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Notable events involving Narwhal include:

The history of HMS Narwhal as compiled on this page is extracted from the patrol reports and logbooks of this submarine. Corrections and details regarding information from the enemy's side are kindly provided by Mr. Platon Alexiades, a naval researcher from Canada.

This page was last updated in January 2015.

4 Sep 1939
After completing a refit at the Devonport Dockyard HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) carried out trials off Plymouth.

Upon completion of these trials course was set for Portsmouth. She was escorted by HMS Shikari (Cdr. J.H. Lewis, RN). (1)

5 Sep 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (1)

6 Sep 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (1)

7 Sep 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. This included laying six dummy mines. (1)

14 Sep 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (1)

15 Sep 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. This included laying ten dummy mines. (1)

19 Sep 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (1)

20 Sep 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (1)

26 Sep 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (1)

27 Sep 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (1)

3 Oct 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) shifted from Portsmouth to Portland. (2)

10 Oct 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) conducted exercises off Portland. (2)

11 Oct 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) conducted exercises off Portland. (2)

12 Oct 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) conducted exercises off Portland. (2)

13 Oct 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) conducted exercises off Portland. (2)

16 Oct 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) conducted exercises off Portland. (2)

18 Oct 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) conducted exercises off Portland. (2)

19 Oct 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) conducted exercises off Portland. (2)

20 Oct 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) conducted exercises off Portland. (2)

21 Oct 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) conducted exercises off Portland. (2)

26 Oct 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) conducted exercises off Portland. (2)

31 Oct 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) shifted from Portland to Portsmouth. (2)

3 Nov 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) departed Portsmouth for passage to Rosyth. She made the passage together with HMS Snapper (Lt. W.D.A. King, RN). They were escorted by HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN).

In the afternoon they put into Sheerness to await a convoy for onward passage. (3)

4 Nov 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) is ordered to return to Portsmouth instead of proceeding to Rosyth. (3)

7 Nov 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) departed Sheerness for Portsmouth. At sea he joined HMS L 27 (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) and their escort HMS Saltburn (Lt.Cdr. G.E.C. Wood, RN). (3)

8 Nov 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (3)

11 Nov 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) was docked at Portsmouth. (3)

14 Nov 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) was undocked. (3)

15 Nov 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) departed Portsmouth for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to proceed to Halifax, Canada escorting convoy OA 36 part of the way.

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

(4)

19 Nov 1939
Convoy OA 36 was dispersed. HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) now proceeded to Halifax. (4)

27 Nov 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Halifax. (4)

29 Nov 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicolson, RN) and Canadian destroyers. (4)

30 Nov 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) conducted A/S exercises with Canadian destroyers. (4)

2 Dec 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) departed Halifax together with HMS Seal (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Lonsdale, RN). They were to proceed to the U.K. escorting convoy HXF 11 en-route.

This was Narwhal's 2nd war patrol.

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

(4)

2 Dec 1939

Convoy HXF 11.

This convoy departed Halifax on 2 December 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelchief (British (tanker), 10000 GRT, built 1939), Beaverdale (British, 9957 GRT, built 1928), Chancellor (British, 4607 GRT, built 1916), Darina (British, 8113 GRT, built 1939), De Grasse (French, 18435 GRT, built 1924), Inkosi (British, 6618 GRT, built 1937), Manchester Progress (British, 5620 GRT, built 1938), Newfoundland (British, 6791 GRT, built 1925), Oropesa (British, 14118 GRT, built 1920), Pacific Grove (British, 7117 GRT, built 1928), Rothermere (British, 5356 GRT, built 1938), Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937), Sulairia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929) and Torr Head (British, 5021 GRT, built 1937).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN), destroyers HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN) and the submarines HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) and HMS Seal (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Lonsdale, RN).

Around 1940Q/2, in thick fog, the Chancellor was rammed by the Athelchief. The Oropesa was ordered to stand by the stricken Chancellor. Damage was first reported to be slight but in the and it proved to be serious and she was taken in tow to make for Halifax. No the less the ship was beyond salvage and sank. The entire crew was taken off. The Athelchief and Oropesa returned to Halifax.

Around 1130Q/3, both Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

During the night of 5/6 December 1939 thick fog was once again encountered and the following ships straggled from the convoy; Beaverdale, Inkosi, Manchester Progress, Torr Head as well as HMS Narwhal and HMS Seal.

