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Notable events involving Strongbow include:

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

This page was last updated in February 2020.

23 Dec 1943
Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) shifted from her builders yard to Holy Loch where she was placed in commission. From Holy Loch she would undertake a period of trials and training on the Scottish West coast. (1)

26 Dec 1943
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

27 Dec 1943
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

28 Dec 1943
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

30 Dec 1943
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to the torpedo firing range at Arrochar. (2)

31 Dec 1943
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (2)

1 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (3)

2 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) was to conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar but these had to be cancelled due to bad weather. (3)

3 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (3)

4 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. On completion of these trials she proceeded to Holy Loch. (3)

6 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These had to be broken off around noon due to bad weather conditions. (3)

7 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. On completion of these exercises HMS Strongbow proceeded to Campbeltown. (3)

8 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted RDF (radar) exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). (3)

9 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted RDF (radar) exercises off Campbeltown with aircraft. On completion of these exercises HMS Strongbow proceeded to Holy Loch. (3)

10 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (3)

11 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (3)

15 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS La Flore (Lt. J. Mayling, RN) served as the target. (3)

16 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted night attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Vindex (Capt. H.T.T. Bayliss, RN) served as the target. (3)

17 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted night exercises in the Clyde area with aircraft from HMS Vindex (Capt. H.T.T. Bayliss, RN). On completion of these exercises HMS Strongbow proceeded to Campbeltown. (3)

18 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Boarhound (A/Ch.Skr. A. Keable, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR). (3)

19 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S and attack exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (3)

20 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J.B. Henderson, RNR) and HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. C.A. Collins, RNR). (3)

23 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). Also a practice attack was made on La Cordeliere. (3)

24 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted RDF (radar) and A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J.B. Henderson, RNR). (3)

26 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Flore (Lt. J. Mayling, RN) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR). (3)

27 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Flore (Lt. J. Mayling, RN). (3)

28 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR). These were followed by independent exercises. (3)

29 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Ambuscade (Lt. H. Hutchinson, RN). (3)

30 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Larne. (3)

31 Jan 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Lossie (Lt.Cdr. A.F. MacFie, OBE, RNR), HMS Findhorn (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Dawson, RD, RNR) and aircraft from HMS Biter (Capt. L.A.K. Boswell, DSO, RN). (3)

1 Feb 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Spey. (4)

2 Feb 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Hart (Cdr.(Retd.) M.B. Sherwood, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Woodcock (Cdr.(Retd.) J.F. Blackburn, DSO, RN) and HMS Crane (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Jenkins, RN). (4)

3 Feb 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Crane (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Jenkins, RN) and HMS Whimbrel (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Moore, DSC, RNR). (4)

5 Feb 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Nene (Cdr. J.D. Birch, RD, RNR), HMCS Snowberry (T/Lt. J.A. Dunn, RCNVR) and ships from the 6th Escort Group. (4)

6 Feb 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with ships from the 6th Escort Group and HMCS Lunenburg (T/Lt. D.L. Miller, RCNVR) and HMCS Camrose (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L.R. Pavillard, RCNR). (4)

8 Feb 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Blackwood (Lt.Cdr. L.T. Sly, RD, RNR), HMS Essington (A/Lt.Cdr. W. Lambert, RNVR) and other ships from the 3rd Escort Group. (4)

9 Feb 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with ships from the 3rd Escort Group. (4)

10 Feb 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (4)

12 Feb 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Winchelsea (Lt. C.T. Shuttleworth, RNVR) and HMS Helmsdale (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, RN). (4)

13 Feb 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) departed Larne for Holy Loch. She was escorted until off the Clyde by HMS ML 225 (T/Lt. D. Kaye, RNVR). (4)

15 Feb 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Blade (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR) and HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN) served as the targets. These included night exercises. (4)

16 Feb 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted minelaying trials in the Clyde area. (4)

18 Feb 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area on a target that was being towed by HMS St. Martin. (4)

18 Feb 1944
HMS Terrapin (Lt.Cdr. D.S.R. Martin, DSO and 2 bars, RN) and HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with each other. (5)

