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Notable events involving Sibyl include:

The history of HMS Sibyl 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. He also provided info regarding special operations.

This page was last updated in February 2020.

12 Aug 1942
P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed her builders yard for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (1)

12 Aug 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (2)

13 Aug 1942
P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) arrives at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (1)

14 Aug 1942
P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises and trials in the Clyde area. These had to be broken off due to a defective fuel pump. (3)

15 Aug 1942
P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises and trials in the Clyde area. (3)

16 Aug 1942
P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted full speed trials on the Arran measured mile following which she was commissioned at Holy Loch. (3)

18 Aug 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (3)

19 Aug 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (3)

20 Aug 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted night exercises in the Clyde area. Upon completion of these she returned to Holy Loch. (3)

22 Aug 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to the torpedo firing range at Arrochar (Loch Long). (3)

23 Aug 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (3)

24 Aug 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (3)

25 Aug 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (3)

26 Aug 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (3)

27 Aug 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) shifted from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (3)

28 Aug 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery and D/F trials in the Clyde area. (3)

29 Aug 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted sound trials in Loch Goil. (3)

30 Aug 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted speed trials on the Arran measured mile. (3)

2 Sep 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN) served as the target. (2)

3 Sep 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as the target. These also included night exercises. (2)

4 Sep 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted night exercises in the Clyde area. On completion of these she returned to Holy Loch. (2)

5 Sep 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN) served as the target. (2)

6 Sep 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted log calibration trials in Loch Long. (2)

8 Sep 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Campbeltown. (2)

9 Sep 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

10 Sep 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (2)

11 Sep 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. These were followed by night attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as the target. (2)

13 Sep 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made the passage North through the Minches together with HMS Otus (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN). They were escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (4)

15 Sep 1942
At 0945 hours HMS Leicester City (T/Lt. C.E. Irving, RNVR) took over the escort of HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) towards Lerwick.

P 217 arrived at Lerwick at 2200 hours. (4)

16 Sep 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Norway to the North of Bergen.

For the daily positions of HMS P 217 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

23 Sep 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. The patrol had been uneventful. (5)

24 Sep 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN), HMS Unique (Lt. R.E. Boddington, RN) and HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN). They were escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (4)

26 Sep 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (4)

3 Oct 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) and HMS P 228 (Lt. I.L.M. McGeogh, RN) both departed Holy Loch for passage to Gibraltar.

They were escorted South through the Irish Sea by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR).

En-route both submarines were ordered to patrol in the Bay of Biscay. The passage to Gibraltar was therefore HMS P 217's 2nd war patrol.

For the daily positions of HMS P 217 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

7 Oct 1942
At 1841 hours HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) was ordered to patrol off Ferrol, Spain to intercept the German blockade breaker Belgrano that was to leave Ferrol. (5)

9 Oct 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) encountered a submarine in the Bay of Biscay. The enemy dived before an attack could be started. We have so far been unable to place an enemy submarine near this position.

(All times are zone -1)
0551 hours - In position 44°33'N, 09°47'E sighted a white phosphorescent wake. The conning tower of a uboat was then sighted. Enemy course was 080°, range 1000 yards.

0553 hours - The enemy dived. Closed to ram.

0554 hours - Passed over the top of the uboat. As we passed over the top white phosphorescent bubbles could be seen showing the position of the uboat and also the course he was steering.

0558 hours - Dived. (5)

10 Oct 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) attacked the German blockade breaker Belgrano (4318 GRT, built 1922) off El Ferrol, Spain in position 43°27'N, 08°33'W. No hits were obtained due to two torpedoes, out of the salvo of four, had gyro failures.

(All times are zone -1)
2140 hours - In position 43°27'N, 08°33'W the Officer of the Watch sighted a phosphorescent wake. Shortly afterwards sighted the silhouette of a darkened motor vessel. Enemy course was 290°. Started attack.

2148 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 1000 yards. The tracks of the torpedoes could be seen quite clearly due to their phosphorescent wake. The first two torpedoes passed ahead of the target. The third torpedo turned off to the right. If she had not done so she would have hit the target. The fourth torpedo was seen to circle.

