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Notable events involving Sturdy (ii) include:

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

This page was last updated in February 2015.

27 Dec 1943
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) departed Liverpool for Holy Loch. (1)

28 Dec 1943
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (1)

24 Jan 1944
HMS Syrtis (Lt. M.H. Jupp, DSC, RN) and HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which they made attacks on each other. These included night exercises. (2)

29 Jan 1944
HMS Vigorous (Lt. J.C. Ogle, DSC, RN) (Lt. J.C. Ogle, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS Breda (Lt.Cdr. G.G. Slade, RN) and HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) served as the targets.

Later gunnery exercises were carried out. These included night exercises. (3)

30 Jan 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) arrived at Campbeltown to participate in A/S exercises. (4)

1 Feb 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (5)

2 Feb 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Valena (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.McKinlay, RNR) and HMS Bretwalda (Skr. J.B. Henderson, RNR). (5)

3 Feb 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Tuscarora (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H.T. Pitt, RN) and HMS L' Atlantique (Skr. C.A. Collins, RNR). (5)

5 Feb 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR). (5)

6 Feb 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises with HMS La Flore (Lt. J. Mayling, RN) and HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RD, RNR). (5)

7 Feb 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises with HMS La Flore (Lt. J. Mayling, RN) and HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RD, RNR). (5)

8 Feb 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR). (5)

9 Feb 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Radiant (T/Lt. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR). (5)

10 Feb 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS La Flore (Lt. J. Mayling, RN). (5)

11 Feb 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted A/S exercises with HMS Boarhound (Skr. A. Keable, RNR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR). (5)

13 Feb 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) shifted from Campbeltown to Larne. En-route full power trials were conducted.

At Larne she continued her training program. (5)

24 Feb 1944
HMS Vivid (Lt. J.C. Varley, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft followed by night attack exercises with HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR). (6)

27 Feb 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. (5)

16 Mar 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) departed Holy Loch for Lerwick. She made the passage together with HMS Terrapin (Lt.Cdr. D.S.R. Martin, DSO and 2 bars, RN). The submarines were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (A/Cdr. E.A. Stocker, DSC, RN).

She is to proceed with dispatch to Lerwick and then to patrol off Southern Norway. The British are under the impression that the German battleship Tirpitz will return to Germany for repairs. (4)

17 Mar 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) arrived at Lerwick. (4)

18 Mar 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) departed Lerwick for her 1st war patrol. She was to take up a patrol position off the West coast of Norway, Stadlandet area. Later she was ordered to perform a anti-uboat patrol at patrol position HH (approximately 65°15'N, 01°15'E) and later at patrol position FF (approximately 63°30'N, 01°00'E).

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

View HMS Sturdy 1st war patrol in a larger map (7)

31 Mar 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. (7)

1 Apr 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) and HMS Vox (Lt. J.M. Michell, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. The submarines were escorted by HMS Sardonyx (A/Lt.Cdr. T.A. Easton, RNVR). (4)

3 Apr 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) arrived at Holy Loch. (4)

14 Apr 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) and HMS Vox (Lt. J.M. Michell, RN) departed Holy Loch for passage to Gibraltar. Sturdy was to proceed to the Far East and Vox to the Mediterranean.

The submarines were escorted during the passage south through the Irish Sea by HMS Sardonyx (A/Lt.Cdr. T.A. Easton, RNVR). (7)

14 Apr 1944

For the daily positions of HMS Sturdy during the passage from Holy Loch to the Far East see the map below.

View HMS Sturdy passage Holy Loch - Trincomalee in a larger map

25 Apr 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) arrived at Gibraltar. (7)

29 Apr 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) departed Gibraltar for Malta. (8)

4 May 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) arrived at Malta. (9)

5 May 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) departed Malta for Port Said. (9)

9 May 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) arrived at Port Said. (9)

16 May 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) departed Port Said, transited the Suez Canal and set course for Aden. (9)

21 May 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) arrived at Aden. (9)

24 May 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) departed Aden for Trincomalee. (9)

3 Jun 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) arrived at Trincomalee. (10)

20 Jun 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Trincomaee. These included two practice attacks on HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR). (10)

20 Jun 1944
HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) and HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included gunnery exercises and practice attacks on each other. (11)

21 Jun 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) departed Trincomalee for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Siam.

