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Notable events involving Sunfish include:

The history of HMS Sunfish as compiled on this page is extracted from the patrol reports and logbooks of this submarine.

This page was last updated in October 2022.

7 Oct 1939
Nearing the end of her refit, HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN), was docked in No.8 dock at the Chatham Dockyard.

Sunfish had been refitting and repairing at the Chatham Dockyard since early March 1939. (1)

9 Oct 1939
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) was undocked. (1)

11 Oct 1939
With her refit completed, HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN), started a period of trials off Chatham. (1)

16 Oct 1939
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) shifted from the Chatham Dockyard to Sheerness. (1)

20 Oct 1939
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) departed Sheerness for Rosyth. She made the passage in convoy. (1)

22 Oct 1939
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) arrived at Rosyth. (1)

25 Oct 1939
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) conducted exercises off Rosyth. (1)

26 Oct 1939
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) conducted exercises off Rosyth. (1)

28 Oct 1939
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) departed Rosyth for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the North Sea near the Doggerbank.

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

(1)

7 Nov 1939
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Rosyth. (2)

12 Nov 1939
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) departed Rosyth for Sheerness. She made the passage together with HMS Sealion (Lt.Cdr. B. Bryant, RN), HMS Shark (Lt. P.N. Buckley, RN) and HMS Snapper (Lt. W.D.A. King, RN). They were escorted by HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) until 0900/13 when HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. G.B. Kingdon, RN) took over the escort. (2)

14 Nov 1939
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) arrived at Sheerness. (2)

18 Nov 1939
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) shifted from Sheerness to the Chatham Dockyard. (2)

22 Nov 1939
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) shifted from the Chatham Dockyard to Sheerness. (2)

24 Nov 1939
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) departed Sheerness for Harwich. (2)

25 Nov 1939
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) arrived at Harwich. She departed for her 2nd war patrol later the same day. She was ordered to patrol near Lister, Norway.

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

(2)

13 Dec 1939
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) departed Harwich for her 3rd war patrol later the same day. She was ordered to patrol off the British east coast. (3)

14 Dec 1939
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) was ordered to return to Harwich. (3)

15 Dec 1939
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Harwich. (3)

26 Dec 1939
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) departed Harwich for her 4th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the North Sea.

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

(4)

3 Jan 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Harwich. (4)

16 Jan 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) departed Harwich for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Texel, the Netherlands.

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

(4)

23 Jan 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Harwich. (4)

31 Jan 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) departed Harwich for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Texel, the Netherlands.

No log is available for this period, therefore no map can be displayed. (4)

8 Feb 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Harwich. (4)

17 Feb 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) departed Harwich for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol to the north of the Netherlands / Heligoland Bight.

No log is available for this period, therefore no map can be displayed. (5)

19 Feb 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) fired four torpedoes at German U-boat U-14 about 30 nautical miles north-west of Helgoland, Germany in position 54°28'N, 07°11'E. All torpedoes fired missed their target.

0945 hours - Sighted a 250 tons U-boat in position 54°28'N, 07°11'E. Enemy course was 080 degrees, speed 12 knots, range was 2000 yards. Started attack.

0951 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 3000 yards. No hits were obtained. (5)

27 Feb 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at Lowestoft where she was immediately docked.

The date she was undocked is currently not known to us. (5)

10 Mar 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) shifted from Lowestoft to Harwich. (6)

12 Mar 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) departed Harwich for her 8th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the North Sea to the north of the Netherlands.

No log is available for this period, therefore no map can be displayed. (5)

23 Mar 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) ended her 8th war patrol at Harwich. (5)

2 Apr 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) departed Harwich for her 9th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Skagerrak.

No log is available for this period, therefore no map can be displayed. (5)

5 Apr 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) was ordered to patrol east of the Skaw, Denmark. (5)

9 Apr 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant Amasis (7129 GRT, built 1923) south of Smögen, Sweden in position 58°13'N, 11°13'E.

1700 hours - Sighted a northbound merchant vessel approaching. She was of about 5000 tons. Closed to investigate. No neutral markings could be seen and when closer she was seen to fly the German ensign. Started attack.