2150 hours - Dived to avoid being hit by our own torpedoes suffering from a gyro failure. This was very wise as two minutes later one of them passed overhead. (5)

15 Oct 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Gibraltar. (5)

1 Nov 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Southern France and to perform a special operation.

For the daily positions of HMS P 217 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

8 Nov 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) conducted special operation 'Neptune'. At 0200 hours (zone -1), near Cannes, the crew of a small boat casted off from the shore and came towards. In two trips 7 persons were brought on board, including a women. These 7 persons were part of the staff of French general Giraud and were to be taken to Algiers. (5)

11 Nov 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) arrived at Algiers. (5)

12 Nov 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for Gibraltar. She took passage in convoy MKS 1. (5)

14 Nov 1942
At 0514 hours (zone -1), in position 36°04'N, 03°55'W, HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) a lookout reported a dark object. Lt. Turner was in the control room at that moment. By the time he came on the bridge the conning tower of a German uboat (this was U-73) was seen passing down the starboard side at a range of 300 yards. The Officer of the Watch had ordered starboard wheel, Lt. Turner then ordered hard starboard and full speed in the hope of ramming the German uboat that had just torpedoed the merchant vessel Lanande. The uboat however dived and P 217 passed overhead shortly afterwards. The stern escort vessel was only 3 cables away and P 217 signalled the position of the uboat to her by signal lamp and then got out of the way to rejoin the convoy later on.

At 1200 hours HMS P 217 ended her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) when she entered Gibraltar. (5)

22 Nov 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 217 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

27 Nov 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) was ordered to patrol off the Gulf of Tunis. (5)

3 Dec 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) was ordered to patrol off Naples. (5)

5 Dec 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) attacked an Italian convoy about 10 nautical miles South-West of the island of Capri, Italy. Three hits were claimed but this was not the case. The ships attacked were the Italian merchants Honestas (4932 GRT, built 1920) and Sant'Antioco (4994 GRT, built 1919). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Groppo and Orione.

(All times are zone -1)
1435 hours - Sighted the funnels and masts of 2 merchant ships escorted by 3 destroyers of torpedo boats bearing 140°. Range was 14000 yards. Started attack.

1515 hours - In position 40°27'N, 14°02'E fired 4 torpedoes from 6000 yards.

1520 hours - 3 Explosions were heard thought to be torpedo hits.

1535 hours - Depth charging commenced.

1545 hours - As the depth charges were not dropped very close returned to periscope depth. Saw that the destroyers / torpedo boats were hunting. There was no sign of the 2 merchant ships.

1730 hours - Depth charging ceased. 62 Had been dropped but no damage was caused by them.

Groppo reported missed by a torpedo and hunted the submarine without visible result and rejoined the convoy. The search was taken over by submarine chasers from the local defence. (5)

14 Dec 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (5)

27 Dec 1942
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Naples.

For the daily positions of HMS P 217 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

13 Jan 1943
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. She had sighted only two destroyers and small vessels. (5)

24 Jan 1943
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) is docked at Algiers. The date she was undocked is not known to us at the moment. (6)

3 Feb 1943
HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Naples.

For the daily positions of HMS P 217 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

20 Feb 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. No targets of interest were sighted. (5)

4 Mar 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 7th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the North of Sicily.

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

(5)

14 Mar 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Pegli (1595 GRT, built 1910) 6 nautical miles bearing 270° of Cape Gallo, Sicily, Italy in position 38°16'N, 13°10'E. (38°14'N, 13°13'E According to Italian sources). Pegli was on a trip from Trapani to Palermo escorted by the corvettes Persefone and Cicogna.

(All times are zone -1)
0901 hours - In position 38°16'N, 13°09'E sighted the masts and funnel of a medium seized merchant ship escorted by 1 destroyer / torpedo boat and 2 floatplanes. Range was 7000 yards. Started attack.

0949 hours - In position 38°16'N, 13°10'E fired 4 torpedoes from 1800 yards. 2 Explosions were heard.

0955 hours - The escort dropped 10 depth charges fairly close. Another pattern of 10 depth charges was dropped a little later but this was not as close as the first pattern.

1051 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Saw the merchant vessel very low in the water with a heavy list and on fire. The escort was standing by her and had given up the hunt.

1130 hours - Had another look. The merchant vessel had sunk and the escort was picking up the survivors. Went deep again and retired to the North. Another escort later joined and Sibyl was hunted through most of the afternoon. A total of 95 depth charges were dropped on her during this day.

Persefone attacked the submarine with four patterns of depth charges. She was later joined in the hunt by the corvette Antilope. (5)

21 Mar 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (5)

2 Apr 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 8th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the North of Sicily.

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

(5)

11 Apr 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) fired four torpedoes against a convoy on a passage from Trapani to Palermo and consisting of the German Carbet (ex French, 3689 GRT, built 1920), the Italians Giovanni Bottiglieri (990 GRT, built 1905), Macerata (ex French Lacydon, ex La Résolue, 705 GRT, built 1910) and the naval tanker Prometeo (1200 tons, built 1920) escorted by the torpedo boat Pegaso (escort leader), the destroyer Augusto Riboty, the submarine chasers Bivona and UJ 2210 and the minesweeper M 6524 about 10 nautical miles north-north-west of Punta Raisi, Sicily, Italy in position 38°19'N, 13°00'E. All torpedoes missed astern of their targets.

(All times are zone -1)
1330 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 240° with aircraft circling overhead. Altered course towards.

