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Notable events involving Shakespeare include:

The history of HMS Shakespeare 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 information on the special operations carried out by HMS Shakespeare.

This page was last updated in February 2020.

8 Jul 1942
P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed her builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). (1)

9 Jul 1942
P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training.

[As no log is available for the month of July 1942 no further details for this month can be given.] (1)

3 Aug 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials at Loch Goil. (2)

4 Aug 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (2)

5 Aug 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) completed her night exercises in the Clyde area following which she proceeded to Holy Loch. (2)

9 Aug 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

10 Aug 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with members of the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course). (2)

11 Aug 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery and attack exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

12 Aug 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

13 Aug 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She was escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (1)

15 Aug 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Lerwick. She departed for her 1st war patrol later the same day. She was ordered to perform an A/S patrol in the Norwegian Sea in Zone K.103 (between 63°30'N and 62°50'N and between 00°30'E and 00°30'W).

For the daily positions of HMS P 211 during this patrol see the map below.

(3)

26 Aug 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. With the exception of hydrophone effects heard twice, the patrol was uneventful. (3)

7 Sep 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to provide cover for convoy operations (PQ 18 and QP 14) to and from Northern Russia.

For the daily positions of HMS P 221 during this patrol see the map below.

(3)

23 Sep 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Lerwick. Again the patrol was uneventful. (3)

24 Sep 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, 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). (1)

26 Sep 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (1)

11 Oct 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for passage to Gibraltar. The passage South through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) and HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN). They were escorted by HMS Northern Pride (T/Lt. A.L.F. Bell, RNR).

For the daily positions of HMS P 221 during this passage see the map below.

(3)

21 Oct 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (3)

22 Oct 1942

Convoys KMS 1, KMF 1 for the landings at Algiers and Oran during Operation Torch.

Convoy KMS 1.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 23 October 1942.

It was made up of the following transports; Alcinous (Dutch, 6189 GRT, built 1925), Alphard (Dutch, 5483 GRT, built 1937), Ardeola (British, 2609 GRT, built 1912), Benalbanach (British, 7153 GRT, built 1940), Charles H. Cramp (American, 6220 GRT, built 1920), Chattanooga City (American, 5687 GRT, built 1921), City of Worcester (British, 5469 GRT, built 1927), Clan MacTaggart (British, 7622 GRT, built 1920), Delilian (British, 6423 GRT, built 1923), Edward Ruthledge (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Empire Confidence (British, 5023 GRT, built 1925), Empire Mordred (British, 7024 GRT, built 1942), Fort McLoughlin (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Glenfinlas (British, 7479 GRT, built 1917), Havildar (British, 5401 GRT, built 1940), Hopecrown (British, 5180 GRT, built 1937), Jean Jadot (Belgian, 5859 GRT, built 1929), Lalande (British, 7453 GRT, built 1920), Lochmonar (British, 9412 GRT, built 1924), Lycaon (British, 7350 GRT, built 1913), Macharda (British, 7998 GRT, built 1938), Manchester Port (British, 7071 GRT, built 1935), Mark Twain (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Maron (British, 6487 GRT, built 1930), Mary Slessor (British, 5027 GRT, built 1930), Ocean Rider (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Viceroy (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Volga (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Wanderer (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Pacific Exporter (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928), Recorder (British, 5981 GRT, built 1930), Salacia (British, 5495 GRT, built 1937), Sobo (British, 5353 GRT, built 1937), St. Essylt (British, 5634 GRT, built 1941), Stanhill (British, 5969 GRT, built 1942), Tadorna (British, 1947 GRT, built 1928), Theseus (British, 6527 GRT, built 1908), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938), Urlana (British, 6852 GRT, built 1941), Walt Whitman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William M. Floyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William Wirt (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and Zebulon B. Vance (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

Also part of the convoy were the landing ships Derwentdale (8390 GRT, built 1941), Dewdale (8265 GRT, built 1941) and Ennerdale (8280 GRT, built 1941).

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Avenger (Cdr. A.P. Colthurst, RN), AA ship HMS Alynbank (A/Capt.(Retd.) H.F. Nash, RN), destroyer HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. T. Johnston, RN), sloops HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN), HMS Stork (Cdr. G.N. Brewer, RN), corvettes HMS Convolvulus (A/Lt.Cdr. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR), HMS Gardenia (T/Lt. M.M. Firth, RNVR), HMS Marigold (Lt. J.A.S. Halcrow, RD, RNR), HMS Pentstemon (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J. Byron, DSC, RNR), HMS Rhododendron (Lt.Cdr. L.A. Sayers, RNR), HMS Samphire (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Renny, DSC, RNR), HMS Vetch (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.J. Beverley, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Violet (Lt. C.N. Stewart, RNR) and the minesweepers HMS Acute (Lt.Cdr. D. Lampen, DSO, RN), HMS Alarm (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Patterson, SANF(V)), HMS Albacore (Lt.Cdr. J.D.L. Williams, RN) and HMS Cadmus (Lt.Cdr. J.B.G. Temple, DSC, RN).

Around 1000A/4, the convoy was split up into two sections KMS A1 and KMS O1. KMS A1 was destined for Algiers and KMS O1 was destined for Oran. KMS O1 then proceeded to the westwards so as to pass the Straits of Gibraltar later.

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Convoy KMS A 1.

Convoy KMS A 1 was to pass the Strait of Gibraltar around 2345A/5; it was made up of the transports; City of Worcester, Glenfinlas, Jean Jadot, Lalande, Lochmonar, Macharda, Manchester Port, Maron, Ocean Rider, Ocean Viceroy, Ocean Volga, Ocean Wanderer, Sobo, Stanhill, Tiba and Urlana.

The landing ships Dewdale and Ennerdale were also part of the convoy.

The convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Stork, corvettes HMS Convolvulus, HMS Marigold, HMS Pentstemon, HMS Samphire [this corvette might have already parted company though, see below] and the minesweepers HMS Acute, HMS Alarm, HMS Albacore and HMS Cadmus.

Around 0700A/5, the corvette HMS Samphire arrived at Gibraltar with defects from convoy KMS A1.

Around 0800A/5, the minesweepers HMS Algerine (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Cooke, RN), HMS Hussar (Lt. R.C. Biggs, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Speedwell (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Williams, RNR) departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS A1.

Around 1830A/5, the M/S trawlers HMS Cava (T/Lt. R.L. Petty-Major, RNVR), HMS Juliet (Lt. L.B. Moffatt, RNR), HMS Othello (T/Lt. S.C. Dickinson, RNVR), HMS Stroma (Skr. J.S. Harper, RNR), HMS Hoy (T/Lt. G.H. McNair, MBE, RNVR), HMS Inchcolm (Skr. A.C. Whitcombe, RNR), HMS Mull (Lt. J. Plomer, RCNVR), HMS Rysa (T/Lt. J.H. Cooper, RNVR) and the motor launches ML 238, ML 273, ML 283, ML 295, ML 307, ML 336, ML 338, ML 444 departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS A1.

Around 2230A/5, the monitor HMS Roberts (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN), escort destroyers HMS Bicester (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN), HMS Bramham (Lt. E.F. Baines, DSO, RN), HMS Cowdray (Lt.Cdr. C.W. North, RN), HMS Zetland (Lt. J.V. Wilkinson, RN) and the corvette HMS Samphire (with her repairs completed) departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS A1.

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Convoy KMS O 1.

Convoy KMS O 1 was to pass the Strait of Gibraltar around 1630A/6; it was made up of the transports; Alcinous, Alphard, Benalbanach, Charles H. Cramp, Chattanooga City, Clan Mactaggart, Delinlian, Edward Rutledge, Empire Confidence, Empire Mordred, Havildar, Lycaon, Mark Twain, Mary Slessor, Pacific Exporter, Recorder, Salacia, St. Essylt, Thesues, Walt Whitman, William Floyd, William Wirt and Zebulon B. Vance.

The landing ship Derwentdale was also part of this convoy.

The convoy was escorted by the AA ship HMS Alynbank, sloop HMS Deptford, corvettes HMS Gardenia, HMS Rhododendron, HMS Vetch and HMS Violet.

Around 1500A/6, the minesweepers HMS Brixham (Lt. G.A. Simmers, RNR), HMS Bude (Lt. F.A.J. Andrew, RN), HMS Clacton (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) L.S. Shaw, RNR) and HMS Felixstowe (T/Lt. C.G. Powney, RNVR) departed Gibraltar to join the convoy KMS O1.

After dark on the 6th, the M/S trawlers HMS Coriolanus (T/Lt. N. Hunt, RNVR), HMS Eday (T/Lt. W.Y. Surtees, RNR), HMS Inchmarnock (T/Lt. C.G.V. Corneby, RNR), HMS Kerrera (Skr. R.W. Slater, RNR) and the motor launches ML 280, ML 458, ML 463, ML 469, ML 471, ML 480, ML 483 and HDML 1127, HDML 1128 and HDML 1139 departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS O1.

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Operation Crupper.

