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Notable events involving Sickle include:

The history of HMS Sickle 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 details regarding the special operations carried out by HMS Sickle.

This page was last updated in February 2020.

28 Nov 1942
P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Birkenhead for Holy Loch. (1)

29 Nov 1942
P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch for a period of trials and training. (1)

30 Nov 1942
P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (1)

1 Dec 1942
P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted full power trials on the Arran measured mile following which she was commissioned at Holy Loch. (2)

3 Dec 1942
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

4 Dec 1942
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

5 Dec 1942
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

6 Dec 1942
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

7 Dec 1942
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted echo sounding trials in the Clyde area. (2)

8 Dec 1942
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery and S.T.U. (mine detection) trials in the Clyde area. (2)

12 Dec 1942
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to the torpedo firing range at Arrochar.

Later this day she conducted torpedo disharge trials there. (2)

13 Dec 1942
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (2)

14 Dec 1942
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (2)

15 Dec 1942
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) shifted from Arrochar to Loch Goil where she conducted noise trials. (2)

16 Dec 1942
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) shifted from Loch Goil to Holy Loch. (2)

17 Dec 1942
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials in the Clyde area. (2)

19 Dec 1942
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (2)

20 Dec 1942
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. On completion of these exercises she proceeded to Loch Goil. (2)

21 Dec 1942
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. On completion of these trials P 224 proceeded to Holy Loch. (2)

22 Dec 1942
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Campbeltown. (2)

23 Dec 1942
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Campbeltown. On completion of these she proceeded to Holy Loch. (2)

26 Dec 1942
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

28 Dec 1942
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course). (2)

29 Dec 1942
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course). (2)

30 Dec 1942
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course). (2)

31 Dec 1942
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course).

[No logs are available for January, February and March 1943.] (2)

9 Jan 1943
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made the passage together with HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) and HMS P 314 (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Collett, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Qualicum (T/Lt. F.S. Tolliday, RNR). (3)

11 Jan 1943
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) arrived at Lerwick. Later the same day she departed Lerwick for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the Norwegian coast near position 64°45'N, 09°27'E (Trondheim area).

For the daily positions of HMS P 224 during this patrol see the map below.

(4)

20 Jan 1943
At 0014 hours, a submarine was sighted in position 64°54'N, 09°32'E and HMS P 224 attempted to close at full speed but gave up after fifteen minutes. The silhouette appeared to be that of HMS Trident. (4)

21 Jan 1943
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) is ordered to a new patrol position off Northern Norway (70°50'N, 21°56'E). (4)

26 Jan 1943
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) is ordered to return to Lerwick. (4)

31 Jan 1943
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. (4)

8 Feb 1943
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for Rosyth. She made the passage South together with HrMs O 15 (Lt. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN), FFS Junon (Cdr. J. Querville, RN) and ORP Sokol (Lt.Cdr. J. Koziolkowski). They were escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). (3)

10 Feb 1943
HMS P 224 (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) arrived at Rosyth. (5)

14 Feb 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Rosyth for Chatham where she was to be fitted with R.D.F. (radar) before being sent to the Mediterranean. (5)

16 Feb 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) arrived at the Chatham Dockyard. (5)

15 Mar 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed the Chatham Dockyard for Portsmouth. (5)

16 Mar 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (5)

4 Apr 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Portsmouth for Portland where she arrived later the same day. She made the passage together with HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) and HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Kingston Turquoise (Ch.Skr. H.E. Dodd, RNR). (4)

5 Apr 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Portland together with HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) and HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Kingston Turquoise (Ch.Skr. H.E. Dodd, RNR).

After a few hours they were ordered to return to Portland due to suspected enemy mining of Lyme Bay. (4)

6 Apr 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Portland together with HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) and HMS Ursula (Lt. A.R. Profit, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Kingston Turquoise (Ch.Skr. H.E. Dodd, RNR).

Tuna and Ursula were to proceed to Plymouth. Sickle was to proceed to Gibraltar to join the 8th Submarine Flotilla at Algiers.

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

(4)

10 Apr 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) is ordered to intercept the Italian blockade breaker Himalaya that had left Bordeaux, France for passage to Japan. Her orders to intercept were cancelled later the same day when it became clear the Italian ship had set course to return to Bordeaux. (4)

13 Apr 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (4)

18 Apr 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to perform a work up patrol off Valencia, Spain and to proceed to Algiers afterwards.

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

(4)

18 Apr 1943
HMS Sportsman (Lt. R. Gatehouse, DSC, RN), HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) and HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN) all conducted exercises off Gibraltar. (6)

23 Apr 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) fires two torpedoes against the Italian merchant Mauro Croce (1049 GRT, built 1898) off Valencia, Spain. The torpedoes ran under the target and Sickle then surfaced and fired 19 rounds with her deck gun scoring several hits. The action had to be broken off when the gun jammed and could not be cleared.

(All times are zone -1)
0704 hours - Received a signal that the Italian merchant Mauro Croce was to leave Valencia at 0700 hours this morning.

0832 hours - Sighted the Mauro Croce leaving the harbour. Started attack just outside territorial waters.

0910 hours - In position 39°31'N, 00°14'20"E fired two torpedoes from 400 yards. Both ran under. Most likely the range was too close and the torpedoes had not yet gained the correct depth.

0917 hours - Surfaced for gun action. Opened fire with the 3" gun and the Oerlikon. Hits were obtained immediately.

0920 hours - The enemy altered course to reach Spanish territorial waters.

0922 hours - The gun jammed and could not be cleared so the action had to be broken off. 19 Rounds had been fired for 15 hits.

0930 hours - Dived.