1430 hours - Heard Asdic impulses right ahead. Sighted masts of ships sighted steering in a North-East direction from Capo San Vito.

1450 hours - It was now seen that a convoy of 3 merchant ships escorted by 6 destroyers and a large number of aircraft including float planes and fighters. Started attack.

1554 hours - In position 38°19'N, 13°00'E fired 4 torpedoes from 5000 to 6000 yards. Went deep on firing.

1600 hours - Heard a loud explosion.

1612 hours - A counter attack commenced. Depth charges were dropped fairly close.

1638 hours - Depth charging ceased. 36 Depth charges had been dropped causing some minor damage to the port exhaust trunking.

Carbet sighted a periscope and opened fire with her 20mm gun. UJ 2210 stationed astern on the right flank of the convoy, sighted three torpedo tracks and put the helm hard to port to avoid them and they missed 40-60 metres astern. The submarine chaser combed the tracks, obtained a sonar contact and dropped a pattern of depth charges. An Italian aircraft dropped two bombs but missed. UJ 2210 made a second run with depth charges and claimed the submarine sunk. (5)

16 Apr 1943
At 0149 hours HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN), north of Marettimo, was detected by a Wellington bomber using ASV radar. Fortunately it only dropped a smoke float.

20 Apr 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (5)

3 May 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the South-East and South of Sardinia.

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

(5)

19 May 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. The patrol has been uneventful. (5)

1 Jun 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 10th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the East coast of Corsica and to conduct a special operation.

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

(5)

9 Jun 1943
In the early morning hours HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) carried out special operation 'Leg'. 2 French agents were landed and 5 agents were taken off. Upon leaving the area after the completion of the operation a rifle shot was heard and also machine gun fire. (5)

16 Jun 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (5)

28 Jun 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 11th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the East coast of Corsica. She was also ordered to carry out a special operation before taking up her patrol position.

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

(5)

4 Jul 1943
During the evening HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) landed an agent on the East coast of Corsica. (5)

5 Jul 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) attacked but missed the Italian merchant Rossini (2424 GRT, built 1928) with 4 torpedoes about 10 nautical miles North-East of Bastia, Corsica. She was on passage from Bastia to Leghorn, escorted by the German SG 10.

(All times are zone -1)
2020 hours - Sighted a motor vessel escorted by an Armed Merchant Cruiser. Also aircraft were seen overhead. Enemy course was 068°. Started attack.

2051 hours - In position 42°46'N, 09°38'E fired 4 torpedoes from 5000 yards. Went deep on firing.

2057 hours - Heard a loud explosion thought to be a torpedo hit. A double explosion was heard almost 2 minutes later.

2120 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The light was too bad to observe the results of the attack.

Rossini reported two torpedo tracks while SG 10 only heard two underwater explosions. (5)

6 Jul 1943
At 0313 hours (zone -1), in position 42°50'N, 09°37'E, HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) spotted a Motor Torpedo Boat coming towards. Sibyl crash dived and 1 minute later 6 depth charges were dropped nearby but caused no damage.

The attacking boat has not yet been identified. (5)

18 Jul 1943
At 1733 hours, in position 39°03'N, 09°49'E, HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) destroyed by gunfire a derelict Cant Z.1007 which had been abandoned by her crew.

22 Jul 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 11th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (5)

26 Jul 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) is docked in No.2 dock at Algiers. (7)

31 Jul 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) is undocked. (7)

17 Aug 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 12th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to conduct a special operation in the Gulf of Genoa and afterwards to patrol between Corsica and the Italian Mainland.

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

(5)

20 Aug 1943
During the evening HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) completed the first part of her special operation (Operation 'Uvula').

Small containers were put overboard in shallow water. These containers most likely held sabotage materials for the Italian Resistance but we are not sure of that. Operation 'Uvula' was prepared by Massingham (SOE organisation in French North Africa, based in Algiers). (5)

22 Aug 1943
During the evening HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) completed the second (and final) part of her special operation (Operation 'Uvula')

It had been intended to complete the operation the previous night but a fleet of small fishing vessels was sighted in the area so the second part of the operation had to be postponed. (5)

3 Sep 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 12th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (5)

18 Sep 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 13th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Genoa and later off Bastia, Corsica.

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

(5)

22 Sep 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) fires four torpedoes against the German merchant Lorenz L.-M. Russ (1448 GRT, built 1925) some 5 nautical miles south of Sestri Levante, Liguria, Italy in position 44°11'N, 09°24'E. No hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -1)
0824 hours - Sighted the masts of two vessels coast crawling towards Genoa.

0843 hours - The ships were identified as a 1500 tons merchant vessel escorted by what is thought to be an 'Ostia-class' minelayer.

0917 hours - In position 44°11'N, 09°24'E fired four torpedoes at the merchant vessel. Heard one explosion.

