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Notable events involving Scythian include:

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

This page was last updated in February 2020.

15 Aug 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) departed her builders yard for Holy Loch where she arrived later the same day. at Holy Loch she started a period of trials and training. (1)

17 Aug 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted speed trials on the Arran measured mile. (1)

18 Aug 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

19 Aug 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

22 Aug 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted D/F trials in the Clyde area. (1)

24 Aug 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) shifted from Holy Loch to the torpedo firing range at Arrochar. (1)

25 Aug 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted torpedo discharge trials at the torpedo firing range at Arrochar. (1)

26 Aug 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted torpedo discharge trials at the torpedo firing range at Arrochar. (1)

27 Aug 1944
Having completed her torpedo discharge trials, HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR), shifted from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (1)

29 Aug 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted RDF exercises in the Clyde area. Upon completion of these she proceeded to Campbeltown. (1)

30 Aug 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Cutty Sark (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN). (1)

31 Aug 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. These were followed by night attack exercises during which HMS Cutty Sark (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) served as the target. (1)

1 Sep 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) proceeded to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (2)

3 Sep 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted attack and RDF exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Cutty Sark (Lt. H.J. Bartlett, DSC, RN) served as the target. On completion of these exercises HMS Scythian proceeded to Campbeltown. (2)

4 Sep 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) shifted from Campbeltown to Holy Loch. (2)

5 Sep 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She makes the passage together with HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN). They were escorted by the armed yacht HMS Cutty Sark. (2)

7 Sep 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) arrived at Scapa Flow. Here she is to conduct attack and A/S exercises. (2)

8 Sep 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Cambrian (Lt.Cdr. H.T. Harrel, RN). (2)

10 Sep 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted attack exercises at Scapa Flow during which HMS Trusty (Lt. L.E. Herrick, DSO, RN) served as target. (2)

11 Sep 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Milne (Capt. M. Richmond, DSO, OBE, RN) and HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN). (2)

12 Sep 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) participated in A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with trawlers from the local defence force. (2)

13 Sep 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow. (2)

16 Sep 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow. These however had to be broken off due to the weather conditions. (2)

17 Sep 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted attack exercises off Scapa Flow during which HMS Indefatigable (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN) served as target. The carrier, which was also out for exercises, was escorted by HMS Caprice (Lt.Cdr. G.W. McKendrick, RN) and HMS Offa (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Biggs, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN). (3)

18 Sep 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Caprice (Lt.Cdr. G.W. McKendrick, RN). (2)

19 Sep 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. W. Scott, DSC and Bar, RN). (2)

20 Sep 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. W. Scott, DSC and Bar, RN). (2)

21 Sep 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with HMS Cambrian (Lt.Cdr. H.T. Harrel, RN). (2)

24 Sep 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She makes the passage together with HMS Sea Scout (Lt. J.W. Kelly, RN) and HMS Sceptre (Lt. I.S. McIntosh, MBE, DSO, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Shikari (Lt. E.H.U. Cautley, RNVR). (2)

26 Sep 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) arrived at Holy Loch to continue her training period off the East coast of Scotland and off Northern Ireland. (2)

27 Sep 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) departed Holy Loch for Larne. (2)

28 Sep 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) arrived at Larne. (2)

29 Sep 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (2)

30 Sep 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMCS Assiniboine (A/Lt.Cdr. R.P. Welland, DSC, RCN), HMCS Chaudiere (A/Lt.Cdr. C.P. Nixon, RCN), HMCS Skeena (A/Lt.Cdr. P.F.X. Russell, RCN), HMCS Qa'Appelle (T/Cdr. J.D. Prentice, DSO, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Stephen, DSC, RCNR). (2)

1 Oct 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted attack exercises off Larne. The target was HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN) which was being escorted by several 'destroyers'. (4)

3 Oct 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (5)

4 Oct 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted attack exercises off Larne. The target was HMS Philante (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN) which was being escorted by several 'destroyers'. (4)

5 Oct 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with the 10th Escort Group. (4)

6 Oct 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (4)

7 Oct 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (4)

8 Oct 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (4)

9 Oct 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (4)

10 Oct 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. (4)

12 Oct 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted night exercises in the Clyde area with a COPP party. (4)

13 Oct 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) completed her night exercises with a COPP party. She then anchored in Kilbrannan Sound. (4)

14 Oct 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted night exercises in the Clyde area with a COPP party. (4)

15 Oct 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) completed her night exercises with a COPP party. She then proceeded to Holy Loch. (4)

17 Oct 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted attack exercies in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (4)

18 Oct 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) completed her attack exercies in the Clyde area. She then retuned to Holy Loch. (4)

19 Oct 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted attack exercies in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (4)

20 Oct 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (4)

21 Oct 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) served as the target. These included night exercises. (4)

22 Oct 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (4)

24 Oct 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (4)

2 Nov 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted special A/S exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Kingfisher (T/Lt. F.D. Betts, RNR). These included night exercises. (6)

3 Nov 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (6)

5 Nov 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) departed Holy Loch for her 1st war patrol. This was a work-up patrol in the North Sea.

