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Notable events involving Ursula include:

The history of HMS Ursula as compiled on this page is extracted from Ursula's patrol reports and logbooks. 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.

This page was last updated in May 2018.

31 Aug 1939
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. G.C. Phillips, RN) departed Blyth to take up a patrol position in the Heligoland Bight. When war broke out between Britain and Germany this became her 1st war patrol.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.

(1)

9 Sep 1939
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. G.C. Phillips, RN) fired the first British submarine torpedoes of the war when attacking German U-boat U-35 about 23 nautical miles north of the island of Schiermonnikoog, Netherlands in position 53°52'N 06°05'E. The U-boat escaped only to be sunk roughly 2 months later.

1911 hours - The Asdic operator reported loud HE.

1913 hours - Sighted a German uboat (Oceangoing-type). Started attack.

1923 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 1000 yards.

1926 hours - The enemy was observed to have altered course towards, combing the tracks. It was also seen she increased speed as heavy exhaust smoke was seen. Ursula meanwhile turned for another attack.

1933 hours - Fired one torpedo. It missed. The target could only just be seen in the fading light.

1940 hours - Heard an underwater explosion, most likely the torpedo exploding upon the end of run.

1941 hours - Sighted a second submarine. But owning to the darkness it could not be attacked (This was most likely U-21).

2045 hours - Surfaced. (1)

13 Sep 1939
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. G.C. Phillips, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Blyth.

All three U-class boats suffered from engine defects upon returning from patrol. It was estimated Ursula would be out of action for about six weeks. (1)

14 Oct 1939
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. G.C. Phillips, RN) shifts from Blyth to Rosyth. (2)

28 Oct 1939
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. G.C. Phillips, RN) departed Rosyth for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the North Sea.

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

(1)

7 Nov 1939
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. G.C. Phillips, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Rosyth. (1)

14 Nov 1939
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. G.C. Phillips, RN) is docked in No.1 graving dock at the Rosyth Dockyard. (3)

17 Nov 1939
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. G.C. Phillips, RN) is undocked. (3)

19 Nov 1939
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. G.C. Phillips, RN) is again docked at the Rosyth Dockyard but now in the floating dock (AFD 3). (3)

20 Nov 1939
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. G.C. Phillips, RN) is undocked. (3)

22 Nov 1939
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. G.C. Phillips, RN) departed Rosyth for her 3rd war patrol. She was recalled later on the same day. (4)

23 Nov 1939
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. G.C. Phillips, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Blyth. She was to proceed on patrol again later this day but was unable to do so due to engine defects. (4)

4 Dec 1939
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. G.C. Phillips, RN) departed Blyth for her 4th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Denmark and in the Heligoland Bight.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.

(1)

14 Dec 1939
Ursula was on patrol off the Elbe estuary and through her periscope her Commanding Officer, Lt.Cdr. G.C. Phillips, RN, sighted a German light cruiser, escorted by six 'destroyers'. Though the waters of the Elbe estuary are shallow and to dive deep is a dangerous undertaking involving the risk of getting stuck on a sandbank, Phillips had either to take the risk or to miss his attack. His decision was instantaneous and he took the Ursula down to dive beneath the destroyer screen and get within range of the cruiser. They were anxious moments, but fortunately the depth of water was just enough. On coming up again to periscope depth, Phillips found himself within point-blank range of the cruiser. He fired a salvo of six torpedoes and the two resulting explosions were so close that the Ursula herself was badly shaken. A quick glance through the periscope showed no sign of the cruiser that had been attacked, but it did reveal four of her escorting destroyers closing in at high speed to attack.

However one of the escorts, F 9, had been hit and was sinking. Once again, risking the sandbanks, the Ursula went deep and by skilful manipulation of his boat, Phillips managed to evade the inevitable depth charges.

Of the cruiser, Leipzig, no further trace was seen, but when Phillips brought the Ursula back to look for evidence, two of the destroyers were still in the area and engaged, apparently, in a search for survivors. The British were under the impression they had sunk the cruiser and Lt.Cdr. Phillips was awarded the DSO and promoted.

1115 hours - Sighted a 'Koln-class' light cruiser escorted by six destroyers. Started attack. During the attack a Ursula had to go deep to evade one of the escorting destroyers.

1131 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 1200 yards. 1 min, 10 sec after firing a tremendous explosion occurred followed 6 seconds later by another even heavier explosion. This last explosion even broke some lights in Ursula. Four destroyers were gheard to come towards Ursula but no depth charges were dropped. Ursula managed to slip away from the scene.

It was thought that the cruiser had been sunk but in reality one of the escorts had been hit by two of the torpedoes and was sunk with heavy loss of life.

At the time F 9 was sunk she was part of the escort of the damaged Leipzig. Other escorts were; the destroyers Z 4 / Richard Beitzen, Z 8 / Bruno Heinemann, the escort vessel F 7, the minesweepers M 9, M 10, M 12 and M 13. Also in the area were the small minesweepers R 33, R 35, R 36, R 37, R 38 and R 39. R 36 and R 38 later picked up 34 survivors of F 9 (1)

20 Dec 1939
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. G.C. Phillips, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Blyth. (1)

10 Jan 1940
HMS Ursula (Cdr. G.C. Phillips, DSO, RN) departed Blyth for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Denmark / entrance to the Skagerrak.

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

(1)

24 Jan 1940
HMS Ursula (Cdr. G.C. Phillips, DSO, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Rosyth. (1)

25 Jan 1940
HMS H 34 (Lt. E.F. Balston, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Rosyth with HMS Vega (Cdr. C.I Horton, RN) and HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN). Upon completion of these exercises HMS H 34 departed Rosyth together with HMS Ursula (Cdr. G.C. Phillips, DSO, RN) and ORP Wilk (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B.D. Krawczyk). HMS Ursula was to proceed to Blyth, the other two submarines to Portsmouth. They were however ordered to return to Rothesay where they arrived the next day. The reason for them being recalled was due to the threat of enemy submarines operating along the east coast of the U.K. further to the south. (5)

1 Feb 1940
HMS Ursula (Cdr. G.C. Phillips, DSO, RN) departed Rosyth for Blyth. (6)

2 Feb 1940
HMS Ursula (Cdr. G.C. Phillips, DSO, RN) arrtived at Blyth. (6)

3 Feb 1940
HMS Ursula (Cdr. G.C. Phillips, DSO, RN) was docked at Blyth. (6)

12 Feb 1940
HMS Ursula (Cdr. G.C. Phillips, DSO, RN) was undocked. (6)

20 Feb 1940
HMS Ursula (Cdr. G.C. Phillips, DSO, RN) departed Blyth for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Denmark.

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

(1)

3 Mar 1940
HMS Ursula (Cdr. G.C. Phillips, DSO, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Blyth. (1)

5 Mar 1940
HMS Ursula (Cdr. G.C. Phillips, DSO, RN) was docked at Blyth. (7)

7 Mar 1940
HMS Ursula (Cdr. G.C. Phillips, DSO, RN) was undocked. (7)

12 Mar 1940
HMS Ursula (Cdr. G.C. Phillips, DSO, RN) departed Blyth for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Kattegat / Skagerrak.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.

(1)

20 Mar 1940

Operation DU.

Anti-shipping raid into the Skagerrak and the Northern part of the Bight.

Around 2330/20, the light cruisers HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN), HMS Aurora (Capt. L.H.K. Hamilton, DSO, RN), HMS Galatea (Capt. B.B. Schofield, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Yates, RN) and the destroyers HMS Fame (Cdr. P.N. Walter, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSC, RN), HMS Foresight (Lt.Cdr. G.T. Lambert, RN), HMS Foxhound (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Peters, RN), HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Matabele (Cdr. G.K. Whitmy-Smith, RN), HMS Sikh (Cdr. J.A. Giffard, RN) and HMS Somali (Capt. R.S.G. Nicholson, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Operation DU, an anti-shipping raid into the Skagerrak and the Northern part of Bight.

At 1000/21, the force was in position 59°28'N, 01°54'E and at 1800/21 in position 58°06'N, 05°15'E. During the afternoon the wind was strong from the south-east and the sea moderate to rough but by 2200/21 both had decreased and the visibility was maximum.

By 1930/21, two groups had been formed.
'Force B' was made up of the Galatea, Arethusa, Firedrake, Foxhound, Sikh and Somali. while 'Force C' was made up of the Aurora (SO), Penelope, Fame, Foresight, Mashona and Matabele.
Force C was stationed two miles astern of Force B and each force took up the night cruising formation that had been ordered. Force C had been ordered to act independently from 2000/21, when the whole force arrived in position 270°, Lister lighthouse, 12 miles, and was seen overtaking Force B at 2038/21 steering 143° steering for Thyborøn, Denmark.

Force B set course 143° at 17 knots for 26 miles to pass 16 miles off Lindesnes in order to avoid being sighted by any patrol or shipping close inshore.

At 2127/21, Force C was observed to the south-westward examining by searchlight a vessel showing its navigation lights.

At 2145/21, Force B altered course to 108° towards position 'T' which was 57°30'N, 08°23'E. The light of several steamers steering to the westwards were seen to the northward between 2230 and 2300/21. It was however Vice-Admiral Tovy's plan to proceed to position 'T' unobserved so no destroyers were detached to investigate them.

At 2223/21, HMS Arethusa intercepted a message from the German merchant vessel Heddernheim (4947 GRT, built 1921) and reported her bearing to be 034° first class. From the latest information (Admiralty's signal 1227/21), it seemed probable that this ship was the only large ship laden with iron ore which was south of Haugesund this night. It was possible she might steer for the Skaw. Vice-Admiral Tovey therefore changed the operations plan and altered course to 040° and increased speed to 20 knots at 2327/21 so as to intercept this merchant vessel off Oksøy about 0030/22.

Oskøy lighthouse was sighted at 0024/22 bearing 026° and at 0031/22 a ship, showing dimmed navigation lights was sighted but it proved to be the Danish merchant vessel Viborg (2028 GRT, built 1919). At 0044/22, course was altered to 245° to search westwards at 15 knots. It was not until 0059/22 that the Admiralty signal 2317/21 was received which stated that the Heddernheim had been stopped by the submarine HMS Ursula 8 miles east of the Skaw. No cause for the large error in the D/F bearing of HMS Arethusa has been found.

During the rest of the night Force B patrolled off Ryvingen and searched westwards along the coast. HMS Firedrake and HMS FoxhoundHMS Somali and HMS Sikh parted company at 0223/22 to search close inshore. They did not rejoin until daylight. At 0501/22, HMS Firedrake and HMS Foxhound were again detached to investigate ships and at 0545/22, HMS Firedrake reported that she sighted Force C bearing 135° returning to make rendezvous with Force B. They came back from the area of Hantsholm.

At daybreak the weather was overcast, wind was east force 4, visibility was good. Force B encountered a few merchant vessels which were examined.

At 0646/22, HMS Sikh and HMS Somali were sighted bearing 080°, 6 miles. Force C rejoined at 0658/22. At 0730/22, the combined force in the agreed rendezvous position and was steering 321°, speed 19 knots.

Both HMS Sikh and HMS Somali had sighted several merchant vessels. Some might have been German but they could not be closed in time and and could not be inspected as they were also in territorial waters.

At 0805/22, it was snowing heavily, and the visibility was reduced at times to two miles. Windwas east-south-east, force 2. The combined force was sweeping up the coast of Norway at 19 knots.

At 0915/22, HMS Galatea sighted a torpedo track but investigation left little doubt that it had not been a torpedo but a fish as a large school of black fish was seen.

At 0922/22, HMS Somali reported a German vessel ahead and was ordered to capture her but not to enter territorial waters. HMS Somali fired a gun to bring the ship to, but was not able to stop her before she reached territorial waters. When the ship was one mile off the shore, the crew were seen to take to the boats. It is not known whether they had scuttled their ship. At 0932/22, HMS Somali was ordered to rejoin the force. On her return HMS Somali reported that the German vessel was the Butt (800 GRT, built 1909), homeport Bremen.

At 0948/22, HMS Firedrake was detached to examine a merchant vessel making a lot of smoke. At 0955/22, HMS Firedrake reported that it was a Danish merchant vessel.

At 1020/22, HMS Somali reported two merchant vessels ahead. HMS Somali then proceeded ahead to investigate. She rejoined at 1048 and reported that both vessels were also Danish.

At noon, HMS Somali spoke two more Danish vessels. Weather was now overcast, wind south, force 2, visibility maximum.

At 1203/22, a small warship very close inshore was sighted by HMS Galatea. It was identified as a Norwegian torpedo boat.

At 1212/22, in position 197°, 8 miles, Utsire lighthouse, course was altered to 263° in ordered tht it should appear from shore that the force was returning to Scapa Flow.

At 1315/22, course was altered to 240° and to 162° at 1340/22 and speed was adjusted to pass trough the following positions, 58°25'N, 04°28'E at 1600/22 and 58°06'N, 05°15'E. During the afternoon the wind freshened from the south-eastward, to force 6, and the sea became rather rough.

