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Notable events involving Clyde include:

The history of HMS Clyde as compiled on this page is extracted the from patrol reports and logbooks of this submarine as well as several other files. Corrections and details regarding information from the enemy's side (for instance the identifiction of (escort) ships and composition of convoys attacked) is kindly provided by Mr. Platon Alexiades, a naval researcher from Canada.

This page was last updated in January 2019.

31 Aug 1939

HMS Clyde (Cdr. W.E. Banks, RN) and HMS Severn (Lt.Cdr. B.W. Taylor, RN) both departed Gibraltar for Freetown where they were to join the South Atlantic Command for convoy defence duties. (1)

7 Sep 1939
HMS Clyde (Cdr. W.E. Banks, RN) arrived at Freetown. (2)

8 Sep 1939
HMS Clyde (Cdr. W.E. Banks, RN) departed Freetown for her 1st war patrol. she was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Guinea.

No map can be displayed as there is no log available for HMS Clyde for this period. (3)

1 Oct 1939

1 October 1939, an enemy raider reported in the South Atlantic and Indian Ocean.
The chase of the German ‘pocket battleship’ Admiral Graf Spee

Movements of the German ‘pocket battleship’ Admiral Graf Spee 21 August 1939 – 13 December 1939.

Before the Second World War had started, on 21 August 1939, the German ‘pocked battleship’ Admiral Graf Spee departed Wilhelmshaven bound for the South Atlantic. On 1 September the Admiral Graf Spee was off the Canary Islands where she made rendes-vous with the supply ship Altmark and supplies were transferred.

On 11 September another rendes-vous was made with the Altmark in the South Atlantic. The Admiral Graf Spee had launched her Arado floatplane to scout in the area as supplies were transferred. The aircraft spotted the British heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland (Capt. W.H.G. Fallowfield, RN). The German ships then immediately parted company and cleared the area at high speed. Two days later, on the 13th, the ships again met and fueling was completed. The Admiral Graf Spee was still under orders to remain unseen.

On 20 September 1939 the Admiral Graf Spee and Altmark met again to fuel. On the 26th the Admiral Graf Spee was ordered to start raiding the British trade lanes. She then proceeded towards the Pernambuco area.

On 30 September 1939 the Admiral Graf Spee found her first victim, the British merchant vessel Clement (5050 GRT, built 1934) that was en-route from New York, U.S.A. to Bahia, Brasil. She then sank the ship in position 09°05’S, 34°05’W. The Admiral Graf Spee then proceeded eastwards and found three more victims between 5 and 10 October. On the 5th she captured the British merchant Newton Beech (4644 GRT, built 1925) in position 09°35’S, 06°30’W. This ship was en-route from Capetown to the U.K. via Freetown. On the 7th she sank the British merchant Ashlea (4222 GRT, built 1929) in position 09°52’S, 03°28’W. This ship was en-route from Durban to Falmouth. The crew of the Ashlea was transferred to the Newton Beech. The next day both crew were transferred to the Admiral Graf Spee and the Newton Beech was scuttled. On 10 October the Admiral Graf Spee captured the British merchant Huntsman (8196 GRT, built 1921) in position 08°30’S, 05°15’W. This ship was en-route from Calcutta to the U.K. On 15 October 1939 the Admiral Graf Spee met the Altmark again to receive supplies and fuel. On the 17th the crew of the Huntsman was transferred to the Altmark and the ship was scuttled in approximate position 16°S, 17°W. The next day the crews of the Newton Beech and Ashlea were also transferred to the Altmark and the German ships then parted company.

On 22 October 1939, the Admiral Graf Spee sank her next victim, the British merchant Trevanion (5299 GRT, built 1937) which was en-route from Port Pirie (Australia) to Swansea. This ship was sunk in position 19°40’S, 04°02’E. On 28 October 1939, near Tristan da Cunha, the Admiral Graf Spee once more refuelled from the Altmark. The Admiral Graf Spee then set course for the Indian Ocean.

On 15 November 1939 she sank the small British tanker Africa Shell (706 GRT, built 1939) in position 24°45’S, 35°00’E. This ship was in ballast and en-route from Quelimane (Portugese East Africa now called Mozambique) to Lourenco Marques (now Maputo, also in Portugese East Africa / Mozambique). Next day the Admiral Graf Spee stopped the Dutch merchant Mapia (7188 GRT, built 1923) but had to let her go as she was a neutral ship. The Admiral Graf Spee then set course to return to the South Atlantic where she met once more with the Altmark on 27 November 1939 and the next day she fuelled from her about 300 miles from Tristan da Cunha.

On 2 December 1939, the Admiral Graf Spee sank her largest victim, the British merchant Doric Star (10086 GRT, built 1921),in position 19°15’S, 05°05’E. This ship was en-route from Auckland, New Zealand to the U.K. The next morning the Admiral Graf Spee sank the British merchant Tairoa (7983 GRT, built 1920) in position 19°40’S, 04°02’E. This ship was en-route from Brisbane, Australia to London. On 6 December 1939 the Admiral Graf Spee refuelled once more from the Altmark. She then set course to the River Plate area where the British merchant traffic was the thickest. She was to sink more ships there and disrupt British shipping movements in that area before returning to Germany.

On 7 December 1939 the Admiral Graf Spee sank what was to be her last victim, the British merchant Streonshalh (3895 GRT, built 1928) in position 25°01’S, 27°50’W. This ship was en-route from Montevideo to Freetown and then onwards to the U.K.

Then in the morning of 13 December 1939, her smoke was sighted by three cruisers from the South America Division. More on this in the article ‘The Battle of the River Plate, 13 December 1939’.

British Dispositions in the South Atlantic / South America area

Shortly before the outbreak of the war the South America Division of the America and West Indies Station was transferred to the newly formed South Atlantic Station. The South America Division at that moment consisted of the heavy cruiser HMS Exeter (Capt. F.S. Bell, RN, flying the flag of Commodore H.H. Harwood, OBE, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Ajax (Capt. C.H.L. Woodhouse, RN). In late August 1939 HMS Exeter was at Devonport with her crew on foreign leave when she was recalled to South American waters. On 25 August 1939 she sailed from Devonport. HMS Exeter arrived at Freetown on 1 September 1939. Commodore Harwood then met the Commander-in-Chief South Atlantic Station, Vice-Admiral G. D’Oyly Lyon, CB, RN. Later the same day HMS Exeter sailed for Rio de Janeiro.

Meanwhile four destroyers from the 4th Destroyer Division, Mediterranean Fleet, the HMS Hotspur (Cdr. H.F.H. Layman, RN), HMS Havock (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Courage, RN), HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicholson, RN) and HMS Hunter (Lt.Cdr. L. de Villiers, RN) had left Gibraltar on 31 August 1939 for Freetown.

HMS Ajax was already on station off the coast of South America. Shortly after noon on 3 September she intercepted the German merchant vessel Olinda (4576 GRT, built 1927) in position 34°58’S, 53°32’W. This ship was en-route from Montivideo to Germany. As HMS Ajax had no prize crew available the ship was sunk by gunfire a few hours later. In the afternoon of the next day, the 4th, HMS Ajax intercepted another German ship, the Carl Fritzen (6594 GRT, built 1920) in position 33°22’S, 48°50’W. This ship was en-route from Rotterdam to Buenos Aires. This ship was also sunk with gunfire.

On 5 September two of the destroyers from the 4th Destroyer Division, HMS Hotspur and HMS Havock departed Freetown to join the South America Division. They were ordered to examine Trinidade Island on the way. On 8 September 1939 the heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland (Capt. W.H.G. Fallowfield, RN) departed Freetown to join the South America Division as well. This cruiser came from the Home Fleet and had arrived at Freetown on the 7th.

On 7 September 1939, HMS Exeter entered Rio de Janeiro where Commodore Harwood had a meeting with the Brazilian Secretary-General of Foreign Affairs and H.M. Ambassadors to Brazil and Argentine. HMS Exeter departed Rio de Janeiro the next day. Later that day Commodore Harwood was informed by the Admiralty that the German merchant ships General Artigas (11343 GRT, built 1923), Gloria (5896 GRT, built 1917) and Monte Pascoal (13870 GRT, built 1931) were assembling off the Patagonian coast. He decided to move both HMS Exeter and HMS Ajax south, and ordered the Ajax to meet him at 0800/9. They actually made rendezvous at 0700 hours. The Commodore considered it possible that the German merchant ships might embark German reservists and raid the Falkland Islands therefore he decided to sent HMS Ajax there. HMS Exeter proceeded to the Plate area to cover that important area.

On the evening of the 10th, Commodore Harwood was informed that the transportation of German reservists by the three German merchant ships was very unlikely but as it appeared probable that the German ships were converting themselves into armed raiders the Commodore decided to start short distance convoys from the Santos-Rio and Plate areas. He therefore ordered HMS Cumberland to refuel at Rio de Janeiro on her arrival there and to organize and run ‘out’ convoys in that area with HMS Havock as A/S escort. The convoys were to leave at dawn and be protected against submarines and surface raiders until dusk. The ships were then to be dispersed so that they would be far apart by dawn the next day. At the same time the Commodore ordered HMS Hotspur to join him in the Plate area after refuelling at Rio de Janeiro, so that similar convoys could be started from Montevideo. If one of the German ‘pocket battleships’ was to arrive of South America, HMS Cumberland was to abandon the convoy sheme and join HMS Exeter in the Plate area. Also on the 10th, Commodore Harwood was informed by the Admiralty that the German merchant Montevideo (6075 GRT, built 1936) was leaving Rio Grande do Sul for Florianopolis but decided not to intercept her as this would divert HMS Exeter 500 nautical miles from the Plate area.

On the night of 12 September 1939 the Commodore was informed by the British Naval Attaché, Buenos Aires, that a concentration of German reservists was taking place in southern Argentina with the Falklands as a possible objective. He therefore ordered HMS Ajax to remain in the Falklands till the situation cleared, and the Commodore then proceeded south of the Plate area to be closer to the Falklands himself and yet remain in easy reach of the Plate area. During the next few days HMS Exeter intercepted several British and neutral vessels.

In view of a report that the German merchant vessels Porto Alegré (6105 GRT, built 1936) and Monte Olivia (13750 GRT, built 1925) were leaving Santos on 15 September 1939 Commodore Harwood decided to start the short distance convoys from Montevideo as soon as possible. HMS Cumberland had meanwhile arranged a twelve-hour convoy system from Santos. Ships from Rio de Janeiro for Freetown would sail at dawn on odd numbered days, and ships for the south on even numbered days with HMS Havock as anti-submarine escort and HMS Cumberland in distant support. HMS Cumberland left Rio de Janeiro on 16 September and during the next eight days sighted 15 British and neutral ships while on patrol.

On 17 September 1939, HMS Hotspur joined HMS Exeter in the Plate area. HMS Exeter then made a visit to Montevideo and resumed her patrol off the Plate area on the 20th. Fuelling was done from the oiler RFA Olwen (6470 GRT, built 1917, Master B. Tunnard) in the mouth of the River Plate. Soon after leaving Montevideo on 20 September Commodore Harwood learned from the British Naval Attaché, Buenos Aires, that the local German authorities were endeavoring to inform German ships at sea that the British merchant Lafonia (1872 GRT, built 1911) was on her way to the Falklands with British reservists for the Falkland Islands defence force. It was also reported that on 17 September an unknown warship had passed Punta Arenas eastwards. In view of these reports and of other pointing out that German merchant ships in southern waters were being outfitted as armed raiders the Commodore ordered HMS Hotsput to escort the Laofona to Port Stanley. As the volume of trade in the Plate area was greater than in the Rio de Janeiro – Santos area, HMS Havock was ordered to proceed southwards to the Plate area.

The first local convoy outward from Montevideo sailed on 22 September 1939. It consisted of the British merchant ships Sussex (11062 GRT, built 1937), Roxby (4252 GRT, built 1923), El Ciervo (5841 GRT, built 1923) in addition to the earlier mentioned Lafonia, and was escorted by HMS Hotspur. HMS Exeter met this convoy during the forenoon and covered it throughout the day. At dusk the merchant ships were dispersed on prearranged courses while HMS Exeter remained within supporting distance and HMS Hotspur escorted the Lafonia to Port Stanley.

On 24 September 1939, Vice-Admiral Lyon (C-in-C, South Atlantic) and Commodore Harwood learned from the Naval Attaché, Buenos Aires, that ‘according to a reliable source’ arrangements had been made for a number of German ships and a submarine to meet near Ascension on 28 September 1939. HMS Cumberland was ordered to proceed there and HMS Ajax was ordered to leave the Falklands and take up her place in the Rio de Janeiro area. HMS Neptune (Capt. J.A.V. Morse, DSO, RN) was also ordered to proceed to the area off Ascension with the destroyers HMS Hyperion and HMS Hunter which departed Freetown on the 25th. No German ships were however encountered off Ascension and all ships then proceeded to Freetown where they arrived on 2 October 1939 with HMS Cumberland low on fuel.

While HMS Cumberland left the station to search for the German ships, HMS Exeter and HMS Ajax were sweeping of the Plate and Rio de Janeiro – Santos area respectively. On 27 September 1939, HMS Havock escorted a convoy made up of the British merchants Miguel de Larrinaga (5231 GRT, built 1924), Pilar de Larringa (7352 GRT, built 1918) and Sarthe (5271 GRT, built 1920) out of the Plate area. The next day another convoy, made up of the British merchants Adellen (7984 GRT, built 1930), Cressdene (4270 GRT, built 1936), Holmbury (4566 GRT, built 1925), Lord Byron (4118 GRT, built 1934), Ramillies (4553 GRT, built 1927) and Waynegate (4260 GRT, built 1931) left the Plate area escorted by HMS Havock and with cover from HMS Exeter.

