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Notable events involving Sirdar include:

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

This page was last updated in February 2020.

18 Sep 1943
Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Barrow for Holy Loch.

Her final outfitting had been completed by the Vickers Armstrong shipyard located there. (1)

19 Sep 1943
Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived at Holy Loch for a period of trials and training. (1)

20 Sep 1943
Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted speed trials on the Arran measured mile following which she was commissioned at Holy Loch. (2)

23 Sep 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

24 Sep 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. On completion of these exercises she proceeded to Rothesay. (2)

25 Sep 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) shifted from Rothesay to Holy Loch. (2)

2 Oct 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (3)

3 Oct 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted RDF (radar) exercises off Campbeltown. On completion she put into Campbeltown for evaluation. (3)

4 Oct 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Holy Loch. (3)

5 Oct 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to the torpedo firing range at Arrochar. (3)

6 Oct 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (3)

8 Oct 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (3)

9 Oct 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. On completion of these trials HMS Sirdar proceeded to Holy Loch. (3)

10 Oct 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted gunnery and S.T.U. (mine detection) trials in the Clyde area. (3)

12 Oct 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted log and D/G trials in the Clyde area. (3)

14 Oct 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted RDF (radar) exercises off Campbeltown. On completion she put into Campbeltown for evaluation. (3)

15 Oct 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. On completion of these exercises HMS Sirdar proceeded to Holy Loch. (3)

16 Oct 1943
HMS Unswerving (T/Lt. M.D. Tattersall, RNVR) and HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which they made practice attacks on each other. (4)

19 Oct 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN) served as target. These included night exercises. (3)

20 Oct 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted night exercises in the Clyde area. On completion of these exercises she proceeded to Holy Loch. (3)

21 Oct 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (3)

22 Oct 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted S.T.U. (mine detection) trials in the Clyde area. (3)

23 Oct 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as target. These included night shadowing exercises. (3)

24 Oct 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Kihna (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR) served as target. These were followed by day attack exercises. On completion of these day exercises HMS Sirdar proceeded to Rothesay. (3)

25 Oct 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Tribune (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Eade, RNR) served as target. (3)

26 Oct 1943
HMS Oberon (Lt. M.L.C. Crawford, DSC, RN) served as target in the Clyde area for members of the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with were embarked in HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN). (5)

27 Oct 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Kihna (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR) and HMS Blade (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR) served as targets. (3)

28 Oct 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course). These were followed by night radar exercises. (3)

29 Oct 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) proceeded to Rothesay on completion of last night's exercises. (3)

31 Oct 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Kihna (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR) and HMS Blade (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR) served as targets. (3)

1 Nov 1943
MS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Rothesay with members of the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) for exercises in the Clyde area. The exercises however had to be cancelled due to bad visibility. (6)

2 Nov 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Kihna (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR), HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) and HMS Blade (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR) served as targets. (6)

3 Nov 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as target. (6)

4 Nov 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted night radar exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Scimitar (Lt. G.C. Potter, DSC, RN) served as target. (6)

5 Nov 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS Scimitar (Lt. G.C. Potter, DSC, RN) served as target. (6)

6 Nov 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN) served as target. (6)

7 Nov 1943
MS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) shifted from Carradale Bay to Larne. (6)

8 Nov 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Calder (Lt.Cdr. A.D. White, RD, RNR). (6)

11 Nov 1943
MS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (6)

12 Nov 1943
MS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (6)

16 Nov 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Chelmer (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.A. Cherry, RNR) and HMS Loosestrife (Lt. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR). (6)

17 Nov 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HNoMS Rose (Lt. L.R. Lund, RNorN) and HMS Vervain (T/Lt. R.A. Howell, RNVR). (6)

18 Nov 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HNoMS Rose (Lt. L.R. Lund, RNorN). (6)

19 Nov 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HNoMS Potentilla (Lt. T. Jacobsen, RNorN) and HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN). (6)

21 Nov 1943
MS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (6)

22 Nov 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) and HMS Stratagem (T/Lt. R.L. Willoughby, RNR) conducted attack exercises off Larne during which they served as targets for each other. (6)

23 Nov 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) and HMS Stratagem (T/Lt. R.L. Willoughby, RNR) both shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. They were escorted by an ML. (6)

25 Nov 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS La Flore (Lt. J. Mayling, RN) served as target. (6)

27 Nov 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) during which HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN) served as target. These included night exercises. (6)

28 Nov 1943
MS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) proceeded to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (6)

8 Dec 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) was docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (7)

9 Dec 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) was undocked. (7)

10 Dec 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made the passage together with HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN), HMS Syrtis (Lt M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN) and HMS Venturer (Lt. J.S. Launders, RN). They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (7)

12 Dec 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (7)

13 Dec 1943
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Lerwick for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Northern Norway to provide cover during convoy operations to Northern Russia.