19 Feb 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN) and HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as the targets. (4)

21 Feb 1944
HMS Vox (Lt. J.M. Michell, RN) and HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which they served as target for each other. (6)

27 Feb 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with a COPP party. These included night exercises. (4)

28 Feb 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with a COPP party. These included night exercises. (4)

29 Feb 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted night exercises in the Clyde area with a COPP party. On completion of these exercises HMS Strongbow proceeded to Holy Loch. (4)

2 Mar 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) returned to her builders yard for repairs and modifications. We do not know when these were completed but it looks like this is around mid-April. (7)

22 Apr 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) departed the Clyde for Lerwick. She made (part of) the passage together with HMS Sibyl (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSO, DSC, RN) and HrMs O 19 (Lt.Cdr. A. van Karnebeek, RNN). They were escorted by HMS Sardonyx (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR). (8)

23 Apr 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) landed a crewmember with chicken pox at Aultbea, Scotland. (8)

24 Apr 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) arrived at Lerwick. She departed later the same day for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Norwegian Sea on an anti-uboat patrol.

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

(9)

4 May 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. She departed Lerwick later the same day for Holy Loch. She made (part of) the passage together with HMS Statesman (Lt. R.G.P. Bulkeley, RN), HMS Vigorous (Lt. J.C. Ogle, DSC, RN) and FFS Rubis. They were escorted by HMS Sardonyx (A/Lt.Cdr. T.A. Easton, RNVR). (9)

6 May 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (1)

3 Jun 1944
After another period at her builders yard to make good defects HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) departed the Clyde for passage to the Far East. The first leg of the trip was to Malta. She made (part of) the passage in convoy KMS 53.

As there are no logs available for the period no map can de displayed. (1)

19 Jun 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) arrived at Malta with defects which first had to be made good before she was able to continue her passage to the Far East. (1)

14 Jul 1944
With her defects made good HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) departed Malta for Port Said. (1)

21 Jul 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) transited the Suez Canal Southbound an set course towards Aden. (1)

26 Jul 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden. (1)

30 Jul 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) departed Aden for Trincomalee. (1)

10 Aug 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (1)

19 Aug 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Phuket area. Before proceeding on patrol practice attacks were made on HMS Wolfe (A/Capt. J.E. Slaughter, DSO, RN). (9)

19 Aug 1944
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Strongbow during her 2nd war patrol see the map below. (map is incomplete as positions were taken from the patrol report as there are no logs available for August and September 1944

30 Aug 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) attacked a Japanese ship with gunfire near position 07°24'N, 99°07'E. 15 Rounds were fired for 2 hits before the action had to be broken off.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0831 hours - In position 08°00'N, 98°42'E sighted smoke and masts of a ship bearing 189°. Range was about 13 nautical miles. Altered towards and closed at speed.

0915 hours - Now the funnel of the ship could be seen. Enemy course was 090°.

0929 hours - No escort or aircraft could be seen so surfaced to give chase.

0931 hours - Dived for an aircraft sighted by a lookout.

0933 hours - No aircraft could be seen through the periscope.

0953 hours - Surfaced in position 07°53'N, 98°42'E and proceeded to intercept the enemy.

1215 hours - The enemy could now be seen quite clearly from the periscope standard. She appeared to be about 1000 tons and still no escort had been seen.

1232 hours - Dived in position 07°24'N, 99°07'E. At the time of diving the whole ship could be seen from the bridge and it was considered not wise to stay up any longer with the fear of being detected.

1300 hours - Range was still 6000 yards and we were not able to get much closer.

1308 hours - Surfaced for gun action. The enemy turned stern on and stopped.

1315 hours - Had to dive for an MTB rushing towards. In all 15 rounds had been fired for 2 hits.

1321 hours - The MTB dropped one depth charge about 3000 yards away.

1330 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The MTB was still patrolling the area and dropped one other depth charge during her hunt.