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

View HMS Sturdy 2nd war patrol in a larger map (7)

25 Jun 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) made a torpedo attack on a escorted large Japanese coaster in the Andaman Sea. No hits were optained. Sturdy was counter-attacked by the escort with depth charges but sustained no damage.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0941 hours - Sighted masts of a ship bearing 345°. The vessel was soon seen to be a 1200 tons coaster escorted by a Motor Launch. Turned towards.

0959 hours - Dived in position 08°46'N, 96°23'E. The vessel now came straight towards. Enemy course was 168°, speed 6 knots.

1049 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 1200 yards but no hits were obtained. The torpedoes most likely missed astern as the speed was most likely more than 6 knots.

1054 hours - The escort dropped it's first depth charge. In all, over the next two hours, 12 depth charges were dropped, but none were close and no damage was caused.

1520 hours - Surfaced in position 08°50'N, 96°34'E.

(7)

30 Jun 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) sank a sailing vessel with demolition charges South-East of Phuket, Siam.

(All times are zone -6.5)
2232 hours - Sighted a junk. Closed to investigate. It was feared the crew of the junk meanwhile had seen Sturdy. Decided to sink it.

2245 hours - Boarded the junk. She was of about 30 to 40 tons and had a cargo of rice.

2317 hours - Sank the junk with demolition charges in position 07°30'N, 98°45'E. (7)

4 Jul 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) sank two tugs and three lighters with gunfire East of Phuket, Siam.

(All times are zone -6.5) 1038 hours - In position 07°53'N, 98°44'E sighted a medium seized tug towing two 100 tons lighters. These were seen to be fully laden.

1105 hours - Surfaced for gun action. Opened fire on the tug. She promptly slipped her tow and made off to the Northward. Gave chase and after four hits on her stern she was abandoned by her crew. After a few more hits her boiler exploded. She was left ablaze from end to end and in a sinking condition.

1117 hours - Shifted target to the two lighters. Several hits were scored on both of them and they were left in a sinking condition. Sturdy retired to the South.

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

1530 hours - Sighted smoke to the South, turned towards. Shortly afterwards the masts of a small ship could be seen heading towards Sturdy. On closer examination it was seen to be another tug towing what appeared to be a large tank landing craft containing about 50 to 100 men. There also appeared to be a gun on its stern. Lt. Anderson decided to fire three torpedoes.

1715 hours - Fired three torpedoes from 500 yards, two at the tug and one at the landing craft. The torpedoes were set to four feet but dispite this one was seen to pass under the tug and one under the landing craft.

1718 hours - Surfaced for gun action. Opened fire on the landing craft, the first round was already a hit. It was however soon seen to be a lighter with a ramp, there was no gun and the people aboard were seen to be Chinese. Shifted fire to the tug which was soon disabled. 58 rounds were fired in the action, 3 missed, 55 !!! were hits. The tug and the lighter sank soon afterwards in position 07°21'N, 99°07'E. Sturdy retired to the West. (7)

6 Jul 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) sank two vessels with demolition charges and funfire near Phuket, Siam.

(All times are zone -6.5)
2310 hours (5th) - Sighted a darkened shape to the Southward. Tured towards.

2343 hours (5th) - Dived.

0030 hours (6th) - The object was identified as a junk.

0040 hours - Surfaced and boarded a 50 tons junk. Placed demolition charges.

0115 hours - The junk exploded and sank in position 07°25'N, 99°03'E. Set course to try to intercept the ferry from Phuket.

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

1501 hours - Sighted the ferry coming from Phuket. It was the larger of the two ferries.

1520 hours - Surfaced for gun action. Opened fire from 500 yards with the last remaining shells (star shell). These failed to explode but the ferry was holed on the waterline.

Opened fire with the Oerlikon dispite the (about 200) passengers aboard. The ferry still refused to stop and tried to escape. When she put the helm hard over the shell holes were put under water and she capsized and sank at 1535 hours in postion 07°57'N, 98°44'E.