Vice-Admiral Tovey's intentions for the night were that the two forces were to be stationed 15 miles apart to avoud sight one another during the night. Both forces were to move 30 miles westward at 0130/23 so that whatever delay had occurred owing to investigations and boardings, they would still be at least 15 miles apart.

At 1810/22, Force C was ordered to take station 15 miles 270° from HMS Galatea.

At 1915/22, Force B took up night cruising formation, HMS Somali and HMS Sikh on the port quarter, HMS Foxhound and HMS Firedrake on the starboard quarter.

At 2050/22, the sky was overcast, visibility good, wind south-east, force 5, sea rough but decreasing.

About 2200/22, when 5 miles south of Lindesnes, HMS Galatea sighted a merchant vessel which turned out to be Danish and HMS Foxhound sighted a Norwegian merchant vessel.

The sweep was continued troughout the night according to plan and without incident. The wind at 0200 was east-southeast force 4, sky clear, slight east-south-east swell, visibility good. Around 0500/3, the force ran into rather rough water.

At 0610/23, when south of the approach to Farsund, HMS Foxhound was detached to investigate a large merchant ship which was found out to be Swedish.

At 0713/23, Force B sighted Force C and at 0740/23 the whole force was in formation again. Course was set to 272°, speed 22 knots.

The weather deteriorated rapidly. There were heavy snow showers and a south-easterly gale blowing by 0900/23.

At 1143/23, HMS Aurora and all destroyers were detached to Scapa Flow. Visibility was then about 1.5 miles. The three remaining cruisers altered course and proceeded to Rosyth where they arrived around 0030/24.

HMS Aurora and the destroyers arrived at Scapa Flow around 1130/24. (8)

21 Mar 1940
HMS Ursula (Cdr. G.C. Phillips, DSO, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant Heddernheim (4947 GRT, built 1921) in the Skagerrak about 10 nautical miles east-north-east of Skagen, Denmark in position 57°48'N, 10°53'E.

2146 hours - Sighted a dim lights of a ship. Closed to investigate. When close signalled the ship to stop. This they did not do. After another attempt the ship was seen to increase speed so a practice round was fired with the gun as a warning shot. The ship now stopped and was asked to identify her self. She signalled 'Estonian'. Meanwhile Ursula crossed close astern of the ship and with the Aldis light the name 'Heddernheim - Bremen' could be read. The crew was ordered to abandon ship. Meanwhile they were also signalling. The crew eventually sent a boat over but this all took a very long time, it was obvious they were 'buying time'. Once again they were ordered to abandon ship, which they did but again very slow. A second warning round was now fired and this speeded up things a bit.

While Ursula was manouvered into a position to torpedo the ship no.1 torpedo tube was fired by accident. This torpedo missed the ship.

Due to ice damage to Ursula only no.2 and no.5 torpedo tubes could be fired. so these were now brought to the ready. No.5 torpedo tube was now fired but the torpedo failed to run. Possibly it was damaged upon discharge als due to ice damage.

Now no.2 tube was fired. This torpedo hit the ship amidships and it sank shortly afterwards.

One prisoner was taken from the boats. (1)

23 Mar 1940
At 0010 hours (zone -1), HMS Ursula (Cdr. G.C. Phillips, DSO, RN) stopped the Danish merchant Sejrö (1489 GRT, built 1929) but released her after examination. (1)

25 Mar 1940
HMS Ursula (Cdr. G.C. Phillips, DSO, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at Blyth.

Ursula was damaged during this patrol by ice, Almost all torpedo tube outer doors were damaged and could not open and the after periscope was also bent by hitting ice and had to be replaced. (1)

27 Mar 1940
HMS Ursula (Cdr. G.C. Phillips, DSO, RN) was docked at Blyth. (7)

2 Apr 1940
HMS Ursula (Cdr. G.C. Phillips, DSO, RN) was undocked. (9)

8 Apr 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) departed Blyth for her 8th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the west coast of Denmark / entrance to the Skagerrak.

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

(1)

20 Apr 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) ended her 8th war patrol at Blyth. (1)

22 Apr 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) departed Blyth for Wallsend. At Wallsend she was immediately docked for a refit by the Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd. yard. (9)

4 Jul 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) was undocked and continued her refit at Wallsend. (10)

18 Jul 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) ended her refit at Wallsend. (10)

19 Jul 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) departs Wallsend for Blyth where she arrived late the same day. (10)

24 Jul 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) departed Blyth for Rosyth where she arrived later the same day. At Rosyth noise trials were undertaken. (10)

28 Jul 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) departed Rosyth for Blyth where she arrived later the same day. (10)

30 Jul 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) departed Blyth for her 9th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the North Sea.

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

(1)

12 Aug 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) ended her 9th war patrol at Blyth. (1)

28 Aug 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) departed Blyth for her 10th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the South-West coast of Norway, near Stavanger.

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

(1)

13 Sep 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) ended her 10th war patrol at Blyth. (1)

17 Sep 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) departed Blyth for Porstmouth. Later she was ordered to proceed to Sheerness. (11)

19 Sep 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) arrived at Sheerness. (11)

20 Sep 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) departed Sheerness for her 11th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the English Channel due to the threat of the invasion of England by the Germans.

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

(1)

26 Sep 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) ended her 11th war patrol at Portsmouth. (1)

4 Oct 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) departed Portsmouth for her 12th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the English Channel.

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

(1)

7 Oct 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) ended her 12th war patrol at Portsmouth. (1)

14 Oct 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) was docked at Portsmouth. (12)

15 Oct 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt.Cdr. W.A.K.N. Cavaye, RN) was undocked. (12)

20 Oct 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) departed Portsmouth for Gibraltar to join the Mediterranean Fleet. She is to be based at Malta to operate against Italian traffic towards North Africa.

On the 21st Ursula was ordered to perform an anti-uboat patrol in the Bay of Biscay for two days making this her 13th war patrol.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.

(12)

26 Oct 1940
At 1630 hours (zone -1), in position 46°38'N, 10°20'W, HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) was at periscope depth when a submarine was observed suddenly at a distance of only 100 yards. Ursula surfaced for gun action but the weather was too rough to man the gun and the submarine disappeared from view. This was either the Italian Maggiore Barraca or Alpino Bagnolini sailing out for a patrol. Neither reported this encounter. (12)

30 Oct 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) arrived at Gibraltar.

Ursula arrived at Gibraltar with various defects and required several weeks of repairs before she could proceed to Malta. Eventually repairs and trials would take 10 weeks. (12)

25 Dec 1940
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) was docked at Gibraltar. (13)

5 Jan 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) was undocked. (14)

16 Jan 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 14th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Genoa and to proceed to Malta afterwards.

En route to the Gulf of Genoa she had to make her presence known off the Spanish coast.

Before proceeding on patrol A/S exercises were carried out with the British destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN) and HMS Duncan (A/Capt. A.D.B. James, RN). After the A/S exercises were completed two practice attacks were made on HMS Faulknor. (1)

16 Jan 1941
For the daily positions of HMS Ursula during her 14th war patrol see the map below.

18 Jan 1941
At 1955 hours (zone -1) HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) signalled and identified the Vichy-French merchant vessel Caudebec (1454 GRT, built 1910) about 20 nautical miles North-East of Alicante, Spain near position 38°30'N, 00°07'W. (1)

19 Jan 1941
At 0100 hours (zone -1) HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) signalled and identified the Spanish merchant vessel Ciudad de Sevilla (5943 GRT, built 1928) South-East of Valencia, Spain. (1)

29 Jan 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 14th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (1)

4 Feb 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) departed Malta for her 15th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol along the shipping route from Sicily to Tripoli near the Kuriat Islands off the East coast of Tunisia.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.

(1)

8 Feb 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) made a torpedo attack on an Italian convoy in position 35°15'N, 11°30'E. Four torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained. [These were probably the Italian merchants Nirvo (5270 GRT, built 1919) and Berbera (2093 GRT, built 1931) and the tanker Caucaso (2082 GRT, built 1921) on passage from Naples to Tripoli.]

(All times are zone -1)
1719 hours - Sighted masts bearing 240°. Closed.

1730 hours - The masts by now had developed into a convoy of 3 merchant ships escorted by 2 torpedo boats. Started attack.

1800 hours - Surfaced.

1935 hours - At a range of 6000 yards and no possibility to get any closer fired four torpedoes in position 35°15'N, 11°30'E.

1940 hours - Dived as one of the torpedo boats was seen to turn towards.

1944 hours - Heard one distant explosion. No other explosions were heard. No counter attack developed.

1956 hours - Surfaced and proceeded in chase of the convoy but could not regain touch. Also no damaged ship was seen so the torpedo explosion was most likely a torpedo hitting the bottom.

2100 hours - Abandoned the chase and set course to the North. (1)

9 Feb 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) made a torpedo attack on an Italian convoy near position 35°42'N, 11°15'E. Two torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained. [These were Italian merchant Pomona (2311 GRT, built 1921) and Italian tanker Fianona (6600 GRT, built 1916) proceeding to Sfax.]

(All times are zone -1)
0150 hours - Sighted a darkened ship bearing 340°, steering 140°. Closed on the surface. Shortly afterwards sighted a second ship about 1.5 nautical miles on the first ships Port quarter. Attained a firing position on the Port side of the first ship, a lightly laden tanker of about 6000 tons. As only two torpedoes were ready after the attack of previous evening Lt. decided to attack both ships with one torpedo each.

0209 hours - Fired one torpedo at the tanker from 500 yards. The torpedo was seen to pass underneath the tanker without exploding.

0215 hours - Fired the last torpedo at the second vessel from 1200 yards. Shortly after firing this ship changed course as the tanker fired a rocket and changed course as to ram Ursula. So this torpedo missed. Ursula meanwhile dived to avoid being rammed. (1)

11 Feb 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 15th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (1)

20 Feb 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) departed Malta for her 16th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). As in her previous patrol she was ordered to patrol along the shipping route from Sicily to Tripoli near the Kuriat Islands off the East coast of Tunisia.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.

(1)

22 Feb 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Italian merchant Sabbia (5788 GRT, built 1926) about 20 nautical miles east of Susah, Tunisia in position 35°47'N, 11°16'E. Following this attack Ursula was depth charged by the Italian torpedo boat Generale Carlo Montanari.

(All times are zone -1)
1521 hours - Sighted a convoy consisting of one transport and one cargo vessel. They were escorted by three torpedo boats. At least one aircraft was overhead. Course of the convoy was 156°. Started attack.

1608 hours - In position 35°47'N, 11°16'E fired three torpedoes at the transport ship from 2500 yards. After 1 minute and 43 seconds one hit was obtained. Ursula went to 70 feet.

1616 hours - 10 depth charges were dropped astern and drawing closer. Reduced speed to make less noise.

1637 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Saw the transport to be deeper in the water and sinking on an even keel. All the lifeboats were gone. Returned to 70 feet.

[According to Italian sources the other ship in the convoy was the Italian merchant vessel Silvia Tripcovich (2365 BRT, built 1925). Nothing could be found in Italian archives about the two other torpedo boats sighted.] (1)

3 Mar 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 16th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (1)

6 Mar 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) was docked at Malta. (15)

7 Mar 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) was undocked. (15)

18 Mar 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) was docked at Malta. (15)

19 Mar 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) was undocked and sailed for patrol a few hours later. This was her 17th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was to patrol off Lampedusa to intercept an important Italian convoy that had left Naples for Tripoli.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.

(1)

20 Mar 1941
At 1700 hours (zone -2) HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) received a signal ordering her to carry out operation 'Sich'. This was an operation to carry out a reconnaissance to the North and the East of Cape Bon to establish enemy convoy routes in that area and to find out positions of minefields (Ursula was fitted with a Mine Detector Unit).

The enemy convoy was thought to have gone past or evaded the position of Ursula by that time. (1)

24 Mar 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) makes a torpedo attack on a convoy East of Cape Bon, Tunisia in position 37°05'N, 11°13'E. No hits were obtained.

The convoy attacked was most likely the one made up of the Italian merchants San Luigi (4419 GRT, built 1905) and Tenace (1219 GRT, built 1881) and was escorted by the torpedo boat Generale Achille Papa.

This convoy had departed Palermo, Sicily at 0900/23 and arrived at Tripoli at 0830/26.

(All times are zone -2)
0333 hours - Sighted a merchant vessel against the hazy horizon. Closed.

0345 hours - Sighted a torpedo boat coming towards. Dived to avoid detection.

0350 hours - The torpedo boat passed close.

0357 hours - Surfaced. Sighted one large merchant vessel of 10000 tons and one smaller merchant vessel of 3000 tons in line ahead. Range was 3000-4000 yards. Started attack on the larger merchant vessel.

0427 hours - In position 37°05'N, 11°13'E fired four torpedoes from 2000 yards. Just as the fourth torpedo left the tube the target altered course 45° away to a course of 185°. All torpedoes now missed the target. Ursula meanwhile chased the convoy bit a firing position could not be reached before sunrise. (1)

1 Apr 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 17th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (1)

9 Apr 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) departed Malta for her 18th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was to patrol off the Gulf of Hammamet, near the Kurba Bank.

Later she was ordered to patrol off Cape Bon.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.

