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Notable events involving Zwaardvisch include:

The history of HrMs Zwaardvisch as compiled on this page is extracted from this submarines patrol reports and logbooks.

This page was last updated in January 2016.

2 Dec 1943
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) departed her builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN). (1)

3 Dec 1943
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (2)

1 Jan 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (3)

3 Jan 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) arrived at Scapa Flow where she was to participate in A/S exercises. (3)

16 Jan 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow with HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN).

16 Jan 1944
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed Lerwick for passage to Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR). Around 0930/17 they made rendez-vous off Scapa Flow with HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN). (4)

17 Jan 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN)departed Scapa Flow for passage to Holy Loch. Off Scapa Flow she joined HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) and HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) and their escort HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN) which were coming from Lerwick. (3)

18 Jan 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) arrived at Holy Loch. (2)

25 Jan 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) shifted from Holy Loch to Larne. (2)

2 Feb 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) returned to Holy Loch. (2)

5 Feb 1944
HMS Vampire (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) and HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with each other. HMS Vampire also conducted attack exercises during which HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR) served as the target. (5)

9 Feb 1944
HMS Vampire (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) and HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR) served as the target. Also gunnery exercises were carried out with a target that was towed by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN). (5)

26 Feb 1944
With her trials and training period completed HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) departed from Holy Loch bound for Lerwick. She made the passage together with HMS Sceptre (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, MBE, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark. (6)

28 Feb 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) departed from Lerwick for her 1st war patrol. She is to perform a work-up patrol in the Norwegian Sea. The nature of her patrol is an anti U-boat patrol.

For HrMs Zwaardvisch daily positions during this patrol see the map below.

HrMs Zwaardvisch 1st war patrolclick here for bigger map (7)

13 Mar 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. (7)

16 Mar 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) departed from Lerwick for her 2nd war patrol. She is to patrol North of the Lofoten to intercept the German battleship Tirpitz. The British are under the impression that the damaged Tirpitz will be leaving Norway for Germany to effect repairs.

For HrMs Zwaardvisch daily positions during this patrol see the map below.

HrMs Zwaardvisch 2nd war patrolclick here for bigger map (7)

24 Mar 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Lerwick. (7)

25 Mar 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) departed from Lerwick bound for Dundee. She was escorted by HMS Risor. (6)

26 Mar 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) arrived at Dundee. (6)

9 May 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) and HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, DSC, RN) departed from Dundee bound for Holy Loch / Rothesay. They were escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). (6)

12 May 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) arrived at Holy Loch. (6)

14 May 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) was docked at Rothesay. (6)

16 May 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) was undocked and returned to Holy Loch. Later the same day departed from Holy Loch bound for the Far East. The first leg of this trip is to Gibraltar.

Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Tudor (Lt. S.A. Porter, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN).

For HrMs Zwaardvisch daily positions during this passage see the map below.

HrMs Zwaardvisch passage U.K. - Colomboclick here for bigger map (6)

29 May 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar. (6)

6 Jun 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) departed from Gibraltar bound for Malta. (6)

11 Jun 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) arrived at Malta. (6)

20 Jun 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) departed from Malta bound for Port Said. (6)

25 Jun 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) arrived at Port Said. (6)

26 Jun 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) passes the Suez Canal and arrived at Suez. (6)

27 Jun 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) departed from Suez bound for Aden. (6)

1 Jul 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) arrived at Aden. (6)

3 Jul 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) departed from Aden bound for Colombo. (6)

12 Jul 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) arrived at Colombo. (6)

27 Jul 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) departed from Colombo bound for Trincomalee.

For HrMs Zwaardvisch daily positions during this passage see the map below.

HrMs Zwaardvisch passage Colombo - Trincomaleeclick here for bigger map (6)

29 Jul 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) arrived at Trincomalee. (6)

1 Aug 1944
During 1 and 2 August 1944, HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN), conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night exercises. (8)

6 Aug 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) departed from Trincomalee for her 3rd war patrol (1st in the far east). She is to patrol of the Nicobar islands, than she is to shift to the Straits of Malacca (of the East coast of Sumatra). After this patrol she is to proceed to Fremantle, Australia and en-route she is to patrol off Christmas Island for a day.

For HrMs Zwaardvisch daily and attack positions during this patrol see the map below.

HrMs Zwaardvisch 3rd war patrolclick here for bigger map (7)

18 Aug 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) sank the junk Kim Hup Soen (48 GRT) with gunfire in the Malacca Strait in position 04°00'N, 99°32'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0545 hours - At first light sighted two sails through the periscope. Bearing 175°, range about 5 nautical miles.

