| Navy | The Royal Navy |
| Type | Submarine |
| Class | Porpoise |
| Pennant | N 74 |
| Built by | Vickers Armstrong (Barrow-in-Furness, U.K.) |
| Ordered | 1 May 1935 |
| Laid down | 1 May 1935 |
| Launched | 21 Jul 1936 |
| Commissioned | 10 Feb 1937 |
| End service | |
| History | Upon returning from her Far East deployment HMS Rorqual went into reserve on 28 July 1945. Sold to be broken up for scrap on 19 December 1945. Scrapped at Newport on 17 March 1946. |
Commands listed for HMS Rorqual (N 74)
Please note that we're still working on this section
and that we only list Commanding Officers for the duration of the Second World War.
| Commander | From | To | |
| 1 | Lt.Cdr. Ronald Hugh Dewhurst, RN | 25 Aug 1939 | 1 Jun 1941 |
| 2 | Lt. Lennox William Napier, RN | 1 Jun 1941 | 19 Jan 1942 |
| 3 | Lt. Alan Hamilton Barnett Anderson, DSC, RNR | 19 Jan 1942 | 16 Apr 1942 |
| 4 | Lt. Lennox William Napier, RN | 16 Apr 1942 | 1 Dec 1943 |
| 5 | Lt. Guy Stewart Chetwode Clarabut, DSO, RN | 1 Dec 1943 | 27 Mar 1944 |
| 6 | Lt. John Philip Holroyde Oakley, DSC, RN | 27 Mar 1944 | 28 Jul 1945 |
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Notable events involving Rorqual include:
The history of HMS Rorqual 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 (for instance the composition of convoys attacked) are kindly provided by Mr. Platon Alexiades, a naval researcher from Canada.
This page was last updated in December 2019.
6 Sep 1939
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore. (1)
7 Sep 1939
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore together with HMS Grampus (Lt.Cdr. C.A. Rowe, RN). (1)
13 Sep 1939
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) departed Singapore for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Sabang.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(1)
2 Oct 1939
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Singapore. (2)
14 Oct 1939
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) departed Singapore for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Sunda Strait.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below. 17-23 October was spent patrolling in the Sunda Strait.
(2)
25 Oct 1939
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Singapore. (2)
2 Nov 1939
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore. (3)
3 Nov 1939
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore. (3)
7 Nov 1939
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) departed Singapore for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Sabang.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(3)
26 Nov 1939
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Singapore. (3)
5 Dec 1939
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore with HMS Tenedos (Lt.Cdr. J.O'B. Milner-Barry, RN). (4)
6 Dec 1939
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore with HMS Tenedos (Lt.Cdr. J.O'B. Milner-Barry, RN). (4)
7 Dec 1939
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore with HMS Tenedos (Lt.Cdr. J.O'B. Milner-Barry, RN). (4)
12 Dec 1939
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) conducted exercises off Singapore with HMS Tenedos (Lt.Cdr. J.O'B. Milner-Barry, RN). (4)
20 Dec 1939
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) started a refit at Singapore. (4)
13 Apr 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) ended her refit at the Singapore Navy Yard. (5)
25 Apr 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) conducted trials of Singapore. (5)
26 Apr 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) conducted trials of Singapore. (5)
27 Apr 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) conducted trials of Singapore. (5)
28 Apr 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) departed Singapore for Colombo. Rorqual was to proceed to the Mediterranean.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this passage see the map below.
(5)
3 May 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) arrived at Colombo. She departed for Aden later the same day. (6)
10 May 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) arrived at Aden. She departed for Port Said later the same day. (6)
15 May 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) arrived at Port Said. She departed for Alexandria later the same day. (6)
16 May 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) arrived at Alexandria. (6)
20 May 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta. (6)
22 May 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) arrived at Malta. (6)
27 May 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) conducted exercises off Malta. A practice minefield was laid. (6)
30 May 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) conducted exercises off Malta together with HMS Grampus (Lt.Cdr. C.A. Rowe, RN) and HMS Orpheus (Lt.Cdr. J.A.S. Wise, RN). (6)
31 May 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) conducted exercises off Malta. (6)
4 Jun 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) departed Malta for her 4th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was to take up a defensive position off Malta. (7)
10 Jun 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Malta. She had been recalled to change her mine outfit for mines fitted with the latest modifications.
Information was then received that Italy had declared war. Rorqual sailed for her 5th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at 2307 hours (zone -2). She was ordered to take up a defensive position off Malta. At 0151/11 a signal was received ordering her to patrol the Straits of Otranto and to lay a minefield of Brindisi.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
14 Jun 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) laid a minefield (50 mines) off Brindisi, Italy. The minefield was laid from 1027 to 1055 hours (time zone -2). During the lay the minelaying gear failed but it could be repaired. It was then decided to lay all 50 mines in this location (approximately 40°39'N, 18°10'E).
This minefield may have accounted for the sinking of the Italian merchant Rina Croce (569 GRT, built 1889) on 25 September 1940 and that of the sailing vessel Peppino C. (43 GRT, built 1906) on 17 August 1941. The presence of an Italian defensive minefield in the same area makes a definite assessment difficult.
The claim that it also caused the loss of the Italian motorship Loasso (5968 GRT, built 1921) is incorrect as this vessel ran afoul of an Italian defensive minefield off Minata on 26 June 1940. (8)
15 Jun 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) makes an unsuccessful torpedo attack on the Italian submarine Anfitrite in the Strait of Otranto.
(All times are zone -2) 0120 hours - Sighted a submarine proceeding on a course of 340°. Started attack.
0124 hours - Made the challenge but received no reply. Three torpedoes were then fired but they all missed.
[No further details are known, the patrol report refers to a separate report regarding the attack but it is not attached to the patrol report. Therefore the exact position of the attack is not known to us at the moment possibly approximately 40°40'N, 18°50'E.] (8)
18 Jun 1940
At 2230 hours (zone -2) HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) received a signal recalling her from patrol. She was ordered to proceed to Alexandria. (8)
24 Jun 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (8)
3 Jul 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) departed Alexandria for her 6th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol South of the Straits of Messina.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
8 Jul 1940
In the evening HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) receives a signal ordering her to patrol off the Gulf of Taranto. (8)
9 Jul 1940
In the evening HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) receives a signal ordering her to proceed to her original patrol area (South of the Strait of Messina). (8)
16 Jul 1940
In the early morning hours HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) received a signal ordering her to proceed to Malta. (8)
17 Jul 1940
At 0615 hours (zone -2) HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) entered Grand Harbour, Malta. In the afternoon Rorqual was half docked down in No.2 dock for repairs to No.5 mine compensating tank. She was undocked after a few hours. (8)
18 Jul 1940
At 0558 hours (zone -2) HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) departed Grand harbour to resume her patrol. She was ordered to lay a minefield of Tulmaythah, Libya. (8)
21 Jul 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) missed the Italian merchant Andrea Gritti (6338 GRT, built 1939) with a total of three torpedoes off Tulmaythah, Libya. The Italian ship reported being missed by three torpedoes.
During reloading the torpedo tubes following this attack a torpedo had a hot run inside the tube it had just been loaded in. It had to be jettisoned. It exploded shortly afterwards.
Between 1200 and 1232 hours Rorqual laid a minefield of 50 mines near position 32°45'5"N, 20°57'E.
On 24 July 1940 the Italian merchant Celio (3872 GRT, built 1908) is sank off Tulmaythah, Libya in position 32°39'N 21°03'E after hitting two of these mines.
On 14 August 1940 the Italian merchant Leopardi (3298 GRT, built 1915) is sunk off Tulmaythah, Libya in position 32°39'N, 21°03'E after hitting one of these mines.
It is also probable that this minefield caused the loss of the corvette HMS Erica on 9 February 1943.
(All times are zone -2) 0943 hours - Sighted a large Italian merchant ship near Tulmaythah lighthouse. No escort was seen. Started attack.
0955 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 900 yards. No explosions were heard but the merchant vessel changed course making for the coast. She then stopped but continued on her original course after about 5 minutes. It is thought a torpedo hit had been obtained but that it was a dud.
1006 hours - Fired another torpedo from 3500 yards. It missed.
1016 hours - Set course towards the minelaying position.
1056 hours - When the reload torpedo was placed in no.3 tube it had a hot run. It had to be jettisoned.
1200 hours - Commenced minelaying in position 32°45'5"N, 20°57'E.
1234 hours - Completed minelaying. (8)
24 Jul 1940
The Italian merchant Celio (3872 GRT, built 1908) is sank off Tulmaythah, Libya in position 32°39'N 21°03'E after hitting two mines laid on 21 July 1940 by HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN). Three men were killed.
25 Jul 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (8)
4 Aug 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this passage see the map below.
(8)
11 Aug 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) arrived at Malta where she embarked 50 mines. (8)
12 Aug 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) departed Malta for her 7th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to lay another minefield near Tulmaythah, Libya.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
13 Aug 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) is ordered by signal to take up a patrol position about half way between Malta and Benghazi on the main route between Messina and Benghazi. (8)
14 Aug 1940
The Italian merchant Leopardi (3298 GRT, built 1915) is sunk off Tulmaythah, Libya in position 32°39'N, 21°03'E in a minefield laid on 21 July 1940 by HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN).
15 Aug 1940
At 2345 hours HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) set course towards Tulmaythah in accordance with her original orders. (8)
17 Aug 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) laid a minefield (50 mines) off Tulmaythah, Libya between 1103 and 1134 hours (zone -2). Approximate position was 32°40'N, 20°32'E. (8)
20 Aug 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) attacked the Italian merchant Monte Gargano (1976 GRT, built 1931) with two torpedoes north-west of Ras al Hilal, Libya. She was on passage from Benghazi to Derna escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Generale Antonio Cascino. No hits were obtained.
(All times are zone -2) 0806 hours - In position 32°58'N, 22°02'E sighted a large passenger ship, presumably a troop transport. Range was about 5 nautical miles. Started attack.
0809 hours - Sighted a destroyer that was escorting the target about a mile, 60° on the port bow of the target which was hugging the coast closely.
0814 hours - The screening destroyer turned towards Rorqual when at a range of 700 yards forcing her to go deep. An attempt was made to complete the attack firing by hydrophone effect but the D.A. was missed owning to the noise of the destroyer passing overhead. Turned to port and came to periscope depth.
0825 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 3500 yards. No hits were obtained. Rorqual meanwhile went deep again. (8)
21 Aug 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) attacked an Italian convoy missing the Italian merchants Verace (1219 GRT, built 1884) and Doris Ursino (891 GRT, built 1886) with torpedoes about 5 nautical miles north of Ras Hilal, Libya in position 33°08'N, 22°10'E. Following this failed attack Rorqual was depth charged by the Italian torpedo boat Generale Achille Papa.
(All times are zone -2) 1330 hours - Sighted three ships on a westerly course. These were later identified as a torpedo-boat of the Generali-class and two merchant ships, one of about 5000 tons and one of 3000 tons. Decided to attack all three targets.