(1)

12 Apr 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) attacked a convoy South of Cape Bon in approximate position 36°40'N, 11°12'E. A hit is claimed but actually no ships were hit.

(All times are zone -2)
1715 hours - Sighted an Italian Navigatori-class destroyer bearing 350°, range approximate 10000 yards. Started attack.

1725 hours - It was now seen that the destroyer was escorting a convoy of five merchant ships of about 6000 tons. Two destroyers were present. The target that was selected was the second ship of the port column.

1735 hours - Two single engined aircraft were seen overhead, most likely fighters.

1739 hours - In approximate position 36°40'N, 11°12'E fired four torpedoes from 2500 yards.

1747 hours - One explosion was heard that sounded like a hit. Given the range to the target it was thought that a hit was obtained on the third ship in the starboard column.

1756 hours - Three explosions were heard, thought to be the remained of the torpedo salvo exploding upon hitting the bottom at the end of their run.

1801 hours - Fairly loud explosions were heard, thought to be depth charges. No further depth charges were dropped.

This convoy was made up of the German merchant vessels Ankara (4768 GRT, built 1937), Marburg (7564 GRT, built 1928), Kybfels (7764 GRT, built 1937), Reichenfels (7744 GRT, built 1936) and the Italian merchant Galilea (8040 GRT, built 1916). They were escorted by the Italian destroyers Ugolino Vivaldi, Antonio da Noli and Lanzerotto Malocello. Reichenfels reported being missed by about 10-25 metres. (1)

20 Apr 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 18th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (1)

27 Apr 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) departed Malta for her 19th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Kerkennah. Later she shifted to the Gulf of Hammamet.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.

(16)

4 May 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) attacked an armed merchant vessel or auxiliary with four torpedoes near the Kerkenah bank in approximate position 34°36'N, 11°54'E. [This was Palermo (ex Greek Athinai, 2897 GRT, built 1910) who sighted three torpedo tracks.]

(All times are zone -2)
1405 hours - Sighted one merchant vessel, bearing 030°. Enemy course was 260°. Closed to attack. The target was seen to be a merchant vessel or auxiliary of about 5000 tons. She was armed with two guns on the poop and painted grey.

1428 hours - In approximate position 34°36'N, 11°54'E fired four torpedoes from 2100 yards. Most likely all torpedoes missed astern as she zigged away and her speed was about 14 knots while during the attack 10 knots was estimated. (16)

11 May 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 19th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16)

24 May 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. I.L.M. McGeoch, RN in command as her regular Commanding Officer Lt. Mackenzie was sick) departed Malta for her 20th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol the approaches to Tripoli, Libya.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.

(16)

27 May 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. I.L.M. McGeoch, RN) attacked a merchant vessel with two torpedoes in position in position 32°33'N, 14°47'E. No hits were obtained. [This was probably Silvio Scaroni (1394 GRT, built 1920) on passage from Benghazi to Tripoli.]

(All times are zone -2)
1308 hours - Received a signal ordering Ursula to intercept a convoy. Set course accordingly.

1337 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 090°. Interception was only possible if Ursula proceeded on the surface when she was well clear of the coast.

1400 to 1600 hours - Heard several explosions as the RAF was attacking the convoy.

1615 hours - Well clear of the coast now so surfaced in position 32°33'N, 14°47'E to reach a position to intercept the convoy however upon surfacing a small merchant vessel of about 2000 tons was sighted about 5 nautical miles away. Ursula dived again. Decided to attack this vessel as it seemed likely that Ursula was sighted and it would now be impossible to intercept the convoy.

1706 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 3000 yards. No hits were obtained.

1715 hours - Prepared to surface and engage the target with gunfire.

1720 hours - When about to surface the vessel turned stern on and opened fire withthe stern gun in the direction of the periscope. Decided not to surface and abandon the action. (16)

31 May 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. I.L.M. McGeoch, RN) attacked an escorted merchant vessel off Zuara (Zuwârah), Libya in approximate position 33°00'N, 12°09'E with two torpedoes. No hits were obtained. [This was probably the German Sparta (1724 GRT, built 1927) escorted by the torpedo boat Pilo.]

(All times are zone -2)
0540 hours - Sighted one laden merchant vessel of about 4000 tons escorted by a 'Generale-class' torpedo boat 5 cables ahead of her. Enemy course was 145°. Range was 4000 yards. Started attack.

0553 hours - In approximate position 33°00'N, 12°09'E fired two torpedoes from 1500 yards. No hits were obtained. it appeared the attack was not noticed. (16)

6 Jun 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. I.L.M. McGeoch, RN) ended her 20th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16)

7 Jun 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) was docked at Malta during a short refit and repairs to her defective Starboard generator. (17)

11 Jun 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) was undocked. (17)

12 Jul 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) departed Malta on what should have been her 21th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). Shortly after departure she had to return due to problems with her Port generator.

18 Jul 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) departed Malta for her 21th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in an area South of Lampedusa.

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

(16)

1 Aug 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 21th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16)

14 Aug 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) departed Malta for her 22th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol the Southern approaches to the Stait of Messina.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.

(16)

23 Aug 1941
At 1340 hours (zone -2) HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) was bombed from the air while at periscope depth about 2 nautical miles East of Taormina, Sicily, Italy in position 37°51'N, 15°20'E. Two bombs were dropped but no damage was sustained.

At 2108 hours, the submarine surfaced in position 37°43'N, 15°32'E with the intention of landing commandos by folbot to blow up a tunnel near Capo dell’Armi but the bad weather prevented the operation. (16)

27 Aug 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 22th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16)

29 Aug 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) departed Malta for her 23th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). She was to patrol South of Lampedusa. Later she was sent to guard the Eastern approaches to Tripoli, Libya.

An important fast Italian troop convoy had departed Naples for Tripoli that day.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.

(16)

2 Sep 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.J. Mackenzie, RN) ended her 23th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16)

10 Sep 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) conducted exercises off Malta with the British corvette HMS Gloxinia (Lt.Cdr. A.J.C. Pomeroy, RNVR) and the British minesweeper HMS Abingdon (Lt. G.A. Simmers, RNR).

After the exercises Ursula was docked. (18)

12 Sep 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) was undocked. (18)

16 Sep 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) departed Malta for her 24th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean). She was to patrol off Tripoli, Libya.

An important fast Italian troop convoy had departed Taranto for Tripoli that day.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.

(19)

18 Sep 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) attacked the Italian troop transport Vulcania (24469 GRT, built 1928) about 30 nautical miles East of Tripoli, Libya in approximate position 32°55'N, 13°52'E. Four torpedoes were fired but all missed their target although it was thought that one hit was obtained.

(All times are zone -2)
0656 hours - Sighted a large transport with a Navigatori-class destroyer as escort. [This was most likely Antoniotto Usodimare.]

0705 hours - In approximate position 32°55'N, 13°52'E fired four torpedoes from 3500 yards. It was thought the one hit was obtained but this was not the case. No counter attack developed. (19)

20 Sep 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) ended her 24th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (19)

23 Sep 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) departed Malta for her 25th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol the Southern approaches to the Stait of Messina.

No patrol report is available for this patrol. The log for September list no attacks but for October no log is available. As far as is known to us no attacks were carried out.

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

(18)

6 Oct 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) ended her 25th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (20)

17 Oct 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) departed Malta for her 26th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the East coast of Tunisia off the Gulf of Hammamet.

No logs are available for this period so no map can be displayed. (16)

18 Oct 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Italian merchant Beppe (4859 GRT, built 1912) some 45 nautical miles west of Lampedusa Island in position 35°25'N, 11°39'E. The damaged Beppe is towed to Tripoli, Libya.

(All times are zone -2)
0706 hours - In position 35°27'N, 11°45'E sighted smoke bearing 306°. Started attack.

0802 hours - In position 35°25'N, 11°39'E fired four torpedoes at two merchant vessels of about 6000 tons. Ranges were 6000 and 7000 yards. It was thought that two hits were obtained, one on each target.

0825 to 0900 hours - One of the escorts carried out counter-attacks in which 9 depth charges were dropped. No damage was done to Ursula.

0912 hours - Sighted a merchant vessel stopped in the position of the attack. Altered course towards and started to reload no.3 torpedo tube.

1005 hours - The vessel was seen to be lower in the water.

1100 hours - Nothing in sight. It was thought the vessel had sunk.

[The other ship was the Italian merchant Caterina (4838 GRT, built 1920), and they were escorted by the destroyer Alfredo Oriani. Beppe was towed to Tripoli by the German tug Max Behrendt. while Caterina was later sunk by an aircraft torpedo.] (16)

19 Oct 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) arrived at Malta to embark four new torpedoes. After eight hours she departed again to resume her 26th war patrol. New patrol area was the southern approaches to the Strait of Messina. (16)

22 Oct 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) carried out a reconnaissance of the coast North of Cape Spartivento to select a suitable bridge to bombard. At 0900 hours (zone -2) a suitable target was seen near position 38°06'N, 16°14'E.

At 1419 hours Ursula surfaced 1500 yards from the bridge. 77 Rounds were fired and the bridge was damaged by 22 direct hits.

At 1439 hours the action was broken off when the gun jammed and an aircraft that was seen to the seaward.

[Italian sources show that the bridge and telegraph line sustained some damage but seven unexploded shells were found.] (1)

28 Oct 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) ended her 26th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (16)

6 Nov 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) departed Malta for her 27th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Misrata, Libya.

No logs are available for this period so no map can be displayed. (19)

11 Nov 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) attacked a convoy with three torpedoes about 20 nautical miles South-East of Misrata, Libya in position 32°07'N, 15°26'E. No hits were obtained and Ursula was depth charged by the escorts. [This was Pertusola (1502 GRT, built 1882) being towed by Imperia with Ascianghi (610 GRT, built 1921) escorted by the torpedo boats Generale Antonio Cascino and Calliope). Calliope attacked the submarine with two depth charge patterns, recording three explosions and a large oil slick and believed the submarine sunk.]

(All times are zone -2)
1615 hours - Sighted smoke to the South.

1730 hours - Sighted a convoy of two merchant vessels (one of 2000 tons, one of 1000 tons that was towing a sailing vessel). Escort was provided by two torpedo boats, one was seen to be the Generale Antonio Cascino and the other was a more modern one of the Spica class.

1752 hours - In position 32°07'N, 15°26'E fired three torpedoes at the 2000 tons merchant vessel from . Both missed as the tracks were sighted and evaded by the target.

1755 hours - Both torpedo boats altered towards. Ursula went deep and rigged for depth charging.

1800 to 1810 hours - 14 Depth charges were dropped. All rather close but Ursula sustained no damage. (19)

20 Nov 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) ended her 27th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (19)

30 Nov 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. She is to proceed to the U.K. for a refit. (20)

9 Dec 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (20)

14 Dec 1941
As her refit in the U.K. can start only around mid-January 1942 HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) is sent out on a anti-uboat patrol to the East of Gibraltar near Alboran Island. This is her 28th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean).

No logs are available for this period so no map can be displayed. (20)

15 Dec 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) is ordered to return to Gibraltar. She is needed to patrol in the Bay of Biscay as it is feared that the German capital ships currently at Brest were to leave port. (20)

16 Dec 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) ended her 28th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean) at Gibraltar. (20)

17 Dec 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 29th war patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay and end this patrol in the U.K.

No logs are available for this period so no map can be displayed. (1)

30 Dec 1941
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) ended her 29th war patrol at Portsmouth. (1)

8 Jan 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) departed Portsmouth for Sheerness. (20)

9 Jan 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) arrived at Sheerness. (20)

12 Jan 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Hezlet, RN) is taken in hand for a refit at the Chatham Dockyard. (20)

12 Apr 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) departed Sheerness for Holy Loch. (20)

17 Apr 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch for a period of trials and training. (20)

1 May 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Ardrossan for a battery change. (21)

6 May 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) was docked at Ardrossan. (21)

13 May 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) was undocked. (21)

25 May 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) shifted from Ardrossan to Holy Loch for further trials and training. (21)

25 May 1942
With her battery change completed, HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN), shifted from Ardrossan to Holy Loch. (21)

26 May 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included practice attacks on HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). (21)

27 May 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (21)

29 May 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (21)

30 May 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (21)

31 May 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials at Holy Loch. (21)

2 Jun 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area in which she served as target for HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) and HMS P 615 (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN). HMS Ursula also carried out attacks herself. Upon completion of these exercises HMS Ursula proceeded to Campbeltown. (22)

3 Jun 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (22)

4 Jun 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (22)

5 Jun 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (22)

6 Jun 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included practice attacks on HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (22)

9 Jun 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for special noise trials off Barra Head. She was escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). (22)

13 Jun 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of her special trials. (22)

14 Jun 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (22)

15 Jun 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included practice attacks on HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, RN) which also carried out an A/S exercise during which HMS Ursula acted as A/S target. (23)

22 Jun 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. Passage is made together with HMS P 614 (Lt. D.J. Beckley, RN). The submarines were escorted by the armed yacht HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (22)

24 Jun 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) arrived at Lerwick. After a few hours she departed for her 30th war patrol. She was ordered to provide cover for convoys PQ 17 / QP 13.