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

(8)

1 Jan 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. Later this day she departed for Holy Loch escorted by the British minesweeper HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN). (8)

3 Jan 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (9)

4 Jan 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Holy Loch for Plymouth. She is to proceed to the Devonport Dockyard to have another battery fitted.

Passage was made (until Bishops Rock) together with the Greek submarine Pipinos. The submarines were escorted by the British minesweeper HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN). (9)

6 Jan 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived at Plymouth to have a new battery fitted at the Devonport Dockyard. (9)

4 Feb 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted trials off Plymouth. Upon completion of these trials she proceeded to Yarmouth. (10)

5 Feb 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) shifted from Yarmouth to Portsmouth. (10)

10 Feb 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) was docked at Portsmouth. (10)

5 Mar 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) was undocked. (11)

8 Mar 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) carried out trials off Portsmouth. (11)

10 Mar 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Portsmouth for Plymouth where she arrived later the same day. (11)

14 Mar 1944
MS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted D/G trials at Plymouth. (12)

14 Mar 1944

Convoy UGS 36.

This convoy departed Hampton Roads on 14 March 1944.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; A.J. Cermak (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), B.F. Shaw (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), British Diligence (British (tanker), 8408 GRT, built 1937), Charles Crocker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Dilworth (American (tanker), 7045 GRT, built 1920), Donacilla (British (tanker), 8113 GRT, built 1939), E. Kirby Smith (American, 7193 GRT, built 1943), Edward Bruce (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Edward Burleson (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Edwin L. Godkin (American, 7198 GRT, built 1943), Elisha Mitchell (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Erodona (British (tanker), 6207 GRT, built 1937), Frederick C. Howe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Frithjof Nansen (Norwegian, 7177 GRT, built 1943), George Bancroft (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), George H. Pendleton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George M. Bibb (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Henry Baldwin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Henry W. Longfellow (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Hoke Smith (American, 7199 GRT, built 1943), Howell E. Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Ignace Paderewski (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Iroquois (British (tanker), 8937 GRT, built 1907), James McHenry (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), James Rumsey (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Jared Ingersoll (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), John A. Brown (British (tanker), 10455 GRT, built 1938), John Catron (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Sedgwick (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Trumbull (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jubal A. Early (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), K.I. Luckenbach (American, 7822 GRT, built 1918), Kemp P. Battle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Kronprinsessen (Norwegian, 7244 GRT, built 1941), Lawrence D. Tyson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Louis Hennepin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lucretia Mott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Macuba (Dutch (tanker), 8249 GRT, built 1931), Marion McKinley Bovard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Nathan Clifford (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Norfjell (Norwegian (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1942), Norwegian (British, 6366 GRT, built 1921), Oliver Hazard Perry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Patrick C. Boyle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Paul H. Harwood (American (tanker), 7192 GRT, built 1918), Peter Cartwright (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Petter (Norwegian (tanker), 9109 GRT, built 1935), Robert R. Randall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samannan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samarkand (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samburgh (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samcleve (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samgara (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samida (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samleven (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samlyth (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samois (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samstrule (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samtyne (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samuel Moody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Silas Weir Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Solor (Norwegian (tanker), 8262 GRT, built 1938), Stephen C. Foster (American, 7196 GRT, built 1943), Sun (American (tanker), 9002 GRT, built 1928), Sun Yat-Sen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Tarleton Brown (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Theodoric Bland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Thomas Donaldson (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Thomas Heyward (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Trondheim (Norwegian (tanker), 8258 GRT, 1939), Walter Releigh (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), William B. Wilson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William D. Moseley (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), William F. Cody (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William H. Dall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William L. Yancey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Woodrow Wilson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943). The LST's USS LST-27 (Lt.Cdr, L.J. Kirstine, USCG), USS LST-28 (Lt. W.N. Finley, Jr., USNR), USS LST-32 (Lt. G.P. Mulloy, USNR), USS LST-74 (Lt. S.A. Siebenthal, USN), USS LST-140 (Lt.(jg) R.W. Mickelsen, USNR), USS LST-141 (Lt. E.H. Pottle, Jr., USNR), USS LST-173 (Lt. B.J. Barber, USR), USS LST-174 (Lt. A.J. Asche, USNR), USS LST-177 (Lt.Cdr. S.H.P. Read, USNR), USS LST-178 (Lt. L.L. Bernard, USNR), USS LST-210 (Lt. R.K.W. McCoy, USNR), USS LST-262 (Lt. V.M. Hill, USCG), USS LST-265 (Lt. G.F. Sparks, Jr., USNR), USS LST-266 (Lt. L.A. Bolon, USNR), USS LST-519 (Ens. F.L. Brimmer, USN), USS LST-525 (Lt. J.R. Stevens, USN), USS LST-526 (Lt.(jg) J.W. Keeshan, USNR), USS LST-538 (Ens. H.W. Williams, USN), naval tanker USS Escalante (Cdr. C.L. Kiewert, USNR) and stores ship USS Polaris (8222 GRT, built 1939, T/Cdr. C.R. Miller, USN) were also part of the convoy.

