| Navy | The Royal Dutch Navy |
| Type | Submarine |
| Class | O 21 |
| Pennant | P 21 |
| Built by | Koninklijke Maatschappij De Schelde (Vlissingen (Flushing), The Netherlands) |
| Ordered | 19 Jun 1937 |
| Laid down | 20 Nov 1937 |
| Launched | 21 Oct 1939 |
| Commissioned | 10 May 1940 |
| End service | 2 Nov 1957 |
| History | Decommissioned on 2 November 1957. |
| Former name | K XXI |
Commands listed for HNMS O 21 (P 21)
Please note that we're still working on this section
and that we only list Commanding Officers for the duration of the Second World War.
| Commander | From | To | |
| 1 | luitenant ter zee 1e klasse (Lt.Cdr.) Johannes Frans van Dulm, RNN | 10 May 1940 | 28 Mar 1944 |
| 2 | luitenant ter zee 2e klasse (Lt.) Frans Jan Kroesen, RNN | 28 Mar 1944 | 18 Oct 1945 |
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Notable events involving O 21 include:
The wartime history of HrMs O 21 as compiled on this page is extracted from O 21's patrol reports and logbooks and was compiled in October 2011. This information was obtained during research at the British National Archives in London and the Dutch National Archives in The Hague. Corrections and details regarding information from the enemy's side (for instance the composition of convoys attacked) is kindly provided by Mr. Platon Alexiades, a naval researcher from Canada. Mr. Lorenzo Colombo, from Italy, sent in some corrections regarding the attack on the 'Ernesto' convoy of 29 July 1941.
This page was last updated in March 2021.
17 Jan 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted trials off Flushing.
Severe leaks occurred in the diesel exhaust tubes during a test dive. (1)
18 Jan 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted trials off Flushing.
Problems were experienced with the amidships external torpedo tubes which could not be turned out completely. (1)
19 Jan 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted trials off Flushing.
Again problems were experienced with the amidships external torpedo tubes which still could not be turned out completely. The cause of the problem was however noticed and on return to harbour repairs were made. (1)
9 Feb 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted trials off Flushing. (1)
26 Feb 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted trials off Flushing. (1)
27 Feb 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted trials off Flushing. (1)
28 Feb 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted trials off Flushing. (1)
29 Feb 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted trials off Flushing. (1)
1 Mar 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted trials off Flushing. (1)
4 Mar 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted trials off Flushing. (1)
7 Mar 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Den Helder. (1)
7 Mar 1940
Around 0800 hours, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed Flushing for Den Helder where she arrived around 1740 hours. She was joined shortly after 1600 hours by HrMs Nautilus (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Gauw, RNN) which then escorted her in.
[Time kept in the Netherlands at this time was GMT + 20 minutes.] (1)
8 Mar 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Den Helder. (1)
11 Mar 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Den Helder. (1)
12 Mar 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Den Helder. (1)
13 Mar 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Den Helder. (1)
15 Mar 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted gunnery trials off Den Helder. (1)
16 Mar 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Den Helder. (1)
18 Mar 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Den Helder. (1)
20 Mar 1940
Around 0730 hours, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed Den Helder for Flushing where she arrived around 1615 hours. She was joined around 1000 hours by HrMs Z 7 (Lt.Cdr. H. Witte, RNN) which then escorted her until around 1450 hours.
[Time kept in the Netherlands at this time was GMT + 20 minutes.] (1)
21 Mar 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted trials off Flushing. (1)
26 Mar 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted trials off Flushing. (1)
27 Mar 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted trials off Flushing. (1)
28 Mar 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted trials off Flushing. (1)
29 Mar 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted trials off Flushing. (1)
30 Mar 1940
O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted trials off Flushing.
On completion of this final day of trials she returned to the shipyard for repairs and to complete outstanding work before she could be commissioned. This work was still not completed when Germany invaded The Netherlands on 10 May 1940. It had been anticipated that O 21 would be commissioned on or around 10 June 1940. (2)
7 May 1940
In the afternoon, around 1430 hours, the submarines O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and O 22 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) which are completing at the Royal Schelde shipyard at Flushing are ordered to be ready to departed in 48 hours due to fear for a German invasion of The Netherlands. (3)
10 May 1940
At 0215 hours O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and O 22 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) are ordered to make ready to departed immediately.
Both submarines, though not completely finished yet, were placed in commission in the afternoon following which they departed Flushing for the Downs around 2015 hours. The submarines are escorted by auxiliary patrol vessel HrMs BV 37 (former tug Schelde) (Lt. A.J. Meijer, RNN(R)). (2)
11 May 1940
Around HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN), HrMs O 22 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) and their escort HrMs BV 37 (former tug Schelde) (Lt. A.J. Meijer, RNN(R)) arrived in the Downs from Flushing. The submarines then anchored to await further orders. Later that morning the anchored off Ramsgate. HrMs BV 37 returned to Flushing though. (1)
12 May 1940
Around 0800A/12, the unfinished light cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Lt.Cdr. A. van Foreest, RNN), minesweeper HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN), submarine HrMs O 13 (Lt.Cdr. E.H. Vorster, RNN) and the unfinished submarines HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 22 (Lt.Cdr. A.M. Valkenburg, RNN) departed the Downs for Portsmouth where they arrived around 2000A/12. (4)
3 Jun 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted trials and exercises in Spithead. (2)
4 Jun 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) is wiped at Gosport (Porsmouth). (2)
5 Jun 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted D/G trials off Portsmouth followed by trials and exercises in Spithead. (2)
7 Jun 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted compass adjustment trials in Spithead. (2)
8 Jun 1940
After completing the outfitting of both brand new submarines at the Royal Navy submarine base at Gosport (Portsmouth), HMS Dolpin, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 22 (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Ort, RNN) both depart from Portsmouth around 1000A/8 for Portland where they arrived around 1700A/8
At Portland both submarines were to conduct trials and exercises before they would be ready to be deployed operationally. (1)
11 Jun 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 22 (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Ort, RNN) both conducted exercises off Portland. (1)
12 Jun 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 22 (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Ort, RNN) both conducted exercises off Portland. (1)
13 Jun 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted exercises off Portland. (1)
14 Jun 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted exercises off Portland. (1)
17 Jun 1940
Around 1100A/17, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 22 (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Ort, RNN) both departed from Portland for Dundee.
They are escorted by Dutch torpedo boat HrMs Z 5 (Lt.Cdr. W. van Lier, RNN).
Around 1115A/18, they arrived at Milford Haven which they departed around 1215A/19 to continue their passage.
Around 1110A/20, they arrived at Belfast which they departed around 1630A/20 to continue their passage.
Around 1315A/21, they arrived at Stornoway which they departed around 2100A/21 to continue their passage. (1)
22 Jun 1940
Around 2100A/22, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 22 (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Ort, RNN) and their escort HrMs Z 5 (Lt.Cdr. W. van Lier, RNN) arrived Dundee from Portland. (1)
26 Jun 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted exercises off the Tay estuary. (1)
27 Jun 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted exercises off the Tay estuary. (1)
29 Jun 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 22 (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Ort, RNN) proceeded from Dundee to Rosyth. (1)
30 Jun 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 22 (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Ort, RNN) both conducted noise trials in the lock to the Rosyth Dockyard.
Results were very satisfactory, both submarines gave more or less the same results and they were quieter then the new British T-class submarines. (2)
1 Jul 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 22 (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Ort, RNN) proceeded from Rosyth to Dundee. (1)
2 Jul 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 22 (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Ort, RNN) both conducted exercises off Dundee with HMS White Bear (Capt. R. Gill, RNR). (2)
3 Jul 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 22 (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Ort, RNN) both conducted attack exercises off Dundee during which HMS White Bear (Capt. R. Gill, RNR) and HrMs Z 5 (Lt.Cdr. W. van Lier, RNN) acted as targets. (1)
6 Jul 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 22 (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Ort, RNN) proceeded from Dundee to Rosyth where they are both docked in No.2 graving dock at the Rosyth Dockyard.
Both were taken in hand for some modifications. (1)
28 Jul 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 22 (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Ort, RNN) were both undocked at the Rosyth Dockyard. (5)
29 Jul 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 22 (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Ort, RNN) both conducted exercises off Rosyth.
HrMs Z 8 (Lt.Cdr. P.A. de Boer, RNN) escorted them during their exercises. (1)
30 Jul 1940
Around 1900A/30, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 22 (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Ort, RNN) both depart from Rosyth for their 1st war patrols.
Both are to patrol in the central North Sea. For both submarines this was a work-up patrol.
Around 0515A/31, they parted company to proceed to their respective patrol areas.
For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 21 during this patrol see the map below.
(6)
1 Aug 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) fired two torpedoes at the German U-boat U-60 in the North Sea in position 55°34'N, 02°18'E. Both torpedoes missed their target. The attack was not observed on board U-60.
1602A/1 - Sighted conning tower of small German U-boat bearing 190°. Distance 3 to 4 nautical miles. Started attack. Enemy course was estimated as being 350°.
1615A/1 - Fired two torpedoes from 1600 to 1700 yards. Both torpedoes missed their target. No end of run explosions were heard. (7)
9 Aug 1940
In the afternoon, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 22 (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Ort, RNN) both ended their 1st war patrols at Dundee.
(8)
24 Aug 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted exercises off the Tay estuary. (1)
28 Aug 1940
Around 1830A/28, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Dundee for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Norwegian coast near Bergen.
For the daily positions of HrMs O 21 during this patrol see the map below.
(6)
9 Sep 1940
Around 2300A/9, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) left patrol to return to Dundee in compliance with the orders in Capt. S 9's signal timed 1831A/8.
At 0248A/10, a signal was sent to Capt. S 9 informing him of O 21 having left patrol. (6)
12 Sep 1940
Around 0900A/12, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) ended her 2nd war patrol, which had been uneventful, at Dundee. (9)
21 Sep 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted compass adjustment trials off Dundee. (10)
22 Sep 1940
Around 1730A/22, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Dundee for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the south-west coast of Norway.
For the daily positions of HrMs O 21 during this patrol see the map below.
(6)
30 Sep 1940
Around 2100A/30, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed her patrol area to proceed to a new patrol area off Bergen, Norway having been ordered to do so in a signal from Capt. S 9. (6)
6 Oct 1940
At 0930A/6, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) heard HE bearing 235° and subsequently sighted what was thought to be a German type 7 submarine proceeding eastwards. Range was about 4 nautical miles. The weather conditions made it very difficult for periscope observation. Four bow torpedo tubes were brought to the ready and an attack was started.
By 0952A/6, the HE of the enemy ceased and she could no longer be seen so the attack was abandoned.
This German U-boat must have been the type 2 boat U-61. She arrived at Bergen at 1650B/6. The German U boat reported no enemy contact around this time though.