0933 hours - When about to return to periscope depth a pattern of seven depth charges was dropped so remained deep.

1000 hours - Returned to periscope depth. No ships in sight. Two aircraft were patrolling the area.

The escort was the German SG 11. They were en-route from Leghorn to Genoa. Lorenz L.-M. Russ sighted three torpedo tracks and turned sharply to starboard, the torpedoes missed ahead. (5)

23 Sep 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant St. Nazaire (2910 GRT, built 1919, former French) about 8 nautical miles west of Sestri Levante, Italy in position 44°13'N, 09°14'E. St. Nazaire was escorted by the German minesweepers R 38 and R 187 and they were on passage from Genoa to La Spezia.

(All times are zone -1)
1541 hours - Sighted a merchant vessel coast crawling to the South-East. Started attack.

1613 hours - Identified the vessel as being of 3000 tons. She was flying the German ensign.

1632 hours - In position 44°13'N, 09°14'E fired four torpedoes from 3600 yards. One hit was obtained.

1642 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Sighted the target burning fiercely with a large column of black smoke coming from it.

1653 hours - The enemy blew up and sank. Set course to clear the area.

R 38 and R 187 rescued 21 survivors, 38 were missing. (5)

29 Sep 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) attacked a German landing barge off Bastia, Corsica with a torpedo. Unfortunately it ran under.

(All times are zone -1)
1400 hours - Sighted five German landing barges. Decided to carry out an attack on one of them with a torpedo set shallow.

1415 hours - In position 42°43'N, 09°40'E fired no. 1 tube from 500 yards. The torpedo ran towards the target but no explosion followed and it must have run under.

[The convoy attacked was made up of six barges, F 611, F 553, F 554, F 619, F 610 and F 622. F 610 reported being missed about 15 metres astern by a single torpedo at 1412 (1512 hours, German time). They were en-route from Bastia to Piombino. F 610 reported that a torpedo missed her by 15 metres.] (5)

30 Sep 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the German depot ship (Mutterschiff) Hummer (ex: M 7022, 278 GRT, former French Auguste Denise, built 1919) north-east of Bastia, Corsica, France in position 42°43'N, 09°40'E.

(All times are zone -1)
1400 hours - Sighted the masts and funnel of a ship leaving Bastia harbour. Enemy course was 075°. Started attack.

1416 hours - Identified the target as a large trawler, camouflaged and packed with enemy troops.

1426 hours - In position 42°43'N, 09°40'E fired two torpedoes from 1100 yards. One hit was obtained.

1428 hours - Sighted that the enemy had been hit and had sunk. Several survivors were seen on a raft, others were swimming in the water. Set course to the North to clear the area.

We do not know the number of casualties and survivors, if any, from this vessel. (5)

4 Oct 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 13th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (5)

22 Oct 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for Malta. The passage was made together with HMS Sportsman (Lt. R. Gatehouse, DSC, RN) in convoy KMS 29.

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

(8)

25 Oct 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (8)

26 Oct 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for Beirut.

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

(8)

31 Oct 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Beirut. (8)

5 Nov 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Beirut for Haifa. (9)

6 Nov 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Haifa where she is immediately docked. (9)

7 Nov 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) is undocked at Haifa. She immediately departed for her 14th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean.

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

(5)

14 Nov 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) sank the Greek sailing vessel SAL 352 / Stefanos (150 GRT) with gunfire South-West of Psara, Greece.

(All times are zone -2)
1947 hours - Sighted a caique in the moonlight. Turned towards to investigate.

2010 hours - The caique had now been overtaken and was seen to fly the Greek ensign with the German commandeer pennant inferior. Boarded her. Her crew of 3 was taken on board. Cargo was bags of raisins and empty drums.

2035 hours - Sank the caique with gunfire in position 38°25'N, 25°23'E. (5)

15 Nov 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) sank the Greek sailing vessel MY 227 / Agia Trias (70 GRT) with gunfire South-East of Limnos, Greece.

(All times are zone -2)
2130 hours - Sighted a dark object. Altered course to get astern of the object and place it in the path of the moon.

2147 hours - Identified the object as a medium seized caique.

2200 hours - In position 39°39'N, 25°33'E opened fire from 2000 yards.

2212 hours - The caique sank. Closed the wreckage but found no survivors.

Actually, seven survivors reached the coast, four were missing. (5)

18 Nov 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) sank the Greek sailing vessel MY 662 / Kanelos (20 GRT) with gunfire off Strati, Greece.

Later the same day she sank the sailing vessel HYD 140 / Agios Dimitrios (20 GRT) with gunfire South-East of the Kassandra peninsula, Greece.

(All times are zone -2)
0650 hours - In position 39°27'N, 25°11'E sighted a small caique steering North-West.

0700 hours - The caique was ordered alongside. She was carrying a cargo of olive oil and soap to Saloniki from Mitylene. The crew was taken off and the caique was then sunk by gunfire.