According to Italian sources Mauro Croce had three killed and four wounded. The Italian government lodged a protest as it claimed that the attack had occurred in Spanish territorial waters. (4)

27 Apr 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (4)

10 May 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Southern France.

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

(4)

15 May 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ-2213/L'Heureux (1116 GRT) south of Nice, southern France in position 43°25'N, 07°25'E. She was escorting three vessels in company with UJ 2206 and UJ 2211.

(All times are zone -1)
1114 hours - sighted a very assorted collection of ships rounding Cape Ferrat. The leading ship was a small tanker of about 1500 tons. She had a small funnel aft and was painted blue/grey (UJ-2213/L'Heureux looked like a tanker). An A/S trawler was on her starboard quarter. Another ship was on her port quarter but this ship could not be identified. Four small motor torpedo boats were also nearby. Started attack on the tanker.

1138 hours - Fired 4 torpedoes from 1500 yards. One hit was heard followed by breaking up noises. Sickle had gone to 100 feet upon firing.

1159 hours - An enemy escort appeared to be in contact.

1214 hours - When directly overhead the enemy dropped a pattern of 8 depth charges which were very close causing minor damage. Sickle then went to 350 feet.

1241 hours - The enemy abandoned the hunt.

1346 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight.

UJ 2206 picked up 67 survivors (including 18 wounded), nine were missing. (4)

20 May 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) attacked the German U-boat U-755 (KL Walter Göing) in position 42°50'N, 06°00'E but her torpedoes missed the target. She was sailing from Toulon for her last patrol.

(All times are zone -1)
2150 hours - In position 42°50'N, 06°00'E sighted a German u-boat bearing 110°. The Officer of the Watch that made the sighting altered course towards.

2155 hours - Fired 6 torpedoes from 4500 yards. Went deep on firing. A loud explosion was heard followed by breaking up noises. It was thought the uboat had sunk but this was not the case. (4)

21 May 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank German U-boat U-303 (KL Karl-Franz Heine) proceeding on trials south of Toulon, France in position 43°00'N, 05°59'E.

(All times are zone -1)
1456 hours - Sighted a German u-boat leaving Toulon. Started attack.

1510 hours - Fired two torpedoes from about 3000 yards.

1512 hours - Saw one torpedo hit about 30 feet abaft the conning tower. An enormous column of water and smoke was thrown up. She sank in about half a minute. Sickle then went deep and retired to seaward. (4)

25 May 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (4)

30 May 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for Oran. (7)

31 May 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) arrived at Oran. (7)

2 Jun 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) was docked in No.2 dock at Oran. (8)

4 Jun 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) was undocked. She immediately departed Oran for Algiers. (8)

6 Jun 1943
During 6 and 7 June 1943 HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Algiers. These included night exercises. (8)

15 Jun 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Genoa and off the East coast of Corsica.

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

(4)

18 Jun 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) attacked an enemy submarine with a salvo of 6 torpedoes. No hits were obtained. The submarine was most likely Italian. We have been unable to place a German submarine in that position at that time.

This attack was probably on the Italian submarine Bronzo on her way for a patrol off Bougie. It was not observed.

(All times are zone -2)
1640 hours - In position 41°09'N, 07°03'E sighted an enemy submarine. Range was 4000 yards. Started attack.

1654 hours - Fired 6 torpedoes from 4000 yards. All torpedoes missed. (4)

1 Jul 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (4)

13 Jul 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 5th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Genoa and off the East coast of Corsica.

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

(4)

17 Jul 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) attacked an enemy merchant ship in an escorted convoy 3 nautical miles East of Bastia, Corsica, France. Three torpedoes were fired but all missed.

This convoy consisted of the transports Giglio (1272 GRT, built 1918), Docilitas (1236 GRT, built 1900) and Lezardrieux (865 GRT, built 1922) escorted by the Italian corvettes Cormorano and Danaide and the German minesweepers R 6, R 12, R 13 and R 16.

(All times are zone -2)
1730 hours - Sighted masts of ships approaching Bsstia from the East.

1740 hours - Started an attack on the leading ship of the convoy which consisted of three small merchant ships, all were between 2000 and 3000 tons. The convoy was escorted by what appeared to be a corvette and an E-boat. A seaplane was flying up and down ahead of the convoy.

1808 hours - Fired 3 torpedoes from 500 yards. All missed. The first torpedo most likely missed ahead but Lt. Drummond could find no reason for the other two to miss, possibly they ran under.

1809 hours - Sickle broke surface. She immediately went deep afterwards.

1825 hours - A pattern of 7 depth charges was dropped, rather close.

1848 hours - 18 depth charges were dropped in 18 seconds but fortunately about 2 miles away.

According to Italian sources the minesweepers R 6 and R 12 sighted a periscope and dropped each six depth charges. The hunt was then taken over by the two Italian corvettes but Danaide has a defective sonar and returned to port leaving Cormorano to carry on. At 1850 hours she obtained a contact and dropped 35 depth charges but no debris was observed and Cormorano remained in the area. At 2317 hours she was joined by the fast motorboat VAS 225 and three antisubmarine vessels which had sailed from Bastia. The following evening VAS 225 heard HE and dropped depth charges. They remained in the zone until the early hours of the 19th. An assessment by the Italian Antisom (antisubmarine) section concluded that none of the attacks had caused damage. (4)

18 Jul 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) sank the Italian auxiliary minesweepers No. G.61/ Costante Neri (100 GRT) and No. R.164/ Rosa Madre (39 GRT) with gunfire 7 miles East of the island of Gorgona, Italy.

(All times are zone -2)
1150 hours - In position 43°24'N, 10°03'E sighted masts. Closed submerged at speed.

1205 hours - The enemy ships turned out to be a small steam tug or trawler and two motor schooners. Enemy course was 180°.