Altered course, increased speed.

0638 hours - Surfaced, range about 4 nautical miles. Closed distance at 14 knots.

0643 hours - Fired warning shot across the ship's bow at which the junks sails were struck and the crew abandoned ship with the ships dinghy. At 0653 hours the junk sank after firing 12 rounds of 4". Went alongside the dinghy and took the captain, with the ship's papers, prisoner. (7)

19 Aug 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) sank two sailing vessels with gunfire in the Malacca Strait.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0555 hours - At first light sighted 2 sails through the periscope, range about 5 nautical miles. Closed submerges until the ship was recognized as a large sailing barge that was sailing parallel to the coast.

0654 hours - Surfaced for gun action. Fired a shot across the bows but nothing happened. Fire was now directed at the barge. The third round was a very near miss on which the sails were struck and four men jumped overboard. The barge could not be closed as the water was very shallow and was finished off with gunfire from a range of 1000 yards and sank at 0710 hours in position 04°30'N, 98°15'E. 22 rounds of 4" had been expended.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2030 hours - While cruising on the surface a junk was sighted bearing 130°, distance 1.3 nautical miles sailing towards the Sumatra coast. Closed up for gun action.

A few warning bursts with the Oerlikon were fire but nothing happened and the junk sailed on. Now a few rounds of 4" were fired but did not have effect either as they appeared to fall short but at 2040 hours the junk capsized in position 04°15'N, 99°14'E. A search for survivors was made but as it was a very dark night none could be found. (7)

21 Aug 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) sank sailing vessel Gan Hoa (32 tons) with gunfire in the Malacca Strait in position 04°32'N, 98°12'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1705 hours - Sighted two sails through the periscope bearing 290°, range about 5 nautical miles. Closed. The vessel was soon recognized as a junk sailing towards the coast.

1728 hours - Surfaced for gun action. Closed at 14 knots. At a range of 4000 yards fired two shots across her bow. As nothing happened fire was directed at the target itself. After the second round, a very near miss, a dinghy left the junk without sails being struck. The junk was then closed and sunk at a range of 1300 yards.

1742 hours - The junk sank in position 04?32'N, 98?12'E about two nautical miles from the coast. In all 16 rounds of 4" was used.

After the sinking of the junk the dinghy was closed in which one Chinese (the captain), four Sumatra natives and one cat were found. Although all of them hoped to be taken aboard one the Chinese captain and one of the natives were taken aboard. (7)

31 Aug 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) patrols off Christmas Island during the daylight hours. (7)

7 Sep 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Fremantle, Australia. (7)

17 Sep 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) was docked at Fremantle. (8)

19 Sep 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) was undocked. (8)

26 Sep 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) departed from Fremantle for her 4th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Java Sea.

For HrMs Zwaardvisch daily and attack positions during this patrol see the map below.

HrMs Zwaardvisch 4th war patrolclick here for bigger map (7)

30 Sep 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) topped off with fuel at Exmouth Gulf. (7)

4 Oct 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) sank a small Japanese tanker with gunfire in position 08°05'S, 115°29'E.

(All times are zone -8)
1530 hours - Sighted through the periscope a ship with one mast aft. Bearing 120°, distance 7.5 nautical miles. Closed for gun attack.

1620 hours - Surfaced and engaged the ship, a 500/700 tons tanker, with the deck gun. In all 32 rounds were fired. The ship was left a blazing wreck. (7)

6 Oct 1944
German U-boat U-168 (built 1942) was sunk in the Java Sea, in position 06°20'S, 111°28'E, by a torpedo from the Dutch submarine HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN).

(All times are zone -8)
0641 hours - Sighted a submarine bearing 304°, range 5900 yards. The submarine was recognized as not allied and was steering a course of 115°at a speed between 13 and 15 knots. Started attack and estimated the speed of the target at 14 knots.

0652 hours - Fired 6 torpedoes from 900 yards. 42 seconds after firing the first torpedo an explosion was heard and the submarine was seen settling forward. The stern came out of the water and the submarine sank at an angle of 40°. She was completely gone by 0654 hours.

Closed the sinking position submerged. 6 White people were sighted in the water. Lt.Cdr. Goossens decided to take them all prisoner but waited for 10 minutes to be sure that no air cover was present.

0703 hours - Surfaced and closed again. It was now noticed that not 6 but more than 20 people were in the water. All were taken on board, 27 in all. This was an impossible number to carry for the rest of the patrol. Three officers were selected as prisoners, the rest were put on a fishing vessel that was nearby.