Around 1150P/6, the Torr Head rejoined the convoy.

In the morning of 7 December 1939, HMS Narwhal with the Beaverdale and Inkosi in company rejoined. Also the Manchester Progress rejoined which reported that she had seen HMS Seal on the 6th.

Around 1630O/8, HMS Seal rejoined the convoy.

Around 1700N/12, the destroyer HMS Mackay (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 2030N/12, in approximate position 50°08'N, 11°39'W, HMS Ascania parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 0830Z/13, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Manchester Progress, Newfoundland, Rothermere, Strategist, Sulairia and Torr Head. HMS Mackay went with them as escort. Around 1100Z/13, they were joined by the destroyer HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN). The destroyers arrived at Liverpool on 14 / 15 December 1939 respectively.

The Channel / East coast section was initially only escorted by the two submarines but around 1045Z/13 the destroyers HMS Wren (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN) and HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) joined. Around 0845Z/14, HMS Narwhal and HMS Seal parted company to proceed to Portsmouth. She was escorted by HMS Witch. HMS Wren continued on with the convoy and arrived at Dover on 15 December 1939. The convoy continued on towards the Downs minus the De Grasse which by then had been detached to Le Havre. (5)

14 Dec 1939
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Portsmouth. (4)

8 Jan 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) departed Portsmouth for Rosyth. She made the passage together with HMS Seal (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Lonsdale, RN).

As no log is available for this period it is not possible to display a map of this passage. (3)

10 Jan 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) arrived at Rosyth. (3)

14 Jan 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) conducted exercises in the Firth of Forth. (3)

15 Jan 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) joined convoy ON 8 off Methil. The convoy was to proceed to Bergen, Norway where it arrived on the 19th.

At Bergen convoy HN 8 was then formed. This convoy was then escorted to Methil where it arrived on the 22th.

This was Narwhal's 3rd war patrol. As no log is available for this period it is not possible to display a map of this patrol. (4)

15 Jan 1940

Convoy ON 8.

Convoy ON 8 departed Methill on 15 January 1940 for Norway where it was dissolved off Bergen on 19 January 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant ships; Baron Kelvin (British, 3081 GRT, built 1924), Eros (Norwegian, 974 GRT, built 1922), Fredensborg (Danish, 2094 GRT, built 1922), Glen Tilt (British, 871 GRT, built 1920), Gullpool (British, 4868 GRT, built 1928), Hague (British, 974 GRT, built 1919), Haukefjell (British, 2495 GRT, built 1921), Mathilda (Norwegian, 3650 GRT, built 1920), Oslo (Danish, 2094 GRT, built 1922) and Vienti (Finnish, 1715 GRT, built 1911).

A close escort provided for the convoy made was up of the destroyers HMS Duncan (Cdr. J.S.C. Salter, RN), HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, RN) and HMS Isis (Cdr. J.C. Clouston, RN) and the submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN).

Close cover was provided by the light cruisers HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN).

The convoy arrived in Norwegian waters on 19 January 1940.

22 Jan 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Rosyth. (4)

4 Feb 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) conducted exercises in the Firth of Forth. (3)

5 Feb 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) joined convoy ON 10 off Methil. The convoy was to proceed to Bergen, Norway where it arrived on the 8th.

At Bergen convoy HN 10 was then formed. This convoy was then escorted to Methil where it arrived safely on the 11th.

This was Narwhal's 4th war patrol. As no log is available for this period it is not possible to display a map of this patrol. (4)

5 Feb 1940

Convoy ON 10.

