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Notable events involving Triton include:

The history of HMS Triton as compiled on this page was created in February 2012 and is extracted from patrol reports and logbooks of this submarine. Corrections and details regarding information from the enemy's side (for instance the composition of convoys attacked) is kindly provided by Mr. Platon Alexiades, a naval researcher from Canada.

This page was last updated in January 2024.

2 Sep 1939
Around 1200A/2, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. H.P. de C. Steel, RN) departed from Portsmouth for Dundee. She was joined around 1300A/2 by HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, RN) as escort. While off Hastings, at 1900 hours, HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Wright, RN) took over the escort duties from HMS Sardonyx. (1)

3 Sep 1939
At 1315A/3, off the Humber Light vessel, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. H.P. de C. Steel, RN) parted company with her escort, HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Wright, RN) and continued her passage to Dundee independently. (1)

4 Sep 1939
Around 1215A/4, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. H.P. de C. Steel, RN) arrived at Dundee where she secured, ironically (see event of 10 September 1939), alongside HMS Oxley (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN). (1)

5 Sep 1939
Shortly after 2000A/5, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. H.P. de C. Steel, RN) departed from Dundee for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the South-West coast of Norway near Stavanger.

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

(2)

10 Sep 1939
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. H.P. de C. Steel, RN) torpedoed and sank (in error) the British submarine HMS Oxley (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN) some 28 nautical miles south-south-west of Stavanger, Norway in position 58°30'N, 05°30'E. HMS Triton picked up two survivors, one of these was Lt.Cdr. Bowerman.

2004A/10, Triton surfaced. A fix was taken from the Norwegian lighthouses and this showed that Triton was in her patrol area.

2055 hoursA/10, the Officer of the Watch (Lt. H.A. Stacey, RN) reported a light right ahead and altered course to starboard. Almost immediately afterwards he sighted an object on the Starboard bow. He immediately called Lt.Cdr. Steele to the bridge. When Lt.Cdr. Steele arrived on the bridge it took a brief moment for him to get his eyes adjusted to the conditions outside. The Officer of the Watch and the two lookouts were certain that the contact was a submarine. Lt.Cdr. Steele meanwhile ordered 'stand by tubes 7 and 8'. At the same time the crew went to diving stations. The charge was broken (Port engine) and the Starboard engine was stopped. Triton now went ahead on both motors. By now Lt.Cdr. Steele also identified the contact as a submarine. Triton was kept bows on.

A challenge was now made. No reply was received. Lt.Cdr. Steele ordered to make the challenge again after about 20 seconds. Once again no reply was received. While the challenges were made Lt.Cdr. Steele studied the contact very closely. She was low in the water and no outstanding points of identification were visible. Upon receiving no reply to the second challenge a third was made. Once again no reply was seen. Now a signal grenade was fired which burst correctly. After about 15 seconds there was still no reply. Now Lt.Cdr. Steele was firmly convinced the contact was enemy so he gave the order to fire torpedoes. No. 7 and 8 torpedo tubes were fired.

About half a minute after firing the torpedoes flashing was seen from the contact. It was however unreadable and it stopped after a few seconds. Very shortly afterwards one of the torpedoes hit the submarine.

Triton now proceeded towards the spot where the submarine had sunk. Upon closing cries for help were heard and three men were seen swimming in the water. Lieutenants Watkins and Stacey attached lines to themselves and jumped in the oil covered sea. They managed to rescue the commanding officer of Oxley and able seaman Guckes (one of the lookouts). The third men (Lt. Manley, RNR, Oxley's Officer of the Watch) was seen to sunk suddenly. he was not seen again. A further search was made for any other survivors but none were seen.

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

On board Oxley the challenges were apparently incorrectly acted upon by her Officer of the Watch. When Lt.Cdr. Bowerman came to the Bridge he ordered a signal grenade to be fired as answer to Tritons grenade. However when fired the grenade malfunctioned. Oxley was hit by the torpedo before any more action could be taken. (2)

20 Sep 1939
Around 2225A/20, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. H.P. de C. Steel, RN) departed patrol to proceed to Rosyth. (2)

22 Sep 1939
Around 0915A/22, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. H.P. de C. Steel, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Rosyth. (2)

24 Sep 1939
Around 0030A/24, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. H.P. de C. Steel, RN) departed Rosyth for Dundee where she arrived around 0715A/24. (1)

6 Oct 1939
Shortly after 1845A/6, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. H.P. de C. Steel, RN) departed from Dundee for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the South coast of Norway between Kristiansand and Stavanger.