1358 hours - Fired two torpedoes at the escort, range 3000 yards, followed by two torpedoes at the leading merchant from 2800 yards and finally two torpedoes at the second merchant from 2500 yards. The torpedo-boat combed the torpedo tracks toward Rorqual which had meanwhile turned 90 degrees to port, had gone deep and went full ahead for 3 minutes. The torpedo-boat started dropping depth charges causing some minor damage. It is thought both merchant vessels had been hit and sunk [but this was not the case]. (8)
27 Aug 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (8)
11 Sep 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta.
Passage Alexandra – Malta (2)
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this passage see the map below.
(8)
17 Sep 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) reached Malta. She arrived as an air raid was in progress and had to remain submerged until dusk. (8)
19 Sep 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) was docked in No.1 dock at Malta. (8)
22 Sep 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) was undocked. (8)
25 Sep 1940
The Italian merchant Rina Croce (569 GRT, built 1889) sank off Brindisi, Italy in a minefield laid by HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN). The mine was laid on 14 June 1940. Rina Crose was en-route from Augusta to Brindisi.
25 Sep 1940
After embarking 50 mines HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) departed Malta for her 8th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to lay a minefield to the north-west of Benghazi, Libya and also to patrol of that port.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
26 Sep 1940
A serious leak occurred on board HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) (leaking muffler valve). Repairs could not be affected at sea and course was set to return to Malta. (8)
27 Sep 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) arrived at Malta for repairs. (8)
1 Oct 1940
With the repairs completed HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) departed Malta to continue her patrol. (8)
4 Oct 1940
From 2340 to 2354 hours (zone -2) HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) laid a minefield (50 mines) north-west of Benghazi, Libya near position 32°45'N, 20°00'E.
The Italian schooner V.71 / Intrepido (551 GRT, 1921) most probably sank on this minefield on 26 October, her entire crew was rescued by another sailing vessel. (8)
17 Oct 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (8)
21 Oct 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) collided 'lightly' with HMS Kent (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN) inside Alexandria harbour. Rorqual was not damaged. (9)
26 Oct 1940
The Italian schooner V.71 / Intrepido (551 GRT, 1921) most probably sank on a minefield laid by HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) on 4 October 1940 north-west of Benghazi, Libya near position 32°45'N, 20°00'E. The entire crew of the schooner was rescued by another sailing vessel.
29 Oct 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this passage see the map below.
(8)
3 Nov 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) arrived at Malta where she embarked 50 mines. She departed Malta for her 9th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) later the same day. She was ordered to lay a minefield off Misrata, Libya.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
5 Nov 1940
From 1058 to 1128 hours (zone -2), HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) laid a minefield (50 mines) east of Misrata, Libya near position 32°25'N, 15°21'E.
Course was then set towards Malta to embark new mines. (8)
7 Nov 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) arrived at Malta where she embarked 50 new mines. She departed at 1800 hours (zone -2) to resume her patrol. Another minefield had to be laid off Misrata, Libya. (8)
9 Nov 1940
From 0841 to 0911 hours (zone -2), HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) laid a minefield (50 mines) east of Misrata, Libya near position 32°40'N, 15°00'E.
Course was then set to return to Alexandria.
On 5 December 1940 the Italian torpedo boat Calipso (679 tons, built 1938) sank about 6 nautical miles north-west of Cape Misurata, Libya after hitting two of these mines.
On 23 December 1940 the Italian torpedo boat Fratelli Cairoli (625 tons, built 1915) sank off Misrata, Libya after hitting one of these mines.
The same minefield may have also accounted for the losses of the Italian Cadamosto (1010 GRT, built 1905) and the German Spezia (1825 GRT, built 1924) on 22 December 1941. (8)
15 Nov 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (8)
29 Nov 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) departed Alexandria for her 10th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
5 Dec 1940
The Italian torpedo boat Calipso (679 tons, built 1938) sank about 6 nautical miles north-west of Cape Misurata, Libya after hitting two mines laid by HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) on 9 November 1940. Ninety-one were killed and thirty-nine were saved by the sailing vessel Santo Stefano.
17 Dec 1940
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. The patrol had been uneventful. (8)
23 Dec 1940
The Italian torpedo boat Fratelli Cairoli (625 tons, built 1915) sank off Misrata, Libya after hitting a mine laid by HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) on 9 November 1940.
Seventy-one were killed and forty-three were saved by the steamer Caffaro. The same minefield may have also accounted for the losses of the Italian Cadamosto (1010 GRT, built 1905) and the German Spezia (1825 GRT, built 1924) on 22 December 1941.
2 Jan 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria for Port Said where she was to dock. (10)
3 Jan 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Said. (10)
4 Jan 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) was docked at Port Said. (10)
10 Jan 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) was undocked. (10)
11 Jan 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) departed Port Said for Alexandria. (10)
12 Jan 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) arrived at Alexandria. (10)
14 Jan 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this passage see the map below.
(8)
20 Jan 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta. Her after casing had been damaged in severe weather conditions. (8)
21 Jan 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) proceeded to the Malta Dockyard for repairs to her after casing. The damage was made good for the most part but repairs to the mine casing doors would take to long and Cdr. Dewurst decided to remove them altogether. (8)
22 Jan 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) departed Malta for her 11th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Adriatic and to lay her mines in positions at Cdr. Dewhurst's discretion on the routes used by Italian shipping.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
28 Jan 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) laid a minefield of 29 mines off Sansego Island (now Susak Island, Croatia) and later the same day laid another minefield of 21 miles near Ancona, Italy.
(All times are zone -2) 0257 hours - Commenced laying a minefield of 29 mines, 300 feet apart, from a position 160°, Sansego Island lighthouse, 11.3 nautical miles (approximately 44°20'N, 14°23'E), in a direction of 225° for 1,8 nautical miles.
0307 hours - Completed minelaying. Set course for Ancona.
-----------------------------------------
1055 hours - Commenced minelaying. 21 mines were laid from a position 081°, Ancona high light, 9.2 nautical miles in a direction 142° for 1.1 nautical miles.
1107 hours - Completed minelaying.
This minefield may have caused the loss of the Italian merchant Pascoli (2939 GRT, 1902) on 7 May 1941. (8)
30 Jan 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) attacked but missed the Italian merchant Rinucci (1217 GRT, built 1914) off Bar, Yugoslavia. The Italian ship which was proceeding to San Giovanni di Medua. She avoided the torpedoes and took refuge in Ragusa.
(All times are zone -2) 1646 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 1800 yards against a 4000 tons Italian merchant ship. No hits were obtained as the torpedoes passed ahead of the ship. The torpedoes exploded on the shore after a run of 4.5 minutes. (8)
31 Jan 1941
The claim that the Italian torpedo boat Francesco Stocco was broken in two by a mine laid by HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) on 28 January 1941 is an error. The Italian warship had lost part of her bow on 23 December 1940 when the steamer Marin Sanudo collided with her at Bari.
31 Jan 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) destroyed the tug Ursus and damaged the floating battery G.M. 239 in the Adriatic north of Sansego Island in position 42°50'N, 16°30'E. Ursus was towing G.M. 239 and replied with her 76mm gun but was set afire and later sank. From her crew of eighteen, six men were killed, three were missing and her nine survivors were picked up by the floating battery. G.M. 239 armed with two 149mm and one 76mm guns opened fire but was herself hit. Of her crew of forty-nine, nine were killed, five were missing. She drifted away and was found by the Yugoslav steamer Drava and towed to Lessina.
(All times are zone -2) 1250 hours - Heard H.E. bearing Red 30. Shortly afterwards the masts of a ship were sighted and an attack was started. The ship was later seen to be an Italian armed tug with two guns. She was towing a vessel of about 120 feet long with a very big beam. She was of shallow draught. It was fitted with two 4" or 5" guns and a smaller H.A. gun. It had a mast of about 40 feet high, with a look out position and a big rangefinder at the top. Decided for gun action.
1333 hours - Rorqual surfaced 500 yards abaft the beam of the floating battery and about 1200 yards on the quarter of the tug, closing at full speed. After Rorqual had fired four or five rounds the tug opened fire with both her guns. By now Rorqual started hitting the tug and in a short period five hits were obtained and the tugs after gun was put out of action. After about 20 rounds it was thought that the tug was out of action so fire was shifted to the floating battery. The first round hit her amidships and started a fire. It was now seen that the tug had re-opened fire with her forward gun so fire was shifted back to her and four or five more hits were obtained forward putting her forward gun also out of action.
1340 hours - By now both guns on board the floating battery had opened fire on Rorqual at under 500 yards range. Broke off the action and dived. The tug was seen to be heavily on fire. After a while it was decided to fire a torpedo set at 2 feet at the floating battery.
1427 hours - Fired this torpedo but it had a gyro failure forcing Rorqual to go deep.
1546 hours - Aircraft now arrived in the area and Rorqual went deep again.
1802 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. (8)
7 Feb 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) ended her 11th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (8)
26 Feb 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria for her 12th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to perform two beach reconnaissances of Kaso and Scarpanto for Operation Blunt (the operation was cancelled on 28 February) while operation Abstention, the ill-fated raid on Castellorizo, was under way.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
27 Feb 1941
The Italian merchant Ischia (5101 GRT, built 1907) is damaged when she hits a mine of Ancona, Italy. The mine was laid on 28 January 1941 by the British submarine HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN).
28 Feb 1941
At 0607 hours, HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) began a periscope reconnaissance of Kaso. This was completed at 1300 hours and the submarine then proceeded to carry out a reconnaissance of Scarpanto.
7 Mar 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) ended her 12th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (8)
17 Mar 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (11)
18 Mar 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this passage see the map below.
(8)
22 Mar 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta. After embarking 50 mines she departed for her 13th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to lay mines near Palermo and patrol to the North of Sicily.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
25 Mar 1941
Between 1110 - 1119 hours, HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) laid a minefield some 5 miles north-east of Capo Gallo, Sicily, Italy. The minefield started from a position 041° - Cape Gallo - 3.7 nautical miles, a line 4.5 cables long (300 feet apart) in a direction of 280°. A total of 10 mines were laid in this position.
In the morning of 28 March 1941 the Italian torpedo boat Generale Antonio Chinotto (697 tons, built 1921) sank in this minefield. She was returning from a night A/S patrol with her consort Giuseppe Missori, the latter picked up seventy-one survivors, including thirty-one wounded, forty-eight men were killed or missing. (8)
26 Mar 1941
Between 0940 - 0956 hours, HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) laid a minefield of 19 mines starting from a position 022° - Asinelli Rock Light - 2.2 nautical miles, a line 9 cables long (300 feet apart) in a direction of 290°.
Rorqual then laid her last mines (21 in total) from 1048 to 1103 hours, starting from a position 308° - Asinelli Rock Light - 1.5 nautical miles, a line 1 mile long (300 feet apart) in a direction 29°. The same day an Italian convoy ran into this minefield losing the Italian water tankers Ticino (1470 GRT, built 1924) and Verde (1432 GRT, built 1923).