7 Jul 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) sank two sailing vessels with gunfire off the west coast of Siam.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1845 hours - Surfaced in position 06°54'N, 99°28'E.

1915 hours - Boarded a 30 tons junk. Cargo was rice. Took one prisoner and placed demolition charges.

1930 hours - The junk exploded and sank in position 06°54'N, 99°32'E.

1955 hours - Board a junk of 87 tons. Cargo was rice. Took a prisoner and placed demolition charges.

2005 hours - The junk exploded and sank in position 06°55'N, 99°35'E. (7)

14 Jul 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) ended her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Trincomalee. (7)

29 Jul 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) was docked at Trincomalee. (12)

1 Aug 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) was undocked. (13)

1 Aug 1944
During 1 and 2 August 1944, HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) and HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR), conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included gunnery exercises and practice attacks on each other. (14)

4 Aug 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted noise trials and gunnery exercises off Trincomalee. She also made a practice attack on the aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable (Capt. J.A.S. Eccles, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, CB, RN).

HMS Sturdy remained out for night exercises and only returned to harbour around 1315FG/5. (13)

7 Aug 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) departed Trincomalee for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She was ordered to patrol off the West coast of Burma. Upon completion of this patrol Sturdy was to proceed to Fremantle, Australia.

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

View HMS Sturdy 3rd war patrol in a larger map (7)

14 Aug 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) sank two Japanese coasters with gunfire off the west coast of Burma (Mergui Archipelago).

(All times are zone -6.5)
0414 hours - Sighted two darkened vessels bearing 290°, range 3000 yards. Closed to investigate. Soon after both vessels sighted Sturdy and opened fire with machine guns. One vessel turned towards and closed rapidly. As the vessels could not yet be identified Sturdy dived in position 11°07'N, 98°22'E. No depth charges were dropped by the enemy.

0445 hours - Surfaced, nothing in sight. Set course to chase the targets.

0550 hours - Sighted both vessels again in the middle of Forrest Strait. They were seen to be two coasters of about 100 to 200 tons. They were armed with marchine guns and depth charges. Opened fire from 6000 yards. The vessels turned stern on and opened fire with their machine guns. These were quickly silenced with the Oerlikon. Soon after one of them stopped after being hit with the 3" gun, the other stopped only after 20 minutes and several hits. Both appeared to abandon ship. By now 140 rounds had been fired and both vessels were full of holes but refused to sink. Sturdy closed one of the vessels to 50 yards when two Japanese were seen crawling along the deck towards the depth charges, they were quickly killed. The coaster was now boarded and a demolition charge was placed and the ship scuttled.

Sturdy now proceeded to the other coaster. Once again a Japanese was seen crawling towards the stern, he was killed. This coaster was then also boarded and a demolition charge was placed. When it exploded she still refused to sink. She was left as she was clearly beyond salvage.

0730 hours - The action was over now. Position of the sinkings was 10°57'N, 98°22'E. One Japanese prisoner was taken. (7)

27 Aug 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) sank a Japanese fishing vessel with gunfire in the Indian Ocean, about 160 nautical miles West of Enggano Island.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0511 hours - In position 05°29'S, 99°37'E sighted two lights bearing 130°. Turned towards and closed.

0530 hours - Identified the target as a large fishing vessel of about 150 tons.

0533 hours - Opened fire with the 3" gun from 3000 yards. Several hits were scored in the first few minutes. The vessel was brought to a standstill and two fires were started forward. The crew was seen to abandon ship. Proceeded alongside, boarded and placed a demolition charge.

The charge broke the vessel in two. The stern sank immediately. The bows remained floating but was buring furiously. Two prisoners were taken they were Sumatrans or Javanese. The other survivors were Japanese and they refused to be picked up. (7)

29 Aug 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) reconnoitred Christmas Island. Nothing of interest was seen. (7)

2 Sep 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) arrived at Exmouth Gulf for fuel. (7)

3 Sep 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) departed Exmouth Gulf for Fremantle. (7)

6 Sep 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) ended her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Fremantle, Australia. (7)

20 Sep 1944
During 20 and 21 September 1944 HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Fremantle. These included night exercises. (15)

24 Sep 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) departed Fremantle for her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Far East and 1st in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol South of Celebes, Gulf of Boni area.