Around 2000A/6, HrMs O 21 left patrol due to fuel shortage. A signal of her early return was sent to Capt. S 9 at 0041A/7. (11)
8 Oct 1940
Around 1030A/8, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Dundee.
The starboard main motor was defective and had to be removed for repairs. (6)
20 Oct 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) is docked in the east graving dock at Dundee. (10)
27 Oct 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) is undocked. (10)
24 Nov 1940
From 24 to 26 November, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted trials and exercises off the Tay estuary. (10)
28 Nov 1940
Around 1100A/28, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Dundee for her 4th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the south-west coast of Norway near Stavanger.
For the daily positions of HrMs O 21 during this patrol see the map below.
(6)
10 Dec 1940
Around 2130A/10, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) left patrol to return to Dundee. (9)
12 Dec 1940
Around 1100A/12, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) ended her 4th war patrol, which had been uneventful, at Dundee. (6)
19 Dec 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) is wiped (degaussed) at Dundee. (12)
24 Dec 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted trials with firing English torpedoes off the Tay eastuary. She was escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (12)
26 Dec 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted trials with firing English torpedoes off the Tay eastuary. (12)
28 Dec 1940
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Dundee. (12)
29 Dec 1940
Around 1400A/29, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Dundee for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the coast of Norway near Bergen.
For the daily positions of HrMs O 21 during this patrol see the map below.
(6)
10 Jan 1941
Around 0830A/10, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) left patrol to return to Dundee. (9)
12 Jan 1941
Around 1030A/12, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) ended her 5th war patrol, which once again had been uneventful, at Dundee. (6)
14 Jan 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) is wiped (degaussed) at Dundee. (12)
15 Jan 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) is wiped (degaussed) at Dundee. (12)
27 Jan 1941
Around 1700A/27, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Dundee for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered, once again, to patrol off the coast of Norway near Bergen.
For the daily positions of HrMs O 21 during this patrol see the map below.
(6)
8 Feb 1941
Around 1910A/8, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) left patrol to return to Dundee. (6)
10 Feb 1941
Around 1200A/10, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) ended her 6th war patrol at Dundee. The patrol had once again been unsuccessful. Only fishing vessels had been seen. (6)
23 Feb 1941
Around 1400A/23, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) both departed Dundee bound for Gibraltar (This is the 7th war patrol for O 21).
The submarines were escorted by the British armed yacht HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN) which joined around 1540A/23.
Around 1335A/25, the Free French minesweeper FFS La Moqueuse took over the escort duties.
For the daily positions of HrMs O 21 during this patrol see the map below.
(6)
26 Feb 1941
Around 0820A/26, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN), HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) and their escort, FFS La Moqueuse, arrived at Holyhead. They departed again around 1900A/26. (6)
27 Feb 1941
Late in the afternoon, off Milford Haven, in approximate position 51°37'N, 05°28'W, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN) and their escort FFS La Moqueuse encountered the British merchant vessel Losada (6520 GRT, built 1921). As La Moqueuse was more than a mile behind both submarines the crew of the Losada thought the submarines were German U-boats and opened fire. To prevent being hit both submarines crash dived. The crew of La Moqueuse had not seen both submarines dive and was now also under the impression that a German U-boat was nearby and dropped three depth charges. O 21 was the target of the attack but sustains no damage. Both submarines surfaced shortly afterwards. (6)
28 Feb 1941
Around 0600A/28, having passed Trevose head and hour ago, FFS La Moqueuse parted company with HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and HrMs O 23 (Lt.Cdr. G.B.M. van Erkel, RNN). (6)
5 Mar 1941
Around 1145A/5, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm) arrived in the agreed rendezvous position where she was to meet HMS La Malouine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN) which was supposed to escort the submarine to the southbound convoy OG 54 which O 21 was to join.
After cruising in the rendezvous area until 2000A/5, HrMs O 21 then proceeded along the expected path of the convoy independently. (6)
7 Mar 1941
Around 0900A/7, in approximate position 44°50'N, 22°40'W, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm) finally sighted and subsequently joined convoy OG 54. (6)
14 Mar 1941
Around 0730A/14, HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar with convoy OG 54. (6)
27 Mar 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) carried out A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Alouette (Lt. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR), HMS Erin (A/Cdr. J.O. Davies, RNR), HMS Lord Hotham (Skr. J.W. Morris, RNR) and HMS Leyland (Skr. H. Crighton, RNR). (13)
28 Mar 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) carried out A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN), HMS Kingston Chrysolite (Skr. G.T. Lilley, DSC, RNR) and HMS Haarlem (T/Lt. L.B. Merrick, RNR). (13)
3 Apr 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) carries out an A/S exercise off Gibraltar with HMS Fleur de Lys (Lt.Cdr. L.M. Carter, RNR) and HMS Coreopsis (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR).
Upon completion of this exercise all three ships joined the escort of convoy HG 58 (8th war patrol). (6)
3 Apr 1941
For the daily positions of HrMs O 21 during her 8th war patrol see the map below.
12 Apr 1941
In position 43°05'N, 21°56'W HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) leaves convoy HG 58 to join convoy OG 58. (6)
13 Apr 1941
Near position 47°27'N, 23°16'W HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) joins the escort of convoy OG 58. (6)
21 Apr 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar with convoy OG 58. (6)
1 May 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) carries out exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN) and HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RNR). Later exercises are carried out with aircraft from HMS Ark Royal (Capt. L.E.H. Maund, RN). (14)
6 May 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Gibraltar and joins the escort of convoy HG 61 (9th war patrol).
(6)
13 May 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from convoy HG 61 and joins the escort of convoy OG 61. (6)
19 May 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar with convoy OG 61. (6)
25 May 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) was docked in no.2 dock at Gibraltar. (15)
1 Jun 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) was undocked. (15)
4 Jun 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Gibraltar and joins the escort of convoy HG 64 (10th war patrol).
For the daily positions of HrMs O 21 during this patrol see the map below.
(6)
11 Jun 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN), HMS Fleur de Lys (Lt.Cdr. L.M. Carter, RNR) and HMS Coreopsis (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) depart from convoy HG 64 to join convoy OG 64. (6)
12 Jun 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN), HMS Fleur de Lys (Lt.Cdr. L.M. Carter, RNR) and HMS Coreopsis (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) join convoy OG 64. (6)
18 Jun 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar with convoy OG 64. (6)
24 Jun 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) carries out an A/S exercise off Gibraltar with HMS Folkestone (Lt.Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, RN) and HMS Stella Carina (Lt. J.V. Lobb, RANVR).
Upon completion of this exercise all three ships joined the escort of convoy HG 66 (11th war patrol).
For the daily positions of HrMs O 21 during this patrol see the map below.
(16)
1 Jul 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN), HMS Azalea (Lt. G.C. Geddes, RNR) and HMS Stella Carina (Lt. J.V. Lobb, RANVR) depart from convoy HG 66 to join convoy OG 66.
A few hours later O 21 was ordered to establish a patrol off Cape Finisterre, Spain and leaves the formation. (16)
3 Jul 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived in her patrol position. (16)
6 Jul 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from her patrol area for Gibraltar. (16)
8 Jul 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar. (14)
16 Jul 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Gibraltar for her 12th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She is to patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 21 during this patrol see the map below.
(17)
21 Jul 1941
Operation Substance, convoys to and from Malta
Passage through the Straits of Gibraltar of the eastbound convoy and sailing from Gibraltar of the remaining ships involved in the operation.
Around 0130B/21 convoy WS 9C passed the Straits of Gibraltar. The convoy at that moment consisted of six merchant ships; City of Pretoria (8049 GRT, built 1937), Deucalion (7516 GRT, built 1930), Durham (10893 GRT, built 1934), Melbourne Star (11076 GRT, built 1936), Port Chalmers (8535 GRT, built 1933) and Sydney Star (11095 GRT, built 1936).
At the time they passed through the Straits they were escorted by HMS Nelson (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN), HMS Edinburgh (Capt. H.W. Faulkner, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.N. Syfret, RN), HMS Manxman (Capt. R.K. Dickson, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. R.G. Stewart, RN), HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN), HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, RN), HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN) and HMS Farndale (Cdr. S.H. Carlill, RN).
HMS Manchester (Capt. H. Drew, DSC, RN), HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN), HMS Cossack (Capt. E.L. Berthon, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Sikh (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN) departed Gibraltar around 0200B/21 escorting troopship Leinster (4302 GRT, built 1937) which was to join the convoy. However Leinster grounded while leaving Gibraltar and had to left behind. The small fleet tanker RFA Brown Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941, master D.B.C. Ralph) left Gibraltar around the same time escorted by the destroyer HMS Beverley (Lt.Cdr. J. Grant, RN).
About one hour later, around 0300B/21, HMS Renown (Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS Ark Royal (Capt. L.E.H. Maund, RN), HMS Hermione (Capt. G.N. Oliver, RN), HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Fearless (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Foresight (Cdr. J.S.C. Salter, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN) and HMS Duncan (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) departed Gibraltar to give convoy for the convoy during the passage to Malta.
At sea the forces were redistributed; Force H, the cover force HMS Renown, HMS Nelson, HMS Ark Royal, HMS Hermione, HMS Faulknor, HMS Foresight, HMS Forester, HMS Fury, HMS Lightning and HMS Duncan.
Force X, the close escort for the convoy HMS Edinburgh, HMS Manchester, HMS Arethusa, HMS Manxman, HMS Cossack, HMS Maori, HMS Sikh, HMAS Nestor, HMS Fearless, HMS Firedrake, HMS Foxhound, HMS Avon Vale, HMS Eridge and HMS Farndale.
Plan for the operation
Force H was to cover the convoy until it reached the narrows between Sicily and Tunisia. Force X was to escort the convoy all the way to Malta. Ships of Force X also had troops for Malta on board that had been taken to Gibraltar by troopship Pasteur. On 23 July 1941, the day the eastbound convoy would reach ‘the narrows’ five empty transports and two tankers would depart Malta for Gibraltar (Convoy MG 1) The seven empty transports were; Group 1 (speed 17 knots) HMS Breconshire (9776 GRT, built 1939), Talabot (6798 GRT, built 1936),
Group 2 (speed 14 knots) Thermopylae (6655 GRT, built 1930), Amerika (10218 GRT, built 1930),
Group 3 (speed 12 knots) Settler (6202 GRT, built 1939), Tanker Svenor (7616 GRT, built 1931) and Tanker Hoegh Hood (9351 GRT, built 1936) These were escorted by the destroyer HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) which had been repairing and refitting at Malta.
Through intelligence it was known that the Italian Navy had five battleships operational (three of them at Taranto) and about ten cruisers divided between Taranto, Palermo and Messina. The Italian Air Force had about 50 torpedo planes and 150 bombers (30 of which were dive bombers) stationed in Sardinia and Sicily, roughly half of each type on both islands.