At 1622 hours Ticino hit a mine laid and sank north of Trapani in position 38°06'N, 12°31'E. Verde rescued her crew and then resumed her course, but at 1725 hours she also detonated a mine laid and sank in less than one minute. Eleven men from Ticino and twenty-three from Verde were missing, a total of fifty-two survivors and five corpses were recovered. (8)
29 Mar 1941
At 1649 hours, HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) missed with three torpedoes an unidentified westbound Italian merchant ship in position 38°17'N, 12°08'E (off Trapani). It was initially estimated at 4000 tons but later realised it was much smaller.
30 Mar 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian tanker Laura Corrado (3645 GRT, built 1899) north-east of Capo Gallo, Sicily, Italy in position 38°45'N, 12°20'E. The Italian ship had sailed from Naples for Algiers to pick up a cargo of gasoline. Four men were missing and nineteen survivors were found by the Italian torpedo boat Alcione and landed at Trapani.
(All times are zone -2) 0124 hours - In position 38°49'N, 12°30'E sighted a ship on the starboard bow. Closed to investigate and attack.
0223 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 1000 yards. Both missed as the range was underestimated. The ship, now identified as a fully laden tanker, continued on her course.
A second attack was now started.
0245 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 600 yards. One hit was obtained. The tanker settled rapidly by the stern with a heavy list to starboard where she remained for some time.
0256 hours - Fired five rounds of H.E. into the damaged part of the ship from 400 yards. She then started to settle further.
0300 hours - Only the bow of the tanker was now above the water. Rorqual now retired to the north-west.
At 0403 hours Rorqual received a signal ordering her to patrol to the north of the Straits of Messina to try to catch the damaged Italian battleship Vittorio Veneto. (8)
31 Mar 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian submarine Pier Capponi south of Stromboli, Italy in position 38°32N, 15°19'E. The submarine had sailed from Messina for La Spezia, there were no survivors, five officers and thirty-three ratings were lost.
(All times are zone -2) 1337 hours - In position 38°32N, 15°19'E heard HE bearing 140°.
1339 hours - Sighted something on the horizon. This was later seen to be an Italian submarine. Started attack.
1402 hours - Fired 5 torpedoes from 1000 yards. Two hits were obtained and the submarine sank rapidly. (8)
4 Apr 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) ended her 13th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)
7 Apr 1941
After some repairs by Malta Dockyard, HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this passage see the map below.
(8)
12 Apr 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) arrived at Alexandria. (8)
26 Apr 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) was docked in the Gabbari drydock at Alexandria. (12)
30 Apr 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) was undocked. (12)
3 May 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) departed Alexandria for Port Said. (8)
4 May 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Said. She then proceeded up the Suez Canal to embark mines at the Great Bitter Lakes. (8)
5 May 1941
After embarking 50 mines HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) departed the Great Bitter Lakes for Port Said. After a very short stay at Port Said she departed for her 14th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the northern Aegean Sea. She was also to lay her mines there.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
7 May 1941
The Italian merchant Pascoli (2939 GRT, 1902) was sunk 12 nautical miles south of Sansego after hitting a mine. This may have been one mines from a minefield laid by HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) on 28 January 1941.
11 May 1941
Between 0530 and 0608 hours (zone -3) HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) laid 50 mines in the Gulf of Saloniki off Panomi Point.
It is likely that this minefield accounted for the loss of the Roumanian Carmen Sylva (1601 GRT, built 1903) on 26 May and, the following day, that of the German Helene (ex Greek Eleni Kanavarioti, 797 GRT, built 1886). (8)
12 May 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) sank two sailing vessels with gunfire off Lemnos, Greece. The first sailing vessel sunk was the caique KAV 382 / Agia Paraskevi. (Dounis gives her registration as SAL 128, 55 GRT) but the identity of the other is uncertain, some German sources list it as Absanaskavi (?), a supply vessel of the 164th Infantry Division [ASA lists it as Thrakia]. One German officer and three other ranks were killed.
(All times are zone -3) 1059 hours - Sighted a sailing vessel proceeding from Lemnos to the north-west. Closed to investigate. A large red flag was seen thought to be Turkish.
1200 hours - The flag was seen to be the Nazi flag.
1218 hours - Surfaced and opened fire from 1200 yards. After a few rounds, that missed, she stopped her engine and hoisted a white flag. Rorqual went alongside and it was seen that there were six Greeks on board. They were ordered to abandon ship in their small boat. A round of H.E. was then fired into the caique from 50 yards. A big explosion followed and the caique disintegrated. The bow remained above the surface for about 30 seconds and a dozen or so German soldiers in uniform were seen rushing up the hatch. After a few minutes no German survivors were seen in the water.
-------------------------------------------
1730 hours - Sighted an auxiliary schooner of about 150 tons approaching from the direction of Lemnos. Set course to intercept.
1815 hours - When being examined through the periscope from 500 yards the schooner suddenly turned away, hoised sail and proceeded back at full speed in the direction of Lemnos. It was seen that the schooner was heavily loaded with people and when she turned away these were seen to be German soldiers. Rorqual then surfaced and engaged with her gun.
1834 hours - Dived for an approaching aircraft. The schooner was seen to be down in the water and that there were heavy casualties amongst the soldiers. The aircraft was then seen to dive towards Rorqual so went deep.
1905 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Saw the schooner proceeding away slowly but could not surface to finish her off due to patrolling aircraft. (8)
23 May 1941
HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) ended her 14th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (8)
26 May 1941
The Roumanian Carmen Sylva (1601 GRT, built 1903) is mined and sunk off the Gulf of Saloniki, Greece. The mine was most likely part of a minefield laid by the British submarine HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) on 11 May 1941.
27 May 1941
The German merchant Helene (ex Greek Eleni Kanavarioti, 797 GRT, built 1886) is mined and sunk off the Gulf of Saloniki, Greece. The mine was most likely part of a minefield laid by the British submarine HMS Rorqual (Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, DSO, RN) on 11 May 1941.
3 Jun 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta for her 1st storage trip.
Rorqual had on board: 2 officers 21 other ranks 1 Maltese civilian
147 bags of mail 2 tons of naval stores including medical stores 1478 cases of aviation spirit 15 tons of bulk aviation spirit 45 tons of bulk kerosene 2 coils of wire
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this passage see the map below.
(8)
12 Jun 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Malta. (8)
14 Jun 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria.
Rorqual had on board: 2 officers 3 dockyard officials 12 other ranks
46 cases of QF 4" HE shells 100 cases of 4" shrapnel shells 130 bags of mail 30 seaman's bags 2.5 tons of naval stores Several parts of machinery
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this passage see the map below.
(8)
21 Jun 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Alexandria ending her 1st storage trip. (8)
25 Jun 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta for her 2nd storage trip.
Rorqual had on board: 3 army officers 18 army and RAF other ranks
50 tons of aviation spirit in cans 14 tons of aviation spirit in bulk 11700 gallons of kerosene in bulk
7 tons of stores made up of: 90 bags of mail foamite refills Hoses Army clothing 2 U-class submarine propellers
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this passage see the map below.
(8)
2 Jul 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Malta. Rorqual arrived with several defects that needed repairs. (8)
4 Jul 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) entered No.5 dock at Malta. (8)
5 Jul 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) was docked down in No.5 dock at Malta. (8)
10 Jul 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) was undocked. She then conducted some trials / exercises off Malta. (8)
12 Jul 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria. On this return trip from her 2nd storage trip she was ordered to patrol along the coast of North Africa making this her 15th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean).
Rorqual also had stores on board: 3 naval officers 15 naval and army ratings
1 trawler propeller 40 boxes of 4.5" ammunition 1 machinery piece for HMS Coventry 40 bags of mail 48 cases of N.S.O. stores 60 magazines for RAF guns
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
19 Jul 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) ended her 15th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (8)
31 Jul 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Alexandria for Malta for her 3rd storage trip.
Rorqual had on board: 1 naval officer 1 army officer 18 other ranks
1500 cases of aviation spirit 4680 gallons of aviation spirit in bulk 17285 gallons of kerosene in bulk 1 ton of junction boxes 2 tons of mail 6 tons of stores
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
4 Aug 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) is ordered to take up a patrol position about 200 nautical miles to the east-south-east of Malta to intercept an expected southbound enemy tanker.
Rorqual's 3rd storage trip now became her 16th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean). (8)
6 Aug 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) is ordered to continue her passage to Malta. (8)
12 Aug 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Malta with several days delay, 3 days due to her being ordered to patrol for 3 days and 3 days due to defects to her starboard engine air compressor. (8)
21 Aug 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) embarked 50 mines. (8)
22 Aug 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for her 17th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Greece and to lay a minefield.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
25 Aug 1941
Between 0936 and 1015 hours (zone -3) HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 50 mines off Cape Skinari, Greece (275°, Cape Skinari, 8 nautical miles). (8)
28 Aug 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Cilicia (2747 GRT, built 1928) which was proceeding unescorted in company with Alfredo Oriani (3059 GRT, built 1918) about 40 nautical miles south-south-west of Schiza Island in position 36°25'N, 21°01'E.
Cilicia had observed a torpedo track on the port side and immediately turned to starboard but was struck by two torpedoes and sank in 30 seconds. The two ships had initially been escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Antares but she left them before dawn.
(All times are zone -3) 1843 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 220°. Altered course to close. The smoke was soon afterwards seen to come from one large merchant vessel and one moderate large merchant vessel. No escort was seen.
1853 hours - Started attack on the largest vessel.
1938 hours - Fired three torpedoes at the leading ship from 1100 yards. It is thought that three hits were obtained.
1940 hours - The leading ship was seen to be hidden by yellowish-brown smoke. Fired three torpedoes at the second ship. She was now very close.
1941 hours - Went deep.
1942 hours - Rorqual was rammed. The enemy struck the periscope standards. Both periscopes were damaged. Rorqual remained deep until 2145 hours. With all periscope now damaged and all torpedoes expended course was now set of Alexandria. (8)
2 Sep 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) ended her 17th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean) at Alexandria. (8)
29 Sep 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (13)
1 Oct 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Alexandria for the Great Bitter Lakes where she was to embark a full outfit of 50 mines.
Before course was set to the east exercises were carried out with HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO and Bar, RN), and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN).
This is Rorqual's 18th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean). After embarking the mines she was to patrol in the Southern Aegean and lay a minefield in the Gulf of Athens. Upon completion of this patrol she was to proceed to Malta. Rorqual was due for refit and was to proceed to the U.K.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
2 Oct 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Port Said. She embarked a pilot and the proceeded through the Suez Canal to the Great Bitter Lakes where 50 mines were embarked. The next day she proceeded on her 18th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean). (8)
8 Oct 1941
Between 1129 and 1212 hours (zone -3) HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 50 mines in the Gulf of Athens near position 37°29'N, 23°53'E. The mines were laid from the above position in a direction of 330° for 2.7 nautical miles. They were laid at a depth of 8 feet with a spacing of 300 feet.