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

View HMS Sturdy 4th war patrol in a larger map (7)

25 Sep 1944
During a test dive the high power periscope of HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) was flooded. She set course to return to Fremantle. (7)

26 Sep 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) arrived back at Fremantle where the high power periscope was changed for another one. After topping off with fuel, fresh provisions and water Sturdy departed again to resume her patrol. (7)

29 Sep 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) arrived at Exmouth Gulf for fuel. (7)

30 Sep 1944
After fuelling HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) departed Exmouth Gulf for her patrol area. (7)

4 Oct 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) passed through Ombai Strait Northbound. (7)

8 Oct 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) sank a coaster with gunfire off the Gulf of Boni, Celebes, Netherlands East Indies.

(All times are zone -8)
1105 hours - Sighted a large coaster of about 1200 tons. Decided to attack with torpedoes, started attack. Shortly afterwards it was seen that the target was smaller then first thought, obout 300 tons. Decided to attack with gunfire.

1111 hours - Surfaced in position 05°30'S, 120°29'E. Opened fire from 2500 yards. 37 Rounds were fired and only 2 missed.

1122 hours - The coaster sank. Set course to the Southward to examine three schooners.

1136 hours - A shore battery opened fire so turned away and dived. (7)

13 Oct 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) sank a coaster and 6 schooners off Towari, Celebes, Netherlands East Indies.

(All times are zone -8)
1735 hours - Sighted a coaster of about 300-400 tons steering 110° at 6 knots. She was armed with machine guns and depth charges.

1802 hours - Surfaced for gun action.

1804 hours - The coaster sank in position 04°40'S, 121°27'E. Now gave chase to the 6 schooners sighted earlier in the day.

1910 hours - Boarded the first schooner. She was well laden with nickel ore. A demolition charge was placed and she exploded and sank shortly afterwards. 20 Minutes later found and boarded 4 other schooners. They all carried nickel ore. They were all sunk by demolition charges in position 04°40'S, 121°27'E.

2100 hours - Found the 6th schooner. She was also boarded and found to carry general cargo. Once again a demolition charge was placed and she sank in position 04°39'S, 121°21'E. Sturdy then departed the area towards the South-West. (7)

14 Oct 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) sank the Japanese Communication Vessel No.128 (230 GRT) with gunfire and a schooner with demolition charges off the Gulf of Boni, Celebes, Netherlands East Indies.

(All times are zone -8)
1330 hours - Sighted a coaster estimated to be 300 tons proceeding in a Northerly direction.

1400 hours - Surfaced and opened fire with the 3" gun. The coaster responded with machine gun fire, which were quickly silenced.

1420 hours - The coaster sank in position 05°21'S, 120°30'E. Picked up one prisoner.

1446 hours - Dived.

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

1850 hours - Surfaced in position 05°25'S, 120°30'E.

1915 hours - Sighted a schooner. Closed and boarded. Cargo was general and spare parts for diesel engines. She was sunk by a demolition charge in position 05°24'S, 120°30'E. Proceeded to the North-East. (7)

15 Oct 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) sank two schooners with demolition charges off the Gulf of Boni, Celebes, Netherlands East Indies.

(All times are zone -8)
1832 hours - Surfaced in position 04°38'S, 120°32'E.

1845 hours - Closed two schooners and boarded them. They both carried nickel ore. Demolition charges were placed and they sank in position 04°40'S, 121°19'E. (7)

16 Oct 1944
Late in the morning, in position 05°32'S, 120°32'E (South-West of the Gulf of Boni) HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) is depth charged by a Japanese A/S trawler. The depth charges were way off and Sturdy was not damaged.