Two ships from Convoy KMS 1, the Ardeola and Tadorna formed part of Convoy KMS 1A after the convoy had split up. They were to proceed to Malta unescorted. The Admiralty had decided to make use of the expected confusion of the landings in North Africa to run two 'small' merchant ships with important cargo to Malta. These ships were considered expendable. They parted company with convoy KMS 1A on 8 November. They did not reach Malta however. When off Cape Bon on 9 November, they were taken under fire by Vichy French coastal batteries, despite the darkness, and then captured by motor torpedo boats. They were brought into Bizerta where their cargo was unloaded. The ships were later taken over by the Italians.

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Convoy KMF 1.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 26 October 1942.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Awatea (British, 13482 GRT, built 1936), Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936), Cathay (British, 15225 GRT, built 1925), Dempo (Dutch, 17024 GRT, built 1931), Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935), Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Ettrick (British, 11279 GRT, built 1938), Exceller (American, 6597 GRT, built 1941), Leinster (British, 4302 GRT, built 1937) Letitia (British, 13595 GRT, built 1925), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), Marnix van St. Aldegonde (Dutch, 19355 GRT, built 1930), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Nieuw Zeeland (Dutch, 11069 GRT, built 1928), Orbita (British, 15495 GRT, built 1915), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931), Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939), Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931), Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937), Viceroy of India (British, 19627 GRT, built 1929), Warwick Castle (British, 20107 GRT, built 1930) and Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930).

The headquarters ships HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) R.L. Hamer, RN), HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, OBE, RNR), the landing ships HMS Glengyle (Capt.(Retd.) D.S. McGrath, RN), HMS Karanja (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) D.S. Hore-Lacy, RN), HMS Keren (A/Cdr. S.E. Crewe-Read, RN), HMS Princess Beatrix (Cdr.(Retd.) T.B. Brunton, DSC, RN), HMS Queen Emma (Capt.(Retd.) G.L.D. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Royal Scotsman (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Armstrong, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Royal Ulsterman (A/Lt.Cdr. W.R.K. Clark, DSC, RD RNR) and HMS Ulster Monarch (Lt.Cdr. N.A.F. Kingscote, RNR) and the attack transports USS Almaack (T/Capt. C.L. Nichols, USN), USS Leedstown (Cdr. D. Cook, USNR), USS Samuel Chase (Capt. R.C. Heimer, USCG) and USS Thomas Stone (Capt. O.R. Bennehoff, USN) were also part of the convoy.

On assembly off Oversay on the 27th the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. A.W. Clarke, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), escort carrier HMS Biter (Capt. E.M.C. Abel Smith, RN), destroyer HMS Clare (Lt.Cdr. L.H. Landman, RN), sloops HMS Aberdeen (Lt.Cdr. H. Day, RN), HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. A.E.T. Christie, OBE, RN), HMS Ibis (Lt.Cdr. H.M. Darell-Brown, RN), cutters HMS Hartland (Lt.Cdr. G.P. Billot, RNR), HMS Walney (Lt.Cdr. P.C. Meyrick, RN), frigates HMS Exe (A/Cdr. M.A.O. Biddulph, DSC, RN), HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Spey (Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Swale (Lt.Cdr. J. Jackson, RNR) and HMS Tay (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Sherwood, RNR).

Around 1120A/2, the destroyers HrMs Isaac Sweers (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNN) and HMS Escapade (Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN) joined coming from the Azores.

Around 0200A/3, the AA ships HMS Palomares (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.H. Jauncey, RN), HMS Pozarica (Capt.(Retd.) L.B. Hill, DSO, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. A.H.T. Johns, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN), HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) Lord Teynham, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN), HMS Verity, (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN), HMS Westcott (Cdr. I.H. Bockett-Pugh, DSO, RN) and HMS Wishart (Cdr. H.G. Scott, RN) departed Gibraltar to join the convoy. At 1045A/3, the destroyer HMS Wivern (Cdr. M.D.C. Meyrick, RN) also departed to join the convoy. She had been unable to depart earlier due to defects.

Around 0800A/3, the destroyer HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, DSO, DSC, RN) joined the convoy coming from the Azores.

Around 1300A/3, the light cruiser HMS Jamaica (Capt. J.L. Storey, RN) also departed Gibraltar to join the convoy.

Around 1830Z/3, HMS Sheffield parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar where she arrived at 0815A/3, she was to fuel and then join ' Force O '.

Around noon on 4 November 1942, the convoy was split up into two sections KMF A1 and KMF O1. KMF A1 was destined for Algiers and KMF O1 was destined for Oran. KMF O1 then proceeded to the westwards so as to pass the Straits of Gibraltar later.

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Convoy KMF A 1.

Convoy KMF A 1 was to pass the Strait of Gibraltar around 0100A/6; it was made up of the (troop) transports; Almaack, Awatea, Cathay, Dempo, Ettrick, Exceller, Leedstown, Marnix van St. Aldegonde, Otranto, Sobieski, Strathnaver, Viceroy of India and Winchester Castle.

The headquarters ship HMS Bulolo and the landing ships HMS Karanja, HMS Keren, HMS Royal Scotsman, HMS Royal Ulsterman and Ulster Monarch and the attack transports USS Samuel Chase and USS Thomas Stone were also part of the convoy.

[exactly which ships of the escort went on with this part of the convoy will have to be researched further.]

In the morning of 5 November, HrMs Isaac Sweers parted company with the convoy to join ' Force H '. HMS Escapade and HMS Marne were apparently detached to Gibraltar on the convoy passing the Strait of Gibraltar.

Also on 5 November, the corvettes HMS Spiraea (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Miller, DSC, RNR) and HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RD, RNR) departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMF A1.

Around 0200A/6, the destroyers HMS Broke (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Layard, RN), HMS Malcolm (A/Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN), HMS Vanoc ( A/Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, RN) and HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMF A1 and relieve HMS Achates, HMS Antelope, HMS Amazon and HMS Wivern. After having been relieved these destroyers arrived at Gibraltar around 0545A/6. Also arriving at Gibraltar were the Leinster, HMS Royal Scotsman, HMS Royal Ulsterman and Ulster Monarch.

Around 1000A/6, HMS Broke, HMS Malcolm, HMS Vanoc and HMS Wrestler joined ' Force O ' while the screen on ' Force O ' joined the convoy, the destroyers / escort destroyers involved were ORP Blyskawica (Lt.Cdr. L. Lichodziejewski, ORP), HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC, RN), HMS Wheatland (Lt.Cdr. R. de L. Brooke, DSC, RN) and HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN). The AA ship HMS Tynwald (Capt.(Retd.) P.G. Wodehouse, DSO, RN) also joined the convoy from ' Force O ' at the same time.

Around 0535A/7, in position 37°34'N, 00°01'W, the attack transport USS Thomas Stone was torpedoed and damaged by an enemy aircraft. HMS Spey remained with the damaged ship. At 2040A/7, the destroyers HMS Wishart and HMS Velox joined and the ship was taken in tow by HMS Wishart. HMS Spey by that time had departed with the ships 24 landing craft in which the ships troops had embarked. She was to escort them to Algiers but all had to be scuttled and the troops were taken on board HMS Spey. At 0535A/8 the tug St. Day joined which also passed a tow. The damaged ship anchored off Algiers around 1030A/11 being towed there by HMS Wishart and HMS St. Day.

Around 0725Z/7, HMS Clare parted company to join ' Force O ' which she did around 0913Z/7.

Around 1815A/7, the section destined for ' C Sector ' (Charlie Sector) parted company with the convoy. It was made up of the USS Almaack, USS Leedstown, USS Samuel Chase, Exceller and Dempo. With them were also transports from convoy KMS A1. They were escorted by the AA ship HMS Tynwald, escort destroyers HMS Cowdray, HMS Zetland, sloop HMS Enchantress, minesweepers HMS Algerine, HMS Hussar, HMS Speedwell, corvettes HMS Pentstemon, HMS Samphire, MS trawlers HMS Cava, HMS Othello and the motor launches HMS ML 273 and HMS ML 295. At 2135A/7, the beacon submarine HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) made contact with the force and the ships were guided to their positions for the landings. From convoy KMS A1 the transports Macharda and Maron were destined for Charlie sector. They were escorted by the sloop HMS Stork and the corvettes HMS Pentstemon and HMS Samphire.

Around 1900A/7, The remainder of convoy KMF A1 split into two sections, one for ' A Sector ' (Apple Sector) and one for ' B Sector ' (Beer Sector).

The force for ' A Sector ' was made up of HMS Karanja and the Marnix van St. Aldegonde and Viceroy of India. With them were also transports from convoy KMS A1. They were escorted by the AA ship HMS Pozarica, escort destroyers HMS Bicester, HMS Bramham, frigate HMS Rother, minesweeper HMS Cadmus, MS trawlers HMS Juliet, HMS Rysa, HMS Stroma and the motor launches HMS ML 283, HMS ML 336 and HMS ML 338. At 2214A/7, the made contact with their beacon submarine HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN). A few minutes later they stopped and the landings commenced. From convoy KMS A1 the following ships were assigned to ' A Sector '; Dewdale, Lalande, Manchester Port, Ocean Viceroy and Ocean Wanderer. They were escorted by the corvettes HMS Convolvulus and HMS Marigold.