In the morning hours a convoy had been sighted but it was not attacked as it passed within a mile from the position where the minefield had to be laid. (8)
12 Oct 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) ended her 18th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)
17 Oct 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for her 19th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean). She is ordered to lay mines off Cape Ferrato, Sardinia and off Cavoli Island. Upon completion of this patrol she was to proceed to Gibraltar.
In the evening Rorqual returned to Malta with a fractured pipe in the turning gear of the forward hydroplanes.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
18 Oct 1941
After repairs HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta to resume her 19th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean). (8)
19 Oct 1941
In the early evening the Italian torpedo-boat Altair ran into a minefield laid by Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) on 8 October 1941 in the Gulf of Athens. Altair sank the next morning while in tow.
Altair was part of the escort of a convoy [Città di Agrigento, Città di Marsala, Tagliamento and the German Salzburg, also escorted by the auxiliary Barletta and the torpedo boats Lupo and Monzambano, they were on passage from Piraeus to Suda] when she was mined. Lupo attempted in vain to tow Altair, she sank near Gaidero Light and thirteen men were killed.
20 Oct 1941
The Italian torpedo-boat Aldebaran sailed to the assistance of Altair but also ran into a minefield and sank in the Gulf of Athens. The minefield was laid by Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) on 8 October 1941. Ten lives were lost.
21 Oct 1941
Between 1702 and 1716 hours (zone -1), HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 10 mines off Cavoli Island, off south-east Sardinia. The mines were laid from a position 129°, Cavoli Island light, 1.8 nautical miles. The minefield was a mile long and laid in a direction of 227°. The mines were laid at 8 feet at 600 feet spacing. (8)
22 Oct 1941
Between 1611 and 1642 hours (zone -1), HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 40 mines off Cape Ferrato, Sardinia. The mines were laid from a position 144°, Cape Ferrato light, 1.1 nautical miles. The minefield was two miles long and laid in a direction of 115°. The mines were laid at 8 feet at 300 feet spacing.
In the morning a convoy was sighted near the position the minefield was to be laid therefore the convoy was not attacked. HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 40 mines off Capo Ferrato, south-east Sardinia.
By 25 October, the auxiliary minesweeper V.44 / Pietro Padre R. located fourteen mines but the minefield probably caused the loss of the Italian merchant Salpi (2710 GRT, built 1920) on 9 February 1942. The claim that Salpi was sunk by HMS Upholder (in Hezlet and in Navi Mercantili Perdute) is an error. This vessel was proceeding with Nirvo and Albisola escorted by the auxiliary Loredan from Civitavecchia to Cagliari when she ran into the minefield 2 nautical miles bearing 100° of Cape Ferrato, initially she was reported to have been torpedoed, hence the subsequent confusion. Eleven men were killed and twenty survivors were picked up. Five days later the Italian minesweeper R.D. 41 located another British mine in the same area. (8)
26 Oct 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) ended her 19th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean) at Gibraltar. (8)
28 Oct 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Gibraltar for Holy Loch.
No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (14)
3 Nov 1941
In the morning HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) made rendez-vous off Trevose Head with her escort HMS La Capricieuse (former French) (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). (15)
4 Nov 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (16)
14 Nov 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Holy Loch for her 20th war patrol. She is ordered to lay two minefields to the West of La Rochelle, France. Rorqual was escorted south through the Irish Sea by HMS White Bear (Cdr. (retired) C.C. Flemming, RN) until 2000/15.
It had been decided to send Rorqual on a minelaying mission (F.D. 34) in the Bay of Biscay as there was some delay in her being excepted at a dockyard for her refit.
No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (8)
18 Nov 1941
Between 2303 and 2326 hours (zone -1), HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 29 mines in 5 groups of 5 and one group of 4 within a circle of one mile radius from position 46°05'5"N, 01°57'5"W. Flooders were set for 23 December 1941. (8)
19 Nov 1941
Between 0051 and 0105 hours (zone -1), HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 21 mines in three groups of 5 and one group of 6 within a circle of one mile radius from position 45°56'5"N, 01°47'5"W. Flooders were set for 23 December 1941.
Shortly afterwards two torpedoes were seen approaching. These could be evaded. As no enemy submarine was in the area the 'torpedoes' sighted were most likely porpoises. (8)
22 Nov 1941
At 0830 hours (zone -1), HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) made rendez-vous with HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) off Wolf Rock. Cutty Sark was however unable to proceed northwards owning to the weather conditions. It was decided that Rorqual would proceed alone and that Cutty Sark would catch up later which was done at 1730 hours near Trevose Head. (8)
24 Nov 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) ended her 20th war patrol at Holy Loch. (8)
28 Nov 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Holy Loch for Plymouth. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(retired) R.H. Mack, RN). (16)
30 Nov 1941
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Plymouth where she was to refit at the Devonport Dockyard. (16)
22 Dec 1941
The minefield (50 mines) laid by HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr R.H. Dewhurst, RN) east of Misrata, Libya near position 32°40'N, 15°00'E on 9 November 1940 may have accounted for the losses of the Italian Cadamosto (1010 GRT, built 1905) and the German Spezia (1825 GRT, built 1924) that sank off Misrata, Libya on this day.
9 Feb 1942
The Italian merchant Salpi (2715 GRT, built 1920) hits a mine and sank 2 nautical miles bearing 100° of Cape Ferrato, Sardinia, Italy. The mine was laid on 22 October 1941 by HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN).
8 Jun 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (17)
9 Jun 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (17)
10 Jun 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. These included night exercises during the night of 10 and 11 June 1942. (17)
27 Jun 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (17)
2 Jul 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (18)
6 Jul 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Plymouth for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (18)
8 Jul 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a short work-up period. (18)
10 Jul 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (17)
12 Jul 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (17)
14 Jul 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area and speed trials on the Arran measured mile. (17)
15 Jul 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (17)
21 Jul 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Holy Loch for Plymouth. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (18)
23 Jul 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at the Devonport Dockyard at Plymouth. (18)
27 Jul 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Plymouth for Gibraltar. She was escorted by HMS Lord Stonehaven (Skr. A.F.S. Jenner, RNR) until 0015/28.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
5 Aug 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (8)
14 Aug 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(19)
23 Aug 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Malta. (19)
26 Aug 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for her 21th war patrol (17th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to lay a minefield off Corfu and then to proceed to Beirut where she was to join the 1st Submarine flotilla.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
30 Aug 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) laid a minefield of 15 mines south-east of Corfu. 50 mines were intended but the minelaying gear malfunctioned and 35 mines got stuck.
Rorqual also torpedoed the Italian merchant Monstella (5311 GRT, built 1918) in the Ionian Sea South of Corfu in position 39°15'N, 20°21'E. This vessel was proceeding in convoy with Costante C. and Nerucci escorted by the auxiliary Brioni, they were on a trip from Brindisi to Preveza. Seven men were killed but she was escorted by Brioni and towed by three tugs and beached in Corfu but was a constructive total loss.
(All times are zone -2) 0450 hours - Dived in position 120°, Anti Paxos lighthouse, 8.5 nautical miles and continued toward the minelaying position.
1108 hours - Arrived in the position for the lay but fouled by fishing vessels. Carried out a fresh approach.
1253 hours - Laid the first mine in position 39°17'N, 20°18'E.
1326 hours - Completed the lay. As the lay was finished a loud noise was heard overhead and shuddering and a heavy strain was felt on the minelaying unit. It was now suspected for the first time that the lay might not have been successful but no confirmation could be obtained until after surfacing. At 2015 hours Rorqual surfaced and it was found that 25 mines were still inside the casing due to a malfunction.
1520 hours - Heard H.E. and shortly afterwards sighted a convoy made up of a modern merchant vessel of about 3000 tons followed by two 1000 tons merchant vessels. A 4000 tons merchant made up the rear of the line. Air escort was present but no surface escort could be seen. It was decided to attack the rear ship. This was an old fashioned tramp of 4000 tons, lightly laden.
1534 hours - In position 39°15'N, 20°21'E fired two torpedoes from 3500 yards. One certain and probably a second hit was heard.
1545 hours - A counter attack was started in which 16 depth charges were dropped. Rorqual meanwhile retired to the southward at 80 feet. It now seems to look like that the first ship in the line was an Armed Merchant Cruiser.
1615 hours - No further depth charges were heard. Returned to periscope depth.
1622 hours - Sighted the target stopped and low in the water on an even keel. The A.M.C. was also stopped and between Rorqual and the target. The aircraft was circling overhead. Went to 80 feet again.
1730 hours - Came to periscope depth. The target was now seen to be sinking. She was down by the stern with the poop deck awash. The A.M.C. and aircraft were still standing by.
1900 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The target could no longer be seen. (8)
7 Sep 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) ended her 21th war patrol (17th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (8)
24 Sep 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Beirut for Malta. This was her 4th storage trip to Malta.
The main items of her cargo were: 45 tons of aviation spirit 11 Mark VIII torpedoes 8 18" aircraft torpedoes 5 tons of dehydrated vegetables 1,5 tons of carbide Tinned provisions, special RAF stores and mail.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this passage see the map below.
(8)
2 Oct 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Malta. (8)
4 Oct 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for Beirut.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this passage see the map below.
(8)
6 Oct 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) encountered an enemy destroyer or possibly a submarine. She managed to evade the enemy.
This was the Italian submarine Antonio Sciesa which fired a single torpedo but missed.
(All times are zone -3) 2212 hours - In position 34°58'N, 19°21'E, Rorqual sighted a flashing light on the port quarter. No ship was visible. It was thought this might be HMS Parthian. Turned stern on.
2213 hours - Made challenge GIL - D. Reply M received (this was the first letter of the correct reply).
2218 hours - Single letter M repeated.
2220 hours - It is thought a single depth charge was dropped, but is is possible that it was a torpedo exploding.
2224 hours - It is thought that a destroyer was seen to be approaching from right astern, range 3000 yards.
2225 hours - Dived. The enemy did not start a hunt and was not even heard to stop in the vicinity. Maybe it was a submarine.
2330 hours - Surfaced and proceeded. (8)
12 Oct 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Beirut.
(8)
22 Oct 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Beirut for Malta. This was her 5th storage trip to Malta.
The main items of her cargo were: 50 tons of aviation spirit 20 tons of oil fuel 12 Mark VIII torpedoes 8 18" aircraft torpedoes 10 tons of dehydrated vegetables Leather, carbide and RAF stores.
The same evening, the submarine released two pigeons for communication trials with Beirut. One reached its destination but the other returned to the submarine. Three homing pigeons were brought to Malta.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this passage see the map below.
(8)
26 Oct 1942
At 0210 hours, HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) was informed that a Beaufort bomber had crashed ten miles away in position 33°48'N, 24°48'E. The position was reached at 0315 hours and a thorough search was carried out until 1845 hours but without success.
30 Oct 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Malta. (8)
1 Nov 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for Port Said. Rorqual had left all her torpedoes at Malta where there was a shortage of torpedoes.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this passage see the map below.