When the tubes were ready fired two torpedoes. One hit and the ship started to settle by the stern. The crew started to abandon ship. Closed to indentify the target but had to go deep when an aircraft approached. (5)

10 Apr 1940
Around 1150 hours HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) (probably) missed the German merchant Hanau (5892 GRT, built 1921) with a torpedo.

At 1520 hours HMS Sunfish (probably) missed the German merchant Leuna (6856 GRT, built 1928) with two torpedoes. The attack does not appear to have been observed.

Around 2000 hours HMS Sunfish torpedoed and sank the German merchant Antares (2593 GRT, built 1937) in the Kattegat in position 58°03'N, 11°00'E.

1150 hours - Attacked but missed a 3000 tons northbound merchant vessel with one torpedo.

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

1520 hours - Attacked but missed a 3000 to 4000 tons northound German merchant vessel with two torpedoes (She was seen to fly the German ensign).

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

1720 hours - Sighted eight German A/S trawlers to the westward heading 350° in line ahead. Distance was about 7000 yards. Heard Asdic impulses but we were not hunted. They were possibly on passage.

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

1940 hours - Sighted a darkened merchant vessel, northbound. Closed to attack but the vessel zigged away. Another merchant vessel of about 3000 tons was sighted close astern and this was attacked at 2000 hours with one torpedo which hit. The enemy went slowly down by the stern in position 58°11'N, 11°17'E.

Six A/S trawlers were then seen to close the sinking ship.

2200 hours - Sunfish surfaced about a mile from the sinking wreck and managed to escape on the surface to the south and then to the west. The wreck was seen to sink at 2230 hours. (5)

12 Apr 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) attacked but missed the German "Q-ship" Schiff 40 / Schürbeck in the Kattegat (near Maseskär, Sweden).

0415 hours - Sighted a merchant ship of about 4000 tons heading south. Closed and attacked. Asdic impulses were heard coming from this ship.

Just after firing a torpedo this ship made a large alteration of course and the torpedo missed. The ship finally made off the the northward. (5)

13 Apr 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) torpedoed and damaged the German "Q-ship" Schiff 40 / Schürbeck in the Kattegat in position 58°01'N, 11°20'E.

1200 hours - Came to periscope depth for routines. Sighted a 3000 tons southbound merchant vessel with no ensign or markings. She was giving out A/S impulses. Started attack.

1222 hours - Fired two torpedoes. One hit was obtained forward. The crew abandoned ship and she drifted towards Grönskären rocks with her propeller still moving. The ship was not observed to sink but is undoubtedly a total loss. (5)

14 Apr 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) torpedoed and sank the German naval auxiliary Schiff 35 / Oldenburg (2312 GRT) in the Kattegat in position 57°50'N, 11°15'E.

1945 hours - Sighted a large lightly laden merchant ship of about 6000 tons. She was zigging on a mean course of 290° and giving out A/S impulses. Attacked with two torpedoes. Both hit. The ship sank rapidly in position 57°50'N, 11°15'E (5)

19 Apr 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) ended her 9th war patrol at Harwich. (5)

28 Apr 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, RN) departed Harwich for her 10th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Skagerrak.

For the daily positions of HMS Sunfish during this patrol see the map below. Only positions from 1 May 1940 onwards can be displayed as there is no log available for April 1940. Besides that no position is noted in the May 1940 log for 4 May 1940.

(5)

15 May 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, DSO, RN) ended her 10th war patrol at Harwich. (5)

26 May 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, DSO, RN) departed Harwich for her 11th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the North Sea.

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

(5)

2 Jun 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, DSO, RN) ended her 11th war patrol at Rosyth. (5)

10 Jun 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, DSO, RN) was docked at Rosyth. (7)

12 Jun 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, DSO, RN) was undocked. (7)

18 Jun 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, DSO, RN) departed Rosyth for her 12th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the North Sea north of the Dutch coast.