The Royal Air Force was able to be of more help than during the previous convoy trip from Gibraltar to Malta last January. Aircraft from Gibraltar conducted A/S patrols for the fleet during the first two days of the passage to the east. Also patrols were flown between Sardinia and the coast of Africa, while aircraft from Malta conducted reconnaissance between Sardinia and Sicily, besides watching the Italian ports. Malta would also provide fighter escort for Force X and the convoy after Force H would part with them and HMS Ark Royal could no longer provide fighter cover for them.
During the operation eight submarines (HMS Olympus (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Dymott, RN), HMS Unique (Lt. A.F. Collett, RN), HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, DSO, RN), HMS Upright (Lt. J.S. Wraith, DSC, RN), HMS Urge (Lt. E.P. Tomkinson, RN), HMS Utmost (Lt.Cdr. R.D. Cayley, DSO, RN), HMS P 32 (Lt. D.A.B. Abdy, RN) and HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN)) were on patrol to report and attack Italian warships that might be sailed to intercept the convoy.
The passage East, 22 July 1941
On 22 July the destroyers from Force X oiled from the Brown Ranger two at a time. A task that took about 10 hours. Having completed the oiling of the destroyers the Brown Ranger and her escort returned to Gibraltar. An Italian aircraft had reported Force H in the morning but the convoy and Force X, at that moment about 100 nautical miles to the south-westward, appeared not to have been sighed. At 2317B/22 the Italian submarine Diaspro missed HMS Renown with torpedoes. HMAS Nestor sighted the torpedo tracks and was able to warn HMS Renown which was then able to avoid the torpedoes by doing an emergency turn to port.
The passage East and attacks by the Italian Air Force, 23 July 1941
Force H rejoined the convoy around 0800B/23 as the British were now approaching the danger area. Shadowing aircraft had already reported the position of the fleet that morning and heavy air attacks soon followed.
The first came at 0945 hours, a well times combination of nine high level bombers and six or seven torpedo planes approaching from the north-east. HMS Ark Royal had eleven fighters up, which met the bombers about 20 miles from the fleet. They managed to down two of the nine bombers but unfortunately three Fulmars were shot down by the enemy. The other seven bombers came on working round the head of the screen of destroyers to attack the convoy from the starboard beam at a height of 10000 feet. Their bombs fell harmlessly amongst the leading ships as they altered course to avoid the attack. The torpedo planes however were more successful. They came from ahead out of the sun, flying low, and as the destroyers opened fire they divided into groups of two or three and to attack the convoy on both sides. Two aircraft attacked HMS Fearless, stationed ahead in the screen, dropping their torpedoes at ranges of 1500 and 800 yards from a height of 70 feet. The destroyer avoided the first torpedo, but was hit by the second, set on fire, and completely disabled. Other aircraft went to press on their attacks on the convoy itself. One of them, dropping its torpedo between two merchant vessels hit HMS Manchester as she was turning to regain her station after avoiding two torpedoes fired earlier. She reversed helm once more but to no avail. During the attacks three enemy torpedo bombers were shot down by AA fire from the ships.
HMS Manchester was badly damaged and could only use one engine out of four. At first she could steam only 8 knots. She was ordered to make for Gibraltar with HMS Avon Vale as escort. That evening, further to the westward, they were attacked again by three enemy torpedo planes but their AA gunfire kept the enemy at a distance. Both ships successfully reached Gibraltar on the 26th.
At 1010B/23 five more bombers tried to attack the convoy crossing this time from north to south. Fighters from HMS Ark Royal forced them to drop their bombs from great height and mostly outside the screen.
At 1645B/23 five more torpedo planes led by a seaplane came in from the northward. Three Fulmars caught them about 20 miles away. They managed to shoot down two planes and drove the remainder away.
Soon afterwards the fleet arrived off the entrance to the Skerki Channel. There HMS Hermione was transferred to Force X to take the place of HMS Manchester. Six destroyers were assigned to Force H and eight to Force X. At 1713 hours Vice-Admiral Somerville hauled round to the westward. HMS Ark Royal kept her Fulmars up until RAF Beaufighters had arrived from Malta to take over.
The convoy was attacked again around 1900B/23. Four torpedo planes arrived from the eastward, flying low and and working round from ahead to the starboard side of the convoy. They approached in pairs in line abreast. They kept HMS Sikh (on the starboard bow of the screen) between them and their target until nearly the moment for attack, thereby hampering the AA fire from the other ships. They dropped their torpedoes from long range from a height of 50 feet and nearly hit HMS Hermione, sternmost ship in the starboard column. To avoid the attack each column of the convoy turned 90° outwards and all warships opened barrage fire from all guns that would bear. The barrage however fell short but it caused the Italians to drop their torpedoes early. Also one of the enemy was possibly shot down.
This attack scattered the convoy and it took some time to reform. At 1945B/23 about seven bombers appeared from ahead at a height of about 14000 feet to attack the convoy from the port side. The convoy altered 40° to port together and the escort opened up a controlled fire with some hesitation as the Italian aircraft looked a lot like Beaufighters. The bombing was extremely accurate. Several bombs fell near HMS Edinburgh which was leading the port column, and a near miss abreast a boiler room disabled HMS Firedrake which had been sweeping ahead of the convoy. She could no longer steam so Rear-Admiral Syfret ordered her back to Gibraltar in tow of HMS Eridge. They had an anxious passage, being shadowed by aircraft continuously during daylight hours, but were not again attacked. On the 25th HMS Firedrake managed to lit one boiler so the tow was slipped. Both destroyers entered Gibraltar harbour on the 27th.
Soon after leaving the Skerki Channel in the evening of the 23th the convoy hauled up to the north-east towards the coast of Sicily. This was to lessen the danger of mines. The Italians did not shadow the convoy after the attack at 1945 hours and missed this alteration of course which they clearly did not expect. Around 2100 hours, as it was getting dark, enemy aircraft were seen searching along its old line of advance. During the evening the convoy sighted flares several times about 20 miles to the south.
Continued passage to the east and enemy attacks, 24 July 1941
Between 0250 and 0315 hours the convoy was however attacked by the Italian MAS boats MAS 532 and MAS 533. The managed to torpedo and damaged the Sydney Star. HMAS Nestor went alongside and took off almost 500 soldiers. Sydney Star was however able to continue her passage as staggler escorted initially by HMAS Nestor. Admiral Syfret however sent back HMS Hermione. At 1000B/24 eight German dive bombers and two high level bombers attacked. Their bombs fell close the escorting ships. HMS Hermione shot down one dive bomber. The three ships arrived at Malta early in the afternoon.
The main body of the convoy meanwhile continued on its way unhindered after the attacks of the motor torpedo boats except for an attempt by three torpedo planes around 0700 hours. They dropped their torpedoes at a safe distance when fired on by the destroyers in the screen ahead. According to the orders Rear-Admiral Syfret was to leave the convoy now, if there was no threat from Italian surface forces, and go on to Malta with the cruisers and some of the destroyers. They were to land the passengers and stores, complete with fuel and return to Force H as soon as possible. The remaining destroyers were to accompany the transports to Malta. They too were to join Force H as soon as possible. Rear-Admiral Syfret felt easy about the surface danger as all Italian ships were reported in harbour the day before, but he was anxious about the threat to the convoy from the air. He decided to go ahead with the cruiser but leave all destroyers with the convoy so at 0745B/24, HMS Edinburgh, HMS Arethusa and HMS Manxman left the convoy and pressed ahead at high speed to Malta where they arrived at noon the same day. The transports and the destroyers arrived about four hours later. They had been attacked only once by a torpedo plane since the cruisers separated.
Return passage of the warships of force X to make rendez-vous with Force H.
In the evening HMS Edinburgh, HMS Arethusa, HMS Hermione and HMS Manxman sailed together followed by five destroyers; HMS Cossack, HMS Maori, HMS Sikh, HMAS Nestor, HMS Foxhound, later the same evening. The destroyers overtook the cruisers in the morning of the 25th. The sixth destroyer, HMS Farndale, had to be left at Malta due to defects (condenser problems). All ships made rendez-vous with Force H to the north-west of Galita Island at 0800B/25.
Movements of Force H after it parted from the convoy.
After parting with the convoy in the evening of the 23rd, Vice-Admiral Somerville had taken force H westward at 18 knots until the afternoon of the 24th going as far west as 03°30’E. He then turned back to meet Admiral Syfret, also sending from HMS Ark Royal six Swordfish aircraft which left her in position 37°42’N, 07°17’E at 1000B/25. After their junction Forces H and X made the best of way towards Gibraltar. Fighter patrols of HMS Ark Royal shot down a shadowing aircraft soon after the fleet had shaped course to the westward, losing a Fulmar in doing so. However another aircraft had meanwhile reported the fleet.
High level bombers appeared from the east and torpedo bombers from the north at 1100 hours. HMS Ark Royal at that moment had four fighters in the air and sent up six more. They prevented the bombing attack shooting down three aircraft out of eight at a cost of two Fulmars, while the ships watched the enemy jettison their bombs 15 miles away. The torpedo attack came to nothing too for the enemy gave up the attempt and retired while still several miles from the fleet. Two days later, on the 27th, the fleet reached Gibraltar.
The movements of the seven empty ships coming from Malta.
Six of the transports / tankers left Malta for Gibraltar in the morning of the 23rd, escorted by HMS Encounter. The seventh ship, tanker Svenor grounded while leaving harbour and was held up for some hours. At dusk, when a few miles from Pantelleria, the six ships devided into pairs according to their speed. HMS Encounter initially escorted the middle pair but joined the leading ships in the evening of the 24th when past the Galita Bank.
Italian aircraft, both high level bombers and torpedo planes, attacked all these ships on the 24th to the southward of Sardinia. They made their first attempt on the second pair of transports and HMS Encounter. Four torpedo planes attacked at 1230B/24 and four bombers at 1250B/24. No ships were hit though the bombs fell close. Next came the turn for the leading pair, which were attacked further westwards by two bombers that came singly at 1330B/24 and 1400B/24. The second plane nearly hit HMS Breconshire. Finally when the third pair of ships reached about the same position in the evening they were attacked by torpedo planes and the Hoegh Hood was damaged but she managed to arrive at Gibraltar only a few hours after her consort on the 27th. The last ship, the one that had been delayed at Malta, arrived on the 28th. (18)
29 Jul 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) attacked an Italian convoy about 60 nautical miles South-West of Naples, Italy in position 39°51'N, 13°46'E.
Four torpedoes were fired. Two hits were claimed but in fact all torpedoes fired missed.
(All times are zone -1)
1215 hours - Heard HE bearing 184°.
1309 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 180°.
1401 hours - Sighted one aircraft bearing 175°.
1451 hours - Sighted mast. Started attack. The convoy was later seen to be made up of five merchant vessels of 4000 to 5000 tons each and two Lampo class destroyers as escort.
1515 hours - Heard the HE of what was thought to be a third destroyer.