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

(1)

13 Jul 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) ended her 30th war patrol at Lerwick. She departed for Holy Loch after a few hours escorted by the armed yacht HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (24)

16 Jul 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (24)

24 Jul 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Ardrossan where her main generator will be replaced. (24)

20 Sep 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) was docked at Ardrossan. (25)

21 Sep 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) was undocked. (25)

28 Sep 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) departed Ardossan for trials. (25)

29 Sep 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch for a short period of training. (25)

29 Sep 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted speed trials on the Arran measured mile. (25)

7 Oct 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (26)

8 Oct 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Gibraltar. She is to join the 8th Submarine Flotilla there as a temporarily reinforcement for the upcoming invasion of North Africa.

En-route she was to make a short patrol in the Bay of Biscay making this her 31th war patrol.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.

(1)

16 Oct 1942
At 0300 hours HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) sighted a uboat in position 44°32'N, 07°52'W. Contact was lost before a salvo of torpedoes could be fired. The uboat sighted was most likely the German U-659. (1)

22 Oct 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) ended her 31th war patrol at Gibraltar. (1)

22 Oct 1942

Convoys KMS 1, KMF 1 for the landings at Algiers and Oran during Operation Torch.

Convoy KMS 1.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 23 October 1942.

It was made up of the following transports; Alcinous (Dutch, 6189 GRT, built 1925), Alphard (Dutch, 5483 GRT, built 1937), Ardeola (British, 2609 GRT, built 1912), Benalbanach (British, 7153 GRT, built 1940), Charles H. Cramp (American, 6220 GRT, built 1920), Chattanooga City (American, 5687 GRT, built 1921), City of Worcester (British, 5469 GRT, built 1927), Clan MacTaggart (British, 7622 GRT, built 1920), Delilian (British, 6423 GRT, built 1923), Edward Ruthledge (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Empire Confidence (British, 5023 GRT, built 1925), Empire Mordred (British, 7024 GRT, built 1942), Fort McLoughlin (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Glenfinlas (British, 7479 GRT, built 1917), Havildar (British, 5401 GRT, built 1940), Hopecrown (British, 5180 GRT, built 1937), Jean Jadot (Belgian, 5859 GRT, built 1929), Lalande (British, 7453 GRT, built 1920), Lochmonar (British, 9412 GRT, built 1924), Lycaon (British, 7350 GRT, built 1913), Macharda (British, 7998 GRT, built 1938), Manchester Port (British, 7071 GRT, built 1935), Mark Twain (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Maron (British, 6487 GRT, built 1930), Mary Slessor (British, 5027 GRT, built 1930), Ocean Rider (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Viceroy (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Volga (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Wanderer (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Pacific Exporter (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928), Recorder (British, 5981 GRT, built 1930), Salacia (British, 5495 GRT, built 1937), Sobo (British, 5353 GRT, built 1937), St. Essylt (British, 5634 GRT, built 1941), Stanhill (British, 5969 GRT, built 1942), Tadorna (British, 1947 GRT, built 1928), Theseus (British, 6527 GRT, built 1908), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938), Urlana (British, 6852 GRT, built 1941), Walt Whitman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William M. Floyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William Wirt (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and Zebulon B. Vance (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

Also part of the convoy were the landing ships Derwentdale (8390 GRT, built 1941), Dewdale (8265 GRT, built 1941) and Ennerdale (8280 GRT, built 1941).

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Avenger (Cdr. A.P. Colthurst, RN), AA ship HMS Alynbank (A/Capt.(Retd.) H.F. Nash, RN), destroyer HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. T. Johnston, RN), sloops HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN), HMS Stork (Cdr. G.N. Brewer, RN), corvettes HMS Convolvulus (A/Lt.Cdr. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR), HMS Gardenia (T/Lt. M.M. Firth, RNVR), HMS Marigold (Lt. J.A.S. Halcrow, RD, RNR), HMS Pentstemon (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J. Byron, DSC, RNR), HMS Rhododendron (Lt.Cdr. L.A. Sayers, RNR), HMS Samphire (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Renny, DSC, RNR), HMS Vetch (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.J. Beverley, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Violet (Lt. C.N. Stewart, RNR) and the minesweepers HMS Acute (Lt.Cdr. D. Lampen, DSO, RN), HMS Alarm (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Patterson, SANF(V)), HMS Albacore (Lt.Cdr. J.D.L. Williams, RN) and HMS Cadmus (Lt.Cdr. J.B.G. Temple, DSC, RN).

Around 1000A/4, the convoy was split up into two sections KMS A1 and KMS O1. KMS A1 was destined for Algiers and KMS O1 was destined for Oran. KMS O1 then proceeded to the westwards so as to pass the Straits of Gibraltar later.

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Convoy KMS A 1.

Convoy KMS A 1 was to pass the Strait of Gibraltar around 2345A/5; it was made up of the transports; City of Worcester, Glenfinlas, Jean Jadot, Lalande, Lochmonar, Macharda, Manchester Port, Maron, Ocean Rider, Ocean Viceroy, Ocean Volga, Ocean Wanderer, Sobo, Stanhill, Tiba and Urlana.

The landing ships Dewdale and Ennerdale were also part of the convoy.

The convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Stork, corvettes HMS Convolvulus, HMS Marigold, HMS Pentstemon, HMS Samphire [this corvette might have already parted company though, see below] and the minesweepers HMS Acute, HMS Alarm, HMS Albacore and HMS Cadmus.

Around 0700A/5, the corvette HMS Samphire arrived at Gibraltar with defects from convoy KMS A1.

Around 0800A/5, the minesweepers HMS Algerine (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Cooke, RN), HMS Hussar (Lt. R.C. Biggs, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Speedwell (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Williams, RNR) departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS A1.

Around 1830A/5, the M/S trawlers HMS Cava (T/Lt. R.L. Petty-Major, RNVR), HMS Juliet (Lt. L.B. Moffatt, RNR), HMS Othello (T/Lt. S.C. Dickinson, RNVR), HMS Stroma (Skr. J.S. Harper, RNR), HMS Hoy (T/Lt. G.H. McNair, MBE, RNVR), HMS Inchcolm (Skr. A.C. Whitcombe, RNR), HMS Mull (Lt. J. Plomer, RCNVR), HMS Rysa (T/Lt. J.H. Cooper, RNVR) and the motor launches ML 238, ML 273, ML 283, ML 295, ML 307, ML 336, ML 338, ML 444 departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS A1.

Around 2230A/5, the monitor HMS Roberts (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN), escort destroyers HMS Bicester (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN), HMS Bramham (Lt. E.F. Baines, DSO, RN), HMS Cowdray (Lt.Cdr. C.W. North, RN), HMS Zetland (Lt. J.V. Wilkinson, RN) and the corvette HMS Samphire (with her repairs completed) departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS A1.

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Convoy KMS O 1.

Convoy KMS O 1 was to pass the Strait of Gibraltar around 1630A/6; it was made up of the transports; Alcinous, Alphard, Benalbanach, Charles H. Cramp, Chattanooga City, Clan Mactaggart, Delinlian, Edward Rutledge, Empire Confidence, Empire Mordred, Havildar, Lycaon, Mark Twain, Mary Slessor, Pacific Exporter, Recorder, Salacia, St. Essylt, Thesues, Walt Whitman, William Floyd, William Wirt and Zebulon B. Vance.

The landing ship Derwentdale was also part of this convoy.

The convoy was escorted by the AA ship HMS Alynbank, sloop HMS Deptford, corvettes HMS Gardenia, HMS Rhododendron, HMS Vetch and HMS Violet.

Around 1500A/6, the minesweepers HMS Brixham (Lt. G.A. Simmers, RNR), HMS Bude (Lt. F.A.J. Andrew, RN), HMS Clacton (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) L.S. Shaw, RNR) and HMS Felixstowe (T/Lt. C.G. Powney, RNVR) departed Gibraltar to join the convoy KMS O1.

After dark on the 6th, the M/S trawlers HMS Coriolanus (T/Lt. N. Hunt, RNVR), HMS Eday (T/Lt. W.Y. Surtees, RNR), HMS Inchmarnock (T/Lt. C.G.V. Corneby, RNR), HMS Kerrera (Skr. R.W. Slater, RNR) and the motor launches ML 280, ML 458, ML 463, ML 469, ML 471, ML 480, ML 483 and HDML 1127, HDML 1128 and HDML 1139 departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS O1.

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Operation Crupper.

Two ships from Convoy KMS 1, the Ardeola and Tadorna formed part of Convoy KMS 1A after the convoy had split up. They were to proceed to Malta unescorted. The Admiralty had decided to make use of the expected confusion of the landings in North Africa to run two 'small' merchant ships with important cargo to Malta. These ships were considered expendable. They parted company with convoy KMS 1A on 8 November. They did not reach Malta however. When off Cape Bon on 9 November, they were taken under fire by Vichy French coastal batteries, despite the darkness, and then captured by motor torpedo boats. They were brought into Bizerta where their cargo was unloaded. The ships were later taken over by the Italians.

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Convoy KMF 1.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 26 October 1942.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Awatea (British, 13482 GRT, built 1936), Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936), Cathay (British, 15225 GRT, built 1925), Dempo (Dutch, 17024 GRT, built 1931), Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935), Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Ettrick (British, 11279 GRT, built 1938), Exceller (American, 6597 GRT, built 1941), Leinster (British, 4302 GRT, built 1937) Letitia (British, 13595 GRT, built 1925), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), Marnix van St. Aldegonde (Dutch, 19355 GRT, built 1930), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Nieuw Zeeland (Dutch, 11069 GRT, built 1928), Orbita (British, 15495 GRT, built 1915), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931), Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939), Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931), Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937), Viceroy of India (British, 19627 GRT, built 1929), Warwick Castle (British, 20107 GRT, built 1930) and Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930).

The headquarters ships HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) R.L. Hamer, RN), HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, OBE, RNR), the landing ships HMS Glengyle (Capt.(Retd.) D.S. McGrath, RN), HMS Karanja (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) D.S. Hore-Lacy, RN), HMS Keren (A/Cdr. S.E. Crewe-Read, RN), HMS Princess Beatrix (Cdr.(Retd.) T.B. Brunton, DSC, RN), HMS Queen Emma (Capt.(Retd.) G.L.D. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Royal Scotsman (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Armstrong, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Royal Ulsterman (A/Lt.Cdr. W.R.K. Clark, DSC, RD RNR) and HMS Ulster Monarch (Lt.Cdr. N.A.F. Kingscote, RNR) and the attack transports USS Almaack (T/Capt. C.L. Nichols, USN), USS Leedstown (Cdr. D. Cook, USNR), USS Samuel Chase (Capt. R.C. Heimer, USCG) and USS Thomas Stone (Capt. O.R. Bennehoff, USN) were also part of the convoy.

On assembly off Oversay on the 27th the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. A.W. Clarke, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), escort carrier HMS Biter (Capt. E.M.C. Abel Smith, RN), destroyer HMS Clare (Lt.Cdr. L.H. Landman, RN), sloops HMS Aberdeen (Lt.Cdr. H. Day, RN), HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. A.E.T. Christie, OBE, RN), HMS Ibis (Lt.Cdr. H.M. Darell-Brown, RN), cutters HMS Hartland (Lt.Cdr. G.P. Billot, RNR), HMS Walney (Lt.Cdr. P.C. Meyrick, RN), frigates HMS Exe (A/Cdr. M.A.O. Biddulph, DSC, RN), HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Spey (Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Swale (Lt.Cdr. J. Jackson, RNR) and HMS Tay (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Sherwood, RNR).

Around 1120A/2, the destroyers HrMs Isaac Sweers (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNN) and HMS Escapade (Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN) joined coming from the Azores.

Around 0200A/3, the AA ships HMS Palomares (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.H. Jauncey, RN), HMS Pozarica (Capt.(Retd.) L.B. Hill, DSO, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. A.H.T. Johns, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN), HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) Lord Teynham, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN), HMS Verity, (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN), HMS Westcott (Cdr. I.H. Bockett-Pugh, DSO, RN) and HMS Wishart (Cdr. H.G. Scott, RN) departed Gibraltar to join the convoy. At 1045A/3, the destroyer HMS Wivern (Cdr. M.D.C. Meyrick, RN) also departed to join the convoy. She had been unable to depart earlier due to defects.

Around 0800A/3, the destroyer HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, DSO, DSC, RN) joined the convoy coming from the Azores.

Around 1300A/3, the light cruiser HMS Jamaica (Capt. J.L. Storey, RN) also departed Gibraltar to join the convoy.

Around 1830Z/3, HMS Sheffield parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar where she arrived at 0815A/3, she was to fuel and then join ' Force O '.

Around noon on 4 November 1942, the convoy was split up into two sections KMF A1 and KMF O1. KMF A1 was destined for Algiers and KMF O1 was destined for Oran. KMF O1 then proceeded to the westwards so as to pass the Straits of Gibraltar later.

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Convoy KMF A 1.

Convoy KMF A 1 was to pass the Strait of Gibraltar around 0100A/6; it was made up of the (troop) transports; Almaack, Awatea, Cathay, Dempo, Ettrick, Exceller, Leedstown, Marnix van St. Aldegonde, Otranto, Sobieski, Strathnaver, Viceroy of India and Winchester Castle.

