. On completion of the gunnery exercises a depth charge and damage control exercise was carried out.

Light cruiser HMS Birmingham: HMS Birmingham (Capt. E.J.P. Brind, RN) departed Singapore for Hong Kong.

Light cruiser HMS Liverpool: Around 0700 hours (zone -4), HMS Liverpool (Capt. A.D. Read, RN), departed Diego Suarez for yet another patrol in the Seychelles area. For the daily positions of HMS Liverpool from 7 to 9 November 1939 see the map below.

Light cruiser HMS Gloucester: HMS Gloucester (Capt. F.R. Garside, CBE, RN) departed Colombo to patrol in the Indian Ocean.

Light cruiser HMS Southampton: HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) arrived at Rosyth around 0915 hours.

Light cruiser HMS Belfast: HMS Belfast (Capt. G.A. Scott, DSC, RN) proceeded from Glasgow to Greenock.

Light cruiser HMS Edinburgh: Convoy HN 1. This convoy was formed near Bergen, Norway on 7 November 1939 and arrived off Methil on 10 November 1939. The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Egton (British, 4363 GRT, built 1938), Goodleigh (British, 5448 GRT, built 1938), Hardingham (British, 5415 GRT, built 1933), Hetton (British, 2714 GRT, built 1924), Rozewie (Polish, 766 GRT, built 1938), Thomas Walton (British, 4460 GRT, built 1917) and Vina (British, 1021 GRT, built 1894). On forming up the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Curlew (Capt. B.C.B. Brooke, RN) and the destroyers HMS Somali (Capt. R.S.G. Nicholson, DSC, RN), HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, RN) and HMS Tartar (Lt.Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, RN). The light cruiser HMS Edinburgh (Capt. F.C. Bradley, RN) provided close cover for the convoy. At 1800A/8, the destroyer HMS Ashanti (Cdr. W.G. Davis, RN) joined the convoy escort having departed Sullum Voe at 1630A/7. HMS Curlew parted company with the convoy at 1715A/9 and proceeded to Scapa Flow.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Hermes: The battlecruiser Strasbourg (Capt. J.F.E. Bouxin), aircraft carrier HMS Hermes (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN), heavy cruisers Algerie (Capt. L.H.M. Nouvel de la Fleche) and Dupleix (Capt. L.L.M. Hameury) and the destroyers Le Fantasque (Capt. P.A.B. Still), Le Terrible (Cdr. A.E.R. Bonneau) and L’Audacieux (Cdr. L.M. Clatin) departed Dakar to patrol in the mid-Atlantic to the west of the Cape Verde Islands. They returned to Dakar on 13 November 1939. Also on the 13th, a Swordfish of 814 Squadron of HMS Hermes crashed into the sea on landing. Lt. J.H. Dundas, RN (FAA) and the other crewmembers were picked up from the sea by the Le Fantansque.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Queen of Bermuda: HMS Queen of Bermuda (Capt.(Retd.) M.B. Birkett, DSO, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials and gunnery trials off Belfast.

Submarine HMS Undine (i): HMS Undine (Lt.Cdr. A.S. Jackson, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Rosyth.

Submarine HMS Ursula: HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. G.C. Phillips, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Rosyth.

Submarine HMS Odin: HMS Odin (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Moir, RN) departed Colombo for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Malidives. For the daily positions of HMS Odin during this war patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Oswald: HMS Oswald (Lt.Cdr. G.M. Sladen, RN) conducted exercises off Malta.

Submarine HMS Otus: HMS Otus (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed Colombo for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Chagos Archipaligo and the Maldives. Shortly after sailing she returned with a major engine defect which was however quickly repaired. For the daily positions of HMS Otus during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Parthian: During 7 and 8 November 1939, HMS Parthian (Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rimington, RN), conducted exercises off Singapore. These included night exercises.

Submarine HMS Perseus (i): HMS Perseus (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) was undocked and ended her short refit.

Submarine HMS Pandora: HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) conducted steering and diving trials off Hong Kong.

Submarine HMS Rainbow: HMS Rainbow (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Luce, RN) was undocked.

Submarine HMS Narwhal: HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) departed Sheerness for Portsmouth. At sea he joined HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) and their escort HMS Saltburn (Lt.Cdr. G.E.C. Wood, RN).

Submarine HMS Rorqual: HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) departed Singapore for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Sabang. For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Cachalot: At 1648 hours, HMS Cachalot (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN), made rendez-vous with HMS Seal (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Lonsdale, RN), HMS L 26 (Lt.Cdr. F.W. Lipscomb, OBE, RN) and their escort towards Portsmouth, HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. G.B. Kingdon, RN) near the North Goodwin light vessel.

Submarine HMS Seal: At 0750A/7, HMS Seal (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Lonsdale, RN) arrived in the rendez-vous position (about 40 nautical miles east of Harwich (approx. 52.00'N, 02.11'E) where destroyer HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. G.B. Kingdon, RN) was already waiting. As HMS L 26 (Lt.Cdr. F.W. Lipscomb, OBE, RN) and HMS Cachalot (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN) had not yet arrived A/S practice was given to HMS Seal, while doing so a seaplane was circling then at distance of about 4 miles for half an hour. It then disappeared but returned a few minutes later and bombed them. No damage was done to either Seal or Boadicea though.

Submarine HMS Starfish: HMS Starfish (Lt. T.A. Turner, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Blyth.

Submarine HMS Sealion: HMS Sealion (Lt.Cdr. B. Bryant, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Rosyth.

Submarine HMS Shark (i): HMS Shark (Lt. P.N. Buckley, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Rosyth.

Submarine HMS Salmon: HMS Salmon (Lt.Cdr. E.O. Bickford, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Rosyth.

Submarine HMS Sunfish: HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Rosyth.

Submarine HMS Truant: HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Peers, RN) conducted exercises in Spithead.

Submarine HMS H 32: HMS H 32 (Lt. R.F. Jenks, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Portland with HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Guillemot (Lt.Cdr. H.M. Darell-Brown, RN).

Submarine HMS H 49: HMS H 49 (Lt. E.F. Balston, RN) proceeded to the Sheerness Dockyard where she was taken in hand for refit.

Light cruiser HMS Galatea: Around 0730B/7, HMS Galatea (Capt. E.G.H. Bellars, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.C. Tovey, CB, DSO, RN), arrived at Haifa. She departed Haifa for Alexandria around 2145B/7.

Battleship HMS Resolution: Around 1415A/7, the battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. C.H. Knox-Little, RN) arrived at Plymouth after convoy escort duty. She was escorted by HMS Grenville (Capt. G.E. Creasy, MVO, RN) and HMS Grenade (Cdr. R.C. Boyle, RN).

Destroyer HMAS Vampire: During 7 and 8 November 1939, the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Singapore. Also A/S exercises were carried out with the submarines HMS Parthian (Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rimington, RN) and HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN). On the 7th the destroyers also search for the crew of a crashed aircraft but none were found. On completion of the exercises on the 8th, HMAS Vampire, HMAS Voyager and HMAS Parthian returned to Singapore. HMAS Stuart, HMAS Vendetta, HMAS Waterhen and HMS Rover remained out for exercises and only returned to Singapore on the 10th.

Destroyer HMS Dainty: At 0815 hours, HMS Dainty (Cdr. F.M. Walton, RN) and HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) parted company with HMS Warspite (Capt. V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, RN) and HMS Isis (Cdr. J.C. Clouston, RN). HMS Dainty and HMS Diana then returned to Gibraltar where they arrived around 1700 hours.

Destroyer HMS Hereward: HMS Hereward (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN) arrived at Freetown with the captured German merchant vessel Uhenfels (7603 GRT, built 1931).

Destroyer HMS Jupiter: The minelaying cruiser HMS Adventure (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, RN) departed Rosyth for Immingham. Off the Firth of Forth she was joined by the destroyers HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) which were to escort her. HMS Adventure, HMS Juno and HMS Jupiter arrived at Immingham later the same day.

Destroyer HMS Khartoum: HMS Khartoum (Cdr. D.T. Dowler, RN) departed the Tyne for Portland where she was to work up.

Destroyer HMS Decoy:

Submarine HMS L 27: HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) parted company with convoy FN 2 at 1130 hours. She then joined HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) hich came from Sheerness and was also to proceed to Portsmouth. HMS Saltburn (Lt.Cdr. G.E.C. Wood, RN) provided escort for both submarines.