This convoy was formed off Methil on 5 February 1940. It arrived in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 8 February 1940.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Abisko (Swedish, 3088 GRT, built 1913), Activ (Norwegian, 507 GRT, built 1903), Asiatic (British, 3741 GRT, built 1923), Bokn (Norwegian, 697 GRT, built 1890), Bruse (Norwegian, 2205 GRT, built 1933), Castor (Finnish, 1225 GRT, built 1906), Ek (Norwegian, 995 GRT, built 1911), Folda (British, 1165 GRT, built 1920), Forsvik (Norwegian, 1248 GRT, built 1919), Haarlem (British, 970 GRT, built 1917), Halmstad (Swedish, 1546 GRT, built 1907), Helmwood (British, 2156 GRT, built 1923), Jetta (Norwegian, 368 GRT, built 1914), Lysland (Norwegian, 1335 GRT, built 1907), Margareta (Finnish, 1860 GRT, built 1919), Pan (Norwegian, 1309 GRT, built 1922), Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906), Regulus (Finnish, 1821 GRT, built 1921), Saga (Swedish, 1077 GRT, built 1909), Saimaa (Finnish, 2001 GRT, built 1922), Salerno (British, 870 GRT, built 1924), Severn Leigh (British, 5242 GRT, built 1919), Sirius (Swedish, 1832 GRT, built 1889), Svanholm (British, 1321 GRT, built 1922), Taberg (Swedish, 1392 GRT, built 1920), Teano (British, 762 GRT, built 1925), Themis (Norwegian, 706 GRT, built 1919), Tiberton (British, 5225 GRT, built 1920), Tonu (Estonian, 1431 GRT, built 1884), Torbrand (Norwegian, 308 GRT, built 1918) and Vim (Norwegian, 1114 GRT, built 1913),

Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN), HMS Imogen (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN). Also part of the convoy escort was the submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN).

Cover for the convoy was provided by the light cruisers HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN) and HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN).

HMS Tartar was relieved on the 6th by HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. R.G.K. Knowling, RN).

Also on the 6th, HMS Delight was detached as she had been ordered to proceed to Scapa Flow with dispatch.

8 Feb 1940

Convoy HN 10.

This convoy was formed off Bergen, Norway on 8 February 1940. It arrived at Methil on 11 February 1940.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ada Gorthon (Swedish, 2405 GRT, built 1917), Asgerd (Norwegian, 1308 GRT, built 1924), Avance I (Norwegian, 1300 GRT, built 1912), Briarwood (British, 4019 GRT, built 1930), Brisk (Norwegian, 1838 GRT, built 1913), C.A. Banck (Swedish, 1838 GRT, built 1913), Castor (Norwegian, 1683 GRT, built 1920), Dagmar Bratt (Swedish, 1421 GRT, built 1920), Edda (Swedish, 1451 GRT, built 1919), Edle (Norwegian, 654 GRT, built 1916), Falken (Swedish, 1308 GRT, built 1893), Frisia (Swedish, 1059 GRT, built 1909), Gallia (Swedish, 1436 GRT, built 1926), Glen Tilt (British, 871 GRT, built 1920), Gunny (Panamanian, 1367 GRT, built 1882), Halse (Norwegian, 2136 GRT, built 1910), Hermes (Estonian, 1545 GRT, built 1901), Karen (Norwegian, 750 GRT, built 1900), Keret (Norwegian, 1718 GRT, built 1927), Kuressaar (Estonian, 2283 GRT, built 1914), Lake Lucerne (Estonian, 2317 GRT, built 1909), Meero (Estonian, 1866 GRT, built 1918), Minorca (British, 1123 GRT, built 1921), Nea (Norwegian, 1877 GRT, built 1921), P.G. Halvorsen (Norwegian, 1101 GRT, built 1912), Raftsund (Norwegian, 610 GRT, built 1919), Rask (Norwegian, 632 GRT, built 1890), Regin (Norwegian, 1386 GRT, built 1917), Salonica (Norwegian, 2694 GRT, built 1912), Selbo (Norwegian, 1778 GRT, built 1921), Sjofna (Norwegian, 619 GRT, built 1918), Sollund (Norwegian, 941 GRT, built 1908), Stargard (Norwegian, 1113 GRT, built 1915), Ubari (Estonian, 1392 GRT, built 1899), Uranus (Estonian, 1329 GRT, built 1906), Varmdo (Swedish, 2956 GRT, built 1901), Vienti (Finnish, 1715 GRT, built 1911) and Wirma (Finnish, 2609 GRT, built 1903).

Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN), HMS Imogen (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) and the submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN).

Close cover was provided by the light cruisers HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN).

The convoy was split into two sections on the 10th. The west coast section was joined by the destroyers HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. R.G.K. Knowling, RN). On this day the HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Khartoum (Cdr. D.T. Dowler, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) departed the Clyde to meet this section and take over escort duties from the other destroyers on the 11th. This section of the convoy arrived in the Clyde on the 12th.

9 Feb 1940

Convoy ON 11.