The headquarters ship HMS Bulolo and the landing ships HMS Karanja, HMS Keren, HMS Royal Scotsman, HMS Royal Ulsterman and Ulster Monarch and the attack transports USS Samuel Chase and USS Thomas Stone were also part of the convoy.

[exactly which ships of the escort went on with this part of the convoy will have to be researched further.]

In the morning of 5 November, HrMs Isaac Sweers parted company with the convoy to join ' Force H '. HMS Escapade and HMS Marne were apparently detached to Gibraltar on the convoy passing the Strait of Gibraltar.

Also on 5 November, the corvettes HMS Spiraea (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Miller, DSC, RNR) and HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RD, RNR) departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMF A1.

Around 0200A/6, the destroyers HMS Broke (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Layard, RN), HMS Malcolm (A/Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN), HMS Vanoc ( A/Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, RN) and HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMF A1 and relieve HMS Achates, HMS Antelope, HMS Amazon and HMS Wivern. After having been relieved these destroyers arrived at Gibraltar around 0545A/6. Also arriving at Gibraltar were the Leinster, HMS Royal Scotsman, HMS Royal Ulsterman and Ulster Monarch.

Around 1000A/6, HMS Broke, HMS Malcolm, HMS Vanoc and HMS Wrestler joined ' Force O ' while the screen on ' Force O ' joined the convoy, the destroyers / escort destroyers involved were ORP Blyskawica (Lt.Cdr. L. Lichodziejewski, ORP), HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC, RN), HMS Wheatland (Lt.Cdr. R. de L. Brooke, DSC, RN) and HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN). The AA ship HMS Tynwald (Capt.(Retd.) P.G. Wodehouse, DSO, RN) also joined the convoy from ' Force O ' at the same time.

Around 0535A/7, in position 37°34'N, 00°01'W, the attack transport USS Thomas Stone was torpedoed and damaged by an enemy aircraft. HMS Spey remained with the damaged ship. At 2040A/7, the destroyers HMS Wishart and HMS Velox joined and the ship was taken in tow by HMS Wishart. HMS Spey by that time had departed with the ships 24 landing craft in which the ships troops had embarked. She was to escort them to Algiers but all had to be scuttled and the troops were taken on board HMS Spey. At 0535A/8 the tug St. Day joined which also passed a tow. The damaged ship anchored off Algiers around 1030A/11 being towed there by HMS Wishart and HMS St. Day.

Around 0725Z/7, HMS Clare parted company to join ' Force O ' which she did around 0913Z/7.

Around 1815A/7, the section destined for ' C Sector ' (Charlie Sector) parted company with the convoy. It was made up of the USS Almaack, USS Leedstown, USS Samuel Chase, Exceller and Dempo. With them were also transports from convoy KMS A1. They were escorted by the AA ship HMS Tynwald, escort destroyers HMS Cowdray, HMS Zetland, sloop HMS Enchantress, minesweepers HMS Algerine, HMS Hussar, HMS Speedwell, corvettes HMS Pentstemon, HMS Samphire, MS trawlers HMS Cava, HMS Othello and the motor launches HMS ML 273 and HMS ML 295. At 2135A/7, the beacon submarine HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) made contact with the force and the ships were guided to their positions for the landings. From convoy KMS A1 the transports Macharda and Maron were destined for Charlie sector. They were escorted by the sloop HMS Stork and the corvettes HMS Pentstemon and HMS Samphire.

Around 1900A/7, The remainder of convoy KMF A1 split into two sections, one for ' A Sector ' (Apple Sector) and one for ' B Sector ' (Beer Sector).

The force for ' A Sector ' was made up of HMS Karanja and the Marnix van St. Aldegonde and Viceroy of India. With them were also transports from convoy KMS A1. They were escorted by the AA ship HMS Pozarica, escort destroyers HMS Bicester, HMS Bramham, frigate HMS Rother, minesweeper HMS Cadmus, MS trawlers HMS Juliet, HMS Rysa, HMS Stroma and the motor launches HMS ML 283, HMS ML 336 and HMS ML 338. At 2214A/7, the made contact with their beacon submarine HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN). A few minutes later they stopped and the landings commenced. From convoy KMS A1 the following ships were assigned to ' A Sector '; Dewdale, Lalande, Manchester Port, Ocean Viceroy and Ocean Wanderer. They were escorted by the corvettes HMS Convolvulus and HMS Marigold.

The force for ' B Sector ' was made up of HMS Bulolo, HMS Keren and the Awatea, Cathay, Otranto, Sobieski, Strathnaver and Winchester Castle. With them were also transports from convoy KMS A1. They were escorted by the AA ship HMS Palomeres, destroyer ORP Blyskawica, escort destroyers HMS Lamerton, HMS Wheatland, HMS Wilton, minesweepers HMS Acute, HMS Alarm, HMS Albacore, MS trawlers HMS Hoy, HMS Incholm, HMS Mull and the motor launches HMS ML 238, HMS ML 307 and HMS ML 444. They made contact with their beacon submarine HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) around 2220A/7 hours and landing operation commenced shortly afterwards. From convoy KMS A1 the following ships were assigned to ' A Sector '; City of Worcester, Ennerdale, Glenfinlas, Jean Jadot, Lochmonar, Ocean Rider, Ocean Volga, Sobo, Stanhill, Tiba and Urlana. They were escorted by the sloop HMS Stork and the corvettes HMS Pentstemon and HMS Samphire which then went on with the ships for the ' Charlie sector '.

On 9 November the ships involved in the landings anchored in Algiers Bay.

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Convoy KMF O 1.

Convoy KMF O 1 was to pass the Strait of Gibraltar around 2230A/6; it was made up of the (troop) transports; Batory, Duchess of Bedford, Durban Castle, Letitia, Llangibby Castle, Monarch of Bermuda, Mooltan, Nieuw Zeeland, Orbita, Reina del Pacifico, Tegelberg and Warwick Castle.

The headquarters ship HMS Largs and the landing ships HMS Glengyle, HMS Princess Beatrix and HMS Queen Emma were also part of the convoy.

Around 1950A/4, the light cruiser HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, CB, RN) departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMF O1.

For the landings at Oran three main beaches were selected. ' X ', ' Y ' and ' Z ' beach. There was also one subsidiary beach, ' R '.

The fast convoy, KMF O1, would, after passing through the Straits of Gibraltar make rendezvous with the slow convoy, KMS O1 in position 36°26'N, 01°15'W.

The convoys would then be diverted into nine groups, these were;
For ' X ' beach
Group I, 1st Division; Batory, HMS Princess Beatrix, Queen Emma, 2nd Division; Benalbenach, Mark Twain, Mary Slessor and Walt Whitman. They were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Aurora, destroyer HMS Wivern, corvettes HMS Gardenia, HMS Vetch and the motor launch HMS HDML 1139.
Group VIII, LST HMS Bachaquero (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. McMullan, RNR) escorted by the M/S trawler HMS Horatio (T/Lt. C.A. Lemkey, RNR).

For ' Y ' beach
Group II; HMS Glengyle, Monarch of Bermuda, Llangibby Castle, Clan Mactaggart and Salacia. They were escorted by the destroyers Brilliant, HMS Verity, M/S trawlers HMS Coriolanus, HMS Eday, HMS Inchmarnock, HMS Kerrera and the motor launches HMS ML 458, HMS ML 463, HMS ML 469, HMS ML 471 and HMS HDML 1128.

For ' Z ' beach
Group III, 1st Division; Duchess of Bedford, Durban Castle, Ettrick, Warwick Castle. 2nd Division; Derwentdale, Reina del Pacifico and Tegelberg. They were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Jamaica, escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), minesweepers HMS Brixham, HMS Bude, HMS Clacton, HMS Felixtowe, HMS Polruan (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.S. Landers, RNR), HMS Rothesay (Cdr. A.A. Martin, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Rhyl (Cdr. L.J.S. Ede, DSO, RN), HMS Stornoway (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.R. Fraser, RNR) and the motor launches HMS ML 280, HMS HDML 1127.

Group V; Alcinous, Alphard, Charles H. Cramp, Chatanooga City, Delilian, Recorder and Zebulon B. Vance. They were escorted by the sloop HMS Deptford, cutters HMS Hartland, HMS Walney, corvettes HMS Rhododendron, HMS Violet and the motor launches HMS ML 480 and HMS ML 483.

Group VI, 1st division; Derbyshire, Letitia, Mooltan and Nieuw Zeeland. 2nd division, Empire Confidence, Lycaon and Theseus.

Group VII, 1st division, Empire Mordred, Havildar, Pacific Exporter and St. Essylt. 2nd division; Edward Rutledge, William Floyd and William Wirt. Groups VI and VII were escorted by the light (AA) cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. A.T.G.C. Peachey, RN), destroyer HMS Vansittart, sloop HMS Aberdeen and the frigates HMS Exe and HMS Swale.

Group IX; LST's HMS Misoa (T/Lt. K.G. Graham, RNR) and HMS Tasajera (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Gelling, DSC, RD, RNR). They were escorted by the M/S trawlers HMS Fluellen (T/Lt. B.J. Hampson, RNR), HMS Ronaldsay (T/Lt. A. Stirling, RNR) and HMS Shiant (T/Lt. A.C. Elton, RNR).

For ' R ' beach
Group IV; HMS Royal Scotsman, HMS Royal Ulsterman and HMS Ulster Monarch. They had the same escort as Group III.

Two submarines were stationed off the beaches as beacons, these were HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) and HMS P 54 (Lt. C.E. Oxborrow, DSC, RN).

1 Nov 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her her 32th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean). She is ordered to perform a special operation (during operation Torch) and upon completion to patrol to the West of Ibiza.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.

(1)

3 Nov 1942
During the night of 3-4 November 1942 HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) landed a folbot with a party of two men for a beach reconnaissance in the Gulf of Arzew (to the East of Oran). The party returned at 0050/4 after having left the submarine at 2320/3. (1)

7 Nov 1942
At 1855 hours HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) launched two folbots with two men in each folbot for beach reconnaissance.

Upon completion of this Ursula went to a position where she was to act as a beacon for the landing forces. She arrived in her position at 2036 hours. At 2115 hours she started the 'beacon procedure' and within 15 minutes the first ships of the landing force were within sight. Ursula ended her operations at 0035/8. course was set for her patrol position off Ibiza. (1)

8 Nov 1942

The landings at Oran as part of Operation Torch

For the landings at Oran the Centre Naval Task Force was deployed.

This Task Force was made up of the following warships; battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. J.W. Rivett-Carnac, DSC, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. T.O. Bulteel, RN), escort carriers HMS Biter (Capt. E.M.C. Abel Smith, RN), HMS Dasher (Cdr. C.N. Lentaigne, DSO, RN), light cruisers HMS Jamaica (Capt. J.L. Storey, RN), HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, CB, RN), AA cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. A.T.G.C. Peachey, RN), AA ship HMS Alynbank (A/Capt.(Retd.) H.F. Nash, RN), destroyers HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Poe, RN), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN), HMS Bulldog (Cdr. M. Richmond, OBE, DSO, RN), HMS Beagle (Cdr. R.C. Medley, DSO, RN), HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) Lord Teynham, RN), HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. A.H.T. Johns, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN), HMS Wivern (Cdr. M.D.C. Meyrick, RN), HMS Westcott (Cdr. I.H. Bockett-Pugh, DSO, RN), HMS Verity, (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN), HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. T. Johnston, RN), escort destroyers HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN), HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), submarines HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN), HMS P 54 (Lt. C.E. Oxborrow, DSC, RN), minesweepers HMS Rhyl (Cdr. L.J.S. Ede, DSO, RN), HMS Felixstowe (T/Lt. C.G. Powney, RNVR), HMS Clacton (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) L.S. Shaw, RNR), HMS Polruan (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.S. Landers, RNR), HMS Rothesay (Cdr. A.A. Martin, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Stornoway (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.R. Fraser, RNR), HMS Bude (Lt. F.A.J. Andrew, RN), HMS Brixham (Lt. G.A. Simmers, RNR), sloops HMS Aberdeen (Lt.Cdr. H. Day, RN), HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN), cutters HMS Hartland (Lt.Cdr. G.P. Billot, RNR), HMS Walney (Lt.Cdr. P.C. Meyrick, RN), frigates HMS Exe (A/Cdr. M.A.O. Biddulph, DSC, RN), HMS Swale (Lt.Cdr. J. Jackson, RNR), corvettes HMS Gardenia (T/Lt. M.M. Firth, RNVR), HMS Vetch (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.J. Beverley, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Rhododendron (Lt.Cdr. L.A. Sayers, RNR), HMS Violet (Lt. C.N. Stewart, RNR), M/S trawlers HMS Coriolanus (T/Lt. N. Hunt, RNVR), HMS Fluellen (T/Lt. B.J. Hampson, RNR), HMS Horatio (T/Lt. C.A. Lemkey, RNR), HMS Eday (T/Lt. W.Y. Surtees, RNR), HMS Inchmarnock (T/Lt. C.G.V. Corneby, RNR), HMS Kerrera (Skr. R.W. Slater, RNR), HMS Shiant (T/Lt. A.C. Elton, RNR), HMS Ronaldsay (T/Lt. A. Stirling, RNR), motor launches ML 280, ML 458, ML 463, ML 469, ML 471, ML 480, ML 483 and the harbour defence motor launches HDML 1127, HDML 1128 and HDML 1139.