1940

Heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire: Operations against Gabon / landings off Libreville. During the night of 7/8 November 1940, Free French Foreign Legion troops were landed by the Free French transport Fort Lamy (5242 GRT, built 1919) at Mondah Bay (north of Libreville). The Fort Lamy had departed Monaka around 0730A/6 escorted by the Free French sloop Savorgnan de Brazza (Lt.Cdr. A.J.M. Roux). They were known as ' convoy A '. Also in company had been the transport Anadyr (5224 GRT, built 1930) but she was later detached to proceed to Pointe Noire unescorted. Around 2100A/6, ' Convoy B ' departed Manoka to land additional Free French troops at Mondah Bay after the first landings had proven to be successful. ' Convoy B ' was made up of the transports Casamance (5187 GRT, built 1921) and Nevada (5618 GRT, built 1917). They were escorted by the Free French sloop / minesweeper FFS Commandant Dominé (Lt. J. de la Porte des Vaux) and auxiliary patrol vessel FFS President Houduce (?). Cover for this operation by the Free French was provided by British warships, these were the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Cdr. H.M.S. Mundy, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) which departed Manoka around 0900A/6 and then first provided cover for ' Convoy A '. The light cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. A.S. Russell, RN) had departed Manoka around 0930A/3 to patrol off Gabon. Also patrolling off Gabon were the sloop HMS Milford (Capt.(Retd.) S.K. Smyth, RN) which had departed Manoka around 1300A/4 and the auxiliary ASW trawler HMS Turcoman (Skr. A.G. Day, RNR) which had departed Manoka around 1000A/4. HMS Devonshire remained near ' Convoy A ' until 1800A/6 when she set course to make rendezvous with HMS Delhi. Rendesvous was effected around 0545A/7. Meanwhile HMS Milford and HMS Turcoman were on A/S patrol north to north-east of Cap St. Lopez near Port Gentil. This was so that the Vichy French submarine Poncelet (Lt.Cdr. P.H.S.B. de Saussine du Pont de Gault) which was at Port Gentil could not proceed to Libreville to reinforce the Vichy French ships stationed there which were the sloop Bougainville (Cdr. R.J.A. Morin) and a river flotilla made up of the armed tugs Falaba, Mandji and Oviro and three fishing smacks Saint François, Le Nicot and Christiane. At 0630A/7, HMS Devonshire launched her Walrus aircraft to search for the Vichy French submarine Poncelet. Shortly afterwards HMS Delhi was detached with orders to show herself between Cape Santa Clara and Cape Esterias (north-west of Libreville) and then rejoin HMS Devonshire at 1100A/7. At 0745A/7, the Walrus aircraft returned and reported that the Poncelet was anchored off Port Gentil (138°, Cape Lopez, 8 nautical miles). At 1500A/7, both cruisers parted company to show themselves off Cape Gombé (HMS Devonshire) and between Cape Santa Clara and Cape Esterias (HMS Delhi). At 1552A/7, HMS Milford reported that the Vichy French submarine Poncelet had gotten underway. This signal was however not received by Vice-Admiral Cunningham. An amplifying report set by Milford at 1615A/7 was received at 1623A/7. It reported Poncelet zig-zagging on course 060°. HMS Milford's own course was reported as 048°, speed 16 knots. At 1636A/7, Milford's signal timed 1619A/7 was received. It gave Milford's position as 00°20'S, 08°50'E. She reported the submarine bearing 030°, steering 060°, distance 7 nautical miles. At 1650A/7, HMS Devonshire flew off her Walrus aircraft to attack the Poncelet with the intention to either damage the submarine or force her to submerge so that HMS Milford could overtake and attack her. At 1715A/7, HMS Milford's signal timed 1700A/7 was received. It gave the position now as 00°11'S, 08°57'E. The submarine was now steering 039°, at 16 knots. Distance between the enemy and HMS Milford was 6.5 nautical miles. At 1739A/7, HMS Milford's signal timed 1720A/7 was received. It stated that HMS Milford was now engaging the Vichy submarine which had altered course to the west and dived. Shortly afterwards she signalled that the Poncelet had surfaced in position 00°04'S, 08°56'E. At 1801A/7, HMS Delhi was ordered to close this position and put a prize crew on board the submarine and then escort it to Lagos. At 1815A/7, HMS Devonshire received HMS Milford's signal timed 1805A/7. It stated that Poncelet's engines had broken down and that she had surrendered. At 1837A/7, HMS Milford's signal timed 1820A/7 was received. It stated that the Poncelet had been scuttled by her crew and that Milford was picking up the survivors. HMS Delhi was ordered to assist in recovering the survivors. All survivors were however picked up by HMS Milford, these were a total of three officers and fifty-one ratings. The French Commanding Officers had elected to go down with his submarine. From the French it was learnt that the Poncelet had actually fired two torpedoes at HMS Milford but that one of them had got stuck in the tube and toxic gasses had entered the submarine. Also about one third of the crew of the submarine had been landed at Port Gentil to bolster the garrison there. At 1922A/7, HMS Devonshire received HMS Delhi's signal timed 1922A/7 which stated that she was in company with HMS Milford and HMS Turcoman in position 00°01'N, 09°03'E. HMS Milford would keep the prisoners on board for the night. HMS Turcoman's ASDIC dome had been punctured. At 2346A/7, HMS Devonshire received a signal from the Savorgnan de Brazza timed 2130A/7 that the operation (landing) was proceeding satisfactorily and that she was awaiting the news from the troops which were landing up the creeks. At 0545A/8, HMS Devonshire made rendezvous with HMS Milford to obtain a full report on the sinking of the Poncelet. At 0700A/8, HMS Devonshire made rendezvous with HMS Delhi and HMS Turcoman after which HMS Devonshire set course to proceed to the northwards. At 0910A/8, a signal was received from the Savorgnan de Brazza timed 0630A/8 that the troops had been landed around 0730A/8 but that they had been machine gunned by enemy aircraft. Casualties were however small. ' Convoy B ' had just arrived and was proceeding to the anchorage to disembarked their troops. At 1500A/8, Savorgnan de Brazza's 1335A/8 was received stating that all troops and material from the Casamance had been landed and that they were now at Assimba Island but would proceed to join the troops to the north of the airfield after dark. The Nevada was disembarking her troops for landing up the Mondah River. At 1700A/8, HMS Devonshire closed the Gabon River estuary to see of Vichy French ships were patrolling there but none were sighted. At 1840A/8, HMS Turcoman left the area as she was short of coal and water. She was to proceed to Port Harcourt. At 1920A/8, Savorgnan de Brazza's 1745A/8, was received by HMS Devonshire. It stated that the Commandant Dominé was patrolling from 10 miles west of Cape Santa Clara to 10 miles west of Gombé lighthouse with the Savorgnan de Brazza 5 miles to the westward. They intended to take offensive action against the Vichy-French sloop Bougainville the following morning. The transport Casamance was still at Monday Bay. The transport Fort Lamy was patrolling east of Corisco Island and the transport Nevada was patrolling north and west of Corisco Island. At 2216A/8, the President Houduce's signal timed 2030A/8, was received, it stated that she had disembarked the governor at Assimba Island and that she would remain there throughout the night. At 0745A/9, HMS Milford disembarked the Vichy French prisoners of the Poncelet to HMS Delhi. The Walrus aircraft of HMS Devonshire conducted an A/S patrol in the area during the transfer. An ultimatum was sent to the Vichy French. At 1306A/9, HMS Devonshire received a signal from the Savorgnan de Brazza timed 1150A/9 that she and the Commandant Dominé were proceeding up river towards the airfield. The Commandant Dominé was sweeping for mines ahead of the Savorgnan de Brazza. At 1400A/9, HMS Delhi was detached to fuel at Lagos and also to land the Vichy French prisoners there. She arrived at Lagos around 1130A/10. At 1410A/9, gunfire was heard on board HMS Devonshire coming from the direction of Libreville. At 1457A/9, Savorgnan de Brazza's 1355A/9, was received by HMS Devonshire. It stated that she was about to attack the enemy which was trying to put to sea. At 1622A/9, Savorgnan de Brazza's 1430A/9, was received by HMS Devonshire. It stated that the Bougainville was on fire and that the Vichy transport Cap des Palmes was picking up survivors. At 1940A/9, Savorgnan de Brazza's 1820A/9, was received by HMS Devonshire. It stated that the Savorgnan de Brazza and Commandant Dominé was anchored off Libreville and that the Cap de Palmes was used as hospital and depot ship. At 0044A/10, Savorgnan de Brazza's 2230A/9, was received by HMS Devonshire. It stated the the Vichy-French had accepted the terms issued to them. At 0754A/10, Savorgnan de Brazza's 0605A/10, was received by HMS Devonshire. It stated that negotiations were proceeding and that it was hoped that Port Gentil would also be included. At 1157A/10, a message was received which stated that at 1100A/10, Libreville was occupied by Free French naval and other military Free French forces. Negotiations were still going on with Port Gentil but there were communication difficulties. At 1730A/11, Savorgnan de Brazza's 1505A/11, was received by HMS Devonshire. It stated that the Commandant Dominé would leave Libreville tonight and was expected to arrive at Port Gentil around 0800A/12 to arrange for a peaceful occupation by Free French troops. At 1916A/11, Savorgnan de Brazza's 1840A/11, was received by HMS Devonshire. It stated that the President Houduce and the three transports had been ordered to join the Savorgnan de Brazza at Libreville. At 1530A/12, HMS Delhi rejoined coming from Lagos. HMS Devonshire then departed the area for Lagos. HMS Turcoman was also enroute to return to the area to relieve HMS Milford. At 2016A/12, a signal was received from the Commandant Dominé that negotiations were ongoing but that most likely some more force must be shown off Port Gentil. Around 0600A/13, the Savorgnan de Brazza departed Libreville for Port Gentil followed around 1730A/13 by the transport Casamance. Free French troops occupied Port Gentil at 0830A/14.