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

(2)

22 Oct 1939
Around 1200A/22, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. H.P. de C. Steel, RN) left patrol for Rosyth. (2)

24 Oct 1939
Around 1215A/24, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. H.P. de C. Steel, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Rosyth. The patrol had been uneventful. No enemy patrol vessels had been sighted. Merchant shipping had remained in Norwegian territorial waters. (2)

6 Nov 1939
For the daily positions of HMS Triton during her 3rd war patrol see the map below.

(2)

6 Nov 1939
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. H.P. de C. Steel, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 3rd war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Skagerrak.

Before proceeding on patrol Triton carried out A/S exercises with HMS Grimsby (Capt. A.S. Russell, RN). (2)

19 Nov 1939
At 1638A/21, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. H.P. de C. Steel, RN) surfaced after a days submerged patrol in position 57°56'N, 06°27'E. She then left patrol to return to Rosyth. (3)

21 Nov 1939
Around 1125A/21, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. H.P. de C. Steel, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Rosyth. The patrol had been uneventful. (2)

4 Dec 1939
Shortly after 1430A/4, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 4th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the South-West coast of Norway near Stavanger.

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

(2)

17 Dec 1939
At 1653A/17, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) surfaced in position 56°59'N, 04°36'E. She then left patrol to return to Rosyth. (4)

19 Dec 1939
Shortly before 1300A/19, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Rosyth. (2)

21 Dec 1939
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) is docked in No.3 graving dock at the Rosyth Dockyard. (4)

26 Dec 1939
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) is undocked. (4)

6 Jan 1940

Convoy ON 7.

Convoy ON 7 departed Methill on 6 January 1940 for Norway where it was dissolved off Bergen on 9 January 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant ships;
Breda (Norwegian, 1260 GRT, built 1915), Briarwood (British, 4019 GRT, built 1930), Ingerois (Finnish, 1995 GRT, built 1909), Leda (Finnish, 1283 GRT, built 1908), Otto (Estonian, 1959 GRT, built 1918), Sally (Finnish, 2547 GRT, built 1896) and Vestra (British, 1141 GRT, built 1921).

Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Eskimo (Cdr. St.J.A. Micklethwait, DSO, RN), HMS Tartar (Lt.Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Khartoum (Cdr. D.T. Dowler, RN). HMS Khartoum departed from Scapa Flow on the 7th and it therefore appears that she joined the convoy at sea on the 7th. HMS Eskimo developed engine problems and was replaced by HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN), Encounter herself was relieved on the 8th by HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) which had departed Scapa Flow on that day.

Also the submarine HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) was part of the escort of the convoy.

Cover for this convoy was provided by the light cruisers HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) which sailed from Rosyth on the 7th. (5)

6 Jan 1940

For the daily positions of HMS Triton during this convoy escort mission (convoy ON 7), see the map below.

(5)

6 Jan 1940
Shortly after 1300A/6, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) departed Rosyth for Methill where she joined the escort of convoy ON 7. On arrival of the convoy in Norwegian waters she joined the return convoy HN 7.

[For more info on these convoys see the events ' Convoy ON 7 ' for 6 January 1940 and ' Convoy HN 7 ' for 9 January 1940.]

On leaving Rosyth Triton conducted A/S exercises in the Firth of Forth with HMS Auckland (Capt.(Retd.) K.A. Beattie, RN) and HMS Londonderry (Cdr. T.L. Beevor, RN). (5)

9 Jan 1940

Convoy HN 7

This convoy was assembled in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 9 January 1940 and arrived at Methil on 12 January 1940.