0745 hours - The transfer of survivors to the fishing vessel was completed and Zwaardvisch made off. It was now discovered that there were not 3 but 5 Germans on board. The U-boats doctor and a wounded German rating had been taken below for treatment. It was learnt from these prisoners that three torpedoes had hit German U-boat but that only one had exploded. (7)

10 Oct 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) sank the Japanese guard boat Koei Maru (19 GRT ???) with gunfire southwest of Bawean Island in position 05°57'S, 112°27'E.

(All times are zone -8)
1648 hours - Sighted masts bearing 162°. Range 10000 yards. Dived and started attack.

When the ship came closer it was noticed that it carried a small gun and several machine guns. It was a sort of coaster of about 500 tons.

1745 hours - Surfaced for gun action. Range was 1800 yards. On surfacing the target altered course straight towards Zwaardvisch. It also opened fire with her gun. The third round from Zwaardvisch 4" gun hit the gun of the enemy, this now remained silent for the rest of the action. It now took no less than 68 rounds to sink the enemy vessel. Sinking position was 05°57'S, 112°27'E. (7)

15 Oct 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) sank the Japanese oceanographic research vessel Kaiyo Maru No.2 (143 GRT) with gunfire off Surabaya, Java, Netherlands East Indies in position 06°30'S, 111°40'E.

(All times are zone -8)
1830 hours - HE was heard bearing 075° and at the same time two masts were sighted. Started attack. The target was thought to be a medium seized freighter.

1855 hours - Fired three torpedoes but these all missed. It was decided to surface for gun action.

1901 hours - Surfaced and opened fire from 2000 yards. The 4th shot was a hit. The target started to fire back with two guns. After 15 rounds the target was seen to be burning. In all 51 rounds were fired and the target was left burning in position 06°30'S, 111°40'E. (7)

17 Oct 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese minelayer Itsukushima (1970 tons, built 1929, offsite link) and torpedoed and damaged the Japanese minelayer Wakataka (1608 tons, built 1941, offsite link) in the Java Sea off Bawean Island in position 05°26'S, 113°48'E.

(All times are zone -8)
0845 hours - Sighted many masts bearing 040°. Started a submerged attack.

When Zwaardvisch came closer Lt.Cdr. Goossens saw that it was the minelayer Itsukushima that was surrounded by four escorts, one other unidentified minelayer of roughly the same size and what looked like three torpedo boats of the Chidori-class. (the submarine chasers Ch-2 and Ch-26 (both offsite links) appeared to have been part of the escort, no clue about the other escort)

0958 hours - Fired five bow torpedoes, first two at the patrolling minelayer (range 800 yards) and than three at the Itsukushima (range 2000 yards). The first torpedo was seen to hit the patrolling minelayer about 10 yards ahead of its bridge. Meanwhile Zwaardvisch went deep as the escorts most likely would not stay idle. While Zwaardvisch went deep a loud explosion was heard, this was a torpedo hit on the Itsukushima giving, as though, a running range of 2000 yards.

1016 hours - The escorts started dropping depth charges. A total of 18 were dropped and Zwaardvisch received some minor damage. Lt.Cdr. Goossens decided to retire to the Westward.

While Zwaardvisch slowly crept away, from 1050 to 1100 hours sinking noises were heard.

1200 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The minelayers were not seen but the escorts were still patrolling in the area. One of them was only a mile astern so Zwaardvisch went deep again.

1330 hours - Came to periscope depth again. Found the escorts were still patrolling the area of the crime but were now a bit farther off so a proper 'look around' was done through the periscope. Zwaardvisch went deep again and continued her retreat. Only the escorts were visible and Lt.Cdr. Goossens assumed he had sunk both minelayers.

1359 hours - 16 Depth charge were dropped by the escorts but they were not close. It appeared they had got a contact and depth charged it. Maybe they had depth charged their own sunken ship's. (7)

25 Oct 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) ended her very successful 4th war patrol at Fremantle. (7)

14 Nov 1944
During 14 and 15 November 1944, HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN), conducted exercises off Fremantle. These included night exercises. (8)

17 Nov 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) departed from Fremantle for her 5th war patrol. She is to patrol in the South China Sea. (8)

21 Nov 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) developed mechanical problems and was forced to return to Fremantle for repairs. (8)

26 Nov 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) returned to Fremantle for repairs. (8)

28 Nov 1944
With her repairs completed, HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN), departed from Fremantle to resume her 5th war patrol. She is to patrol in the South China Sea.

For HrMs Zwaardvisch daily positions during this patrol see the map below.