On departure from Hampton Roads, around 0430Q/23, the convoy was escorted by Task Force 64 which was made up of the destroyers USS Decatur (Lt. D.G. Wright, USNR, with COMTASKFOR 64, Capt. H.S. Berdine, USCG on board), USS Whipple (T/Lt.Cdr. S.E. Woodard, USN, with COMDESDIV 57, on board), USS Alden (Lt. W. Herkness, 2nd, USN), USS John D. Edwards (Lt. R.A. Norelius, USNR), USS John D. Ford (T/Lt.Cdr. J.S. Slaughter, USN), destroyer escorts USS Sellstrom (Cdr. W.L. Maloney, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 23, Cdr. F.P. Vetterick, USNR, on board), USS Ramsden (Lt.Cdr. S.T. Baketel, USCGR), USS Mills (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Muzzy, USCG), USS Rhodes (Cdr. E.A. Coffin, Jr., USCG), USS Savage (Cdr. O.C. Rohnke, USCG), USS Tomich (Lt. C.B. Brown, USNR), USS Sloat (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Cashman, USNR) and the French patrol vessel Sabre.

Around 1130Z/14, USS Sellstrom parted company to proceed the Portsmouth Navy Yard to effect repairs to her sound gear. She rejoined the following day.

Around 1600Z/14, the tanker Petter parted company to proceed to New York.

Around 1200Z/15, the transport Charles Crocker parted company to return to the USA. USS Tomich was ordered to escort her and then rejoin the convoy.

Around 1400Z/15, USS Sellstrom rejoined the convoy.

Around 1200Z/16, the destroyer escort USS Richey (Cdr. P.DuP. Mills, USCG) joined the convoy. She had been unable to depart with the convoy on the 14th.

Around 0800Z/17, USS Tomich rejoined the convoy.

During 17 March 1944, USS Decatur, USS Whipple, USS Alden, USS John D. Edwards, USS John D. Ford and Sabre fuelled from USS Escalante.

Around 0225Z/18, radar contact was obtained on two vessels which proved to be the transport Oregon (French, 7705 GRT, built 1929) and her escort, the minesweeper USS Despite (Lt.(jg) F.T. Peck, Jr., USNR), coming from Bermuda. The transport subsequently joined the convoy and the minesweeper returned to Bermuda.

On 20 March 1944, USS Sloat fuelled from USS Escalante.

On 23 March 1944, USS Whipple and USS Alden fuelled from USS Escalante.

Around 1300Z/24, Hoke Smith and Iroquois were detached from the convoy to proceed to the Azores. They were escorted by USS John D. Edwards whivh had first fuelled from USS Escalante.

On 26 March 1944, USS Decatur fuelled from USS Escalante.

Around 1330Z/27, USS John D. Edwards rejoined the convoy.

Around 1545Z/27, USS John D. Ford was detached from the convoy to proceed ahead to Gibraltar to obtain written orders and other paperwork so that the Task Force would to be able to operate in the Mediterranean. Before parting company she fuelled from USS Escalante.

At 0554Z/28, the transport A.J. Cermak and USS Richey collided but damage to both was minor.

On 28 March 1944, USS Decatur, USS Whipple and USS Alden fuelled from USS Escalante.

At 0330Z/29, USS John D. Ford collided with the British auxiliary A/S trawler HMS Kingston Agate (T/Lt. R.J. Langley, RANVR) in Gibraltar harbour. The destroyer sustained extensive damage and one of her crew was killed and five were wounded. USS Alden was then detached to take over the duties of USS John D. Ford.