Convoy ON 7 arrived in Norwegian waters near Bergen. After a few hours convoy HN 7 departed for the U.K. The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Abisko (Swedish, 3088 GRT, built 1913), Activ (Norwegian, 507 GRT, built 1903), Basel (Norwegian, 1110 GRT, built 1924), Bauta (Norwegian, 1657 GRT, built 1919), Begonia (Estonian, 1591 GRT, built 1890), Bokn (Norwegian, 697 GRT, built 1890), Bolette (Norwegian, 1167 GRT, built 1920), Bollsta (Norwegian, 1832 GRT, built 1934), Burgos (Norwegian, 3220 GRT, built 1920), Corvus (Norwegian, 1317 GRT, built 1921), Elsa S. (Finnish, 1219 GRT, built 1910), Fintra (British, 2089 GRT, built 1918), Forsvik (Norwegian, GRT, 1248 built 1919), Gudvang (Norwegian, 1469 GRT, built 1912), Gudveig (Norwegian, 1300 GRT, built 1919), Hadrian (Norwegian, 1620 GRT, built 1919), Inari (Finnish, 2216 GRT, built 1900), Ivalo (Finnish, 2035 GRT, built 1902), Kaupanger (Norwegian, 1584 GRT, built 1930), Lysland (Norwegian, 1335 GRT, built 1907), Margo (British, 1245 GRT, built 1895), Merisaar (Estonian, 2136 GRT, built 1900), Merkur (Estonian, 1291 GRT, built 1913), Nordost (Swedish, 1035 GRT, built 1918), Risoy (Norwegian, 793 GRT, built 1918), Rolf (Swedish, 1120 GRT, built 1919), Salerno (British, 870 GRT, built 1924), Sarpfoss (Norwegian ,1493 GRT, built 1919), Skum (Norwegian, 1304 GRT, built 1916), Urd (Swedish, 1008 GRT, built 1922), Vestmanrod (Norwegian, 691 GRT, built 1919), Vienti (Finnish, 1915 GRT, built 1911), Vim (Norwegian, 1114 GRT, built 1913), Wanda (Finnish, 1902 GRT, built 1897), Wilke (Finnish, 2598 GRT, built 1909) and Wirpi (Finnish, 1227 GRT, built 1899).

Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Tartar (Lt.Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) (later relieved by HMS Maori (Cdr. G.N. Brewer, RN)), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Khartoum (Cdr. D.T. Dowler, RN) and HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN). HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, DSC, RN) later joined at sea. Also part of the escort was the submarine HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN).

Cover for this convoy, like with convoy ON 7, was provided by the light cruisers HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN).

HMS Kharthoum split off from the convoy on the 11th with five merchant vessels she was to take to the Clyde. Off Scapa Flow they were joined by two tankers; Arndale (RFA, 8296 GRT, built 1937) and Scottish American (6999 GRT, built 1920). They arrived in the Clyde on 13 January 1940. (5)

12 Jan 1940
Around 1730A/12, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) returned to Rosyth from convoy escort duty. (5)

20 Jan 1940
At midnight during the nigh of 20/21 January 1940, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 5th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the South coast of Norway near Lister.

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

(2)

22 Jan 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) suffers damage to one of her muffler valves. She proceeds in Norwegian territorial waters to effect repairs in calmer water. Position was approximately 58°10'N, 05°35'E, to the south-west of Egersund. Norwegian patrol vessel Skarv moves in but repairs on board Triton were completed just as Skarv arrived on the scene. Triton dived and cleared the area signalling to the Norwegians that she had just completed some repairs. (2)

23 Jan 1940
Around 1800A/23, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) left patrol to return to Rosyth as ordered in Capt. S.2's signal timed 1421A/23. (2)

25 Jan 1940
Around 1030A/25, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Rosyth. (2)

27 Jan 1940
Around 1645A/27, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) departed from Rosyth for Scapa Flow. She is escorted by HMS Maori (Cdr. G.N. Brewer, RN) until around 0930A/28. (5)

28 Jan 1940
Around 1500A/28, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Rosyth. (5)

1 Feb 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) conducted trials and exercises at Scapa Flow. (6)

2 Feb 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) conducts exercises with HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN). (6)

3 Feb 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) conducts exercises with HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN). (6)

5 Feb 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) conducts exercises with destroyers and later on the day with A/S trawlers. (6)

6 Feb 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) conducts exercises with HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN) and HMS Sikh (Cdr. J.A. Giffard, RN). (6)

7 Feb 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) conducts exercises with HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, RN) and HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN). (6)

8 Feb 1940
Around 1530A/8, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) departed from Scapa Flow for Rosyth. She is escorted by HMS Sharpshooter (Cdr. J. Peterson, RN) and HMS Seagull (Cdr. D.H. Harries, RAN).

Before departure HMS Triton had conducted some exercises. (6)

9 Feb 1940
Around 1400A/9, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN), HMS Sharpshooter (Cdr. J. Peterson, RN) and HMS Seagull (Cdr. D.H. Harries, RAN) arrived at Rosyth from Scapa Flow. (6)

16 Feb 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) and HMS Truant (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Hutchinson, RN). conducted exercises in the Firth of Forth. (6)

17 Feb 1940
Shortly after 1430A/17, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 6th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the South coast of Norway between Lister and Kristiansand.