(8)
8 Nov 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Port Said. (8)
10 Nov 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) was docked at Port Said. (20)
13 Nov 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) was undocked. (20)
14 Nov 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Port Said for Beirut.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this passage see the map below.
(20)
16 Nov 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Beirut. (20)
24 Nov 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Beirut for Malta. She was temporary detached to the 10th Submarine flotilla.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this passage see the map below.
(20)
2 Dec 1942
Around 1345A/2, HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) and HMS Trooper (Lt. J.S. Wraith, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. They had been escorted in by HMS Hebe (Lt.Cdr. G. Mowatt, RD, RNR). (21)
6 Dec 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for her 22th war patrol (18th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to lay mines off the Cani Rocks.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
8 Dec 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 36 mines off Cani Rocks, north-east of Bizerte, Tunisia.
(All times are zone -1) 1241 hours - Laid the first mine in position 167°, Cani Rocks, 5.2 nautical miles.
Completed the lay of 29 mines, laid 340°, 1.4 nautical miles from the first mine. Depth of the mines was set at 15 feet. Spacing between the mines 300 feet. Proceeded to lay the second group of mines.
1403 hours - Laid the first mine of the second group in position 140°, Cani Rocks, 5.8 nautical miles. Seven mines were laid in a direction of 150°, 300 feet apart. After laying the 7th mine indications were observed that the remaining mines were not leaving the rails. Inspection after dark showed this to be the case and 14 mines were found in the casing.
1417 hours - Began withdrawal from the area.
The claim that this minefield caused the loss Italian auxiliary minesweeper AS 99 / Zani on 21 December is an error, this vessel probably was the victim of an air-laid mine at the entrance of La Goulette, possibly laid by Marauders of 14 Squadron. (8)
9 Dec 1942
In the early morning hours HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) sent a signal report on her minelaying operation. Course was then set towards Cagliari, Sardinia.
In the evening another signal was sent that Rorqual had 14 mines remaining. She was then ordered to lay these near Cavoli Island. However before the mines could be laid Rorqual was ordered on the 12th to patrol off Naples. (8)
12 Dec 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) reported being attacked with a salvo of torpedoes. Three torpedoes passed underneath.
Looks like a lucky escape.
However no German or Italian submarine was in the area. There is a distinct possibility that the attacker might have been HMS P 222 mistaken Rorqual for an enemy submarine. This is however unlikely. More likely is that no torpedoes were fired against Rorqual at all and that the torpedoes sighted were in fact porpoises.
(All times are zone -1) 2119 hours - In position 39°56'N, 11°58'E the Officer of the watch sighted a bow wave bearing 150°.
2120 hours - Torpedo tracks were sighted approaching from the starboard side. The helm was put hard to port. But before Rorqual began to turn three torpedo tracks passed underneath aft of the bridge.
2121 hours - A fourth torpedo was sighted. This torpedo did not run straight. The track passed under the gun tower and curved away to the right.
2123 hours - The enemy was not sighted. Dived. (8)
14 Dec 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) attacked an enemy merchant vessel off Ischia Island. No hits were obtained.
This was probably the Italian merchant Nino Padre (4171 GRT, built 1913) proceeding from Naples to Gaeta.
(All times are zone -1) 1030 hours - Sighted a single unescorted merchant vessel coasting south of Ischia. Set course to intercept. The ship was an old one of 3000 tons, probably in ballast.
1101 hours - In position 279°, Imperatore Point, 4.2 nautical miles, fired three torpedoes from 4000 yards. Two violent explosions occurred 1 minute and 1 minute and 40 seconds after firing. These brought down glass and corking. It seems that two of the three torpedoes went straight to the bottom. A third explosion followed at the correct running interval to hit the shore. The merchant ship was not hit. (8)
17 Dec 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 11 mines off Ischia Island, near Naples, Italy.
(All times are zone -1) 1053 hours - Started laying the remaining 11 mines from position 40°46'N, 13°46'E. The mines were laid in a direction of 070° for 0,7 nautical miles. The mines were set at 15 feet, 350 feet apart.
1102 hours - Laid the last mine. Cleared the area. (8)
18 Dec 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Italian auxiliary Piero Foscari (3423 GRT, built 1928) in the Gulf of Gaeta, Italy north-east of Ischia island in position 40°53'N, 13°39'E.
She was escorting the merchants Orione (1144 GRT, built 1921) and Prode (1244 GRT, built 1903) from Naples to Civitavecchia. The Italian vessel was seriously damaged and was towed to Gaeta.
(All times are zone -1) 1909 hours - Surfaced in position 317°, Imperatore Point, 9 nautical miles. Immediately on surfacing sighted one large and two small ships approaching from the south. Dived.
Shortly afterwards the enemy was seen to be a merchant vessel of about 2500/3000 tons escorted by two E-boats.
1941 hours - Fired three torpedoes from 1500 yards. One hit was heard after the correct running time.
1951 hours - Heard one single loud explosion, possibly a depth charge or a torpedo exploding at the end of her run.
2040 hours - Tapping was heard such as Rorqual was hunted. Set course to the north. Tapping gradually faded out. (8)
23 Dec 1942
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) ended her 22th war patrol (18th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)
10 Jan 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) conducted exercises off Malta. (22)
14 Jan 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for her 23th war patrol (19th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to lay a minefield off Cani Rocks, Tunisia and to patrol to the south of Calabria afterwards.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
17 Jan 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) started laying a minefield off Cani Rocks. Three mines were laid but a malfunction forced Rorqual to abort the minelaying operation.
(All times are zone -1) 1430 hours - Arrived in the selected position for our minefield, 069°, Cani Rocks, 3 nautical miles in a direction of 330°. Attempted to start the minelaying operation but the mining doors jammed open and could not be cleared. Three mines were in fact forced through but there was no certain indication for this, and heavy strain came on the minelaying unit. Abandoned the lay and cleared the area.
In the evening the mining doors were inspected. They were forced slightly further open but could not be cleared completely. Three mines were set safe. A trial lay of two mines was then undertaken with success. The third safe was not laid and armed again. It was decided to go ahead with the laying of the remaining 45 mines. (8)
18 Jan 1943
The German troop transport Ankara (4768 GRT, built 1937) sank about 5 nautical miles north-east of Cani Island. HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 45 mines on this day but it is debatable if the German ship was her victim and perhaps more likely that the mine was laid by the minelayer Manxman in the same area on 29 November 1942. Ankara was on a trip from Palermo to Bizerta escorted by the Italian destroyer Saetta (escort leader) and the Italian torpedo boat Uragano when a mine detonated under her stern at 1410 hours. This ship had a charmed life, eluding several attempts to dispose of her by British and allied forces but her luck had now run out. By 1447 hours, Saetta had managed to take her in tow but had great difficulty as the German ship was sinking from the stern. At 1505 hours Uragano came alongside and with great skill took all her passengers (26 Italians and 92 Germans military personnel) but at 1530 hours she finally sank. Her crew had exhibited great courage and discipline, they remained calm to the end and Saetta managed to recover all 109 men. During this trip Ankara had carried 153 vehicles, 47 motorcycles, 160 tons of petrol, 666 tons of ammunitions and 800 tons of stores. She was the only ship capable of lifting and carrying Tiger tanks and her loss was a significant blow to Axis forces in Tunisia.
(All times are zone -1) 1135 hours - In position 075°, Cani Rocks light, 5 nautical miles. Laid mines on a line 343° for 1.2 nautical miles, thence 020° for 1.2 nautical miles. The mines were spaced 300 feet apart and set at a depth of 15 feet.
1207 hours - Lay completed. Set course to clear the area. Over an hour later a convoy was heard near the position where the mines had been laid. Also aircraft were seen patrolling the area. Rorqual went deep. (8)
24 Jan 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) attacked an escorted merchant vessel with four torpedoes east of Punta Stilo. No hits were obtained.
This was most probably the Italian tanker Thorsheimer (ex Norwegian 9955 GRT, built 1935) escorted by the destroyers Lubiana and Francesco Stocco proceeding at 13 knots from Taranto to Messina. Apparently the tanker was disguised as an ordinary merchantman [warsailors.com]. The attack was unobserved.
(All times are zone -1) 1130 hours - In position 38°28'5"N, 16°40'E sighted a merchant vessel escorted by a Generali-class torpedo-boat and three Cant Z-501 aircraft approaching from the Northward. The enemy was hugging the coast very closely. The sea was glass calm. Started attack.
1201 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 5000 yards. All torpedoes missed. Took avoiding action but no oounter attack developed. It is thought that the speed of the enemy was underestimated. (8)
29 Jan 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) attacked an enemy merchant vessel with four and later two torpedoes east of Bavalino, Calabria, Italy. It is possible that in the first salvo of four torpedoes a hit was obtained but that the torpedo was a dud.
The target was the German Gerda Toft (ex Danish, 1960 GRt, built 1930) which had sailed from Reggio (Calabria) and joined up with the German Fronsac (ex French, 518 GRT, built 1906) from Messina and were making their way to Taranto. Gerda Toft reported missed ahead by three torpedoes at 1445 hours and again by two torpedoes at 1510 hours.
(All times are zone -1) 1350 hours - In position 38°07'N, 16°12'E sighted two vessels rounding Cape Spartivento. These proved to be a 3000 tons merchant vessel in ballast and a 500 tons vessel. They were escorted by a Cant 506B seaplane.
1403 hours - Started attack on the 3000 tons merchant vessel.
1439 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 2700 yards. 2 Minutes 43 seconds after firing a dull thud was heard. Three torpedoes were later heard to strike the land. It is thought a torpedo hit had been obtained but that is was a dud.
1456 hours - The enemy made a navigational alteration of course to starboard. Decided to attack with the two remaining torpedoes.
1501 hours - Started a second attack.
1511 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 4000 yards. Target was once again the larger vessel. No explosions were heard.
1513 hours - The escorting aircraft was seen flying down the torpedo tracks towards the target firing white Verey lights. It is likely that this enabled the enemy to take avoiding action. Rorqual meanwhile withdrew to seaward. (8)
30 Jan 1943
At 1257 hours (zone -1), HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) bombarded a railway bridge over the mouth of the river Ancinale near position 38°41'N, 16°34'E. Sixteen rounds had been fired at the bridge for 3 hits before Rorqual was forced to dive when an enemy shore battery opened fire. While diving Rorqual was hit on the bridge causing some damage.
The coastal battery 130 at Soverate opened fire on the submarine and claimed -correctly- to have scored a probable hit on the submarine. From Crotone the auxiliary submarine chasers Malinska and Maria Geraldo were sent to hunt the submarine assisted by four seaplanes. Rorqual, her forward periscope inoperable, had already vacated the area and cut short her patrol by one day. (8)
2 Feb 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) ended her 23th war patrol (19th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)
22 Feb 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for her 24th war patrol (20th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to lay a minefield off Marittimo Island and then to proceed to Haifa to embark a new outfit of mines.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
24 Feb 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 2 minefields of 25 mines each near Marittimo Island.
(All times are zone -1) 0805 hours - Started laying the first minefield. The first mine was laid in position 143°, Libeccio light (Marittimo), 5.4 nautical miles in a direction of 135° for 1.3 nautical miles. The mines were set at 12 feet and were spaced 300 feet apart.