1415 hours - Nothing in sight. Retired to the South-East. (9)

2 Sep 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) sank the small Japanese army cargo ship Toso Maru No.1 (292 BRT) with gunfire off the west coast of Siam some 26 nautical miles east of Phuket in position 07°57'N, 98°49'E. She also sank six other small vessels with gunfire / demolition charges.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0445 hours - In position 08°02'N, 98°41'E boarded a junk. The captain was taken prisoner while the other crewmembers were put into their small boat. The junk was sunk with demolition charges. The cargo of the junk consisted of cigarettes and rice.

0447 hours - Dived in position 08°00'N, 98°41'E.

0829 hours - In position 08°02'N, 98°45'E surfaced and sank 3 laden junks by gunfire and demolition charges. Removed 4 chickens from one of them, they made a nice dinner. All the crew made off in small boats. The 3" jammed during during this action.

0904 hours - Dived in position 08°01'N, 98°44'E. All efforts to clear the gun have so far failed.

1828 hours - Surfaced in position 08°01'N, 98°43'E. There were 3 junks in sight.

1900 hours - In position 08°02'N, 98°45'E boarded and sank a junk with demolition charges. Had to take 3 prisoners as they had no small boat.

1902 hours - Sighted what was thought to be a junk. Closed.

1924 hours - It was now seen to be a coaster of about 800 tons laying at anchor.

1929 hours - Fired a torpedo from 500 yards. The ship blew up with a tremendous explosion and sank. It literally rained ship for some seconds afterwards.

1931 hours - A second vessel, a motor lighter of about 50 to 100 tons, was seen to be making for the beach. It was not worth a torpedo and the 3" gun was still jammed. Opened fire with the Oerlikon. The vessel was left lower in the water and sank after a while. (9)

3 Sep 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) destroyed three sailing vessels with gunfire off the west coast of Siam.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1815 hours - Surfaced in position 06°43'N, 99°31'E.

1910 hours - In position 06°47'N, 99°42'E boarded a junk. This one had no small boat and also had a sick man on board. Allowed it to proceed after removing the ships papers and taking one prisoner.

2004 hours - In position 06°43'N, 99°46'E attacked 3 junks. Placed demolition charges in one. Attacked the other 2 with the gun which by now was operational again. (9)

4 Sep 1944
At 1304 hours (zone -6.5) HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) was attacked and depth charged in position 07°30'N, 98°55'E by a Japanese aircraft while running on the surface to get ahead of the same ship she attacked on August 30th. Minor damage was inflicted on Strongbow. (9)

5 Sep 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire off the west coast of Siam. A tug and lighter were damaged.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0747 hours - Surfaced in position 08°02'N, 98°43'E and attacked a small tug towing a lighter. The tug and lighter both ended on the beach. It was difficult to engage them being up sun and against the land.

0752 hours - Dived for an aircraft. About 3 or 4 hits had been obtained on the lighter. Strongbow remained in the area until after 1100 hours but was unable to finish off these ships as aircraft patrolled the area all morning.

1115 hours - Set course for Phuket.

1330 hours - Sank a junk with gunfire in position 07°59'N, 98°42'E. (9)

10 Sep 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Trincomalee. On arriving in harbour noise trials were carried out. (9)

2 Oct 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Straits. Before proceeding on patrol exercises were carried out with HMS Lewes (T/Lt. M.H. Grylls, SANF(V)) which on completion of these exercises also escorted Strongbow until 2320/2. (10)

2 Oct 1944
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Strongbow during her 3rd war patrol patrol see the map below.

11 Oct 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) made a torpedo attack on an escorted Japanese merchant vessel near the One Fathom Bank. An attack on a second escorted merchant vessel was spoiled when she turned away.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0607 hours - In position 02°54'N, 100°56'E sighted one merchant ship of about 3500 tons escorted by two submarine chasers bearing 128°, range 6500 yards, enemy course 300°. The submarine chasers were stationed about 1000 yards on either beam of the merchant ship. Started attack.

0628 hours - Fired 5 torpedoes from 2500 - 3000 yards. Two premature explosions occured.

0700 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Saw the merchant vessel bearing 032°, range 7200 yards. Both chasers were still with the merchant vessel.

0715 hours - Sighted a second merchant ship bearing 100°.

0720 hours - Commenced a frenzied reload.