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

(2)

25 Feb 1940
At 2320A/25, near position 57°56'N, 07°07'E, to the south-east of Lindesness, Norway, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) closes the Norwegian merchant vessel Hellen (5237 GRT, built 1921) to ascertain her destination, which was Oslo, and then allowed her to proceed. (2)

28 Feb 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) tries to intercept the German merchant vessel Wangoni (7848 GRT, built 1921) between Lister and Kristiansand, Norway in approximate position 57°52'N, 07°07'E. The Wangoni however manages to escape.

1430A/28, sighted a merchant vessel thought to be Wangoni approaching from Lister. The vessel passed Triad at 1500 hours keeping well inside territorial waters. The vessel was now positively identified as Wangoni. She was painted light gray and had taken no steps to disguise herself. Triton continued to shadow Wangoni but she kept close inshore in territorial waters. Triton's speed was not sufficient to overtake her and eventually the chase had to be abandoned. (2)

29 Feb 1940
Around 2325A/29, near position 57°55'N, 08°06'E, south of Kristiansand, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) closes the Danish merchant vessel Scandia (1709 GRT, built 1918) to ascertain her destination (Esbjerg) and then allows her to proceed. (2)

2 Mar 1940
At midnight during the night of 2/3 March 1940, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) left patrol to return to Rosyth. (2)

5 Mar 1940
Shortly after 0930A/5, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Rosyth. (2)

7 Mar 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) is docked in the floating dock (AFD 3) at the Rosyth Dockyard. (6)

9 Mar 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) is undocked. (6)

12 Mar 1940
Around 2030A/12, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 7th war patrol. She is ordered to a waiting position in 56°10'N, 06°45'E as a cover for Operation R.3, the occupation of Norwegian key points under the pretext to assist Finland in her war with the USSR. Finland signs the next day an armistice and the submarines are recalled.

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

(2)

16 Mar 1940
Around 19325A/16, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) surfaced in position 57°03'N, 05°51'E after a days submerged patrol. Course was then set to return to Rosyth. (7)

18 Mar 1940
Around 1130A/12. HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at Rosyth. The patrol had been uneventful. Before entering harbour she made several runs over the D/G range. (2)

19 Mar 1940
At Rosyth the dockyard begins to lift part of the battery of HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) to enable repairs to the battery tank to be carried out. (6)

23 Mar 1940
Repairs to the battery tank of HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) are completed. (6)

29 Mar 1940
Around 1700A/29, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 8th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Skagerrak.

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

(2)

2 Apr 1940
At 1950A/2, near position 57°31'N, 11°14'E, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) damages her Asdic dome when she bottoms heavily in 16 fathoms of water. (2)

8 Apr 1940
At dawn, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) sighted four large trawlers approaching the Skaw from the south. These are thought to be German auxiliary A/S trawlers. They remained in the vicinity of the Skaw all day. Visibility was not good and they were difficult to identify through the periscope. HMS Triton patrolled a bit further to the south then intended to avoid them.

These were most likely auxiliary A/S trawlers from the 11th UJ flotilla of which six which were operating in the area at this time. These six were UJ-111, UJ-112, UJ-114, UJ-115, UJ-116 and UJ-176.

Later that day, HMS Triton fires a full salvo of ten bow torpedoes at the German heavy cruiser Blücher East of Skagen. However all torpedoes fired missed the target. Position was approximately 57°40'N, 11°00'E.

Blücher was the flagship of a force which was en-route to Oslo. This force was further made up of the heavy cruiser (pocket battleship) Lützow, Emden and the torpedo boats Albatros, Kondor and Möwe.

1650A/8, Sighted two heavy German warships approaching from the westward. Closed and started attack.

The leading ship was thought to be Gneisenau but it was not possible to get into an attack position for an attack on this ship. It was therefore decided to attack the second ship which was somewhat astern.

Shortly afterwards the leading ship changed course and now presented a better target then before. An attack was now started on the leading, more important, ship.