1235 hours - The tug and one schooner altered course 20° towards. The other schooner altered away towards the coast.

1253 hours - Surfaced and engaged the steam tug with the gun. The schooner altered course to the North and made off at full speed.

1302 hours - The tug sank after being hit 35 times. Altered course and set off in pursuit of the schooner that was now 3 nautical miles to the North.

1310 hours - Opened fire on the schooner. The crew immediately abandoned ship.

1318 hours - The schooner sank after about 20 hits. In all 116 rounds had been fired at both targets.

According to Italian sources MAS 525 was sent to their assistance and rescued all the survivors. There were no casualties. (4)

19 Jul 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) sank the Italian auxiliary minesweeper V 131/Angiola Maria C. (65 GRT) with gunfire off Porto Vecchio, Italy.

(All times are zone -2)
0835 hours - A schooner approached from the East. It remained in the vicinity for three hours. She appeared to follow Sickle around and was most likely an A/S vessel.

1135 hours - A second schooner approached from the East. The first schooner closed her and at 1225 hours she made off to the South-West.

1308 hours - Closed the second schooner to 400 yards. After inspection decided for gun action.

1314 hours - Unfortunately the periscope was sighted by one of the schooners crew. This did not result in the Italians taking offensive action but in them abandoning ship !!!

1319 hours - Surfaced.

1327 hours - Secured alongside. A boarding party removed as much as possible that could be of any use.

1344 hours - The schooner was set on fire. An explosive charge had also been placed in the bilges.

1352 hours - Dived.

1405 hours - The schooner blew up and sank. (4)

21 Jul 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Italian merchant Alfredo Oriani (4307 GRT, built 1942) 8 nautical miles West-North-West of Elba. She was on a trip from La Maddalena to Genoa. Two hours earlier, Oriani had survived an attack by torpedo bombers.

(All times are zone -2)
1016 hours - Sighted a modern looking merchant ship of about 6000 tons escorted by a destroyer approaching to the West. The destroyer was later seen to be a torpedo boat of the Climene-class [actually it was Calliope]. Started attack.

1028 hours - Fired 4 torpedoes from 1400 yards. One hit was obtained.

1044 hours - A pattern of 12 depth charges was dropped fairly close.

1105 hours - Another pattern of 12 depth charges was dropped.

1130 hours - Another pattern of depth charges was dropped.

1205 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The merchant ship was stopped four nautical miles to the North and the torpedo boat was circling her. Sickle then commenced reloading the torpedo tubes while closing at speed. The torpedo boat soon took the damaged merchant ship in tow.

1338 hours - Fired two torpedoes at the merchant vessel while she was under tow. Range was 2500 yards. Both missed.

1341 hours - Fired another torpedo which hit.

1344 hours - Went deep.

1502 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Was amazed to find the merchant still afloat. A tug had taken her in tow and no less than 4 torpedo boats were now patrolling the area.

1508 hours - The enemy was now being attacked by Allied aircraft but as one of the torpedo boat came nearer went deep again as to not overstay out welcome. This was a very disappointing conclusion having failed to sink this important ship with no less than 7 torpedoes.

Calliope took Alfredo Oriani in tow and two tugs were sailed to assist them and she was reinforced by a corvette. In the afternoon the convoy came again under air attack from torpedo bombers. The torpedoes were avoided but the aircraft strafed Calliope who suffered seven killed and twenty-eight wounded but they managed to reach Portoferraio. (4)

22 Jul 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSC, RN) attacked a large enemy merchant vessel to the North-East of Bastia, Corsica, France. This was the German tanker Champagne (9946 GRT, built 1938) on passage from Bastia to Leghorn escorted by SG 11.

(All times are zone -2)
1400 hours - In position 42°54'N, 09°48'E sighted two ships steering south six nautical miles from the Corsican coast.

1405 hours - The ships were identified as an 8000 tons merchant ship in ballast with a 1000 tons ship weaving ahead of her. Started attack.

1425 hours - Fired 2 torpedoes from 1600 yards. A few seconds after firing the target altered course so the torpedoes missed. No counter attack followed. Due to the choppy sea the torpedo tracks were most likely not even seen.

In fact the attack had been observed by both German ships but SG 11 elected not to linger for a depth charge attack and abandon her charge. (4)

28 Jul 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (4)

5 Aug 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) was docked (in the small dock) at Algiers. (9)

6 Aug 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) was undocked. (9)

14 Aug 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) carried out exercises off Algiers. (9)

17 Aug 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 6th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the East coast of Corsica.

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

(4)

28 Aug 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the German escort vessel SG-10/Felix Henri (2526 GRT, built 1933) east of Corsica, France in position 42°24'N, 09°41'E. With the submarine chasers UJ 2208 and UJ 2209, she was escorting the lighters Vincenzina, Scio and the water tanker Arpino from La Maddalena to La Spezia.

The former fruit transport ship Felix Henri was modified into an auxiliary cruiser by the French in 1940. She was captured by German troops on 14 December 1942 in Marseilles, modified into the fast escort vessel SG-10, commissioned on 1 May 1943 and attached to the 3rd escort flotilla.

(All times are zone -2)
0623 hours - In position 42.23'N, 09.52'E sighted a convoy. This consisted of a 3000 tons camouflaged armed merchant ship, an old 1500 tons merchant ship and a smaller ship astern of her. There were also two escort vessels.

0657 hours - Fired four torpedoes (three were intended) from 800 yards at the armed merchant vessel. Two torpedoes hit the target that sank in less than a minute.

Following this attack in all 35 depth charges were dropped over the next two hours of which the first 5 were fairly close.