0737 hours - Started attack. The target appeared to be 3000 tons and was also escorted by two submarine chasers. enemy course was 300°.

0746 hours - The enemy altered course to 240 degrees. Range was 8500 yards.

0756 hours - The target altered course back to 300 degrees. Range was now 7000 yards. At this moment 3 torpedoes were ready to be fired.

0802 hours - The target suddenly turned right away to a course of 045°.

0825 hours - The target was out of sight. (9)

12 Oct 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) attacked two Japanese submarines in position 02°50'N, 100°50'E. In two attacks a total of six torpedoes were fired but all missed their targets.

Later the same day HMS Strongbow torpedoed and sank the Japanese merchant ship Manryo Maru (1185 GRT, built 1906) in the Malacca Strait near the One Fathom Bank in position 02°47'N, 101°04'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1409 hours - Sighted a landing craft coming from the Westward.

1420 hours - Landing craft passed close ahead. It appeared to be making for Port Swettenham.

1425 hours - The landing craft was followed closely by a junk which passed about 100 yards ahead of us forcing Lt. Troup to use a minimum of periscope.

1432 hours - In position 02°48'N, 101°07'E, while still only using 6 inches of periscope and looking at the junk suddenly sighted a submarine behind him.

1433 hours - Altered course to attack the submarine.

1441 hours - Sighted a second submarine.

1444 hours - In position 02°50'N, 100°50'E fired four torpedoes from 2500 yards. No hits were obtained.

1450 hours - Upon returing to periscope depth sighted both submarines still on the surface.

1518 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 4500 yards. The target was seen to alter away one minute after firing so both torpedoes missed. The submarines attacked were most likely the Japanese RO 113 or RO 115 (both offsite links).

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

1653 hours - In position 02°49'N, 100°03'E sighted a merchant ship bearing 244°, range 9000 yards, enemy course 095°. The ship was about 2000 tons and was escorted by two submarine chasers. Started attack.

1727 hours - In position 02°47'N, 101°04'E fired one torpedo from 1500 yards. The torpedo was heard to hit the target. HE ceased immediately. Went deep and retired to the North-East after firing.

1815 hours - Returned to periscope depth. It was nearly dark. Sighted the merchant vessel laying stopped.

1847 hours - 7 Depth charges were dropped but none were close. Strongbow was hunted until 2000 hours but no further depth charges were dropped. (9)

18 Oct 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) attacked a Japanese merchant vessel at anchor inside Sabang Bay. The torpedo fired at it hit an anti-torpedo net.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1330 hours - Sighted masts and funnel of a merchant ship in Sabang harbour. Proceeded to work round the 100 fathom line and entered Sabang Bay. The merchant ship was of about 4000 tons and appeared to be laden.

1523 hours - Fired the stern torpedo from 3500 yards. After it ran 2200 yards it exploded, most likely on hitting an anti-torpedo net. Retired to the Northward. No hunt followed, only an MTB was seen patrolling in Sabang Bay. (9)

23 Oct 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. She was escorted in by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. L.C. Cockrell, RNR). On arriving in harbour noise trials were carried out. (10)

7 Nov 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) was docked at Trincomalee. (11)

12 Nov 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) was undocked. (11)

13 Nov 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (11)

15 Nov 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Sumatra. Before proceeding on patrol exercises were carried out with HMIS Pansy (A/Lt.Cdr. R.G. Main, RINR) which then escorted HMS Strongbow out until 2230/15. (11)

15 Nov 1944
For the daily and attack positions of HMS Strongbow during her 4th war patrol see the map below.

28 Nov 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) sank a Japanese tug and a barge with gunfire off the west coast of Sumatra.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1205 hours - In position 01°11'S, 100°20'E sighted a 150 tons tug, flying the Japanese ensign. She was towing a large metal lighter of about 100 tons. She was passing between Pagang Island and the mainland.

1216 hours - Surfaced and engaged the tug with the 3" gun. Range was 1000 yards. The third round was a hit. 118 rounds were fired for 70 to 80 hits.

1237 hours - Dived in position 01°12'S, 100°22'E.