At daylight on 29 September 1939 HMS Ajax was off Rio de Janeiro ready to escort ships sailing northward. She sighted none until the early afternoon when she met the Almeda Star (12848 GRT, built 1926) and a few hours later the tanker San Ubaldo (5999 GRT, built 1921). That night several neutral steamers were sighted off Rio de Janeiro and the next day the British La Pampa (4149 GRT, built 1938) was met and escorted during daylight on her way to Santos. So far on the work of the South American Division during September 1939. The ships assigned to Commodore Harwood had been busy patrolling and escorting ships near the focal areas.

A surface raider reported, 1 October 1939.

When a report that the British merchant Clement had been sunk on 30 September 1939 by a surface raider off Pernambuco was received by the Admiralty in the afternoon of October 1st, the C-in-C, South Atlantic was informed that he should retain the 4th Destroyer Division and that his command would be reinforced by the cruisers HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.G.B. Wilson, DSO, RN), HMS Capetown (Capt. T.H. Back, RN), HMS Effingham (Capt. J.M. Howson, RN), HMS Emerald (Capt. A.W.S. Agar, VC, DSO, RN) and HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.J. Egerton, RN). Also the battleships HMS Resolution (Capt. C.H. Knox-Little, RN), HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) and the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN) were to proceed to either Jamaica or Freetown. These dispositions however never materialised being superseded on 5 October 1939 by a more general policy (the institution of hunting groups) which cancelled them.

The institution of hunting groups, 5 October 1939.

On 5 October 1939 the Admiralty formed five hunting groups in the Atlantic and Indian Ocean of sufficient strength to destroy any ‘pocket battleship’ or Hipper-class cruiser. These were;
Force F; area: North America and West Indies.
HMS Berwick (Capt. I.M. Palmer, DSC, RN),
HMS York (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN),
Force G; area: S.E. coast of South America.
HMS Cumberland,
HMS Exeter
Force H; area: Cape of Good Hope, South Africa.
HMS Sussex (Capt. A.R. Hammick, RN),
HMS Shropshire (Capt. A.W.LaT. Bisset, RN),
Force I; area: Ceylon.
HMS Cornwall (Capt. C.F. Hamill, RN),
HMS Dorsetshire (Capt. B.S.C. Martin, RN),
HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, RN),
Force K; area: Pernambuco, Brazil.
HMS Renown (Capt. C.E.B. Simeon, RN),
HMS Ark Royal (Capt. A.J. Power, RN),
Force L; area: Brest, France.
Dunkerque (Capt. J.L. Nagadelle, replaced by Capt. M.J.M. Seguin on 16 October),
Bearn (Capt. M.M.A. Lafargue, replaced by Capt. Y.E. Aubert on 7 October),
Georges Leygues (Capt. R.L. Perot),
Gloire (Capt. F.H.R. de Belot),
Montcalm (Capt. P.J. Ronarc’h),
Force M; area: Dakar, Senegal.
Dupleix (Capt. L.L.M. Hameury),
Foch (Capt. J. Mathieu),
and Force N; area: West Indies.
Strasbourg (Capt. J.F.E. Bouxin),
HMS Hermes
.

The institution of the hunting groups were not the only measures taken. The battleships HMS Resolution, HMS Revenge and the light cruisers HMS Emerald and HMS Enterprise were ordered to proceed to Halifax, Nova Scotia to escort homeward bound convoys. Light cruiser HMS Effingham was to join them later. The battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, DSO, RN) left Gibraltar on 5 October for the same duty but was recalled the next day when the battleship HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN) and the aircraft carrier HMS Glorious (Capt. G. D’Oyly-Hughes, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) were ordered to leave the Mediterranean and proceed to the Indian Ocean where they formed an addition hunting group, Force J which was to operate in the Socotra area off the entrance to the Gulf of Aden.

Now back to the South Atlantic, on 9 October 1939 the C-in-C, South Atlantic had informed the Admiralty and Commodore Harwood that he intended to co-ordinate the movements of ‘Force G’, ‘Force H’ and ‘Force K’. As this would entail long periods of wireless silence in ‘Force G’ he proposed that Commodore Harwood should transfer his flag to HMS Ajax, leaving Capt. Fallowfield of HMS Cumberland in command of Force G. The Admiralty approved of this. Commodore Harwood stated that it was his intention to transfer his flag from HMS Exeter to HMS Ajax in the River Plate area on 27 October. He also stated that the endurance of HMS Exeter was only half the endurance of HMS Cumberland and that this would prove problematic when they were to operate together and he proposed that the Exeter would be relieved by another 10000 ton cruiser but for the moment no suitable cruiser was available to relieve her.

On 12 October 1939 the first of the hunting forces arrived on their station when HMS Renown and HMS Ark Royal reached Freetown that morning coming from the U.K. They were soon followed by three more destroyers of the H-class coming from the Mediterranean; HMS Hardy (Capt. B.A. Warburton-Lee, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN) and HMS Hostile (Cdr. J.P. Wright, RN). On 13 October 1939 the cruisers HMS Sussex and HMS Shropshire arrived at Simonstown from the Mediterranean and one day later HMS Hermes arrived at Dakar from Plymouth.

The South America Division during the first half of October 1939.

When the news of an enemy raider in the South Atlantic reached the C-in-C at Freetown on 1 October 1939 he immediately suspended sailings from Pernambuco and Natal and he ordered HMS Havock and HMS Hotspur to escort British ships clear of the area. But next morning he cancelled these dispositions and ordered Commodore Harwood to concentrate HMS Exeter, HMS Ajax and the two destroyers off Rio de Janeiro. By this time, however, the raider was far away from the South American coast. On 3 October 1939 the Commodore signalled the C-in-C that he intened to concentrate the Exeter and Ajax off Rio and have the Hotspur to cover the Rio – Santos area and keep the Havock off the Plate but upon receiving the orders from the C-in-C to concentrate he ordered to destroyers to join the cruisers after fuelling but not later then 0800 hours on 4 October. Reports that the enemy raider was not a ‘pocket battleship’ however kept coming in and the Commodore decided that he could not leave the heavy traffic in the Plate area without some form of protection and he ordered HMS Havock to return there but when a report coming in from Bahia, Brazil confirmed that the Clement had been sunk by the ‘pocket battleship’ Admiral Scheer the Commodore once more ordered HMS Havock to join him. In the end HMS Ajax joined HMS Exeter at 1700/3, HMS Hotspur at 0500/4 and finally HMS Havock at 1300/4.

The Commodore was also informed by the Admiralty that the New Zealand cruiser HMS Achilles (New Zealand Division) (Capt. W.E. Parry, RN) would join his station coming from the west coast of South America. HMS Cumberland left Freetown at 1900/3 to join the Commodore in the Rio de Janeiro area as well.

Commodore Harwood’s policy against enemy raiders and a new raider report coming on on 5 October 1939.

Commodore Harwood had decided to keep his forces concentrated and as no new raider reports had come in to patrol the Rio de Janeiro area in accordance with the C-in-C, South Atlantic’s order. If he met a ‘pocket battleship’ he intended to shadow it until dusk. He would then close and attack in the dark hours. If, on the other hand, he made contact at night, his destroyers would at once close the enemy’s beam and attack her with torpedoes.

On 5 October 1939, the British merchant Martand (7967 GRT, built 1939) informed HMS Cumberland that a German armed raider had attacked an unknown ship, this unknown ship was in fact the Newton Beech that was attacked about 900 nautical miles away. This information was not acted upon by the Commanding Officer of the Cumberland. The Captain of the Cumberland assumed the raider report would have been intercepted by other ships and passed on to the C-in-C, South Atlantic. He considered it was important to keep radio silence and decided against breaking it. The Admiralty however later was of the opinion that the report should have been passed on to the Commander-in-Chief.

By 5 October 1939, the Exeter, Ajax, Havock and Hotspur were concentrated in the Rio de Janeiro area ready to engage the raider if she came south from the Pernambuco area. HMS Achilles was on her way round Cape Horn.

When HMS Ajax visited Rio de Janeiro on 7 October 1939, Commodore Harwood directed her to suggest to the Consular Shipping Advisers there, and at Santos, that, owning to the small volume of shipping leaving these ports, the local convoy systems, which had been instituted on 22 September against armed merchant raiders, should be suspended, and Allied merchant ships be routed independently.

The Commodore intended to meet HMS Cumberland at 1700/8, but at 1600/7 he received a message from the Consular Shipping Adviser at Rio de Janeiro in which he desired an escort for a 13 knot convoy that was to sail at 0430/8 and that had received much local publicity. The Commodore thought that this publicity might draw the enemy raider to the area and he therefore took his entire force back towards Rio de Janeiro and sent HMS Hotspur ahead to make contact with the convoy, while keeping his other ships in support. The convoy consisted of the British merchants Highland Chieftain (14131 GRT, built 1929), Nariva (8723 GRT, built 1920) and the French merchant Alsina (8404 GRT, built 1922).

Meanwhile the Commodore had directed HMS Cumberland to meet him at dawn on October 9th. When the convoy was dispersed at 1800/8 the Exeter and Ajax steered to meet her while the Havock was detached to fuel at Rio de Janeiro. At 2200/8 HMS Ajax was detached. HMS Cumberland made rendezvous with HMS Exeter at 0500/9. They were ordered by the C-in-C, South Atlantic to make a sweep northwards but this could not be carried out as HMS Exeter was short of fuel. The Commodore therefore decided to make a sweep southwards towards the Plate area where HMS Exeter could refuel. He also decided to keep HMS Hotspur with the two cruisers as long as possible.

On 12 October 1939, Rio Grande do Sul reported that the German merchant Rio Grande (6062 GRT, built 1939) was about to sail. The Commodore at once ordered HMS Cumberland to proceed there and intercept. She arrived off Rio Grande do Sul at 1600/13 but on finding it all quiet in the harbour she shaped course for the Plate area at nightfall. Meanwhile the Commodore had ordered HMS Hotspur to fuel at Montevideo when HMS Havock left that port early on the 14th.

about this time RFA Olwen informed the Commodore the the German merchant Bahia Laura (8611 GRT, built 1918) was leaving Montevideo at 1000 next morning and might protest if HMS Havock sailed the same day. Instead, therefore, of entering Montevideo HMS Hotspur at once fueled from the Olwen and then remained out on patrol. The Bahia Laura however, showed no signs of leaving and at 0800/14, HMS Havock put to sea. At 1200 hours HMS Hotspur entered Montevideo. Later that day HMS Exeter and HMS Cumberland fueled from the Olwen in San Borombon Bay at the southern entrance to the Plate estuary. At 1430 hours they were joined by HMS Havock. Commodore Harwood then ordered her to patrol off Montevideo to watch the Bahia Laura. When HMS Exeter finished fueling she immediately put to sea. HMS Cumberland rejoined him next morning at 0700 hours. HMS Havock was then ordered to join the cruisers. On 16 October the commodore learned that the Bahia Laura had sailed at 1015 hours the previous day. By the time the signal reached him the German ship was far out at sea well past his patrol line. But as the whole area was enveloped in dense fog the Commodore decided against trying to catch her.

The South America Division during the second half of October 1939.

Meanwhile Commodore Harwood had informed the Commander-in-Chief, South Atlantic on 13 October that as HMS Exeter required certain minor repairs he proposed to proceed to the Falklands on the17th and then return to the Plate area on the 27th. The Commander-in-Chief replied that he preferred that HMS Exeter would stay in the Plate area till the Commodore would transfer his Broad Pendant to HMS Ajax on the 27th. As HMS Achilles was due in the Plate area on this day also, she and HMS Cumberland could then operate as ‘Force G’ during the Exeter’s absence. This would mean that there would be no cruiser in the Rio de Janeiro area until HMS Exeter would return from her repairs at the Falklands. The Commodore therefore ordered HMS Havock to sail on 21 October for a four day patrol in the Rio – Santos Area, where HMS Hotspur, which could remain at sea until 2 November, would relieve her. From that date until the relief of HMS Achilles there would be no warship in this area. The Commodore therefore asked the Commander-in-Chief to allow ‘Force G’ to operate in that area from 2 to 10 November. When HMS Hotspur joined the Exeter and Cumberland from Montevideo on 17 October the Commodore ordered her to patrol off Rio Grande do Sul to intercept the German ships Rio Grande and Montevideo if they would come out, and sent HMS Havock to patrol inshore with orders to anchor the night clear of the shipping route.

This proved to be the last duty of these two destroyers with the South America Division. On 20 October the Admiralty ordered their transfer to the West Indies. Three days later the Commodore sent them into Buenos Aires to refuel, and as the distance to Trinidad, 4000 miles, was at the limit of their endurance, also obtained permission to refuel them at Pernambuco. They both left Buenos Aires on the 25th and, bidding the Commodore farewell, proceeded northwards. They sailed from Pernambuco on 1 November but on the 3rd HMS Havock was diverted to Freetown with engine trouble. The two remaining destroyers of the 4th Division, HMS Hyperion and HMS Hunter, had left Freetown with convoy SL 6 on 23 October. Off Daker their escort duty was taken over by the French light cruiser Duguay-Trouin (Capt. J.M.C. Trolley de Prevaux). The destroyers then fueled at Dakar on the 27th and sailed for Trinidad early on the 28th.

Meanwhile HMS Cumberland had entered Montevideo at 0800/26. At 0900/26 HMS Achilles joined HMS Exeter in the Plate area and after fueling from RFA Olwen sailed to meet HMS Cumberland off Lobos the next day and then patrol with her as ‘Force G’ in the Rio – Santos area. The Olwen was now nearly out of fuel and filled up HMS Ajax ,which had arrived from the Rio area on the 26th, with her remaining fuel minus 500 tons for her passage to Trinidad. In the morning of 27 October, Commodore Harwood transferred his Broad Pendant to HMS Ajax and HMS Exeter then parted company to proceed to the Falklands for repairs.