Some 122 survivors were picked up, 85 had been killed or missing. (4)

5 Sep 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (4)

11 Sep 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) was docked in No.2 dock at Algiers. (10)

13 Sep 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) was undocked. (10)

19 Sep 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Algiers. (10)

22 Sep 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for her 7th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Genoa and to perform a special operation.

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

(4)

28 Sep 1943
In the evening HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) landed a party of two Italians near Sestri Levante, Italy (about 20 miles East of Genoa). They are Guglielmo "Mino" Steiner and Fausto Bazzi and their task is to gather information, organize antifascist resistance and the escape of Allied PoWs through Switzerland (special operation LAW). Steiner will be betrayed in March 1944 and shipped to a concentration camp in Germany where he will die in February 1945. (11)

30 Sep 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) attacked a small coaster with 3 torpedoes near Portofino, Italy. No hits were obtained.

This was actually a convoy consisting of Dominante (1100 GRT, built 1891) and Campomisano (344 GRT, built 1917) on passage from Leghorn to Genoa escorted by the German minesweepers R 10 and R 12.

(All times are zone -1)
0740 hours - Sighted a small coaster followed by an E-boat. Started attack.

0818 hours - In position 165°, Portofino Light, 1,5 nautical miles, fired 3 torpedoes from 2500 yards. 2 Explosions followed but as the enemy was seen to be afloat there were most likely torpedoes hitting the shore. The E-boat dropped two depth charges so Sickle went deep. Soon 6 more depth charges were dropped and these were rather close.

The torpedoes had indeed missed, the two German minesweepers dropped depth charges on the submarine. (4)

3 Oct 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) fires three torpedoes against the German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ 2208 off Sestri Levante, Italy. All torpedoes missed their target.

(All times are zone -1)
1302 hours - Sighted a large and well-armed UJ boat. Started attack.

1329 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 800 yards. Shortly before firing the enemy appeared to be in contact. Most likely the torpedoes were evaded. Sickle went deep after firing.

1334 hours - 4 Depth charges were dropped fairly close.

1342 hours - A pattern of 10 depth charged was dropped again fairly close.

1355 hours - Bottomed at 300 feet.

1500 hours - Came off the bottom.

1534 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Sighted the enemy about 5 nautical miles away steering south.

1542 hours - The enemy changed course 180° and returned towards Sickle.

1545 hours - Went deep again.

1550 hours - 2 Depth charges were dropped but these were at least 3 miles away.

1632 hours - A pattern of 7 depth charges was dropped, again 3 miles away.

1810 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. (4)

10 Oct 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (4)

25 Oct 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for Beirut.

For the daily and of HMS Sickle during this passage see the map below.

(12)

31 Oct 1943
At 2130 hours, in position 34°42'N, 34°05'E, HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) reported in contact with a U-boat. The sighting was bogus as no German U-boat was operating in the area. (12)

1 Nov 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Beirut. (13)

9 Nov 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Beirut for Haifa. (13)

10 Nov 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Haifa where she was immediately docked. (13)

11 Nov 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) was undocked. Sickle immediately departed Haifa for her 8th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean.

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

(4)

17 Nov 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) sank the Greek caique Maria (MY 153) with gunfire West of Amorgos island, Greece.

(All times are zone -3)
1655 hours - When 3 nautical miles South of Drima sighted a caique approaching from the East. She was close inshore to Amorgos.

1716 hours - Surfaced at a range of 1000 yards and commenced gun action. After a few hits with the Oerlikon the crew abandoned ship. After 13 hits with the 3" gun had not done enough damage to sink her she was closed to 30 yards and 2 more rounds were put into her which set her ablaze. Now it was seen that 2 of the crew (Greeks) had remained on board. One of them had half his foot shot away. They were recovered from the sea after they had jumped overboard. A small boat was now closed in which was 1 Greek and 1 German. The German was taken prisoner and the 2 Greeks picked up shortly before were put in this boat but not before the injured man's foot was dressed and he got a shot of morphine. The other small boat that got away with 3 Greeks and 4 Germans was left alone. It was not considered wise to take the other 4 Germans prisoner so early in the patrol.

In fact the survivors were five Greeks and three Germans who reached the coast of Naxos, one Greek was killed. (4)

19 Nov 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant (in German service) Giovanni Boccaccio (3160 GRT, built 1919) off Monemvasia, Greece.

(All times are zone -3)
1550 hours - Rounded Cape Monemvasia. Sighted a medium-sized merchant vessel of about 3500 tons at anchor very close inshore in the South-West corner of the Bay. Two patrol vessels were at anchor a few cables away from the merchant vessel. Started attack.

1645 hours - The periscope was sighted by the merchant ship that opened fire with machine guns and a 3pdr gun. The sea was glassy calm.

1646 hours - Fired three torpedoes from 1200 yards. The first two torpedoes hit. The third was not heard to run.

1650 hours - The ship was seen to be over on its side and sinking. The two patrol vessels were closing at speed. Went deep. During the next hour Sickle was hunted but no depth charges were dropped.

Most of the crew of Boccaccio survived, we have no information on casualties at this time. (4)

25 Nov 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) sank two sailing vessels with gunfire near Milos island, Greece in position 37°22'N, 24°15'E. The two caiques were of Piraeus no. 795 and Samos no. 45 registries.

(All times are zone -3)
0925 hours - Sighted two North bound caiques. They were two-masted and of about 50 tons each with sails fully rigged.

1001 hours - Surfaced at a range of about 900 yards and sank both by gunfire. 36 Rounds in all were fired for 16 hits.

1012 hours - Sighted a seaplane approaching from the West. Dived. (4)

29 Nov 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (4)

13 Dec 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Beirut for her 9th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean and to carry out a special operation.