The force for ' B Sector ' was made up of HMS Bulolo, HMS Keren and the Awatea, Cathay, Otranto, Sobieski, Strathnaver and Winchester Castle. With them were also transports from convoy KMS A1. They were escorted by the AA ship HMS Palomeres, destroyer ORP Blyskawica, escort destroyers HMS Lamerton, HMS Wheatland, HMS Wilton, minesweepers HMS Acute, HMS Alarm, HMS Albacore, MS trawlers HMS Hoy, HMS Incholm, HMS Mull and the motor launches HMS ML 238, HMS ML 307 and HMS ML 444. They made contact with their beacon submarine HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) around 2220A/7 hours and landing operation commenced shortly afterwards. From convoy KMS A1 the following ships were assigned to ' A Sector '; City of Worcester, Ennerdale, Glenfinlas, Jean Jadot, Lochmonar, Ocean Rider, Ocean Volga, Sobo, Stanhill, Tiba and Urlana. They were escorted by the sloop HMS Stork and the corvettes HMS Pentstemon and HMS Samphire which then went on with the ships for the ' Charlie sector '.

On 9 November the ships involved in the landings anchored in Algiers Bay.

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Convoy KMF O 1.

Convoy KMF O 1 was to pass the Strait of Gibraltar around 2230A/6; it was made up of the (troop) transports; Batory, Duchess of Bedford, Durban Castle, Letitia, Llangibby Castle, Monarch of Bermuda, Mooltan, Nieuw Zeeland, Orbita, Reina del Pacifico, Tegelberg and Warwick Castle.

The headquarters ship HMS Largs and the landing ships HMS Glengyle, HMS Princess Beatrix and HMS Queen Emma were also part of the convoy.

Around 1950A/4, the light cruiser HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, CB, RN) departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMF O1.

For the landings at Oran three main beaches were selected. ' X ', ' Y ' and ' Z ' beach. There was also one subsidiary beach, ' R '.

The fast convoy, KMF O1, would, after passing through the Straits of Gibraltar make rendezvous with the slow convoy, KMS O1 in position 36°26'N, 01°15'W.

The convoys would then be diverted into nine groups, these were;
For ' X ' beach
Group I, 1st Division; Batory, HMS Princess Beatrix, Queen Emma, 2nd Division; Benalbenach, Mark Twain, Mary Slessor and Walt Whitman. They were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Aurora, destroyer HMS Wivern, corvettes HMS Gardenia, HMS Vetch and the motor launch HMS HDML 1139.
Group VIII, LST HMS Bachaquero (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. McMullan, RNR) escorted by the M/S trawler HMS Horatio (T/Lt. C.A. Lemkey, RNR).

For ' Y ' beach
Group II; HMS Glengyle, Monarch of Bermuda, Llangibby Castle, Clan Mactaggart and Salacia. They were escorted by the destroyers Brilliant, HMS Verity, M/S trawlers HMS Coriolanus, HMS Eday, HMS Inchmarnock, HMS Kerrera and the motor launches HMS ML 458, HMS ML 463, HMS ML 469, HMS ML 471 and HMS HDML 1128.

For ' Z ' beach
Group III, 1st Division; Duchess of Bedford, Durban Castle, Ettrick, Warwick Castle. 2nd Division; Derwentdale, Reina del Pacifico and Tegelberg. They were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Jamaica, escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), minesweepers HMS Brixham, HMS Bude, HMS Clacton, HMS Felixtowe, HMS Polruan (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.S. Landers, RNR), HMS Rothesay (Cdr. A.A. Martin, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Rhyl (Cdr. L.J.S. Ede, DSO, RN), HMS Stornoway (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.R. Fraser, RNR) and the motor launches HMS ML 280, HMS HDML 1127.

Group V; Alcinous, Alphard, Charles H. Cramp, Chatanooga City, Delilian, Recorder and Zebulon B. Vance. They were escorted by the sloop HMS Deptford, cutters HMS Hartland, HMS Walney, corvettes HMS Rhododendron, HMS Violet and the motor launches HMS ML 480 and HMS ML 483.

Group VI, 1st division; Derbyshire, Letitia, Mooltan and Nieuw Zeeland. 2nd division, Empire Confidence, Lycaon and Theseus.

Group VII, 1st division, Empire Mordred, Havildar, Pacific Exporter and St. Essylt. 2nd division; Edward Rutledge, William Floyd and William Wirt. Groups VI and VII were escorted by the light (AA) cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. A.T.G.C. Peachey, RN), destroyer HMS Vansittart, sloop HMS Aberdeen and the frigates HMS Exe and HMS Swale.

Group IX; LST's HMS Misoa (T/Lt. K.G. Graham, RNR) and HMS Tasajera (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Gelling, DSC, RD, RNR). They were escorted by the M/S trawlers HMS Fluellen (T/Lt. B.J. Hampson, RNR), HMS Ronaldsay (T/Lt. A. Stirling, RNR) and HMS Shiant (T/Lt. A.C. Elton, RNR).

For ' R ' beach
Group IV; HMS Royal Scotsman, HMS Royal Ulsterman and HMS Ulster Monarch. They had the same escort as Group III.

Two submarines were stationed off the beaches as beacons, these were HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) and HMS P 54 (Lt. C.E. Oxborrow, DSC, RN).

1 Nov 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Algiers to aid in Operation Torch, the Allied landings in North Africa.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 211 during this patrol see the map below.

(3)

4 Nov 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) performed a periscope reconnaissance of the landing beaches off Algiers. After dark a folbot was launched to do further reconnaissance of Apples Beach for Operation TORCH. It was manned by Lt. L.G. Lyne, RN and Lt. P.D. Thomas, RNR. Due to the worsening weather situation the folbot crew could not be picked up and they were captured by a Vichy-French trawler. (3)

5 Nov 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) performed a periscope reconnaissance of the landing beaches off Algiers. After dark she returned to the folbot rendez-vous position to wait in vain for the return of the folbot crew launched the night before. (3)

6 Nov 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) again performed a periscope reconnaissance of the landing beaches off Algiers. After dark she returned to the folbot rendez-vous position to wait the return of the folbot crew launched two nights before. As they failed to show up it became evident that they had either perished or captured. (3)

7 Nov 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) made a final periscope reconnaissance of the landing beaches off Algiers. After dark a folbot was launched to mark 'Apple White beach'. This was a rather small beach not so easy to find. The folbot to mark 'Appel Green beach' was not launched as this beach rather easy to find. At 2135 hours P 221 was in her beacon position and began flashing to seaward as well as transmitting on R.D.F. One hour later the landing convoy came in sight. (3)

8 Nov 1942
With her task off Algiers completed HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) was ordered to patrol off Marittimo Island to the West of Sicily. (3)

11 Nov 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) is ordered to patrol off Cape Bon. (3)

12 Nov 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) is ordered to patrol off Cani Rocks. (3)

16 Nov 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) attacked an enemy convoy and missed the German merchant Menes (5609 GRT, built 1926) escorted by the torpedo boat Clio on their way to Bizerta. Two hits were claimed but this was not the case.

(All times are zone -1)
0818 hours - Heard faint HE bearing 120°. Came to periscope depth but sighted nothing.

0840 hours - Sighted the upper works of one medium seized merchant vessel and the masts of a destroyer bearing 180°. Range was about 6 nautical miles. Could not close enough to attack.

0922 hours - Heard HE bearing 030°. On coming to periscope depth sighted a 5000 tons merchant vessel and one Dardo-class destroyer and 2 Cant 506 aircraft. Started attack. The destroyer was 1000 yards ahead.

0942 hours - Fired 4 torpedoes. Two hits were observed. (No position is listed in the patrol report. P 221 was ordered to patrol near 37°37'N, 10°49'E.)

0951 hours - Depth charging commenced. Only 2 of the depth charges that were dropped were close.

1040 hours - Saw 2 Cant 506 aircraft circling in the position of the attack. Could see nothing else but visibility was rather bad due to a rainsquall.

According to Italian sources three torpedo tracks had been seen by Clio and she dropped three depth charges before rejoining Menes. (3)

25 Nov 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Gibraltar.

She returned with defects to the main motors. These could not be repaired at Gibraltar and it was decided to send her back to the U.K. (3)

7 Dec 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Portsmouth. She was to return to the U.K. for repairs to her main motors.

For the daily positions of HMS P 221 during this passage see the map below.

(3)

16 Dec 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Falmouth. The weather was so bad that her escort could no leave harbour to meet her. (3)

17 Dec 1942
Around 1430A/17, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) and HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Falmouth for Portsmouth. They were escorted by HMS Unst (T/Lt. J.R. Smith, RNR). (4)

18 Dec 1942
Aroound 1100A/18, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) and HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Fort Blockhouse, the submarine base at Portsmouth. (5)

19 Dec 1942
Around 1600A/19, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) and HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Portsmouth for Sheerness. They were escorted by HMS Kingston Topaz (Skr. S.C. Larner, RNR). (6)

20 Dec 1942
HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Sheerness. She then went to the Chatham dockyard for repairs to her main motors. (1)

20 Dec 1942
Around 1230A/20, HMS Thrasher (Lt. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO, RN) and HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Sheerness. They where they both to be taken in hand for refit at the Chatham Dockyard for a refit and main motor repairs respectively. (6)

3 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) competed refit and repairs to her main motors at Chatham dockyard. (7)

5 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) shifted from Chatham dockyard to Sheerness. (7)

6 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Sheerness for Portsmouth. She was escorted by HMS ML 464. Later escort duties were taken over by HMS ML 535. (7)

7 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (7)

8 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (7)

11 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Portsmouth for Gibraltar. She was escorted towards Bishops Rock by HMS Asie (Skr. E.A. Mutten, RNR).