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

1245 hours - Surfaced in position 39°42'N, 24°07'E and stopped a small caique. She was bound from Stavros to Piraeus with a cargo of rice. She was sunk with gunfire after taking on board the crew. (5)

25 Nov 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 14th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (5)

8 Dec 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Beirut for Port Said. (10)

9 Dec 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said. (10)

10 Dec 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) is docked at Port Said for a propeller change. (10)

11 Dec 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) is undocked. (10)

20 Dec 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Beirut. (10)

23 Dec 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Beirut. (10)

24 Dec 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Beirut for her 15th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean and to perform a special operation.

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

(5)

26 Dec 1943
The special operation that HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) was to perform is cancelled. (5)

31 Dec 1943
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) is ordered to proceed to Kastelorizo, Greece to land the party that was to conduct the special operation. (5)

1 Jan 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) landed the special operation party at Kasteloriso. She departed to return to her patrol area later the same day. (5)

8 Jan 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire North-West of Cape Baba, Turkey.

(All times are zone -2)
1200 hours - Surfaced in position 39°36'N, 26°01'E and sank a 30 tons caique with gunfire. The caique was not flying an ensign. Took 5 survivors on board. Another caique flying the Turkish ensign was seen to run itself aground but was later seen to come off again.

So far the identity of the caique sunk is unknown and she might well have been Turkish. There is no more information on the survivors in the patrol report. (5)

9 Jan 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) sank the Greek sailing vessel SAM 32 / Taxiarchis with gunfire off Baba Burnu, Turkey.

(All times are zone -2)
0119 hours - In position 39°35'N, 25°50'E sighted a 200 tons schooner steering towards Mitylene. Manoeuvred to get the schooner between the moon and the submarine.

0138 hours - Opened fire on the schooner.

0140 hours - After four rounds the schooner burst into flames and sank immediately. Survivors were then picked up. She had been carrying petrol in drums and was en route to Mudros. (5)

13 Jan 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 15th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (5)

14 Jan 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. P.H. May, RN) departed Beirut for Port Said. (11)

15 Jan 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. P.H. May, RN) arrived at Port Said. (11)

16 Jan 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. P.H. May, RN) is docked at Port Said. (11)

23 Jan 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. P.S. Beale, RN) is undocked. (11)

25 Jan 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. P.S. Beale, RN) departed Port Said for Beirut. (11)

26 Jan 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. P.S. Beale, RN) arrived at Beirut. (11)

1 Feb 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. P.S. Beale, RN) departed Beirut for her 16th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean.

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

(5)

8 Feb 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. P.S. Beale, RN) fires two torpedoes against the German tanker Centaur (1267 GRT, built 1915) off Crete in position 37°43'N, 25°04'E. Both torpedoes missed their target.

(All times are zone -2) 2245 hours - Sighted smoke in the Steno Pass. Sighted four (possibly five) vessels coming through the pass steering a course of 100°. Started attack. Shortly afterwards a torpedo was fired accidentally.

2256 hours - The leading ship fired a red rocket towards Sibyl. Shortly afterwards she opened fire. Sibyl immediately dived. It was now seen that the ships were two 2000 tons merchant vessels escorted by two UJ boats. Sibyl meanwhile continued the attack.

2315 hours - A depth charge was dropped some distance away.

2335 hours - Commenced firing a salvo of 5 torpedoes. After the 2nd torpedo was fired it was seen that the target had stopped so no further torpedoes were fired. One of the escorts was seen coming towards and Sibyl went deep.

2340 hours - The escort passed overhead. Sibyl then returned to periscope depth but before torpedoes could be fired she was forced deep again.

0020 hours (9th) - Returned to periscope depth. The merchant ships were seen to proceed along the North coast of Tinos but shortly afterwards one of the UJ boats forced Sibyl deep.

0030 hours (9th) - A pattern of 8 depth charges was dropped rather close causing some minor damage.

0045 hours (9th) - One of the UJ boats returned again and dropped a pattern of 10 depth charges. Again quite accurate. It was now decided to abandon the attack and Sibyl went deep and retired to the North.

The convoy attacked was made up of the above mentioned Centaur as well as Tanais (1545 GRT, built 1907). They were escorted by the auxiliary submarine chasers UJ-2110, UJ-2105. The submarine was fired upon by UJ 2110 and later UJ 2105 dropped depth charges. (5)

17 Feb 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. P.S. Beale, RN) ended her 16th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

2 Mar 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) is docked in No.1 dock at Malta for repairs to her propellers. (12)

10 Mar 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) is undocked. (12)

21 Mar 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 17th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to carry out two special operations off Cephalonia, Greece (operation 'Clerk' and a beach reconnaissance).