0822 hours - Completed laying the first minefield.
0827 hours - Started laying the second minefield. The first mine of this field was laid in position 138°, Libeccio light (Marittimo), 7.2 nautical miles in a direction of 092° for 1.5 nautical miles. The mines had the same settings as the mines in the first field.
0856 hours - Completed the lay. Set course to clear the area. (8)
5 Mar 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Haifa. (8)
9 Mar 1943
After embarking 50 mines HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Haifa for Malta. (8)
16 Mar 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Malta. (8)
19 Mar 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for a minelaying mission of Trapani, Sicily. (8)
22 Mar 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 50 mines off Trapani, Sicily, Italy.
(All times are zone -1) 1203 hours - Laid the first mine in position 38°03'6"N, 12°30'2"E and continued to lay mines in a direction of 316° for 1.4 nautical miles and then 294° for one mile. A total of 50 mines were laid set at a depth of 10 feet, spaced 300 feet apart.
1238 hours - Completed the lay.
The first victim of this minefield was apparently the auxiliary minesweeper G.19 / Giorgio (196 GRT, built 1912) at 0800 hours on 24 March. (8)
24 Mar 1943
The Italian auxiliary minesweeper G.19 / Giorgio (196 GRT, 1912) sank 0800 hours after hitting a mine laid on 22 March by the British submarine HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN).
26 Mar 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) ended her 24th war patrol (20th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (8)
4 Apr 1943
The Italian merchant Carbonello A. (1593 GRT, built 1943) was not mined at Trapani on 4 April 1943 as reported elsewhere, this error was caused by the misinterpretation of an Ultra signal. She was on passage from Brindisi to Crotone at that time and was undamaged.
9 Apr 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Algiers for Malta. This was her 6th storage trip to Malta.
Rorqual had 31 torpedoes on board (including her own outfit) as well as 10 tons of stores.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this passage see the map below.
(8)
15 Apr 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Malta. (8)
18 Apr 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for her 25th war patrol (21th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to lay a minefield to the West of Sicily.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
21 Apr 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) laid 50 mines off Favignana Island to the west of Sicily, Italy.
(All times are zone -1) 1100 hours - Laid the first mine of the first line in position 37°57'3"N, 12°13'3"E. 25 Mines were laid in direction 154° for 1.5 nautical miles. The mines were laid at a depth of 10 feet and were spaced 300 feet apart.
1116 hours - Completed the lay of the first line of mines. Proceeded to the position for the second line of mines.
1208 hours - Laid the first mine of the second line in position 37°58'7"N, 12°14'5"E. 25 Mines were then laid in direction 152° for 1.2 nautical miles with the same settings as the first line.
1226 hours - Completed the lay of the second line of mines. Rorqual then cleared the area.
The minefield was reported by HR-Bootsgruppe (Trapani) on 30 April and two mines had been detonated. HR stood for Hummerboot or lobster-boat, these patrol boats were used for coastal defence and boat 6613 was based at Trapani at the time and was probably the one who gave the alarm. (8)
24 Apr 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Malta to embark a new outfit of mines. (8)
27 Apr 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta to lay another 50 mines in the Marettimo area. (8)
30 Apr 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) laid another 50 mines off Favignana Island, to the west of Sicily, Italy.
This minefield may have caused the loss of the Italian schooner Sempre Avanti (135 GRT, built 1904) on 5 May 1943.
(All times are zone -1) 0957 hours - Laid the first mine of the first line of 25 mines in position 38°02'1"N, 12°12'1"E. The mines were laid in a direction of 137° for 1.3 nautical miles. Depth settings were 10 feet, spacing between the mines was 300 feet.
1014 hours - Laid the 25th mine and set course for the position where the second line of 25 mines were to be laid.
1405 hours - Laid the first mine of the second line in position 38°00'8'N, 12°03'1"E. 25 mines were laid in direction 312° for 1.3 nautical miles. The settings were the same as for the first line of mines.
1433 hours - Laid the last mine. Set course to return to Malta. (8)
2 May 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) ended her 25th war patrol (21th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)
5 May 1943
The Italian schooner Sempre Avanti (135 GRT, built 1904) sinks off Favignana Island possibly after hitting a mine laid by HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) on 30 April 1943.
12 May 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for her 26th war patrol (22th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to lay two minefields of 25 mines each off Punta Stilo, Calabria, Italy.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
15 May 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) laid a total of 50 mines off Punta Stilo, Calabria, Italy.
The minefield was located a week later and some of the mines were destroyed.
(All times are zone -2) 0942 hours - Laid the first mine of the first line of 25 mines in position 055°, Punta Stilo lighthouse, 2.1 miles. The mines were laid in a direction of 092° for 1.5 nautical miles. Depth setting was 10 feet.
1001 hours - Completed laying the first line of 25 mines. Set course for the position of the second line.
1159 hours - Began laying the second line of 25 mines in position 145°, Punta Stilo lighthouse, 1.9 miles. The mines were laid in a direction of 149° for 1.4 nautical miles.
1217 hours - Lay completed. Set course to return to Malta. (8)
18 May 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) ended her 26th war patrol (22th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (8)
22 May 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Malta for Port Said.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this passage see the map below.
(23)
30 May 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Port Said where she was immediately docked. (23)
15 Jun 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) was undocked. (24)
23 Jun 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Port Said for Haifa. (24)
24 Jun 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) arrived at Haifa. (24)
25 Jun 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, RN) departed Haifa for her 27th war patrol (23th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to lay a minefield off the Kassandra peninsula and to patrol in the Northern Aegean.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
2 Jul 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) laid 29 mines off the Gulf of Kassandra, Greece.
The minefield was discovered by the minelayer Bulgaria on 5 July. Four auxiliary minesweepers of the 12th Flotilla (GM 53, GM 56, GM 57 and GM 64) were sent to clear it but GM 53 (former Greek SAL 150/Taxiardus) blew up on one of the mines, four men were killed and four survived.
(All times are zone -3) 1057 hours - Laid the first mine in position 296°, Kassandra Point, 2.0 nautical miles. 29 mines were laid in direction 240° for 0.8 nautical mile, thence 270° for 0.8 nautical mile. Depth setting was 10 feet, spacing 300 feet.
1120 hours - Lay completed. Set course to the South of Kassandra Point. (8)
3 Jul 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) laid her remaining 21 mines in the Skiathos Channel.
(All times are zone -3) 0957 hours - Laid the first mine in position 349°, Cape Sepias, 5.1 nautical miles. 21 mines were laid in direction 100°, over a total length of 1.2 nautical miles. The settings were the same as the day before.
1012 hours - Completed minelaying. Patrolled the northern approach to the Skiathos Channel for the remainder of the day. (8)
7 Jul 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) torpedoed and sank the German tanker Wilhemsburg (7020 GRT, former Greece Petrakis Nomikou, built 1914) about 5 nautical miles west of Tenedos Island, Greece in position 39°55'N, 25°50'E.
(All times are zone -3) 0510 hours - While Rorqual was in position 310° Ponente light (Tenedos) 13 nautical miles, two destroyers were sighted 4 nautical miles away slowly proceeding towards the Dardanelles. Lt.Cdr. Napier judged that this must be the escort for the expected convoy.
0703 hours - Smoke was seen coming from the straits and the destroyers made off to close the straits.
0802 hours - The convoy was seen to form up. It consisted of a large tanker, the two destroyers sighted earlier, a corvette with three aircraft overhead.
0859 hours - Fired four torpedoes. Two hits were obtained. Immediately after the attack 16 depth charges were dropped. They were near enough to do some light damage such as to lights and some minor fittings.
1025 hours - Another 10 depth charges were dropped but these were not at all close.
1050 hours - Rorqual returned to periscope depth. The corvette was seen hunting about two nautical miles away. Nothing else was in sight.
[The convoy attacked was made up of the above mentioned Wilhemsburg as well as the German merchant Gerda Toft (1960 GRT, former Danish, built 1930). They were escorted by the Italian destroyer Turbine, the Italian torpedo-boat Monzambano as well as the German auxiliary submarine chasers UJ-2102 and UJ-2104. They were on a trip from the Dardanelles to Piraeus.] (8)
8 Jul 1943
At 1800 hours (zone -3), HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) bombarded the Stratoni Iron Works. 47 Rounds were fired. Some damage must have been caused. (8)
14 Jul 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) ended her 27th war patrol (23th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (8)
28 Jul 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) departed Beirut for Haifa to embark 50 mines there before proceeding on patrol. (8)
29 Jul 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) departed Haifa for her 28th war patrol (24th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to lay mines in the Northern Aegean and afterwards to patrol these waters.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
5 Aug 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) laid 29 mines off the Gulf of Saloniki, Greece.
(All times are zone -3) 0934 hours - Laid the first mine in position 40°14'5"N, 22°58'1"E. Laid a line of 29 mines for 1.9 nautical miles in direction 059°. The mines were set at a depth of 12 feet and were spaced 400 feet apart.
1005 hours - Laid the list mine. Set course to patrol down the supposed enemy approach route to Saloniki. (8)
6 Aug 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) laid her remaining 21 mines off Lemnos, Greece.
(All times are zone -3) 2032 hours - Laid the first mine in position 39°43'8"N, 25°22'6"E. 21 Mines were laid in direction 038° extending 1.2 nautical miles. The mines were spaced 350 apart and were laid at a depth of 12 feet.
2053 hours - Laid the last mine in position 39°44'8"N, 25°23'8"E. Set course to withdraw to the south-east. (8)
7 Aug 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant Nantaise (1798 GRT, built 1920, former French) in the Aegean Sea in position 39°51'N, 25°48'E.
She was on a trip from Varna to Piraeus in company with Thisbé (ex French, 1782 GRT, built 1925) and five submarine chasers of the 21 UJ-Flottille (UJ 2104, leader, UJ 2101, UJ 2102, UJ 2105 and UJ 2110) and four boats of 11.R-Flottille (R 34, R 194, R 195 and R 210).
(All times are zone -3) 1815 hours - Sighted smoke. Altered course to investigate. Sighted vessels approaching from the Dardanelles.
1825 hours - Identified the targets as a convoy made up of two merchant vessels of about 2500 tons escorted by three A/S trawlers and two E-boats. Two aircraft were also seen patrolling overhead. Started attack.
1852 hours - In position 39°51'N, 25°48'E fired four torpedoes at the rear merchant ship from 4000 yards. She was laden and had a deck cargo of timber. One hit was obtained. Took avoiding action.
1920 hours - Returned to periscope depth as no counter attack had developed. The target was stopped and down by the bow. The seemed little doubt that she would sink. As the A/S vessel were hunting went deep again and retired from the area. 6 Depth charges were dropped but none was near.