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

(4)

20 Dec 1943
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) attacked a German convoy of one F-lighter and two armed caiques with three torpedoes to the North of Samos, Greece. The 2nd torpedo malfunctioned and the attack was spoiled. When Sickle tried to attack with gunfire she was taken under fire by the enemy and had to retire.

These were the submarine chasers UJ 2142 and UJ 2152 escorting MFP 370 from Karlovasi to Piraeus.

(All times are zone -3)
1706 hours - In position 250°, Karlovasi, 6 nautical miles sighted masts approaching from the East. Closed at full submerged speed to attack before it would be to dark.

1728 hours - The enemy was seen to be two armed caiques and one F-class landing craft. One of the caiques was about 100 tons, the other one was much smaller only about 20 tons.

1730 hours - A torpedo attack could not be carried out. It was decided to attack with gunfire after dark.

1818 hours - Surfaced and set off in pursuit of the enemy.

1930 hours - The enemy was seen to be grouped well together so it was decided to attack with torpedoes after all.

1944 hours - Near position 37°49'N, 26°34'E fired 4 torpedoes from 1000-1500 yards. One second after firing the 3rd torpedo there was a colossal explosion about 300 yards ahead of Sickle. A column of spray and smoke arose at least 100 feet above the water. Small bits of explosive began raining down on the bridge. This was caused by a premature explosion of the 2nd torpedo. It undoubtedly effected the running of the 3rd torpedo.

1945 hours - Both caiques opened fire. On board Sickle the gun crews were closed up but as the enemy's gunfire was very accurate from the start it was decided to withdraw. Several hits were obtained by the enemy.

1952 hours - The enemy ceased fire.

1956 hours - Lost sight of the enemy. (4)

21 Dec 1943
In the afternoon, when investigating the harbour of Karlovasi through the periscope HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) observed the German destroyers TA 14 (former Italian Turbine) and TA 15 (former Italian Francesco Crispi) leaving the harbour. A little later Sickle was detected and depth charged. She only sustained minor damage despite some of the depth charges being close. (4)

23 Dec 1943
In the early evening HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) carried out a special operation (Operation Headsman). A party of three Greeks equipped with a wireless set was landed at Kalomos Bay, east coast of Euboea, Greece. This was an SOE operation. (4)

26 Dec 1943
In the evening (1850 and 2230 hours) HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) sank two small Greek sailing vessel with ramming and gunfire east of Mykonos Island, Greece. The crew of both vessels were taken on board.

These vessels have not yet been identified. (4)

2 Jan 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (4)

14 Jan 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Beirut for Malta. She was to proceed to Gibraltar for repairs to her main motors.

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

(14)

15 Jan 1944

Convoy GUS 28.

This convoy departed Port Said on 15 January 1944.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers; Aedanus Burke (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), African Sun (American, 6507 GRT, built 1942), Banff Park (Canadian, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Benjamin Chew (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Britannia (Norwegian (tanker), 9977 GRT, built 1939), Empire Addison (British, 7010 GRT, built 1942), Fort Caribou (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Joyce Kilmer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Knute Nelson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Kronprinsessen (Norwegian, 7244 GRT, built 1941), Kwai Sang (British, 2320 GRT, built 1917), Ocean Liberty (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Rideau Park (Canadian, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Samarina (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samaye (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samflora (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samois (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsette (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samuta (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the corvette HMS Primula (Lt. G.H. Taylor, RNR).

On 16 January 1944, the following transports arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy Fort Caribou and Kwai Sang while the following transports departed Alexandria to join the convoy; Cape Hawke (American, 5081 GRT, built 1941), Empire Falcon (British, 4970 GRT, built 1918), Empire Path (British, 6140 GRT, built 1943), Gatineau Park (Canadian, 7128 GRT, built 1942), Samarina (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sampa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samshire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samwater (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Valldemosa (British, 7222 GRT, built 1935) and William H. Wilmer (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943). They were escorted by the frigate HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Jonquil (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Tretheway, RNR), HMS Vetch (Lt. K.M.B. Menzies, RNR) and the A/S whaler HMSAS Southern Isles (?) which all also joined the convoy. On these escorts joining the convoy HMS Primula was detached to Alexandria arriving later on the 16th.

On 20 January 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; British Tradition (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), Conrad Weiser (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), David Caldwell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Gale (British, 7089 GRT, built 1941), F. Marion Crawford (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), George Bancroft (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), George M. Bibb (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), George W. Campbell (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Hebe II (British, 957 GRT, built 1912), Helmwood (British, 2156 GRT, built 1923), Indiana (Panamanian, 5617 GRT, built 1917), Jade (British, 930 GRT, built 1938), James Hoban (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Harvard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Walker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Joseph E. Johnston (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), Largs Bay (British, 14182 GRT, built 1921), Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Lucretia Mott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Luther Martin (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Mariposa (British, 3702 GRT, built 1914), Moray Coast (British, 687 GRT, built 1940), O' Henry (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Stranger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vesper (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Palermo (British, 2797 GRT, built 1938), Samuel F. Miller (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Scorton (British, 4813 GRT, built 1939), Stanhill (British, 5969 GRT, built 1942), Tarleton Brown (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943) and Theodoric Bland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942). The Largs Bay however returned the following day.

On 21 January 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Britannia, Empire Path, Ocean Liberty, Samarina, Samaye, Sampa, Samshire, Samwater and Valldemosa.

On 21 January 1944, the Cape Hawke arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy while the tanker Empire Traveller (British (tanker), 8201 GRT, built 1943) departed Malta to join the convoy as did the submarine HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN).

On 22 January 1944, the John Harvard arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy while the transport Skeldergate (British, 4251 GRT, built 1930) departed Tunis to join the convoy.