1240 hours - The tug disappeared into a cloud of steam, most likely it sank. The lighter was not seen also, considered it sank too. (9)

29 Nov 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) carried out a special operation (details 'hopefully' to follow). (9)

30 Nov 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) sank three sailing vessels with gunfire off the west coast of Sumatra.

(All times are zone 6.5)
1100 hours - Surfaced in position 00°28'S, 99°56'E and boarded a small prau. The cargo was copra. The prau was accidentaly rammed and was making water so took the crew prisoner.

1109 hours - Dived.

1300 hours - The prau was still on the surface and did not sink as expected.

1430 hours - Sighted two large junks and a small one at anchor.

1519 hours - Surfaced in position 00°36'S, 100°04'E and opened fire from 1000 yards at the 3 junks. One was of 70 tons, one of 50 tons and the small one was 15 tons.

1523 hours - Shore batteries opened fire.

1524 hours - Straddle. Increased to full speed and left the area. It was not possible to dive due to the shallow water. All junks had been sunk. 36 rounds had been fired for 33 hits.

1527 hours - A rain squall came to the aid of HMS Strongbow.

1531 hours - Dived. (9)

10 Dec 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. She was escorted in by HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN). (12)

26 Dec 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. On return to harbour noise trials were carried out. (12)

29 Dec 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) was docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. After only a few hours in the dock she was undocked. (12)

30 Dec 1944
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 5th war patrol (4th in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Straits.

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

(12)

8 Jan 1945
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) attacked and damaged a large tug towing 2 fuel lighters off the East coast of Sumatra.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0916 hours - In position 03°01'N, 100°06'E sighted smoke and a mast bearing 203°. Closed at speed.

0935 hours - Sighted masts of 4 coasters steering 140° in line ahead about 2000 yards apart.

0940 hours - Surfaced and closed at 14 knots. The coasters were about 8 nautical miles away and appeared to be of the 150 tons standard type.

0948 hours - Radar detected an aircraft at 52000 yards and closing.

0951 hours - Sighted what looked like three large coasters coming out of the Panei river North bound. As these gave a better chance of interception altered course to 235° to close.

0955 hours - Sighted an aircraft at 8000 feet, range 8 nautical miles. Dived. Was quite certain we had not been sighted.

1000 hours - The aircraft proceeded down the coast. Continued to close submerged.

1015 hours - The target was now seen to be a large tug towing 2 oil lighters.

1033 hours - Surfaced and engaged the target from 5000 yards.

1036 hours - Sighted a large vessel coming down the coast along the Jumpul bank.

1041 hours - After having fired 23 round for 1 or 2 hits broke off the gun action and dived. The vessel that was seen approaching was considered a more worth wile target. However after 10 minutes the target was not seen and it became obvious that he had turned and fled the scene. The original target was now in very shallow water and therefore could not be attacked again. Proceeded slowly up the coast while dived but nothing more was seen. (9)

10 Jan 1945
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire about 20 nautical miles South-West of Penang.

Late in the afternoon Strongbow was detected by a Japanese warship that attacked with a pattern of 6 depth charges but these did no damage.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1214 hours - In position 04°52'N, 100°01'E sank a junk of 40 tons with gunfire. Took one prisoner, a most intelligent and well educated Chinaman who spoke English well.

1225 hours - Dived. (9)

13 Jan 1945
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) was detected by a Japanese escort group during an A/S sweep near Port Swettenham. She was depth charged and sustained a considerable amount of damage forcing her to abandon the patrol and return to Trincomalee.

Most likely the ships involved in this A/S sweep were the Japanese minelayer (used as escort vessel) Hatsutaka, the Japanese submarines chaser Ch-9 (both offsite links) and the Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser Cha-41 as well as one other vessel.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0600 hours - In position 03°25'N, 100°54'E sighted what was thought to be a Mikura-class frigate bearing 300°, one large submarine chaser or frigate bearing 080°, one small 'PC boat' bearing 145° and a small A/S vessel bearing 020°. Strongbow was right in the middle of all four ships. Two were closing from the Southward and two from the Northward.