While en-route Shakespeare was ordered to several patrol positions to intercept an expected German blockade runner due to arrive in France, making this her 4th war patrol.

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

(3)

15 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) is ordered to patrol in position 44°57'N, 13°50'W. (3)

16 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) is ordered to patrol in position 44°57'N, 10°01'W. (3)

17 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) is ordered to remain on the surface to increase the chance of sighting the blockade runner. Later she was ordered to proceed with despath 60 nautical miles to the East. In the evening she was ordered to return to her initial patrol position as it had become clear that she was unable to intercept the expected blockade runner. (3)

18 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) is ordered to continue her passage to Gibraltar. (3)

24 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Gibraltar. (3)

28 Mar 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Algiers.

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

(7)

1 Apr 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Algiers. (8)

9 Apr 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 5th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off South-East Sardinia.

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

(3)

13 Apr 1943
At 0142 hours (zone -1), in position 38°39'N, 09°26'E HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) was bombed by an enemy aircraft. Upon sighting the aircraft Shakespeare dived. When she was at 40 feet something hit the after casing with a loud crack. This was thought to be a bomb but fortunately it did not explode. (3)

26 Apr 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (3)

8 May 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 6th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Corsica.

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

(3)

13 May 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) sank the Italian sailing vessels Sant' Anna M. (156 GRT, built 1900) and Adelina (80 GRT, built 1891) with gunfire to the East of the Strait of Bonifacio in position 41°20'N, 10°16'E.

(All times are zone -1)
1708 hours - Sighted the mast of 2 schooners to the Westward. When about to surface after having closed submerged as much as possible when an aircraft appeared near the schooners. She then carried out an A/S patrol preventing Shakespeare from surfacing and engaging the schooners.

1907 hours - Surfaced after the aircraft had left the area. The schooners were now just visible hull down to the North-East. Proceeded to chase them.

2011 hours - Opened fire from 1000 yards. Fired 52 rounds and obtained at least 20 hits on each vessel.

2045 hours - Left the area. One schooner had sunk and the other was settling fast. (3)

20 May 1943
At 1320 hours (zone -1) HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) surfaced to bombard aircraft hangars near Calvi, Corsica, France. 20 Rounds were fired. After 5 minutes shore batteries opened fire on HMS Shakespeare so the action was broken off and Shakespeare dived and retired from the scene.

Land targets in French territories were not supposed to be shelled by submarines but Ainslie was not aware of it. Italian authorities reported 14 rounds falling on the airport but there was insignificant damage and no casualties. (3)

24 May 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (3)

5 Jun 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 7th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Toulon, Southern France.

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

(3)

19 Jun 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) is mistakenly bombed by Allied aircraft in position 37°30'N, 03°48'E. This was very unfortunate as Shakespeare had just sighted an enemy U-boat and was about to attack it. This U-boat was most likely the German U-73.

At 0409 hours however the Officer of the Watch reported an aircraft attacking from the Starboard beam. The aircraft fired rockets but fortunately Shakespeare was not hit. The attack on the U-boat was now off course out of the question.

Later the same day HMS Shakespeare ended her 7th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (3)

23 Jun 1943
During 23 and 24 June 1943 HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Algiers. In these exercises Shakespeare was to act as a beacon. (9)

1 Jul 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 8th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to aid in the Allied Landings on Sicily. She was to act as a beacon during the landings at Gela.

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

(3)

7 Jul 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived off Gela, Sicily, Italy to reconnoitre the landing beaches. (3)

8 Jul 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted further reconnaissance off Gela, Sicily, Italy. She also laid a buoy in her beacon position. (3)

9 Jul 1943
In the evening HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) was in her beacon position and succesfully contacted her escort, the US destroyer USS Cole at 2215 hours. Around 0100/10 the beacon duties were completed and HMS Shakespeare set course for Malta escorted by USS Cole. (3)

10 Jul 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (3)

22 Jul 1943
During the night of 22 and 23 July 1943 HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Malta. These exercises included the launching and recovery of folbots. (10)

25 Jul 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 9th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to perform a special operation (beach reconnaissances of the Gulf of Gioia by COPP 5).

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

(3)

30 Jul 1943
At 2215 hours the submarine launched a folbot manned by Lt. Kent and Leading Seaman Thomas for a beach reconnaissance. They were recovered at 0315/1.

2 Aug 1943
At 2212 hours the submarine launched a folbot manned by Captain Matheson and Lt. Stanbury for a beach reconnaissance. They were recovered at 0434/3.

3 Aug 1943
At 2123 hours the submarine launched a folbot manned by Lt. Kent and Able Seaman Nichols for a beach reconnaissance. They were recovered at 0434/3.

6 Aug 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) fires three torpedoes at what is identified as an Italian light cruiser to the North-West of Ustica. All torpedoes missed their target. These were the light cruisers Eugenio di Savoia and Raimondo Montecuccoli (7th Division) who were carrying a raid on the Sicilian coast, they had sailed unescorted from La Spezia but returned without making contact with the enemy.

(All times are zone -1)
0303 hours - In position 39°01'N, 12°40'E a darkened object was sighted abaft the Starboard beam. The Officer of the Watch quite rightly turned stern on until the object had been identified.

0305 hours - Identified the object as an Italian light cruiser of the Condoterri-class. Started attack but Shakespeare was not in a favourable attack position at a rather long range.

0310 hours - Fired three torpedoes from 6000 yards. No hits were obtained as the speed was under-estimated.

The attack was unobserved and the torpedoes must have missed from a wide margin. (3)

9 Aug 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (3)

24 Aug 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 10th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to aid in the Allied Landings on the Italian Mainland at Salerno. She carried a beach reconnaissance unit made up of Lt. R.N. Stanbury, RN, Captain P.D. Patterson, RE (both of COPP 5) and Captain G.B. Courtney, MBE, Captain E.J.A. Lunn and Sergeant J. Gilmour (all three from SBS). As before she was to act as a beacon during these landings.

As no log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (3)

30 Aug 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) entered the Gulf of Salerno to search for mines with the M.D.U. (Mine Detector Unit). She successfully located a minefield.

Later on the day she conducted a periscope reconnaissance.

During the night a folbot was launched for beach reconnaissance. The folbot party successfully returned after almost 7 hours. (3)

31 Aug 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) conducted a periscope reconnaissance of beaches in the Bay of Salerno. During the night a folbot was launched for beach reconnaissance. The folbot party successfully returned after 6 hours. (3)

2 Sep 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) had now left Salerno Bay and sent a report of her reconnaissance. She then set course to patrol the North-Western approaches to the Gulf of Naples. (3)

5 Sep 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) patrolled to the South West of Isola di Capri. (3)

6 Sep 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) returned to the vicinity of Salerno Bay. (3)

7 Sep 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian submarine Velella about 18 nautical miles east of Licosa Island, south of Salerno, Italy in position 40°15'N, 14°30'E. There were no survivors.

The other submarine was Benedetto Brin. The two Italian submarines had sailed from Naples to attack the Salerno landings. The loss of Velella was tragic, she was the last Italian submarine to be lost by enemy action as in a few hours Italian submarines would be ordered to surrender to Allied forces.

(All times are zone -2)
1953 hours - The Asdic operator reported HE. It was nearly dark. Sighed two submarines steering a course of 135°. They were about 1 nautical mile apart. Started attacking the one who would be against the remaining light in the Western sky the longest. The other was soon lost against the land.

2003 hours - Fired a full salvo of 6 torpedoes from what was thought to be 1200 yards but was more like 800 yards in hindsight. No less than 4 hits were observed and the enemy submarine disintegrated. The other submarine was heard to continue its passage Southbound but at a higher speed.

2015 hours - Another submarine was heard going south but it was never sighted.

2114 hours - Surfaced to withdraw from the scene to report the 2 southbound submarines. (3)

8 Sep 1943
Off Licosa Point, at 1345 hours, HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) sighted a northbound Italian submarine but was prevented from attack as she was near her beacon position and did not want to compromise it. This was most probably Alagi returning to base because of defects. The British submarine remained on the bottom until 2135 hours when she surfaced and successfully contacted her escort, the US destroyer USS Cole and commenced her beacon duties. At 2340 hours, she transferred her beach pilots to USS PC-624. Around 0030/09 the beacon duties were completed and HMS Shakespeare set course for Algiers escorted by USS Cole until 12°00'E (3)

12 Sep 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (3)

26 Sep 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) was docked at Algiers. (11)

29 Sep 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) was undocked. (11)

1 Oct 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed from Algiers for her 11th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) in the Gulf of Genoa.

As no log is available for this period no map can be displayed.

4 Oct 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) had barely reached her patrol position off Cape di Noli when she was recalled to be transferred to the Eastern Mediterranean.

7 Oct 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Algiers after a brief and uneventful patrol.

10 Oct 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for Beirut together with HMS Seraph (Lt. N.L.A. Jewell, OBE, RN). They made part of the passage in convoy KMS 28.