Meanwhile the newly formed ‘Force H’ and ‘Force K’ were busy on the other side of the South Atlantic. ‘Force H’, made up of HMS Sussex and HMS Shropshire had reached the Cape on 13 October. As HMS Cumberland had not passed on the report of the Martland, no news on the raider had reached the Admiralty or the Commander-in-Chief since October 1st. On 14 October ‘Force H’ sailed to search for her along the Cape – Freetown route as far as the latitude of St. Helena. That day ’Force K’ (HMS Ark Royal and HMS Renown) left Freetown with HMS Neptune, HMS Hardy, HMS Hero (Cdr. C.F. Tower, MVO, RN) and HMS Hereward (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN) to search westwards towards St. Paul Rocks, the direction of their sweep being determined by the complete lack of any further raider information.

Finally a raider report on 22 October 1939, Sweeps by ‘Force H’ and ‘Force K’.

The three weeks old ‘mystery’ of the raiders whereabouts was partially solved on 22 October when the British merchant vessel Llanstephan Castle (11293 GRT, built 1914) intercepted a message from an unknown ship ‘Gunned in 16°S, 04°03’E’ at 1400 G.M.T. There was however no immediate confirmation of her report and the Commander-in-Chief ordered ‘Force H’ to sail after dark on the 27th to sail for the latitude of St. Helena. At noon on 31 October this Force was in 15°S, 02°51’E, the north-eastern limit of it’s patrol, when a Walrus aircraft failed to return to HMS Sussex from a reconnaissance flight. It was never found, though the two cruisers spend over three days searching for it. Being short of fuel they then returned to the Cape by the same route they had used outwards.

Sweep by ‘Force K’, 28 October – 6 November 1939.

To cover the northern end of the route from St. Helena onward, HMS Neptune and the destroyers HMS Hardy, HMS Hasty, HMS Hero and HMS Hereward had left Freetown on 28 October. HMS Neptune was to sweep independently from position 03°20’S, 01°10’W and then through 14°30’S, 16°50’W back to Freetown. On 30 October a report from Dakar stated that the German merchant Togo (5042 GRT, built 1938) had left the Congo on 26 October, that the German merchant Pionier (3254 GRT, built 1934) had sailed from Fernando Po (now called Bioko Island) on 28 October and that five German ships had left Lobito (Angola) the same day. When the Vice-Admiral, Aircraft Carriers, received this information her detached HMS Hardy and HMS Hasty to sweep north-westward for the Pioneer, while ‘Force K’ and the remaining two destroyers searched for her to the south-westward. Both searches were unsuccessful. Meanwhile a message from Lobito had stated that the five German ships that were stated to have left the harbour were still there. On 5 November the German merchant vessel Uhenfels (7603 GRT, built 1931), that had left Laurenco Marques (now called Maputo, Mozambique) on 16 October was sighted by an aircraft from HMS Ark Royal. Only energetic action from HMS Hereward saved her from being scuttled in position 06°02’N, 17°25’W. She was brought into Freetown on 7 November by HMS Herward, a few hours behind ‘Force K’.

’Force H’ and ‘Force G’, first half of November 1939.

The first half of November was relatively quiet on both sides of the South Atlantic At the start of the month ‘Force H’ and ‘Force K’ were still on the shipping lane between Sierra Leone and the Cape. On 3 November 1939 the Admiralty informed the Commander-in-Chief, South Atlantic that all German capital ships and cruisers were apparently in home waters. It appeared therefore that the pocket battleship, which was still thought to be the Admiral Scheer, had returned home and that the raider reported by the Llangstephan Castle on 22 October was nothing but an armed merchantman. Here was a good opportunity for resting the hunting groups and on 4 November the Admiralty issued orders that ‘Force G’ and ‘Force H’ should exchange areas. This exchange would not only give ‘Force G’ an opportunity of resting and refitting at the Cape, but would also provide Commodore Harwood with the hunting group of long endurance that he desired.

The Commander-in-Chief had planned that ‘Force H’ which had returned to the Cape on 7 November would then sweep towards Durban, arriving there on 16 November. However on the 11th they were ordered to sail for patrol in the Atlantic and on the evening of the 17th, while west of St. Helena, exchange patrol areas with ‘Force G’. The exchange of areas however did not take place as ‘Force G’ was delayed due to HMS Exeter being damaged while casting off from the oiler in heavy seas. Before the exchange now could take place it was cancelled.

South America Division, first half of November 1939.

After hoisting Commodore Harwood’s Broad on 27 October the HMS Ajax had swept the Plate focal area. When the Commodore received the signal of the Commander-in-Chief on the 5th regarding the changeover over patrol areas between ‘Force G’ and ‘Force H’, he ordered HMS Cumberland to proceed to the Plate at 20 knots to refuel. About this time a message reached him from Buenos Aires that the Argentinian Foreign Minister had drawn attention to cases of fueling in the Plate by HMS Exeter and HMS Ajax. Although the Argentinian Government had no apparent intention of raising the issue he decided to cut down the fuellings in the inshore waters of the Plate as much as possible. He therefore cancelled the fuelling of HMS Exeter, due to take place on 7 November from the oiler RFA Olynthus (6888 GRT, built 1918, Master L.N. Hill), which had relieved RFA Olwen. He ordered HMS Cumberland to fuel at Buenos Aires on 9 November. HMS Exeter which had arrived at the Falklands on 31 October for repairs, sailed again on 4 November to meet up with HMS Cumberland off the Plate on 10 November, but the Commodore ordered her to enter Mar del Plata for a 24-hour visit on the 9th. As this gave her some time at hand, he ordered her to cover the Plate while HMS Ajax visited Buenos Aires from 6 to 8 November during which the Commodore discussed the question of fuelling his ships in the River Plate Estuary with the Argentine naval authorities. During his visit to Buenos Aires, the Commodore discussed the matter of fuelling his ships of English Bank with the Argentinian Minister of Marine and his Chief of Naval Staff they both suggested that he should use San Borombon Bay which was most acceptable. He had in fact been using it for some time.

When HMS Ajax left Buenos Aires on 8 November she patrolled the Plate area. HMS Exeter arrived at Mar del Plata the next day but fuel could not be obtained there. She was ordered to fuel from RFA Olynthus in San Borombon Bay on the 10th and then meet up with HMS Cumberland off Lobos Island at 0600/11. On the 10th HMS Ajax also fueled from RFA Olynthus as did HMS Exeter after her while HMS Ajax was at anchor close by. However weather quickly deteriorated and the Olynthus was forced to cast off, damaging the Exeter in doing so. Besides that she was still 600 tons short of fuel. As she could not reach the Cape without a full supply the sailing of ‘Force G’ to exchange areas with ‘Force H’ was delayed. The Exeter finally finished fuelling on the 13th and sailed with HMS Cumberland for Simonstown. Before the exchange of areas could be effected, however, a raider was reported in the Indian Ocean and the order was cancelled.

Another raider report, 16 November 1939.

On 16 November 1939 the Naval Officer-in-Charge, Simonstown, reported that the small British tanker Africa Shell ( GRT, built ) had been sunk off Lourenco Marques the previous day by a raider identified as a pocket battleship. After the usual conflicting reports from eye-widnesses during the next few days, however, it was doubtful how many raiders there were or whether they were pocket battleships or heavy cruisers.

The presence of an enemy heavy ship in the Mozambique Channel called for new dispositions. When the raider report reached the Admiralty on 17 November they immediately cancelled the exchange of areas between ‘Force G’ an ‘Force H’. ‘Force H’ was ordered to return to the Cape and ‘Force G’ was ordered to return to the east coast of South America. They also ordered the dispatch of ‘Force K’ towards the Cape with instructions to go on to Diego Suarez in Madagascar. That morning a report reached the Commander-in-Chief, South Atlantic that the German merchant vessels Windhuk (16662 GRT, built 1937) and Adolph Woermann (8577 GRT, built 1922) had left Lobito. He at once ordered ‘Force H’, which was at that moment west of St. Helena in the approximate latitute of Lobito to spend three days searching for them.

Next day, 18 November 1939, ‘Force K’ left Freetown together with HMS Neptune, HMS Hardy, HMS Hero and HMS Hostile to sweep west of St. Helena through position 16°30’S, 10°W and thence on to Diego Suarez. The destroyers parted company at 2300/18 to search for the German ships. On 20 November 1939, the Commander-in-Chief ordered ‘Force H’ to return to the Cape of nothing of the German merchant vessels had been sighted. HMS Sussex and HMS Shropshire did so on 23 November.

The Adolph Woermann had not escaped. Early on 21 November 1939, the British merchant Waimarama (12843 GRT, built 1938) reported her in position 12°24’S, 03°31’W. At 1127/21, ‘Force K’ (HMS Ark Royal and HMS Renown) was in position 05°55’S, 12°26’W, altered course to close, and HMS Neptune, which was still with them, went ahead at high speed. Shortly after 0800/22 she made contact with the Adolf Woermann in position 10°37’S, 05°11’W and went alongside. Despite efforts to save her the German vessel was scuttled and when HMS Neptune returned to Freetown on 25 November 1939 she had 162 German survivors on board.

’Force H’ and ‘Force K’, second half of November 1939.

As the search for the Adolf Woermann had taken ‘Force K’ nearly 200 miles to the eastward, the Vice-Admiral, Aircraft Carriers decided to proceed to the Cape by the route east of St. Helena to save fuel. In hindsight this might have saved Altmark for being intercepted as she was waiting for the Admiral Graf Spee in the area ‘Force K’ would have otherwise passed through. On 23 November 1939, the Commander-in-Chief, South Atlantic, ordered ‘Force H’ to sail from the Cape the next day and patrol the ‘diverse routes’ as far as 33°E until 28 November.

At the northern end of the South Atlantic station HMS Neptune, HMS Hardy, HMS Hero, HMS Hostile, HMS Hasty and the submarine HMS Clyde (Cdr. W.E. Banks, RN) had established a patrol between 22 and 25 November 1939 to intercept escaping German merchant ships or raiders. No ships were however sighted and they were recalled to Freetown on 30 November.

In the meantime the Admiralty had ordered, ‘Force H’ and ‘Force K’ to conducted a combined patrol on the meridian of 20°E. The two forces met early on 1 December. The plan, according to the Commander-in-Chief, appeared to be a good one in theory but was found unsuitable in practice that on account of local weather conditions. These permitted flying off aircraft from HMS Ark Royal only once in five or six days, so that the patrol could not be extended far enough to the south to intercept a raider bent on evasion. In fact, only once, on 2 December weather was suitable for flying off aircraft.

South America Division, second half of November 1939.

After HMS Cumberland and HMS Exeter (‘Force G’) had sailed from San Borombon Bay for Simonstown on 13 November 1939, HMS Ajax patrolled the Plate area and escorted the French Massilia ( GRT, built ) that was bound for Europe from Buenos Aeres with French reservists. After parting from the Massilia she closed Rio Grande do Sul and ascertained that the German merchant vessels Rio Grande and Montevideo were still there. For the next two days she patrolled the normal peace time shipping routes.

When the Admiralty cancelled the exchange of ereas between ‘Force G’ and ‘Force H’ on 17 November, Commodore Harwood sent ‘Force G’ to cover Rio de Janeiro. He ordered HMS Achilles to fuel off the Olynthus in the Plate area on 22 November and then relieve ‘Force G’ in the Rio area as HMS Exeter would need to refuel in the Plate area again on 26 November. HMS Cumberland was to remain with the Exeter to keep ‘Force G’ together so she could refuel from the Olynthus as well. They were then to patrol the Plate area so that HMS Ajax could visit the Falklands.

On 18 November the Commodore was informed that the German merchant Ussukuma ( GRT, built ) might sail from Bahia Blanca for Montevideo at any time. He at once ordered the Olynthus to watch for her between Manos and Cape San Antonio and took the Ajax south to the same vicinity.

On 22 November 1939 HMS Achilles heard the German merchant Lahn (8498 GRT, built 1927) calling Cerrito by wireless, and when HMS Ajax arrived half an hour later a search was carried out. It was insuccessful for both cruisers but both the Lahn and another German merchant the Tacoma (8268 GRT, built 1930) reached Montevideo safely during the forenoon.

HMS Ajax and HMS Achilles then both fuelled from the Olynthus at San Borombon Bay during the next afternoon. The Achilles the sailed for the Rio de Janeiro area. She had orders to move up to Pernambuco and show herself off Cabadello and Bahia as a number of German ships in Pernambuco were reported ready to sail to Cabadello to load cotton for Germany. She was to return at once to the Rio area if any raiders were reported in the South Atlantic.

HMS Ajax left the Plate area on 25 November 1939 and sent up a seaplane to reconnoitre Bahia Blanca. The Ussukuma showed no signs of sailing so HMS Ajax proceeded to the Falklands, arriving there on the 27th. By this time HMS Cumberland and HMS Exeter were in urgent need of refits after long periods at sea, and Commodore Harwood ordered the Exeter to proceed to the Falklands forthwith. She arrived at Port Stanley on 29 November 1939 and her defects were immediately taken in hand as far as local resources permitted.

8 December 1939 was the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Battle of the Falklands, and thinking the enemy might attempt to avenge the defeat, the Commodore ordered HMS Cumberland to patrol off the Falklands as of 7 December for two days after which she too was to enter Port Stanley for rest and refit.

French Forces at Dakar in November 1939.

During November them most important event at Dakar, where the French were maintaining a number of more or less regular patrols, was the reorganisation of ‘Force X’. On 1 November 1939 the large destroyer L’Audacieux (Cdr. L.M. Clatin) sailed from Dakar to the westward to 26°W and thence south-west to search for the German merchant Togo. She returned to Dakar on 4 November having sighted nothing. That day the French light cruiser Duguay-Trouin sailed to sweep round the Cape Verde Islands and then on to St. Paul Rocks. She returned to Dakar on 10 November. The old ‘Force X’, the Strasbourg (Capt. J.F.E. Bouxin), Algerie (Capt. L.H.M. Nouvel de la Fleche) and Dupleix (Capt. L.L.M. Hameury) sailed on 7 November to sweep west of the Cape Verde Islands. It returned to Dakar on 13 November 1939. Meanwhile French submarines based at Casablanca were maintaining a continuous patrol round the Canary Islands between 25°N and 30°N.