1553 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 4500 yards at two of the merchant ships. Seven minutes after firing a double explosion was heard. O 21 went to a depth of 35 meters and retired to the South-West upon firing so the results were not observed.
1609 to 1701 hours - Twenty-four depth charges were dropped by two of the destroyers. O 21 went to 87 meters.
1715 hours - Heard the last HE fade out. Returned to 40 meters.
2130 hours - Surfaced. Nothing in sight.
The convoy attacked had left Tripoli on 27 July and arrived at Naples on 30 July and was made up of the Italian merchants Ernesto (7399 GRT, built 1914), Nita (6803 GRT, built 1913), Nirvo (5270 GRT, built 1919), Aquitania (4971 GRT, built 1924) and tanker Castelverde (6958 GRT, built 1921). The auxiliary gunboat Palmaiola (1961 GRT, built 1918) was being towed by the Ernesto. But as the Ernesto was going so slow the tow was slipped and the auxliary gunboat returned to Tripoli (presumably assisted by a tug) when they were just seven miles out.
Escorts were initially Italian destroyers Folgore, Saetta, Fuceliere and Alpino. The destroyer Fulmine joined at sea having sailed from Pantelleria.
After the cruiser Giuseppe Garibaldi was torpedoed and damaged by HMS Upholder (Lt.Cdr. M.D. Wanklyn, RN) the destroyers Fuceliere and Alpino were detached to join the screen of the damaged cruiser.
The torpedo boat Giuseppe Sirtori later sailed from Naples to join the escort but she seem to have joined only after the attack by HrMS O 21. (17)
3 Aug 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) attacked and damaged an Italian barquentine with gunfire South-East of Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy near position 38°47'N, 09°21'E. A torpedo was fired first but it ran under so O 21 surfaced and engaged with gunfire.
The target was the auxiliary schooner V 164 / Maria Teresa (219 GRT, built 1913) on night patrol off Cagliari. There was no resistance as it was only armed with two 8mm machine guns. After making an SOS, the crew of fourteen took to the lifeboats. Marina Cagliari dispatched two auxiliary minesweepers and one found the two lifeboats at dawn, there had been no casualties. The abandoned Maria Teresa was located drifting in position 38°28.5'N, 10°31.5'E (this position appears too far east and is probably a typographical error and should most likely be 09°31.5'E) and the tug Cereo towed her back to Cagliari. She was found undamaged (despite van Dulm’s claims) and immediately resumed service.
(All times are zone -1)
1836 hours - Sighted a three-mast schooner (estimated size, 300 tons) bearing 208°, distance 9000 yards. Started attack.
1913 hours - Fired one torpedo from 1500 yards. It ran under her stern.
Surfaced and engaged the target with gunfire. Range 1200 to 1500 yards. 25 Rounds were fired for at least seven hits, five in the engine room and two on the forecastle. Broke off the action at 2045 hours owning to the darkness fearing that MAS boats were also in the area and could attack O 21 unobserved. (17)
6 Aug 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) ended her 12th war patrol at Gibraltar. (17)
27 Aug 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Gibraltar for her 13th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She is to patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 21 during this patrol see the map below.
(17)
31 Aug 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) attacked the Italian submarine Emo with two torpedoes about 70 nautical miles East-South-East of Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy in position 38°53'N, 10°38'E. Both torpedoes missed their target.
(All times are zone -1)
0555 hours - Sighted Italian submarine (thought to be Marcello-class) bearing 280°. Started attack.
0618 hours - Fired bow tubes 1 and 3 from 2200 yards. No hits were obtained. It was intended to fire four torpedoes but O 21 lost depth control during the attack.
0625 hours - Heard one explosion. HE ceased.
0635 hours - HE was heard again. Started reloading tube 1 and 3.
According to Italian sources submarine Emo was returning home after operating in the Atlantic, she witnessed a torpedo track passing 1000 meters astern followed by an explosion. (17)
1 Sep 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) sighted a convoy of three merchant ships about 40 nautical miles North of Isola di Ustica, Italy in position 39°19'N, 13°21'E. As the ships turned out to be Vichy French they were not attacked.
(All times are zone -1)
1518 hours - Sighted three big ships right ahead, distance 7 nautical miles. Started attack. Two of the ships were later seen to have three funnels, the other ship had two funnels.
1618 hours - Ended attack on convoy as the ships were seen to be Vichy French. The ships are thought to be the following vessels:
D'Artagnan (passenger / cargo ship, 15105 GRT, built 1925)
Champollion (passenger ship, 12263 GRT, built 1925)
Massilia (passenger / cargo (reefer) ship, 15147 GRT, built 1920).
They appeared to be heading towards the Straits of Messina.
Note: D'Artagnan was at Saigon at that time so she could not be one of the ships sighted by O 21. (17)
3 Sep 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) sighted a convoy of three merchant ships about 60 nautical miles North-North-East of Isola di Ustica, Italy near position 39°45'N, 13°32'E. As the ships turned out to be Vichy French they were not attacked.
(All times are zone -1)
0643 hours - Heard HE bearing 150°.
0715 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 160°. Started attack.
0755 hours - Sighted three ships.
0815 hours - Identified the ships as Vichy-French. Stopped attack. Convoy appeared to come from the Straits of Messina and steering for Strait Bonifacio. (17)
5 Sep 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Isarco (5738 GRT, built 1924) about 30 nautical miles south-west of Isola d'Ischia, Italy in position 40°12'N, 13°17'E.
(All times are zone -1)
0025 hours - Sighted dark shape and smoke to the South-West. Distance 7 nautical miles. Started attack.
0035 hours - Submerged and continued attack.
0120 hours - Fired 2 torpedoes on merchant vessel from 900 yards. Both torpedoes hit, one beneath the bridge and one near the after hatch.
0124 hours - Surfaced and picked up 22 survivors. (17)
6 Sep 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) attacked an Italian convoy with two torpedoes about 50 nautical miles East of La Maddalena near position 41°05'N, 10°20'E. No hits were obtained.
These were probably the transports Praga (3741 GRT, built 1908) and Città di Trieste (4658 GRT, built 1915). They were escorted by the Armed Merchant Cruiser Caralis (3510 GRT, built 1928). They had left Civitavecchia at 1930/5 and arrived at Olbia at 0840/6, [Note that Italian time was one hour ahead of the time kept by O 21].
(All times are zone -1)
0405 hours - Sighted ship bearing 340°. Later it was seen that it was one of two merchant ships in a convoy that was escorted by an Armed Merchant Cruiser.
0420 hours - Submerged and started attack.
0428 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 700 yards. Went to 35 meters. The rear ship went directly overhead. Returned to periscope depth to try to take a stern shot at this ship but this was not possible. No hits were obtained with the two torpedoes fired. (17)
7 Sep 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) attacked what was thought to be an Italian minelayer of the Fasana class about 20 nautical miles East of La Maddalena near position 41°09'N, 09°54'E.
The target was probably the minelayer Durazzo (610 tons, built 1927) on her way from Naples to La Maddalena where she arrived at 0845 hours the same morning. Twenty days later Durazzo would lay the minefield that apparently was fatal to the submarine HMS P 311 during operation PRINCIPAL (January 1943).
(All times are zone -1)
0105 hours - Sighted ship bearing 090°.
0118 hours - Submerged but lost target out of sight.
0140 hours - Surfaced, but remained trimmed down.
0150 hours - Sighted target again bearing 210°. Made end around to get ahead of the target.
0420 hours - Submerged. Started attack.
0453 hours - Fired one torpedo from 500 yards. Missed. The target was now thought to be a minelayer of the Fasana class so the torpedo most likely ran under. Retired to the South-East. (17)
8 Sep 1941
While on patrol near Cagliari Bay HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) tries to attack an Italian convoy but fails to do so about 5 nautical miles East of Isola Serpentara near position 39°09'N, 09°43'E.
These were probably the transport Valverde (4463 GRT, built 1910) escorted by the Armed Merchant Cruiser Città di Tunisi (5419 GRT, built 1929) on passage from Naples to Cagliari where they arrived at 1740/8.
Later O 21 fired her last remaining torpedo at another Italian convoy about 15 nautical miles South-East of Isola dei Cavoli near position 38°54'N, 09°50'E. The torpedo missed.
These were probably the transports Arlesiana (5702 GRT, built 1915), Romagna (1416 GRT, built 1899), Cor Jesu (3993 GRT, built 1908). They were escorted by Armed Merchant Cruiser Foscari (3423 GRT, built 1928). They had sailed from Cagliari at 1500/8 for Civitavecchia.
(All times are zone -1)
1145 hours - Sighted two ships bearing 023°. An Cant. Z501 aircraft was overhead. Started attack. The ships were thought to be an Asmara-type cargo vessel escorted by an armed merchant cruiser type Città di Napoli.
1307 hours - Could not close the distance to less than 4000 yards. Concluded that attack had failed and don't fire the last remaining torpedo. Proceeded Southwards. Ships were later seen to enter Cagliari Bay.
------------------------------------------------
1800 hours - Sighted ship bearing 265°. Distance 7000 yards. Started attack. Soon more ships were sighted. The convoy was made up of an armed merchant cruiser type Città di Napoli (possibly the same ship sighted earlier today), one small tanker (3000 tons) and two merchant vessels (7000 and 4000 tons).
1929 hours - Fired one torpedo (the last) from 1000 yards at the 7000-ton merchant vessel. Missed. Set course to the South-West. (17)
12 Sep 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) ended her 13th war patrol at Gibraltar. (17)
21 Sep 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Gibraltar for her 14th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She is to patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the East Coast of Sardinia.
For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 21 during this patrol see the map below.
(17)
3 Oct 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) torpedoed and sank the Vichy-French merchant Oued Yquem (1369 GRT, built 1920) east of Cape Figari, Sardinia, Italy in position 40°58'N, 09°59'E.
(All times are zone -1)
1000 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 286°. Started attack.
1253 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 900 yards. The first torpedo ran on the surface. The second torpedo hit the ships stern. The ship was seen to sink in three minutes, stern first with the bow rising vertically into the air.
The crew of 30 (including three wounded) were later picked up according to Italian sources. (17)
8 Oct 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) ended her 14th war patrol at Gibraltar. (17)
22 Oct 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) was docked in no.3 dock at Gibraltar. (19)
27 Oct 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) was undocked. (19)
7 Nov 1941
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). (19)
9 Nov 1941
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Gibraltar for her 15th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She is to patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 21 during this patrol see the map below.
(17)
15 Nov 1941
While on patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) attacked the Italian merchant Ninetto G. (5355 GRT, built 1913) off Fiumicino, Italy in position 41°47'N, 12°06'E. All torpedoes fired missed their target.
(All times are zone -1)
1530 hours - Sighted three ships bearing 140°. The convoy consisted of one empty tanker of about 5000 tons and two merchant vessels of about the same size. They were in single line ahead. 1000 Yards on the beam on the port side there was a Lampo-class destroyer. Course of the convoy was 315°, speed 8 knots.