As no log is available for this period no map can be displayed. (12)

13 Oct 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta and departed later the same day to continue her passage to Beirut.

18 Oct 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) arrived at Beirut where she joined the 1st Submarine Flotilla. (12)

21 Oct 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Beirut for her 12th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean.

As no log is available for this period no map can be displayed. (3)

26 Oct 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sank the Greek sailing vessel SYR 404 / Aghios Konstantinos (22 GRT) in position 38°06'N, 25°22'E.

(All times are zone -3)
1720 hours - Sighted a large two-masted caique bound for Khios. Decided to remain dived in the hope of bigger prey. If nothing came we could then surface and chase the caique.

1940 hours - Surfaced and proceeded to intercept the caique.

2055 hours - Sank the caique with gunfire. (3)

12 Nov 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) ended her 12th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (3)

26 Nov 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) departed Beirut for her 13th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean. Upon completion of this patrol she was to proceed to Malta as Shakespeare had to return to the U.K. for a refit.

As no log is available for this period no map can be displayed. (3)

3 Dec 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) sank the Greek sailing vessel Eleftheria with gunfire off Kos, Greece.

(All times are zone -3)
1145 hours - Sighted a two-masted Southbound caique of about 100 tons. She was fully laden.

1249 hours - Surfaced and engaged with the 3" gun and the Oerlikon.

1254 hours - Dived as shore batteries on Kos had opened fire. The target had been hit several times.

1259 hours - The target was seen to sink. The crew had abandoned ship in a small boat and were seen rowing to the Turkish coast which was the nearest.

German sources reported that the caique Eleotherios had only her rudder damaged and escaped to Santorin. (3)

6 Dec 1943

Convoy GUS 24.

This convoy departed Port Said on 6 December 1943.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports; Katy (Norwegian, 6825 GRT, built 1931), Lowlander (British, 8059 GRT, built 1925), Mahlon Pitney (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Robert Morris (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Samariz (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samblade (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samdak (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samkansa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Urbino (British, 5198 GRT, built 1918).

On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the minesweeper HMS Rye (A/Lt.Cdr. J.A. Pearson, DSC and Bar, RNR) and the A/S trawler HMS Wolborough (T/Lt. G.A. Hartnell, RNR).

On 7 December 1943, the following transports joined coming from Alexandria; Afghanistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Avristan (British, 7266 GRT, built 1942), Blairclova (British, 5083 GRT, built 1938), Corstar (British, 2337 GRT, built 1918), Egret (British, 1391 GRT, built 1937), Empire Addison (British, 7010 GRT, built 1942), Empire Glory (British, 7290 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frederick (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), George M. Pullman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Gudrun Maersk (British, 2294 GRT, built 1937), Hindustan (British, 5245 GRT, built 1940), Horace Bushnell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Hughli (British, 6589 GRT, built 1943), Ocean Liberty (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Sambrake (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sofala (British, 1031 GRT, built 1937) and Tynebank (British, 4651 GRT, built 1922).

They were escorted by the frigate HMS Dart (Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Gloxinia (Lt. M.C. English, RNR), HMS Primula (Lt. G.H. Taylor, RNR) and the A/S whaler HMSAS Southern Maid (?).

On 8 December 1943, the Lowlander arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy with engine trouble.

On 10 December 1943, the Egret arrived at Benghazi after having been detached from the convoy.

On 11 December 1943, the convoy was sighted by enemy reconnaissance aircraft but no attack developed.

Also on 11 December 1943, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Antonia (Dutch (tanker), 3357 GRT, built 1938), Athelviking (British (tanker), 8779 GRT, built 1926), Baron Stranraer (British, 3668 GRT, built 1929), Empire Deed (British, 6766 GRT, built 1943), Empire Success (British, 5988 GRT, built 1921), Fort Lac la Ronge (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Hermelin (Norwegian, 1683 GRT, built 1940), Lord Byron (British, 4118 GRT, built 1934) and Somerville (Norwegian, 4265 GRT, built 1929).

On 12 December 1943, the following transports arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy; Afghanistan, Blairclova, Corstar, Empire Addison, Empire Glory, Fort Frederick, Gudrun Maersk, Katy, Ocean Liberty, Sambrake and Sofala.

Also on 12 December 1943, the submarines HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Universal (Lt. C. Gordon, RN) and HMS Unseen (Lt. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC and Bar, RN) joined the convoy coming from Malta. The following day, after having passed through the Sicilian Narrows, HMS Univeral and HMS Unseen parted company with the convoy and proceeded on patrol.

On 14 December 1943, the following transports / tankers joined the convoy off Bizerta; A.P. Hill (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Alexander Graham Bell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), American Trader (American (tanker), 8862 GRT, built 1923), Anson Jones (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Belgian Fisherman (Belgian, 4714 GRT, built 1918), Caleb Strong (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Emma Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Coleridge (British (tanker), 9798 GRT, built 1942), Empire Dickens (British (tanker), 9819 GRT, built 1942), Esek Hopkins (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Fanny Brunner (Italian, 2464 GRT, built 1925), Fort Lajoie (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Walsh (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Francis L. Lee (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), George B. McClellan (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), George Matthew (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Grace Abbott (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Haym Salomon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry Middleton (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Horace Binney (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Isaac Coles (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Isaac Sharpless (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James W. Fannin (American, 7244 GRT, built 1942), John A. Rawlins (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), John Hathorn (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Sergeant (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), John Walker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Alston (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Joshua Seney (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Josiah Parker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Leland Stanford (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Mayo Brothers (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Nettuno (Italian, 5088 GRT, built 1916), Orient City (British, 5095 GRT, built 1940), Prosper Schiaffino (French, 1634 GRT, built 1931), Richmond Mumford Pearson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Robert Dale Owen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Stanford Newel (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922), Thomas Nelson Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Townsend Harris (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William D. Pender (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943) and William R. Davie (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942).

The AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN) and the rescue tug HMS Hengist also joined the convoy coming from Bizerta.

On 14 December 1943, the following ships were detached to Bone; Belgian Fisherman, Fort Lac la Ronge, Hermelin and Star while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Bone; British Vigour (British (tanker), 5844 GRT, built 1943), Eleazar Wheelock (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Empire Zephyr (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Esso Providence (American (tanker), 9059 GRT, built 1921), Srbin (Yugoslavian, 928 GRT, built 1913) and William Coddington (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On 14 December 1943, the following ships were detached to Philippeville; British Vigour and Fanny Brunner while the following transport joined the convoy coming from Philippeville; Lago (Norwegian, 2552 GRT, built 1929).

On 14 December 1943, the Empire Zephyr arrived at Bougie after having straggled from the convoy.

On 15 December 1943, the following ships were detached to Algiers; Antonia, Empire Deed, Prosper Schiaffino and Srbin while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Andrea Gritti (Italian, 6404 GRT, built 1943), Enrico (Italian, 1817 GRT, built 1909), Gryfevale (British, 4434 GRT, built 1929), Marie-Louise le Borgne (French, 1263 GRT, built 1903), Moses Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Myriel (British (tanker), 3560 GRT, built 1913), Ocean Courier (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Orminster (British, 5712 GRT, built 1914), Pencarrow (British, 4841 GRT, built 1921), Ronan (British, 1489 GRT, built 1938) and Thomas Stone (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942).

The rescue tug HMS Hengist also arrived at Algiers.

On 16 December 1943, the following ships were detached to Oran / Mers-el-Kebir; Alexander Graham Bell, Empire Success, Enrico, Fort Walsh, George Matthews, Henry Middleton, John Hathorn, John Walker, Joseph Alston, Marie-Louise le Borgne, Mayo Brothers, Orminster, Pencarrow, Ronan, Stanford Newell, Thomas Nelson Page and William D. Pender while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Oran / Mers-el-Kebir; Aztec (Hunduran, 5511 GRT, built 1929), Crosby S. Noyes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Edward N. Hurley (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Esso Nashville (American (tanker), 7943 GRT, built 1940), Gulfpoint (American (tanker), 6972 GRT, built 1920), John S. Copley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Mirabeau B. Lamar (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Pan-Delaware (American (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1918) and Tulsa (American, 5083 GRT, built 1919).

On joining the convoy the John S. Copley was torpedoed and damaged by the German submarine U-73 which in turn was herself sunk following the attack by patrolling destroyers.

On 17 December 1943, the following ships were detached to Gibraltar; American Trader, Baron Stranraer, Esso Providence, Gryfevale, Hindustan, Hughli, Lago, Lord Byron, Myriel, Orient City, Tynebank and Urbino while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar; Karamea (British, 10530 GRT, built 1928) and Robert M.T. Hunter (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). HMS Colombo and HMS Shakespeare also arrived at Gibraltar.

At 1000A/18, a new, American escort joined the convoy and at 1030A/18, the British escort parted company and proceeded to Gibraltar where they all arrived later the same day.