On 18 November a new ‘Force X’ was formed, now made up of the Dupleix and her sister ship Foch (Capt. J. Mathieu) and the British aircraft carrier HMS Hermes. On 21 November the Strasbourg, Algerie and the destroyers Le Terrible (Cdr. A.E.R. Bonneau) and Le Fantasque (Capt. P.A.B. Still) left Dakar to return to France. The next day the new ‘Force X’ sailed with the destroyers Milan (Cdr. M.A.H. Favier) and Cassard (Cdr. R.A.A. Braxmeyer) to cruiser towards 08°N, 30°W. That day L’Audacieux departed Dakar with a convoy for Casablanca.

On 25 November, the Duguay-Trouin sailed to patrol the parallel of 19°N, between 25° and 30°W. Two days later the British submarine HMS Severn (Lt.Cdr. B.W. Taylor, RN) docked at Dakar. On the 30th the Dupleix and Foch returned from patrol being followed the next day by HMS Hermes and her escorts Milan and Cassard.

Dispositions of South Atlantic Forces at the beginning of December 1939.

At the beginning of December 1939, HMS Ark Royal, still flying the flag of Vice-Admiral Aircraft Carriers, and HMS Renown (‘Force K’), were patrolling the meridian of 20°E, south of the Cape together with HMS Sussex and HMS Shropshire (‘Force H’) to intercept the raider reported in the Mozambique Channel on 15 November 1939.

In the north the light cruiser HMS Neptune with the destroyers HMS Hardy, HMS Hero, HMS Hostile and HMS Hasty and the submarine HMS Clyde were returning to Freetown after patrolling between there and Cape San Roque for escaping German merchant ships or raiders. The French cruiers Dupleix and Foch and the British carrier HMS Hermes (‘Force X’) and their two escorting destroyers Milan and Cassard were approaching Dakar. The French cruiser Duguay-Trouin was patrolling the parallel of 19°N, between 25° and 30°W. The British submarine Severn was refitting at Dakar. Across the South Atlantic, Commodore Harwood, in HMS Ajax was at Port Stanley as was HMS Exeter. HMS Cumberland was patrolling of the Plate area and HMS Achilles was off Rio de Janeiro.

Forces ‘H’ and ‘K’, 1 – 13 December 1939.

No further reports have been received of the raider which had sunk the Africa Shell off Laurenco Marques on 15 November and it seemed clear that she had either gone further into the Indian Ocean or doubled back into the South Atlantic by going well south of the Cape. On 2 December 1939 the Admiralty ordered ‘Force K’ and ‘Force H’ to their patrol line south of the Cape after refueling, and the Commander-in-Chief, South Atlantic at once ordered them to proceed for the Cape ports to fuel. That day a reconnaissance aircraft of the South African Air Force reported a suspicious ship south of Cape Point at noon. HMS Sussex intercepted her but her crew set her on fire. She proved to be the German merchant Watussi (9521 GRT, built 1928). She was eventually be HMS Renown. Her survivors were taken on board HMS Sussex and were landed at Simonstown.

No news of the missing raider had been coming in since 16 November but then the mistery shrouding her whereabouts was again partially solved. At 1530/2 a raidar signal ‘R.R.R., 19°15’S, 05°05’E, gunned battleship) reached the Commander-in-Chief, South Atlantic. It came from the British merchant Doric Star. As this signal placed the raider in the South Atlantic he immediately ordered to abandon the patrol south of the Cape and ordered ‘Force H’ to cover the trade routes between the Cape and the latitude of St. Helena at 20 knots on completion of fuelling. As it was too late for ‘Force K’ to reach the Freetown-Pernambuco area in time to intercept the rainder if she was to proceed to the North Atlantic he proposed the Admiralty that ‘Force K’, after fuelling should sweep direct from the Cape to position 20°S, 15°W. This was changed at the request of the Vice-Admiral, Aircraft Carriers to place his force in a more central position for proceeding to Freetown, to the Falklands or to Rio de Janeiro. At 1030/3 a report reached the Commander-in-Chief that the pocket battleship Admiral Scheer had been in 21°20’S, 03°10’E at 0500 hours, clearly indicating that the raider was moving westwards, clear of the Cape-Sierra Leone trade route. ‘Force H’ left Simonstown at 1700 that afternoon and ‘Force K’ sailed from Capetown at 0915/4.

The Commander-in-Chief estimated that if the enemy was proceeding northwards to the North Atlantic she would cross the Freetown-Pernambuco line between 9 and 10 December. He therefore arranged that ‘Force X’ should take HMS Neptune and her destroyers under her orders and patrol the parallel of 3°N between 31° and 38°W from 10 to 13 December. ‘Force K’ would meet HMS Neptune and the destroyers on the 14th and then return with them to Freetown to refuel. The destroyers of the 3rd Division of the 2nd Destroyer Flotilla (HMS Hardy, HMS Hostile and HMS Hero) left Freetown on 6 December with the oiler RFA Cherryleaf (5896 GRT, built 1917). They had orders to meet the Dupleix, Foch, HMS Hermes and their escorting destroyers Milan and Cassard and HMS Neptune in position 03°N, 31°W on 10 December. On 7 December ‘Force X’ left Dakar for the rendez-vous. That day the submarine HMS Clyde left Freetown to patrol between 03°N, 23°W and 03°N, 28°W and thence to 05°15’N, 23°W between 9 (PM) and 13 (AM) December.

On the evening of 8 December 1939 the German merchant ship Adolf Leonhardt (2989 GRT, built 1925) sailed from Lobito for South America. ‘Force H’ which was by then between St. Helena and the west coast of Africa, was at once ordered to intercept her. The Walrus from HMS Shropshire made contact at 0952 hours next morning and alighted alongside in position 13°S, 11°44’E. At 1250 hours HMS Shropshire arrived at that position but the German ship was scuttled by her crew and could not be saved. ‘Force H’ then returned to the Cape to refuel where they arrived on 14 December.

At 0800/11 the submarine HMS Severn left Freetown for Port Stanley. She was to protect the whaling industry in South Georgio and was to intercept hostile raiders or supply ships. The cruiser HMS Dorsetshire, which arrived at Simonstown from Colombo on the 9th to finally relieve HMS Exeter in the South America Division left Simonstown on 13 December for Port Stanley. She was to call at Tristan da Cunha on the way. On that day, 13 December 1939, was fought the action between the British South America Division and the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee, known as the Battle of the River Plate.

The South America Division, 1 to 13 December 1939.

At the beginning of December 1939, HMS Ajax and HMS Exeter were at Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands. HMS Cumberland was off the River Plate and HMS Achilles was patrolling the Rio de Janeiro area. On 2 December HMS Ajax left Port Stanley for the Plate area. That evening the Commodore learned that the Doric Star had been sunk by a raider to the south-east of St. Helena. Two days later the Commander-in-Chief, South Atlantic informed him that HMS Dorsetshire would arrive at Port Stanley on 23 December to relieve HMS Exeter which was then to proceed to Simonstown for a much needed refit.

Early on 5 December the British Naval Attaché at Buenos Aires reported that the German merchant Ussukuma had left Bahia Blanca at 1900 hours the previous evening. The Commodore immediately ordered HMS Cumberland which was on the way south to the Falkland Islands to search for her. Meanwhile HMS Ajax turned south and closed the Argentinian coast in case the Ussukuma, which was known to be short of fuel, should attempt to reach Montevideo inside territorial waters. At 1910/5, HMS Ajax sighted her smoke to the north-north-east but the Germans managed to scuttle their ship and despite the efforts to save her she sank during the night. At 0615/6, HMS Cumberland came up and embarked the German survivors and made off for the Falklands. HMS Ajax then refuelled at San Borombon Bay from the Olynthus.

About the same time the Brazilian authorities asked that HMS Achilles should not refuel in any Brazilian port at an interval less then three months. The Commodore, therefore, ordered her to return south and refuel at Montevideo on 8 December. HMS Achilles then joined HMS Ajax at 1000/10 in position 35°11’S, 51°13’W, 230 miles west of English Bank. At 0600/12 they were joined by HMS Exeter in position 36°54’S, 53°39’W.

Ever since the beginning of the war Commodore Harwood’s cruisers had worked off the east coast of South America either single or in pairs. The concentration of these three cruisers off the River Plate on 12 December 1939 was, however, no mere matter of chance.

Concentration of British Force in the River Plate area, 12 December 1939.

When a pocket battleship was located in position 19°15’S, 05°05’E on 2 December by the sinking of the Doris Star, her position was over 3000 miles from any of the South America focal areas. The Commodore however recognised that her next objective might be the valuable shipping off the east coast of South America. He estimated that at a cruising speed of 15 knots the enemy could reach the Rio area on 12 December the Plate area on 13 December and the Falklands on 14 December. As the Plate area was by far the most important of these three focal areas he decided to concentrate all his available ships off the Plate on 12 December.

The three cruisers then proceeded together towards position 32°N, 47°W. That evening the Commodore informed the Captains of his cruisers that it was intention that if they met a pocket battleship to attack immediately, by day or by night. By they they would act as two units, the light cruisers were to operate together and HMS Exeter was to operate diverged to permit flank marking. By night the ships were to remain in company in open order.

At 0614/13 HMS Ajax sighted smoke bearing 324° in position 34°28’S, 49°05’W and Commodore Harwood then ordered HMS Exeter to investigate it.

What then followed can be read in the article ‘The battle of the River Plate, 13 December 1939’ which can be found on the pages of HMS Ajax, HMS Exeter and HMS Achilles. (4)

2 Oct 1939
HMS Clyde (Cdr. W.E. Banks, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Freetown. (2)

5 Oct 1939
HMS Clyde (Cdr. W.E. Banks, RN) departed Freetown for Dakar for a period of rest. (2)

14 Oct 1939
HMS Clyde (Cdr. W.E. Banks, RN) departed Dakar for Freetown. (5)

16 Oct 1939
HMS Clyde (Cdr. W.E. Banks, RN) arrived at Freetown with one engine out of action. (3)

17 Oct 1939
After repairs, HMS Clyde (Cdr. W.E. Banks, RN), departed Freetown for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to make a short patrol off the Cape Verde Islands.

No map can be displayed as there is no log available for HMS Clyde for this period. (6)

30 Oct 1939
HMS Clyde (Cdr. W.E. Banks, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Freetown. During her patrol she had landed two ratings with Malaria at Dakar. (2)

8 Nov 1939
HMS Clyde (Cdr. W.E. Banks, RN) departed Freetown for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol between Freetown and 20°W.

No map can be displayed as there is no log available for HMS Clyde for this period. (2)

11 Nov 1939
HMS Clyde (Cdr. W.E. Banks, RN) is ordered to return to Freetown. (2)

13 Nov 1939
HMS Clyde (Cdr. W.E. Banks, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Freetown. (2)

20 Nov 1939
HMS Clyde (Cdr. W.E. Banks, RN) departed Freetown for her 4th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol between Freetown and 20°W.

No map can be displayed as there is no log available for HMS Clyde for this period. (2)

20 Nov 1939
Around 2200Z/20, HMS Hardy (Capt. B.A. Warburton-Lee, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. C.F. Tower, MVO, RN) and HMS Hostile (Cdr. J.P. Wright, RN) parted company with HMS Renown (Capt. C.E.B. Simeon, RN), HMS Ark Royal (Capt. A.J. Power, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.V. Wells, CB, DSO, RN) and HMS Neptune (Capt. J.A.V. Morse, DSO, RN).

The destroyers were to form part of a patrol line and conduct a search for German merchant vessels.

In order to intercept escaping German merchant ships or raiders a patrol line was to be established after parting company with force K by HMS Neptune and the destroyers as well as the submarine HMS Clyde (Cdr. W.E. Banks, RN).

The line was joining Freetown and Cape San Roque (in Brazil) and ships were to take up positions as follows;
1)The destroyers from dawn on 23 November, 230 mile length bearing 240° from position 04°00'N, 20°00'W.
2)HMS Clyde from the morning of 22 November, 150 miles bearing 060° from position 05°00'N, 20°00'W.
3)HMS Neptune was to sail from Freetown on 25 November, as she first had to land her German prisoners taken on 22 November, to prolong the patrol line for a further 300 miles 240° from the destroyers section.
The RFA tanker Cheffyleaf (5896 GRT, built 1917) was to proceed up and down the line to provide fuel for the ships involved in the search.

To support these ships the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN), the French heavy cruisers Dupleix (Capt. L.L.M. Hameury), Foch (Capt. J. Mathieu) and the large destroyers Cassard (Cdr. R.A.A. Braxmeyer) and Milan (Cdr. M.A.H. Favier) (Force X) departed Dakar on 22 November. They were to patrol parallel to the British line 130 miles north-north-west of it and between 21°00'W and 28°00'W between 24 and 28 November. (7)

2 Dec 1939
HMS Clyde (Cdr. W.E. Banks, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Freetown. (2)

7 Dec 1939
HMS Clyde (Cdr. W.E. Banks, RN) departed Freetown for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol between 03°N, 23°W and 03°N, 28°W and from the latter position to 05°15'N, 23°W from p.m. 9 December to a.m. 13 December. Clyde was then ordered to proceed to Dakar to dock.

No map can be displayed as there is no log available for HMS Clyde for this period. (2)

15 Dec 1939
HMS Clyde (Cdr. W.E. Banks, RN) arrived at Dakar to dock ending her 5th war patrol there. (6)

29 Dec 1939
HMS Clyde (Cdr. W.E. Banks, RN) returned to Freetown having docked at Dakar. (6)

5 Jan 1940
HMS Clyde (Cdr. W.E. Banks, RN) departed Freetown for Portsmouth.

No map can be displayed as there is no log available for HMS Clyde for this period. (2)

19 Jan 1940
HMS Clyde (Cdr. W.E. Banks, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. Engine defects delayed her onwards passage to Blyth. (2)

8 Feb 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (8)

11 Feb 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) is docked at Portsmouth for repairs to her after hydroplane gear.