1758A/8, fired a full bow salvo of ten torpedoes (six internal and four external) from 7500 yards. Shortly after firing the Asdic reported that the target had increased speed from 14 to 20 knots. All torpedoes therefore missed astern. The attack was noticed by the Germans where torpedo tracks were seen around 1900B/8. [note time zone B= German (Berlin) time.] (2)

9 Apr 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) was still patrolling in the area near Skagen but now a little more to the south then on the previous day. The area was still heavily patrolled by enemy A/S vessels and aircraft. (2)

10 Apr 1940
While operating in the Kattegat, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) attacked a German convoy made up of the transports Espana (7465 GRT, built 1922), Friedenau (5219 GRT, built 1920), Hamm (5874 GRT, built 1921), Scharhörn (2643 GRT, built 1927), Tucuman (4621 GRT, built 1918), Wigbert (3648 GRT, built 1921) of II.Seetransportstaffel and Antares (2593 GRT, built 1937), Itauri (6838 GRT, built 1923) and Muansa (5472 GRT, built 1911) from I.Seetransportsteffel. They were escorted by the old torpedo boats old torpedo boats T 107, T 108 and T 110 (it appears T 153 and T 155 also joined up but this may have been just after the attack), auxiliary submarine chasers UJ G, UJ H, UJ I and UJ K (13th UJ-Group) and the armed trawlers V 1501, V 1505, V 1506, V 1507, V 1508 and V 1509 (15 V-Flotilla).

A total of eleven transports of the II.Seetransportstaffel had sailed independently on 8 April from Gotenhafen (Gdynia) at various times so as not to reveal their true purpose as the invasion occurred only the next day and the escorts were disposed in the Kattegat at various focal points where a submarine attack could be expected. After the invasion was known some thirteen vessels began forming a convoy (including stragglers from I.Seetransportstaffel).

Five vessels of II.Seetransportstaffel were separated in the night of 9/10 April. These were Hanau (5892 GRT, built 1921), Kellerwald (5032 GRT, built 1923), Rosario (6079 GRT, built 1913) and Wandsbek (2388 GRT, built 1938) who proceeded independently some hours ahead of the convoy while Wolfram (3648 GRT, built 1921) appeared to have fallen behind. When she was attacked by HMS Sunfish the Hanua was thus proceeding alone.

During the attack on the convoy HMS Triton sank the transports Friedenau and Wigbert (3648 GRT, built 1921) and the auxiliary patrol vessel V 1507 / Rau 6 (356 GRT, built 1937) in position 57°27'N, 10°46'E.

1726A/10, fired 6 torpedoes from 2500 yards (the last on board). Four hits were heard. Triton went to 85 feet upon firing and turned stern on the convoy. Very shortly after the last torpedo explosion was heard depth charging started. For the next hour at least 78 depth charges were dropped of which the ones dropped about 5 minutes after the last torpedo hit were the closed. These shook Triton considerably but no serious damage was done.

2115A/10, surfaced at set course for home as Triton was now out of torpedoes. (2)

14 Apr 1940
Around 0800A/14, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) ended her 8th war patrol at Rosyth. (2)

16 Apr 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) is docked in the floating dock (AFD 3) at the Rosyth Dockyard. (6)

19 Apr 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) is undocked. (6)

22 Apr 1940
Around 1000A/22, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 9th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the south coast of Norway near Lister.

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

(2)

24 Apr 1940
Around 0500A/24, near position 57°40'N, 07°00'E, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) observed the French large destroyers L'Indomptable (Capitaine de Vaisseau (Capt.) E.G.M. Barthes), Le Malin (Capitaine de Fregate (Cdr.) E.J.H.L. De Prez) and Le Triomphant (Capitaine de Fregate (Cdr.) M.M.P.L. Pothuau) (8e D.C.T. / Large Destroyer Division) returning at high speed from their raid in the Skagerrak (operation Rake). (2)

25 Apr 1940
Around 2000A/25, a signal was received from the Vice-Admiral Submarines, timed 1719A/25, ordering HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) to patrol off Stavanger. Course was set to the north-west to comply with this order not long afterwards. (2)

27 Apr 1940
At 0110A/27, near position 58°45'N, 05°10'E, to the south-west of Stavanger, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) which was proceeding northwards, sighted an unidentified ship approaching from ahead. This ship appeared out of a hazy patch of horizon and there was only time to dive to avoid being sighted. The ship passed very close by and was heard on Asdics as being turbine engined and doing around 18 knots. It was thought to be some sort of escort vessel. (2)

3 May 1940
At 0830A/3, in approximate position 59°04'N, 05°10'E, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) sighted two merchant vessels of 4000 and 3000 tons proceeding from Karmsund to Knidso Fjord (?). The range was 5 nautical miles and HMS Triton was unable to get within attacking range on time.

At 2245A/3, HMS Triton left patrol to return to Rosyth. (2)

5 May 1940
Around 0715A/6, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, RN) ended her 9th war patrol at Rosyth. (2)

19 May 1940
Around 1900A/19, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 10th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the South coast of Norway near Lister.