The new American escort (Task Force 64) had departed Casablanca around 1530A/17 and was made up of the destroyers USS Stevenson (T/Cdr. F.E. Wilson, USN, with COMTASKFOR 64 / COMDESRON 19, T/Capt. J. Conner, USN on board), USS Stockton (T/Cdr. R.E. Braddy, Jr., USN), USS Thorn (T/Cdr. E. Brumby, USN), USS Turner (T/Cdr. H.S. Wygant, Jr., USN), destroyer escorts USS Sturtevant (Lt. J.M. Mertz, USNR), USS Blair (Lt. A.J. Laborde, USNR), USS Brough (Lt. J.A. Rector, Jr., USNR), USS Inch (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Frey, USNR), USS Stanton (T/Lt.Cdr. C.S. Barker, Jr., USN) and USS Swasey (Lt. H.M. Godsey, USNR).

Around 1430A/18, the Casablanca section of the convoy joined in position 35°24'N, 08°03'W. It was made up of the transports Felix Grundy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fitzhugh Lee (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Turner (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and Richard S. Ewell (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943). The naval tanker USS Housatonic (T/Cdr. A.R. Boileau, USN) was also with them. They were escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Jacob Jones (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Johnson, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 3, T/Cdr. N. Adair, Jr., USN on board), USS Hammann (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Miller, Jr., USNR), USS Robert E. Peary (Lt.Cdr. L.W. Bennett, USNR) and the patrol vessels USS PC-482 (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Hunter, USNR), USS PC-481 (Lt. N.W. Roeder, USNR), USS PC-480 (Lt. F.W. Meyers, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-473 (Lt. D.F. Welch, USNR). The destroyer escorts joined the convoy while the patrol vessels returned to Casablanca taking the following transports / tankers from the convoy with them; Esso Nashville, Fort Lajoie, Gulfpoint and Nettuno. They all arrived at Casablanca on the 19th.

During the morning of 24 December 1943, USS Stevenson, USS Stockton, USS Thorn and USS Turner fuelled from USS Housatonic.

At 1100P/30, USS Housatonic parted company to proceed to Bermuda. To escort her the destroyer escorts USS Darby (Cdr. D.D. Humphreys, USNR) and USS Alger (Lt.Cdr. D.B. Poupeney, USNR) had joined shortly before.

At 1115Q/1, the convoy was split into the ' Delaware section ' and the ' New York section '. The New York section was made up of 31 ships and was escorted by USS Stevenson, USS Stockton, USS Thorn, USS Turner, USS Inch, USS Stanton and USS Swasey. The remaining ships (23) made up the ' Delaware section and were escorted by USS Jacob Jones, USS Hammann, USS USS Robert E. Peary, USS Sturtevant, USS Blair and USS Brough.

The New York section arrived at its destination during the night of 2/3 January 1944. The last of the escort to anchor was USS Turner. She dropped anchor around 0215Q/3. Around 0616Q/3, USS Turner suffered a massive explosion and burned. Survivors could be picked up by pilot boats and small boats from other ships of Task Force 64. 15 officers and 123 men did not survive the internal explosions and subsequent sinking of the ship.

The Delaware section of the convoy also arrived at its destination during the night of 2/3 January 1944.

11 Dec 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) ended her 13th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (3)

12 Dec 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta in company with HMS Universal and HMS Unseen, escorted by HMS Klo and they joined up with convoy GUS 24 for passage to Gibraltar.

As no log is available for this period no map can be displayed. (12)

16 Dec 1943
The convoy was attacked by a U-boat (U-73) which was sunk.

17 Dec 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (12)

28 Dec 1943
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Plymouth.

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

(12)

4 Jan 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Plymouth where she was to refit at the Devonport Dockyard. (12)

1 Jun 1944
With her refit at the Devonport Dockyard completed HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Plymouth for the Clyde. She made the passage together with HMS Unruffled (Lt. F. Park, RN). They were escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr. C.W. Sabine, OBE, RN). (13)

3 Jun 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (13)

6 Jun 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area followed by speed trials on the Arran measured mile. (13)

7 Jun 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (13)

8 Jun 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (13)

9 Jun 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted noise trials at Loch Goil. (13)

14 Jun 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Vindex (Capt. H.T.T. Bayliss, RN) served as the target.

Following these attack exercises, A/S exercises were carried out with aircraft from Vindex. These included night exercises. (13)

15 Jun 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Vindex (Capt. H.T.T. Bayliss, RN) served as the target.

Following these attack exercises HMS Shakespeare proceeded to Holy Loch. (13)

16 Jun 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted S.T.U. (mine detection) trials and D/F trials in the Clyde area. (13)

17 Jun 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted speed trials on the Arran measured mile followed by gunnery trials. (13)

20 Jun 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted attack and night gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. (13)

21 Jun 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Sardonyx (A/Lt.Cdr. T.A. Easton, RNVR) served as the target. (13)

22 Jun 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (13)

24 Jun 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted attack and gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. (13)

25 Jun 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted night radar tracking exercises in the Clyde area. On completion of these exercises she proceeded to Holy Loch. (13)

28 Jun 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. (13)

28 Jun 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) and HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR) served as the targets. (13)

29 Jun 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area. On completion of these she proceeded to Holy Loch. (13)

30 Jun 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. At the same time HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the northern North Sea. The submarines were escorted on their passage north by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (13)

2 Jul 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow where she was to participate in A/S exercises. (14)

3 Jul 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. P.A.R. Withers, DSO, RN) and HMS Swiftsure (Capt. R.D. Oliver, CBE, DSC, RN). (14)

6 Jul 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Mermaid (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Mosse, RN), HMS Hamlet (T/Lt. J.C. Boyd, RNVR) and HMS Graemsay (A/Skr.Lt. A.R. Lewis, RNR). (14)

7 Jul 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, RN).

The cruiser also conducted gunnery exercises. (15)

11 Jul 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Matchless (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Musketeer (Cdr. R.L. Fisher, OBE, DSC, RN). (14)

12 Jul 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Peacock (Lt.Cdr. R.B. Stannard, VC, DSO, RD, RNR). (14)

13 Jul 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow, first with HMS Stella Pegasi (T/Lt. C.D.M. Grierson, RNVR), HMS Kingston Topaz (Skr.Lt. J.E. Harwood, RD, RNR) and later with HMS Myngs (Capt. M.L. Power, CBE, RN). (14)

13 Jul 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow, first with HMS Stella Pegasi (T/Lt. C.D.M. Grierson, RNVR), HMS Kingston Topaz (Skr.Lt. J.E. Harwood, RD, RNR) and later with HMS Myngs (Capt. M.L. Power, CBE, RN). (14)

14 Jul 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. (14)

15 Jul 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Myngs (Capt. M.L. Power, CBE, RN). (14)

16 Jul 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She made the passage south together with HMS Voracious (Lt. F.D.G. Challis, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Sardonyx (A/Lt.Cdr. T.A. Easton, RNVR). (14)

18 Jul 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to continue her working up programme. (14)

19 Jul 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Larne. (14)

20 Jul 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (14)

21 Jul 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (14)

22 Jul 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (14)

25 Jul 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMCS Huntsville (T/Lt. C.B. Hermann, RCNVR). (14)

28 Jul 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Hurst Castle (Lt. H.G. Chesterman, DSC and Bar, RNR) and HMCS Huntsville (T/Lt. C.B. Hermann, RCNVR). (14)

31 Jul 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Vulpine (T/Lt. P.S. Thirsk, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises off Larne with each other. (14)

1 Aug 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (16)

2 Aug 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. (16)

3 Aug 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which they served as targets for each other. (16)

5 Aug 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as target. These included night exercises. (16)

6 Aug 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted night shadowing exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as target. Upon completion of these exercises HMS Shakespeare proceeded to Holy Loch. (16)

8 Aug 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) is docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (16)

9 Aug 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) is undocked. (16)

13 Aug 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted noise trials at Loch Goil. (16)

17 Aug 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Holy Loch for her 14th war patrol. She was ordered to perform an Anti-Uboat patrol to the East of the Shetlands. She was escorted North through the Minches by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR).

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

(3)

19 Aug 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) put into Scapa Flow for repairs to her W/T equipment. (3)

26 Aug 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) aided in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow. She also conducted attack exercises with HMS Selene (Lt.Cdr. H.R.B. Newton, DSC, RN). (3)

27 Aug 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Scapa Flow to resume her 14th war patrol. (3)

7 Sep 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) ended her 14th war patrol at Lerwick.

In the evening she departed Lerwick for passage to Scapa Flow. The next morning she made rendez-vous with HMS HMS Varne (Lt. I.G. Raikes, DSC, RN), HMS Uproar (Lt. J.N. Devlin, DSC, RN), HMS Unshaken (Lt. J.S. Pearce, RNR) and their escort HMS Cutty Sark. (3)

8 Sep 1944
HMS Uproar (Lt. J.N. Devlin, DSC, RN), HMS Unshaken (Lt. J.S. Pearce, RNR) and HMS Varne (Lt. I.G. Raikes, DSC, RN) all departed Scapa Flow for Rothesay / Holy Loch. They made the passage together with HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) which came from Lerwick. They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark. (17)

9 Sep 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (18)

12 Sep 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) is docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (18)

14 Sep 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) is undocked. (18)

15 Sep 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted noise trials at Loch Goil. (18)

16 Sep 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted W/T trials in the Clyde area. (18)

19 Sep 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted W/T trials in the Clyde area. (18)

30 Sep 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (18)

3 Oct 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Holy Loch for Gibraltar. This was the first leg of the trip to the Far East.