On 22 January 1944, the Hebe II, Indiana and Jade arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy while the transports / tankers Agatha (Dutch (tanker), 3369 GRT, built 1927), Benito Juarez (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), British Vigour (British (tanker), 5844 GRT, built 1943), Chertsey (British, 6001 GRT, built 1943), Cliona (British (tanker), 8375 GRT, built 1931), D.L. Harper (British (tanker), 12223 GRT, built 1933), Empire Tana (British, 6275 GRT, built 1922), Empire Wordsworth (British (tanker), 9891 GRT, built 1942), Espiguette (French, 1095 GRT, built 1921), Fort Jasper (British, 7125 GRT, built 1943), Fort Tadoussac (British, 7129 GRT, built 1941), Hjalmar Wessel (Norwegian, 1742 GRT, built 1935), John Drake Sloat (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Howland (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John Milledge, (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Juan de Fuca (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Madras City (British, 5080 GRT, built 1940), Mark Twain (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Robert Morris (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Robert Trimble (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Swiftarrow (American (tanker), 8207 GRT, built 1921) and Zacapa (American, 5013 GRT, built 1909) departed Bizerta to join the convoy. Also joining the convoy was the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN) and the rescue tug HMRT Hengist.

On 23 January 1944, the Chersey, Conrad Weiser, Espiguette, Joseph E. Johnston, Ocean Stranger and Skeldergate, as well as HMRT Hengist arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy as did HMRT Hengist while the transports / tankers Elisha Mitchell (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Empire Spey (British, 4292 GRT, built 1929) and Polarsol (Norwegian (tanker), 10022 GRT, built 1939) departed Bone to join the convoy.

On 23 January 1944, the Hjalmar Wessel arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy.

On 24 January 1944, the Benito Juarez, British Vigour, David Caldwell, Empire Addison, Fort Jasper and Ocean Vesper arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the transports / tankers Andrew Carnegie (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Baxtergate (British, 5531 GRT, built 1925), Chantilly (British, 9986 GRT, built 1923), City of Canterbury (British, 8331 GRT, built 1922), Empire Flame (British, 7069 GRT, built 1941), Finistere (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909), Fort Chipewyan (British, 7136 GRT, built 1942), George Vickers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jonathan Grout (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Lambrook (British, 7038 GRT, built 1942), Louis Marshall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Marion McKinley Bovard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Neuralia (British, 9182 GRT, built 1912) and Scottish Heather (British (tanker), 7087 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy coming from Algiers.

On 25 January 1944, the Agatha, Chantilly, City of Canterbury, F. Marion Crawford, George W. Campbell, Helmwood, James Hoban, John Walker, Lincoln Steffens, Luther Martin, Moray Coast, Neuralia, O'Henry and Theodoric Bland arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy while the transports / tankers Benjamin R. Milam (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Chief Joseph (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Duke (British, 7140 GRT, built 1943), Gard (Norwegian (tanker), 8259 GRT, built 1938), Gulfwing (American (tanker), 10217 GRT, built 1928), James G. Birney (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Madagascar (British, 4861 GRT, built 1912), Norfjell (Norwegian (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1942), Petter (Norwegian (tanker), 9109 GRT, built 1935), Sirehei (Norwegian, 3888 GRT, built 1907), William D. Moseley (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943) and William F. Cody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Oran.

On 26 January 1944, the Empire Falcon, Empire Flame, Empire Gale, Empire Spey, Empire Tana, Fort Chipewyan, Fort Tadoussac, Gard, Gatineau Park, Madras City, Mariposa, Palermo, Rideau Park, Scorton and Stanhill arrived at Gibraltar, as did HMS Colombo and HMS Sickle after having been detached from the convoy while the transports Esso Providence (American (tanker), 9059 GRT, built 1921), Fort Fork (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Gleniffer (British, 9559 GRT, built 1919), Hardanger (Norwegian, 4000 GRT, built 1924), Mosli (Norwegian (tanker), 8291 GRT, built 1935), Pacific Shipper (British, 6290 GRT, built 1924), Taria (Dutch (tanker), 10354 GRT, built 1939) and Zypenberg (Dutch, 4973 GRT, built 1920) joined the convoy around 0845A/27 having departed Gibraltar in the afternoon of the 26th escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Pillsbury (Lt. G.W. Cassleman, USNR, with COMDESDIV 4 on board), USS Chatelain (T/Lt.Cdr. J.L. Foley, USN), USS Pope (T/Lt.Cdr. E.H. Headland, USN), USS Amick (James A Hetherington, 2nd, USNR, with COMDESDIV 15 on board), USS Atherton (Lt. M. Kelly, Jr., USN), USS Booth (T/Cdr. D.W. Todd, USN) and USS Carroll ( T/Lt.Cdr. F.W. Kuhn, USN).

Around 1415A/27, the Gibraltar section of the convoy was joined by the destroyer USS Benson (T/Cdr. R.J. Woodaman, USN, with, COMTASKFOR 62, T/Capt. C.L. Winecoff, USN, on board), destroyer escorts USS Cooner (T/Cdr. J.M. Stuart, USN), USS Eldridge (Lt. C.R. Hamilton, USNR) and USS Flaherty (Lt. M. Johnston, Jr., USN) and the naval tanker USS Niobrara (T/Cdr. J.W. Marts, Jr., USN).

Around 0845A/27, the Gibraltar section joined with the main convoy after which the British escort, HMS Usk, HMS Jonquil, HMS Vetch and HMSAS Southern Isles parted company to proceed to Gibraltar where they arrived later the same day.