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

(2)

22 May 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) puts a boarding party on a Danish fishing vessel. The party was taken off the next morning.

2100A/22, surfaced in position 57°17'N, 05°10'E to investigate a Danish fishing vessel. A boarding party was put on her. The skipper of the fishing vessel was retained on Triton for interrogation.

0840A/23, surfaced and took of the boarding party.

The fishing vessel was the Danish Gadus of 20 tons from Thyboron. (2)

2 Jun 1940
Around 2230A/2, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) surfaced in position 57°41'N, 05°37'E after a days submerged patrol. Course was then set to return to Rosyth. (2)

3 Jun 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) and the German U-boat U-8 encountered each other in position 57°00'N, 02°48'E. The Germans thought the British submarine had fired a torpedo but this was not the case. Triton sighted a ship later thought to be a submarine. Nothing further happened.

0719A/3, in position 57°00'N, 02°48'E sighted a ship bearing 215°, distance about 6 to 8 nautical miles. Altered course towards. Lt.Cdr. Pizey thought it was either a trawler or a submarine. The contact was seen to alter course towards and disappear. This confirmed Lt.Cdr. Pizey's impression that it was a submarine and that it had dived.

0720A/3, dived and closed bearing. Listened for HE but could not hear anything.

U-8 reported that a torpedo was heard 20 seconds after she dived. (2)

4 Jun 1940
Shortly before 1430A/4, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) ended her 10th war patrol at Rosyth. (2)

18 Jun 1940
Around 2000A/18, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 11th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off central Norway North of Trondheim.

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

(2)

26 Jun 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) is detected and machine gunned by a German HE 115 aircraft in position 64°49'N, 10°03'E. Triton sustained no damage.

0133A/26, attacked by a German Heinkel 115 seaplane which approached from the cover of a black rain cloud. Triton was clearly silhouetted against a light northern sky. The German aircraft opened fire with her machine gun as Triton dived. Triton was not hit despite the close range of the aircraft.

Following this incident Triton proceeded to the North as it was thought her current location would now be more closely patrolled. (2)

1 Jul 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) encountered three enemy A/S vessels patrolling in her patrol area. HMS Triton tried to evade and proceeded to seawards to surface for a battery charge. The enemy A/S vessels however remained patrolling near her and HMS Triton was unable to surface to charge the battery and refresh the air inside the boat.

2330A/30, while still dived, in position 64°48'N, 10°07'E, sighted a small vessel crossing ahead from starboard.

0030A/1, another vessel was sighted on the port beam steering towards at slow speed. Shortly afterwards a second vessel was seen ahead crossing from port. Now considered these vessels to be an A/S group. One of them could be heard sweeping with echo.

0100A/1, Triton altered course to the north-west to escape from these A/S vessels as she was by now submerged for almost 24 hours and a battery charge and fresh air were needed. The trawlers were proceeding to the south-east. However around 0200A/1, there turned to the north-west and soon one was on either quarter of the submarine slowly overtaking. Lt.Cdr. Pizey decided to continue to run to the north-west expecting the trawlers to alter course back to the south-east later. They did so around 0420A/1.

0614A/1, Triton was now finally able to surface to charge and refresh the air inside the boat.

HMS Triton left the area soon afterwards to return to Rosyth. (2)

2 Jul 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) is detected and bombed by a German HE 115 aircraft in position 63°12'N, 05°33'E. Triton sustained no damage.

0650A/2, in bad visibility sighted a Heinkel 115 aircraft flying straight towards Triton. Crash dived. When at 48 feet three bombs exploded astern. Triton was badly shaken but only minor damage was done. (2)

4 Jul 1940
Around 1515A/4, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) ended her 11th war patrol at Rosyth. (2)

15 Jul 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) is docked in the floating dock (AFD 3) at the Rosyth Dockyard. (8)

16 Jul 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) is undocked. (8)

19 Jul 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises in the Firth of Forth with HMS Woolston (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Phipps, OBE, RN). (8)

20 Jul 1940
Shortly after 2000A/20, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 12th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the South-West coast of Norway near Bergen.

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

(2)

23 Jul 1940
While on patrol off Bergen, Norway, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN), sighted the conning tower of a submarine. An attack was not possible as contact was lost soon after sighting.