Around 0800Z/29, the transport Dumfries (British, 5149 GRT, built 1935) joined the convoy coming from Casablanca. She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez, corvette Commandant Detroyat and the patrol vessels USS PC-480 (Lt.(jg) J.K. Miller, USNR) and USS PC-482 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR) which then set course to return to Casablanca taking the transports Edward Burleson, Edwin L. Godkin, Howell E. Jackson, Oliver Hazard Perry, Oregon and USS Escalante with them. They arrived at Casablanca on 30 March 1944.

Around 2320Z/29, USS Alden rejoined from Gibraltar.

Around 2330Z/29, USS John D. Edwards parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar to refuel and then rejoin the convoy.

Around 0940Z/30, the Gibraltar section of the convoy joined. This was made up of the transports Angelo (British, 2199 GRT, built 1940), Don (British, 1037 GRT, built 1924) and Morialta (British, 1379 GRT, built 1940). At the same time USS Polaris parted company to proceed ahead of the main convoy to Oran. To escort her the destroyers USS Hilary P. Jones (T/Cdr. F.M. Stiesberg, USN) and USS Charles F. Hughes (T/Lt.Cdr. J.C.G. Wilson, USN) had arrived on the scene.

Around 1000Z/30, USS Decatur briefly stopped in Gibraltar Bay to embark a British liaison officer.

Around 1100Z/30, British (controlled) escorts joined the convoy, these were the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), frigate HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN), sloops HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. S.C. Tuke, DSO, RN), HMS Black Swan (Cdr.(Retd.) R.C.V. Thomson, DSC, RN), HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN) and the corvettes HMS Campion (Lt. T.F. Alderman, RNR) and HrMs Friso (Lt.Cdr. Goslings, RNethN). Also the submarine HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) and motor minesweeper MMS 300 (T/A/Skr.Lt. J.W. Lawn, RNVR) joined for passage. The rescue tug HMRT Mindful also joined. The American minesweeper USS Speed (Lt. R.C. Dryer, USNR) joined the convoy for jamming duties (against German radio guided bombs).

Around 1100Z/31, the following ships were detached to Oran; A.J. Cermak, Dilworth, Frithjof Nansen, James Rumsey, John Catron, John Sedgwik, Norfjell, Patrick C. Boyle, Peter Cartwright, Samuel Moody, Stephen C. Foster, Walter Raleigh and William L. Yancey. From the escort, USS Richey and Sabre were also detached to Oran.

At the same time the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Fort Dauphin (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), George Abernethy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John C. Fremont (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and Titus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930).

Around 0300A/1, the convoy was attacked by about 20 German aircraft in approximate position 36°52'N, 01°43'E. They attacked with bombs and torpedoes. Two enemy aircraft were claimed to have been shot down. The Jared Ingersoll was hit by a torpedo. USS Mills picked up the crew and together with HRMT Mindful then effected the salvage of the ship. The damaged ship arrived at Algiers later the same day.

Around 1030Z/1, USS Richey rejoined from Oran after having effected repairs there.

Around 1145Z/1, the following ships were detached to Algiers; Donacilla, Fort Dauphin, Solor and Woodrow Wilson. HMS Black Swan was also detached to Algiers.

At the same time the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Atle Jarl (Norwegian, 1173 GRT, built 1919), Corstar (British, 2337 GRT, built 1918), Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Indiana (Panamanian, 5617 GRT, built 1917), Ocean Fame (British, 7173 GRT, built 1942) and Ulla (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930).

Around 1130Z/2, the transport Coulgorm (British, 6997 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Philippeville.

Around 1630Z/2, the transport Don was detached to Bone while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bone; Bruse Jarl (Norwegian, 1890 GRT, built 1923), Fort Frobisher (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort la Prairie (British, 7138 GRT, built 1943), Fort Sturgeon (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Jan Lievens (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Lidvard (Norwegian, 4785 GRT, built 1939) and Serula (British, 2187 GRT, built 1918).

Around 0115Z/3, USS Mills rejoined the convoy from Algiers.

Around 0515Z/3, the Bizerta section of the convoy made up of the following ships parted company with the convoy; B.F. Shaw, British Diligence, George Abernethy, John A. Brown, Kemp B. Battle, Lawrence D. Tyson, Paul H. Harwood, Titus and William H. Dall. Also the complete American escort proceeded to Bizerta as did all the LST's and HMS Colombo. The tanker Luminetta (British (tanker), 6159 GRT, built 1927) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta.