2050 hours - Returned to periscope depth again. The target was not seen anymore. Only one A/S vessel was in sight well to the southward. (8)
8 Aug 1943
In the evening HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) bombarded a factory at Khrouso, Greece. When the factory was on fire and hidden by smoke fire was shifted to the pier and a caique that was moored besides it. The caique Evangelistria was straddled several times but not directly hit. When smoke had cleared fire was re-opened on the factory until it was again completely shrouded. Fire was then shifted to the caique again and she was twice hit and dismasted.
1848 hours - Ceased fire after 82 rounds had been fired. (8)
16 Aug 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) ended her 28th war patrol (24th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (8)
30 Aug 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) departed Beirut for Haifa. (25)
31 Aug 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) arrived at Haifa and shortly after laid a dummy minefield off the harbour. (25)
2 Sep 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) departed Haifa for her 29th war patrol (25th in the Mediterranean). Again she was ordered to lay mines in the Northern Aegean and to patrol these waters.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
7 Sep 1943
The German merchant Perigord (5391 GRT, built 1921, former French P.L.M. 24) sank in the Aegean some 10 nautical miles north of Skiathos Island, Greece in position 39°22'N, 23°25'E on a mine laid by the British submarine HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) on 2 July 1943.
9 Sep 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) laid 15 mines in the Trikeri Channel, Greece.
(All times are zone -3) 1052 hours - Laid the first mine in position 39°04'40"N, 23°15'20"E. 15 Mines were laid in direction 128°, extending 0.6 nautical miles. The mines were set at a depth of 12 feet.
1104 hours - Completed the lay. Set course to withdraw through the Skopelos Channel.
The minefield was discovered on 25 September and was cleared completely three days later. (8)
10 Sep 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) laid another 15 mines, this time in the Skiathos Channel.
(All times are zone -3) 1131 hours - Laid the first of a group of 5 mines centered within two cables from position 39°11'8"N, 23°23'7"E.
1152 hours - Laid the first of a second group of 5 mines centered within two cables from position 39°12'5"N, 23°23'1"E.
1202 hours - Laid the first of a third group of 5 mines centered within two cables from position 39°12'5"N, 23°22'7"E. All mines were set at a depth of 12 feet.
1205 hours - Completed minelaying. (8)
11 Sep 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) laid her remaining 20 mines off Lemnos, Greece.
(All times are zone -3) 1214 hours - Laid first mine in position 294°, Cape Planka lighthouse (Lemnos), 1.3 nautical miles. 20 Mines were laid in direction 012°extending for 1.1 nautical miles. Depth setting was 12 feet.
1230 hours - Completed minelaying. Set course to patrol to the north of Lemnos for the remainder of the day. (8)
12 Sep 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) bombarded the Stratoni Iron Works with gunfire and the base of the loading crane with a torpedo.
(All times are zone -3) 1515 hours - Fired a torpedo at the base of the loading crane. The torpedo just missed it due to the strong current.
1516 hours - Surfaced and opened fire. 50 Rounds of HE were fired from 2000 yards at the two main groups of iron roofed buildings. 45 Rounds were seen to hit. Fire was then shifted to the loading crane and a large storage tank to the rear of it. 41 Rounds were fired at these targets. The crane was repeatedly hit.
1535 hours - Ceased fire. Withdrew on the surface.
1620 hours - Dived and continued to withdraw submerged. (8)
13 Sep 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) briefly bombarded the harbour of Kastro, Lemnos, Greece. The action however had to be broken off when shore batteries were to open a heavy fire on Rorqual.
(All times are zone -3) 1422 hours - Surfaced for gun action and opened fire on a caique at anchor in the bay which was at once straddled.
1428 hours - It had now be seen that the harbour was heavily defended by shore batteries. The Germans were seen to man their guns and as Rorqual was a sitting rabbit the action was broken off before any damage could be done to her. Rorqual withdrew to the west.
Admiral Aegean reported that four rounds (sic, only three were fired) had fallen on Kastro but caused no damage. (8)
20 Sep 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) ended her 29th war patrol (25th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (8)
5 Oct 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) departed Beirut for Malta. Rorqual was to proceed to the U.K. to refit.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this passage see the map below.
(26)
9 Oct 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta. (26)
13 Oct 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) departed Malta to return to Beirut. Rorqual was recalled as she was urgently needed for supply trips to Leros.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this passage see the map below.
(26)
18 Oct 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) arrived at Beirut. (26)
20 Oct 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) departed Beirut for her 6th storage trip, this time not to Malta but to Leros.
Rorqual had on board: 6 Bofors guns and mountings 1 'Jeep' 35 tons of ammunition 15 tons of petrol
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during this passage see the map below.
(8)
21 Oct 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) is bombed by three German Arado floatplanes in position 34°35'N, 28°18'E. Each aircraft dropped 4 bombs or depth charges. These were close enough to cause some minor damage (8)
23 Oct 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) arrived at Leros. During the night of 23/24 October the stores were unloaded. (8)
24 Oct 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) departed Leros to return to Beirut. (8)
27 Oct 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) arrived at Beirut. (8)
8 Nov 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) departed Beirut for Haifa. (27)
9 Nov 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) arrived at Haifa where she was immediately docked. (27)
10 Nov 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) was undocked and returned to Beirut. (27)
21 Nov 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) departed Beirut for Malta. Rorqual was now finally to return to the U.K. to refit.
The log of HMS Rorqual for November 1943 does not give positions so no map can be displayed. (27)
25 Nov 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Napier, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta. (27)
2 Dec 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. She made the passage in convoy GUS-23.
Spare commanding officer Lt. Clarabut had to take over command as Lt. Cdr. Napier was ill with jaundice, the latter travelled only as a passenger.
No log of HMS Rorqual for December 1943 is available so no map can be displayed. (16)
7 Dec 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (16)
11 Dec 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Gibraltar for the U.K. Shortly after departure she was recalled as a German U-boat was reported in the Straits of Gibraltar. She sailed shortly afterwards.
No U-boat was making the passage of the Straits of Gibraltar on this day.
No log of HMS Rorqual for December 1943 is available so no map can be displayed. (8)
19 Dec 1943
At 1030 hours, HMS Rorqual (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN), made rendez-vous off Bishops Rock with HMS Patti (T/A/Skr.Lt. J.R.C. Reader, RNR). They then proceeded in company to Falmouth where they arrived at 1915 hours. (8)
20 Dec 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Falmouth for Portland where she arrived later the same day. She was escorted by the Vichy French submarine chaser Chasseur 5. (8)
21 Dec 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) departed Portland for Portsmouth where she arrived later the same day. Again she was escorted by the Vichy French submarine chaser Chasseur 5.
However at 1016 hours Chasseur 5 suddenly capsized. Rorqual managed to pick up three survivors. Chasseur 5 remained afloat upside down for over 2 hours before she finally sank. . In all six men survived, her commanding officer and twenty-two men went down with her.
Rorqual then set course for Portsmouth unescorted for a short period.
At 1250 hours she made rendez-vous with the Polish destroyer Blyskawica (Kmdr ppor. K.F. Namiesniowski, ORP). They then proceeded in company to Portsmouth where they arrived late in the afternoon. (8)
28 Dec 1943
HMS Rorqual (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN) commenced refit at the Portsmouth Dockyard. (16)
6 Aug 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) shifted from Portsmouth to Yarmouth. (28)
7 Aug 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Yarmouth for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN). (28)
9 Aug 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (28)
12 Aug 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (28)
13 Aug 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (28)
14 Aug 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (28)
15 Aug 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to the torpedo firing range at Arrochar. (28)
16 Aug 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted minelaying trials off Arrochar. (28)
20 Aug 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials at Loch Goil. (28)
21 Aug 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted S.T.U. (mine detection) trials off Fairlie. (28)
22 Aug 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. (28)
23 Aug 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted radar exercises off Campbeltown. (28)
24 Aug 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted radar exercises off Campbeltown. (28)
25 Aug 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted radar exercises off Campbeltown. Upon completion of these Rorqual proceeded to Holy Loch. (28)
29 Aug 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted D/G tials off Helensburgh. (28)
30 Aug 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted log calibration trials in the Clyde area. (28)
1 Sep 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. (29)
2 Sep 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. These incuded night attacks. (29)
3 Sep 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) proceeded to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (29)
13 Sep 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (29)
4 Oct 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted engine trials in Loch Long. (30)
6 Oct 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted engine trials in Loch Long. (30)
8 Oct 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (30)
9 Oct 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. These included night attacks. (30)
10 Oct 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) proceeded to Larne on completion of last night's exercises. (30)
11 Oct 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (30)
12 Oct 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (30)
13 Oct 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (30)
14 Oct 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (30)
15 Oct 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (30)
16 Oct 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. (30)
17 Oct 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (30)
18 Oct 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted minelaying trails off Arrochar and noise trials at Loch Goil. (30)
19 Oct 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) was docked in AFD 20 at Holy Loch. (30)
21 Oct 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) was undocked. (30)
21 Oct 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (30)
23 Oct 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch and arrived at Rothesay Bay.
24 Oct 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Rothesay Bay for Gibraltar. This was the first leg of her trip to the Far East.
For this passage Rorqual joined convoy KMS-67.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during the passage to the far east see the map below.
(30)
2 Nov 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (31)
8 Nov 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta. She made the passage in a convoy [Identity of the convoy not known at the moment but most likely it was UGS 58.] (31)
13 Nov 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (31)
15 Nov 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Malta for Port Said. (31)
19 Nov 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said. (31)
27 Nov 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Port Said for Aden. (31)
2 Dec 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden. (32)
3 Dec 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Aden for Trincomalee. (32)
14 Dec 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (32)
28 Dec 1944
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 30th war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to lay two minefields off Phuket, Siam.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
3 Jan 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) laid 50 mines (minefield ML 022) off Phuket, Siam.
(All times are zone -6.5) 0645 hours - Laid the first mine of the first minefield of 25 mines in position 07°44'8"N, 98°16'9"E. 24 Mines were then laid from this first mine in a direction of 040°, 350 feet apart.
0702 hours - Laid the 25th mine in position 07°45'8"N, 98°17'7"E.
0719 hours - Laid the first mine of the second minefield of 25 mines in position 07°46'3"N, 98°17'4"E. 24 Mines were then laid from this first mine in a direction of 220°, 350 feet apart.
0738 hours - Laid the 25th mine in position 07°45'2"N, 98°16'7"E. (8)
4 Jan 1945
During the night of 3/4 January 1945 HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) laid another 10 mines (minefield ML 023) off Phuket, Siam. These mines were laid from the torpedo tubes.
(All times are zone -6.5) 3 January 1945 2317 hours - Laid the 1st of the first field of 4 mines in position 08°12'4"N, 98°16'2"E. Three more mines were laid in direction 054°, spacing was 1000 feet. The last mine was laid in position 08°12'7"N, 98°16'7"E.