0800A/23, in position 59°31'N, 04°13'E sighted the conning tower of a submarine astern steering South. The conning tower only was visible from about half way up. Distance was at least 5 nautical miles. After Triton had turned round contact was soon lost. The conning tower had been in sight for about 10 minutes.

This was most likely German U-boat U-61 that was returning to Kiel from patrol. It had just made a brief stop at Bergen for fuel. (2)

29 Jul 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) sighted a submarine near Bergen, Norway. The submarine was too far off to be attacked. Besides that Lt.Cdr. Pizey though it might have been a British submarine.

0200A/29, in position 60°05'N, 04°22'E sighted a submarine steering between 290° and 310°. The submarine was sighted at a range of 3 to 5 nautical miles due to the fact that it was silhouetted against the Northern sky. Triton turned towards by the submarine was soon lost out of sight.

The submarine sighted might have been German U-boat U-62. (2)

2 Aug 1940
At 2226A/2, after a days submerged patrol, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) surfaced in position 60°01'N, 04°21'E after which she set course to return to Rosyth. (9)

4 Aug 1940
Shortly after 1030A/4, HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) ended her 12th war patrol at Rosyth. (2)

16 Aug 1940
HMS Triton (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Pizey, DSO, RN) is docked in No.3 graving dock at the Rosyth Dockyard for a short 14-day refit before proceeding to the Mediterranean. (9)

27 Aug 1940
HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN) is undocked. (9)

29 Aug 1940
HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN) is docked again at the Rosyth Dockyard, but this time in AFD 3. (9)

30 Aug 1940
HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN) is undocked. (9)

4 Sep 1940
Around 1200A/4, HMS Tetrarch (Lt.Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSC, RN) and HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN) departed from Rosyth for Gibraltar. They were to join the Mediterranean Fleet.

They were escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN) until 2130A/7 when they all parted company.

Around 1600A/12, east of Lissabon, the submarines rejoined company.

The following morning, around 0800A/13, in position 36°00'N, 09°23'W, the submarines were joined by the destroyer HMS Wrestler (Lt.Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, RN).

HMS Wrestler, HMS Tetrarch and HMS Triton arrived at Gibraltar around 0430A/14. (10)

21 Sep 1940
Around 2030A/21, HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN) departed from Gibraltar for her 13th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Genoa before proceeding to Malta.

[As no log is available no map can be displayed.] (2)

27 Sep 1940
A.M. on the 27th, HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN) arrived in her patrol area. A medium seized tanker and two smaller vessels were sighed through the periscope in the harbour of Oneglia. (2)

28 Sep 1940
At 0115A/28, in position 44°01.5'N, 09°15'E, HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN) sighted a white light ahead which flashed twice. About three minutes later the sound of a high speed engine was heard and a faint white light was seen approaching on the port beam. HMS Triton dived and HE was picked up on the Asdic. The vessel, thought to be a MAS boat was heard to circle in the area for about ten minutes. (2)

1 Oct 1940
At 0050A/1, in position 43°58'N, 08°58'E, the Officer of the Watch of HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN) smelt funnel smoke and a few minutes later a dim light was sighted. HMS Triton then commenced to close but the light was lost in a heavy rain squall and not seen again. (2)

3 Oct 1940
Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN of HMS Triton considered attacking two ships being under construction on the slipways at the Cantieri del Tirreno at Riva Trigoso. The sterns of the ships were however seen to be too far above the waterline to justify firing a couple of torpedoes in their direction.

The merchant ships under construction were most likely the Monviso (Italian, 5322 GRT, built 1941) and Monreale (Italian, 5323 GRT, built 1941). (2)

4 Oct 1940
HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN) torpedoed and sank the merchant vessel Franca Fassio (italian, 1858 GRT, built 1892) proceeding from Genoa to Barcelona in position 44°10'N, 08°52'E.

1010A/4, in position 44°10'N, 08°52'E sighted a large merchant vessel on a course of 200°. The vessel was painted grey and had a gun on the poop. Fired four torpedoes from 1300 yards. Three hits were obtained and the vessel sank immediately. After the attack two motor boats, thought to be MAS boats were seen close by. They had not been seen before and during the attack. (2)

6 Oct 1940
HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN) fires two torpedoes against what was thought to be a merchant vessel off Vado Ligure, Savona, Italy. (Lt. Watkins even claims a hit in his patrol report). Following this attack Triton surfaced and engaged the gas works and later a large factory with gunfire. Several hits were obtained.

According to Italian sources it however appears that Lt. Watkins target was not a merchant ship but that he mistook the chimney of the pump station for the funnel of a merchant ship. The Cieli Electric Station sustained slight damage from the gunfire.