Heavy cruiser HMS Kent: HMS Kent (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN) and the troopship Britannic (British, 26943 GRT, built 1930) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa from Aden.

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 Dragon: Around 0700N/7, HMS Dragon (Capt. R.J. Shaw, MBE, RN), HMS Moreton Bay (A/Capt. E.M. Haes, RN) and the Vichy French transport Cuba (11420 GRT, built 1923) arrived at Freetown.

Light cruiser HMS Sheffield: Around 1800A/7, ' Force H ' , made up of the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. C.S. Holland, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN) and the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSC, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, RN), HMS Fortune (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO, RN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN), HMS Duncan (Cdr. A.D.B. James, RN), HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for operations. Also sailing with ' Force H ' were a group of warships that were to reinforce the Mediterranean Fleet. These were the battleship HMS Barham (Capt G.C. Cooke, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Berwick (Capt. G.L. Warren, RN), light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. H. Hickling, RN) and the destroyers HMS Gallant (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, RN), HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.R. Marshall A'Deane, DSC, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN). [For more info on the operations see the event ' Several operations in the Mediterranean ' for 4 November 1940 which includes info on Operation Coat, the transfer of reinforcements from the Western Mediterranean to the Eastern Mediterranean and Operation Crack, an air attack on Cagliary, Sardinia.

Light cruiser HMAS Adelaide: HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Sydney.

Submarine HNMS O 23: HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) was ordered to patrol even further to the South off Stavanger, Norway.

Submarine HNMS O 14: HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. H. Tichelman, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Furious: HMS Furious (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN) is docked at Liverpool.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Hermes: HMS Hermes (Capt. R.F.J. Onslow, DSC, MVO, RN) conducted compass swing and D/F trials off Simonstown.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Carthage: Around 0600C/7, HMS Carthage (Capt.(Retd.) B.O. Bell-Salter, RN) and the (troop) transports Erinpura (British, 5143 GRT, built 1911) and Khedive Ismael (British, 7290 GRT, built 1922) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Ranchi: Around 1100EF/7, HMS Ranchi (Capt.(Retd.) H.C. Legge, DSC, RN) departed Colombo for Bombay.

Submarine HMS Otway: HMS Otway (Lt. E.D. Norman, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Pandora: At 2217B/7, HMS Pandora (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Linton, RN) was undocked. She then immediately left Malta for Alexandria. For the daily positions of HMS Pandora during this passage see the map below.

Submarine HMS Rorqual: HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) arrived at Malta where she embarked 50 new mines. She departed at 1800 hours (zone -2) to resume her patrol. Another minefield had to be laid off Misrata, Libya.

Submarine HMS Swordfish: HMS Swordfish (Lt. M.A. Langley, RN) departed Portsmouth for her 12th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Brest, France.

Submarine HMS Sealion: HMS Sealion (Cdr. B. Bryant, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Rosyth.

Submarine HMS Seawolf: HMS Seawolf (Lt. P.L. Field, RN) departed Methill for passage to Portsmouth. For the daily positions of HMS Seawolf during this passage see the map below.

Submarine HMS Tribune: HMS Tribune (Lt. E.F. Balston, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Tigris: HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bone, RN) developed engine problems and has to proceed to Milford Haven for repairs arriving around 1445A/7. She had parted company with the other two ships around 1330A/7.

Submarine HMS Truant: Around 1700B/7, HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. H.A.V. Haggard, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 13th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She is to patrol off Tripoli, Libya. For the daily and attack positions of HMS Truant during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Upholder: HMS Upholder (Lt. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar.

Submarine HMS Utmost: HMS Utmost (Lt. J.H. Eaden, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar where repairs were undertaken to make her seaworthy again and made her able to dive. Permanent repairs were to be undertaken at Malta.

Submarine HMS H 33: HMS H 33 (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown.

Submarine HMS H 43: HMS H 43 (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Plymouth with HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN). Upon completing these exercises HMS H 43 departed Plymouth for Holyhead. She was escorted by HMS Troubadour (Cdr.(Retd.) D.H. Milward, DSC, RNR).

Submarine HMS H 50: HMS H 50 (Lt. G.V. Prowse, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Valena (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RNR) and HMS Carina (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.C.G. Jolly, RN).

Light cruiser HMS Neptune: HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN) departed Capetown for Freetown.

Destroyer HMS Kandahar: HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) departed Aden for Bombay.

1941

Heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire: HMS Devonshire (Capt. R.D. Oliver, DSC, RN) arrived at Durban from operations.

Heavy cruiser HMS Kent: HMS Berwick (Capt. G.H. Faulkner, DSC, RN) and HMS Kent (Capt. A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, RN) conducted exercises off Hvalfjord on completion of which HMS Berwick proceeded to patrol in the Denmark Stait. HMS Kent returned to Hvalfjord.

Light cruiser HMS Caledon: Around 0830EF/7, HMS Caledon (A/Capt. H.J. Haynes, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Bombay from Colombo.

Light cruiser HMS Colombo: Around 1040B/7, HMS Colombo (Capt. C.C.A. Allen, RN) arrived at Durban from East London.

Light cruiser HMS Danae: HMS Danae (A/Capt. F.J. Butler, MBE, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Singapore.

Light cruiser HMS Despatch: HMS Despatch (Commodore 2nd cl. C.E. Douglas-Pennant, DSC, RN) departed Bermuda for Trinidad via the Sombrero Passage.

Light cruiser HMS Diomede: HMS Diomede (Capt. D. Orr-Ewing, RN) arrived at Balboa, Panama.

Light cruiser HMAS Adelaide: Around 2020K/7 HMAS Adelaide (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Williamstown from escort duty.

Destroyer HNMS Isaac Sweers: HMS Argus (Capt. G.T. Philip, DSC, RN), escorted by HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, RN) and HMS Lightning (Cdr. R.G. Stewart, RN) arrived Gibraltar around 2300A/7. HMS Athene (Cdr. R.W. Jones, RD, RNR) escorted by HMS Gurkha (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, RN), HMS Zulu (Cdr. H.R. Graham, DSO, DSC, RN) and HrMs Isaac Sweers (Cdr. J. Houtsmuller, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar around 0600A/8.

Submarine HNMS O 21: HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducts exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Wishart (Cdr. H.G. Scott, RN) and aircraft from HMS Ark Royal (Capt. L.E.H. Maund, CBE, RN) and HMS Malaya (Capt. C. Coppinger, DSC, RN).

Submarine HNMS O 14: During the morning, HrMs O 14 (Lt.Cdr. G. Quint, RNN(R)) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa Flow with HMS Maori (Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN). Around 1345A/7, HMAS Norman departed Scapa Flow for Wick to embark Crown Prince Olaf of Norway and his staff for passage to Scapa Flow. The destroyer returned to Scapa Flow around 1700A/7.