Around 1400A/27, the Casablanca section of the convoy, which had departed Casablanca on the 26th and was made up of the transports Manchester Commerce (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925) and Thomas Lynch (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942). They were escorted by the patrol vessels USS PC-471 (Lt. G. Washburn, USNR), USS PC-474 (Lt. H.C. Hummer, USNR) and USS PC-481 (Lt. N.W Roeder, USNR) which did not join the convoy but proceeded back to Casablanca taking the transports Baxtergate, Empire Duke, Finistere, Lambrook, Madagascar, Sirehei, Taria, Zypenberg and with them. They arrived at Casablanca on the 28th.

Around 0800Z/30, USS Eldridge was detached from the convoy to proceed to Horta, Azores to escort the Azores section of the convoy from there to a rendezvous position with the convoy. She arrived at Horta around 0630N/31 but the transport she was to escort had not completed unloading yet. Around 0200N/1, USS Eldridge departed Horta escorting the transport John Clarke (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). They joined the convoy around 1150Z/2 in position 36°14'N, 33°53'W.

In the morning of 5 February 1944, USS Benson fuelled from USS Niobrara.

Around 0300Q/14, the convoy split into the ' Chesapeake Bay section ' and the ' New York section '.

The Chesapeake Bay section was made up of sixteen of the merchant vessels and the USS Niobrara. They were escorted by USS Amick, USS Atherton, USS Cooner and USS Eldridge. On the 15th the Delaware section of the convoy got scattered in heavy weather. Six ships managed to remain together with the escort. Straggles were later brought up to rejoin the convoy. In the early evening of the 15th the convoy entered Hampton Roads.

The New York section of the convoy was made up of the remaining ships of the convoy. Around 0830Q/14, the ' Delaware section ' split off. This was made up of three ships and was escorted by USS Carroll. The Delaware section arrived at its destination in the morning of 15 February 1944.

The ' New York section ' of the convoy arrived at its destination in the morning of 15 February 1944.

19 Jan 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (14)

21 Jan 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. She made the passage in convoy GUS 28.

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

(14)

26 Jan 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar for repairs to her main motors. (14)

26 Jan 1944
Around 1815A/26, HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN) and HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Bizerta from convoy escort duty. (15)

26 Feb 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) was docked in No.1 dock at Gibraltar. (16)

5 Apr 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) was undocked. (17)

14 Apr 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted trials inside Gibraltar harbour. (17)

16 Apr 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted trials and exercises off Gibraltar. The exercises included an A/S exercise with HMS Jervis (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, DSO, DSC, RN). (17)

17 Apr 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted trials and exercises off Gibraltar. The exercises included an A/S exercise with HMS Hart (Cdr.(Retd.) M.B. Sherwood, DSO and Bar, RN) and her escort group.

18 Apr 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta. She made the passage East in convoy UGS 38 together with HMS Spirit (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) and HMS Stratagem (Lt. C.R. Pelly, DSC, RN).

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

(17)

23 Apr 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta. (17)

28 Apr 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Malta. (17)

29 Apr 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 10th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean. (4)

7 May 1944
At 0521 hours, HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN observed the German transport Agathe escorted by three destroyers entering the Doro Channel but soon disappeared in the fog.

This was indeed Agathe (1579 GRT, built 1922) escorted by the torpedo boats of the 9th Flotilla TA 16, TA 17 and TA 19 on passage from Leros to Piraeus. (4)

8 May 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) sank three sailing vessels, with gunfire scuttling charges and ramming, in the Doro Channel (between Euboea Island and Andros Island). One of them was Aghios Dionysios (Piraeus no. 2710).

(All times are zone -3)
1700 hours - Surfaced and engaged a 50 tons caique west of Cape Phara. After four rounds the gun jammed and could not be cleared. Sickle now came alongside and it was found that she was full with oranges and lemons. A thousand of these were removed and proved to be a welcome addition to the crew's diet. She had sailed from Khios on May 6th. She was flying the Greek flag with the German control pendant underneath. She was holed and sunk. Sickle then dived.

1859 hours - Surfaced and closed a 40 tons caique which also approached from the North-East. The crew immediately abandoned ship. Went alongside hoping to find more loot. However the cargo consisted of empty oil drums. An explosive charge was fitted but before the fuse could be properly laid an aircraft was spotted nearby.

1928 hours - Dived.

1935 hours - Surfaced and went alongside again to light the fuse.

1948 hours - The caique blew up and sank.

2345 hours - Sighted a caique in position 38°02'N, 24°36'E.

2355 hours - Rammed the caique which was about 20 tons in size and was flying the German control pendant. The three crew were taken on board. (4)

11 May 1944
At 1800 hours (zone -3) HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) bombarded an enemy radar station off Chersonisis, Crete, Greece. At 1804 hours the enemy returned fire and soon three of the bridge crew of Sickle were wounded including the commanding officer so at 1811 the action was broken off and Sickle dived. A large column of smoke was rising from the radar station and it had been hit about 17 times. Some damage must have been done.

The station was Flugmeldung Posten 34, fire was returned by the “Melsa” battery. (4)

13 May 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) sank the German (former Italian) sailing vessel Fratelli Corrao / EMP 518 with gunfire in position 35°55'N, 25°02'E.

(All times are zone -3)
12 May 1944
In position 35°55'N, 25°02'E sighted a ship fine on the Port bow. Altered course away and came round astern to obtain enemy's course and speed from the radar plot.

2400 hours - enemy course was 020°. It was thought to be an F-class lighter or a small coaster.

13 May 1944
0034 hours - Opened fire at a range of 3000 yards. The first round hit. The third and fourth round also hit and as the range closed the target was hit continuously.

0038 hours - Ceased fire. Closed a small boat which only contained Greeks. The German crew members of the crew had either been killed or were in the water.