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

(5)

23 Mar 1944
At 2030 hours, HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) landed at Loortha Bay two MI9 agents Captain E.J.A. Lunn and Sergeant J. Gilmour from SBS (deception operation ‘Clerk’). Because of the strong surf, they could not return to the submarine. They made contacts with the local inhabitants and members of the ELAS and EDES resistance organisations. They were finally re-embarked on 22 April by an L.C.I. near Trikasteron and brought to Monopoli.

26 Mar 1944
At 2030 hours, HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) landed at Ortholita Bay Captain Kennard and Sergeant Preece from SBS for special beach reconnaissance (operation Zeppelin). They were recovered at 2050 hours.

28 Mar 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 17th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

1 Apr 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. She made the passage in convoy GUS 35.

Sibyl was to return to the U.K. to refit.

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

(13)

6 Apr 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (13)

9 Apr 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Cyclamen (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Frogbrook, RNR) until 2315/11 when she parted company in position 43°00'N, 13°22'W.

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

(5)

17 Apr 1944
At 0630 hours, off Land's End, HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) made rendez-vous with HMS Shalimar (Lt. W.G. Meeke, DSC, MBE, RN), FFS Rubis and their escort HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR). Course was then set for Holy Loch. (5)

18 Apr 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) lost contact with the other ships an put into Holyhead. She departed for Holy Loch later the same day with the other ships. (5)

19 Apr 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (5)

22 Apr 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for passage to Dundee. She made the passage together with HrMs O 19 (Lt.Cdr. A. van Karnebeek, RNN) and HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN). O 19 was also to proceed to Dundee and Strongbow was to proceed to Lerwick to begin her 1st war patrol from there.

They were escorted by HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR). (13)

24 Apr 1944
At 0700 hours HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR) took over the escort of HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) and HrMs O 19 (Lt.Cdr. A. van Karnebeek, RNN) to Dundee. (13)

25 Apr 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Dundee. (13)

7 May 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) shifted from Dundee to Blyth where she was to refit. She was escorted by HMS ML 229 (T/Lt. W.C.R. Walsh, RNVR). (14)

11 May 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) commenced her refit at Blyth. (14)

17 Oct 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) ended her refit at Blyth. (15)

18 Oct 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted engine trials off Blyth. (15)

20 Oct 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted engine trials off Blyth. (15)

22 Oct 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted engine trials off Blyth. (15)

23 Oct 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted engine trials off Blyth. (15)

27 Oct 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted diving trials off Blyth. (15)

29 Oct 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted diving trials off Blyth. (15)

30 Oct 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted diving trials off Blyth. (15)

1 Nov 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth. (16)

2 Nov 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted exercises off Blyth. (16)

7 Nov 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) departed Blyth for Dundee. (16)

8 Nov 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) arrived at Dundee. (16)

9 Nov 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) departed Dundee for Holy Loch. (16)

12 Nov 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of exercises (working up). (16)

16 Nov 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (16)

17 Nov 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (16)

18 Nov 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (16)

20 Nov 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (16)

21 Nov 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted D/G trials at Helensburgh. (16)

22 Nov 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (16)

23 Nov 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials in the Clyde area. (16)

25 Nov 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (16)

27 Nov 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted radar exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). Upon completion of these exercises she proceeded to Campbeltown for evaluation. (16)

28 Nov 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Holy Loch. (16)

29 Nov 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) and HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR) served as the targets. These included night exercises. (16)

30 Nov 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted night shadowingk exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). On completion of these exercises HMS Sibyl proceeded to Holy Loch. (16)

2 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted A/S and attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Ramsey (Lt. R.A.S. Sproul-Bolton, RN) and HMS Wells (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Owen, DSC, RN). (17)

4 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Campbeltown. (17)

5 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with two ML's. (17)

7 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She was escorted HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (17)

8 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow to participate in A/S exercises. (17)

11 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow together with HMS Urchin (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Harkness, DSC, OBE, RD, RNR) and HMS Ulster (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Hanson, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN). (17)

12 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow together with HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi, RNorN). (17)

13 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow together with A/S trawlers. (17)

14 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow together with HMS Carron (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Wilkinson, DSC, RN) and HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi). (17)

15 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow together with HMS Matchless (Lt.Cdr. S.O Roche, DSO, RN). (17)

16 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow together with HMS Matchless (Lt.Cdr. S.O Roche, DSO, RN). (17)

16 Dec 1944
While at Scapa Flow HMS Trusty (Lt. J.P. Fyfe, DSC, RN) was rammed forward by HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) causing damage to the casing. (18)

19 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Trusty (Lt. J.P. Fyfe, RN) and HMS Tuna (Lt.Cdr. E.D. Norman, DSO, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (17)

20 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (17)

23 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (17)

24 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (17)

26 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) served as he targets. These included night exercises. (17)