Submarine HNMS O 9: HrMs O 9 (Lt. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle together with HMS Stork (Cdr. F.J. Walker, RN) and HMS Walney (Lt.Cdr. P.C. Meyrick, RN).

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Asturias: Around 1900O/7, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) and the RFA tanker Derwentdale (8390 GRT, built 1941) made rendezvous in approximate position 18°30'S, 32°36'W with HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) R.L. Hamer, RN). They remained in company until 1100O/8 when HMS Bulolo parted company to resume patrol. HMS Asturias had transferred some personnel to HMS Bulolo.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Circassia: Around 0700Q/7, HMS Circassia (A/Capt. E.V. Lees, RN) and HrMs Van Kinsbergen (Cdr. C. Hellingman, RNN) returned to Trinidad from patrol. They had sighted nothing of interest.

Submarine HMS Una: In the evening, a signal from Flag Officer (S) (1339A/7) was received indicating the presence of a U-boat and HMS Una (Lt. D.S.R. Martin, RN) steered to intercept in 47°10'N, 06°00'W. Nothing was seen.

Submarine HMS Oberon: HMS Oberon (Lt.Cdr. G.D.A. Gregory, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN).

Submarine HMS Otway: HMS Otway (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) C.E. Lowther, RAN) and HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. A. McKay, RNR).

Submarine HMS Regent: HMS Regent (Lt. W.N.R. Knox, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta. Regent was to proceed to the U.S.A. for a much needed refit. No log is available for this period, therefore no map can be displayed.

Submarine HMS Severn: HMS Severn (Lt.Cdr. A.N.G. Campbell, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Freetown together with HMS Bridgewater (Cdr. (Retd.) N.W.H. Weekes, OBE, RN), HMS Starwort (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Duck, RD, RNR) and two ML's.

Submarine HMS Clyde: HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 21st war patrol. She is ordered to accompany the oiler RFA Dingledale and her escorts, the corvettes HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RD, RNR) and HMS Coreopsis (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) into the Atlantic. For the daily positions of HMS Clyde during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Trident: HMS Trident (Cdr. G.M. Sladen, DSC, RN) fires three torpedoes against the German minesweeper depot ship MRS 3 / Bali north of the Laksefjorden in position 71°06'N, 26°57'E. The torpedoes missed their target. Bali was escorted by the armed trawlers UJ 1205 and UJ 1706. 0240C/7 - Sighted one merchant ship escorted by two trawlers approaching from the westward. 0321C/7 - Fired three torpedoes from 6500 yards. 0327C/7 - The target was seen to alter course away and shortly afterwards an explosion was heard. Possibly she turned away to beach herself. 0338C/7, - Set course to leave patrol as all torpedoes had now been expended.

Submarine HMS Upholder: Around 1715A/7, HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN) departed Malta for her 20th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Ionian Sea to operate against enemy convoys to Benghazi. For the daily and attack positions of HMS Upholder during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS P 36: HMS P 36 (Lt. H.N. Edmonds, DSC, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Portsmouth. The patrol had been uneventful.

Submarine HMS Unbending: HMS P 37 (Lt. H. Winter, RN) conducted exercises in Loch Long.

Submarine HMS P 38: HMS P 38 (Lt. R.J. Hemingway, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for her 1st war patrol. She wss to patrol in the North Atlsntic to the south-west of Ireland for an anti-uboat patrol. During passage south through the Irish Sea she was escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) until 2050/9. [As no log is available for this period and as the patrol report does not give daily positions no map can be displayed.]

Submarine HMS H 33: HMS H 33 (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle.

Submarine HMS H 44: HMS H 44 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Aberdeen (Lt.Cdr. S.G. Rivers-Smith, RN) and HMS Hartland (Lt.Cdr. G.P. Billot, RNR).

Submarine HMS H 50: HMS H 50 (Lt. E.T. Stanley, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Ardrishaig. Upon completion of these exercises HMS H 50 proceeded to Rothesay.

Light cruiser HMS Euryalus: HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden. After fuelling she departed for Suez later the same day.

Light cruiser HMS Phoebe: Around 0830N/7, HMS Phoebe (Cdr. F.A. Ballance, RN) arrived at Freetown from Lagos. After fuelling she departed for Trinidad around 1700N/7.

Light cruiser HMS Hermione: HMS Hermione (Capt. G.N. Oliver, RN) is undocked.

Light cruiser HMS Kenya: Around 0600A/7, HMS Kenya (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.M. Burrough, CB, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, OBE, RN) and HMS Intrepid (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Lewes, DSC, RN) arrived at Seidisfjord from patrol.

Battleship HMS Royal Sovereign: HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN) is undocked.

Destroyer HMAS Vendetta: HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. C.J. Stephenson, RAN) departed Colombo for Pengang.

Destroyer HMS Montrose: Around 0800A/7, HMS Montrose (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Phipps, OBE, RN), departed Scapa Flow for Port Z.A. (Loch Alsh), where she arrived around 1700A/7.

Submarine HMS L 23: HMS L 23 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class off new submariners.

Submarine USSR Kalev: The German merchant Frauenburg (2111 GRT) sank off Ventspils, Latvia in position 57°26'N, 21°20'E after hitting a mine. It is possible this mine was laid on 12 August 1941 by Kalev.

1942

Heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland: In the morning the heavy cruisers HMS Norfolk (Capt. E.G.H. Bellars, RN) and HMS Cumberland (Capt. A.H. Maxwell-Hyslop, AM, RN) fuelled the HMS Onslow (Capt H.T. Armstrong, DSC, RN), HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Ewing, RN), HMS Oribi (Cdr. J.E.H. McBeath, DSO, DSC, RN). HMS Norfolk fuelled HMS Onslow and HMS Offa while HMS Cumberland fuelled HMS Oribi.

Heavy cruiser HMS Kent: With her refit completed, HMS Kent (Capt. A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, RN), departed Liverpool for Scapa Flow.

Heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk: HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Hvalfjord.

Light cruiser HMS Caradoc: HMS Caradoc (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN) proceeded from Khassab Bay to Henjam Island.

Light cruiser HMS Cardiff: HMS Cardiff (A/Capt.(Retd.) A.G. Davidson, RN) proceeded from Greenock to Dalmuir where she was taken in hand for refit.

Light cruiser HMS Despatch: HMS Despatch (Capt. W.R.C. Leggatt, RN) arrived at Freetown from Walvis Bay.

Heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins: Around 0620D/7, after having completed fuelling from the RFA tanker Cedardale (8132 GRT, built 1939), HMS Hawkins (Capt. G.A. French, RN) departed Port Victoria for Mauritius.

Submarine HNMS K XII: HrMs K XII (Lt.Cdr. T. Brunsting, RNN) conducted trials off Fremantle.

Submarine HNMS O 23: HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) ended her 16th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Colombo.

Submarine USS Gar: USS Gar (Lt.Cdr. D. McGregor) ended her 4th war patrol at Fremantle.

Submarine USS Searaven: At 1415H/7, USS Searaven (T/Cdr. H. Cassedy, USN), sighted two unescorted merchant vessels thought to be of the Kamikawa Maru-class bearing 320°(T), range 8000 yards, enemy course 230°(T). These ships were in column 1000 yards apart and appeared identical. They were of about 7000 tons and were making 20 knots. They passed out of range and could not be attacked. Their position when they were sighted was 06°15'S, 105°29'E. It was very unfortunate that the ships sighted by USS Searaven could not be attacked as they were the Japanese armed merchant cruisers Aikoko Maru and Hokoku Maru proceeding on a raid in the Indian Ocean.

Submarine HMS Ursula: At 1855 hours HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) launched two folbots with two men in each folbot for beach reconnaissance. Upon completion of this Ursula went to a position where she was to act as a beacon for the landing forces. She arrived in her position at 2036 hours. At 2115 hours she started the 'beacon procedure' and within 15 minutes the first ships of the landing force were within sight. Ursula ended her operations at 0035/8. course was set for her patrol position off Ibiza.

Submarine HMS Seraph: At 1045 hours, HMS P 219 (Lt. N.L.A. Jewell, RN) transferred General Giraud’s party to a Catalina aircraft in 40°04'N, 02°37'E.