This convoy departed Methil on 9 February 1940 and arrived in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 12 February 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Albuera (British, 3477 GRT, built 1921), Ask (Norwegian, 1541 GRT, built 1917), Baron Blythswood (British, 3668 GRT, built 1929), Bessheim (Norwegian, 1774 GRT, built 1912), Finland (Danish, 1345 GRT, built 1930), Hjalmar Wessel (Norwegian, 1742 GRT, built 1935), Iris (Swedish, 1974 GRT, built 1886), Jetta (Norwegian, 368 GRT, built 1914), Leka (Norwegian, 1599 GRT, built 1922), Nordborg (Danish, 1998 GRT, built 1930), Olev (Estonian, 1377 GRT, built 1909), Osric (Swedish, 1418 GRT, built 1919), Rikke (Norwegian, 1432 GRT, built 1909), Risoy (Norwegian, 793 GRT, built 1918), Roy (Norwegian, 1768 GRT, built 1921), Sado (Norwegian, 925 GRT, built 1917), Sarmatia (Finnish, 2417 GRT, built 1901), Solhavn (Norwegian, 1630 GRT, built 1918), Vaga (Norwegian, 1612 GRT, built 1924), Vesla (Norwegian, 1107 GRT, built 1913), Vestmanrod (Norwegian, 691 GRT, built 1919) and Wiima (Finnish, 3272 GRT, built 1897).

A close escort was provided for the convoy made up of the destroyers HMS Echo (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St.J. Morgan, RN), HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, RN) and the submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN). These were joined on the 11th by the AA cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN).

Cover for the convoy was provided by HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN).

The convoy arrived in Norwegian waters on 12 February 1940.

11 Feb 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) arrived back at Methil with convoy HN 10.

At Methil she joined convoy ON 11 that was to proceed to Bergen. (4)

12 Feb 1940
During the night of 11/12 February 1940 HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) lost contact with convoy ON 11. Narwhal then returned to Rosyth where she arrived later this day ending her 4th war patrol. (4)

17 Feb 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) joined convoy ON 14 off Methil. The convoy was to proceed to Bergen, Norway where it arrived with some delay on the 22th.

The convoy put into Kirkwall on the 19th as German surface ships had been spotted in the North Sea. The convoy departed again on the 20th.

At Bergen convoy HN 14 was then formed. This convoy was then escorted to Methil where it arrived on the 26th.

This was Narwhal's 5th war patrol. As no log is available for this period it is not possible to display a map of this patrol. (4)

17 Feb 1940

Convoy ON 14.

This convoy departed Methil on 17 February 1940 and arrived in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 22 February 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Kelvin (British, 3081 GRT, built 1924), Canopus (Finnish, 1592 GRT, built 1911), Ceres (Finnish, 996 GRT, built 1889), Clarissa Radcliffe (British, 5754 GRT, built 1915), Crown Arun (British, 2372 GRT, built 1938), Delfinus (Norwegian, 1293 GRT, built 1912), Eikhaug (Norwegian, 1436 GRT, built 1903), Elsa S. (Finnish, 1219 GRT, built 1910), Fintra (British, 2089 GRT, built 1918), Flowergate (British, 5161 GRT, built 1911), Gallia (Swedish, 1436 GRT, built 1926), Iris (Norwegian, 1171 GRT, built 1901), Kirnwood (British, 3829 GRT, built 1928), Kotka (Finnish, 1286 GRT, built 1918), Margo (British, 1245 GRT, built 1895), Oddevold (British, 1186 GRT, built 1883), Rosenborg (Finnish, 855 GRT, built 1919), Snefjeld (Norwegian, 1643 GRT, built 1901), Varde (Norwegian, 860 GRT, built 1938), Varegg (Norwegian, 943 GRT, built 1910), Vesta (Norwegian, 1310 GRT, built 1930), Vina (British, 1021 GRT, built 1894) and Warlaby (British, 4875 GRT, built 1927).

A close escort was provided for the convoy made up of the destroyers HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN), HMS Electra (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Escort (Lt.Cdr. J. Bostock, RN) and the submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN).

Cover for the convoy was provided by the light cruisers HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN).

During the night of 18/19 February the convoy arrived at Kirkwall as it had been ordered to go there due to reported enemy naval activities off the Norwegian coast.

In the afternoon of the 20th the convoy left Kirkwall to continue its passage.

Around 1730Z/21, the AA cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) joined the close escort.

The convoy arrived in Norwegian waters on 22 February 1940.