Also parted of the Centre Naval Task Force were the following amphibious ships; headquarters ship HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, RNR, flying the flag of Commodore T.H. Troubridge, RN), landing ships infantery HMS Glengyle (Capt.(Retd.) D.S. McGrath, RN), HMS Princess Beatrix (Cdr.(Retd.) T.B. Brunton, DSC, RN), HMS Queen Emma (Capt.(Retd.) G.L.D. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Royal Scotsman (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Armstrong, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Royal Ulsterman (A/Lt.Cdr. W.R.K. Clark, DSC, RD RNR) and HMS Ulster Monarch (Lt.Cdr. N.A.F. Kingscote, RNR), RFA Derwentdale, landing ships tank HMS Bachaquero (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. McMullan, RNR), HMS Misoa (T/Lt. K.G. Graham, RNR) and HMS Tasajera (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Gelling, DSC, RD, RNR).

Also parted of the Oran Attack Force were the ships in convoys KMS O1 and KMF O2.

Around 1700Z/6, convoy KMS O1 passed through the Straits of Gibraltar followed by convoy KMF O1 around 1830Z/6. These convoys then merged to the east of the Straits of Gibraltar. These convoys came direct from the U.K. and were made up of the following (troop) transports; Alcinous (Dutch, 6189 GRT, built 1925), Alphard (British, 5483 GRT, built 1937), Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936), Benalbanach (British, 7153 GRT, built 1940), Charles H. Cramp (American, 6220 GRT, built 1920), Chattanooga City (American, 5687 GRT, built 1921), Clan Mactaggart (British, 7622 GRT, built 1920), Delinlian (British, 6423 GRT, built 1923), Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Edward Rutledge (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Empire Confidence (British, 5023 GRT, built 1925), Empire Mordred (British, 7024 GRT, built 1942), Havildar (British, 5401 GRT, built 1940), Letitia (British, 13595 GRT, built 1925), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), Lycaon (British, 7350 GRT, built 1913), Mark Twain (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Mary Slessor (British, 5027 GRT, built 1930), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Nieuw Zeeland (Dutch, 11069 GRT, built 1928)), Orbita (British, 15495 GRT, built 1915), Pacific Exporter (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928), Recorder (British, 5981 GRT, built 1930), Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931), Salacia (British, 5495 GRT, built 1937), St. Essylt (British, 5634 GRT, built 1941), Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937), Thesues (British, 6527 GRT, built 1908), Walt Whitman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Warwick Castle (British, 20107 GRT, built 1930), William Floyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William Wirt (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and Zebulon B. Vance (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

Also part of these convoys was the headquarters ship HMS Largs and the landing ships infantery Glengyle, Queen Emma, Queen Beatrix, Royal Scotsman, Royal Ulsterman, Ulster Monarch and RFA Derwentdale.

From the above warships the following had come direct from the U.K. with convoys KMS 1 and KMF 1; escort carrier HMS Biter, AA ship HMS Alynbank, destroyer HMS Vansittart, sloops HMS Aberdeen, HMS Deptford, cutters HMS Hartland, HMS Walney, frigates HMS Exe, HMS Swale and the corvettes HMS Gardenia, HMS Rhododendron, HMS Vetch and HMS Violet.

On 2 November 1942, the minesweepers HMS Rhyl, HMS Clacton, HMS Polruan, HMS Rothesay and HMS Stornoway departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS 1.

Around 0300A/3, the light cruiser HMS Jamaica departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMF 1 coming from the U.K.

Around 1950A/4, the light cruiser HMS Aurora departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMF O1.

Around 0430A/6, the battleship HMS Rodney and the destroyers HMS Bulldog, HMS Boreas and HMS Beagle departed Gibraltar as part of Force H.

Around 1500A/6, the destroyer HMS Vansittart, which had arrived at Gibraltar on the 5th, departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS O1 with her were also the minesweepers HMS Bude, HMS Brixham and HMS Felixtowe.

A few hours later, shortly after dark on the 6th, the landing ships tank HMS Bachaquero, HMS Misoa and HMS Tasajera departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS O1. They were escorted by the M/S trawlers HMS Fluellen, HMS Horatio, HMS Ronaldsay, HMS Shiant, HMS Coriolanus, HMS Eday, HMS Inchmarnock, HMS Kerrera, the motor launches ML 280, ML 458, ML 463, ML 469, ML 471, ML 480, ML 483 and the harbour defence motor launches HDML 1127, HDML 1128 and HDML 1139.

Around 2200A/6, the escort carrier HMS Dasher and the destroyers HMS Wivern, HMS Amazon, HMS Achates, HMS Antelope, HMS Boadicea and HMS Brilliant departed Gibraltar to join the convoys.

Around 0300A/7, the aircraft carrier HMS Furious, AA cruiser HMS Delhi and the escort destroyers HMS Farndale, HMS Avon Vale, HMS Calpe and HMS Puckeridge departed Gibraltar for the operation.

Around 0300A/7, the destroyers HMS Westcott and HMS Verity departed Gibraltar for the operation.

Landing beaches, Oran

The port of Oran, is situated at the head of a large bight between Cape Falcon, the rocky north-eastern end of the promontory of which Pointe Corales is the north-western extremity, to the west and Cap d'Aguille, to the east. This bight is divided into three bays of nearly equal size by Point Canastel and by Point Mers-el-Kebir which projects in an easterly direction from the foot of Jebel Santon and is surmounted by a powerful fortress. The heights of Jebel Murjajo lie westward of Oran with the conspicuous Fort Santa Cruz at their eastern end. The artificial harbour at Oran consists of six basins. It is protected on its northern side by a stone breakwater extending eastwards about a mile and a quarter from Pointe Mona on which, at the eastern end of the cliffs under Jebel Murjajo, lies Fort Lambourne.

The arrangement of landing beaches at Oran was comparatively simple and consisted of three main beaches; 'X', 'Y' and 'Z' and one subsidiary beach 'R'.

An armoured column from Combat Command 'B' would land at 'X' beach which lay at El Mrairia close to Cape Figalo, with orders to capture La Lourmel airfield, block the main roads north-east and south of La Lourmel, advance south of Debkra, and assist in the capture of the airfields at Tafraoui and Es Senia.

The 26th Regimental Combat Team would land at 'Y' beach near Les Andalouses with orders to take control of the Jebel Murjajo heights and capture Oran from the west.

The 18th Regimental Combat Team would land at 'Z-Green' beach near Arzew with the orders to capture the coastal defence, the port of Arzew and the port of Oran from the east. The 16th Regimental Combat Team would land at 'Z-White' beach to secure a bridgehead for Armoured Combat Command 'B', cover the east flank of the Oran Force and then take part in the capture of Oran.

Combat team 'B' would land at 'Z-Red' beach to capture Tafaraoui, Es Senia and Oggaz airfields and assist in capturing Oran from the south.

A portion of the First Ranger Battalion would made a subsidiary landing at 'R' beach southeast of Cape Carbon to capture the batteries at Fort la Ponte. The remainder of the battalion landed in Arzew harbour.

Meanwhile a parachute battalion was flown from the U.K. and dropped at H-hour near Tafaraoui airfield with orders to neutralise all aircraft on Es Senia airfield and capture Tafaraoui landing ground.

Instructions for Assault, Oran Beaches

The fast assault convoy, KMF O1, after proceeding through the Mediterranean at 11.5 knots under the orders of Commodore Troubridge, would meet the slow convoy, KMS O1, in position 36°26'N, 01°15'W around 1600A on 7 November 1942.

Here the convoys are split into nine groups; For ' X ' beach
Group I, 1st Division; Batory, HMS Princess Beatrix, Queen Emma, 2nd Division; Benalbenach, Mark Twain, Mary Slessor and Walt Whitman. They were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Aurora, destroyer HMS Wivern, corvettes HMS Gardenia, HMS Vetch and the motor launch HMS HDML 1139.
Group VIII, LST HMS Bachaquero escorted by the M/S trawler HMS Horatio.

For ' Y ' beach
Group II; HMS Glengyle, Monarch of Bermuda, Llangibby Castle, Clan Mactaggart and Salacia. They were escorted by the destroyers Brilliant, HMS Verity, M/S trawlers HMS Coriolanus, HMS Eday, HMS Inchmarnock, HMS Kerrera and the motor launches HMS ML 458, HMS ML 463, HMS ML 469, HMS ML 471 and HMS HDML 1128.

For ' Z ' beach
Group III, 1st Division; Duchess of Bedford, Durban Castle, Ettrick, Warwick Castle. 2nd Division; Derwentdale, Reina del Pacifico and Tegelberg. They were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Jamaica, escort destroyers HMS Calpe, HMS Farndale, minesweepers HMS Brixham, HMS Bude, HMS Clacton, HMS Felixtowe, HMS Polruan, HMS Rothesay, HMS Rhyl, HMS Stornoway and the motor launches HMS ML 280, HMS HDML 1127.

Group V; Alcinous, Alphard, Charles H. Cramp, Chatanooga City, Delilian, Recorder and Zebulon B. Vance. They were escorted by the sloop HMS Deptford, cutters HMS Hartland, HMS Walney, corvettes HMS Rhododendron, HMS Violet and the motor launches HMS ML 480 and HMS ML 483.

Group VI, 1st division; Derbyshire, Letitia, Mooltan and Nieuw Zeeland. 2nd division, Empire Confidence, Lycaon and Theseus.

Group VII, 1st division, Empire Mordred, Havildar, Pacific Exporter and St. Essylt. 2nd division; Edward Rutledge, William Floyd and William Wirt. Groups VI and VII were escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Delhi, destroyer HMS Vansittart, sloop HMS Aberdeen and the frigates HMS Exe and HMS Swale.

Group IX; LST's HMS Misoa and HMS Tasajera. They were escorted by the M/S trawlers HMS Fluellen, HMS Ronaldsay and HMS Shiant.

For ' R ' beach
Group IV; HMS Royal Scotsman, HMS Royal Ulsterman and HMS Ulster Monarch. They had the same escort as Group III.

Two submarines were stationed off the beaches as beacons, these were HMS Ursula and HMS P 54.

HMS Aurora would be stationed ahead of Group II, HMS Jamaica ahead of Group III and HMS Delhi ahead of Group IV. On reaching position 35°52'N, 00°10'5"W, in the Gulf of Arzew, HMS Jamaica would proceed independently for fire support duty off 'Z' beach. On reaching position 35°48'N, 00°54'W, HMS Aurora was also detached from her group to patrol to the north of Mers-el-Kebir to engage, if needed reinforced by HMS Jamaica, any escaping vessels from Mers-el-Kebir during the darkness. During daylight HMS Aurora was to remain outside the range of the shore batteries. Meanwhile around 0400A/8, HMS Delhi, would leave her group to meet the aircraft carriers at 0530A/8 in position 36°07'N, 00°45'W so as to provide additional AA protection.

The battleship HMS Rodney, escorted by HMS Bulldog, HMS Boreas and HMS Beagle, detached from Force H, was to protect the anchorage from attack by heavy enemy units. She too was to join the carriers around 0530A/8.

Initial landings were to be made at all beaches simultaneously at H-hour with the follow up forces being landed as soon as possible.

Oran attack opens, 8 November 1942.

The attack opened, after some delay at 0116A/8. The assault on 'X' beach was delayed by around 35 minutes due to the strong current. The appearance of a small Vichy-French convoy of four ships escorted by a trawler had also caused some delay. One of the merchant vessels, the Eridan (9928 GRT, built 1929) had sabotaged her engines. She was boarded by an armed guard. The other three merchant vessels, the Agen (4186 GRT, built 1921), Carthage (2440 GRT, built 1897) and Montaigne (2770 GRT, built 1920) initially escaped to the north-east but then ran into Allied forces. They then beached themselves south of Cape Figalo.

The appearance of the convoy had the effect that the minesweepers were badly delayed and were almost run over by the ships proceeding to 'X' beach. The minesweepers were then ordered to keep clear and no sweep was carried out ahead of the ships proceeding to 'X' beach.

Despite some delays and other difficulties [it would go to far to give a full account of the landings here] that landings were successful.

HMS Walney's assault on Oran harbour.

It had been decided, that the cutters HMS Walney and HMS Hartland were to attack Oran harbour to prevent the French from performing demolition operations to destroy the ports facilities. They were to attack shortly after 0300A/8.

The cutters were to land American troops and anti-sabotage parties with orders to seize the shore batteries covering the harbour, prevent the scuttling of the dock and harbour works and prevent the blockage of the harbour. The motor launches ML 480 and ML 483 were to provide a smoke screen. HMS Aurora was to provide cover fire if needed and also to distract and confuse the shore batteries.