1535 hours - Sighted a flying boat type Cant Z 501 that was escorting the convoy. Started attack.
1605 hours - Sighted, at a distance of 500 yards, a torpedo boat of the Abba-class. It was followed by a laden modern tanker of about 5000 tons. O 21 went deep as the Lampo class destroyer hoisted a flag signal and turned towards.
1626 hours - In position 41°47'N, 12°06'E fired two torpedoes against one of the 5000 tons merchants. O 21 broke surface after venting of the first torpedo tube failed. It was intended to fire a third torpedo but this one was not fired. O 21 dived again and went to 60 meters, later to 40 meters.
1636 hours - The torpedo boat dropped its first depth charges. They were very close.
1656 hours - The torpedo boat dropped its last depth charge and later made off to the North.
According to Italian sources the above mentioned Ninetto G. was in convoy with merchant Valsavoia (5733 GRT, 1919) proceeding to La Spezia escorted by the torpedo-boat Giacinto Carini.
Carini had just been escorting the southbound tanker Iridio Mantovani (10540 GRT, built 1939) and had met the northbound Ninetto G. and Valsavoia escorted by the torpedo-boat Perseo. The two convoys had just exchanged escort. (17) 16 Nov 1941 (All times are zone -1) 0741 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 2000 yards. As the ship was seen to evade the torpedo tracks these must have been seen. (17) 21 Nov 1941 These were the passenger/cargo ship Città' di Trieste (4658 GRT, built 1915) which was escorted by Armed Merchant Cruiser Piero Foscari (3423 GRT, built 1928) and the auxiliary Loredan (1357 GRT, built 1936) on passage from Olbia to Civitavecchia, This attack was observed and Piero Foscari and Loredan hunted the submarine and were later reinforced by a MAS-boat from Civitavecchia.
(All times are zone -1) 0705 hours - Sighted a medium seized merchant vessel on a course of 300°. Started attack.
0710 hours - The ship now proved to be a heavily zigzagging Armed Merchant Cruiser belonging to a convoy of 2 medium seized merchant ships and 1 liner that was escorted by 2 AMC's. General course of the convoy was 045°.
0715 hours - Dived to a greater depth as a Cant Z 501 flying boat passed overhead just after the nearest AMC had hoisted a pendant. Returned to periscope depth shortly afterwards.
0739 hours - Fired two torpedoes at the liner from 1800 yards. Went deep. No hits were obtained.
0810 hours - The convoy was now out of sight. (17) 22 Nov 1941 (All times are zone -1) 2145 hours - Opened fire with the deck gun. The crew abandoned ship with their small boat after the first round.
2210 hours - The schooner was seen to sink bow first after 47 rounds. (17) 23 Nov 1941 (All times are zone -1) 0205 hours - In position fired two torpedoes from the deck tubes at the very distinct loud HE. The target was not seen. No hits were obtained. (17) 24 Nov 1941 (All times are zone -1) 0200 hours - Discovered the silhouette of a small ship.
0222 hours - Attacked a small two-masted schooner of about 250 tons with gunfire. The crew took to their small boat after the first rounds.
0238 hours - After 21 rounds she was still afloat. One mast was shot away. The ship was then sunk by ramming as there was no more ammunition for the deck gun.
It is often stated that the schooner sunk in this attack was the Unione (216 GRT). This schooner however had foundered in bad weather on 21 November. (17) 28 Nov 1941 O 21 arrived at Gibraltar later on the same day ending her 15th war patrol.
For an eyewitness account on this encounter between these two submarines see this website (offsite link).
(All times are zone -1) 0044 hours - The suspicious ship flashed with a dimmed signal lamp.
0048 hours - The contact again flashed the challenge. It was recognised as German by the British signalman. Reduced speed to 15 knots.
0050 hours - Fired both stern tubes in short succession. The first torpedo missed and the enemy turned away just as Lt.Cdr. van Dulm had thought he would do. The first torpedo had no effect as it passed close to the enemy's starboard site. The second one had the desired effect as it hit the U-boat abaft the conning tower and blew the stern off. The U-boat was seen to sink by the stern at an angle of 45°.
0112 hours - O 21 now proceeded to where the enemy sank to collect evidence of this sinking when survivors were noticed in the water. 12 Survivors were picked up including the Commanding Officer.
The Germans had sighted O 21 first but as the silhouette of the Dutch submarine looked like a German U-boat a challenge was made. The quick reaction of Lt.Cdr. van Dulm surprised the Germans. (17) 5 Dec 1941 For the daily positions of HrMs O 21 during the passage to the U.K. see the map below.
(6) 12 Dec 1941 16 Dec 1941 For the daily positions of HrMs O 21 during this patrol see the map below.
(6) 24 Dec 1941 27 Dec 1941 29 Dec 1941 30 Dec 1941 31 Dec 1941 13 Jan 1942 18 Feb 1942 12 May 1942 10 Jun 1942 17 Jun 1942 1 Jul 1942 2 Jul 1942 3 Jul 1942 6 Jul 1942 7 Jul 1942 9 Jul 1942 10 Jul 1942 16 Jul 1942 19 Jul 1942 21 Jul 1942 22 Jul 1942 23 Jul 1942 24 Jul 1942 26 Jul 1942 27 Jul 1942 28 Jul 1942 29 Jul 1942 2 Aug 1942 3 Aug 1942 4 Aug 1942 5 Aug 1942 6 Aug 1942 7 Aug 1942 11 Aug 1942 12 Aug 1942 For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 21 during the passage to the Far East see the map below.
(6) 16 Aug 1942 1630 hours - Head HE bearing 250°.
1645 hours - Sighted u-boat, 500 tons type, on an Easterly course.
1707 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 3500 yards. Two torpedoes ran on the surface so were easily spotted aboard the U-boat who turned away. [The Germans had spotted three torpedoes two of which were seen to be running on the surface so the torpedoes could easily be evaded.] 20 Aug 1942 8 Sep 1942 16 Sep 1942 23 Sep 1942 2 Oct 1942 3 Oct 1942 12 Oct 1942 16 Oct 1942 17 Oct 1942 7 Dec 1942 15 Dec 1942 11 Jan 1943 15 Jan 1943 16 Jan 1943 18 Jan 1943 24 Jan 1943 1 Feb 1943 4 Feb 1943 5 Feb 1943 6 Feb 1943 9 Feb 1943 16 Feb 1943 18 Feb 1943 After these exercises O 21 departed from Addu Atoll for Colombo. (21) 21 Feb 1943 6 Mar 1943 For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 21 during this patrol see the map below.
(6) 13 Mar 1943 (All times are zone -6.5) 0730 hours - The ship was seen to leave the bay. The size of the ship was estimated at 4000 tons.
0750 hours - In position 11°39'N, 92°49'E fired four torpedoes from 1400 yards. Two hits were obtained and the ship sank in five minutes. O 21 retired to the South-East. Two small enemy motor launches left the harbour to hunt the submarine but they were unsuccessful. (6) 24 Mar 1943 9 Apr 1943 11 Apr 1943 For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 21 during this patrol see the map below.
(6) 18 Apr 1943 22 Apr 1943 A few hours later an attack on another Japanese ship in position 03°23'N, 100°07'E failed to produce any hits.
(All times are zone -6.5) 0047 hours - Dived. HE was picked up.
0135 hours - HE was still being picked up but became weaker.
0151 hours - Surfaced and sighted a ship bearing 251°, distance 7 nautical miles.
0350 hours - Sighted an escort vessel ahead of the main target.
0500 hours - Dived at dawn.
0511 hours - The target was seen to be a large camouflaged merchant ship of about 7000 tons. The escort was thought to be a Chidori-class torpedo boat. Started attack.
0540 hours - In position 03°26'N, 99°48'E fired four torpedoes from 2000 yards resulting in two hits. One just in front of the bridge and one in hold number 5. The ship broke in two with the front part capsizing and sinking slowly. The aft part burst into flames and sank quickly.
0601 hours - The torpedo boat dropped a pattern of four depth charges but these were not close. O 21 retired to the East-North-East.
0830 hours - The torpedo boat was now lost out of sight.
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1110 hours - In position 03°28'N, 100°03'E sighted a ship bearing 090°. Started attack with the deck torpedo tubes but one of the doors could not be opened properly so abandoned this plan and went for an attack with the stern torpedo tubes.
1149 hours - In position 03°23'N, 100°07'E fired two stern torpedoes at the target that was thought to be of about 2000 tons. Range 700 yards. The torpedoes missed. It appeared the target saw the tracks and avoided. She altered course and made for the submarine.
1152 hours - The ship dropped three depth charges about 300 yards away. O 21 took avoiding action.
1202 hours - Two more depth charges were dropped about 1000 yards away. O 21 cleared the area to the North.
1246 hours - Two more depth charges were dropped 1800 yards away.
1300 hours - Saw an aircraft circling the area. Went to 75 feet and came to periscope depth every 20 minutes.
1315 hours - Saw a torpedo boat, Chidori-type and most likely the same one as this morning joining the hunt.
1500 hours - Nothing in sight now. (6) 29 Apr 1943 7 May 1943 10 May 1943 28 May 1943 For the daily positions of HrMs O 21 during this patrol see the map below.
(6) 18 Jun 1943 9 Jul 1943 For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 21 during the passage to Exmouth Gulf see the map below.
(23) 20 Jul 1943 23 Jul 1943 The positions of O 21 are 'coded' in the ships log. The ships positions were 'decoded' by us with help of a report in Dutch language on this patrol (No report in English has been found in Dutch or British archives.)
For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 21 during this patrol see the map below.
(3) 27 Jul 1943 31 Jul 1943 1 Aug 1943 (All times are (most likely) zone -8) 0542 hours - Dived. Stayed off the bay during the day.
1945 hours - Surfaced.
2020 hours - Land party no. 2 (3 members of the crew of O 21) to reconnoitre a possible landing area.
2215 hours - The party returned. They had not seen any Japanese.
2245 hours - Party no. 1 and agent '289' were landed.
0100 hours (2nd) - Party no 1 returned. (3) 2 Aug 1943 (All times are (most likely) zone -8) 1600 hours - Enter the bay.
1830 hours - Bottomed in 14.5 meters of water.
1920 hours - Surfaced.
2015 hours - Land party no. 2 to reconnoitre the landing area. Two small fishing vessels are laying on the beach nearby.
2150 hours - Party no. 2 returned. They had seen no Japanese. (3) 3 Aug 1943 Shortly afterwards party No. 1 departed from O 21 in their rubber boat to pick up the agent landed on 1 August. He does not show up and the landing party also don't return to O 21 at the agreed time.
(All times are (most likely) zone -8) 1200 hours - Entered the bay.
1415 hours - Bottomed at 13 meters inside the bay. Kept periscope watch for a small sailing vessel that showed the agreed markings. None however was seen during the day.
1915 hours - Surfaced.