22 Feb 1940

Convoy HN 14.

This convoy departed from Norwegian waters near Bergen on 22 February 1940 and the bulk of the convoy arrived at Methil on 26 February 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Blythswood (British, 3668 GRT, built 1929), Fanjefjeld (Norwegian, 1354 GRT, built 1920), Framnas (Swedish, 721 GRT, built 1931), Hilda (Finnish, 1144 GRT, built 1915), Hjalmar Wessel (Norwegian, 1742 GRT, built 1935), Inga (Danish, 1494 GRT, built 1921), Kalix (Swedish, 2801 GRT, built 1913), Mall (Estonian, 1863 GRT, built 1918), Narvik (Swedish, 4251 GRT, built 1914), Orion (Estonian, 770 GRT, built 1870), Peet (Estonian, 2111 GRT, built 1913), Sado (Norwegian, 925 GRT, built 1917), Skagen (Danish, 900 GRT, built 1914), Snyg (Norwegian, 1326 GRT, built 1918), Sten (Norwegian, 1464 GRT, built 1910), Tora Elise (Norwegian, 721 GRT, built 1919), Toran (Norwegian, 3318 GRT, built 1918) and Utklippan (Swedish, 1599 GRT, built 1883).

More merchant vessels were to have been part of the convoy but due to the late arrival of convoy ON 14 and the bad weather conditions these ships had returned to Bergen.

[The eventual composition of the convoy remains a bit unclear to us and further research will be needed.]

A close escort was provided for the convoy made up of the AA cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) and the destroyers HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN), HMS Electra (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Escort (Lt.Cdr. J. Bostock, RN) and the submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN).

Cover for the convoy was provided by the light cruisers HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN).

At 1300/24, HMS Cairo parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Sullom Voe.

Around 0400/25, HMS Eclipse and HMS Electra were detached taking the merchant ships for the west coast with them.

Around 0730/25, the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, RN) and HMS Imogen (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN) joined.

Shortly afterwards HMS Narwhal signalled to HMS Escapade that she sighted something. HMS Escapade immediately altered course to investigate and soon sighted a surfaced submarine. She did not open fire in the hope of getting closer. When the range was 5000 to 6000 yards the submarine submerged. HMS Escapade ran in for a further three minutes and then started the use her Asdic. She soon got a contact and started attacking with depth charges. She was joined by the other destroyers. The enemy submarine, which was the U-63, was eventually forced to the surface and her crew was being picked up by HMS Inglefield, HMS Imogen and HMS Escort.

The convoy arrived at Methil on 26 February 1940.

25 Feb 1940
German U-boat U-63 tried to attack convoy HN-14, in doing so she was sighted by the British submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN). The escorting destroyers HMS Escort (Lt.Cdr. J. Bostock, RN), HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, RN) and HMS Imogen (Cdr. C.L. Firth, RN) were warned. They located, attacked and sank U-63 with depth charges south east of the Shetland Islands.

26 Feb 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Rosyth. (4)

3 Mar 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) joined convoy ON 17 off Methil. The convoy was to proceed to Bergen, Norway where it arrived 7th.

On the 4th Narwhal left the convoy to proceed to Scapa Flow to participate in direction finding trials.

This was Narwhal's 6th war patrol. As no log is available for this period it is not possible to display a map of this patrol. (4)

3 Mar 1940

Convoy ON 17.