Passage to Gibraltar was made in convoy KMS 65 together with the French submarine Doris.

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

(19)

11 Oct 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (19)

16 Oct 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (19)

17 Oct 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (19)

18 Oct 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) depaerted Gibraltar for Malta. She made the passage with convoy UGS 56. (19)

23 Oct 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Malta. (19)

30 Oct 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Malta for Port Said. She made the passage independently. (19)

3 Nov 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Port Said. (20)

4 Nov 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) transited the Suez Canal Southbound. (20)

5 Nov 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Suez for Aden. (20)

10 Nov 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Aden. (20)

13 Nov 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Aden for Trincomalee. Before leaving A/S exercises were carried out with HMS Plym (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A. Foxall, RNR) and HMS Genista (Lt. T.G. Radford, RNR). (20)

24 Nov 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (20)

18 Dec 1944
During 18 and 19 December 1944 HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night exercises. (21)

20 Dec 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 15th war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off the Andaman Islands.

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

(3)

31 Dec 1944
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese merchant cargo ship Unryu Maru (2515 GRT, built 1935) east of Port Blair, Andaman Islands in position 11°40'N, 93°15'E. The Unryu Maru was in convoy together with the Teshio Maru (362 GRT ,built 1930). They were escorted by the submarine chasers Ch-34, Ch-35 and Ch-63 (all offsite links).

(All times are zone -6.5)
0840 hours - In position 11°47'N, 93°13'E sighted a convoy leaving Nankauri Strait. The convoy was seen to consist of 2 merchant ships and 3 escorts. Started attack on the leading and largest merchant ship.

0912 hours - Fired 6 torpedoes from 1500 yards. Went deep on firing the last torpedo and took avoiding action. Five explosions were heard.

0921 hours - The first 2 depth charges were dropped but these were not very close.

1005 - 1114 hours - A further 9 depth charges were dropped but none were close. Escorts and aircraft remained in the area throughout the day dropping occasional depth charges. (3)

3 Jan 1945
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) attacked a small Japanese merchant ship with 4 torpedoes in position 11°51'N, 93°12'E. No hits were obtained.

Shakespeare then surfaced for gun action. What happened next can best be described by giving here the 'full text' of the patrol report as written by Lt. Swanston from 3 January 1945 to 8 January 1945.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0515 hours – Dived 10 nautical miles East of Nankauri Strait.

0715 hours – Sighted the mast and funnel of a southbound merchant ship of about 700 tons. Closed to attack but could not get nearer then 3500 yards. Nothing else was in sight.

0750 hours – Fired 4 torpedoes from 3500 yards. No hits were obtained. The ship was and remained on a steady course. Enemy speed was 7 knots.

0758 hours – Surfaced for gun action. Closed at high speed on main engines and opened fire at a range of 5000 yards. After the 4th round the ship turned directly towards and opened a very inaccurate fire with a gun thought to be a 12pdr. Altered course 20 degrees to port and also opened fire with the Oerlikon. Unfortunately it jammed after the first burst.

0805 hours – 15 Rounds had now been fired for 1 hit and possibly 2 waterline hits. Sighted what was thought to be a submarine chaser coming through Nankauri Strait. Range was 9000 yards. Turned away and cleared the bridge and gun platforms preparatory to diving. By this time the range of the merchant ship was down to 1500 yards and it obtained a direct hit on our pressure hull just forward of the engine room bulkhead door outside the W/T office. This hole although just above the waterline with the submarine stopped was awash when under way. A considerable quantity of water poured in, eventually filling up the auxiliary machinery space and partially flooding the control room and engine room. The ballast pump was immediately started and efforts made to stop the inflow of water through the hole. These effects were however ineffective and very soon the ballast pump was flooded and ceased to work. Brown’s system in the steering was holed and after a short period out of control, steering was resumed from aft following control room Evershead. By this time the auxiliary machine space had been abandoned and shut down. The battery ventilation and engine outboard induction trunking, exterior to the pressure hull had both been riddled with splinter holes. This meant that the engine room door had to be kept open and that water flooded into the engine room. By this time the W/T transmitting panel and the gyro compass had been flooded. The submarine was unable to dive in this condition. The 3” gun, the Oerlikon and the Vickers guns were therefore manned again. During the action that followed the P.O. Tel. And the Ldg. Tel., on their own initiative, went on the bridge and down on to the saddle tanks and began to plug the hole from the outside with a blanket. While they were doing this the merchant ship obtained 4 more hits. The blast from one of these blew off the P.O. Tel’s boots and burned both feet. He continued plugging the hole.

Fire was re-opened with the 3” and Vickers guns. A clearing charge failed to clear the jammed round in the Oerlikon. The range was now about 1000 yards, which was maintained as Shakespeare steered away from the merchant ship. The gunlayer and trainer of the 3” gun had both been wounded. Their places were taken by the First Lieutenant and Telegraphist Britton. The stern torpedo was then fired at the merchant vessel to discourage him. It missed.

0820 hours – Obtained a hit on the enemy’s gun which was now out of action. He then turned away with a noticeable list to port. The submarine chaser meanwhile had closed to 6000 yards and opened fire. Course and speed was maintained and Shakespeare got away from him as he, fortunately, went to the aid of the merchant ship. The Vickers guns were then reloaded and the spare Oerlikon barrel was fitted in lieu of the jammed one. A chain of buckets was also organised from the control room to the bridge and gun tower. This was the only means to get rid of the water. Course was now set to the 10 Degree Channel. Now we had to wait for the air attacks to start. The merchant and submarine chaser meanwhile set course towards Port Blair.

0900 hours – The port engine seized. Shortly afterwards the P.O. Tel., who was still working on the saddle tanks plugging the hole, fell over the side. Stopped and manoeuvred on the main motors to pick him up. Course was then resumed on one engine only at a speed of 7 knots. The P.O. Tel. and Ldg. Tel. then joined the bucket chain. After about one hour the P.O. Tel came to the bridge and performed duties as air-lookout until dark, and, although wounded on both feet and the left arm, also took occasional burst with a tommy-gun on very close aircraft.

0930 hours – A seaplane was sighted over Nankauri Strait come towards and started a low level dive bombing attack from astern. When the range had closed sufficiently he was given a short burst from a Vickers gun manned by the second Coxwain. This caused him to release his bomb 20 yards away on the port side, set him on fire. He was seen to crash into the sea 1000 yards on the starboard bow. This had a most heartening effect on the whole ship's company. The bomb was a small one and caused no damage.

1000 hours – 2 Jake aircraft appeared. They each carried out a dummy low level attack and then came in and bombed us. Each machine carried 2 small bombs and 1 was dropped extremely close. The splash flooded the bridge and bust an H.P. air line inside the submarine in the bilges. The escaping air caused the bilge water to ‘fountain’ and the ratings in the compartment thought we had been holed again. The spare Oerlikon now also jammed, again due to defective ammunition but it could be cleared with a clearing charge.

In the second attack the bombs fell some distance away. Up to 1420 hours, 5 more bombing attacks by Jake aircraft, each carrying 2 50lb. bombs, were made. These aircraft were all kept at a respectful distance by Vickers and Oerlikon fire. Their bombs all fell wide and caused no damage. One aircraft was hit with the Oerlikon. When the Jake aircraft flew overhead, upon completion of their bombing runs, they sprayed Shakespeare with their machine gun.

1420 hours – Sighted an unidentified escort vessel closing from the starboard quarter. On sighting this all decyphered signals and patrol orders were burnt. All code books were sacked up, ready for ditching. The remaining 2 torpedoes were also brought to the ready. But the escort vessel did not close any further and possibly went to pick up the pilot from the downed plane leaving us to the mercy of the Japanese air force. A bomber and 2 fighter-bombers now appeared. One of the fighter bombers attacked first. He dropped 2 bombs and made an ineffective machine gun attack. The bomber then came in at a height of 300 feet. It dropped 2 1000lb bombs which near missed us. The splinters wounded 2 ratings on the gun platform. The second fighter bomber then came in, released his bombs, turned round and made a low level diving cannon firing attack from aft, which raked the bridge. One Vickers gunner was mortally wounded and superficial damage was caused. This aircraft was hit by at least 2 of the Vickers guns. He then retired.

From 1600 hours until just before sunset single attacks by groups of 4 aircraft, fighter bombers with machine guns, occurred at half-hourly intervals. All however kept at a respectful distance. The Oerlikon finally jammed during these attacks, again due to defective ammunition, and could not be cleared. The 3” gun was used throughout the day, about 200 rounds had been fired. Several shells burst close to aircraft and made them turn away.