0048 hours - Closed the target to 40 yards. She was flying the Nazi-flag and was armed. Opened fire again and set her ablaze. Altogether 62 rounds were fired for 45 hits.

Of her crew of nine Germans and four Greeks, one Greek was killed and a Greek and a German were wounded. The survivors were brought to Santorin. (4)

15 May 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (4)

31 May 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 11th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the North Aegean.

No log is availble for this period so no map can be displayed. (4)

4 Jun 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) reported (in her 2336/4) having lost overboard one Able Seaman and that another Able Seaman was killed and two other ratings were wounded during a gun action at Mytilene, Lesbos, Greece.

The gun action was with the German auxiliary patrol vessels GA 76 and GA 91 and other vessels present at Mytilene including the transport Réaumur, Merkur, Anna and Irene and the German-manned caique Kavalla (Kal no.92). Réaumur also replied with her 7.5 cm gun (two rounds) and her two single 2 cm and Kavalla with her two MG 34 machine guns. Able seaman Richard Blake was picked up by the Germans and would become the submarine’s only survivor. (18)

5 Jun 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) was ordered to patrol the Eastern approaches to the Doro Channel. (18)

6 Jun 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) reported in her 1956/06 that she had torpedoed and sunk the German merchant Orion in the Doro Channel. A 400 tons ship had been in company as well as 6 EMS craft, 2 E-boats and 4 A/S caiques. Sickle considered the target sunk and that a possible hit was obtained on one of the other vessels. Sickle also reported she was proceeding to the Kassandra area.

It was later known that she sank the German merchant Reaumur (549 GRT, former Spanish Tercio de Montejurra, built 1919) in the Doro Channel in position 38°00'N, 24°35'E. She was carrying 450 tons of olive oil from Mytilene for Piraeus and had been in convoy with tanker Dresden and tug Pinguin. They were escorted by R 178, GA 91 and GA 76. Also present were Neckar, Saar, Isar, Lech and Inn. These were possibly pilot cutters from the Black Sea.

Reaumur sank in 90 seconds, 14 were killed or missing, 17 survivors were picked up. (18)

7 Jun 1944
At 0700 hours, the German F-lighter SF 120 reported missed by torpedoes off Cape Drepanon, this may have been HMS Sickle. (18)

8 Jun 1944
Three caiques were reported sunk by a submarine near the island of Skopelos, these were Klio (Volos 92), Aghia Ekaterini (Volos 398) and a third one that has not been identified. All the German soldiers who were on board were saved. This was most probably the work of HMS Sickle. (18)

9 Jun 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) reported, in her 0749/09, that she had attacked a 1500 tons ship but had missed.

This was the German transport Lola (1139 GRT, built 1920) escorted by the minesweeper R 195 to the North of Lemnos, Greece and that at 0632 hours on the 9th the enemy's position was 39°40'N, 24°36'E, course was 145 degrees, speed 8 knots and that she was escorted by 2 motor launches and 3 aircraft. Sickle stated that she was proceeding with despatch to intercept the enemy in the Doro Channel.

Capt. S.1 then ordered Sickle to proceed to intercept the enemy before it could enter the Trikiri Channel as he thought they were making for that location instead of proceeding through the Doro Channel.

Later Capt. S.1, in his 1458/9 ordered Sickle to patrol to the East of the Steno Pass by daylight of June 10th. (18)

12 Jun 1944
HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN) reported, in her 1255/12, that she had sighted a convoy of 4 merchant ships, 3 destroyers and 2 E-boats in position 37°41'N, 25°04'E. She made no mention of an attack so it was thought that the convoy had passed out of range. This convoy was made up of Anita (1165 GRT, built 1899), Agathe (1579 GRT, built 1922), Carola (1359 GRT, built 1906) and Celsius (344 GRT, built 1899) escorted by three destroyers / torpedo-boats TA 14, TA 17 and TA 19 and R-boats R 178 and R 195. They had which sailed from Piraeus 2115/11 June and arrived at Leros (Porto Lago) at 0630/13 June.

Capt. S.1 then gave Sickle freedom of action to the North of 38°N (his 1725/12) but shortly after ordered her recall (his 1748/12). (18)

14 Jun 1944
At 0645 hours, caique Efitichia (Thessaloniki 77) was sunk by a submarine in 39°04'N, 26°05'E. The crew escaped and reached Chios (which is a bit surprising as they were very close to the Mytilene coast unless the position quoted is in error).

At 1600 hours a submarine bombarded the Potamos shipyard at Mytilene destroying two large and two small caiques that were under construction there. In fact the Germans reported that the submarine fired an estimated 30-40 rounds but caused only slight damage and no casualties. This must have been HMS Sickle (Lt. J.R. Drummond, DSO, DSC, RN). Sickle had been recalled back to Malta in Capt. S.1's 1748/12. She was to have passed 38°N at dusk on the 14th and it appears she was a bit late to comply with that order and it is thought she might not have received that signal. The signal also ordered Sickle to pass to the East of Levitha, West of Stampalia and then through the Anti-Kithera Channel to arrive in position 35°41'N, 23°16'E at 2100 hours on the 16th.

At 0900 hours on the 16th, a surfaced and stationary submarine was sighted three miles off Kalloni Gulf (Mytilene). If the sighting was genuine, this could only have been HMS Sickle and reinforce the thesis that the signal ordering her home was not received. However the German vessels Orion and GN 72 and GN 73 were in the area on the previous day but were unmolested which seems to indicate that either they passed out of range or that she had indeed vacated the area.

In Capt. S.1's 0902/14 Sickle was ordered to meet her escort into Malta in position 35°49'N, 15°18'E at 0900 on the 18th. She failed to show up and is thought she was mined on her way back to Malta. (18)