Sturdy had remained on the surface for a gun duel but as the trawlers shooting was a bit more accurate then expected Lt. Anderson broke off the action and dived. (7)

17 Oct 1944
During the night of 17 / 18 October 1944 HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) passed through Lombok Strait Southbound. (7)

24 Oct 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) ended her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Far East and 1st in the South-West Pacific area) at Fremantle, Australia. (7)

4 Nov 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) left the slipway and was put back in the water (The log of Sturdy does not mention when she was put on the slip). (15)

9 Nov 1944
During 9 and 10 November 1944, HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN), HMS Spiteful (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Sherwood, DSC, RCNVR) and HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Fremantle. These also included night exercises.

Convoy attack exercises were carried out during which HMAS Bunbury (Lt. J.F. Bleckman, RANR(S)), HMAS Inverell (Lt. A.I. Chapman, RANR(S)), HMAS Launceston (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.J. Barron, RANR(S)), HMAS Mildura (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Little, RANR(S)) and HMAS Warrnambool (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) E.J.B. Wight, RAN) served as the targets. (16)

12 Nov 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) departed Fremantle for her 5th war patrol (4th in the Far East and 2nd in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol in the Java Sea.

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

View HMS Sturdy 5th war patrol in a larger map (7)

19 Nov 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) arrived at Darwin for fuel, water and fresh provisions. (7)

20 Nov 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) departed Darwin for her patrol area. (7)

25 Nov 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) sank a coaster with gunfire off the South-East coast of Borneo.

(All times are zone -8)
1655 hours - Sighted masts. The target was soon identified as a medium seized coaster of about 350 tons. Closed to attack.

1740 hours - Surfaced in position 03°58'S, 115°37'E on the targets Starboard quarter and opened fire with the 3" gun. 68 Rounds were fired for 40 hits. The vessel showed no signs of sinking or catching fire. 50 People had abandoned ship but about the same number, including women and children, were still on board. As this ship was of value to the enemy she had to be scuttled. Demolition charges were placed and four minutes later she exploded in position 03°55'S, 115°37'E. She was still burning an hour later but was clearly a total loss. (7)

26 Nov 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) sank two sailing vessels with demolition charges in the Java Sea.

(All times are zone -8)
0715 hours - Boarded a large schooner. Cargo was sugar and rice. A demolition charge was placed.

0725 hours - The vessel exploded and sank in position 05°16'S, 113°47'E.

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

2200 hours - Boarded a large traiding prau. Cargo was sugar and tobacco. Placed demolition charges.

The vessel sank in position 05°16'S, 111°20'E. (7)

29 Nov 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) sank two Japanese motor fishing vessels with gunfire in the Java Sea, North of Surabaya, in position 06°18'S, 113°00'E.

(All times are zone -8)
At dawn found at least 50 fishing vessels were in sight. Remained on the surface and weaved through them.

0715 hours - Sighted two motor fishing vessels. Closed.

0740 hours - The vessels were seen to be luggers and it appeared they collected the fish from all other native craft. They were seen to be manned by Japanese. Decided to engage them with gunfire.

0745 hours - Opened fire with the 3" gun from 1000 yards. They returned fire with machine guns. Fire was now also opened with the Oerlikon and Vickers machine guns and resistance stopped after about 5 minutes in which Sturdy was not hit but enemy fire was unpleasantly close.

0800 hours - One of the vessels was blown to bits. The other was left awash and ablaze. Attempted to pick up some Japanese but (as usual) they refused to be picked up. Position of the sinkings was 06°18'S, 113°00'E.

0805 hours - Set course to the North. (7)

1 Dec 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) sank a coaster with gunfire in Makassar Strait.

(All times are zone -8)
1530 hours - Sighted a medium seized coast. She was well camouflaged. It was thought she was transporting a large number of Japanese troops. As it was thought she might be heavily armed it was decided to attack with two torpedoes.

1603 hours - Fired two torpedoes set to 4 feet. After the second torpedo was fired the target turned stern on so the torpedoes would have missed. Anyway both torpedoes were not heard to run and no tracks were seen. Possibly they hit bottom on discharge.