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

(5)

27 Jun 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, DSO, RN) ended her 12th war patrol at Rosyth. (5)

4 Jul 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, DSO, RN) departed Rosyth for her 13th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the south-west coast of Norway.

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

(5)

11 Jul 1940
At 1934 hours, while in position 58°58'N, 04°55'E, HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, DSO, RN), sighted an tanker of 8000 tons in ballast. She was escorted by two destroyers. An attack was started but had to be abandoned after a large alteration of course by the enemy.

At 2148 hours Sunfish surfaced in position 58°58'N, 04°48'E. An aircraft was sighted at 2152 hours and she dived again. When passing 30 feet a bomb exploded very close causing some damage to Sunfish. (5)

16 Jul 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, DSO, RN) ended her 13th war patrol at Rosyth. (5)

27 Jul 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, DSO, RN) departed Rosyth for her 14th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Lister, Norway.

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

(5)

7 Aug 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, DSO, RN) ended her 14th war patrol at Rosyth. (5)

16 Aug 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, DSO, RN) was docked at Grangemouth. (8)

1 Sep 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, DSO, RN) was undocked at Grangemouth. She then returned to Rosyth. (9)

2 Sep 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, DSO, RN) departed Rosyth for her 15th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the central North Sea.

For the daily positions of HMS Sunfish during this patrol see the map below. No position is currently known to us for 12 September 1940.

(5)

16 Sep 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, DSO, RN) ended her 15th war patrol at Rosyth. (5)

20 Sep 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Slaughter, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Rosyth. (9)

26 Sep 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) conducted exercises off Rosyth. (9)

30 Sep 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Rosyth for her 16th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off south-west Norway.

For the daily positions of HMS Sunfish during this patrol see the map below. No position is currently known to us for 11 October 1940.

(5)

13 Oct 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 16th war patrol at Rosyth. (5)

26 Oct 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Rosyth for her 17th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol north of the Shetland Islands for an anti-U boat patrol.

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

(5)

8 Nov 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 17th war patrol at Rosyth. (5)

10 Nov 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Rosyth for Blyth. She was escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (10)

11 Nov 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Blyth. (10)

27 Nov 1940
MS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Blyth for her 18th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol between Stadlandet and Fro Havet, Norway.

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

(5)

5 Dec 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) torpedoed and sank the Finnish merchant Oscar Midling (2182 GRT, built 1889) in Sildegapet, Norway in position 62°03'N, 05°06'E.

1448 hours - Sighted a southbound merchant vessel of about 4000 tons, heavily laden, close inshore, enemy speed 9 knots. Range was 4500 yards. Started attack.

1509 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 4000 yards.

1513 hours - Heard a double explosion. Two large columns of water were observed near the ship. Two hits had been obtained.

1514 hours - Heard a second double explosion. These were two torpedoes hitting the land beyond the ship.

1515 hours - Nothing was seen of the target, it must have gone down very quickly. (5)

6 Dec 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) attacked the Norwegian passenger / cargo ship Nordstjernen (1920 GRT, built 1937) with four torpedoes off Stadlandet, Norway in position 62°58'N, 06°50'5"E. No hits were obtained.

1553 hours - While fixing position by shore lights observed a steamer of about 2000 tons bearing 130°. Range was about 3000 yards proceeding northwards at 9 knots. Turned at high speed to attack.

1556 hours - Reduced speed. By this time it was fairly dark and it was difficult to estimate the range and / or size of the target. Since she was buring navigation lights and was not darkened it was more east to judge her course. She appeared to be a steamer of 2000 tons with passenger accomodation, and since Sunfish had only one more day in the area, Lt. Colvin decided to attack.

1602 hours - Fired four torpedoes from an estimated range from 2000 yards in position 62°58'N, 06°50'5"E. However at the moment of firing the target altered course and all torpedoes missed. The ship continued on her way, the attack most likely be unnoticed. (5)

7 Dec 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Norwegian merchant Dixie (1715 GRT, built 1937, offsite link) off Stadlandet, Norway in position 62°10'N, 05°05'E.