1821A/6, while Triton was in position 075°, Vado Lighthouse, 1.3 nautical miles two torpedoes were fired against an anchored merchant ship of about 2000 to 4000 tons. Range was 4000 yards. One hit was claimed.

Immediately afterwards Triton surfaced and opened fire with the 4" gun on the gas works from 4300 yards. 18 rounds of HE (high explosive) were fired and several hits were observed. Fire was then shifted to a large factory. 11 rounds of HE were fired.

1827A/6, dived as shore batteries in the area opened fire. (2)

7 Oct 1940
HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN) left her patrol area in the Gulf of Genoa to proceed to Malta via the west of Corsica and Sardinia. (2)

12 Oct 1940
HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN) ended her 13th war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (2)

28 Oct 1940
HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN) departed from Malta for her 14th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Adriatic. After Triton sailed it became known that Italy had invaded Greece and that Greek submarines would be operating in the lower Adriatic and Straits of Otranto. Triton was therefore ordered to patrol north of 40°30'N.

[As no log is available no map can be displayed.] (2)

2 Nov 1940
HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN) is ordered to leave the Adriatic and to proceed to a new patrol position off the Gulf of Taranto. This was as Greek submarines were now also operating in the Adriatic and thus to a friendly fire incident.

Also on this day, a barquentine and what are thought to be two auxiliary minesweepers are sighted around 1350A/2 in position 41°19'N, 18°26'E (about midway between Bari and Durres). The barquentine was under sail and proceeding westwards in ballast. The other vessels were diesel engined and of about 60 tons. They were keeping station together as if they were sweeping. (2)

3 Nov 1940
HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN) sighted a submarine in the Straits of Otranto in position 40°18'N, 19°07'E. No attack is carried out as it was thought likely it might be a Greek submarine.

0150A/3, in position 40°18'N, 19°07'E sighted a submarine on the Port bow steering about 340°. The Officer of the Watch turned onto a firing course. Lt. Watkins immediately went to the bridge but decided not to fire as it was thought likely that it was a Greek submarine. It appeared Triton was not noticed by the other submarine. Triton was in an excellent position to attack, 600 yards range and a 90° track. (2)

5 Nov 1940
At 2327A/5, when south-east of Crotone, in position 38°47'N, 17°36'E, HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN) sighed several times a white light, like a stern light. On closing nothing was seen though. Later HE was picked up on Asdic and followed for 30 minutes but again nothing was seen. (2)

8 Nov 1940
While patrolling in the Capo Colonna area, HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN) was forced to dive twice for patrolling MAS boats. Once at 0130A/8 and then for a second time at 0310A/8. (2)

11 Nov 1940
While still patrolling in the Capo Colonna area, HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN) was forced to dive for patrolling MAS boats at 2148A/11. A light, like a match being struck was seen but no engines were heard before diving. (2)

12 Nov 1940
HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN) departed her patrol area to return to Malta. (2)

15 Nov 1940
HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN) ended her 14th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (2)

28 Nov 1940
HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN) departed from Malta for her 15th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the lower Adriatic and the Straits of Otranto between 40°N and 42°N.

Triton was ordered to remain on patrol on 13 December. She was to be back at Malta on 17 December. (2)

6 Dec 1940
There is little doubt that HMS Triton (Lt. G.C.I.S.B. Watkins, RN) torpedoed the Italian merchant vessel Olimpia (6040 GRT, built 1920) in the lower Adriatic in position 41°06'N, 18°39'E. Olimpia was returning to Brindisi from a trip to Durazzo, in company of the Italian merchant vessel Carnia (5794 GRT, built 1923) and escorted by the destroyer Augusto Riboty. She was hit in the stern by one or two torpedoes. There were no casualties. The fragments of a torpedo were later recovered. The destroyer stood by as the Carnia took the stricken ship in tow. Following this attack the torpedo-boat Castelfidardo, motor torpedo boat MAS 512, boats from the 13th MAS Flotilla and the tug Ercole were ordered to her assistance. Olimpia reached Brindisi at 1730 hours.

Triton failed to return from patrol. Derelict mines had been observed in the Otranto Straits notably on the same day Olimpia was torpedoed. It is possible that Triton was sunk on one of these, unless she ran into one of the Italian defensive minefields in the area.

An SOS was sent by Olimpia, that was also picked up by the British. They also thought this was 'HMS Triton at work'.

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