2346 hours - Laid the 1st of the second field of 4 mines in position 08°13'N, 98°16'7"E. Three more mines were laid in direction 245°, spacing was 1000 feet. The last mine was laid in position 08°12'8"N, 98°16'2"E.
4 January 1945 0010 hours - Laid the 1st of the third field of 4 mines in position 08°13'3"N, 98°16'2"E. Three more mines were laid in direction 060°, spacing was 1000 feet. The last mine was laid in position 08°13'5"N, 98°16'5"E. (8)
8 Jan 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) ended her 30th war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (8)
18 Jan 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 31th war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She was ordered to lay two minefields off the Nancowry Strait, Nicobar Islands.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
22 Jan 1945
During the night of 22/23 January 1945 HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) laid 50 mines (minefield ML 026) in Nancowry Strait to the north-east of Port Blair, Andaman Islands.
A further 12 mines (minefield ML 027) were then laid from her torpedo tubes.
(All times are zone -6.5) 22 January 1945 2324 hours - Laid the first mine of the first minefield (ML 026) of 25 mines in position 11°52'5"N, 93°02'2"E. 24 Mines were then laid from this first mine in a direction of 199°, 325 feet apart.
2338 hours - Laid the 25th mine.
23 January 1945 0001 hours - Laid the first mine of the second minefield (ML 026) of 25 mines in position 11°52'82"N, 93°01'28"E. 24 Mines were then laid from this first mine in a direction of 214°, 318 feet apart.
0014 hours - Laid the 25th mine.
0107 hours - Laid the first of the first field (ML 027) of 4 mines in position 11°47'4"N, 93°05'37"E. Three more mines were laid in direction 322°, spacing was 600 feet.
0124 hours - Laid the first of the second field (ML 027) of 4 mines in position 11°47'63"N, 93°05'1"E. Three more mines were laid in direction 338°, spacing was 800 feet.
0124 hours - Laid the first of the third field (ML 027) of 4 mines in position 11°47'8"N, 93°05'22"E. Three more mines were laid in direction 121°, spacing was 800 feet. (8)
23 Jan 1945
Following the laying of the mines HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) is ordered to conduct air/sea rescue duties in the Andaman Sea. (8)
1 Feb 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) ended her 31th war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (8)
11 Feb 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) is fumigated at Trincomalee. (33)
16 Feb 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (33)
3 Mar 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (34)
6 Mar 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These exercises included laying a dummy minefield. (34)
8 Mar 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (34)
18 Mar 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 32th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She was to patrol off the West coast of Sumatra and to conduct two special operations, Operation Meridian and Operation Caprice.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
24 Mar 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) carried out the first phase of special operation 'Caprice III'.
(All times are zone -6.5) 1730 hours - Sighted four natives off the beach of Trega Island in a canoe. They displayed the correct identification signals.
They successfully made contact and stores were landed early in the evening. The operation was completed by 2015 hours. (8)
25 Mar 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire west of Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies.
(All times are zone -6.5) 0805 hours - Sighted a sail bearing 185°. It was south bound.
1100 hours - The sail turned out to be a schooner, size unknown, steering for Siberut Bay. Followed in to investigate.
1354 hours - Surfaced to engage a 25 tons tongkang with the deck gun. The tongkang was at anchor in shallow water in position 01°34'1"S, 99°12'E so boarding was out of the question. Four of the crew were already paddling to the shore in their Canoe and the remainder had jumped overboard by the time the first round of 4" went over.
1358 hours - After 20 rounds the first hit was obtained. It brought the mast down.
1407 hours - Dived after having fired 60 rounds for only 4 hits.
1410 hours - The tongkang was seen to sink. (8)
27 Mar 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) destroyed two coasters and damaged a third with gunfire off the west coast of Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies to the south of Bengkulu.
(All times are zone -6.5) 1445 hours - Sighted a convoy of two coasters (one steel, 500 tons, 1 wooden, 350 tons) escorted by a possible armed trawler (500 tons) bearing 090°. They were in line ahead, coast crawling very close to the shore. The leading ship was in position 04°03'8"S, 102°23'7"E.
1525 hours - Fired the first of four torpedoes from 600 yards. All torpedoes missed. One coaster was seen to increase speed, they must have seen the tracks. Avoiding action was taken but no counter attack followed.
1533 hours - It was now seen that the 'armed trawler' was another coaster so decided for gun action.
1536 hours - Surfaced and engaged the rear coaster, a modern ship of 500 tons, from 1800 yards. All ships turned for the beach. After 60 rounds the coaster was beached high and dry, having received about 15 hits.
1546 hours - Shifted target to the 350 tons coaster (second in line). Range was 2200 yards. The crew abandoned ship leaving the engines ahead and an anchor down. She was circling around her anchor very close inshore. 38 Rounds were fired at her for 10 hits. A small fire was started and she was holed in various places.
1552 hours - Shifted fire to the first ship of the line, a 500 tons coaster. She was by now beached and abandoned. No definite hits were seen out of the 6 rounds fired.
1557 hours - Dived and retired to seaward to get out of this shallow water before enemy aircraft might arrive.
1632 hours - No aircraft activity having materialised decided to have a go with the remaining ammunition so surfaced to engage the second (350 tons) coaster again. Fired 10 rounds which started another small fire, but as she was built from wood she did not sink.
1640 hours - Fired 12 rounds at the beached 500 tons coaster (that had been the first of the line). 4 More hits were obtained.
1649 hours - Sighted an aircraft which was soon afterwards seen to turn towards.
1650 hours - Dived in 9 fathoms of water and ran to seaward.
1655 hours - The aircraft was seen to dive towards the periscope. We expected the worst but nothing happened. The aircraft was not sighted again.
The result of the attacks was as follows: One 500 tons coaster beached and burnt out One 350 tons coaster burnt out and probably sunk One 500 tons coaster beached and damaged. (8)
28 Mar 1945
During 28 and 29 March 1945 HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) carried out special operation 'Meridian'. Downed airmen were to be picked up near the mouth of the Nasal River but they failed to show up at the rendez-vous. (8)
30 Mar 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) destroyed the beached coaster from the action of the 27th with gunfire.
(All times are zone -6.5) 1631 hours - Surfaced and engaged the beached coaster from the gun action of the 27th. Range was 2500 yards. The coaster was already more damaged than first thought. The coaster caught fire again and two more holes were put into her side.
1640 hours - Dived. The coaster is considered to be a total loss. It was also seen that the 350 tons coaster was on its side with only one mast showing. (8)
2 Apr 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) sank two sailing vessels with demolition charges off the west coast of Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies.
(All times are zone -6.5) 0710 hours - In position 01°12'S, 100°21'E sighted two sets of sails of reasonable size bearing 075 degrees. They were north bound. Closed the sails which turned out to be two 10 tons tongkangs.
0901 hours - Surfaced and sank both tongkangs with demolition charges. They were carrying 10 tons of rice and were bound for Padang.
0931 hours - Dived and retired to the westward. (8)
3 Apr 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) carried out the second phase of special operation 'Caprice III'.
(All times are zone -6.5) 1430 hours - Sighted a white shirt displayed in the palm trees on Trega Island, showing all well.
1858 hours - Surfaced and made contact.
1915 hours - Commenced unloading the remaining stores.
1951 hours - Completed unloading. Dived and cleared the area. (8)
13 Apr 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) ended her 32th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Fremantle, Australia. (8)
25 Apr 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) is put on the slipway at Fremantle. (35)
28 Apr 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) is put back in the water. (35)
30 Apr 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Fremantle for her 33th war patrol (4th in the Far East and 1st in the south-east Pacific area). She was ordered to lay a minefield of Batavia, Java, Netherlands East Indies.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Rorqual during this patrol see the map below.
(8)
10 May 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) laid three minefields minefield off Batavia, Java, Netherlands East Indies.
(All times are zone -9) 0033 hours - Started the lay. Laid the first mine in position 05°11'3"S, 106°05'3"E. Continued laying mines spaced 500 feet apart on an arc having a base 5500 yards in a direction of 257°.
0120 hours - Laid the 12th and last mine of this field in position 05°11'8"S, 106°02'6"E.
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1440 hours - Laid the first of 18 live mines in position 05°47'28"S, 106°35'30"E. Mines were spaced 230 feet along an arc of base length 3800 yards in a direction of 207°.
1510 hours - Laid the 18th mine in position 05°49'03"S, 106°34'41"E.
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1750 hours - Laid the first of 26 live mines in position 05°51'26"S, 106°27'47"E. Mines were spaced 240 feet along an arc of base length 6000 yards in a direction of 014°.
1826 hours - Laid the 26th mine in position 05°48'34"S, 106°28'30"E. (8)
11 May 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) sank a coaster with gunfire in the Sunda Strait.
(All times are zone -9) 0930 hours - In position 05°51'S, 105°57'E. Sighted a coaster bearing 260°.
1000 hours - Started a torpedo attack.
1023 hours - By now the target was seen to be a 700 tons coaster, heavily laden, armed with machine guns and flying the Japanese flag.
1029 hours - Surfaced for gun action. Range was 2200 yards.
1034 hours - The target was sinking after 15 hits out of 21 rounds fired. Dived. There had been no return fire.
1036 hours - The target sank in position 05°54'S, 105°47'2"E. (8)
20 May 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) ended her 33th war patrol (4th in the Far East and 1st in the south-east Pacific area) at Fremantle. (8)
3 Jun 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Fremantle to return to the U.K. There was no suitable employment on the Far East station for a large submarine like Rorqual. She was not suited to operate in the shallow waters British submarines were now operating in so it had been decided to send her home. The first leg of the trip was to Trincomalee.
For the daily positions of HMS Rorqual during the passage back to the U.K. see the map below.
(36)
17 Jun 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (36)
20 Jun 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for Port Said. (36)
6 Jul 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said. (37)
11 Jul 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Port Said for Gibraltar. (37)
18 Jul 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (37)
19 Jul 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Portsmouth. (37)
24 Jul 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (37)
28 Jul 1945
HMS Rorqual (Lt. J.P.H. Oakley, DSC, RN) is put in reserve at Portsmouth. (37)
Media links
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Sources
- ADM 173/16997
- ADM 173/16998
- ADM 173/16999
- ADM 173/16000
- ADM 173/16485
- ADM 173/16486
- ADM 173/16487
- ADM 199/1878
- ADM 173/16491
- ADM 173/16934
- ADM 173/16936
- ADM 173/16937
- ADM 173/16942
- ADM 173/16943
- ADM 199/400
- ADM 199/2568
- ADM 173/17545
- ADM 173/17546
- ADM 173/17547
- ADM 173/17550
- ADM 173/17550 + ADM 199/1845
- ADM 173/17968
- ADM 173/17972
- ADM 173/17973
- ADM 173/17975
- ADM 173/17977
- ADM 173/17978
- ADM 173/18601
- ADM 173/18602
- ADM 173/18603
- ADM 173/18604
- ADM 173/18605
- ADM 173/19518
- ADM 173/19519
- ADM 173/19520
- ADM 173/19522
- ADM 173/19523
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
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