1501 hours - Sighted a tanker of about 4000 tons steering north (Dixie had the engine aft and bridge amidships, therefore Lt. Colvin thought the target was a tanker). Started attack. Range on sighting was 6000 yards.

1509 hours - Sighted a small vessel about half a mile astern of the tanker. Sighted a 3000 tons merchant vessel of about 3000 tons astern of this coaster. Continued the attack on the tanker, the best target.

1516 hours - In position 62°10'N, 05°05'E fired four torpedoes at the tanker from 3000 yards.

1521 hours - Observed the tanker to be listing but not sinking. All torpedoes had now been expended. The coaster remained near the tanker.

Set course to return to base. (5)

10 Dec 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 18th war patrol at Blyth. (5)

27 Dec 1940
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Blyth for her 19th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol between Fejeosen and the Buefjord, Norway.

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

(5)

8 Jan 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 19th war patrol at Blyth. (5)

24 Jan 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Blyth for her 20th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Skagerrak.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Sunfish during this patrol see the map below. Mo daily positions are known from 1 February 1941 onwards as there is no log available for February 1941.

(5)

27 Jan 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) landed a Norwegian agent near Lindesnes, Norway. (5)

30 Jan 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) attacked what is thought to be a tanker with four torpedoes near Kristiansand, Norway in position 58°11'N, 08°32'E. No hits were obtained.

[We consider it unlikely that the target was a medium-seized Norwegian tanker, most likely it was a smaller engine-aft coastal transport vessel.]

1315 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 020°, range 6 nautical miles. Closed to investigate.

1328 hours - The contact was now seen to be a medium seized ship. Closed at high speed to attack.

1348 hours - The target was now seen to be a 4000 to 5000 tons tanker flying the Norwegian flag. Enemy course 220°, speed 12 knots.

1353 hours - In position 58°11'N, 08°32'E fired four torpedoes from 4000 yards. No hits were obtained. Two torpedoes exploded on hitting the coast beyond the target. (5)

2 Feb 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) attacked but missed the German merchant Hanau (5892 GRT, built 1921) with four torpedoes near Lister, Norway. Sunfish was then hunted by the German auxiliary minesweeper M 1108 but she mananged to escape without damage.

1120 hours - Sighted a 2000 tons merchant ship crossing astern on an easterly course. Started attack. Enemy course was 105°, speed 8 knots.

1131 hours - In position 58°02'N, 06°46'E fired four torpedoes from 1200 yards. The torpedoes must have been sighted as the enemy altered course. The first torpedoes narrowly missed her stern.

1134 hours - Sighted an A/S trawler approaching from the eastward at high speed.

1136 hours - The trawler started dropping depth charges but Sunfish managed to escape without damage. (5)

5 Feb 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 20th war patrol at Blyth. (5)

7 Feb 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) was taken in hand at Blyth for repairs to her A/S dome. (6)

10 Feb 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) was docked at Blyth. (11)

13 Feb 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) was undocked. (11)

23 Feb 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Blyth for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Mollusc (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Aldworth, RN) until 0440/24 when HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN) took over the escort. (11)

24 Feb 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow after conducting W/T trails with HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN). (11)

25 Feb 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Scapa Flow for her 21th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Vestfjord, Norway to participate in a raid on the Lofoten Islands (Operation Claymore).

For the daily positions of HMS Sunfish during this patrol see the map below. No daily positions are known for the period of 25 - 28 February 1941 as there is no log available for February 1941. Besides that we miss the page for 8 March 1941 from the March 1941 log.

(5)

3 Mar 1941
In the evening, HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN), acted as beacon to guide in the ships participating in operation Claymore. (5)

4 Mar 1941

Operation Claymore.

Commando raid on the Lofoten Islands, Norway.

Around 2345A/28 the destroyers HMS Somali (Capt. C. Caslon, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Eskimo (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN), HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN) and the landing ships HMS Princess Beatrix (A/Cdr. T.B. Brunton, RN) and HMS Queen Emma (Lt.Cdr. E.J.R. North, RNR) departed Scapa Flow for operation ' Claymore '. These ships fuelled at Skálafjørður, Faeroer Islands arriving there around 1900A/1. They departed about five hour later.