The attack was carried out under the command of A/Capt. (Retd.) F.T. Peters, DSO, DSC, RN, which was embarked on board HMS Walney. The attack commenced at 0245A/8, when HMS Walney and HMS Hartland with ML 480 and ML 483 in company, approached the harbour entrance. Sirens were heard sounding ashore and all lights in the town had been extinguished. For a time the force circled off the entrance while an announcement was made in French by loud hailer from HMS Walney. The reply was hostile. A searchlight was quickly trained on the Walney and she came under a heavy, though inaccurate, machine gun fire. Followed by the Hartland, she at once turned away northwards coming round in a full circle to charge the booms. At the same time ML 480 went on ahead to full speed, laying a smoke screen, but hit the outer boom, coming to rest under heavy fire half way across it. She got off again at 0310A/8, just as HMS Walney, after completing her circle, charged the two booms at 15 knots, through the smoke and entered the harbour. On reaching it, A/Capt. Peters, slipped three canoes, manned with special parties, but at least one of the was sunk almost immediately by gunfire.

HMS Walney herself was steaming up the harbour to westwards at slow speed was hit by pompom fire from the Ravin Blanc battery. Half way up the harbour she narrowly missed ramming a French destroyer proceeding towards the harbour entrance. It raked her with two broadsides from point blank range, wrecking her main engines, and a few minutes later she came under heavy cross fire from the destroyer Epervier laying alongside to the south and from submarines and destroyers moored to the northward. At last, blazing forward and amidships, she drifted out of control bows on to the jetty ahead of the Epervier. An attempt to get heaving lines ashore failed and she drifted once more slowly out into the harbour. Her guns were out of action, their crew virtually wiped out. Sixteen officers and men were lying dead on her bridge where A/Capt. Peters was the sole survivor. Below only five officers and men of the landing parties remained alive amidst scenes of undescridale carnage. Nothing further could be done and the ship was abandoned, her few survivors, including A/Capt. Peters were taken prisoner. The abandoned wreck rolled over shortly afterwards.

HMS Hartland's assault on Oran harbour.

When HMS Walney entered Oran harbour at 0310A/8, Lt.Cdr. Billot waited five minutes, in compliance with his orders, before heading towards the harbour entrance. As she approached the smoke screen laid by ML 480, HMS Walney was picked up by a searchlight, and came under a devastating fire from the Ravin Blanc battery which killed nearly all her guns crews and temporarily blinded Lt.Cdr. Billot with a splinter. Before he recovered his sight the ship struck the breakwater, but eventually she entered the harbour and made for her objective, the Quai de Dunkerque, under gunfire from point blank range from the destroyer Typhon laying alongside it. Shells bursting inside her hull brought her to a standstill turning her mess decks, on which the troops were waiting, into shambles. Then with fires raging fore and aft, she drifted alongside the mole but she almost immediately was blown back into the harbour where she anchored while being under heavy fire from the French but these then ceased fire so that the ship could be abandoned. By 0410A/8, all survivors had left and at 0525A/8 there was an explosion on board but she remained afloat buring furiously. She later blew up and sank after a huge explosion which caused damage to buildings in a large area around the mole.

Oran captured.

While HMS Walney and HMS Hartland were gate-crashing into Oran Harbour, HMS Aurora was patrolling five miles away to the northward. At 0527A/8, she opened fire on the searchlight illuminating HMS Hartland, successfully extinguishing its beam. Then shortly before first light she engaged and disabled a Vichy-French destroyer of the Simoun-class from a range of 6000 yards. This destroyer later sank and appears to have been the Tramontaine.

Around 0600A/8, two more destroyers of the Simoun-class were seen leaving Oran, but seeing that they were standing by their sinking consort, HMS Aurora for a time withheld her fire. These destroyers were however soon in action with HMS Boadicea and HMS Calpe, and when they fired torpedoes at HMS Aurora she too opened fire from 13600 yards. In the ensuing fight HMS Boadicea was hit forward, and one of the French destroyers, being severely damaged and set on fire by a broadside, was driven inshore [this was the Tornade]. The action ended abruptly at 0727A/8, when the other destroyer, on being hit aft, turned and fled to the direction of Oran [this was the Typhon]. Meanwhile the sloop / minelayer La Surprise was sunk by HMS Brilliant around 0630A/8.

Aircraft from HMS Furious, HMS Biter and HMS Dasher had meanwhile attacked airfield destroying enemy aircraft on the ground and also in the air with only small losses to themselves.

Shore batteries managed to hit the Reina del Pacifico and Llangibby Castle. HMS Rodney proceeded closer inshore and opened fire at 1010A/8 on the Jebel Santon battery from a range of over 20000 yards. The battery was engaged several times during the day before HMS Rodney retired to seaward again.

Fighting continued on 9 November 1942. At 1024A/9, HMS Jamaica and HMS Aurora engaged the Epervier and Typhon. The Epervier was driven ashore in flames south of Cape de l'Aiguille while the Typhon retired to Oran where she too was beached.

The Vichy-French at Oran capitulated around noon on the 10th. (27)

11 Nov 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) attacks but misses German U-boat U-73 about 25 nautical miles South-South-East of Carboneras, Spain in position 36°44'N, 01°48'W. The British claim to have sunk the uboat but this was not the case.

(All times are zone -1)
1003 hours - Sighted a ship bearing 180°. Altered course to close.

1014 hours - Identified the target as the conning tower of a uboat. Range 7000 yards. Brought all torpedo tubes to the ready.

1037 hours - In position 36°44'N, 01°48W fired six torpedoes from 5200 yards.

1041 hours - Heard one loud explosion. The HE of the target ceased.

1044 hours - The uboat was seen to sink by the stern.

1046 hours - Fast HE was heard. There was nothing in sight except the sinking uboat. It was thought another uboat was in the area.

1100 hours - No HE could be heard. Started to close the uboat's last position.

1130 hours - Sighted a large liner bearing 070°. Course was 220°. Range 7 nautical miles. Speed 14 knots.

1143 hours - The liner was seen to come towards. Ursula was now in the position where the uboat was during the attack.

1148 hours - Heard one explosion. The liner was coming straight towards. Range was 1500 yards.

1228 hours - The liner disappeared on course 230°.

1232 hours - Sighted a uboat following the liner. Unfortunately no more torpedoes were on board (Ursula carried no reloads, the folbots for the special operation had been carried instead) so it could not be attacked with torpedoes. Closed up for gun action. But the uboat dived shortly afterwards. It was thought it was a diffent uboat than the one previously attacked.

Note: in both cases however the uboat was U-73. (1)

12 Nov 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) ended her 32th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean) at Gibraltar. (1)

20 Nov 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 33th war patrol (17th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol between Toulon and Genoa. Ursula also carried two folbots and a party of two that could be employed for train wrecking if a favourable opportunity was to occur.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.

(1)

30 Nov 1942
Druring the night of 30 November / 1 December 1942, HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) landed a party of two to sabotage a railway tunnel near Laigueglia. The party was succesful and was re-embarked later that night.

(All times are zone -1)
1818 hours - Surfaced and closed the coast near Cape Mele to 500 yards.

2015 hours - Launched a folbot with a 2 men party. They were to wreck a train in a tunnel near the village of Laigueglia. The party consisted of Captain Richard Percy Livingstone (SBS) and Sergeant S. Wetherall. Due to the presence of a sentry, the demolition charges had to be laid 150 yards from the tunnel.

2115 hours - Ursula retired to seaward.

2335 hours - Returned to the rendez-vouz position and re-embarked the folbot party. They had managed to place their charges.

0008 hours (Dec. 1st) - Ursula proceeded to seaward. A large flash and an explosion came from the direction of Laigueglia. These were followed by three smaller flashes. It was thought that a train had set off the charges.

See the event of 1 December 1942 for the continuation of the events. (1)

1 Dec 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) sank the Italian auxiliary submarine chaser V 135 / Togo (108 GRT) with scuttling charges about 5 miles south of Capo Mele, Italy (Approximate position 43°54'N, 08°17'E). [The crew of 16 abandoned the vessel, three of them were wounded.]

(All times are zone -1)
0030 hours - While proceeding away from the coast after the train wrecking mission sighted a darkened ship ahead. Position was Cape Mele 120°, 4 nautical miles. Manned the gun and closed to 750 yards.

0100 hours - Opened fire with the deck gun from 500 yards. The 6th round was a hit. This hit was followed by more hits. The crew was seen to abandon ship.

0130 hours - Ursula secured alongside the schooner. It was the 'Togo' of about 100 tons. She was fitted with 2 .3" Breda machine guns, 12 small depth charges. All documents that could be found were taken on board Ursula and scuttling charges were placed.

0215 hours - Slipped and proceeded clear.

0240 hours - A magnificent explosion extending 200 feet into the air. The schooner was completely destroyed. (1)

2 Dec 1942
Between 2300 and 2330 hours (zone -) HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) damaged a train with gunfire near San Lorenzo, Italy. [Italian sources show that one wagon was hit and electric cable was down on a length of 500 metres.] (1)

3 Dec 1942
Between 0125 and 0150 hours HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) bombards olive oil storage tanks at Oneglia, Italy. The action had to be broken off when the gun jammed. Meanwhile Ursula became the target of shore batteries so at 0150 hours she dived and proceeded to seaward.

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

Later on this day Ursula also sank the German merchant Sainte Marguerite II (1855 GRT, built 1921) about 30 nautical miles South-East of Cannes, France in position 43°11'N, 07°19'E. [She was bound from Marseilles, France to Naples, Italy. The German survivors were left with the impression that the submarine was American but no US submarines operated in the Mediterranean during the war.]

(All times are zone -1)
1830 hours - Surfaced in position 43°11'N, 07°19'E and almost immediately sighted a darkened ship bearing 270°. Range was 3.5 nautical miles. Enemy course was 050°. Closed at full speed. Brought the tubes to the ready and manned the gun. The ship appeared to be in ballast and was of about 2000 tons.

1830 hours - Turned to starboard and brought the gun to bear. Range was 750 yards.

1831 hours - Opened fire. Several hits were obtained but after a few minutes the gun again jammed.

1835 hours - Fired one torpedo from about 500 yards. The torpedo ran under.

1840 hours - The ship was now stopped and the gun was in working order again so three more rounds were fired.

1850 hours - Closed the ship and noticed that the crew was abandoning her. The master and chief engineer were taken from the boat.

1900 hours - Went alongside the target and boarded her. Some provisions were taken from her as well as documents.

1940 hours - The seacocks and condeser inlets to the engine room were opened as well as the flood connection to both holds.

2040 hours - Cast off and waited for the ship to sink.

0030 hours (Dec. 4th) - The ship had still not sunk. She was boarded again and scuttling charges were placed. Half an hour later the charges went off and the ship sank almost immediately by the bows. (1)

9 Dec 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) ended her 33th war patrol (17th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (1)

21 Dec 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 34th war patrol (18th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Marettimo Island.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Ursula during this patrol see the map below.

(1)

28 Dec 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant Gran (4140 GRT, built 1938, former Norwegian Gran offsite link) about 12 nautical miles north-west of Marettimo Island, Italy in position 38°09'N, 11°54'E.

(All times are zone -1)
0530 hours - In position 38°09'N, 11°51'E sighted a large merchant ship escorted by two destroyers. Range 10000 yards. Started attack.

0542 hours - Dived.

0553 hours - In position 38°09'N, 11°54'E fired three torpedoes from 750 yards. Loud explosions were heard after 32, 38 and 45 seconds. These were followed by breaking up noises. Meanwhile Ursula went to 150 feet and retired from the scene.

0606 hours - Depth charging started. No hunt followed.

According to Italian sources the escort vessels present were the Italian destroyer Lampo and the Italian torpedo boat Pallade. Gran was en-route from Napels to Bizerte. (1)

30 Dec 1942
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) was in rammed and damaged while she was in the process of attacking a southbound convoy of three large merchant vessels escorted by four destroyers North of Cape St Vito, Sicily, near position 38°43'N, 12°40'E. Ursula had penetrated the destroyer screen and was on the point of firing torpedoes when the convoy as a whole changed course and overran Ursula destroying both periscopes and standards, as well as damage to the conning tower. The attack had to be broken off. These were probably Oriani (352 GRT, built 1942), Manzoni (4550 GRT, built 1942) and Mario Roselli (6835 GRT, built 1942), escorted by the destroyers Maestrale, Corsaro and Lampo and the torpedo boats Sirio and Pallade.]

(All times are zone -1)
0023 hours - Received a signal from Capt. S-10 ordering Ursula to proceed to a new patrol position 360°, Cape San Vito, 12 nautical miles. Immediately set new course and proceed at full speed for this new patol position.

0504 hours - Shortly after arriving in this patrol area sighted a convoy of three merchant ships escorted by four destroyers. Range was 9000 yards. Course 240°. Speed 15 knots. Started attack.

0509 hours - Dived and closed at full submerged speed. Started an attack on the leading merchant ship, the biggest, thought to be of about 5000 tons.

0513 hours - The leading destroyer passed ahead. Ursula went a bit deeper then periscope depth when the destroyer passed.

0515 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Found that the situation had changed. The convoy had made a zig towards of about 35°.

0520 hours - The target was now 600 yards off and came towards. Ursula had to be taken deep but she hang for over a minute at 25 feet.