1610 hours - Surfaced in position 03°34'S, 118°55'E and opened fire with the 3" gun from 1500 yards. The first round hit. The vessel returned fire with machine guns but these were quickly silenced. After 3 rounds about 60 men were seen to abandon ship. After another 20 rounds 150 more men were seen to abandon ship. Closed to point blank range and set the ship on fire from end to end. Picked up two survivors, they were natives. It turned out the the people on board were nearly all natives and not a group of Japanese soldiers.

1655 hours - Retired on the surface to the Westward. (7)

2 Dec 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) sinks the Japanese Communication Vessel No.142 (200 GRT) with gunfire and a demolition charge in Makassar Strait in position 04°05'S, 119°27'E.

(All times are zone -8)
1605 hours - Sighted a small naval auxiliary flying the Japanese naval ensign. She was of about 300 tons.

1625 hours - Surfaced on the vessels Starboard quarter and opened fire with the 3" gun and Oerlikon.

1635 hours - Having no more 3" ammo and with the Oerlikon jammed. The vessel by now had been abandoned by her crew.

1648 hours - Proceeded alongside and placed demolition charges. One prisoner was picked up.

1659 hours - The demolition charge exploded and 5 minutes later the vessel sank in position 04°05'S, 119°27'E.

1710 hours - Dived. Upon gaining trim it was reported that one of the lookouts was not in the boat.

1720 hours - Surfaced and returned to the diving position. Dispite the flat calm sea he could not be located.

1727 hours - An aircraft was seen approaching Sturdy. Crash dived. The aircraft dropped two bombs but these were not close. (7)

5 Dec 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) sank a small sailing vessel with a demolition charge in Makassar Strait.

(All times are zone -8)
1835 hours - Surfaced in position 05°05'S, 119°02'E.

1840 hours - Boarded a small native sailing vessel. Cargo was rice. The vessel was sunk with a demolition charge in position 05°05'S, 119°01'E. (7)

7 Dec 1944
At 0920 hours (zone -8), in position 03°35'S, 118°53'E, HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) is detected while at periscope depth by a Japanese aircraft. Two bombs were dropped knocking out several lights. Two aircraft were seen to patrol the area for almost the whole day. (7)

9 Dec 1944
During the night of 9 / 10 December 1944 HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) passed through Lombok Strait Southbound. (7)

15 Dec 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) ended her 5th war patrol (4th in the Far East and 2nd in the South-West Pacific area) at Fremantle, Australia. (7)

22 Dec 1944
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) is put on the slipway at Fremantle. She was put back in the water late on the same day. (17)

29 Dec 1944
During 29 and 30 December 1944 HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) conducted exercises off Fremantle. These included night exercises. (17)

3 Jan 1945
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) departed Fremantle for her 6th war patrol (5th in the Far East and 3rd in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol in the Sunda Strait.

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

View HMS Sturdy 6th war patrol in a larger map (7)

6 Jan 1945
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) arrived at Exmouth Gulf for fuel. (7)

7 Jan 1945
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) departed Exmouth Gulf for her patrol area. (7)

16 Jan 1945

Operation Meridian.

Air strikes against oil installations in the Palembang area (South-East Sumatra).

On 16 January 1945 ' Force 63 ' made up of the battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral H.B. Rawlings, KCB, OBE, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Indomitable (Capt. J.A.S. Eccles, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral P.L. Vian, KCB, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Illustrious (Capt. C.E. Lambe, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN), HMS Indefatigable (Capt. Q.D. Graham, CBE, DSO, RN), light cruisers HMS Argonaut (Capt. W.P. McCarthy, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. R. Oliver-Bellesis, RN), HMS Black Prince (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN), HMS Ceylon (Capt. G.B. Amery-Parkes, RN) and the destroyers HMS Grenville (Capt. H.P. Henderson, RN), HMS Undaunted (Lt.Cdr. C.E.R. Sharp, RN), HMS Undine (Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN), HMS Ursa (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, DSC, RN), HMS Kempenfelt (Capt. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN), HMS Wager (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN), HMS Wakeful (Lt.Cdr. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN), HMS Wessex (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN), HMS Whelp (Cdr. G.A.F. Norfolk, RN) and Whirlwind (Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSO, DSC, OBE, RN).