Submarine HMS Shakespeare: HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) made a final periscope reconnaissance of the landing beaches off Algiers. After dark a folbot was launched to mark 'Apple White beach'. This was a rather small beach not so easy to find. The folbot to mark 'Appel Green beach' was not launched as this beach rather easy to find. At 2135 hours P 221 was in her beacon position and began flashing to seaward as well as transmitting on R.D.F. One hour later the landing convoy came in sight.

Submarine HMS Splendid: HMS P 228 (Lt. I.L.M. McGeogh, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Toulon, Southern France. For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 228 during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Trident: During her refit, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) is undocked at Troon. [We do not know the date she was docked, the was most likely in September but no log is available for this month.]

Submarine HMS Taku: At 0456B/7, while to the west of Milos, HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) encountered what are thought to be two enemy patrol vessels. They were evaded by going deep. During the day HMS Taku patrolled to the west of Folegandros Island.

Submarine HMS Tigris: HMS Tigris (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. She departed for Gibraltar around 1345A/7. En-route she is diverted for a short patrol in the Bay of Biscay to intercept a German blockade breaker but she sighted nothing.

Submarine HMS Turbulent: At 0005A/7, HMS Turbulent (Cdr. J.W. Linton, DSO, DSC, RN) sighted an A/S schooner fairly close. It was intended to sink her with gunfire but as the night was very dark the use of star shell would be needed and in the end it was decided not to attack so as to not give away the position of the submarine. The schooner was sighted again, three miles to the north of the first sighting, at 0300A/7. The schooner was sighted a final time at 0515A/7. During the day several A/S schooners were sighted as were several minesweepers close inshore. In the evening two A/S schooners were encountered. Both were laying stopped.

Submarine HMS P 311: At 1725A/7, HMS P 311 (Cdr. R.D. Cayley, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) (Cdr. R.D. Cayley, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) and HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) arrived at Port HHZ (Loch Cairnbawn).

Submarine HMS Taurus: HMS P 339 (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises.

Submarine HMS Trespasser: 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.

Submarine HMS Utmost: HMS Utmost (Lt. J.W.D. Coombe, RN) attacked the Italian submarine Otaria with four torpedoes near Capo dell Armi. No hits were obtained. (All times are zone -1) 1215 hours - In position 37°52'N, 15°47'E sighted a submarine bearing 300°, range 5000 yards, coming round Capo del Armi. 1220 hours - The submarine steadied on a course of 135°. Started attack. 1226 hours - Identified the target as an Italian Liuzzi-class boat. 1241 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 400 yards. No hits were obtained. The torpedoes are thought to have run under due to the short range. 1243 hours - The submarine made of at high speed. According to Italian sources Otaria (C.C. Giuseppe Caito) was proceeding from Naples to Taranto. One torpedo was observed and avoiding action taken immediately, it passed astern or just under her stern. Four explosion were heard which were probably torpedoes at the end of their run.

Submarine HMS Unrivalled: During the night of 7/8 November 1942, HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN), assisted in the landing at Algiers Bay. She launched the folbot and her party and also guided the convoy in, acting as beacon.

Submarine HMS P 48: During the night of 7/8 November 1942, HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) assisted in the landing at Algiers Bay. She launched the folbot and her party and also guided the convoy in, acting as beacon.

Submarine HMS Unshaken: During the night of 7/8 November 1942, HMS P 54 (Lt. C.E. Oxborrow, DSC, RN) assisted in the landing off Oran. She launched the folbot and her party and also guided the convoy in, acting as beacon.

Submarine HMS H 32: HMS H 32 (Lt. C. Gordon, RN) participated in exercises at / off Scapa Flow.

Submarine HMS H 43: HMS H 43 (Lt. B.J.B. Andrew, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Fly (Lt.Cdr. R.B. Chandler, RN) and HMS Eriskay (T/Lt. F.B. Cunningham, RNVR).

Submarine HMS H 44: HMS H 44 (Lt. D.R.O. Mott, DSC, RN) shifted from Ardrishaig to Rothesay.

Submarine HMS H 50: HMS H 50 (Lt. G.E. Hunt, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle.

Battleship HMS Rodney: At 1810Z/7, the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. J.W. Rivett-Carnac, DSC, RN) parted company with the cover force ' Force H ' to join the Centre Naval Task Force (Oran) for bombardment duties. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Beagle (Cdr. R.C. Medley, DSO, RN), HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and HMS Bulldog (Cdr. M. Richmond, OBE, DSO, RN). HMS Rodney bombarded Fort Djebel between 0955Z/8 and 1104Z/8. HMS Rodney bombarded Fort Santon between 1233Z/8 and 1250Z/8. Later this fort was bombarded again between 1513Z/8 and 1628Z/8. At 0830Z/9, HMS Rodney was being fired upon by the shore battery at Fort Santon. Four shells landed fell astern, distance 1 cable. At 0934Z/9, HMS Rodney opened fire on Fort Santon. At 1115Z/9, fire was ceased. Four minutes later, HMS Rodney's Walrus aircraft crash landed on the water. The crew was rescued by a trawler and later transferred to HMS Boreas. This aircraft had been perforing spotting duties during the bombardments. At 1522Z/9, HMS Rodney opened fire again on Fort Santon. [The logbook of HMS Rodney does not give a time when fire was ceased.] At 1005Z/10, HMS Rodney opened fire on Fort Santon with her 16" main battery. At 1059Z/10, HMS Rodney opened fire with her port 6" secondary battery. Fire was ceased at 1120Z/10. At 1205Z/10, HMS Rodney opened fire with her starboard 6" secondary battery. Fire was ceased at 1233Z/10. At 1305Z/10, HMS Rodney ceased fire with her 16" main battery. At 1230/11, HMS Beagle, HMS Boreas and HMS Bulldog were relieved by the escort destroyers HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN) and HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN). Around 0630/12, HMS Rodney, HMS Farndale, HMS Calpe and HMS Puckeridge joined ' Force H '.

Battleship HMS King George V: HMS King George V (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. [No details available on her destroyer escort.]

Destroyer HMS Kelvin: The light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. J.F. Stevens, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.J. Power, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN), HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN) and the destroyers HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Hero (Lt. W. Scott, DSC, RN) departed Port Said for exercises. At sea they were joined by the escort destroyers HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) and HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN).

Corvette USS Surprise: USS Surprise picks up 6 survivors from the British merchant Lindenhall that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-508 about 40 nautical miles north of Margarita Island, Venezuela in position 11°34'N, 63°26'W.

Submarine USS R-10: USS R-10 (Lt.Cdr. B.E. Lewellen, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-11: USS R-11 (Lt.Cdr. I.J. Galantin, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-14: USS R-14 (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Kehl, 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 L-22: While on patrol of the Syltefjord, L-22 fires 4 torpedoes at what is identified as an enemy auxiliary minesweeper. All torpedoes missed their target.

ASW Trawler HMS St. Elstan: HMS St. Elstan (Lt. R.M. Roberts, RNR) picks up 26 survivors from the American merchant William Clark that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-354 in the Greenland Sea in position 71°02'N, 13°05'W.

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. These included gunnery exercises on a target that was towed by HMS Z 5 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR).

1943

Battleship USS Iowa: USS Iowa (Capt. J.L. McCrea, USN) conducted exercises in Chesapeake Bay.

Submarine HNMS O 15: HrMs O 15 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN) conducted exercises off Dundee.

Submarine HNMS O 9: HrMs O 9 (Lt. J.B.M.J. Maas, RNN) participated in A/S exercises off Tobermory together with HMS Avon (Lt.Cdr. P.G.A. King, RD, RNR) and HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. G.H.D. Williams, RN).

Submarine USS Tuna: USS Tuna (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Hardin) departed from Fremantle for her 9th war patrol.

Submarine USS Spearfish: USS Spearfish (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Williams, Jr) leaves Pearl Harbor for her 9th war patrol. She was ordered to perform photographic reconnaissance of Jaluit, Wotje, and Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands.

Submarine USS Seal: USS Seal (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Dodge) left Pearl Harbor for her 9th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Kwajalein.

Submarine USS Growler: USS Growler (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Schade) ended her 7th war patrol at Pearl Harbor. She was sent to the Hunters Point Navy Yard for overhaul.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Corfu: Around 0900C/7, HMS Corfu (Capt.(Retd.) C.C. Bell, DSO, RN) arrived at Capetown from patrol.