This convoy was formed off Methil on 3 March 1940. It arrived in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 7 March 1940.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aina (British, 1698 GRT, built 1904), Aspen (Swedish, 1305 GRT, built 1908), Becheville (British, 4228 GRT, built 1924), Borgund (Norwegian, 303 GRT, built 1917), Brita (Swedish, 1252 GRT, built 1908), Carbonia (Swedish, 1918 GRT, built 1916), Drabant (Swedish, 1767 GRT, built 1897), Edle (Norwegian, 654 GRT, built 1916), Falken (Swedish, 1308 GRT, built 1893), Finlandia (Finnish, 1464 GRT, built 1920), Flimston (British, 4674 GRT, built 1925), Frans (Swedish, 1169 GRT, built 1924), Frode (Norwegian, 697 GRT, built 1917), Greenawn (British, 784 GRT, built 1924), Helfrid (Swedish, 719 GRT, built 1922), Iron Baron (Norwegian, 3231 GRT, built 1911), Jacob Christensen (Norwegian, 3594 GRT, built 1920), Karen (Danish, 1194 GRT, built 1917), Knud Villemoes (Danish, 1582 GRT, built 1905), Kongshavn (Norwegian, 751 GRT, built 1906), Kul (Norwegian, 1310 GRT, built 1907), Lily (Danish, 1281 GRT, built 1920), Marianne (Danish, 1239 GRT, built 1924), Marita (Finnish, 1869 GRT, built 1923), Merkur (Estonian, 1291 GRT, built 1913), Minona (Norwegian, 1147 GRT, built 1919), Nicke (Swedish, 1170 GRT, built 1918), Nurgis (Norwegian, 700 GRT, built 1919), Regin (Norwegian, 1386 GRT, built 1917), Rolf (Swedish, 1120 GRT, built 1919), Roy (Norwegian, 1768 GRT, built 1921), Sirius (Swedish, 1832 GRT, built 1889), Sixten (Swedish, 2171 GRT, built 1912), Skarv (Norwegian, 852 GRT, built 1923), Sophie (Danish, 945 GRT, built 1920), Svanholm (Norwegian, 696 GRT, built 1917), Thore Hafte (Norwegian, 626 GRT, built 1896), Torafire (Norwegian, 823 GRT, built 1920), Trewellard (British, 5201 GRT, built 1936), Varanges (Norwegian, 2214 GRT, built 1908) and Vim (Norwegian, 1114 GRT, built 1913).

Escort was provided by the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN), the destroyers HMS Delight (Cdr. M. Fogg-Elliott, RN), HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN), HMS Gurkha (Cdr. A.W. Buzzard, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN) and the submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN).

The light cruisers HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN) departed Rosyth on the 4th to provide cover.

On the 4th the merchant vessel Greenawn was detached to Scapa Flow escorted by HMS Diana. HMS Narwhal was also detached with orders to proceed to Scapa Flow.

6 Mar 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow ending her 6th war patrol. At Scapa Flow Narwhal was to participate in direction finding trials. Narwhal was delayed for one day by very bad weather en-route. (4)

8 Mar 1940
HMS Galatea (Capt. B.B. Schofield, RN) served as target for the submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) during attack exercises. (6)

10 Mar 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (3)

12 Mar 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth. She made the passage together with HMS Swordfish (Lt. P.J. Cowell, RN) that was en-route from Scapa Flow to Blyth. They were escorted by HMS Buttermere (Lt. E.G.P.B. Knapton, RN). (3)

13 Mar 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) had barely arrived at Rosyth when she was ordered to sea as part of the deployment of submarines for operation R.3 (assistance to Finland by the occupation of Norwegian key points). This was her 7th war patrol. (As no log is available for this period it is not possible to display a map of this patrol.) Shortly after, it was learnt that Finland had signed an armistice but the submarines were recalled only on 16 March. It was an uneventful except when the submarine was forced to dive for a Do 17 aircraft on the morning of the 17th. (4)

18 Mar 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at Rosyth. She was docked in No.3 graving dock at the Rosyth Dockyard later this day. (7)

28 Mar 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) was undocked. (3)

30 Mar 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) laid a dummy minefield south-east of the Firth of Forth, She then set course for Blyth. (3)

31 Mar 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) encountered trawler Polar Prince (194 GRT, built 1915) fishing in the East Coast mine barrage. The ship was placed under arrest and was escorted by Narwhal to Methil. (3)

1 Apr 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) arrived at Blyth. She departed later the same day for Immingham where she was to embark 50 mines. (3)

2 Apr 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) arrived at Immingham. After embarking a full outfit of 50 mines she departed Immingham for her 8th war patrol. She was ordered to lay a minefield in the Heligoland Bight (minefield F.D. 1).

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

(4)

4 Apr 1940
Between 0413 and 0422 hours, HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) laid minefield F.D. 1 (50 mines) in the North Sea in position 54°37'N, 06°35'E. (4)

6 Apr 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) ended her 8th war patrol at Blyth. (4)

7 Apr 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) was docked at Blyth. The date of undocking is currently not known to us. (3)

9 Apr 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) departed Blyth for Immingham to embark a full outfit of 50 mines. (3)

10 Apr 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) arrived at Immingham. After embarking mines she departed later the same day for her 9th war patrol. She was ordered to lay a minefield (F.D. 5) off Skagen.