A cover force, made up the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. G.J.A. Miles, RN, flying the flag of A/Adm. J.C. Tovey, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS King George V (Capt. W.R. Patterson, CVO, RN), light cruisers HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN), HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN) and the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, DSC, RN), HMS Punjabi (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. C.H.deB. Newby, RN) and HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN) departed Scapa Flow around 1430A/2.

At 1900A/3, HMS Edinburgh and HMS Nigeria were detached to provide close cover for the landing force. '

During the operation the submarine HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) acted as a beacon to guide the ships of the landing force in.

During the operation HMS Somali remained at sea in the Vestfiord. She managed to enter the German patrol vessel NN 04 / Krebs during which imported Enigma coding meterial was captured. Krebs was then sunk.

The landing ship HMS Queen Emma and the destroyers HMS Bedouin and HMS Tartar proceeded to Svolvaer.

The landing ship HMS Princess Beatrix and the destroyers HMS Eskimo and HMS Legion proceeded to Stamsund.

The commandoes were landed. At Stamsund they destroyed the Lofotens Cod Boiling Plant while two factories were destroyed at Henningsvær and thirteen at Svolvær. About 800000 gallons (3600 m3) of fish oil and paraffin were set on fire.

The commandoes captured 225 prisoners including Norwegian collaborators and also took 314 Norwegian volunteers with them which wanted to join the Norwegian armed forces.

Besides that the merchant vessels Bernard Schulte (1058 GRT, built 1923), Eilenau (1404 GRT, built 1910) and Felix Heumann (2468 GRT, built 1921) were sunk by demolition charges at Svolvær.

HMS Tartar sank the German merchant vessels Hamburg (fishmeal factory ship, 6136 GRT, built 1911) and Pasajes (1996 GRT, built 1923).

The German merchant vessel Gumbinnen (1381 GRT, built 1922) was sunk by with demolition charges by the Army landing party.

The Norwegian passenger/cargo vessel Mira (1152 GRT, built 1891) was sunk by HMS Bedouin.

The Norwegian fishing vessel (trawler) Myrland (321 GRT, built 1918) joined the British force and proceeded to the Faroes, arriving there on 7 March 1941.

HMS Edinburgh and HMS Nigeria arrived at Scapa flow around 1200A/6.

HMS Somali, HMS Bedouin, HMS Eskimo, HMS Tartar, HMS Legion, HMS Princess Beatrix and HMS Queen Emma arrived at Scapa Flow around 1300A/6.

HMS Nelson, HMS King George V, HMS Inglefield, HMS Maori, HMS Punjabi, HMS Echo and HMS Eclipse arrived at Scapa Flow around 1400A/6. (12)

11 Mar 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 21th war patrol at Blyth. (5)

23 Mar 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki) and HMS Undaunted (Lt. J.L. Livesey, RN) escorted by HMS Leda (Cdr. R.C.V. Ross, DSO, RN), departed Dundee for Harwich. They were joined off Blyth by HMS Sealion (Cdr. B. Bryant, DSC, RN) and HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN). (11)

24 Mar 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki), HMS Undaunted (Lt. J.L. Livesey, RN), HMS Sealion (Cdr. B. Bryant, DSC, RN) and HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Harwich. (11)

25 Mar 1941
ORP Sokol (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) B. Karnicki), HMS Undaunted (Lt. J.L. Livesey, RN), HMS Sealion (Cdr. B. Bryant, DSC, RN) and HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) departed Harwich for Portsmouth. They were escorted by HMS Sheldrake (Cdr.(Retd.) E.H. Hopkinson, RN). (11)

26 Mar 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. She departed later the same day for her 22th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay.