2000 hours - Landed party no. 2 to check one of the landing areas.
2100 hours - The party returned they had sighted nothing.
2130 hours - Sent landing party no. 1 to the place where the agent was landed two day previously. They were soon lost out of sight in the diminishing visibility.
2145 hours - Signals were sighted on the shore but these could not be read due to the bad visibility. They were thought to be from the landing party. Later it was thought they must have been made by agent '289'.
2300 hours - The signals were still seen on the same place. Signals from O 21 were however not answered. Due to the further diminishing visibility contact was lost around midnight.
0115 hours (4th) - As it was thought that the dinghy of party no. 1 was lost it was decided to sent party no. 2 to look for them.
0400 hours (4th) - Party no. 2 returned. They were unable to find party no. 1.
0410 hours (4th) - O 21 departed the bay.
0546 hours (4th) - Dived. (3) 4 Aug 1943 (All times are (most likely) zone -8) 1330 hours - Entered the bay. Sighted party no. 1 on a beach. Signalled with the periscope. Signals were answered. It was agreed that they were to be picked up after dark.
1520 hours - Bottomed in 12 meters of water.
1915 hours - Surfaced and sent party no. 2 to the shore to pick up party no. 1.
2000 hours - Both party's returned to the submarine. During the remainder of the evening O 21 tried to establish contact with agent '289', All attempts were however unsuccessful.
2300 hours - Left the bay. (3) 5 Aug 1943 6 Aug 1943 9 Aug 1943 10 Aug 1943 After dark they were taken off again. They had also shot a deer and brought with them fresh meat for two days. (3) 12 Aug 1943 After dark O 21 is detected and depth charged by a Japanese A/S vessel at the Eastern entrance to Strait Madura near position 07°32'S, 114°18'E.
(All times are (most likely) zone -8) 1955 hours - Thought to have seen lights in the same direction.
2015 hours - The ship is lost out of sight, but picked up again shortly afterwards. They had turned towards and were rapidly closing.
2020 hours - The ship signalled and then opens fire with a machine gun.
2022 hours - Dived.
2025 - 2028 hours - Nine depth charges were dropped.
2040 hours - Three more depth charges were dropped.
2400 hours - HE faded out bearing 128°. One hour later O 21 surfaces to find nothing in sight. (3) 13 Aug 1943 (All times are (most likely) zone -8) 1932 hours - Due to a lightning bolt sighted a ship with two masts and one funnel.
1934 hours - Dived. No HE was picked up.
1950 hours - Nothing could be sighted through the periscope.
1955 hours - Strange noises were picked up on Asdic. Shortly afterwards HE was picked up from a ship crossing shortly ahead from Starboard to Port.
1958 hours - 4 depth charges explode near the bow causing minor damage.
2030 hours - No HE heard anymore.
0025 hours (14th) - Nothing in sight so surfaced.
0030 hours (14th) - Sighted Japanese A/S trawler 5 nautical miles away.
0034 hours (14th) - The trawler is seen to increase speed and turn towards. O 21 also increased speed to outrun the trawler on the surface.
0045 hours (14th) - The trawler was no longer in sight. Shortly before 0200 hours (14th) she was sighted again but after a change of course she was lost out of sight not to be seen again. (3) 16 Aug 1943 20 Aug 1943 21 Aug 1943 24 Aug 1943 6 Sep 1943 11 Sep 1943 1 Oct 1943 14 Oct 1943 15 Oct 1943 28 Nov 1943 For the daily and attack positions of HrMs O 21 during the passage to the U.K. see the map below.
(25) 11 Dec 1943 30 Dec 1943 8 Jan 1944 9 Jan 1944 14 Jan 1944 15 Jan 1944 22 Jan 1944 25 Jan 1944 This convoy departed Port Said on 25 January 1944.
On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers;
A.C. Bedford (British (tanker), 9485 GRT, built 1918),
Arthur R.P. Davis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Arthur Riggs (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943),
Charles Crocker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Clan MacNeil (British, 6111 GRT, built 1922),
Edward Bruce (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Forest (British, 4998 GRT, built 1937),
Fort Bedford (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Kaskaskia (British, 7187 GRT, built 1943),
Frank A. Vanderlip (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Heimvard (Norwegian, 4851 GRT, built 1930),
Rodsley (British, 5000 GRT, built 1939),
Samburgh (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samcleve (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samgara (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samida (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and
Skotaas (Norwegian (tanker), 8190 GRT, built 1931). The LST USS LST 261 (Lt.Cdr. L.I. Reilley, USCG) was also part of the convoy. They were escorted by the corvettes HMS Bergamot (Lt. R.T. Horan, RNR) and HMS Bryony (T/Lt. T. Hand, RNR).
On 26 January 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Alexandria to join the convoy;
E. Kirby Smith (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Peak (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Southey (British, 7041 GRT, built 1942),
Fort Brandon (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Caribou (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Remy (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943),
George Walton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Jared Ingersoll (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942),
John J. Crittenden (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Lot Whitcomb (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943),
Louis A. Sengteller (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Meonia (Danish, 5214 GRT, built 1927),
Pan-Rhode Island (American (tanker), 7742 GRT, built 1941),
Patrick C. Boyle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Samarkand (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943),
Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942),
Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923),
Van der Capelle (Dutch, 7037 GRT, built 1942) and
Woodlark (British, 1501 GRT, built 1928). They were escorted by the corvettes HMS La Malouine (Lt. W.A. Ives, RNR), HMS Myosotis (T/Lt. R. Lugg, RNR) and HMS Primula (T/Lt. E.N. Wilding, RNVR) which also joined the convoy.
On 30 January 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy;
Arthur Dobbs (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Belgian Sailor (Belgian, 7028 GRT, built 1942),
Charles Goodyear (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Charles Piez (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943),
Cistula (Dutch (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1939),
Daniel H. Lownsdale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Djebel Aures (French, 2835 GRT, built 1929),
Empire Harbour (British (tanker), 797 GRT, built 1943),
Fort Norman (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942),
George Leonard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
James M. Wayne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
John C. Breckinridge (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Keilehaven (Dutch, 2968 GRT, built 1919),
Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Marit Maersk (Greek (former Danish), 1894 GRT, built 1938),
Thomas Nelson Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Timothy Bloodworth (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943) and
William L. Yancey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
On 31 January 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy;
Arthur R.P. Davis,
Empire Peak,
Empire Southey,
Fort Brandon,
Fort Caribou,
Fort Remy,
Pan-Rhode Island,
Samphire,
Stancleeve and
Van der Capelle.
On 31 January 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy;
Forest,
Meonia,
Skotaas,
Talma and
Woodlark.
On 31 January 1944, the submarine HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed Malta and joined the convoy. HMS Primula arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy.
On 1 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy;
A.C. Bedford,
Charles Goodyear,
Djebel Aures and
Empire Harbour. USS LST-261 was also detached to Bizerta. The following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Bizerta;
Atlantic Coast (British, 890 GRT, built 1934),
Black Hawk (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943),
Bruce M. (British, 1887 GRT, built 1927),
Cotton Valley (British, 1155 GRT, built 1943),
Edward Burleson (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Cavalier (British (tanker), 9891 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Charmian (British, 7519 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Emerald (British (tanker), 8032 GRT, built 1941),
Empire Marvell (British (tanker), 9812 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Perdita (British, 7028 GRT, built 1943),
Empire Snow (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941),
Esso Concord (American (tanker), 7698 GRT, built 1940),
Fort de Douaumont (French, 5266 GRT, built 1918),
Harry Lane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Hebe II (British, 957 GRT, built 1912),
Joseph Pulitzer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942),
Largs Bay (British, 14182 GRT, built 1921),
Lawrence D. Tyson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943),
Linge (Dutch, 2114 GRT, built 1928),
William Patterson (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and
Zane Gray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). The AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN) and the (damaged) destroyer HMS Jervis (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, DSO, DSC, RN) also joined the convoy.
On 2 February 1944, the following transports arrived at Bone after having parted company with the convoy;
Belgian Sailor,
Fort Norman,
James M. Wayne and
Linge while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Bone;
Anna N. Goulandris (Greek, 4358 GRT, built 1921),
Gulfgem (American (tanker), 6784 GRT, built 1920),
P.L.M. 17 (British (former French), 4008 GRT, built 1922) and
Skeldergate (British, 4251 GRT, built 1930).
On 2 February 1944, the following transports arrived at Bone after having parted company with the convoy;
Arthur Dobbs and Cotton Valley while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Philippeville;
Henry Baldwin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and
James Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
On 3 February 1944, the transport Empire Charmian arrived at Bougie after having parted company with the convoy.
On 3 February 1944, the following transports arrived at Algiers after having parted company with the convoy; Charles Piez, Daniel H. Lownsdale, Fort de Douaumont, George Leonard, Hebe II, Joseph Pulitzer, Marit Maersk and William Patterson while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Algiers;
Appledore (British, 5218 GRT, built 1929),
Baron Douglas (British, 3899 GRT, built 1932),
Coulmore (British, 3670 GRT, built 1936),
David L. Swain (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943),
Ingleton (British, 7203 GRT, built 1942),
Kelbergen (Dutch, 4823 GRT, built 1914),
Lafcadio Hearn (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943),
Lornaston (British, 4934 GRT, built 1925),
Mount Othrys (Greek, 6527 GRT, built 1919),
Ocean Vigil (British, 7174 GRT, built 1941) and
Stanford Newel (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).
On 4 February 1944, the following transports arrived at Oran after having parted company with the convoy; Anna N. Goulandris, Atlantic Coast, Coulmore, David L. Swain, Louis McLane, Thomas Nelson Page and Zane Gray while the following transports / tanker joined the convoy coming from Algiers;
Gallium (French, 1775 GRT, built 1924),
Hiram S. Maxim (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943),
Iroquois (British (tanker), 8937 GRT, built 1907),
O'Henry (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942) and
Parame (French, 2337 GRT, built 1918).
On 5 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Oran after having parted company with the convoy; Appledore, Baron Douglas, Bruce M., Clan MacNeil, Empire Perdita/, Empire Snow, Ingleton, Iroquois, Kelbergen, Largs Bay, Lornaston, Ocean Vigil, P.L.M. 17, Rodsley and Skeldergate. Also arriving at Gibraltar were HMS Colombo, HMS Jervis, HMS Bergamot, HMS Bryony, HMS La Malouine, HMS Myosotis and HrMs O 21.
Also on 5 February 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Gibraltar to join the convoy;
E.W. Sinclair (American (tanker), 10907 GRT, built 1942),
Empire Plover (British, 6109 GRT, built 1920),
Empire Tana (British, 6275 GRT, built 1922),
Luther Martin (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and
Ocean Valentine (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942). They were escorted by a new, American, escort made up of the destroyer USS Gleaves (T/Cdr. B.L. Gurnette, USN, with COMTASKFOR 63, Capt. H.S. Berdine, USCG on board) and the destroyer escorts USS J. Richard Ward (Lt. D.A. Smith, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 63, Capt. T.S. Dunstan, USNR, on board), USS Keith (Lt. J.L. Rinn, USNR), USS Otterstetter (Lt. L.E. Whitmore, USNR), USS Sloat (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Cashman, USNR) and USS Tomich (Lt. C.B. Brown, USNR).