Submarine HMS Una: HMS Una (T/L. P.S. Thirsk, RNR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Submarine HMS Seawolf: HMS Seawolf (Lt. D.W. Mills, DSC, RN) departed New London for Bermuda.

Submarine HMS Sibyl: HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) is undocked at Haifa. She immediately departed for her 14th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean. For the daily and attack positions of HMS Sibyl during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Sirdar: MS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) shifted from Carradale Bay to Larne.

Submarine HMS Stratagem: HMS Stratagem (T/Lt. R.L. Willoughby, RNR) returned to Larne on completion of last night's exercises.

Submarine HMS Spirit: HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar.

Submarine HMS Trident: Convoy GUS 21. This convoy departed Port Said on 7 November 1943. On departure from Port Said this convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Algenib (British, 5483 GRT, built 1937), British Character (British (tanker), 8453 GRT, built 1941), City of Bristol (British, 8424 GRT, built 1943), City of Capetown (British, 8046 GRT, built 1937), City of Kimberley (British, 6169 GRT, built 1925), Fort Connolly (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Remy (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Franklin K. Lane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George E. Pickett (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Hoegh Silverstar (Norwegian, 5415 GRT, built 1938), John F. Steffen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lublin (Polish, 1409 GRT, built 1932), Ocean Traveller (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Samos (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sampenn (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sun-Yat-Sen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Wilson P. Hunt (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the frigate HMS Dart (Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR) and minesweeper HMS Rye (A/Lt.Cdr. J.A. Pearson, DSC and Bar, RNR). On the 8th the following merchant vessels departed Alexandria and joined the convoy; Alexander H. Stephens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Cerion (British, 2588 GRT, built 1938), Euryades (British, 5801 GRT, built 1913), Fort Cadotte (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenlyon (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), Ocean Valentine (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Samhain (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Starstone (British, 5702 GRT, built 1938). They were escorted by corvette HMS Gloxinia (Lt. M.C. English, RNR) and A/S whaler HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) which also joined the convoy. On 12 November 1943, the Lublin arrived at Bari after having detached from the convoy earlier. Also on 12 November 1943, the Cerion, Euryades, Fort Cadotte, Fort Connolly, Fort Remy and Ocean Valentine arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy. Departing Augusta on the 12th to join the convoy were the following merchant vessels; Carrillo (American, 5013 GRT, built 1911), Charles Gordon Curtis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Esek Hopkins (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), James Monroe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Jay (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Noah Webster (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Pierre S. Dupont (American, 7176 GRT, 1942), Roger Moore (American, 7176 GRT, 1943), Samuel Ashe (American, 7177 GRT, 1942), Thomas Cresap (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Todd (American, 7176 GRT, 1943), Thorshov (Norwegian (tanker), 9955 GRT, built 1935), Walter E. Ranger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Walter Reed (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Floyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and William S. Thayer (American, 7176 GRT, 1943). The attack transport USS Samuel Chase (Capt. R.C. Heimer, USCG) also joined coming from Augusta. Thorshov however did not join (or only brielfy) but turned back to Augusta. On 12 November 1943, the following ship joined coming from Malta; Lynghaug (Norwegian, 2829 GRT, built 1919). Also joining from Malta were the AA cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. A.T.G.C. Peachey, RN) and the submarine HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN). Also on the 12th, HMS Gloxinia was detached to Malta to make some repairs after which she was to rejoin the convoy which she did around 1345A/13. Around 2055A/13, HMS Rye parted company. Around 2110A/13, HMS Trident dropped astern of the convoy due to engine trouble. HMSAS Protea was also detached from the convoy to escort her. They were soon able to rejoin. On 14 November 1943, the following ships arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy; British Character, Esek Hopkins, James Monroe, Noah Webster, Pierre S. Dupont, Walter Reed and the USS Samuel Chase while the following ships joined the convoy off Bizerta; Abraham Lincoln (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Andrew Moore (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Benjamin Franklin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Carter Braxton (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Cornelius Harnett (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Daniel H. Hill (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Erinna (Dutch (tanker), 6233 GRT, built 1936), Ethan Allen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Frithjof Nansen (Norwegian, 7177 GRT, built 1943), James Barbour (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joel R. Poinsett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Fiske (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Mannington (British, 1127 GRT, built 1943), Sidney Sherman (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943) and Thomas W. Bickett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). Later on the 14th the merchant vessel George W. Childs (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) departed Bone and joined the convoy. On 15 November 1943, the Mannington arrived at Bougie after having been detached from the convoy. On 16 November 1943, the Llangibby Castle arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Artemas Ward (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Edwin M. Stanton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Empire Day (British, 7242 GRT, built 1941), John Langdon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Knute Rockne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lou Gehrig (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Paul de Rousiers (French, 3548 GRT, built 1942), Solomon Juneau (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Ville de Bougie (French, 1237 GRT, built 1907). On 17 November 1943, the following merchant vessels arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy; Carrillo, Charles Gordon Curtis, Paul de Rousiers, Samuel Ashe, Thomas Todd, Ville de Bougie, Walter E. Ranger, William Floyd and William S. Thayer. The following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Oran; Archbishop Lamy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Atenas (American, 4962 GRT, built 1909), Bernard Carter (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Brandywine (American (tanker), 11401 GRT, built 1943), Cornelius Gilliam (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Edward Bates (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James M. Wayne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jonathan Edwards (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Warren (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nicholas Gilman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Reverdy Johnson (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and William Rawle (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942). The French submarine Perle also joined the convoy. On 18 November 1943, the following merchant vessels arrived at Gibraltar after having been detached from the convoy; Carter Braxton, City of Bristol, City of Capetown, City of Kimberley, Ocean Traveller, Samhain, Samos and Starstone. Also detached from the convoy were the AA cruiser HMS Delhi and submarines HMS Trident and Le Perle. The following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar; Fort Albany (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943) and Frans van Mieris (Dutch, 7170 GRT, built 1942). Off Gibraltar the destroyer Simoun, minesweeping sloop Commandant Delage and patrol vessel USS PC-480 (Lt. F.W. Meyers, Jr., USNR) joined. Around 1630A/18, HMS Dart, HMS Gloxinia, HMS Rye and HMSAS Protea were relieved by the destroyer escorts USS Evarts (Lt.Cdr. T.G. Bremer, Jr., USNR, with COMCORTDIV 5, T/Cdr. C.M.E. Hoffman, USN, on board), USS Wyffels (Lt. C.S. Farmer, USNR), USS Decker (Lt.Cdr. D.M. Kerr, USNR), USS Dobler (Lt. R.E. Parker, USNR), USS Smartt (Lt. B.H. Katschinski, USNR) and USS Walter S. Brown (Lt. T.H.P. Whitney, USNR). The original escorts then proceeded to Gibraltar where they arrived later the same day. Around 0740A/19, the Casablanca section joined the convoy. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Elorn (French, 5482 GRT, built 1930) and Harpalyce (British, 7269 GRT, built 1942). Also with this section was the naval tanker USS Chiwawa (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Goza, USNR). They were escorted by the destroyers USS Gillespie (T/Cdr. J.S. Fahy, USN), USS Hobby (T/Cdr. G.W. Pressy, USN, with COMDESDIV 38, T/Capt. C.L. Winecoff, USN, on board) and USS Kalk (T/Lt.Cdr. H.D. Fuller, USN). At 0830A/19, the Lynghaug was detached to Casablanca escorted by Simoun, Commandant Delage and USS PC 480. They arrived at Casablanca later the same day. At 1215Z/21, the escort carrier USS Santee (T/Capt. H.F. Fick, USN) and the destroyers USS Bainbridge (T/Lt.Cdr. H.C. Transue, USN), USS Simpson (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Sedgwick, USNR) and USS MacLeish (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Winkel, USNR) joined the convoy so that the destroyers could refuel from USS Chiwawa. Fuelling operations however had to be abandoned due to the rough sea. Only USS MacLeish had been refuelled. On 21 November 1943, USS Bainbridge and USS Simpson fuelled from USS Chiwawa which subsequently also Topped off USS MacLeish. Around 1600Z/21, USS Santee, USS Bainbridge, USS Simpson and USS MacLeish parted company with the convoy. On 23 November 1943, USS Chiwawa first refuelled USS Kalk, then USS Gillespie and finally USS Hobby. On 24 November 1943, USS Chiwawa refuelled the destroyer escorts in the following order; USS Evarts, USS Decker, USS Smartt, USS Walter S. Brown, USS Dobler and USS Wyffels. On 27 November 1943, USS Chiwawa first refuelled USS Hobby, then USS Gillespie and finally USS Kalk. At 1914Q/3, USS Chiwawa left the convoy for Norfolk, Virginia due to an urgent medical case. She proceeded unescorted. She arrived at Norfolk in the afternoon of 4 December 1943. Around 0720Q/4, the Chesapeake Bay section of the convoy (21 ships) parted company to proceed to its destination. Escort for this section was proviced by USS Hobby, USS Gillespie and USS Kalk. It arrived in Chesapeake Bay in the morning of 5 December 1943. Around 0800Q/4, the Delaware section of the convoy parted company. Escort for this section was provided by USS Wyffels and USS Dobler. It arrived in the Delaware estuary in the morning of 5 December 1943. The New York section of the convoy, with the remaining four destroyer escorts, arrived at its destination in the morning of 5 December 1943.