As no log is available for this period it is not possible to display a map of this patrol. (4)

12 Apr 1940
At 0425 hours HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN was south of Kristiansand South and proceeding to her minelaying position when she was informed that heavy German naval units [Gneisenau, Scharnhorst and Hipper] were returning to Germany and this was initially believed to be through the Kattegat. She attempted to intercept but returned to her original course when she was told that the enemy force was returning home west of Jutland.

At 2145 hours, the submarine sighted three enemy destroyers of the Leberecht Maas class in 57°55'N, 09°27'E and made an enemy report. No German destroyer was actually operating in the area. (4)

13 Apr 1940
Between 1628 and 1644 hours HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) laid minefield F.D. 5 (50 mines) north of Laeso Island in position 57°26'N, 10°45'E.

Later the same day Narwhal made a torpedo attack on a German convoy south of Skagen. No hits were obtained. The attack was unobserved and the intended victims remain unidentified.

(All times are zone -1)
2131 hours - Sighted dark objects later identified as a large and a small merchant ship escorted by two torpedo-boats or trawlers. Started attack.

2158 hours - Fired 6 torpedoes from 6000 yards. No hits were obtained. (4)

17 Apr 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) ended her 9th war patrol at Blyth. (4)

20 Apr 1940
The German merchant Togo (5042 GRT, built 1938) is damaged when she hits a mine laid by the British submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) on 13 April 1940 north of Laeso Island in position 57°26'N, 10°45'E

23 Apr 1940
The German auxiliary minesweeper M 1302 / Schwaben (436 GRT, built 1937) is sunk when she hits a mine laid by the British submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) on 13 April 1940 north of Laeso Island in position 57°28'N, 10°46'E. Minesweepers of her flotilla [the 13th] detonated 21 mines of the field.

25 Apr 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) departed Blyth for Immingham to embark a full outfit of 50 mines. (3)

26 Apr 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) arrived at Immingham. After embarking mines she departed later the same day for her 10th war patrol. She was ordered to lay a minefield (F.D. 6) off Skagen.

As no log is available for this period it is not possible to display a map of this patrol. (4)

1 May 1940
Between 0727 and 0753 hours HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) laid minefield F.D. 6 (50 mines) in the Kattegat in position 57°30'N, 10°43'E.

Later the same day HMS Narwhal attacked a German convoy and torpedoed and sank the German troop transport Buenos Aires (6097 GRT, built 1912) and torpedoed and damaged the German troop transport Bahia Castillo (8580 GRT, built 1918) in the Kattegat in position 57°39'N, 11°03'E.

The Bahia Castillo reaches port but is declared a total loss.

(All times are zone -1)
1725 hours - Sighted 9 or 10 merchant vessels escorted by surface escorts and aircraft. Started attack in which 6 torpedoes were fired from about 1000 yards. All 6 were heard to explode. Several hits must have been obtained for sure.

Depth charging started after the 4th torpedo exploded. 75 Charges were dropped during the next 3 hours but they caused no damage to Narwhal. (4)

3 May 1940
The German auxiliary minesweeper M 1102 / H.A.W. Müller is slightly damaged when ship hit a mine laid by the British submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) on 1 May 1940 in the Skagerrak south of Cape Skagen in position 57°30'N, 10°43'E.

5 May 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) ended her 10th war patrol at Immingham. (4)

7 May 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) departed Immingham for her 11th war patrol. She was ordered to lay a minefield (F.D. 10) off Feistein Island, Norway (south-west of Stavanger).

As no log is available for this period it is not possible to display a map of this patrol. (4)

9 May 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) received a signal cancelling minefield F.D. 10. Minefield F.D. 12 had to be laid instead near Bud, Norway. (4)

11 May 1940
Between 1701 and 1730 hours (zone -1) HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) laid minefield F.D. 12 (50 mines) off Bud, Norway in position 62°58'N, 06°48'E. (4)

14 May 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) ended her 11th war patrol at Blyth. (4)

16 May 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) was docked at Blyth. The date of undocking is currently not known to us. (3)

20 May 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) was docked at Blyth. The date of undocking is currently not known to us. (3)

30 May 1940
The German armed trawler V 1109 / Antares (291 GRT, built 1929) sank on a mine laid by the British submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) on 11 May 1940 off Bud, Norway in position 62°58'N, 06°48'E. Eighteen men were rescued (including five wounded) but seventeen were missing, including the Norwegian pilot.