On 3 April 1944, the transport Empire Grebe (British, 5736 GRT, built 1918) joined the convoy coming from Tunis.

On 4 April 1944, the Indiana, HMS Sirdar and HMMS 300 arrived at Malta while the transport Eridan (French, 9928 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy coming from Malta.

On 4 April 1944, the following ships departed Augusta to join the convoy; Blackheath (British, 4637 GRT, built 1936), Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942), Empire Southey (British, 7041 GRT, built 1942), Empire Unicorn (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Fidler (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frontenac (British, 7148 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenora (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Fort Grant (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Lennox (British, 7149 GRT, built 1943), Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Harlesden (British, 7273 GRT, built 1943), Samshire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsteel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samcleve (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

On 5 April 1944, the following ships arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Angelo, Atle Jarl, Bruse Jarl, Corstar, Coulgorm, E. Kirby Smith, Empire Grebe, Erodona, Fort Frobisher, Fort Gaspereau, Fort la Prairie, Fort Sturgeon, George Bancroft, George M. Bibb, Henry Baldwin, Henry W. Longfellow, Ignace Paderewski, James McHenry, Jan Lievens, John C. Fremont, John Trumbull, Lincoln Steffens, Lucretia Mott, Macuba, Marion McKinley Bovard, Morialta, Ocean Fame, Samannan, Samleven, Samstrule, Samtyne, Serula, Sun, Sun-Yat-Sen, Tarleton Brown, Theodoric Bland., Trondheim, Ulla, William D. Moseley and William F. Cody.

On 8 April 1944, the following ships arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy; Blackheath, Empire Guinevere, Empire Southey, Empire Unicorn, Eridan, Fort Chesterfield, Fort Fidler, Fort Frontenac, Fort Glenora, Fort Grant, Fort Lennox, Fort Meductic, Frederick C. Howe, Harlesden, Samlyth, Samshire, Samsteel and Stancleeve. Also the following escorts arrived at Alexandria; HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau, HMS Amethyst and HMS Deptford.

The remaining ships in the convoy arrived at Port Said on 9 April 1944.

15 Mar 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Plymouth for Gibraltar. This was the fist leg of her passage to the Far East. En-route she was divered to make a short patrol in the Bay of Biscay making this passage her 2nd war patrol.

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

(8)

24 Mar 1944
Around 1400 hours (zone -1), HMS Vampire (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR), HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN), made rendez-vous with their escort towards Gibraltar, HMS Evadne (T/Lt. H.N. Taylor, RNR). (13)

27 Mar 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Gibraltar. (8)

30 Mar 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta to continue her passage to the Far East.

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

(11)

4 Apr 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived at Malta. (14)

10 Apr 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Malta for Port Said. (14)

15 Apr 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived at Port Said. (14)

22 Apr 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Port Said for Aden. She transited the Suez Canal this day. (14)

28 Apr 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived at Aden. (14)

1 May 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted exercises off Aden. (15)

2 May 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Aden for Trincomalee. (15)

15 May 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (15)

24 May 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (15)

28 May 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Sumatra. She was escorted out by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. F.R. Crawford, RNVR).

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

(8)

3 Jun 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) attacked a tug towing two barges with three torpedoes about 60 nautical miles North-West of Padang, Sumatra. No hits were obtained. Two depth charges were dropped by the tug but Sirdar was not damaged.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1538 hours - Sighted a tug bearing 314° steering 129° at 7 knots. This tug was of about 500 tons and was towing two barges of about 50 feet long.

1559 hours - In position 00°23'S, 99°49'E fired three torpedoes from 800 yards. All torpedoes missed.

1602 hours - The target turned towards so went deep. One small depth charge was dropped fairly close. Proceeded to seaward at slow speed.

1616 hours - Another depth charge was dropped but not close.

1708 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. (8)

8 Jun 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) bombarded two warehourses at Sibolga, Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies. Sirdar also damaged a sailing vessel with gunfire.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1359 hours - Surfaced to bombard two warehouses. Fired 17 rounds for several hits and they were soon on fire.

1402 hours - Shore batteries opened up. Dived and retired at speed.

1418 hours - Passed close ahead of a large junk of about 50 tons. Decided to retire on the surface and engage the junk at the same time.