Submarine HMS Thrasher: HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Columbine T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.J. Griffiths, RNR). Also a practice attack was made on the corvette.

Submarine HMS Tactician: Around 1200FG/7, HMS Tactician (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Colombo. On entering harbour she ran over the D/G range. She was escorted in by a trawler [identity not known] which she had met around 1015FG/7.

Submarine HMS Telemachus: HMS Telemachus (Cdr. W.D.A. King, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar.

Submarine HMS Tradewind: HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) returned to Holy Loch upon completion of her exercises.

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

Submarine HMS Unswerving: HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN).

Submarine HMS Viking: HMS Viking (Lt. R. Bannar-Martin, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials at Gare Loch.

Submarine HMS P 512: HMS P 512 (Lt. R.B. Foster, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda.

Light cruiser HMS Phoebe: Around 0805B/7, HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) arrived at Alexandria.

Light cruiser HMS Cleopatra: The damaged light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Cdr. M.J. Ross, DSC, RN) and HMS Uganda (Capt. W.G. Andrewes, RN) departed Gibraltar and joined convoy GUS 20 for passage to the USA where they were to undergo repairs to their battle damage. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy GUS 20 ' for 29 October 1943.]

Light cruiser HMS Spartan: HMS Spartan (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) departed Malta for Taranto.

Light cruiser HMS Ceylon: HMS Ceylon (Capt. G.B. Amery-Parkes, RN) departed Gibraltar for an anti blockade breaker patrol off the Bay of Biscay.

Destroyer HMS Pathfinder: HMS Pathfinder (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN) sink German U-boat trap GA 45 with gunfire off Amorgos, Greece.

Submarine USS R-1: USS R-1 (Lt.Cdr. N.D. Gage, USN) conducted exercises off Bermuda.

Submarine ORP Sokol: At 1240B/7, ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) J.K.S. Koziolkowski, DSC) entered her patrol area between Amorgos and Anaphi.

1944

Heavy cruiser HMS London: HMS London (Capt. R.V. Symonds-Tayler, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.T.C. Walker, CB, RN) [although he was not on board during the exercises] conducted exercises off Trincomalee. She also acted as target for torpedo attacks by destroyers. These were, most likely, HMS Queenborough (Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. W.H. Harrington, DSO, RAN). On completion of these exercises HMS London returned to harbour while these two destroyers remained at sea for night exercises.

Light cruiser HMS Diomede: HMS Diomede (Cdr. R.A. Ewing, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Methil.

Destroyer USS John W. Weeks: USS John W. Weeks (Cdr. R.A. Theobald. Jr.) arrived back at New York.

Battleship USS Iowa: All ships of the Task Group including USS Iowa (Capt. A.R. McCann, USN) were fuelled by a group of oilers. Iowa herself was fuelled by the USS Nantahala (Capt. P.M. Gunnell, USN) but not before she had fuelled the destroyers USS Twining (Cdr. E.K. Wakefield, USN) and USS Stockham (Cdr. E.P. Holmes, USN) herself.

Submarine HNMS K XI: HrMs K XI (Lt.Cdr. P.G. de Back, RNN) conducted A/S exercises off Varsova, near Bombay with HMIS Ramdas (T/Lt. H.D. Baker, RINR).

Submarine HNMS O 9: HrMs O 9 (Lt. S.H. de Boer, RNN) conducted exercises off Dundee.

Submarine HNMS Dolfijn: HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. J.B.M.J. Maas, RNN) conducted exercises with A/S aircraft off Dundee.

Submarine USS Greenling: USS Greenling (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Gerwick) torpedoed and sank the Japanese transport ship Kiri Maru No.8 (945 GRT) and the Japanese tanker Kota Maru (971 GRT) south of Honshu in position 34°34'N, 138°35'E.

Submarine USS Mingo: USS Mingo (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Madison) departed from Fremantle for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the South China Sea.

Submarine USS Balao: Having completed her refit and post refit trials, USS Balao (Cdr. M.R. de Arellano, USN), departed the Mare Island Navy Yard for Pearl Harbour.

Submarine USS Billfish: USS Billfish (Cdr. V.C. Turner, USN) attacked a convoy on radar, firing a total of seven torpedoes and claiming two hits for damage on a 4000 ton freighter, one more hit on a second 4000 tonner and another on a third 4000 ton ship. None of these is confirmed. (All times are zone i, -9) 7 November 1944 0633 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 167°(T). 0715 hours - In position 28°28'N, 128°56'E sighted masts of about six ships. Changed course to intercept. 0844 hours - The convoy had zigged to the right. There were five ships and four escorts. 0936 hours - We had fallen astern of the convoy. Enemy base course was 315°(T), speed 7.5 knots. 1210 hours - Lost sight of the smoke. 1251 hours - Surfaced. Closed the convoy on three engines. 1312 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 302°(T). 1353 hours - Submerged due to a radar contact on an aircraft. 1439 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 306°(T). 1552 hours - Surfaced. 1645 hours - The convoy was now in sight. Submerged. 1818 hours - Surfaced and went after the convoy on three engines, charging on the other. 1930 hours - SJ radar contact bearing 336°(T), range 12000 yards. Started an end around on the port side of the convoy. 2007 hours - Lost contact bearing 034°(T) a a range of 15200 yards. 2020 hours - Changed course to 020°(T). Estimated that the convoy had changed course from 315°(T) to 035°(T) around 2000 hours. 2100 hours - Changed course to 050°(T). 2115 hours - Regained radar contact bearing 115°(T), range 11400 yards. 2130 hours - Manned battle stations. 2206 hours - Commenced attack. Went in on all four engines. 2217 hours - In position 29°34'N, 127°56'E fired four bow torpedoes from 1500 yards at the first group of three ships. Two torpedoes were seen to hit on two different ships. 2230 hours - Fired four stern torpedoes at the largest ship in the second group. Two were seen to hit the target. 2231 hours - Commenced reloading the tubes. 2245 hours - Reloading completed. 2250 hours - Noticed a single ship on the radar. Decided that it was a cripple and changed course to intercept to finish it off. 2314 hours - Tracking the target on a base course of 345°(T), speed 6.5 knots. Visibility was only 2000 yards due to heavy rain. 2316 hours - Range now 2000 yards, the target was sighted making heavy smoke. 2318 hours - In position 29°38'N, 127°47'E fired four bow torpedoes from 1200 yards. All passed ahead of the target. 2324 hours - The target dropped three or four depth charges. 2340 to 2400 hours - The target is zig-zagging radically. It seems impossible to get on his track. 8 November 1944 0029 hours - Now 4000 yards ahead of the target, stopped an lay to with the engines secured waiting for the target to come to us and then attack with a stern shot. 0043 hours - Went underway again. 0118 hours - In position 29°30'N, 127°31'E fired three bow torpedoes from 1000 yards. One torpedo was a circular runner and was last seen on the starboard beam, the others most likely ran under the target. 0119 hours - All ahead flank, swining left. Passed ahead of the target at a range of 500 yards. 0121 hours - The target opened fire with machine guns. 0123 hours - The target dropped three or four depth charges. 0210 hours - Changed course to search for the remainder of the convoy but in the end did not find it.

Submarine USS Dragonet: At 0838Y/7, USS Dragonet (T/Cdr. J.H. Lewis, USN) arrived back at Midway.

Submarine USS Barbero: USS Barbero (Cdr. I.S. Hartman, USN) arrived in her assigned patrol area.