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

(7)

19 Nov 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. (7)

21 Nov 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She was escorted by the British sloop HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN). (6)

23 Nov 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) arrived at Holy Loch. (6)

27 Nov 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) was docked in AFD 7 at Holy Loch. (6)

2 Dec 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) was undocked. (8)

4 Dec 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. (8)

12 Dec 1944
For the daily positions of HMS Scythian during the passage from Holy Loch to Trincomalee see the map below.

(8)

12 Dec 1944

Combined convoy OS 98 / KMS 72.

The first section of the convoy departed the Clyde on 12 December 1944.

This section was made up of the following merchant vessels; City of Agra (British, 6361 GRT, built 1936), Fort Anne (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Grouard (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Maaskerk (Dutch, 4343 GRT, built 1929), Pandorian (British, 4159 GRT, built 1941), Ragnhild (Norwegian, 2833 GRT, built 1941), Sambrian (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samteviot (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), San Casto (Belgian, 2588 GRT, built 1938) and Tactician (British, 5996 GRT, built 1928). The convoy was escorted by the corvettes HMS Leeds Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.T. Hodson, DSC and Bar, RNVR), HMS Pentstemon (T/Lt. D.C. Williams, RNVR) and HMS Rhododendron (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H. Vernon, RNR).

Around 0800A/13, the submarines HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) and HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) joined the convoy.

Later that morning some merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Belfast, these were the following; Harmattan (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930) and Nela (British, 7220 GRT, built 1916).

Around 1100A/15, to the south of Ireland, in approximate position 50°50'N 7°52'W, the following merchant vessels which made up the Liverpool and Milford Haven sections of the convoy joined the convoy; Amstelkerk (Dutch, 4457 GRT, built 1929), Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915), Campus (British, 3667 GRT, built 1925), Commandant Dorise (French, 5529 GRT, built 1917), Consuelo (British, 4847 GRT, built 1937), Empire Clive (British, 7069 GRT, built 1941), Empire Mallory (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Empire Meteor (British, 7457 GRT, built 1940), Empire Planet (British, 4290 GRT, built 1923), Fort St. James (British, 7128 GRT, built 1942), Hartlepool (British, 5500 GRT, built 1932), Joshua Thomas (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jurko Topic (Yugoslavian, 5202 GRT, built 1919), Leonidas (Greek, 4573 GRT, built 1929), Lornaston (British, 4934 GRT, built 1925), Monkleigh (British, 5203 GRT, built 1927), New Texas (British, 6568 GRT, built 1919), Newchang (British, 2482 GRT, built 1922), Norefjord (Norwegian, 3082 GRT, built 1920), Peebles (British, 4982 GRT, built 1936), Princes Maria-Pia (Belgian, 2588 GRT, built 1938), Samcrest (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944) and Souliotis (Greek, 4299 GRT, built 1917).

The cable laying vessel HMS St. Margarets (T/A/Cdr. E.W. Witney, RNR) also joined.

The Liverpool and Milford Haven sections had been escorted to the rendezvous position by the A/S trawlers HMS Brimness (A/Skr.Lt. C.W. Burman, RNR) (from Liverpool), HMS Thornwick Bay (T/A/Skr.Lt. G. Clixby, RNR) and HMS Van Dyk (T/A/Skr.Lt. W.G. Euston, RNR) (both from Milford Haven).

The convoy was dispersed A.M. on the 17th on reaching latitude 47°00'N.

The two submarines proceeded to Gibraltar escorted by HMS Leeds Castle.

HMS Pentstemon and HMS Rhododendron proceeded to join northbound convoy MKS 70.

12 Dec 1944
Around 1530A/12, HMS Torbay (Lt. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) and HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) departed from Holy Loch for passage to Ceylon. The first leg of the trip is to Gibraltar. She makes the passage to Gibraltar with convoy OS 98 / KMS 72.

Around 1800A/12 the submarines anchored in Kilchattan Bay where they then spent the night.

Around 0200A/13, the submarines weighed anchor and proceeded to make rendezvous to the south of Ireland with the combined convoy OS 98 / KMS 72. During passage to the rendezvous the submarines were escorted by HMS Hastings (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN).