Around 2200A/5, the convoy was joined by the destroyer escorts USS Sellstrom (Cdr. W.L. Maloney, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 7, Cdr. F.P. Vetterick, USNR, on board), USS Mills (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Muzzy, USCG), USS Ramsden (Cdr. J.E. Madacey, USCG), USS Rhodes (Cdr. E.A. Coffin, Jr., USCG) and USS Savage (Cdr. O.C. Rohnke, USCG) which had first been on an A/S sweep.
On 5 February 1944, the Casablanca section of the convoy departed that place. It was made up of the tanker Taria (Dutch (tanker), 10354 GRT, built 1939) and the naval tanker USS Mattaponi (T/Capt. M.C. Barrett, USN). They were escorted by the seaplane tender USS Matagorda (Cdr. A. Crinkley, USN), destroyer escort USS Richey (Cdr. P.DuP. Mills, USCG) and the patrol vessels USS PC-475 (Lt. W.W. Devine, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-481 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR). They made rendezvous with the convoy around 1045A/6 when the tankers and USS Richey joined the convoy. USS Matagorda,
USS PC-475 and USS PC-481 then set course to return to Casablanca taking the transports / tankers E.W. Sinclair, Empire Plover, Empire Tana, Gallium, Keilehaven, Mount Othrys, Ocean Valentin and Parame with them. They all arrived at Casablanca on 7 February 1944.
Around 1330Z/8, USS Tomich was detached to proceed to the Azores to escort the Azores section of the convoy which was to join the convoy from there.
Around 1030Z/10, USS Tomich rejoined the convoy from the Azores. She had the transports Abraham Baldwin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Phineas Banning (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) with her which joined the convoy.
Also on 10 February 1944, USS Gleaves fuelled from USS Mattaponi.
Around 1530Z/11, USS Tomich parted company with the convoy to make rendezvous with the tanker Katy (Norwegian (tanker), 6826 GRT, 1931) coming from the Azores.
Around 0630Z/14, USS Tomich and the Katy (re)joined the convoy.
Also on 14 February 1944, USS Gleaves again fuelled from USS Mattaponi.
Around 2200Z/18, USS Mattaponi and the transport Samgara were detached to Bermuda taking USS Tomich with them as escort. The Samgara had problems with her rudder.
Around 1200Z/19, USS Mills parted company to proceed to Bermuda to land a medical case.
Around 2100Z/19, the transports Frank A. Vanderlip and John J. Crittenden were detached to proceed independently to Saint John, New Brunswick and Boston respecively.
Around 0330Z/20, USS Mills rejoined from Bermuda.
Around 1215Z/20, the tanker Gulfgem was detached to proceed independently to Harbor Island, Texas.
Around 0630Z/21, the Chesapeake Bay section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of 14 ships and was escorted to Hampton Roads by USS Sellstrom, USS Ramsden, USS Rhodes and USS Savage. The Chesapeake Bay section arrived at its destination the following morning.
Around 0300Z/22, USS Mills was detached to escort two ships to Delaware Capes where they arrived in the afternoon.
In the evening of 22 February 1944, the remaining ships of the convoy arrived at New York. 27 Jan 1944 31 Jan 1944 5 Feb 1944 10 Feb 1944 20 Feb 1944 22 Feb 1944 7 Apr 1944 10 Apr 1944 28 Apr 1944 3 May 1944 6 May 1944 For the daily positions of HrMs O 21 during the passage to the U.S.A. see the map below.
(26) 17 May 1944 20 May 1944 22 May 1944 23 May 1944 25 May 1944 27 May 1944 28 May 1944 29 May 1944 17 Dec 1944 18 Dec 1944 21 Dec 1944 22 Dec 1944 23 Dec 1944 28 Dec 1944 30 Dec 1944 31 Dec 1944 2 Jan 1945 3 Jan 1945 4 Jan 1945 5 Jan 1945 9 Jan 1945 10 Jan 1945 23 Jan 1945 26 Jan 1945 30 Jan 1945 31 Jan 1945 1 Feb 1945 5 Feb 1945 9 Feb 1945 For the daily positions of HrMs O 21 during the passage to Australia see the map below.
(28) 19 Feb 1945 2 Mar 1945 6 Mar 1945 22 Mar 1945 25 Mar 1945 6 Apr 1945 25 Apr 1945 3 May 1945 13 May 1945 20 May 1945 7 Jun 1945 9 Jun 1945 3 Jul 1945 4 Jul 1945 7 Jul 1945 No log is available for this period so unfortunately no map can be displayed. (6) 11 Jul 1945 12 Jul 1945 29 Jul 1945 (All times are zone -9) 0844 hours - Surfaced for gun action at 5000 yards. The target beached itself in position 05°49'S, 105°48'E. The crew was seen to abandon ship in a small boat.
0857 hours - After 62 rounds, and several hits, the gun malfunctioned and fire had to be ceased. The target was seen to blow off steam but no fire was observed. O 21 cleared the area to the South-East at speed.
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1315 hours - Sighted a 500 tons coaster bearing 265°, range 3.5 nautical miles. She was coast crawling on a Northerly course. O 21 closed and opened fire at 5000 yards. After 23 rounds the gun malfunctioned again and this action had also to be broken off. The target meanwhile was hit several times. (6) 31 Jul 1945 (All times are zone -9) 1743 hours - Opened fire with the deck gun from 3500 yards while still closing the target at 12 knots.
1802 hours - The target now stopped. Again the deck gun of O 21 gave trouble.
1807 hours - Ceased fire after firing 65 rounds for only two hits. Range was now 1500 yards.
1815 hours - Boarded to place demolition charges aboard the vessel. It was thought that the crew had meanwhile left the ship. Took the ships papers from the bridge. The ship was seen to be on fire.
1830 hours - The ship was now well on fire so cast off. No need to set demolition charges.
Shortly afterwards one Japanese and three natives emerged from the hold and these were taken on board.
(6) 8 Aug 1945 3 Oct 1945 Sources ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
While on patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm) attacked the Italian merchant Itu (1578 GRT, built 1895) off the East coast of Sardinia about 7 nautical miles East of Cala Gonone in position 40°15'N, 09°45'E. All torpedoes fired missed their target.
0727 hours - In position 40°15'N, 09°45'E heard HE and sighted ship bearing 230°. It was a grey dazzle painted merchant vessel of about 3000 tons, course 010°, speed 8 knots, distance 4500 yards. The camouflage of the ship made it very difficult to see against the background. Started attack.
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) attacked a liner in a convoy about 15 nautical miles South-West of Civitavecchia, Italy in position 41°55'N, 11°27'E. Two torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.
0645 hours - Heard HE bearing 110°.
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) sank the Italian schooner San Salvatore (92 GRT) with gunfire in the central Tyrrhenian Sea in position 41°20'N, 10°33'E.
2134 hours - Sighted ship bearing 125°.
The ship proved to be a 2-mast schooner of about 500 tons.
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) about 25 nautical miles South of Isola del Giglio in position 41°56'N, 10°50'E fires two torpedoes against a contact obtained by HE (Hydrophone Effect) alone. No ship was seen. Both torpedoes failed to hit their unknown target.
0028 hours - Heard HE bearing 053°.
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) sank an Italian schooner with gunfire off the east coast of Sardinia, Italy about 30 nautical miles South-East of La Maddalena in position 40°56'N, 10°23'E. This was most likely the Nuovo Sant'Antonio (52 GRT) that disappeared without a trace at this time during a trip from Civitavecchia to Arbatax.
0150 hours - Sighted a weak light bearing 100°.
German U-boat U-95 was sunk in the western Mediterranean, about 100 nautical miles east-north-east of Gibraltar in position 36°24'N, 03°20'W by the Dutch submarine HrMs O 21. (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN).
0035 hours - Sighted a suspicious silhouette bearing 085°. Stopped zigzagging and increased speed to 17 knots. It was thought that the dark shape was either a submarine of a motor launch.
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Gibraltar bound for the U.K. where she is to refit.
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Holy Loch. (6)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Holy Loch for her 16th war patrol. Her refit is postponed as every submarine available is to be used to patrol off Brest, France. The British are under the impression that the German heavy ships there are about to sortie into the Atlantic Ocean.
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived and ended her 16th war patrol at Milford Haven. It is decided after consulting experts that O 21 is not fit for further patrols due to problems with the electric motors. (6)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Milford Haven for Dundee. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Dundee. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Dundee for Rosyth. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrive at Rosyth to remove her battery. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) is towed from Rosyth to Grangemouth where she is to refit. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) was docked at Grangemouth where she is undergoing a refit. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) leaves the dock at the Grangemouth dockyards where she is undergoing refit. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) was docked again at Grangemouth for some modifications to the torpedo tubes. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) was undocked. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) ended her refit at Grangemouth. She moved to Rosyth on this day. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) moves from Rosyth to Leith. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) moves from Leith to Dundee. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted exercises off Dundee. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted exercises off Dundee. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted exercises off Dundee with HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted exercises off Dundee with HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Dundee for Holy Loch. She is escorted by HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN). (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Holy Loch for a period of trials and exercises. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included a practice attack on HMS Narcissus (Lt. W.G.H. Bolton, RNR). (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed Holy Loch to conduct exercises in the Clyde area. She had to return shortly after departure due to a defect to the gyro compass. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted speed trials on the Arran measured mile. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted speed trials on the Arran measured mile. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) was docked in AFD 7 at Kames Bay, Cumbrae Island. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) was undocked and returned to Holy Loch for more trials and exercises. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted attack and RDF exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) serving as the target. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted speed trials on the Arran measured mile. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted RDF trials in the Clyde area. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN) serving as the target. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) shifted from Holy Loch to Kames Bay where she was immediately docked in AFD 7. She was undocked later the same day and immediately returned to Holy Loch. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Holy Loch for Gibraltar. This is the first leg of the trip to the Far East where she is to join the Eastern Fleet.
While on passage from Holy Loch to Gibraltar HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) fired four torpedoes against German U-boat U-254 about 200 nautical miles North-West of Cape Finisterre in approximate position 46°39'N, 12°05'W.