27 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) proceeded to Larne on completion of last night's exercises. (17)

28 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (17)

29 Dec 1944
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (17)

2 Jan 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (19)

3 Jan 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (19)

4 Jan 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (19)

6 Jan 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted attack exercises off Larne. (19)

8 Jan 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (19)

9 Jan 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (19)

10 Jan 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. (19)

12 Jan 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. (19)

13 Jan 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area.

These were followed by night radar tracking exercises with HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. L.F.L. Hill, RNR), HMS Sidon (Lt. H.C. Gowan, RN) and HMS Spearhead (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.E. Youngman, RNR). (19)

14 Jan 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (19)

15 Jan 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. (19)

28 Jan 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) departed the Clyde area for Lerwick. She made the passage together with HMS Spearhead (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.E. Youngman, RNR) that was to proceed to Scapa Flow. They were escorted by HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (19)

30 Jan 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) arrived at Lerwick. She departed for her 18th war patrol later the same day. She was ordered to patrol in the North Sea on an anti-uboat patrol (work-up patrol).

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

(5)

10 Feb 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) ended her 18th war patrol at Lerwick. She departed for Holy Loch later the same day escorted by HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). Off Scapa Flow HMS Spearhead (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.E. Youngman, RNR) and HMS Sceptre (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) joined. (20)

11 Feb 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (20)

16 Feb 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) is docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (20)

21 Feb 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) is undocked. (20)

22 Feb 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted D/G and noise trials in the Clyde area. (20)

28 Feb 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (20)

3 Mar 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) departed the Clyde for Gibraltar. This was the first leg of the trip to the Far East where she was to join the 2nd Submarine Flotilla based at Trincomalee.

She made the passage to Gibraltar in convoy OS 114 / KMS 88.

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

(21)

11 Mar 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (21)

14 Mar 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta. (21)

18 Mar 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) arrived at Malta. (21)

26 Mar 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) departed Malta for Port Said. (21)

30 Mar 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) arrived at Port Said. (21)

1 Apr 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) departed Port Said for Aden. (22)

7 Apr 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) arrived at Aden. (22)

9 Apr 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) departed Aden for Trincomalee. (22)

21 Apr 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (22)

5 May 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted noise trials off Trincomalee. (23)

6 May 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. The included a practice attack on HMS Magnolia (T/Lt. R. Adamson, RNVR). (23)

8 May 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 19th war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off Nancowry, Nicobar Islands.

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

(5)

12 May 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) arrived in her patrol area. In the evening she received a signal ordering her to patrol in the Malacca Strait. (5)

19 May 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) sank four small sailing vessels with gunfire and demolition charges in the Malacca Strait.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0545 hours - Sighted a tongkang to the South.

0610 hours - In position 03°00'N, 100°37'E sank this tongkang with a demolition charge. Took the crew of three prisoner. They were put on a fishing vessel a few hours later.

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

1028 hours - Fired a warning shot to stop a convoy of four tongkang's.

1050 hours - Commenced boarding operations.

1136 hours - put all crews on the poorest looking tongkang and sank the other three. Two with gunfire and the other one with a demolition charge. Position was 03°17'N, 100°33'E. (5)

21 May 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) sank a junk with a demolition charge and a round of 3" in the Malacca Strait.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0500 hours - Sighted a junk bearing 325°, steering a course of 250°. Commenced to close.

0539 hours - Dived for an aircraft.

0555 hours - Surfaced and continued to close.

0602 hours - Boarded the junk. Cargo was rubber tyres and shoes. Put the crew of three into their sampan.

0625 hours - Sank the junk with a demolition charge and one round of 3". Position was 04°26'N, 99°45'E. (5)

24 May 1945
At 1652 hours (zone -6.5) a junk of 10-15 tons was damaged by gunfire by HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) and forced to beach itself near position 04°58'N, 97°50'E. (5)

1 Jun 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) ended her 19th war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (5)

2 Jul 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 20th war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Strait.

[As there is no log available for this period no map can be displayed.] (5)

9 Jul 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) destroyed a tug, a coaster and a junk with gunfire in the Malacca Strait.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0735 hours - The Officer of the Watch saw (through the periscope) smoke and a tall funnel close inshore. Shortly afterwards sighted that the target was a tug with a coaster close astern. Closed submerged.

0830 hours - Surfaced for gun action, range was still 6600 yards. Closed at speed on main engines.

0836 hours - Hit the coaster on the bow with the 5th round.

0839 hours - Hit the coaster again and set it on fire amidships. The tug meanwhile had altered course 180°.

0840 hours - Opened fire on the tug which then made for the beach still towing the coaster.

0841 hours - Hit the tug abaft the funnel. A large cloud of steam and smoke emerged. Several members of the crew were seen to jump overboard.

0844 hours - By now the tug had been hit many times so re-engaged the coaster.