HMS Wessex apparently sailed from Trincomalee on the 17th and joined the Force at sea on the 19th.

An oiling force (' Force 69 ') made up of the tankers Echodale (8150 GRT, built 1941), Wave King (8159 GRT, built 1944) and Empire Salvage (10746 GRT, built 1940) had already departed Trincomalee on 13 January. They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Urchin (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Harkness, DSC, OBE, RD, RNR). A fouth tanker, the Arndale (8296 GRT, built 1937) joined ' force 69 ' on 23 January coming from Fremantle.

The submarines HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) and HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) were positioned for air/sea rescue duties. (Tantalus east of Sumatra, Tantivy west of Sumatra and Sturdy in the Sunda Strait area.)

On 20 January ships from ' Force 63 ' were refuelled by ' Force 69 '. Due to the weather conditions this was done only with difficulty and some of the refuelling gear of the tankers was damaged. HMS Ceylon was now assigned to ' Force 69 ' to give protection to this Force. [Note: Arndale at this moment was not yet with ' Force 69 '.]

' Force 63 ' then proceeded on the first phase of the operation, to launch air strikes on the oil installations at Pladjoe (north of Palembang) which were to be flown off on 21 January but the weather prevented this. It was only at 24 January that the weather had cleared to enable flying operations. 43 Avengers, 12 Firefly's (equipped with rockets) and 50 Hellcat, Corsair and Seafire fighters were flown off. The enemy installations were damaged but at the cost of no less then 32 aircraft due to enemy action (7) or crash landings (25). 14 enemy fighters were reported shot down in the air and 38 aircraft were reported to have been destroyed on the gound.

' Force 63 ' then retired from the area to rendezvous with ' Force 69 ' and refuel. This was done on 26 / 27 January.

' Force 63 ' then proceeded to the launch position for the second phase of operation during which air attacks were to be made on oil installations at Soengi-Gerong (also near Palembang). 48 Avenger, 10 Fireflies, 24 Corsairs and 16 Hellcats were launched. During dogfight 30 Japanese aircraft were shot down and another 38 were reported as having been destroyed on the ground. 16 aircraft did not return to the carriers.

A Japanese counter attack with 12 bombers failed. All were shot down by fighters from the Combat Air Patrol or AA fire from the ships.

' Force 63 ' then fuelled again from ' Force 69 ' on 30 January.

' Force 63 ' arrived at Fremantle on 4 February 1945.

' Force 69 ', minus Arndale and Wave King returned to Trincomalee on 6 February 1945. The other two tankers went to Australia. HMS Ceylon had parted company with ' Force 69 ' on 4 February and arrived at Trincomalee on 5 February.

4 Feb 1945
HMS Sturdy (Lt. W.St.G. Anderson, DSC, RNR) ended her 6th war patrol (5th in the Far East and 3rd in the South-West Pacific area) at Fremantle, Australia. (7)

14 Feb 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) is put on the slipway at Fremantle. (18)

16 Feb 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) is put back in the water. (18)

23 Feb 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) departed Fremantle for her 7th war patrol (6th in the Far East and 4th in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol South of the lesser Sunda Islands and later to the North of these islands.

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

View HMS Sturdy 7th war patrol in a larger map (7)

26 Feb 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) arrived at Exmouth Gulf.

27 Feb 1945
After fuelling HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) departed Exmouth Gulf for her patrol area. (7)

5 Mar 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) sank two small Japanese landing craft with gunfire south of Sumbawa Island, Netherlands East Indies.

(All times are zone -8
0720 hours - Sighted two landing craft to seaward.

0757 hours - Surfaced for gun action in position 08°55'S, 118°58'E.

0807 hours - Both landing craft were now awash after expanding 24 rounds of 3" and 4 pans of Oerlikon. Dived upon completion of the action. Did not take prisoners so early in the patrol. (7)

11 Mar 1945
During the night of 11 / 12 March 1945 HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) passed through Lombok Strait Northbound. (7)

12 Mar 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) is detected by Japanese A/S vessels North of Sumbawa Island, Netherlands East Indies. 16 Depth charges were dropped but no damage was done to Sturdy.