0605 hours - Silenced the submarine. All four vessels continued to close.

0620 hours - Went to 80 feet.

0640 hours - One vessel came in to attack using Asdics.

0645 hours - He passed close astern and dropped a pattern of 3 depth charges reasonably close.

0651 hours - One of the other ships passed close down the Port side and dropped another pattern of 3 depth charges.

0709 hours - All Asdic impulses ceased as well as all HE.

0822 hours - Returned to periscope depth. One of the A/S vessels was in sight on the Port quarter about 4 nautical miles away. Remained silenced. Retired to the Westward.

0849 hours - The vessel on the Port quarted turned towards and started closing while operating Asdics. Went deep again.

0859 hours - The vessel commenced an attack. A pattern of 4 depth charges was dropped close down the Port side causing some damage. Strongbow went to 125 feet.

0956 hours - Another attack in which 5 depth charges were dropped very close. Only minor damage was caused.

014 hours - All HE and Asdic impulses again faded out.

1100 hours - HE was picked up again on the Port quarter closing steadily operating Asdics. The vessel gained contact at 3000 yards.

1129 hours - One depth charge was dropped close astern.

1142 hours - Again HE and Asdic impulses faded out.

1311 hours - The A/S vessel approached again from the Port quarter. The vessel gained contact but did not attack but remained on the Port quarter.

1330 hours - A second vessel appeared to be in contact on the Starboard beam. Both vessels remained in contact without attacking.

1412 hours - One vessel came right overhead and dropped a pattern of 3 depth charges. These were very close and caused considerable damage.

1430 hours - Strongbow bottomed at 165 feet. All machinery was switched off. No further attacks followed.

2000 hours - Surfaced in position 03°31'N, 100°34'E and proceeded to the Southward on main motors while repairs were undertaken. Course was later changed towards the East coast of Sumatra.

The next day a signal was sent to Capt. S/2 with the state of the submarine. Strongbow was later ordered to return to Trincomalee. (9)

19 Jan 1945
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (4th in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (13)

15 Feb 1945
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) was docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (14)

21 Feb 1945
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) was undocked. (14)

5 Mar 1945
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) was docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (15)

19 Mar 1945
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) was undocked. (15)

4 Apr 1945
After a long period of repairs HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted engine trials off Trincomalee. (16)

6 Apr 1945
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted D/F and D/G trials off Trincomalee. (16)

7 Apr 1945
During 7 and 8 April 1945 HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night exercises. (16)

12 Apr 1945
During 12 and 13 April 1945 HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night exercises. (16)

19 Apr 1945
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for her 6th war patrol (5th in the Far East). She was ordered to perform a weather reporting patrol in the Bay of Bengal and just South of the Bay of Bengal. Before proceeding on patrol exercises were carried out with HMS Magnolia (T/Lt. R. Adamson, RNVR).

Capt. S.2, of the Submarine Flotilla Strongbow was a member of, considered her fit for operations after her repairs. The Admiralty however decided otherwise. Strongbow was sent on a weather reporting mission before proceeding back to the U.K. for refit. In fact the refit would never materialise and she was sold for scrap after the war. (16)

19 Apr 1945
For the daily positions of HMS Strongbow during her 6th war patrol see the map below.

13 May 1945
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (5th in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (17)

23 May 1945
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) departed Trincomalee for Aden. This was the first leg of the trip back to the U.K. for more repairs and refit.

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

(17)

2 Jun 1945
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden. She departed for Suez later the same day. (18)

7 Jun 1945
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) arrived at Suez. (18)

8 Jun 1945
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) transited the Suez Canal Northbound and arrived at Port Said. (18)

15 Jun 1945
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) departed Port Said for Gibraltar. (18)

23 Jun 1945
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (18)

24 Jun 1945
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Portsmouth. (18)

30 Jun 1945
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (18)

2 Jul 1945
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) departed Portsmouth for Chatham where she will be docked and undergo a survey to establish if she would be repaired / refitted. (1)

3 Jul 1945
HMS Strongbow (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) arrived at Chatham Dockyard.

After survey it was decided not to refit HMS Strongbow. (1)