HrMs Zwaardvisch 5th war patrolclick here for bigger map (7)

2 Dec 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) topped off with fuel at Exmouth Gulf. (7)

6 Dec 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) is depth charged during the transfer of Lombok Strait. Damage is severe and Zwaardvisch is forced to abandon her patrol. As Lt.Cdr. Goossens does not consider it wise to attempt to pass Lombok Strait Southwards without working periscopes it is decided to proceed to Darwin, Australia through the Flores, Banda and Timor Seas. (7)

11 Dec 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) arrived at Darwin. (7)

12 Dec 1944
After some repairs HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) departed from Darwin bound for Fremantle. (7)

20 Dec 1944
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) ended her 5th war patrol at Fremantle. (7)

19 Jan 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) is put on the slipway at Fremantle for inspection and repairs. (9)

22 Jan 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) completes her repairs on the slipway. (9)

30 Jan 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) departed from Fremantle for her 6th war patrol. She is to patrol in the South China Sea.

For HrMs Zwaardvisch daily and attack positions during this patrol see the map below.

HrMs Zwaardvisch 6th war patrolclick here for bigger map (7)

7 Feb 1945
While passing through the Java Sea en-route to her patrol area HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) attacks a Japanese convoy in position 06°08'S, 114°42'E. torpedoes were fired against an escorting destroyer but none hit their target. A possible hit on the merchant vessel of the convoy is claimed. Zwaardvisch is depth charged following this attack.

A few hours later Zwaardvisch encounters a strange vessel that is also attacked in position 06°12'S, 114°37'E. This vessel is thought to be a Q-ship and Zwaardvisch is once again depth charged. Once again Zwaardvisch escapes.

(all times are zone -8)
1131 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 195°. Set course to investigate.

1158 hours - Sighted the tops of masts. Dived to attack.

1218 hours - Sighted a patrolling Jake aircraft between Zwaardvisch and the target(s).

1245 hours - Sighted the tops of masts of several ships.

1300 hours - It was now noticed that the masts visible are of four ships.

1310 hours - It looked that a convoy was being formed. The ships were seen to be a merchant vessel (estimated at 5000 tons), a destroyer (thought to be of the Minekaze-class) and two smaller vessels (thought to be escort vessels). Lt.Cdr. Goossens decided to attack the merchant ship.

1413 hours - When at periscope depth it was seen that the destroyer was coming straight towards at high speed. Lt.Cdr. Goossens altered course towards the destroyer and at .....

..... 1423 hours fired three torpedoes ' in a down the throat shot' against the destroyer from 1500 yards in position 06°08'S, 114°42'E. The merchant vessel was also more or less in line with the destroyer so if the destroyer was missed a 'lucky' hit on the merchant was still possible. The range to the merchant was 4500 yards. Upon firing Zwaardvisch went deep to 180 feet. 2 Minutes and 23 seconds after firing the first torpedo a muffled explosion was heard. This would mean a running range of 5000 yards at 45 knots so it was possible that the 'lucky' hit on the merchant had been obtained. Soon afterwards the first depth charges started to explode. These were quite close. Zwaardvisch was now hunted and depth charged for more than an hour but no damage was done.

1640 hours - No HE could be heard so at .....

..... 1725 hours - Came to periscope depth. No ships were seen but the aircraft was still visible. Went deep again to reload the torpedo tubes.

1838 hours - Returned to periscope depth and sighted, in the already fading light, bearing 135°, a strange boxlike ship, which looked like an aircraft carrier, but was rather too small to be one. It was thought to be a self-propelled dock. Started attack.

1912 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 1500 yards in position 06°12'S, 114°37'E but shortly after firing the strange vessel slowed down. During the subsequent movements it became apparent that the strange vessel was most likely a Q-ship. Lt.Cdr. Goossens decided therefore not to surface and attack with the gun but go to 180 feet.

2024 hours - Nine depth charged exploded rather close causing minor damage. After this attack the hunter was shaken off. (7)

16 Feb 1945
At 1232 hours (time zone -8) HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) is bombed and damaged by a Japanese aircraft off the East coast of Malaya in position 04°50'N, 104°03'E. She is able to continue her patrol. (7)

20 Feb 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) has problems with one of her periscopes. She sends a signal seeking advise how to solve the problem. The same day Zwaardvisch develops serious engine problems. She has to abandon her war patrol due to these engine problems and sets course for Fremantle. (7)

21 Feb 1945
USS Charr (Cdr. F.D. Boyle, USN) is ordered to make rendez-vous with the Dutch submarine HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN).

22 Feb 1945
At 1330 hours (zone H, -8), USS Charr (Cdr. F.D. Boyle, USN), makes rendez-vous with the damaged Dutch submarine HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) which she is to escort to Fremantle, Australia.