0850 hours - The burning tug was now alongside the burning coaster. Decided to finish them off with a torpedo.

0851 hours - Fired no. 2 tube. It missed. Nontheless both ships were considered to be a total loss. Position was 02°30'N, 101°44'E.

0914 hours - In the same position sank a 70 tons junk with gunfire.

0923 hours - Dived for an aircraft reported by radar. (5)

10 Jul 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) damaged a barge with gunfire in the Malacca Strait.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1245 hours - Sighted what was thought to be a large junk close inshore. Could not make her out clearly due to the mirage effect.

1251 hours - Surfaced in position 03°52'N, 100°04'E and saw that the target was not a junk but a barge of about 50 tons. Opened fire but both the 3" gun and the Oerlikon misfired. Both were cleared and fire was re-opened. Range was 3000 yards. 23 Rounds were fired but no hits were obtained in this poor performance. Shortly afterwards Sibyl had to dive for an approaching aircraft. (5)

14 Jul 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) sank two junks with gunfire in the Malacca Strait.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0735 hours - Sighted a two-sailed junk. Closed.

0803 hours - Fired a warning round at the junk but it went through the rigging and brought the mainsail down. The crew abandoned ship in their sampan and pulled inshore. Closed to board.

0810 hours - Could not close any further as the water was not deep enough. So opened fire and hit the junk at the stern. After two more hits she sank rapidly. Several other smaller sailing vessels had meanwhile been sighted and one lowered his sails and the crew was seen to abandon ship. Closed.

0815 hours - Opened fire. The first round was a hit and blew off his counter. She was hit again but refused to sink.

0817 hours - Opened fire with the Oerlikon with the intention of setting him on fire but this failed.

0820 hours - Re-opened fire with the 3" gun. After 3 hits she was a wreck but still refused to sink, most likely she was aground. Left her a total loss. Positions of these two attacks was 02°45'N, 100°14'E.

2110 hours – Sighted a dark object which appeared to be a small junk.

2131 hours – Fired a star shell. Later identified as a 3-4 ton junk and let her proceed. (5)

15 Jul 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) sank three sailing vessels with gunfire in the Malacca Strait near position 03°50'N, 100°35'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1615 hours - Sighted a large mass of sail bearing 360°. Enemy course was 190°.

1620 hours - This mass of sail turned out to be a two-masted lugger with a bamboo deckhouse aft, with a man at wheel.

1639 hours - Surfaced and opened fire with the 3" gun. The first round hit. The crew jumped into their sampan that was secured astern of the lugger.

1640 hours - Hit the lugger several times amidships. The mainmast came down. The crew jumped from the sampan into the water.

1642 hours - Shifted target to a schooner seen inshore. Range was 3500 yards. The third round hit and the ship blew up and burst into flames, producing a large cloud of black smoke so she must have been carrying petrol.

1644 hours - Re-opened fire on the lugger. The crew meanwhile had clambered back into their sampan but now jumped overboard again.

1650 hours - The lugger started sinking and one minute later she rolled over and sank.

1652 hours - Set course to the North to clear the area. Sighted a large junk coming out of Pankor Roads.

1720 hours - The target altered course. Saw that he was a large three-masted junk.

1740 hours - Opened fire.

1742 hours - The targets mainmast came down. After a total of 33 rounds the junk rolled over and sank.

1750 hours - Continued to proceed to the North. (5)

17 Jul 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) damaged a schooner with gunfire in the Malacca Strait.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1615 hours - When about 4.5 miles North of Jumpul Bank buoy, sighted two tall masts bearing 130°. Thought that this was a schooner at anchor.

1630 hours - Sighted that the target was a 150 tons schooner being towed by a small motor fishing vessel.

1640 hours - Surfaced in position 03°08'N, 99°55'E and opened fire from 3500 yards.

1656 hours - The schooner had been once amidships and about 5 to 6 times in the stern. The motor schooner vessel had slipped the tow and had fled inshore.

1757 hours - Broke off the action. 53 Rounds had been fired and the target had still not sunk. (5)

19 Jul 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) sank two sailing vessels with gunfire in the Malacca Strait.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1445 hours - Sank a three-masted junk of about 90 tons in position 03°49'N, 100°45'E. 18 Rounds had been fired.

1512 hours - Sank a 70 tons junk leaving the Bernam River in position 03°48'N, 100°47'E. Fired 37 rounds from 3500 yards. (5)

24 Jul 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) ended her 20th war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (5)

6 Sep 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) departed Trincomalee for Singapore. (24)

11 Sep 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) arrived at Singapore. (24)

14 Sep 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) departed Singapore for Trincomalee. (24)

20 Sep 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (24)

28 Sep 1945
HMS Sibyl (Lt. H.R. Murray, RN) departed Trincomalee to return to the U.K. She arrived at Portsmouth on 5 November 1945. (25)