The submarines made rendezvous with the convoy north-east of Belfast Lough in position 54°55'N, 05°27'W around 0800A/13. HMS Hastings then parted company and proceeded to Holy Loch.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy OS 98 / KMS 72 ' for 12 December 1944.] (9)

20 Dec 1944
Around 1900A/20, HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. C.P. Norman, DSO, RN) and HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) and their escort, HMS Leeds Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.T. Hodson, DSC and Bar, RNVR), arrived at Gibraltar. (10)

26 Dec 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) departed Gibraltar for Malta. (8)

30 Dec 1944
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) arrived at Malta. (8)

3 Jan 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) departed Malta for Port Said. (11)

7 Jan 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) arrived at Port Said. (11)

16 Jan 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) departed Port Said for Aden. (11)

21 Jan 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) arrived at Aden. (11)

22 Jan 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) departed Aden for Trincomalee. (11)

3 Feb 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) arrived at Trincomalee. (12)

13 Feb 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) was docked at Trincomalee. (12)

15 Feb 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) was undocked. (12)

22 Feb 1945
During 22 and 23 February HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These also included night exercises. (12)

24 Feb 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) departed Trincomalee for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off the Mergui Archipelago.

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

(7)

3 Mar 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) was ordered to perform air/sea rescue duties. These lasted until 5 March. (7)

8 Mar 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) sank three sailing vessels with gunfire off the coast of Burma (between Rangoon and the Mergui Archipelago).

(All times are zone -6.5)
0742 hours - Sighted two junks in position 14°21'N, 97°49'E. Surfaced for gun action. Closed the range on the surface to 2000 yards and then opened fire. The first and largest junk sank after being hit by the 8th round. Fire was then shifted to the second junk. Shortly afterwards this junk lowered her sails so fire was held and the junk was boarded. Examination disclosed a small cargo of rice, vegetables and tobacco leaf. It was decided not to sink such a small vessel with such an important cargo.

0815 hours - Dived in position 14°21'N, 97°49'E.

1039 hours - Sighted another junk close inshore. Closed submerged to the 10 fathom line.

1110 hours - Surfaced in position 14°19'N, 97°56'E and opened fire from 3000 yards. The 23th round hit and the junk sank.

1126 hours - Dived in position 14°20'N, 97°55'E.

1233 hours - Sighted a Northbound junk. Closed submerged to the 10 fathom line.

1305 hours - Surfaced in position 14°19'N, 97°56'E and opened fire from 2000 yards. The 13th round hit well forward and the target settled. It was considered that she would sink.

1320 hours - Dived in position 14°18'N, 97°55'E.

A few more junks were stopped later on the day but they were all allowed to proceed. (7)

10 Mar 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) was ordered to perform air/sea rescue duties. These lasted until 12 March. (7)

14 Mar 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) sank three sailing vessels with gunfire off the coast of Burma (between Rangoon and the Mergui Archipelago).

(All times are zone -6.5)
0801 hours - Sighted a Mergui type junk to the North of Oyster Island and shortly afterwards sighted another junk to the southward. As they were on opposite courses decided to remain dived until they met. However shortly afterwards the junk disappeared into a bay.

1005 hours - Surfaced in position 13°45'N, 98°04'E and attacked one of the junks with gunfire. 25 Rounds were fired for several hits and the junk was completely demolished.

Course was now set to pass between Oyster Island and the mainland. Shortly afterwards the second junk was discovered in a small bay. Opened fire from 1200 yards. The first round was already a hit and the crew was seen to dive overboard. More hits were obtained and the remnants of the target were seen to drift ashore.

1109 hours - Dived in position 13°45'N, 98°04'E.

1525 hours - Altered course to the South Eastward to close two small junks close to the shore.

1545 hours - Surfaced in position 13°54'N, 98°03'E and opened fire at the southerly target from 2200 yards. The crew dived overboard and swam clear. Fire was continued and after 18 rounds and 5 or 6 hits the junk broke up and sank. Closed and picked up 7 survivors from the water.

1617 hours - Course was now set towards the shore and the survivors (Burmese) shouted people on the shore. Shortly afterwards they were taken off by small fishing sampans. (7)

15 Mar 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) sank two sailing vessels with gunfire and scuttling charges of the Mergui Archipelago, Burma.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0530 hours - Dived in position 13°57'N, 97°55'E and headed eastwards towards yesterday's hunting ground.

0725 hours - Sighted a large Mergui type junk fairly close inshore. Closed submerged but shortly afterwards the junk disappeared.

0755 hours - Surfaced in position 13°58'N, 98°02'E and continued to close the shore. The target was shortly afterwards seen to be anchored close to the rocks. 10 rounds were fired for 4 hits and the junk was seen to break up.

0833 hours - Dived in position 13°58'N, 98°03'E and resumed patrol.

1115 hours - Sighted a junk to the Northward so surfaced in position 13°59'N, 98°02'E. The junk immediately downed sails and the crew jumped overboard hanging on the stern of their vessel.

Closed and examined the vessel that was a small Mergui type vessel. They were sent on their way.