26 Feb 1945
In the early moring hours, USS Charr (Cdr. F.D. Boyle, USN), and HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) together make the southbound passage of Lombok Strait on the surface.

Shortly after completing the transit the submarines parted company. Charr was ordered to proceed to Exmouth Gulf.

6 Mar 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt.Cdr. H.A.W. Goossens, RNN) ended her 6th war patrol at Fremantle. (7)

9 Apr 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt. J. van Dapperen, RNN) departed from Fremantle for her 7th war patrol. She is to patrol in the Java Sea.

For HrMs Zwaardvisch daily and attack positions during this patrol see the map below.

HrMs Zwaardvisch 7th war patrolclick here for bigger map (7)

13 Apr 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt. J. van Dapperen, RNN) topped off with fuel at Exmouth Gulf. (7)

25 Apr 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt. J. van Dapperen, RNN) sank two sailing vessels off Sourabaya, Netherlands East Indies.

(All times are zone -9)
1545 hours - Sighted 2 rather large double sailed praus.

1655 hours - Surfaced and stopped the vessels.

The first one was named Namura (40 tons). There were Japanese on board. It was on its way from Bandjirmasin to Sourabaya and loaded with 12 tons of coal for the Japanese. Took the natives on board and at 1724 hours sank the prau with an explosive charge in position 06°21'S, 111°10'E.

The second one was named Albania (30 tons) and there were no Japanese on board. This one was also on its way from Bandjirmasin to Sourabaya and loaded with 9 tons of coal for the Japanese. Took the natives on board and at 1744 hours sank the prau by ramming in position 06°21'S, 111°08'E. (7)

28 Apr 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt. J. van Dapperen, RNN) makes two torpedo attacks on ships but in both attacks no hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -9) 1700 hours - In position 06°43'S, 111°59'E sighted two ships bearing 130°. Went in to attack. The sight of guns on both of them made Lt. van Dapperen decide to attack with torpedoes.

1722 hours - Fired three torpedoes against an 800 tons coaster from 2000 yards.

1724 hours - Fired three torpedoes against an 1000 tons freighter from 2000 yards.

The results of these attacks were negative.

1726 hours - Saw the second ship coming straight towards us. Went as deep as possible (60 feet) and took evasive action.

1735 hours - The ship went overhead but no depth charges were dropped.

1905 hours - As nothing was heard anymore, came to periscope depth.

2000 hours - Surfaced. (7)

29 Apr 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt. J. van Dapperen, RNN) suffers from mechanical problems. This is reported by signal to base and Zwaardvisch was ordered to return to base. She departed from her patrol area the following day. (7)

9 May 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt. J. van Dapperen, RNN) ended 7th war patrol at Fremantle. (7)

14 Jun 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt. J. van Dapperen, RNN) departed from Fremantle Australia bound for the U.K. She is sent back to the U.K. to refit due to the continues mechanical problems with her engines. The first leg of the trip is to Aden.

In the evening of the 15th Zwaardvisch is ordered to return to Fremantle to return a secret American document that was not supposed to be on board. She arrived back at early on the 17th. After a short stay in port she again set sail to return to the U.K.

For HrMs Zwaardvisch daily positions during this passage see the map below.

HrMs Zwaardvisch passage Fremantle - Dundeeclick here for bigger map (10)

7 Jul 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt. J. van Dapperen, RNN) arrived at Aden. (10)

9 Jul 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt. J. van Dapperen, RNN) departed from Aden bound for Suez. (10)

13 Jul 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt. J. van Dapperen, RNN) arrived at Suez. (10)

15 Jul 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt. J. van Dapperen, RNN) transfers the Suez Canal and arrived at Port Said. (10)

20 Jul 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt. J. van Dapperen, RNN) departed from Port Said bound for Gibraltar. (10)

27 Jul 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt. J. van Dapperen, RNN) arrived at Gibraltar. (10)

30 Jul 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt. J. van Dapperen, RNN) departed from Gibraltar bound for Dundee. (10)

6 Aug 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt. J. van Dapperen, RNN) arrived at Dundee. (10)

8 Aug 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt. J. van Dapperen, RNN) departed Dundee for Rotterdam. (2)

10 Aug 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt. J. van Dapperen, RNN) arrived at Rotterdam. (2)

25 Aug 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt. J. van Dapperen, RNN) departed Rotterdam for Newcastle-on-Tyne. (2)

27 Aug 1945
HrMs Zwaardvisch (Lt. J. van Dapperen, RNN) arrived at Newcastle-on-Tyne where she was to refit at the Swan Hunter shipyard. (2)

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