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

(5)

14 Apr 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) ended her 22th war patrol at Portsmouth. (5)

18 Apr 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN), HMS L 27 (Lt. H.N. Edmonds, DSC, RN) and HMS H 50 (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSC, RN) all departed Portsmouth for passage to Sheerness. The latter however was forced to return to Portsmouth shortly after departure with engine defects. (13)

19 Apr 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Sheerness. (13)

20 Apr 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) and HMS L 27 (Lt. H.N. Edmonds, DSC, RN) both departed Sheerness for passage to Blyth in convoy FN 56. (13)

21 Apr 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) arrived at Blyth. (13)

24 Apr 1941
HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) shifted from Blyth to Wallsend-on-Tyne where she was to refit at the Swan Hunters shipyard. (13)

30 Sep 1941
While completing her refit HMS Sunfish is heavily damaged by near misses during a German air raid on the Tyne area. In November she was towed to Portsmouth for repairs. Repairs were only completed in October 1943. (6)

4 Nov 1941
HMS Sunfish departed the Tyne in tow of HMS Champion for Harwich. Passage was made in convoy FS 38. (11)

6 Nov 1941
HMS Sunfish arrived at Harwich. (11)

9 Nov 1941
HMS Sunfish was towed from Harwich to Sheerness by HMS Stalwart. (11)

13 Nov 1941
HMS Sunfish departed Sheerness for Portsmouth still in tow of HMS Stalwart. They were escorted by HMS Holderness (Cdr. F.J.C. Halahan, DSC, RN). (11)

14 Nov 1941
HMS Sunfish arrived at Portsmouth where she was paid off into dockyard control for repairs. It was estimated that repairs would take 9 / 10 months. In the end it would take nearly two years to complete due to other priorities. (6)

11 Nov 1943
With repairs, refit and trials finally completed, HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN), departed the Yarmouth roads for Rothesay. She made the passage together with HrMs Zeehond (Lt.Cdr. Baron D.T. Mackay, RNN). They were escorted initially by the Vichy French submarine chaser Chasseur 5. HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) later took over the escort for onwards passage northwards through the Irish Sea. (14)

12 Nov 1943
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) was ordered to proceed to Fishguard to aid HMS Umbra (Lt. A.G. Chandler, RNR) who had engine trouble. (14)

18 Nov 1943
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) shifted from Fishguard to Milford Haven. (14)

4 Dec 1943
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) departed Milford Haven for Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS Kihna (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR). (15)

5 Dec 1943
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) arrived at Rothesay. She was assigned to training duties. (15)

6 Dec 1943
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) was docked in AFD 20 at Port Bannatyne. (15)

8 Dec 1943
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) was undocked at Port Bannatyne. She immediately returned to Rothesay. (15)

11 Dec 1943
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. (15)

12 Dec 1943
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J.B. Henderson, RNR). (15)

13 Dec 1943
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS St. Modwen (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Lycett, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Valena (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A. McKinlay, RNR). (15)

14 Dec 1943
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR) and HMS Altair (T/Lt. J.L. James, RNR). (15)

15 Dec 1943
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (15)

16 Dec 1943
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel. (15)

17 Dec 1943
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (15)

20 Dec 1943
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (15)

21 Dec 1943
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR). (15)

22 Dec 1943
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (15)

23 Dec 1943
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (15)

24 Dec 1943
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Rothesay. (15)

27 Dec 1943
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) departed Rothesay for Heysham. She was escorted by HMS Kihna (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR). (15)

28 Dec 1943
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) arrived at Heysham. She conducted A/S exercises with aircraft off Morecambe Bay later the same day. (15)

29 Dec 1943
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises with aircraft off Morecambe Bay. (15)

30 Dec 1943
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises with aircraft off Morecambe Bay. (15)

31 Dec 1943
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises with aircraft off Morecambe Bay. (15)

1 Jan 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises with aircraft off Morecambe Bay. (16)

3 Jan 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises with aircraft off Morecambe Bay. (16)

4 Jan 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) departed Morecambe Bay for Rothesay. She joined HMS Unbending (Lt. J.D. Martin, DSC, RN) and her escort HMS Kihna (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR) which were en-route to Rothesay from Fishguard. (16)