1149 hours - Dived in position 14°00'N, 98°02'E.

1528 hours - As this was Scythian's last day in her patrol area, T/Lt. Thode decided to carry out a surface inspection of the bays along the coast in daylight so surfaced in position 13°53'N, 98°02'E and headed southward. Shortly afterwards sighted a larger Mergui type junk ahead and opened fire at 2200 yards. The junk headed for the rocks with all sail set. After 6 rounds, for no hits, the sails were dropped and the crew jumped overboard and swam ashore.

1617 hours - The junk was boarded and sunk by a demolition charge. (7)

20 Mar 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) ended her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (7)

4 Apr 1945
During 4 and 5 April HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These also included night exercises. (13)

6 Apr 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) departed Trincomalee for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Strait.

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

(7)

14 Apr 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) is ordered to leave patrol and return to Trincomalee. (7)

19 Apr 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) ended her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (7)

25 Apr 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) departed Trincomalee for her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol in the Malacca Strait to provide cover for opartion Dracula (the capture of Rangoon).

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

(7)

11 May 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) sinks the Japanese coaster Akiyama Maru no. 10 and two Japanese landing craft with gunfire in the Malacca Straits.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0510 hours - Sighted a coaster, anchored in our area. As the light improved it was seen to be a Japanese coaster of about 100 tons.

0550 hours - Surfaced in position 02°36'N, 100°31'E and opened fire from 4000 yards. 60 Rounds were fired with about 20 hits. As there was no sign of the coaster sinking, closed to examine the wreck. Eight survivors were picked up. The wreck was very low in the water and was found to be wrecked by gunfire but it would not sink. Several items and papers were taken off the wreck.

0842 hours - Dived in position 02°45'N, 100°32'E and commenced the interrogation of the prisoners (which included two Japanese).

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

1605 hours - In position 02°45'N, 100°31'E sighted two landing craft examening the wreckage of the coaster. Closed submerged and found that they were 'A'-type Japanese landing craft well laden with Japanese soldiers.

1639 hours - Surfaced and opened fire from 3000 yards. Unfortunately the Oerlikon jammed. The enemy now opened fire with a (6-pdr) gun. One of the landing craft was meanwhile hit, but by this time Scythian was hit twice on the casing.

1648 hours - Dived to open the range. Shortly after diving one of the landing craft was seen to sink.

1705 hours - Surfaced to attack the remaining landing craft which was endeavouring to escape. 33 Rounds were fired from a range of 4000 yards and the landing craft sank, having put up no further opposition. The sites of both sinkings were visited and a number of dead Japanese soldiers, complete with tin hats were found floating in their life jackets. (7)

18 May 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire in the Strait of Malacca.

(All times are zone -6.5)
2337 hours - Sighted a junk in position 03°17'N, 100°11'E. An attempt was made to sink it with gunfire but this failed. She was then boarded. Demolition charges were placed but one of these failed to explode. 400 Rounds of Oerlikon ammo was then fired at here. The result was an excellent fire. (7)

19 May 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) sank a sailing vessel with gunfire in the Strait of Malacca.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0556 hours - In position 03°54'N, 99°34'E altered course towards a junk which proved to be a Chinese twakow of about 50 tons. The crew departed after one warning shot. Three further shots were fired for two hits and the twakow sank. (7)

24 May 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) ended her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Trincomalee.

HMS Scythian was not fit for further patrols until her battery was replaced. She also had to be fumigated as she was infested with rats. (7)

26 Jun 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) departed Trincomalee for Colombo. (14)

28 Jun 1945
HMS Scythian (T/Lt C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) arrived at Colombo to have her battery replaced. (14)

23 Jul 1945
HMS Scythian (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. (14)

25 Jul 1945
HMS Scythian (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) arrived at Trincomalee. (14)

16 Sep 1945
HMS Scythian (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) departed Trincomalee for Colombo. (14)

18 Sep 1945
HMS Scythian (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) arrived at Colombo. She departed for Suez later on the same day. (14)

2 Oct 1945
HMS Scythian (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) arrived at Suez. (14)

3 Oct 1945
HMS Scythian (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) transits the Suez Canal and arrived at Port Said. She departed for Alexandria later the same day. (14)

4 Oct 1945
HMS Scythian (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) arrived at Alexandria. (14)

12 Oct 1945
HMS Scythian (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) departed Alexandria for Gibraltar. (14)

19 Oct 1945
HMS Scythian (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) arrived at Gibraltar. She departed for Portsmouth later on the same day. (14)

24 Oct 1945
HMS Scythian (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) arrived at Portsmouth. (14)

13 Nov 1945
HMS Scythian (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.P. Thode, RNZNVR) was placed in reserve at Fort Blockhouse, Portsmouth. (14)