(All times are zone -8)
2117 hours - In position 07°57'S, 117°35'E the Officer of the Watch sighted black smoke ahead. Range on sighting was 7000 to 8000 yards. Soon after a second darkened ship was sighted beyond the first. They were very difficult to see against the almost black horizon. There was also no radar contact until ......

2116 hours - Radar contact at 4200 yards and closing.

2119 hours - Range was now 3800 yards. Dived. When shutting the hatch Lt. Wicker sighted a gun flash.

2134 hours - A pattern of 9 depth charges was dropped. They were set at a shallow setting, Sturdy was already at 150 feet. These were followed by 7 more depth charges but these were further away.

0134 hours (13th) - Surfaced. Nothing in sight. Proceeded to the North East to charge. (7)

15 Mar 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) attacked a Japanese minelayer with 6 torpedoes in the Flores Sea. No hits were obtained.

The target was most likely the Japanese minelayer Wakataka (1608 tons, built 1941, offsite link).

(All times are zone -8)
1240 hours - Sighted the mast throught the periscope bearing 330°.

1241 hours - Dived and started attack. Shortly afterwards the target was seen to be a Japanese minelayer zig-zagging on a main course of 150°, speed 10 knots.

1333 hours - When about to open fire at 1500 yards the target altered towards. Sturdy went to 70 feet.

1338 hours - The target passed overhead. Lt. Wicker altered course to obtain a new firing position.

1348 hours - At periscope depth again. The target was now 3000 yards away bearing 220°.

1350 hours - In position 06°36'S, 119°38'E fired six torpedoes. No hits were obtained. Sturdy meanwhile went deep (250 feet).

1359 hours - A pattern of 5 depth charges was dropped.

1422 hours - 6 More depth charges were dropped.

1429 hours - 3 More depth charges were dropped.

1543 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. Decided to remain dived and reload.

1925 hours - Surfaced. (7)

22 Mar 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) passed through Lombok Strait Southbound. (7)

29 Mar 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) ended her 7th war patrol (6th in the Far East and 4th in the South-West Pacific area) at Fremantle, Australia. (7)

4 Apr 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) is put on the slipway at Fremantle. (18)

5 Apr 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) is put back in the water. (18)

14 Apr 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) was docked at Fremantle. She was undocked later the same day. (18)

19 Apr 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) departed Fremantle for her 8th war patrol (7th in the Far East and 5th in the South-West Pacific area). She was ordered to patrol in the Java Sea and to proceed to Trincomalee upon completion of the patrol.

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

View HMS Sturdy 8th war patrol in a larger map (7)

22 Apr 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) arrived at Exmouth Gulf. (7)

23 Apr 1945
After fuelling HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) departed Exmouth Gulf for her patrol area. (7)

26 Apr 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) attempted to pass through Lombok Strait Northbound dived during daylight hours. Due to the strong current the attempt had to be abandoned. (7)

27 Apr 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) made the Northbound passage through Lombok Strait on the surface during the early hours of the night. (7)

14 May 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) ended her 8th war patrol (7th in the Far East and 5th in the South-West Pacific area) at Trincomalee. (7)

18 May 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) departed Trincomalee for Aden. This is the first leg of the passage to the U.K. where Sturdy is to refit. (8)

28 May 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) arrived at Aden. (8)

29 May 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) departed Aden for Port Said. (8)

3 Jun 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) arrived at Suez. (8)

4 Jun 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) transited the Suez Canal and arrived at Port Said. (8)

7 Jun 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) departed Port Said for Malta. (8)

11 Jun 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) arrived at Malta. She departed for Gibraltar later the same day. (8)

16 Jun 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) arrived at Gibraltar. (8)

17 Jun 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) departed Gibraltar for Portsmouth. (8)

21 Jun 1945
HMS Sturdy (T/Lt. F.A. Wicker, RNVR) arrived at Portsmouth.

On 19 August 1945 she departed for Sheerness where she was was to refit. (8)