0522 hours - When at 29 feet Ursula was hit by the ship on the periscope standards and bridge.

0525 hours - The rear destroyer of the convoy passed overhead.

0600 hours - The HE of the convoy faded away.

0601 hours - Surfaced and proceeded at full speed to clear the area. The damage was; both periscopes and periscope standards bent and useless. The upper telegraphs were broken, centre section of jumping wire carried away, night light smashed and superficial damage to the bridge.

0621 hours - Passed enemy report to Capt. S.10.

0643 hours - Dived in position 38°43'N, 12°40'E.

1828 hours - Surfaced in position 38°53'N, 12°38'E.

2100 hours - Passed situation report to Capt. S.10. Altered course to return to Algiers. Due to the damage sustained the patrol had to be broken off. (1)

4 Jan 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) ended her 34th war patrol (18th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. The damage Ursula had sustained required extensive repairs. Also she suffered from generator problems yet again. (1)

20 Feb 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) carried out independent exercises off Algiers. (28)

21 Feb 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) carried out A/S exercises off Algiers with the British destroyers HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HMS Bicester (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN). (28)

22 Feb 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for Gibraltar. She is to return to the U.K.

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

(1)

26 Feb 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (1)

1 Mar 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for the U.K.

No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (1)

8 Mar 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) attacked a German U-boat with four torpedoes in position 44°48'N, 12°13'W. No hits were obtained. [the U-boat attacked was most likely U-462]

1430 hours - Heard HE bearing Red 150°. The Officer of the Watch sighted the conning tower of a uboat bearing Red 165°, course uncertain.

1445 hours - Lt. Profit now also sighted the uboat throught the Low Power periscope (The attack periscope was defective). Bearing Green 25°. Enemy course 040°. Range 2300 yards. Started attack.

1451 hours - In position 44°48'N, 12°13'W fired four torpedoes. No hits were obtained. (1)

13 Mar 1943
At 1030 hours, HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN), makes redez-vouz off Bishops Rock with her escort, the ASW trawler HMS Asie (Skr. E.A. Mutten, RNR). (1)

14 Mar 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (1)

4 Apr 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) shifted from Portsmouth to Portland. She makes the passage together with HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) and HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN). They were escorted by HMS Kingston Turquoise (Ch.Skr. H.E. Dodd, RNR).

6 Apr 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) shifted from Portland to Plymouth. She makes the passage together with HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) and HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, RN). They were escorted by HMS Kingston Turquoise (Ch.Skr. H.E. Dodd, RNR).

10 Apr 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for Holy Loch. (20)

12 Apr 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (20)

16 Apr 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Londonderry. (20)

17 Apr 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) arrived at Londonderry. She was to participate in A/S exercises out of Londonderry and Larne. (20)

3 May 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises in the Clyde area with ML's. (29)

5 May 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (29)

6 May 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (29)

7 May 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (29)

10 May 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (29)

11 May 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (29)

12 May 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (29)

13 May 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (29)

15 May 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (29)

16 May 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN). (30)

17 May 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN). These included night attacks. (29)

18 May 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (29)

20 May 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (29)

21 May 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (29)

22 May 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (29)

26 May 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) shifted from Larne to Campbeltown. (29)

27 May 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (29)

28 May 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. Upon completion of these exercises she proceeded to Larne. (29)

30 May 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) shifted from Larne to Lough Foyle, Northern Ireland. (29)

1 Jun 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Scimitar (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Cuthbertson, DSC, RNR). (30)

2 Jun 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Scimitar (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Cuthbertson, DSC, RNR). (30)

3 Jun 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) departed Moville, Northern Ireland for Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS Scimitar (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Cuthbertson, DSC, RNR). Before departure exercises were carried out with HMS Scimitar. (30)

4 Jun 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) arrived at Rothesay. (30)

12 Jun 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. At Campbeltown she was to participate in A/S exercises. (30)

13 Jun 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (30)

14 Jun 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (30)

15 Jun 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (30)

16 Jun 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (30)

17 Jun 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (30)

18 Jun 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (30)

20 Jun 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (30)

21 Jun 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (30)

22 Jun 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (30)

23 Jun 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (30)

24 Jun 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (30)

25 Jun 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (30)

27 Jun 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (30)

28 Jun 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (30)

29 Jun 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (30)

30 Jun 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (30)

1 Jul 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (31)

2 Jul 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (31)

4 Jul 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (31)

5 Jul 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (31)

6 Jul 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (31)

7 Jul 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (31)

8 Jul 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (31)

10 Jul 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Kingfisher (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) G.H. Gandy, RN). (31)

11 Jul 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (31)

12 Jul 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (31)

13 Jul 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (31)

15 Jul 1943
HMS Ursula (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) shifted from Campbeltown to Rothesay. En-route exercises were carried out with aircraft from HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN). (31)

19 Jul 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) departed Rothesay for Blyth where she was to refit. She was escorted until 1220/21 by the Free French corvette FFS Renoncule.

At 1220/21 the British ASW trawler HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR) took over the escort. (31)

22 Jul 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) arrived at Blyth. Before her refit could start in early August Urusla was used for training. (31)

27 Jul 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth. (31)

29 Jul 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (31)

2 Aug 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. (32)

4 Aug 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) commenced refit at Blyth. (20)

24 Nov 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) ended her refit at Blyth. (33)

30 Nov 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) shifted from Blyth to Gateshead. (33)

2 Dec 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) shifted from Gateshead to Blyth. At Blyth she started conducting trials. (34)

6 Dec 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth. (34)

7 Dec 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth. (34)

8 Dec 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth. (34)

9 Dec 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth. (34)

17 Dec 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) departed Blyth for Rothesay. She makes the passage together with HMS Trusty (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) and HMS Uther (Lt. P.S. Beale, RN). They were escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR) until 1305/18 when HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR) took over the escort. Also HMS Telemachus (Cdr. W.D.A. King, DSO, DSC, RN) joined the convoy. (34)

19 Dec 1943
In very bad weather, HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN), HMS Trusty (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN), HMS Uther (Lt. P.S. Beale, RN) and HMS Telemachus (Cdr. W.D.A. King, DSO, DSC, RN) loose contact witch their escort HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR). All ships sought shelter in Stornoway.

They all departed for the Clyde the next day when the weather had cleared. (34)

21 Dec 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) arrived at Rothesay. From now on Ursula is used as a training submarine. (34)

31 Dec 1943
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Kingfisher (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) G.H. Gandy, RN). (34)

4 Jan 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with ORP Dragon (Cdr. S.T. Dzienisiewicz). (35)

6 Jan 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (35)

7 Jan 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. (35)

9 Jan 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (35)

10 Jan 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J.B. Henderson, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR). (35)

11 Jan 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (35)

12 Jan 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Altair (T/Lt. J.L. James, RNR) and HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR). (35)

13 Jan 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Altair (T/Lt. J.L. James, RNR) and HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J.B. Henderson, RNR). (35)

16 Jan 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR). (35)

17 Jan 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR) and HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (35)

18 Jan 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Lycett, DSC, RD, RNR). (35)

21 Jan 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J.B. Henderson, RNR) and HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. C.A. Collins, RNR). (35)

23 Jan 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR) and HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (35)

26 Jan 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR) and HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR). (35)

29 Jan 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H.T. Pitt, RN) and HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR). (35)

30 Jan 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Valena (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A. McKinlay, RNR) and HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J.B. Henderson, RNR). (35)

31 Jan 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Valena (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A. McKinlay, RNR) and HMS La Flore (Lt. J. Mayling, RN). (35)

1 Feb 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR), HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN), HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR) and HMS La Flore (Lt. J. Mayling, RN). (36)

2 Feb 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR), HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN), HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR). (36)

3 Feb 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Rothesay. (36)

6 Feb 1944
HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.R.B. Newton, RN) departed Rothesay for Liverpool where she is to refit at the Cammell Laird Shipyard at Birkenhead.

HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) departed Rothesay for Heysham from where she is to participate in A/S exercises.

HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) departed Rothesay for Fishguard from where she is to participate in A/S exercises.

The submarines departed Rosyth around 1000A/6. They were escorted by HMS Blade (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR). (37)

8 Feb 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) arrived at Fishguard. Here she will be used in A/S exercises with aircraft. (36)

11 Feb 1944
During 11/12 February 1944, HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN), conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. These included night exercises. (36)

12 Feb 1944
During 12/13 February 1944, HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN), conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. These included night exercises. (36)

13 Feb 1944
During 13/14 February 1944, HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN), conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. These included night exercises. (36)

14 Feb 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. (36)

17 Feb 1944
During 17/18 February 1944, HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN), conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. These included night exercises. (36)

18 Feb 1944
During 18/19 February 1944, HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN), conducted A/S exercises off Fishguard with aircraft. These included night exercises. (36)

20 Feb 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) departed Fishguard for Rothesay. (36)

21 Feb 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (36)

24 Feb 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) proceeded from Rothesay to Kames Bay where she was immediately docked. (36)

26 Feb 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) was undocked. She immediately returned to Rothesay. (36)

28 Feb 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Kames bay where she was docked again. (36)

8 Mar 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) was undocked at Kames Bay. She immediately returned to Rothesay. (38)

18 Mar 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (38)

19 Mar 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) departed Rothesay for Scapa Flow. She makes the passage together with HMS Unison (T/Lt. P.C.S. Pritchard, RNR). They were escorted by HMS Pennywort (T/Lt. A.W. James, RNR). (38)

21 Mar 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow where she is used for A/S exercises. (38)

22 Mar 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. (38)

23 Mar 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), HMS Wakeful (Lt.Cdr. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN), HMS Milne (Capt. I.M.R. Campbell, DSO, RN) and HMS Opportune (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO and Bar, RN). (38)

24 Mar 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Saumarez (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMCS Algonquin (A/Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN), HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN) and HMS Ursa (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, DSC, RN). (38)

25 Mar 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Ursa (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, DSC, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. P.B.N. Lewis, DSC, RN) and HNoMS Svenner (Lt.Cdr. T. Holte). (38)

26 Mar 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. P.B.N. Lewis, DSC, RN), HMS Wakeful (Lt.Cdr. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN) and HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN). (38)

28 Mar 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Dundee. She was escorted by HMS Scalby Wyke (Skr. A. Mackay, RNR). (38)

29 Mar 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) arrived at Dundee. (38)

11 Apr 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Dundee with HMS ML 229 (T/Lt. W.C.R. Walsh, RNVR) and A/S exercises off Methill with HMS ML 201 (T/Lt. G.T. Bruce, RNVR) and HMS HDML 1070 (T/Skr. J. Clark, RNR). (39)

12 Apr 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Methill with HMS ML 201 (T/Lt. G.T. Bruce, RNVR), HMS HDML 1036 (T/Skr. D.G. Spindler, CGM, RNR). (39)

13 Apr 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Methill with HMS ML 201 (T/Lt. G.T. Bruce, RNVR) and HMS HDML 1047 (T/Skr. P. Reid, RNR).

14 Apr 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Methill with HMS ML 201 (T/Lt. G.T. Bruce, RNVR), three HDML's and HMS Stoke City (T/Lt. J.P.P. Tyndall, RNVR). (39)

15 Apr 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) arrived at Rosyth after several days of exercises off Methill. (39)

15 Apr 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Methill with HMS Westminster (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, DSC, RN), HMS Valorous (Lt. M.G. Macleod, RN), HMS Preston North End (T/Lt. D.K. Bennett, DSC, RNVR), HMS Spurs (A/Skr.Lt. E.J. Day, RNR) and HMS Arab (T/Lt. J.S.H. Lloyd, RNVR). (39)

17 Apr 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) departed Rosyth for more A/S exercises. (39)

17 Apr 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Methill with HMS Stoke City (T/Lt. J.P.P. Tyndall, RNVR). (39)

18 Apr 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Methill with HMS Castleton (Lt. S.E. Jagger, RN), HMS Polka (T/Lt. I.A. Thorpe, MBE, RNVR), HMS Leicester City (T/Lt. C.E. Irving, RNVR), HMS Valse (T/Lt. E.J. Newell, RNVR) and HMS Spurs (A/Skr.Lt. E.J. Day, RNR). (39)

19 Apr 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) arrived at Dundee. (39)

19 Apr 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) participated in RD/F exercises off Methill. Upon completion of these exercises HMS Ursula proceeded to Dundee. (39)

27 Apr 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) departed Dundee for Blyth where she arrived later the same day. At Blyth she is immediately docked to change the propellers. (39)

28 Apr 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) was undocked. (39)

29 Apr 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) shifted from Blyth to Dundee. (39)

6 May 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) shifted from Dundee to Rosyth. (40)

9 May 1944
On board HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) the training of the new Russian crew is to to take her over begins. (40)

19 May 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted exercises off Rosyth. (40)

21 May 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted exercises off Rosyth. (40)

25 May 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted exercises off Rosyth. (40)

26 May 1944
HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN) conducted exercises off Rosyth. (40)

30 May 1944
At Rosyth, HMS Ursula (Lt. A.G. Davies, RN), is decommissioned by the Royal Navy and transferred to the Soviet Union. (40)