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar. (6)
After some repairs HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Gibraltar for Freetown. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Freetown. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Freetown for Pointe Noire. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Pointe Noire. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Pointe Noire, Congo for Simonstown, South Africa. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Salandha Bay, South Africa. En-route from Pointe Noire O 21 was ordered to proceed to Salandha Bay instead of Simonstown due to the threat of German U-boats that were operating in South African waters at that time. (20)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Salandha Bay for Simonstown. (21)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Simonstown. At Simonstown defective machinery (Vulcan clutch for port main engine) is removed and replaced by a Vulcan clutch from HrMs O 19 (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Bach Kolling, RNN(R) that is also in Simonstown en-route from the Far East to the U.K. to be refitted. (21)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) was docked at Simonstown. (21)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) was undocked. (21)
During 11 and 12 January 1943 HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducts trials of Simonstown. She is escorted by HMS Genista (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RNR). (21)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducts A/S exercises off Simonstown with HMS Rockrose (Lt. E.J. Binfield, DSC, RNR), HMSAS Vereeniging and HMSAS Sonnebloem. (21)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Simonstown for East London. She is escorted by HMS Rockrose (Lt. E.J. Binfield, DSC, RNR). (21)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) and her escort HMS Rockrose (Lt. E.J. Binfield, DSC, RNR) arrive at East London. En-route A/S exercises were carried out with Rockrose and aircraft. (21)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from East London for Diego Suarez. Upon leaving East London A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Sondra (T/Lt. W.P. Hart, RNR). (21)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Diego Suarez. (21)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducts A/S exercises of Diego Suarez with HMIS Khyber (Lt. B.S. Soma, RIN), HMS Lurched (T/Lt. J. Muir, RNVR) and HMS Mastiff (ii) (T/Lt. C.M. Motherwell, RNVR). (21)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducts A/S exercises of Diego Suarez with HMS Lurched (T/Lt. J. Muir, RNVR) and HMS Mastiff (ii) ((T/Lt. C.M. Motherwell, RNVR). (21)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducts A/S exercises of Diego Suarez with HMS Lurched (T/Lt. J. Muir, RNVR) and HMS Mastiff (ii) ((T/Lt. C.M. Motherwell, RNVR). (21)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Diego Suarez for Addu Atoll. (21)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Addu Atoll. (21)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducts A/S exercises of Diego Suarez with HMS Balta (T/Lt. J.A.H. Punting, RNR).
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Colombo. (21)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Colombo for her 17th war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Andaman Sea to guard the approach to Port Blair.
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese merchant cargo ship Kasuga Maru No.2 (3967 GRT, built 1936, offsite link) off Port Blair, Andaman Islands in position 11°39'N, 92°49'E.
0720 hours - The cargo ship that was sighted yesterday was seen moving around the bay as if to leave Port Blair. Prepared to attack.
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) ended her 17th war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Colombo. (6)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducts A/S exercises near Colombo with HMAS Tamworth (T/Lt. W.H. Deans, RANR(S)). (22)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Colombo for her 18th war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Straits. A special operation is also to be carried out.
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducts Special operation 'May'. Two groups of four men each were landed on the Malayan coast to the South of the Sembilan Islands. (6)
HrMs O 21. (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm) torpedoed and sank the Japanese army cargo ship Yamazato Maru (6925 GRT, built 1937) in the Malacca Strait in position 03°26'N, 99°48'E. Yamazato Maru was escorted by the Japanese minelayer Hatsutaka (offsite link).
0045 hours - In position 03°07'N, 100°40'E sighted the silhouette of a ship bearing 182°.
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) ended her 18th war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Colombo. (6)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) was docked at Colombo. (22)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) was undocked. (22)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Colombo for her 19th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Northern end of the Malacca Straits.
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) ended her 19th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Colombo. (6)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Colombo for Exmouth Gulf, Australia.
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Exmouth Gulf, Australia. (23)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Exmouth Gulf for her 20th war patrol. She is to conduct several special operations (under the control of the Dutch NEFIS organisation) off the South coast of Java and Bali and also to the North of Bali and in the Kangean Archipaligo.
In the period 27 July to 29 July HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) is to make rendez-vouz off Pulau Sempoe (now Sumbermanjing) with a small sailing vessel carrying an agent. However no sailing vessel displaying the secret markings that were agreed shows up. (3)
During the afternoon HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) performs a periscope reconnaissance of the airfield near Kuta, Bali. (3)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) lands an agent near Pang Pang Bay on the South-East tip of Java (In Strait Bali).
0430 hours - Sighted the lading area.
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) lands a party (party No. 2) to reconnoitre a possible landing place in the Pang Pang Bay. They are back on board after nearly 2 hours.
0550 hours - Dived and returned to the Pang Pang Bay. It was not possible to enter the bay due to the bad visibility.
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) lands a party (party No. 2) to reconnoitre a possible landing place near the Pang Pang Bay. They are back on board after 1 hour.
0550 hours - Dived and remain North of the Pang Pang bay.
During the afternoon the lost party no. 1 is spotted on a beach in the Pang Pang Bay. Contact was established and after dark they were able to return to the O 21. The agent they were to pick up was however not seen again.
1100 hours - Set course towards the entrance to the bay.
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) passes through Lombok Strait Northwards. (3)
In the period 6 August to 8 August HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) is to make rendez-vouz off Goa Goa (now Goa-Daja) with a small sailing vessel carrying an agent. However no sailing vessel displaying the secret markings that were agreed shows up. A small sailing vessel that was thought to show one of the secret markings was stopped on the 7th but as this proved to be a native fishing vessel it was released. (3)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) performs a periscope reconnaissance of the North-West coast of Bali. (3)
In the early morning hours HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) lands party no. 2 on Hertenbeest (Deer) Island, that lays off the North-West coast of Bali. They are to spot aircraft movements during the day.
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at a rendez-vouz off Tandjung Djankar, Java (now Jangkar). No small sailing vessel with the agreed markings shows up.
1945 hours - Sighted ship shape bearing 285°.
During the evening HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) is detected and depth charged by a Japanese A/S trawler South of Kangean Island near position 07°03'S, 115°20'E. Minor damage is sustained but O 21 manages to escape on the surface after dark.
1908 hours - Surfaced.
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) passes through Lombok Strait Southwards. (3)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) ended her 20th war patrol (4th in the Far East) at Exmouth Gulf. (3)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Exmouth Gulf for Fremantle. (23)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Fremantle. O 21 has some problems with her diesel engines. (23)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) is put on the slip at Fremantle. (23)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) is put back in the water. (23)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNethN) and HrMs K XII (Lt.Cdr. T. Brunsting, RNethN) conducted attack and A/S exercises near Fremantle with HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) (24)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducts A/S exercises near Fremantle with yacht USS Isabel. (25)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) conducts A/S exercises near Fremantle with HMAS Dubbo (T/Lt. N.G. Weber, RANR(S)). (25)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Fremantle for Colombo. It is decided that she is to return to the U.K. for a refit.
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Colombo. (25)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Colombo for Aden. (25)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Aden. (25)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Aden for Port Said. (25)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Suez. (25)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) transits the Suez Canal and arrived at Port Said. (25)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Port Said for Malta. (25)Convoy GUS 29.
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Malta. (25)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Malta, she joins convoy GUS-29 for the passage to Gibraltar. (25)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar. (26)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) departed from Gibraltar for the U.K. (26)
HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed the Clyde for Lerwick. She made the passage North through the Minches together with HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN) (to Scapa Flow) and HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) (to Dundee). They were escorted by HMS Wallflower (Lt. G.R. Greaves, RNR). (27)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. J.F. van Dulm, RNN) arrived at Dundee. At Dundee the battery will be removed and a new battery is installed. It has been decided that O 21 is to refit in the U.S.A. (26)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) departed from Dundee for Holy Loch. (26)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) arrived at Holy Loch. (26)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) was docked at Holy Loch. (26)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) was undocked. (26)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) departed from Holy Loch for St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) arrived at St. John's. (26)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) departed from St. John's for Halifax. (26)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) arrived at Halifax. (26)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) departed from Halifax for New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (26)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) arrived at New London. (26)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) departed from New London for New York where she arrived later the same day. (26)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) departed from New York for Philadelphia where she is to refit at the Navy Yard. (26)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) arrived at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. (26)
With her refit completed and after some trials HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) departed from the Philadelphia Navy Yard for New London. (28)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) arrived at New London for a period of trials and training. (28)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) conducted exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (28)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (28)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) conducted exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (28)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) conducted exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (28)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) conducted exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (28)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroessen, RNN) conducted attack exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. with USS Burke (Lt.Cdr. W.L. Dommerich, USNR). (28)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroessen, RNN) conducted attack exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. with USS Penguin (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Albin, USNR). (28)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) conducted exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (28)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) conducted exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (28)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) conducted exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (28)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroessen, RNN) conducted attack exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. with USS Burke (Lt.Cdr. W.L. Dommerich, USNR). (28)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) conducted gunnery exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (28)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) conducted exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (28)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) conducted exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (28)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) conducted exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (28)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) conducted exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (28)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) conducted speed trials on the measured mile off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. (28)
During 4/5 Februaury 1945, HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN), conducted exercises off New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. These included night exercises. (28)
With her trials, training and modifications completed HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) departed from New London for the Panama Canal. This is the first leg of the trip to Australia.
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) arrived at Balboa, Panama. (28)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) departed from Balboa for the Galapagos Islands. (28)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) topped up with fuel at Seymour Island, Galapagos Islands before proceeding towards Bora Bora, French Polynesia. (28)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) arrived at Bora Bora, French Polynesia. (29)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) departed from Bora Bora for Wellington, New Zealand. (29)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) arrived at Wellington. (29)
After repairs HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) departed from Wellington for Melbourne, Australia. (29)
After repairs HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) arrived at Melbourne. (29)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) departed from Melbourne for Fremantle. (29)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) arrived at Fremantle. (3)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) is put on the slip at Fremantle. (3)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) is put back in the water. (3)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) is put on the slip at Fremantle. (3)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) is put back in the water. (3)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) departed from Fremantle for her 21th war patrol (5th in the Far East, 1st of her 2nd deployment to the Far East). She was ordered to patrol along the South coast of Java and in the Sunda Strait area.
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) arrived at Onslow, Australia for fuel and fresh provisions. (6)
After taking on board extra fuel and fresh provision HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) departed from Onslow for her patrol area. (6)
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) damaged two Japanese coasters with gunfire off the Northern entrance to the Sunda Strait.
0827 hours - Sighted a small steam vessel bearing 247°, range 3 nautical miles. She was hugging the Sumatra coast and was on a Southerly course.
HrMs O 21. (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) sank a small Japanese fishing vessel with gunfire off the Wijnkoops Bay on the South coast of Java (now Pelabuhan Ratu).
1730 hours - Sighted a motor fishing vessel bearing 095°, range 5 nautical miles.
HrMs O 21 (Lt. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) ended her 21th war patrol (5th in the Far East, 1st of her 2nd deployment to the Far East) at Fremantle. (6)
HrMs O 21 (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Kroesen, RNN) departed from Fremantle for Batavia, Java, Netherlands East Indies.Media links
Onder de bloedvlag van de O21
Van Dulm, J. F.
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