1437 hours - Surfaced at continued to retire to the Westward. In the meantime fired 16 rounds at the junk from 4000 yards. The mainmast was hit and it appeared she beached herself. Sirdar was fired on again by shore batteries and two shells landed extremely close so dived again and continues to retired to the westward. (8)

11 Jun 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) damaged a Japanese coaster with gunfire about 20 nautical miles South-West of Sibolga, Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0757 hours - Sighted a coaster of about 800 tons in position 01°27'N, 98°41'E steering South-East. She was extremely difficult to see against the land. Surfaced for gun action and closed the shore. Fire was opened from 5000 yards. Shore batteries soon opened fire so decided not to close the range. 25 Rounds were fired and the target was hit aft and was soon enveloped in a cloud of smoke. The target could no longer be seen through the smoke so spotting became difficult. Shortly afterwards a spent round jammed in the gun and the cartridge cage could not be extracted. The action therefore had to be broken off.

0830 hours - Dived in position 01°26'N, 98°40'E. (8)

18 Jun 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Trincomalee. She was escorted in by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. F.R. Crawford, RNVR). (8)

20 Jun 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) was docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (16)

22 Jun 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) was undocked. (16)

3 Jul 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) and HMS Stoic (Lt. P.B. Marriott, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee during which they made practice attack on each other. (17)

6 Jul 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted gunnery exercises and engine trials off Trincomalee. Also a deep dive was carried out. (17)

7 Jul 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Siam, near Phuket. She was escorted out by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. F.R. Crawford, RNVR).

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

(8)

16 Jul 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) attacked but missed the German submarine U-1062 with six torpedoes in the Northern end of the Malacca Strait in position 07°01'N, 97°18'E. Sirdar broke surface upon firing and was lightly damaged by machine gun fire from the enemy submarine.

U-1062 was attacked again a few hours later by HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN). Eight torpedoes were fired in this attack but they also missed.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0836 hours - Heard HE bearing 110°. Sighted a Japanese submarine of the RO-60 class bearing 104°, course 270°, speed 13 knots. Started attack.

0852 hours - In position 07°01'N, 97°18'E fired six torpedoes from 500 yards. All missed. Sirdar broke surface on firing and sustained slight damage to her Radar and W/T aerials from enemy machine gun fire.

0903 hours - Heard five explosions, most likely the torpedoes exploding at the end of their run.

Note: The patrol report stated that it was a Japanese sunbmarine of the RO-60 class, these however did not operate in this area, submarines of the RO-100 class hovever did but none was in the area at that given time. The target must have been the German submarine U-1062 that had departed Penang for Europe the previous day. (8)

18 Jul 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire off the west coast of Siam near Phuket.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1814 hours - Surfaced in position 07°50'N, 98°35'E and opened fire from 1000 yards on a junk of about 100 tons. The third round hit. The crew meanwhile abandoned ship in their sampan. After 30 rounds had been fired the junk sank. Two more survivors were seen to be floating in the wreckage. These were picked up as well as a pig that was swimming towards the submarine. [the patrol report does not state what happened to the pig but most likely it made a good meal Commander Spender mentions this incident, see more info] (8)

21 Jul 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) sank two coasters with gunfire off the west coast of Siam near Phuket.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0723 hours - Sighted a 350 tons coaster to the Southwards. Closed to attack.

0739 hours - Surfaced for gun action from a range of 4000 yards. Closed on the surface at full speed. Fired 49 rounds until the junk was well on fire. The crew meanwhile had left in their sampan.

0803 hours - Dived in position 07°48'N, 98°42'E.

1220 hours - The target was seen to sink near position 07°48'N, 98°46'E.

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

1700 hours - Sighted a 400 tons coaster bearing 075° on a course of 290°. Closed to attack.

1821 hours - Surfaced in position 07°48'N, 98°32'E and fired 75 rounds at the coaster.

1836 hours - The target was by now well on fire so retired at speed to the Southward. It is considered that this target was at least a total loss even if she would not sink. (8)

26 Jul 1944
In the afternoon, while trying to attack a small convoy of coasters escorted by ML's off Phuket HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) is detected and depth charged. Eight depth charges were dropped, two of which were close. No damage was sustained by HMS Sirdar but the attack was spoiled. (8)

31 Jul 1944
Around 1430FG/31, HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) ended her 11th war patrol (8th in the Far East) at Trincomalee. She had suffered from many defects during this patrol.