31 May 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) departed Blyth for Immingham to embark a full outfit of mines. (3)

1 Jun 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) arrived at Immingham. After embarking mines she departed later the same day for her 12th war patrol. She was ordered to lay a minefield (F.D. 16) off Jaerens, Norway (south of Stavanger).

As no log is available for this period it is not possible to display a map of this patrol. (4)

3 Jun 1940
Between 1937 and 2001 hours (zone -1) HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) laid minefield FD 16 (50 mines) off Jaerens Point, Norway in position 58°46'N, 05°25'E. (4)

5 Jun 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) ended her 12th war patrol at Blyth. (4)

5 Jun 1940
The German merchant Palime (2863 GRT, built 1937) and the German minesweeper M 11 (874 tons, built 1939) both hits mines. The M 11 sank while the Palime is beached and later declared a total loss. The mines were laid by the British submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) on 3 June 1940 off Jaerens Point, Norway in position 58°46'N, 05°25'E. It is possible that Clara M. Russ was damaged on 28 September 1940 (see below) and that UJ 175 was lost on this field on 7 January 1941. However flooders had been set for 19 July 1940 so there is a strong element of doubt.

9 Jun 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) arrived at Immingham. After embarking mines she departed later the same day for her 13th war patrol. She was ordered to lay a minefield (F.D. 19) off Haugesund, Norway.

As no log is available for this period it is not possible to display a map of this patrol. (4)

12 Jun 1940
Between 2119 and 2217 hours (zone -1) HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) laid minefield F.D. 19 (50 mines) off Haugesund, Norway in position 59°26'N, 05°10'E.

Course was then set towards Utsire where Narwhal was to patrol during 13-16 June. (4)

18 Jun 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) ended her 13th war patrol at Blyth. (4)

29 Jun 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, DSO, RN) departed Blyth for Immingham to embark a full outfit of mines. (3)

30 Jun 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, DSO, RN) arrived at Immingham. After embarking mines she departed later the same day for her 14th war patrol. She was ordered to lay a minefield (F.D. 21) off Kristiansund, Norway.

As no log is available for this period it is not possible to display a map of this patrol. (4)

4 Jul 1940
Between 1025 and 1040 hours (zone -1) HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, DSO, RN) laid minefield F.D. 21 (50 mines) north of Kristiansund, Norway in position 63°15'N, 07°39'E. (4)

6 Jul 1940
At 0408 hours, near 60°08'N, 02°41.5'E, HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, DSO, RN) sighted a flying boat and dived. Two bombs were heard but this was probably Hudson “O” of 269 Squadron which attacked HMS Sunfish in error.

Also on this day the German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ D / Treff VIII (356 GRT, built 1937) sank on a mine laid by the British submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, DSO, RN) on 4 July 1940 north of Kristiansund, Norway in position 63°15'N, 07°34'E. Although many documents show her as UJ D, she was apparently renamed UJ B on 1 June. Of a crew of 35, 13 were killed or missing. (4)

7 Jul 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, DSO, RN) ended her 14th war patrol at Blyth. (4)

20 Jul 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, DSO, RN) departed Blyth for Immingham to embark a full outfit of mines.

Narwhal arrived at Immingham later the same day. (3)

22 Jul 1940
HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, DSO, RN) departed Immingham for her 15th war patrol. She was ordered to lay a minefield (F.D. 22) north-west of Kristiansund, Norway near position 63º16'N, 07º13'E. (3)

16 Aug 1940
The German patrol boat NB15 / Biene (former Norwegian Öyulf, 178 tons) sinks on mines laid by the British submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) on 12 June 1940 off the Osterfjord, Norway in position 59°26'N, 05°10'E.

28 Sep 1940
The German merchant Clara L. M. Russ (1600 GRT, built 1927) is damaged when she hits a mine laid by the British submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) on 3 June 1940 off Jaerens Point, Norway in position 58°46'N, 05°25'E.

13 Oct 1940
The German auxiliary minesweepers Gnom 7, Kobold 1 and Kobold 3 (all three small former Norwegian fishing vessels) sink on mines laid by the British submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Burch, RN) on 12 June 1940 off the Osterfjord, Norway in position 59°26'N, 05°10'E.