[The date of undocking is currently not known to us.] (8)

15 Mar 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) departed Porsmouth for Blyth.

No map can be displayed as there is no log available for HMS Clyde for this period. (2)

18 Mar 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) arrived at Blyth. (2)

21 Mar 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) departed Blyth for Scapa Flow.

No map can be displayed as there is no log available for HMS Clyde for this period. (2)

23 Mar 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. She was escorted in by HMS Buttermere (Lt. E.G.P.B. Knapton, RN). (2)

30 Mar 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) conducted A/S exercises at / off Scapa flow with HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, RN), HMS Hostile (Cdr. J.P. Wright, RN), HMS Hotspur (Cdr. H.F.H. Layman, RN), HMS Hunter (Lt.Cdr. L. De Villiers, RN), HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicholson, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN). (9)

7 Apr 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Blyth. (10)

8 Apr 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) is ordered to patrol off the south-west coast of Norway making this her 6th war patrol.

No map can be displayed as there is no log available for HMS Clyde for this period. (10)

9 Apr 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) is ordered to patrol in position 58°26'N, 04°50'E.

Later the same day she is ordered to close Egersund. Nothing however was seen off Egersund so HMS Clyde then proceeded to patrol off Lister as ordered. (10)

10 Apr 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) is ordered to patrol in position 58°00'N, 06°30'E. (10)

11 Apr 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) is ordered once again to patrol off Egersund. (10)

14 Apr 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) is ordered to leave patrol and proceed to Blyth. (10)

16 Apr 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Blyth. (10)

24 Apr 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN) departed Blyth for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol north-west of Jutland.

No map can be displayed as there is no log available for HMS Clyde for this period. (11)

25 Apr 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN) is ordered to abandon her patrol and proceed to Rosyth instead. (11)

26 Apr 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN) arrived at Rosyth ending her 7h war patrol. (2)

27 Apr 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN) departed Rosyth for her 8th war patrol. She is to carry out operation Knife, supply Norwegian forces in the Sondefjord, North of Bergen with arms and ammunition.

No map can be displayed as there is no log available for HMS Clyde for this period. (11)

28 Apr 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN) is forced to return to Rosyth due to engine defects. She arrived at Rosyth later the same day. (11)

30 Apr 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN) shifted from Rosyth to Dundee. (2)

2 May 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN) departed Dundee for her 9th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Fro Havet, Norway.

For the daily and attack position of HMS Clyde turning this patrol see the map below.

(10)

3 May 1940
At 1300 hours, HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN), sighted a small fishing vessel in position 62°07'N, 02°29'E. The vessel turned out to be Norwegian with registration number was M-85-G. On board were 18 persons. Two of which were officers of the Norwegian Navy. One of these was wounded. The other Norwegian officers was taken on board as he was thought that he could be of use during the patrol as he was fluent in both the English and German language. Clyde then supplied the vessel with provisions and sailing directions for Lerwick.

At 1624 hours, HMS Clyde, stopped the Norwegian merchant Bomma (1116 GRT, built 1938, offsite link) in position 62°22'N, 02°32'E. She was en-route to Leith. She was allowed to proceed but was directed to Lerwick. She was also given a large scale chart as she had only a 'general chart' of the North Sea on board. (10)

11 May 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN) is ordered to patrol off Smøla, Norway to intercept a German transport that had been reported / sighted. (10)

12 May 1940
Not having sighted the German ship, HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN), set course to return to the Fro Havet area. That evening she is ordered to patrol off Stadtlandet. (10)

13 May 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN) attacked the German armed merchant cruiser Widder (former merchant Neumark, 7851 GRT, built 1930) with gunfire off Stadlandet, Norway in position 62°46'N, 03°57'E.

1302 hours - HMS Clyde sighted what was thought to be a German transport ship to the south. Clyde chased the German ship that fled towards the shore.

1315 hours - Fire with the 4" gun was opened at maximum range.

1345 hours - Visibility was decreasing due to the rain. Also the transport opened fire on Clyde with two guns.

1409 hours - The target was obscured by rain and cease fire was ordered. Lt.Cdr. Ingram reluctantly had to break off the action. (10)

14 May 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN) sighted the same ship that she attacked yesterday in position 63°07'N, 04°48'E but was unable to reach an attack position. She eventually lossed sight of the ship in the decreasing visibility. (10)

15 May 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN) is ordered to return to base. (10)

17 May 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN) ended her 9th war patrol at Dundee. (10)

29 May 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN) shifted from Dundee to Rosyth. (2)

4 Jun 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN) departed Rosyth for her 10th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Standtlandet.

Before departure for her patrol area, A/S exercises were carried out in the Firth of Forth with HMS Lowestoft (Cdr. A.M. Knapp, RN).

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

(10)

9 Jun 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN) is ordered to patrol off Fro Havet.

At 1855 hours, HMS Clyde, was machine-gunned by a German aircraft in position 64°11'N, 08°30'E. (10)

10 Jun 1940
At 1340 hours, HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN), sighted the masts of two German warships, bearing 065° in position 64°27'N, 09°27'E. The enemy was steering 360° and passed to the northward of Clyde well out of torpedo range.

The German ships sighted were the battlecruiser Gneisenau and heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper. They were escorted by four destroyers, Z 7/ Hermann Shoemann, Z 10 / Hans Lody, Z 15 Erich Steinbrinck and Z 20 / Karl Galster. (10)

20 Jun 1940
While on patrol off Trondheim, Norway, in position 64°43'N, 09°53'E, HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN) hit the German battleship Gneisenau in the bow with one torpedo. Gneisenau had to return to Trondheim for emergency repairs.

2209 hours - HMS Clyde sighted what were thought to be the German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau escorted by a destroyer to the south-east at a distance of about 3 nautical miles. An attack was commenced.

2232 hours - Fired a full bow salvo of six torpedoes at one of the battlecruisers from 4000 yards. About three minutes later one explosion was heard. Clyde now went deep.

2242 hours - One pattern of eight depth charges was dropped rather close. Clyde made off at dead slow speed to the westward.

In fact Scharnhorst was not present, the heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper was the other heavy ship that was with Gneisenau. The destroyer was the Z 20 / Karl Galster. They had just left Trondheim for a raid towards the area near Iceland.

21 Jun 1940
At 2200 hours, HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN), set course to return to base. (10)

24 Jun 1940
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN) ended her 10th war patrol at Dundee. At Dundee she was to be docked for repairs. (11)

9 Jul 1940
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN) departed Dundee for 11th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Stadtlandet.

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

(10)

16 Jul 1940
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN) sank the Norwegian fishing vessel SF 52 (15 GRT) through ramming east of Alesund, Norway in position 62°19'N, 04°19'E.

2230 hours - A small fishing vessel was sighted and closed. Clyde was put alongside. The fishing vessel had a crew of four and were brought on board Clyde for interrogation. The fishing vessel was fitted for trawling but no trawl could be seen. The only fishing gear on board was a number of fish baskets. Also the hold was empty. Cdr. Ingram thought this to be suspicious and decided to sink the vessel and hold the crew on board.

22 Jul 1940
At 2355 hours, in position 58°25'N, 02°40'E, HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN), fires 6 torpedoes at what is thought to be and enemy submarine. Luckily the torpedoes missed their target as they we aimed against HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. H.A.V. Haggard, RN).

HMS Truant was supposed to have vacated this area earlier that day but was delayed. HMS Clyde rightfully attacked the submarine contact as enemy submarine were expected to operate in this area.

23 Jul 1940
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN) ended her 11th war patrol at Dundee. (10)

7 Aug 1940
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, RN) departed Dundee for her 12th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Kors Fjord, Norway.

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

(10)

23 Aug 1940
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) ended her 12th war patrol at Dundee. (10)

9 Sep 1940
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) departed Dundee for her 13th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Skudesness, Norway.

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

(10)

25 Sep 1940
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) ended her 13th war patrol at Dundee. (10)

12 Oct 1940
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) departed Dundee for her 14th war patrol. She was ordered to perform an anti-uboat patrol in the North Atlantic.

She was escorted until 1440/13 by HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Hewitt, RN).

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

(10)

17 Oct 1940
At 0755 hours, HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN), sighted the German submarine U-124 in the North Atlantic in position 56°32'N, 22°00'W. The U-boat immediately dived as they assumed the vessel to be a destroyer and did not notice that HMS Clyde had fired three torpedoes aimed by ASDIC at 0806 hours which all missed.

4 Nov 1940
In the morning, HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN), HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) and HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) made rendez-vous off Mounts Bay. They then proceeded in company towards Holy Loch escorted by HMS Rosemary (Lt.(Retd.) H.V. Wheeler, RN). (10)

6 Nov 1940
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) ended her 14th war patrol at Holy Loch. (10)

16 Nov 1940
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Plymouth. Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Talisman (Lt.Cdr. P.S. Francis, RN) which was to proceed on patrol in the Bay of Biscay. During the passage south through the Irish Sea they were escorted HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (11)

18 Nov 1940
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) arrived at the Devonport Dockyard at Plymouth to refit. (12)

11 Apr 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) is docked in No.5 dock at the Devonport Dockyard. (13)

16 Apr 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) is undocked. (13)

18 Apr 1941
Having completed her refit at the Devonport Dockyard, HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN), commenced trials off Plymouth. (13)

18 Apr 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials at Plymouth. (13)

21 Apr 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (13)

22 Apr 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for Holy Loch. She was escorted by the Free French minesweeper FFS La Moqueuse. (13)

23 Apr 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (13)

25 Apr 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Long.

At 1442 hours, HMS Clyde, grounded. After de-fuelling she was refloated at 0030/26 and proceeded to Holy Loch. No damage was sustained. (13)

27 Apr 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) conducted exercies in the Clyde area with HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Jones, RNR). These included night exercises. (13)

28 Apr 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last nights exercises. (13)

29 Apr 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar. (13)

30 Apr 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar.

[No log is available for May 1941 so no details can be given other then the ones currently listed.] (13)

18 May 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Gibraltar. During the passage south through the Irish Sea she was escorted until Wolf Rock by HrMs Z 5 (Lt. J.J. Steensma, RNN).

No map of this passage can be displayed as there is no log available for HMS Clyde for this period. (10)

24 May 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (10)

28 May 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 15th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She is ordered to patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

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

(14)

1 Jun 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant San Marco (3076 GRT, built 1919) about 5 nautical miles east of Cape Carbonara, Sardinia, Italy. San Marco was en-route from Civitavecchia to Cagliari, Sardinia. Of the crew, eight were killed and seven wounded. The survivors were picked up by the Italian merchant Langano (1312 GRT, built 1894) and the pilot vessel Cloria

Later the same day the Italian merchant vessel Assunta de Gregori (4219 GRT, built 1914) was attacked off Cape Ferrato but no hits were obtained. A Cant Z 501 (188^Squadriglia, observer S.T.V. Federico D'Andrea and pilot Gino Visintini Scarzanella) had taken off following the sinking of the San Marco earlier that day. The torpedoes were sighted and it attacked the submarine, dropping two depth-charges and claiming a possible sinking.

(All times are zone -1)
0726 hours - Sighted a merchant vessel steering southwards. Closed to attack.

0742 hours - In position 39°07'N, 09°39'E fired three torpedoes from 3000 yards.

0745 hours - Two hits were heard and observed. The vessel was seen to sink immediately. Retired to the north-east.

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

1012 hours - In position 39°11'N, 09°43'E sighted a merchant vessel passing Cape Ferrato. Turned towards to close the track.

1049 hours - Fired three torpedoes from 4500 yards. Turned to the north to retire from the area as an air patrol was nearby. No explosions were heard following this attack. (14)

2 Jun 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) attacked an enemy destroyer of torpedo boat with three torpedoes north-east of Tavolara Island. No hits were obtained.

No destroyer or torpedo boat however operted in these waters on this day. The ships were probably the Italian merchant (passenger/cargo) Verdi (2423 GRT, built 1928) and it's escort, the armed merchant cruiser Caralis (3510 GRT, built 1929) wich had left Olbia on this day.

(All times are zone -1)
1948 hours - Sighted two ships leaving Terranova on a course of 055°.

2000 hours - Identified the ships as a small transport and a destroyer. Started attack on the transport.

2008 hours - The enemy altered course 035° towards. Went deep and fired three torpedoes at the escort on the way down at very close range. The torpedoes must have missed under. Position was 40°58'N, 09°50'E.

2012 hours - Returned to periscope depth and followed in the enemy's path.

2050 hours - Surfaced and followed the enemy at high speed.

2125 hours - Sighted the enemy ahead. Altered course to work around and get ahead.

2136 hours - Lost contact. Continued to work ahead but the enemy was not sighted again. (14)

8 Jun 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) attacked what is thought to be an Italian destroyer of the Oriani-class off the Gulf of Policastro. No hits were obtained. No destroyer or torpedo boat were however present in these waters on the given time and place. The only vessel possibly in the area was the schooner S. Matteo on passage from Naples to Messina

Later the same day HMS Clyde sank the old Italian merchant Sturla (1195 GRT, built 1884) with gunfire in the Golfo di Policastro about 5 nautical miles from Maratea. Ten of the crew of the Sturla were missing, there were five survivors, one of them was wounded. The torpedo-boat Generale Antonio Cascino was ordered to hunt the submarine

(All times are zone -1)

0410 hours - Sighted a destroyer coming straight towards.

0419 hours - In position 39°51'N, 15°34'E fired two torpedoes from the stern tubes. Both missed. No counter attack followed.

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

1635 hours - In position 39°54'N, 15°32'E sighted a ship off Cape Scalea coming towards.