She was escorted in by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. F.R. Crawford, RNVR) which had joined around 0220FG/31. Around 0830FG/31, HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN), which was also returning from patrol (her 4th, 2nd in the Far East) also joined. (18)

9 Aug 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) was docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (19)

12 Aug 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) was undocked. (19)

14 Aug 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted noise trials at Trincomalee. (20)

16 Aug 1944
During 16 and 17 August 1944, HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) and HrMs O 19 (Lt.Cdr. A. van Karnebeek, RNN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee with each other. Also involved in these exercises was their escort, HMIS Pansy (Lt. R.G. Main, RINR). These included night exercises. (19)

19 Aug 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off the North-West coast of Sumatra and to proceed to Fremantle, Australia upon completion of the patrol. She was escorted out by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. F.R. Crawford, RNVR).

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

(8)

2 Sep 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) sank (or damaged) the Japanese guard boat Kaiyo Maru No.5 (93 GRT) and a 600 tons coaster with gunfire about 17 nautical miles south-east of Meulaboh, Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies in position 03°52'N, 96°16'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1015 hours - Sighted the masts and upperworks of three small ships. Closed to attack. It was seen to be a coaster of 600 tons, an escort of 250 tons armed with a 3pdr gun and onther small ship maybee another escort.

1124 hours - Surfaced in position 03°52'N, 96°16'E and opened fire on the coaster from 4000 yards. She immediately turned away and made for the coast. The other small ship now opened fire with a 3pdr gun so fire was shifted to this ship. After she had been hit once she made off to the Northward at high speed emitting large volumes of brown smoke. Meanwhile the ship that previously had been identified as escort closed and had also opened fire. His gunnery was rather good so fire was shifted to this ship. She was fired upon with the 3" gun as well as the Oerlikon. She was hit at least six times and finally retired to the Southward. By now ammo was running low so it was decided to concentrate on the coaster that was now alone and well inshore. A few more hits were scored on her but she did not sink. After having fired 280 rounds action had to be broken off [it appeared the 2nd escort engaged later sank]. (8)

14 Sep 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived at Exmouth Gulf, Australia for fuel and provisions. (8)

15 Sep 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Exmouth Gulf for Fremantle. (8)

18 Sep 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Fremantle, Australia. She was escorted in by USS Isabel (Lt. E.G. Zacher, USNR). (8)

4 Oct 1944
During 4 and 5 October 1944, HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) and HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN), conducted exercises off Fremantle. These included night exercises. Convoy attack exercises were carried out on USS Chanticleer (L.L. Tyndall, USN), HMAS Ipswich (T/Lt. R.H. Creasey, RANR(S)) and HMAS Warrnambool (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) E.J.B. Wight, RAN). (21)

7 Oct 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Fremantle for her 6th war patrol (4th in the Far East and 1st in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol in the Sunda Strait and on the way back to Fremantle to reconnoitre Christmas Island. She was escorted out by HMAS ML 826.

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

(8)

11 Oct 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived at Exmouth Gulf for fuel. She departed for her patrol area after a few hours. (8)

28 Oct 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) reconnoitred Christmas Island. Nothing of interest was seen. (8)

2 Nov 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived at Exmouth Gulf for fuel. She departed for Fremantle after a few hours. (8)

6 Nov 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (4th in the Far East and 1st in the South-West Pacific area) at Fremantle. Before entering harbour noise trials were carried out. (8)

18 Nov 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) is put on the slipway at Fremantle. (22)

20 Nov 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) is put back in the water. (22)

22 Nov 1944
During 22 and 23 November 1944, HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN), conducted exercises off Fremantle. These included night exercises. These included practice attacks on USS Coucal (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Byerly, USNR). During the night convoy attack exercises were carried out with USS Coucal, HMAS Bunbury (Lt. J.F. Bleckman, RANR(S)), HMAS Inverell (Lt. A.I. Chapman, RANR(S)) and HMAS Warrnambool (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) E.J.B. Wight, RAN) pretending to be a convoy. (22)

25 Nov 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Fremantle for her 7th war patrol (5th in the Far East and 2nd in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol in the Java Sea and Makassar Strait.

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

(8)

3 Dec 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived at Darwin for fuel, fresh water and provisions. (8)

4 Dec 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Darwin for her patrol area. (8)

25 Dec 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) sank a coaster with gunfire off Surabaya, Java, Netherlands East Indies in position 06°47S, 112°20'E. While chasing another coaster Sirdar was put down and bombed by a Japanese aircraft.

(All times are zone -8)
1310 hours - Sighted a Southbound coaster of about 350 tons. Course 190°, speed 6 knots. Closed.