Half-an-hour before sunset a bomber, 2 fighter bombers and a seaplane appeared. The fighter bombers carried out dive bombings attacks from the sun, dropping 2 bombs each. When not attacking they were circling in and out of the clouds and it was difficult to tell which aircraft would attack next. The bomber pressed home his attack from a height of 300 feet. 2 Heavy bombs landed close to the port quarter and he fired his rear gun as he passed overhead. He was most likely hit by fire from the Vickers guns. Just after sunset, at 1830 hours, this performance was repeated by the fighter bombers only but they kept a respectful distance and their bombs fell wide. With the darkness the air attacks ceased and it was possible to take stock of the situation inside the submarine, which was as follows
Port engine out of action, starboard engine in fair shape.
Auxiliary oil and water pump out of action due to flooding.
Main motors out of action due to flooding.
W/T and gyro compass out of action due to flooding.
Submarine being steered by Evershed from the control room using the telemotor aft.
Hole 9” by 4” in the pressure hull.
Hole in the gun tower.
Diving compass out of action.
Hole in no.2 port main ballast tank.
4” depth of water in the control room. Battery boards tight.
Starboard side H.P. ring main severed outside W/T office.
L.P. blower line slightly damaged.
Ballast pump out of action.
Upper conning tower hatch could not be shut.

Casualties to the crew were as below.
T.A. Motherham, (A.B., C/JX.300991)
Mortally wounded in the left thigh – half shattering his leg – caused by cannon shell while firing at enemy aircraft.

G. Taylor, (A.B., C/JX. 394962)
Mortally wounded in left temple – caused by splinter wounds while in bucket chain by the gun tower.

Lieutenant Pearson, RNVR
Wound from splinter in the right foot while controlling 3” gunfire at the enemy merchant vessel

Sub/Lieutenant Morgan, RNVR
Slight splinter wound from cannon shell during air attacks. He was next to A.B. Motherham when this rating was mortally wounded.

J. Wild (A.B., C/JX. 208609)
Bomb splinter wound in shoulder, back, head, one leg and both arms while supplying ammunition during air attacks.

R.F. Whitelam (A.B., C/JX. 352155)
Shell splinter wounds in arm, groin, thigh and leg, while training 3” gun against the merchant vessel.

F. Foster (A.B., P/JX. 141086)
Shell splinter wounds in one leg and both arms while laying 3” gun against the merchant vessel.

V.G. Harmer (P.O. Tel., P/JX. 141086)
Splinter wound in left shoulder, feet burned, while stemming flow of water in hole in pressure hull under fire.

H. Jones (Ldg. Sig. P/SSX. 27809)
Small splinter wound in chest while carrying out the duties of action lookout.

H. Hayes (A.B., D/JX. 257838)
Shell splinter wound in hip and upper leg while manning 3” gun during action against the merchant vessel.

D.K. Roy (A.B., P/JX. 275912)
Burn in stomach from ejected shell case during gun action.

B. Fellows (A.B., P/JX. 415075)
Two fingers lacerated adjusting magazine of Vickers gun.

J. Jockley (S.P.O., P/KX. 98747)
Over all poisoning from cuts in feet and hands during action repair duties.

R. Evans (Stoker, P/KX. 523699)
Poisoning of foot following a cut while on action repair duties.

F. Capper (Stoker, D/KX. 154381)
Poisoning of foot following small cuts obtained during action repair work.

The ships company was then organised for the night, a chain of buckets still being necessary to deal with water coming in through the damaged pressure hull. Course was set to pass through the 10 Degree Channel to get as far away from land as possible by dawn.

For the continuation of events see 4 January 1945. (3)

4 Jan 1945
HMS Shakespeare continuation of the events of 3 January 1945

(All times are zone -6.5)
During the night, A.B. Motherham died of wounds. He was buried at sea the following day.

The port circulator had been rigged as a bilge pump. A hammock was rigged as a chute so that the water from the hole ran into the engine room bilges. Attempts were made to repair the port engine but this could not be done.

At dawn the Vickers guns were stripped and cleaned and an attempt was made to clear the Oerlikon in preparation for another day of air attacks. Nothing however happened to everyone’s surprise and relief. The second coxwain went over the side and improved the blanket plugging which considerably reduced the inflow of water.

Lt. Swanston then remembered that HMS Stygian was outward bound from Trincomalee to her patrol area. Course was then set to place Shakespeare on the route of HMS Stygian.

For the continuation of events see 5 January 1945. (3)

5 Jan 1945
HMS Shakespeare continuation of the events of 4 January 1945

(All times are zone -6.5)
0900 hours – It was decided to put an external patch over the hole in the pressure hull in case the weather should deteriorate. This was finished at 1400 hours. During the fitting of this patch speed had to be reduced to 5 knots and the submarine had to be heeled 7 degrees to port. While this work was going on the starboard muffler tank was found to be damaged. The supply to the muffler tank spray was cut out with a chisel thus increasing the flow of circulating water. This enabled speed to be increased to 8.5 knots one the fitting of the patch over the hole was completed. A spare pump was also rigged to remove water from the bilges in case the other pump should fail.

The first hot meal since 2 January was served which revived all hand considerably. Also the bucket chain was no longer needed. The small bullet hole in no.2 ballast tank was plugged by the second coxwain.

2100 hours – As we expected to come across HMS Stygian around midnight it was decided to fire recognition grenades every hour and Very’s lights of the same colour every half hour (to conserve grenades) and star shell every 2 hours throughout the night or until HMS Stygian challenged.

For the continuation of events see 6 January 1945. (3)

6 Jan 1945
HMS Shakespeare continuation of the events of 5 January 1945

(All times are zone -6.5)
0100 hours – Sighted light to the Westward. Shortly afterwards, in position 08°37’N, 87°00’W exchanged pendants with HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN). Lt. Clarabut suspected a trap asked for the Christian names of Lt. Swanston’s wife as both Commanding Officers were personal friends. The necessary reply was given, together with the Christian names of Lt Clarabut’s wife for good measure. Details of damage, casualties, etc. were then passed for transmission.

0200 hours – Set course for Trincomalee together with HMS Stygian.

0730 hours – Reduced speed to 5 knots and half-masted colours (as did Stygian)during the burial of A.B. Taylor who had died of his wounds during the previous evening.

0900 hours – Both submarines stopped and Stygian sent over a working party of 6 men as well as torches, medical supplies and bread by folbot. They also informed us the the destroyer HMS Raider would be meeting us at about 1500 hours.

1500 hours – HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN) arrived. All wounded and injured were transferred to her. Oldham lights, torches, bread and chocolate as well as a working party of 10 men were sent back to Shakespeare by the destroyer. The working party of HMS Stygian was sent back to her and she then continued to her patrol area. HMS Shakespeare and HMS Raider then continued the passage to Trincomalee. Now the crew of HMS Shakespeare could get some hours of well-earned sleep.

For the continuation of events see 7 January 1945. (3)

7 Jan 1945
HMS Shakespeare continuation of the events of 6 January 1945

(All times are zone -6.5)
1000 hours – Water was now so low in the engine room and motor room bilges that the starboard shaft, which had been cooled by it, now fired up at bulkhead gland, and the starboard engine had to be stopped. A tow was passed with some difficulty.

1030 hours – Commenced towing. HMS Raider working up to 15 knots in an endeavour to get to Trincomalee before nightfall.

1200 hours – The tow parted. The wire was then passed again. During this operation the stern of HMS Raider landed on HMS Shakespeare’s bow causing a neat cut in Raider’s side. There was no damage to Shakespeare.

1300 hours – Towing commenced again but now at a speed of 10 knots.

1630 hours – HMS Whelp (Cdr. G.A.F. Norfolk, RN) arrived to take over the duties from HMS Raider who then slipped her tow. HMS Whelp passed a towline. During this operation HMS Whelp was also holed. The working party of HMS Raider was returned to her and a working party of HMS Whelp was taken on board.

1730 hours – In tow again, speed 10 knots.

1800 hours – The tow parted. Wire had to be passed again.

1930 hours – Towing commenced again.

For the continuation of events see 8 January 1945. (3)

8 Jan 1945
HMS Shakespeare continuation of the events of 7 January 1945

(All times are zone -6.5)
0500 hours – Passed Foul Point and sipped tow and secured alongside a tug.

0800 hours – Passed the boom and secured alongside our depot ship HMS Wolfe ending her 15th war patrol. (3)

9 Feb 1945
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted engine trials off Trincomalee. (22)

10 Feb 1945
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Trincomalee for Colombo. She was towed by the corvette HMS Rockrose (T/Lt. H.J. Makepeace, RNR).

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

(22)

12 Feb 1945
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Colombo for repairs.

After some delay a conference was held and it became clear that nothing could be done there to the pressure hull and very little on the remainder, for a considerable time. It was decided to limit the work to get both engines and one motor fit for passage to the U.K. (22)

26 Apr 1945
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted engine trials off Colombo. (23)

3 May 1945
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. At Trincomalee she was to dock as this was not possible at Colombo. Also her air-conditioning would be removed.

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

(24)

6 May 1945
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (24)

19 May 1945
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) was docked at Trincomalee. (24)

21 May 1945
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) was undocked. (24)

23 May 1945
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Trincomalee for the U.K. The first leg of the trip was to Suez.

She made the complete passage to the U.K. together with HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN).

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

(24)

6 Jun 1945
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Suez. (25)

7 Jun 1945
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) transited the Suez Canal Northbound and arrived at Port Said. (25)

13 Jun 1945
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Port Said for Malta. (25)

17 Jun 1945
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Malta. (25)

17 Jun 1945
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. (25)

23 Jun 1945
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (25)

24 Jun 1945
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Gibraltar for Portsmouth. (25)

30 Jun 1945
HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Portsmouth.

The Admiralty decided that HMS Shakespeare would not be repaired/refitted. (25)