1730 hours - Surfaced in position 39°54'N, 15°35'E and attacked the merchant vessel with gunfire. The crew soon abandoned ship and after a while the ship was on fire and sank by the stern. Clyde then dived and cleared the area to the south-west. (14)

14 Jun 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) sank the Italian sailing vessel / auxiliary patrol vessel V 125 / Giovanni Bottigliere (331 GRT) with gunfire about 20 nautical miles south of Spartivento Sardo, Sardinia, Italy.

(All times are zone -1)
0330 hours - In position 38°32'N, 08°58'E sighted an auxiliary patrol vessel. Dived and shadowed submerged to await full daylight.

0554 hours - Surfaced in position 38°34'N, 08°54'E and sank the vessel with gunfire and rescued the seven survivors. (14)

16 Jun 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) ended her 15th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Gibraltar. (14)

20 Jun 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) is docked in no.2 dock at Gibraltar. (15)

21 Jun 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) is undocked. (15)

27 Jun 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 16th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Canary Islands.

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

(14)

2 Jul 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) set course to return to Gibraltar. (14)

5 Jul 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) ended her 16th war patrol at Gibraltar. (14)

11 Jul 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) is docked in no.2 dock at Gibraltar. (16)

15 Jul 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) is undocked. (16)

18 Jul 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 17th war patrol. She was ordered to join the escort of convoy HG 68 for part of the way of the passage to the U.K.

For the daily position of HMS Clyde see the map below.

(17)

25 Jul 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) detached from convoy HG 68. (17)

29 Jul 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) ended her 17th war patrol at Gibraltar. (17)

5 Aug 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Jasmine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.D.B. Coventry, RNR) and HMS Rhododendron (Lt.Cdr. W.N.H. Faichney, DSO, RNR). (18)

9 Aug 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 18th war patrol. She was ordered to join the escort of convoy HG 70 for part of the way of the passage to the U.K. (18)

9 Aug 1941

Convoy HG 70.

This convoy departed Gibraltar on 9 August 1941 for the U.K. It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alhama (British, 1352 GRT, built 1938), Baltallinn (British, 1303 GRT, built 1920), Baron Kelvin (British, 3081 GRT, built 1924), Briarwood (British, 4019 GRT, built 1930), British Coast (British, 889 GRT, built 1934), Cara (British, 1760 GRT, built 1929), City of Waterford (Irish, 1017 GRT, built 1879), Csarda (Panamanian, 3882 GRT, built 1917), Dux (Norwegian, 1590 GRT, built 1934), Empire Bay (British, 2824 GRT, built 1940), Empire Brook (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941), Empire Hurst (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941), Empire Kestrel (British, 2674 GRT, built 1919), Empire Snipe (British, 2497 GRT, built 1919), Empire Tern (British, 2479 GRT, built 1919), Flaminian (British, 2711 GRT, built 1917), Gothland (British, 1286 GRT, built 1932), Inger Lise (Norwegian, 1582 GRT, built 1939), Lissa (British, 1511 GRT, built 1927), Menapia (British, 902 GRT, built 1939), Philipp M. (British, 2085 GRT, built 1924), Pulo (British, 1950 GRT, built 1919), Sud (Yugoslavian, 2589 GRT, built 1901) and Wallsend (British, 3157 GRT, built 1937).

The rescue ship Copeland (British, 1526 GRT, built 1923) was also with the convoy.

On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Avon Vale (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, RN), HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN), submarine HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN), corvettes HMS Begonia (T/Lt. T.A.R. Muir, RNR), HMS Jasmine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.D.B. Coventry, RNR), HMS Larkspur (Lt. S.C.B. Hickman, RNR), HMS Pimpernel (Lt. F.H. Thornton, RNR), HMS Rhododendron (Lt.Cdr. W.N.H. Faichney, DSO, RNR) and the auxiliary A/S trawlers HMS Lady Hogarth (T/Lt. S.G. Barnes, RNR) and HMS Lady Shirley (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Callaway, RANVR).

On 10 August the destroyer HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN) joined coming from Gibraltar. She had only one turbine in operation and was to proceed to the U.K. for repairs. HMS Clyde parted company with the convoy around 2100A/10 having been ordered to return to Gibraltar.

On 11 August the destroyers HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN), sloop HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN) and corvette HMS Convolvulus (T/Lt. R.C. Connell, RNR) joined the convoy. HMAS Nestor parted company around 2045A/11 to return to Gibraltar due to fuel shortage.

On 12 August the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Maitland-Makgill Crichton, DSC, RN) and HMS Wild Swan (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, RN). HMS Encounter, HMS Deptford and HMS Convolvulus parted company with the convoy on this day.

On 13 August the sloop HMS Stork (Lt. G.T.S. Gray, DSC, RN) joined the convoy but was detached later the same day. Also the destroyer HMS Boreas parted company with the convoy.

On 14 August the destroyer HMS Cossack (Capt. E.L. Berthon, DSC and Bar, RN) joined the convoy but was detached later the same day as were the escort destroyers HMS Avon Vale and HMS Eridge.

On 15 August the destroyer HMS Duncan (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) and sloop HMS Black Swan (Cdr. T.A.C. Pakenham, RN) joined the convoy.

On 19 August the destroyer HrMs Campbeltown (Cdr. W. Harmsen, RNN) joined while the destroyer HMS Duncan parted company.

On 21 August the sloop HMS Black Swan parted company with the convoy.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 23 August.

10 Aug 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) detached around 2100 hours (zone -1) from convoy HG 70 and set course to return to Gibraltar. (18)

11 Aug 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) ended her 18th war patrol at Gibraltar. (18)

14 Aug 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. H.G.D. de Chair, RN) and HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN). (18)

15 Aug 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Samphire (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Renny, DSC, RNR) and HMS Marigold (T/Lt. J. Renwick, RNR). (18)

18 Aug 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 19th war patrol. She was initially ordered to patrol off the Canary Islands. Before making off for her patrol area Clyde conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Wild Swan (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, RN).

For the daily position of HMS Clyde during this patrol see the map below.

(18)

9 Sep 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) ended her 19th war patrol at Gibraltar. (19)

22 Sep 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 20th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Canary Islands. This was later changed to the Cape Verde Islands.

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

(14)

28 Sep 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) unsuccessfully attacked a German U-boat off Tarafal Bay, Cape Verde Islands with a full bow salvo of six torpedoes. This was either U-68 or U-111.

Shortly afterwards HMS Clyde encountered another U-boat off Tarafal Bay, this was U-67 which rammed Clyde which sustaned some minor damage. U-67 herself however sustained serious damage to her bow and had to abandon her patrol.

(All times are zone +1)
0030 hours - Sighted two enemy submarines leaving the anchorage. Commenced attack. Position was 16°57'N, 25°22'W.

0037 hours - Fired a full salvo of six bow torpedoes from 1400 yards at one of the uboats. While firing the uboat changed course so adapted to it. Non the less no hits were obtained.

0048 hours - Dived to reload. Eighteen and twenty minutes after firing two distant explosions were heard which might have been two of the torpedoes hitting the bottom.

The submarines sighted were U-68 and U-111.

They had been in the Bay to transfer some torpedoes from U-111 to U-68.

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

0215 hours - Surfaced after having reloaded the torpedo tubes.

0315 hours - A battery charge was started with two hours of darkness left.

0330 hours - Clyde was now about 4 nautical miles west of the position in which the first encounter with the uboats took place and was steering 280° at 10 knots while charging. Position was 16°56'N, 25°25'W.

A streak of white foam was then sighted broad on the starboard bow and the wheel was put hard to starboard towards. A few seconds later the conning tower of a uboat was sighted and her course was thought to be the same as ours, parallel to us. It was evident that this uboat must have just surfaced. Full speed was ordered as well as gun action. When Clyde began to swing it was noticed that the uboat was on a much more converging course then first estimated and that she was also turning towards and there was fear that Clyde could be rammed amidships. Evasive action was taken. The uboat did strike Clyde but aft on no.7 torpedo tube at 0332 hours. The uboat started to dive shortly afterwards and was soon lost out of sight.

0340 hours - Clyde dived after having determined that the damage sustained was not a problem for doing so. Clyde patrolled submerged for the next eight hours but the enemy was not sighted again.

The enemy encountered was not one of the boats previously encountered but was U-67. This boat was ordered to make rendez-vous with U-111 in Tarafal Bay the next night but was early off the bay. She sustained heavy damage to her bow and had to abandon her patrol. (14)

4 Oct 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) ended her 20th war patrol at Gibraltar. (14)

13 Oct 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) is docked at Gibraltar for repairs. (20)

21 Oct 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) is undocked. (20)

3 Nov 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Wishart (Cdr. H.G. Scott, RN). Clyde also conducted gunnery exercises on a target that was towed by HMS Laurel (T/Skr. T.W. Morgan, RNR). (21)

4 Nov 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Wishart (Cdr. H.G. Scott, RN). (21)

5 Nov 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Wishart (Cdr. H.G. Scott, RN) and HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RNR). Also night A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Wishart and aircraft. (21)

7 Nov 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 21st war patrol. She is ordered to accompany the oiler RFA Dingledale and her escorts, the corvettes HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RD, RNR) and HMS Coreopsis (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR) into the Atlantic.

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

(21)

20 Nov 1941
Around 1800 hours, HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN), RFA Dingledale, HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RD, RNR) and HMS Coreopsis (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR), set course to return to Gibraltar. (21)

21 Nov 1941
Around 1800 hours, HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) parted company with RFA Dingledale, HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RD, RNR) and HMS Coreopsis (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR), and proceeded to Gibraltar independently. (21)

24 Nov 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) ended her 21st war patrol at Gibraltar. (21)

29 Nov 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 22nd war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She is ordered to patrol in the Alboran Sea.

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

(21)

2 Dec 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) ended her 22nd war patrol at Gibraltar.

Later the same day she departed Gibraltar for her 23rd war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to take over the patrol off Oran from the Dutch submarine HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. O. de Booy, RNN).

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

(14)

14 Dec 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) ended her 23rd war patrol at Gibraltar. (14)

29 Dec 1941
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 24th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). The purpose of this patrol is not 100% clear to us at the moment but it seems likely that HMS Clyde was ordered to intercept the German blockade runner Lipari (1943 GRT, built 1930) which was reported to have left Malaga at 2300/28.

HMS Clyde returned to Gibraltar afteronly a few hours at sea. (22)

5 Jan 1942
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Stella Carina (Lt. J.V. Lobb, RANVR). (23)

8 Jan 1942
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, RN) and HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Hayes, DSO, RN). The exercises were abandoned due to an A/S hunt in the area. (23)

10 Jan 1942
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Severn (Lt.Cdr. A.N.G. Campbell, RN).

Also A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Vidette (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, RN), HMS Spiraea (T/Lt. R.W. Tretheway, RNR) and HMS Erin (T/Lt. W.G. Swanston, RNVR). (23)

12 Jan 1942
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Hesperus (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN) and HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, RN).

HMS Clyde also conducted independent exercises and attack exercises with HMS Severn (Lt.Cdr. A.N.G. Campbell, RN). (23)

13 Jan 1942
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Gibraltar. (23)

20 Jan 1942
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 25th war patrol. She is ordered to offer anti-raider protection to RFA Dingledale and her escorting corvettes HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A. Foxall, RNR) and HMS Spiraea (T/Lt. R.W. Tretheway, RNR). These ships were to operate in the mid-Atlantic to support operations by Force H as it was thought that heavy German units at Brest, France might break out into the Atlantic.

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

(24)

26 Jan 1942
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) made a practice attack on RFA Dingledale with the purpose to give an A/S exercises to her escorting corvettes, HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A. Foxall, RNR) and HMS Spiraea (T/Lt. R.W. Tretheway, RNR). (24)

30 Jan 1942
In the morning, HMS Hermione (Capt. G.N. Oliver, DSO, RN), joined RFA Dingledale and her escorts, submarine HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) and corvettes HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A. Foxall, RNR) and HMS Spiraea (T/Lt. R.W. Tretheway, RNR). HMS Hermoine then fuelled from Dingledale which took until midnight. At 1830 hours, HMS Geranium was detached. (24)

31 Jan 1942
At 0815 hours, HMS Hermione (Capt. G.N. Oliver, DSO, RN), parted comapany with RFA Dingledale and her escorts, submarine HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) and corvette HMS Spiraea (T/Lt. R.W. Tretheway, RNR).

At 1330 hours, the escort destroyers HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. L.StG. Rich, RN), HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Hayes, DSO, RN) and the corvettes HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A. Foxall, RNR) and HMS Vetch (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.J. Beverley, DSC, RNR) joined.

The escort destroyers were to fuel from Dingledale but the swell was too high and they parted company at 1500 hours as did HMS Spiraea which was to proceed to the U.K. for the fitting of radar equipment. (24)

1 Feb 1942
While south of Ponta Delgada, Azores, HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN), parted company with RFA Dingledale and the corvettes HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A. Foxall, RNR) and HMS Vetch (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.J. Beverley, DSC, RNR).

Clyde then kept a diving patrol in the area.

The escort destroyers were to fuel from RFA Dingledale but the swell was too high and they parted company at 1500 hours as did HMS Spiraea which was to proceed to the U.K. for the fitting of radar equipment. (24)

2 Feb 1942
At 0351O/2, HMS Regent (Lt. W.N.R. Knox, DSC, RN) was attacked by HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN). HMS Regent failed to identify herself and when she was finally recognised on board HMS Clyde she was warned that two torpedoes were on their way towards her and she was able to evade them. Cdr. Ingram was unaware of the presence of HMS Regent and took her for a Uboat. Lt. Knox was aware that HMS Clyde was in the area and was hold to blame for failing to identify HMS Regent properly to the challenge from HMS Clyde.