1355 hours - Surfaced in position 06°47'S, 112°20'E. Opened fire from 1500 yards. 25 Rounds were fired for several hits, mostly forward. The last round hit amidships and the target went up in a sheet of flame.

1412 hours - Sighted a mast bearing 090°. Closed on the surface.

1458 hours - Sighted bomber aircraft bearing 140°. Range 2 miles. Dived.

1459 hours - Two bombs were dropped by the aircraft, one was close. (8)

29 Dec 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived off Lombok Strait for a Southbound passage through it. The attempt to made the passage was spoiled by the heavy A/S patrol of several Japanese warships. (8)

30 Dec 1944
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) again attempted to pass Lombok Strait Southbound. A/S patrols were as heavy as yesterday and the attempt had to be abandoned. It was decided to proceed to Darwin for fuel and provisions before returning to Fremantle. (8)

4 Jan 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived at Darwin for fuel, fresh water, provisions and mail. She departed for Fremantle after a few hours. (8)

12 Jan 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (5th in the Far East and 2nd in the South-West Pacific area) at Fremantle. Before entering harbour noise trials were carried out. (8)

29 Jan 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) was put on the slipway at Fremantle. (23)

31 Jan 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) was put back in the water. (23)

6 Feb 1945
During 6 and 7 February 1945 HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. These included night exercises. (24)

8 Feb 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Fremantle for her 8th war patrol (6th in the Far East and 3rd in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol in the Java Sea.

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

(8)

12 Feb 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived at Exmouth Gulf for fuel and provisions. Due to damage by a cyclone no fuel and provisions could be taken on board. Sirdar proceeded on patrol without these. (8)

16 Feb 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) passed Lombok Strait Northbound. (8)

17 Feb 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) engaged a coaster with gunfire but before any damage could be done she was put down by an aircraft. Later the same afternoon Sirdar was bombed while at periscope depth. No damage was inflicted upon her.

(All times are zone -8)
1225 hours - Sighted a coaster of about 350 tons heading for the Kangean Islands.

1303 hours - Surfaced in position 07°04'S, 115°18'E for gun action from a range of 2500 yards. Fired three rounds before at ........

1305 hours - An aircraft was sighted closing. Dived. The target unfortunately had not been hit yet and made for the shore at high speed, belching smoke. The aircraft patrolled the area for about one hour.

1639 hours - Three depth charges exploded fairly close. It appeared that on the flat calm sea the periscope was spotted from the air by another patrolling aircraft. Sirdar went deep and retired to the South.

(8)

2 Mar 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) passed Lombok Strait Southbound. (8)

4 Mar 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) was ordered to proceed to the North-West due to a cyclone that crossed her path to Fremantle. Sirdar was only about 100 miles from the eye of the cyclone at that time. (8)

5 Mar 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) sets course for Exmouth Gulf as she was not able to make it to Fremantle with the amount of fuel onboard. (8)

6 Mar 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) is forced to proceed on one engine as the Starboard engine crankshaft fractured. (8)

8 Mar 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived at Exmouth Gulf for fuel and provisions. She departed for Fremantle after a few hours. (8)

12 Mar 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (6th in the Far East and 3rd in the South-West Pacific area) at Fremantle. (8)

29 Mar 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) was docked at Fremantle. (25)

31 Mar 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) was undocked. (25)

6 Apr 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Fremantle for Colombo (later changed to Trincomalee). She made the passage together with the British corvette HMS Meadowsweet (T/Lt. W.E. Saunders, RNVR).

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

View MS Sirdar passage Fremantle - Portsmouth in a larger map (26)

23 Apr 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (26)

3 May 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Trincomalee for Aden. (27)

15 May 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived at Aden. (27)

16 May 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Aden for Suez. (27)

22 May 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived at Suez. (27)

23 May 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) transited the Suez Canal and arrived at Port Said. (27)

27 May 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Port Said for Alexandria. (27)

28 May 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived at Alexandria where she was docked in the Gabari dock. (27)

1 Jun 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) was undocked. (28)

2 Jun 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Alexandria for Gibraltar. (28)

10 Jun 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (28)

12 Jun 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Gibraltar for Portsmouth. (28)

18 Jun 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (28)

19 Jun 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) departed Portsmouth for Chatham. (28)

20 Jun 1945
HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) arrived at Chatham where she was to refit. Her refit started on 26 June 1945 and lasted until early March 1946. (1)

1 Feb 1953
HMS Sirdar was swamped by floods while in dry dock at the naval dockyard at Sheerness, Kent, and later sank. (29)