5 Jan 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (16)

10 Jan 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) departed Rothesay for Larne. (16)

11 Jan 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) arrived at Larne. (16)

12 Jan 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) departed Larne for Scapa Flow where she was to participate in A/S exercises. (16)

12 Jan 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. She departed Larne for Scapa Flow later the same day. (16)

14 Jan 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (16)

15 Jan 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Matchless (Lt. W.D. Shaw, RN). (16)

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

17 Jan 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Nigeria (Capt. S.H. Paton, RN).

Following these exercises HMS Nigeria conducted gunnery exercises. (17)

18 Jan 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (16)

24 Jan 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) and HMS Vox (Lt. J.M. Michell, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Rothesay and Holy Loch respectively. They were escorted by HMS Sicyon (T/Lt. J. Bruce, RNVR). (16)

26 Jan 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (16)

31 Jan 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. (16)

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

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

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

The submarines departed Rosyth around 1000A/6. They were escorted by HMS Blade (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR). (18)

7 Feb 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) arrived at Heysham. (19)

8 Feb 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises with aircraft off Morecambe Bay. (19)

9 Feb 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises with aircraft off Morecambe Bay. (19)

10 Feb 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises with aircraft off Morecambe Bay. (19)

11 Feb 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises with aircraft off Morecambe Bay.

At 2000 hours a Swordfish aircraft was seen to crash astern into the sea. A search for survivors was commenced.

At 2215 hours Sunfish found wreckage and recovered it. She continued to search for survivors until 2325 hours but none were found.

The aircraft from from HMS Nightjar, 766 Sqn. The flight crew of three did not survive the crash. These were;
T/S.Lt.(A) Geoffrey B. Camp, RNVR
T/Leading airman Norman A. Dennis, FAA
and T/S.Lt.(A) David Meats, RNVR.
(19)

12 Feb 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises with aircraft off Morecambe Bay. (19)

14 Feb 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) departed Heysham for Rothesay. (19)

15 Feb 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) arrived at Rothesay. (19)

16 Feb 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) is docked at Rothesay. (19)

22 Feb 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) is undocked. (19)

1 Mar 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) departed Rothesay for Dundee. She made part of the passage together with HMS Tribune (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Eade, RNR) (en-route to Blyth) and HMS Trusty (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) (en-route to Scapa Flow). They are escorted by Norwegian patrol vessel HNoMS Narvik. (20)

4 Mar 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) arrived at Dundee. (20)

7 Mar 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Dundee. (20)

11 Mar 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises off Dundee. (20)

12 Mar 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises off Dundee during which HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) served as the target. (20)

13 Mar 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises off Dundee. (20)

16 Mar 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Dundee. (20)

25 Mar 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Dundee. (20)

26 Mar 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Dundee. (20)

3 Apr 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) shifted from Dundee to Rosyth. (21)

6 Apr 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) returned to Dundee. (21)

7 Apr 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) was docked in the East Graving Dock at Dundee. (21)

10 Apr 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) was undocked. (21)

19 Apr 1944
HrMs O 15 (Lt. J.B.M.J. Maas, RNN) and HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) departed Dundee for Scapa Flow. They were escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). (22)

20 Apr 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow where she was to participate in A/S exercises. (21)

21 Apr 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. (21)

22 Apr 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. (21)

24 Apr 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. (21)

25 Apr 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. (21)

26 Apr 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. (21)

27 Apr 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. (21)

28 Apr 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. (21)

29 Apr 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Dundee. (21)

30 Apr 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) arrived at Dundee. (21)

6 May 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) shifted from Dundee to Rosyth. At Rosyth the new Russian crews were trained in how to operate the boat. (23)

19 May 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Rosyth to instruct her new Russian crew. (23)

21 May 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Rosyth to instruct her new Russian crew. (23)

24 May 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) was docked at Rosyth. (23)

27 May 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) was undocked. (23)

28 May 1944
HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Rosyth to instruct her new Russian crew. (23)

30 May 1944
At Rosyth, HMS Sunfish (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN), is decommissioned by the Royal Navy and transferred to the Soviet Union. (23)

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