At 0630 hours, HMS Clyde re-joined the RFA tanker Dingledale and her two escorting corvettes HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A. Foxall, RNR) and HMS Vetch (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.J. Beverley, DSC, RNR). (25)

3 Feb 1942
In the morning, HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN), embarked some fresh provisions from RFA Dingledale which the tanker had obtained at Ponta Delgada, Azores. (24)

4 Feb 1942
In the morning, HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN), embarked some 40 tons of fuel from RFA Dingledale. (24)

4 Feb 1942
In the morning, HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN), embarked some 40 tons of fuel from RFA Dingledale. (26)

5 Feb 1942
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) made a practice attack on RFA Dingledale with the purpose to give an A/S exercises to her escorting corvettes, HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A. Foxall, RNR) and HMS Vetch (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.J. Beverley, DSC, RNR). (24)

8 Feb 1942
RFA Dingledale and her escorts, submarine HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A. Foxall, RNR) and HMS Vetch (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.J. Beverley, DSC, RNR) are ordered to return to Gibraltar. (24)

13 Feb 1942
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) ended her 25th war patrol at Gibraltar. (24)

22 Feb 1942
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Fowey (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Aubrey, RN), HMS Bluebell (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Sherwood, RNR), HMS Stonecrop (A/Lt.Cdr. J.V. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Myosotis (Lt. G.P.S. Lowe, RNVR), HMS Black Swan (Cdr. T.A.C. Pakenham, RN) and HMS Carnation (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Houchen, OBE, RNR). (27)

24 Feb 1942
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Gibraltar. (27)

25 Feb 1942
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS St. Nectan (Lt. J.B. Osborne, RANVR). (27)

26 Feb 1942
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Lord Nuffield (Skr. D.E.S. Mair, RNR). (27)

28 Feb 1942
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Arctic Ranger (Skr. G.T. Lilley, DSC, RNR), HMS St. Nectan (Lt. J.B. Osborne, RANVR) and aircraft. (27)

9 Mar 1942
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials off Gibraltar. (28)

10 Apr 1942
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 1st storage trip to Malta.

For the daily positions of HMS Clyde during this storage trip from Gibraltar to Malta and back to Gibraltar see the map below.

(29)

16 Apr 1942
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. Unloading of the cargo started during the night of 16/17 April 1942. (30)

17 Apr 1942
At 0530 hours, HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN), casted off and bottomed at 11 feet in Pie Ta Creek for the day.

At 1600 hours Clyde surfaced and proceeded to the torpedo depot to continue unloading the cargo. (30)

18 Apr 1942
At 0500 hours, HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN), again bottomed in Pie Ta Creek.

At 1700 hours a large bomb was dropped about 100 yards away but Clyde sustained no damage.

At 2010 hours, HMS Clyde surfaced and again secured at the torpedo depot to continue unloading the cargo. (30)

19 Apr 1942
At 0430 hours, HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN), completed unloading the cargo.

At 0525 hours, Clyde dived in the swept channel. As balance had shifted she went out of control.

At 0600 hours, Clyde broke surface and was immediately machine gunned by German aircraft.

At 0830 hours, Clyde bottomed in 30 fathoms of St. Pauls Bay with her after hydroplanes out of action and the battery dangerously low.

At 2020 hours, Clyde surfaced and proceeded to Marsamxett. (30)

20 Apr 1942
At 0424 hours, HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN), proceeded out of Marsamxett harbour and bottomed for the day in 25 fathoms about one mile east of Tinge Point.

At 2012 hours, HMS Clyde surfaced and finally departed from Malta. A trial dive was caried out in the swept channel before final departure. (30)

21 Apr 1942
At 1945 hours trim was lost and HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) bottomed. While doing so the Asdic dome was damaged. (30)

26 Apr 1942
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar after a difficult return passage. (30)

29 Apr 1942
HMS Clyde (Cdr. D.C. Ingram, DSC, RN) is docked in No.3 dock at Gibraltar for repairs. (30)

16 May 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) is undocked. (31)

19 May 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) conducted trials and exercises off Gibraltar. (31)

23 May 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (31)

24 May 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (31)

30 May 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 2nd storage trip to Malta.

For the daily positions of HMS Clyde during this storage trip from Gibraltar to Malta and back to Gibraltar see the map below.

(31)

8 Jun 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta and started unloading her cargo during the night of 8/9 June.

Unloading was finished during the night of 11/12 June. (32)

12 Jun 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. (32)

20 Jun 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) arrived back at Gibraltar. (32)

28 Jun 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) is docked in No.3 dock at Gibraltar. (32)

11 Jul 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) is undocked. (33)

18 Jul 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (33)

20 Jul 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 3rd storage trip to Malta.

For the daily positions of HMS Clyde during this storage trip from Gibraltar to Malta and back to Gibraltar see the map below.

(33)

29 Jul 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta and started unloading her cargo during the night of 29/30 July.

Unloading was finished during the night of 31 July to 1 August. (34)

1 Aug 1942
In the morning, HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN), departed Malta for Gibraltar.

She was swept out by HMS Hythe (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Miller, RN). (35)

9 Aug 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) arrived back at Gibraltar. (35)

22 Aug 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 4th storage trip to Malta.

For the daily positions of HMS Clyde during this storage trip from Gibraltar to Malta and back to Gibraltar see the map below.

(36)

30 Aug 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. She was swept in by HMS Hebe (Lt.Cdr. G. Mowatt, RD, RNR). That night the unloading of HMS Clyde commenced. (36)

3 Sep 1942
Having finished unloading, HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN), departed Malta for Gibraltar. (37)

10 Sep 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) arrived back at Gibraltar. (38)

11 Sep 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (37)

25 Sep 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Gibraltar. (37)

29 Sep 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 5th storage trip to Malta.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Clyde during this storage trip from Gibraltar to Malta and subsequent passage to Beitut see the map below.

(37)

6 Oct 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. She was swept in by HMS Rye (Lt. J.A. Pearson, DSC and Bar, RNR). (39)

8 Oct 1942
In the morning, HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN), departed Malta for Beirut. She was swept out by HMS Hythe (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Miller, RN).

HMS Clyde was sent to Beitut due to congestion at Gibraltar in the built-up towards Operation Torch, the Allied landings in North Africa. (39)

10 Oct 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) attacked a submarine with two torpedoes in the central Mediterranean in position 34°52'N, 19°15'E. No hits were in fact obtained although the British thought the submarine was most probably sunk. The target mas most likely the Italian Narvalo which was on the way back to Taranto after a supply mission to Bengazi. The attack was not observed by the Italians.

(All times are zone -2)
1052 hours - When in position 34°52'N, 19°15'E received a singal from Capt. S.1 (0953/10) routing HMS Clyde to the north due to Uboat activity near her original route. Course had just been set when A/S reported HE bearing green 100°. A look on that bearing showed two small columns of brown smoke and shortly afterwrds a submarine was seen hull down. The enemy's course was estimated to be north. Started attack although the range was extreme.

1109 hours - A rain squall so HE became almost inaudible.

1123 hours - The rain cleared. Sighted the submarine bearing red 110° at a range of 8000 yards. Altered course to attack. The enemy was thought to be Italian.

1130 hours - Fired two bow torpedoes (only two were carried). The enemy again disappeared into a rain squall. Went to 80 feet.

1139 hours - Heard two explosions 16 seconds apart. Went to 38 feet to have a look through the periscope.

1143 hours - Observed an object on the horizon thought to be the stern of the submarine rising out of the water and sinking almost vertically. (24)

16 Oct 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) arrived at Beirut. (39)

26 Oct 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Beirut. (39)

27 Oct 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) departed Beirut for her 6th storage trip to Malta.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Clyde during this storage trip from Beirut to Malta and subsequent passage to Gibraltar see the map below.

(39)

3 Nov 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. She was swept in by HMS Rye (Lt. J.A. Pearson, DSC and Bar, RNR). (40)

9 Nov 1942
After completing unloading her cargo, HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN), departed Malta for Gibraltar. She was swept out by HMS Hebe (Lt.Cdr. G. Mowatt, RD, RNR).

Due to the Allied invasion of North Africa, HMS Clyde was routed well to the north of her 'usual' route. (40)

16 Nov 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (40)

25 Nov 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (40)

26 Nov 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for passage to the U.K.

On 30 November, Clyde was ordered to try to intercept an Italian blockade breaker making this her 26th war patrol.

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

(24)

29 Nov 1942
The Italian blockade breaker Cortellazzo had departed Bordeaux bound for Japan on 29 November 1942. The next day the ship was spotted by a Sunderland flying boat. The British submarines HMS Graph (Lt. P.B. Marriott, RN), HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN), and HMS Sealion (Lt. D. Lambert, DSC, RN), were ordered to intercept but failed to do so. (41)

1 Dec 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) is ordered to continue her passage to the U.K. (24)

5 Dec 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. She was escorted in by the Free French submarine chaser Chasseur 5 (24)

31 Dec 1942
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) departed Portsmouth for Philadelphia, U.S.A.

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

(42)

19 Jan 1943
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN) arrived at the Philadelphia Navy Yard where she was to refit. (43)

8 Aug 1943
With her refit completed, HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) departed the Philadelphia Navy Yard for post-refit trials. (44)

9 Aug 1943
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) returned to the Philadelphia Navy Yard. (44)

17 Aug 1943
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted trials off Philaelphia. (44)

1 Sep 1943
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) departed the Philadelphia Navy Yard for New London via New York. (45)

2 Sep 1943
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at New York. (45)

3 Sep 1943
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) departed New York and arrived at New London, Connecticut, USA later the same day. (45)

7 Sep 1943
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off New London, U.S.A. (45)

8 Sep 1943
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off New London, U.S.A. (45)

10 Sep 1943
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off New London, U.S.A. (45)

12 Sep 1943
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off New London, U.S.A. (45)

13 Sep 1943
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off New London, U.S.A. (45)

14 Sep 1943
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off New London, U.S.A. (45)

16 Sep 1943
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off New London, U.S.A. (45)

17 Sep 1943
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off New London, U.S.A. (45)

18 Sep 1943
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off New London, U.S.A. (45)

24 Sep 1943
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) departed New London, Connecticut, USA for Portsmouth, England, U.K.

24 Sep 1943
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) departed New London, U.S.A. for Portsmouth, U.K.

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

(45)

4 Oct 1943
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Falmouth, U.K. from New London, U.S.A. She was escorted in by HMS Conqueror (T/Lt. T.W. Craig, RNR). (46)

5 Oct 1943
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) shifted from Falmouth to Dartmouth escorted by FFS Chasseur 12 and HMS ML 195 (T/Lt. E.G. James, RNVR). (46)

7 Oct 1943
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) shifted from Dartmouth to Portland. Part of the passage was made with HMS Stonehenge (Lt. D.S.M. Verschoyle-Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN) and FFS Rubis (Lt.Cdr. H.L.G. Rousselot). They were escorted by HMS Lord Wakefield (Skr.Lt. H.L. Lang, DSC, RD, RNR). (46)

8 Oct 1943
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Stonehenge (Lt. D.S.M. Verschoyle-Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN) and FFS Rubis (Lt.Cdr. H.L.G. Rousselot) shifted from Portland to Portsmouth. They were escorted by HMS Lord Wakefield (Skr.Lt. H.L. Lang, DSC, RD, RNR).

At Portsmouth HMS Clyde was taken in hand to complete her rift. (46)

27 Nov 1943
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) is docked in No.12 dock at Portsmouth. (47)

18 Dec 1943
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) is undocked. (48)

8 Jan 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) is fumigated. (49)

13 Jan 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted trials off Portsmouth. (49)

14 Jan 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) shifted from Portsmouth for Plymouth. She was escorted by FFS Chasseur 12. (49)

16 Jan 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Plymouth with HMS Peterhead (Lt. D.P. Croom-Johnson, RNVR) and HMS Blyth (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.R.S. Smith, RNVR). (49)

17 Jan 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Plymouth with HMS Peterhead (Lt. D.P. Croom-Johnson, RNVR), HMS Blyth (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.R.S. Smith, RNVR), HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.J. Kirkby, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, RN). (49)

26 Jan 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Prince Charles (A/Cdr.(Retd.) S.H. Dennis, DSC, RN). (49)

28 Jan 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (49)

8 Feb 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (50)

9 Feb 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (50)

10 Feb 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (50)

12 Feb 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials in Gare Loch. (50)

14 Feb 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) conducted exercises with each other in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (50)

15 Feb 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last nights exercises. (50)

16 Feb 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) departed Holy Loch for Campbeltown. Off Campbeltown they conducted radar exercises with HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN). Upon completion of these the submarines put into Campbeltown harbour. (51)

17 Feb 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted radar exercies off Campbeltown. (50)

18 Feb 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted radar exercises off Campbeltown. Upon completion of these Clyde proceeded to Holy Loch. (50)

22 Feb 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (52)

23 Feb 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (52)

24 Feb 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last nights exercises. (50)

28 Feb 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (50)

28 Feb 1944
HMS Vigorous (Lt. J.C. Ogle, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Larne. En-route a practice attack on HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR) was carried out. (53)

29 Feb 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) proceeded to Larne on completion of last nights exercises. (50)

1 Mar 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (54)

2 Mar 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Armeria (T/Lt. M. Todd, RNR). (54)

3 Mar 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Armeria (T/Lt. M. Todd, RNR) and HMS Burdock (Lt. H.M. Collier, RNR). (54)

6 Mar 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Vigorous (Lt. J.C. Ogle, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Larne with each other. (54)

9 Mar 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Magpie (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Abram, RN) and HMS Wild Goose (A/Cdr. D.E.G. Wemyss, DSC and Bar, RN). (54)

10 Mar 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Duckworth (Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Ekins (T/Lt. G.G. Bonner-Davies, RNVR). (54)

11 Mar 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (54)

13 Mar 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (54)

16 Mar 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. (54)

18 Mar 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (54)

19 Mar 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last nights exercises. (54)

22 Mar 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Govan where she was immediately docked. (54)

30 Mar 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) is undocked. (54)

31 Mar 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) shifted Govan to Holy Loch. (54)

1 Apr 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (55)

1 Apr 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (55)

7 Apr 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (55)

11 Apr 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Gibraltar. During the passage south through the Irish Sea she was escorted, until 2210/12, by HMS Sardonyx (A/Lt.Cdr. T.A. Easton, RNVR). (55)

13 Apr 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) reported that her fore hydroplanes were defective and that she was going to Falmouth to repairs. (55)

14 Apr 1944
At 1230 hours, HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN), made contact with HMS Gateshead (T/Lt. R.B. Hughes, RNVR) off Bishops Rock. They then proceeded to Falmouth where tey arrived at 2000 hours. (55)

17 Apr 1944
With repairs completed, HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN), departed Falmouth to continue her passage to Gibraltar. She was escorted until 2215 hours by HMS Douglas (Lt.Cdr. K.H.J.L. Phibbs, RN). (55)

22 Apr 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) is ordered to patrol in position 40°30'N, 12°50'W. The passage to Gibraltar now became HMS Clyde's 27th war patrol.