Submarine USS Baya: USS Baya (Cdr. A.H. Holtz, USN) began a training period out of Fremantle.

Submarine USS Blackfin: USS Blackfin (Cdr. G.H. Laird, Jr., USN) claimed to have damaged a large tanker in a torpedo attack north-west of Palawan Island. (All times are zone H, -8) 0906 hours - In position 11°19'N 118°26'E sighted the mast of a ship bearing 216°(T). Range about 20000 yards. Went to battle stations torpedo and changed course to intercept. 0911 hours - Heard echo ranging from two ships. 0914 hours - Sighted escort ahead of the target, probably a destroyer. 0923 hours - Sound picked up screws. 0925 hours - Sighted a second escort on the starboard flank of the target. The target was now seen to be a large and modern tanker. 1002 hours - Rigged for silent running. Sighted a third escort on the port flank. 1013 hours - In position 11°19'N, 118°26'E fired five bow torpedoes (six were intended but the outer door of tube no.4 would not open). 1016 hours - Heard one torpedo explosion at the correct interval. Rigged for depth charging. 1020 hours - Two depth charges exploded but not close. Blackfin was still at periscope depth. The escorts had no idea where she was. 1021 hours - Another depth charge was dropped. 1022 hours - Went deep. 1030 hours - One escort crossed our bow and dropped a string of 9 depth charges fairly close. 1108 hours - Pinging was getting weaker. 1129 hours - At periscope depth. Nothing in sight.

Submarine USS Caiman: USS Caiman (Cdr. J.B. Azer, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour together with USS O'Brien (Cdr. W.W. Outerbridge, USN) and USS Lansdowne (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Maddox, USN).

Submarine USS Blenny: USS Blenny (Cdr. W.H. Hazzard, USN) conducted exercises off Pearl Harbour together with USS Tills (Lt.Cdr. J.L. Brooks, USNR), USS Harmon (Lt.Cdr. T.U. Weekes, USNR), USS ATR-26 (Lt. J.H. Kelly, USN) and USS Spikefish (Cdr. N.J. Nicholas, USN).

Submarine USS Boarfish: USS Boarfish (Cdr. R.L. Gross, USN) arrived at Colon, Panama Canal Zone from New London, Connecticut.

Aircraft Carrier HMS Unicorn: Around 0800FG/7, the maintenance carrier HMS Unicorn (Capt. H.L.St.J. Fancourt, DSO, RN) departed Trincomalee for Durban via Addu Atoll and Diego Suarez. On departure from Trincomalee she was escorted by the destroyers HMS Racehorse (Cdr. J.J. Casement, DSC, RN), HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. F.W.M. Carter, DSC, RN) and HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN). Around 1315FG/8, HMS Raider was detached to return to Trincomalee where she arrived around 1145FG/9. HMS Unicorn, HMS Racehorce and HMS Redoubt arrived at Addu Atoll around 1000FG/9. Around 1410FG/9, they departed Addu Atoll for Diego Suarez where they arrived around 0915C/13. Around 1620C/13, they departed Diego Suarez for Durban.

Escort Carrier HMS Battler: HMS Battler (A/Capt. H. Norman, RN) departed Trincomalee for the U.K. via the Mediterranean. The first leg of the trip is to Suez. On departure from Trincomalee she is escorted by HMS Wessex (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN) and HMS Teviot (Cdr.(Retd.) T. Taylor, DSC, RN). Late in the morning of 8 November 1944 the arrived off Colombo where the escorts parted company and a new escort joined, the sloop Dumont d'Urville. Sh however developed engine defects that evening and had to part company after HMS Battler continued her passage unescorted.

Submarine HMS Una: HMS Una (Lt. F.E. Ashmead-Bartlett, RN) participated A/S exercises off Tobermory.

Submarine HMS Satyr: HMS Satyr (Lt. T.S. Weston, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 13th war patrol at Lerwick.

Submarine HMS Seadog: At 1536 hours HMS Seadog (Lt. E.A. Hobson, DSC, RN) sighted HMS Varne (Lt. I.G. Raikes, DSC, RN) in position 59.21'N, 01.13'E. Both submarines then proceeded together to the rendez-vous position with their escort towards the Clyde.

Submarine HMS Sibyl: HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) departed Blyth for Dundee.

Submarine HMS Strongbow: HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) was docked at Trincomalee.

Submarine HMS Stubborn: HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted radar and W/T calibration trials off Plymouth.

Submarine HMS Surf: HMS Surf (Lt. D. Lambert, DSC, RN) shifted from Falmouth to Portland. She was escorted by HMS Gateshead (T/Lt. R.B. Hughes, RNVR).

Submarine HMS Tuna: HMS Tuna (A/Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners.

Submarine HMS Torbay: HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) got underway from Holy Loch for noise trials in Loch Goil. The noise trials were however cancelled due to the unfavourable weather conditions and HMS Torbay subsequently returned to Holy Loch.

Submarine HMS Thule: HMS Thule (A/Lt.Cdr. A.C.G. Mars, DSO, DSC, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Far East). She is to patrol off the West coast of Siam and Malaya. She is also to perform a special operation in the Langkawi area. For the daily positions of HMS Thule during this patrol see the map below.

Submarine HMS Tantalus: HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) is in position for air/sea rescue duties as ordered. After these she again proceeded to the North to patrol in the Pulo Tenggol area. (all times are zone -8) 0800 hours - Patrolled as ordered the previous day 1200 hours - Proceeded to the Northward and after dark to the North-West, to continue patrol of the East coast of Malaya

Submarine HMS Taciturn: HMS Taciturn (Lt.Cdr. E.T. Stanley, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow.

Submarine HMS Ultimatum: HMS Ultimatum (Lt. W.H. Kett, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Portsmouth.

Submarine HMS Unrivalled: HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne.

Submarine HMS Unruffled: HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda.

Submarine HMS Urtica: HMS Urtica (Lt. R.M. Seaburne-May, DSC, RN) conducted special torpedo trials off Arrochar.

Submarine HMS Virulent: HMS Virulent (Lt. S.J. Fovargue, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Caesar (Capt. G.N. Brewer, DSO, RN).

Submarine HMS Volatile: HMS Volatile (Lt. F.R. Lawrence, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area.

Light cruiser HMS Cleopatra: HMS Cleopatra (Capt. B.I. Robertshaw, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials in Delaware Bay. She also ran over the D/G range several times.

Battleship HMS Rodney: HMS Rodney (Capt. R.O. Fitzroy, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.R. Moore, KCB, CVO, DSO, RN, Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet) conducted speed trials on the measured mile at Scapa Flow. These were followed by gunnery exercises.

Destroyer HMAS Vendetta: Around 1200K/7, HMAS Vendetta (A/Lt.Cdr. W.F. Cook, RAN), HMAS Swan (T/A/Lt.Cdr. D.W. Hodges, RANR(S)) and HMAS Barcoo (A/Lt.Cdr. C.G. Hill, RANR(S) departed Jacquinot Bay for Langemak Bay where they arrived around 0715K/8. Cdr. Morrow was no longer on board HMAS Vendetta as he had left earlier that morning to return to [presumably] New Guinea by aircraft.

Submarine USS R-2: USS R-2 (Lt.Cdr. L.G. Bernard, USN) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-4: USS R-4 (Lt. D.C. Peto, 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) conducted exercises off Key West.

Submarine USS R-14: USS R-14 (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Cunningham, Jr., USNR) conducted trials off Key West.

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

Destroyer HNMS Van Galen (ii): Around 1100A/7, HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Portsmouth from Gibraltar.

Frigate HMS Bligh: The accidental firing of an Anti-Aircraft gun in Liverpool docks leaded to death and injury on the troopship Cape town Castle moored opposite. HMS Bligh then escorted convoy KMF-36 which sailed soon afterwards to Port Said.

Submarine HMS L 27: HMS L 27 (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) departed Halifax for Mulgrave.

Light cruiser HMNZS Gambia: Around 0900M/7, HMNZS Gambia (Capt. N.J.W. William-Powlett, DSC, RN) departed Wellington for Auckland.

1945

Submarine HMS Talent (iii): HMS Talent (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta.

2015

Corvette FR La Bastiaise: A memorial obelisk, with the names of all those who died when La Bastiaise hit a mine whilst on trials off the river Tees on 22nd. June 1940, will be dedicated at a service in Smiths Dock Park on Saturday 7th. November 2015.