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

(55)

24 Apr 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived in her assigned patrol area. (55)

26 Apr 1944
Around noon, three submarines made rendez-vous, these were, HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN) and HMS Telemachus (Cdr. W.D.A. King, DSO, DSC, RN). They were joined by there escort towards Gibraltar, HMS Kilmarnock (T/A/Lt.Cdr. K.B. Brown, RNVR). (55)

29 Apr 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 27th war patrol at Gibraltar. (55)

5 May 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (56)

6 May 1944
For the daily positions of HMS Clyde during her passage from Gibraltar to Trincomalee see the map below.

6 May 1944
HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, OBE, RN), HMS Telemachus (Cdr. W.D.A. King, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta. They made the passage in convoy KMS 49.

11 May 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (56)

13 May 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for Port Said. (56)

17 May 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said. (56)

21 May 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Port Said for Aden. (56)

27 May 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden. (56)

29 May 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Aden for Colombo. While en-route the destination was changed to Trincomalee. (56)

10 Jun 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (57)

18 Jun 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 28th war patrol (1st in the Far East). She is ordered perform air/sea rescue duties during operation 'Pedal' and to conduct a short patrol off Port Blair.

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

(10)

19 Jun 1944

Operation Pedal.

Air strikes against Port Blair in the Andaman Islands.

On 19 June 1944, ' Force 60 ' deaparted Trincomalee. It was made up of the following warships: battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt. B.C.B. Brooke, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral A.J. Power, KCB, CVO, RN, second in command of the Eastern Fleet), battleship Richelieu (Capt. G.M.J. Merveilleux du Vignaux), aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. C.E. Lambe, CB, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, CB, RN), light cruisers HMS Nigeria (Capt. S.H. Paton, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN), HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN), HMS Ceylon (Capt. G.B. Amery-Parkes, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) and the destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. the Viscount Jocelyn, RN), HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. O.H. Becher, DSC, RAN), HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMS Racehorse (Cdr. J.J. Casement, DSC, RN), HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, DSC, RN), HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) and HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN).

The submarines HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO and Bar, RN) were deployed on air/sea rescue duties.

At dawn on 21 June, ' Force 60 ' was in the flying off position, about 95 miles to the west of Port Blair.

At 0530/21, an air striking force of 15 Barracudas escorted by 16 Corsairs was flown off followed by a separate fighter striking force of 8 Corsairs.

They were to attack the following targets near Port Blair;
Parked aircraft on the two enemy airfields were to be attacked by the fighter striking force.
Shipping in the harbour was to be attacked by the air striking force. Also targets on Ross Island, the Chatham Island saw mills, the seaplane base at Phoenix Bay and military installations in Aberdeen harbour.

Two Barracudas returned to HMS Illustrious with engine trouble before they could attack their targets.

Surprise appears to have been almost complete. Weather was poor though.

The total bomb load taken over the target area was 26 500lb bombs and 26 250lb bombs. 3 Bombs failed to release. Another 3 were released set at safe. 4 were jettisoned in the sea. The remaining 42 fell in the target area, of which 17 were seen to hit the selected targets.

The following results were reported:
2 - 500lb and 1 - 250lb bombs on the barracks and 1 - 500lb bomb on the power house on Ross Island.

2 - 250lb and 3 - 500lb bombs in the saw mills at Chatham Island.

1 - 500lb bomb on workshops and 4 more bombs in close proximity of the sea-plane base in Phoenix Bay.

2 - 500lb bombs on the barracks and 1 - 250lb bomb on the motor transport yard in the Aberdeen harbour area.

2 single engined enemy aircraft were set on fire at Port Blair main airfield. No enemy aircraft were see on the secondary landing strip.

Mount August radar station was completely destroyed and Mount Harriet radar station and tower were damaged by Corsairs.

4 aircraft had been hit by AA fire but were able to return to HMS Illustrious.

1 Barracuda was lost over the target area, the crew must be considered lost. 1 Corsair crahed into the sea on return. The pilot was picked up after having bailed out just in time.

A total of 57 aircraft had been embarked in HMS Illustrious for this operation. At one time 51 aircraft were in the air at the same time.

After landing on the aircraft, ' Force 60 ' withdrew to the westward at high speed during 21 June. No enemy aircraft approached the force throughout this operation.

' Force 60 ' returned to Trincomalee in the morning of 23 June 1944. (58)

25 Jun 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) set course for the Port Blair area. (10)

27 Jun 1944
At 1856 hours (time zone -6.5), HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) commenced a bombardment off Ross Island. Some barracks were damaged. In all 19 rounds were fired from a range of about 7000 yards.

At 1900 hours, a shore battery opened fire on Clyde which then broke off the action and dived. (10)

30 Jun 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 28th war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (10)

16 Jul 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for Fremantle, Australia via Exmouth Gulf.

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

(59)

24 Jul 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Exmouth Gulf, Australia. (59)

25 Jul 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Exmouth Gulf for Fremantle. (59)

29 Jul 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Fremantle. (59)

2 Aug 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) is put on the slipway at Fremantle. (60)

3 Aug 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) is put back in the water. (60)

27 Aug 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) is put on the slipway at Fremantle. (60)

1 Sep 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) is put back in the water. (61)

11 Sep 1944
A fire broke out in No.1 battery compartment on board HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN). Four dockyard hands were slightly wounded. Damage to Clyde herself was negligible. (61)

24 Sep 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Fremantle for Trincomalee via Exmouth Gulf. Defects had kept HMS Clyde from being deployed operationally from Australia.

With HMS Severn now out of action and beyond economical repair on the station it had been decided to replace her with HMS Clyde. The Commanding Officer of HMS Severn, was flown to Fremantle to take over HMS Clyde.

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

(61)

27 Sep 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) briefly put into Exmouth Gulf to fuel. She continued her passage after a few hours. (61)

5 Oct 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (62)

10 Oct 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (62)

19 Oct 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) served as target for HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) during exercises off Trincomalee. (62)

20 Oct 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) served as target for HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) during trials and exercises off Trincomalee. (62)

31 Oct 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee with HMS Lewes (T/Lt. M.H. Grylls, SANF(V)). (62)

1 Nov 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted trials off Trincomalee. (62)

4 Nov 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (62)

6 Nov 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (62)

18 Nov 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 29th war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She is ordered to patrol off the west coast of Siam and to carry out two special operations (C.S.O. 54 and C.S.O. 55). These were operations Congress and Balmoral.

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

(63)

22 Nov 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) commenced special operation C.S.O. 54 / Operation Congress.

[No further details currently (Jan. 2019) known to us.] (10)

24 Nov 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) completed special operation C.S.O. 54 / Operation Congress.

HMS Clyde commenced special operation C.S.O. 55 / Operation Balmoral later the same day.

[No further details currently (Jan. 2019) known to us.] (10)

26 Nov 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) completed special operation C.S.O. 55 / Operation Balmoral.

[No further details currently (Jan. 2019) known to us.] (10)

30 Nov 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) ended her 29th war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. She was escorted in by HMS Pathfinder (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Hallifax, RN). (10)

8 Dec 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) is docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (64)

12 Dec 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) is undocked. (64)

18 Dec 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 30th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She is ordered to patrol off the west coast of the Andaman Islands and to carry out a special operation.

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

(10)

21 Dec 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) commenced special operation C.S.O. 58 / Operation 'Hatch I'. A party of 28 men and 24000lbs of stores was landed on the west side of South Andaman Island.

[No further details currently (Jan. 2019) known to us.] (10)

23 Dec 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) completed special operation C.S.O. 58 / Operation 'Hatch I'. (10)

25 Dec 1944
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) ended her 30th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. She was escorted in by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. L.C. Cockrell, RNR). (10)

1 Jan 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) is docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (65)

11 Jan 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) is undocked. (65)

15 Jan 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night exercises. (65)

16 Jan 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) returned to Trincomalee on completion of last night's exercises. (65)

18 Jan 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 31st war patrol (4th in the Far East). She is ordered to patrol off the Andaman Islands and to carry out two special operations.

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

(10)

21 Jan 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) commenced special operation C.S.O. 59 / Operation 'Bacon'. A party of four with 2000lbs of stores was landed on the east coast of North Andaman Island.

[No further details currently (Jan. 2019) known to us.] (63)

22 Jan 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) completed special operation C.S.O. 59 / Operation 'Bacon'. She then cleared the area. (10)

23 Jan 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) commenced special operation C.S.O. 60 / Operation Balmoral IV'. The operation was completed later the same day. This was the landing off a further ten members for party in the Mergui area that had been landed there by HMS Clyde in November 1944.

[No further details currently (Jan. 2019) known to us.] (63)

26 Jan 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) ended her 31st war patrol (4th in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (10)

21 Feb 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo firing trials inside Trincomalee Bay. (66)

22 Feb 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (66)

25 Feb 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 32nd war patrol (5th in the Far East). She is ordered to patrol off the west coast of Sumatra and to conduct a special operation.

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

(10)

1 Mar 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) commenced special operation C.S.O. 63 / Operation Carriage I. A party made up of one Dutch officer, one British officer and four Chinese were to be landed on the west coast of northern Sumatra. The landing failed as the party was ambushed by the Japanese. The whole party was however taken off again.

[No further details currently (Jan. 2019) known to us.] (63)

3 Mar 1945
At 0907 hours (zone -6.5), HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN), sank a Japanese sailing vessel with gunfire off the west coast of Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies in position 03°06'N, 97°14'E.

4 Mar 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) sank the Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser Kiku Maru (233 GRT, built 1920) with gunfire off Meulaboh, Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies in position 04°08'N, 96°08.5'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0920 hours - Engaged a Japanese auxiliary patrol vessel inside Meulaboh Bay. Fire was opened from 4000 yards. The trawler, which had been at anchor, was able to get underway due to Clyde approaching on the surface before opening fire as the water was too shallow to dive.

The enemy opened fire but this soon ceased after a hit from Clyde. Several small guns on the shore also opened fire but their fire was inaccurate. The trawler meanwhile was zig-zagging wildly around the bay.

After fourty rounds had been fired the trawler had been hit at least seven times, three of which were hits near the waterline. She was on fire amidships and appeared to be sinking.

0937 hours - The trawler suddenly turned and ran herself up the beach. As fire from shore now increased and became more accurate it was decided not to overstay our welcome and to call it a day. Clyde then strarted to clear the area for deeper water. While doing so twelve rounds were fired at barracks on the shore. Some hits were obtained.

0950 hours - Dived when an aircraft was sighted coming towards. No attack followed.

7 Mar 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) ended her 32nd war patrol (5th in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (10)

19 Mar 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) is docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (67)

24 Mar 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) is undocked. (67)

25 Mar 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 33rd war patrol (6th in the Far East). She is ordered to patrol off the west coast of the Andaman Islands and to conduct a special operation.

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

(10)

28 Mar 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted special operation C.S.O. 70 / Hatch II. A party of 28 and 2 prisoners were evacuated from the west coast of South Andaman Island. The party had been landed by HMS Clyde in December 1944.

[No further details currently (Jan. 2019) known to us.] (10)

31 Mar 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) ended her 33rd war patrol (6th in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (10)

29 Apr 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) is docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (68)

5 May 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) is undocked. (69)

6 May 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 34th war patrol (7th in the Far East). She is ordered to patrol off the west coast of Siam and to conduct two special operations.

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

(10)

7 May 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) developed defects and set course to return to Trincomalee for repairs. (10)

8 May 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) arrived at Trincomalee for repairs. (10)

9 May 1945
After repairs had been completed, HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN), departed Trincomalee to resume her 32nd war patrol (7th in the Far East). (10)

12 May 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) commenced special operation C.S.O. 75 / Balmoral VII. This was a supply mission to a party on Chance Island, Mergui that had been landed by HMS Clyde on 23 January 1945.

[No further details currently (Jan. 2019) known to us.] (63)

14 May 1945
At 1225 hours (zone -6.5), HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN), sank a Japanese sailing vessel of the west coast of Siam in position 09°33'N, 98°18'E. The target was a small sampan of about 10 tons.

15 May 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) completed special operation C.S.O. 75. Besides landing the supplies for party, eight Malay prisoners were taken on board. She then set course to proceed to the area where special operation C.S.O. 76 was to be carried out.

Soon afterwards however the after hydroplanes were found to be defective. Repairs were not possible and course was set to return to Trincomalee. The second special operation therefore could not be carried out. (63)

18 May 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) ended her 34th war patrol (7th in the Far East) at Trincomalee.

It was decided that HMS Clyde was no longer fit for operations given her many defects. She was to be stripped for spare parts and paid off. (10)

1 Jun 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) is docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (70)

4 Jun 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) is undocked. (70)

5 Jun 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) departed Trincomalee for Kilindini.

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

(70)

14 Jun 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) arrived at Kilindini. (70)

19 Jul 1945
HMS Clyde (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) is paid off at Kilindini.

At Kilindini HMS Clyde was stripped further of useful parts. It appears her hulk was towed to Durban, South Africa after the war to be scrapped. (71)