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Notable events involving Templar include:

The wartime history of HMS Templar as compiled on this page is extracted from the patrol reports and logbooks of this submarine and was created in June 2011. 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 October 2024.

11 Feb 1943
Around 1600A/11, P 316 (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) departed her builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. She is escorted by HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt.Cdr. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN). (1)

12 Feb 1943
Around 1330A/12, P 316 (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) and HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt.Cdr. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN) arrived at Holy Loch from Barrow. (2)

13 Feb 1943
P 316 (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted full power trials on the Arran measured mile. She then carried out night exercises in Loch Long. She returned to Holy Loch the following morning. (2)

15 Feb 1943
P 316 (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted D/G trials at Holy Loch. She then proceeded to Gare Loch for diving trials on completion of which she returned to Holy Loch. She was then accepted from the shipyard. (2)

16 Feb 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included dummy attacks on merchant vessels. (2)

17 Feb 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included attack exercises. (2)

18 Feb 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included attack exercises. (2)

20 Feb 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted trialsin the Clyde area. These included S.T.U. (mine detection), D/F calibration and gunnery trials. (2)

21 Feb 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (2)

22 Feb 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted log and echo sounder trials in Loch Long. (2)

24 Feb 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

25 Feb 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) proceedeed from Holy Loch to the torpedo firing range at Arrochar for her torpedo discharge trials. (2)

1 Mar 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (3)

2 Mar 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (3)

3 Mar 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (3)

4 Mar 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (3)

6 Mar 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Upon completion of these she proceeded to Holy Loch. (3)

7 Mar 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area during which HMS Skate (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN) served as the target. HMS Templar proceeded to Campbeltown on completion of these exercises. (3)

8 Mar 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted RDF trials off Campbeltown. (3)

9 Mar 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR) and HMS Tuscarora (Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN). Upon completion of these exercises HMS Templar proceeded to Holy Loch. (3)

11 Mar 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area with HMS Biter (Capt. E.M.C. Abel Smith, RN) and HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) serving as the targets. These included night exercises. (3)

12 Mar 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area with HMS Biter (Capt. E.M.C. Abel Smith, RN) and HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) serving as the targets. These included night exercises. (3)

13 Mar 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area with HMS Biter (Capt. E.M.C. Abel Smith, RN) and HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) serving as the targets. These included night exercises. (3)

14 Mar 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of a programme of several days of attack exercises. (3)

16 Mar 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) and HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) both conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area during which HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) served as the target. (3)

17 Mar 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted special (experimental) trials in the Clyde area. (3)

18 Mar 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area during which HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. E.J. Lee, RN) served as the target. (3)

19 Mar 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted RDF gunnery trials in the Clyde area. (3)

20 Mar 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Holy Loch. (4)

22 Mar 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) departed from Holy Loch for her 1st war patrol. She is to patrol in the Norwegian Sea. Before proceeding on patrol she is to make a short stop at Lerwick.

On departure from Holy Loch she is escorted by HMS Coreopsis (T/Lt. B.C. Hamilton, RNR).

For the daily positions of HMS Templar during her 1st war patrol see the map below. (5)

22 Mar 1943
For the daily positions of HMS Templar during her 1st war patrol see the map below.

23 Mar 1943
While en-route to Lerwick to top up with fuel and provisions, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) was ordered to proceed to a patrol area of the Lofoten with despatch and not to proceed to Lerwick. Several German 'heavy units' had been on the move in Northern Norway.

She parted company with her escort, HMS Coreopsis (T/Lt. B.C. Hamilton, RNR), at 0057A/24. (5)

26 Mar 1943
At 0508A/26, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) dived in position 67°04'N, 09°49'E, on arriving in the south-west corner of her patrol area. (5)

8 Apr 1943
At 1812B/8, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) surfaced in position 67°27'N, 09°00'E and then left patrol to proceed to Lerwick as ordered in Capt. 9's signal timed 1045B/4. (5)

10 Apr 1943
Around 1630B/10, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. (5)

11 Apr 1943
Around 1600B/11, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) departed from Lerwick bound for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS Truculent (Lt. R.L. Alexander, RN) and HMS HMS Sea Nymph (Lt. G.D.N. Milner, DSC, RN). They were escorted by HMS Alecto (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN). (6)

13 Apr 1943
Around 1330B/13, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) arrived at Holy Loch from Lerwick. (6)

23 Apr 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburg. (6)

26 Apr 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted full power trials in the Clyde area (Bute Sound). (6)

27 Apr 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted convoy attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN) and ships from Escort Group B 3. [Ships that made up Escort Group B 3, which were not refitting, were the following; destroyers HMS Keppel (Cdr. M.J. Evans, OBE, RN), HMS Escapade (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Peake, RN), ORP Garland (Kpt.mar.(Lt.Cdr.) B.J. Biskupski, ORP) and the corvette HMS Orchis (T/Lt. E.D.A. Dyer, RCNVR).] (6)

28 Apr 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) returned to Holy Loch on completion of last night's exercises. (6)

29 Apr 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) departed Holy Loch for Londonderry where she was to participate in A/S exercises. She made the passage together with HMS Upstart (Lt. P.C. Chapman, DSC and Bar, RN). They were was escorted by HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN). (6)

30 Apr 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) arrived at Londonderry. (6)

4 May 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Lough Foyle. (7)

5 May 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) proceeded from Lough Foyle to Larne where A/S exercises were then carried out. (7)

6 May 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. She proceeded to Campbeltown on completion of these exercises. (7)

7 May 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (7)

8 May 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) departed Campbeltown for a few day's of exercises. (7)

10 May 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) arrived at Larne upon completion of her exercises. (7)

11 May 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) departed Larne for Holy Loch. (7)

12 May 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) arrived at Holy Loch from Larne. (7)

18 May 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) is docked at Holy Loch in AFD 7. (7)

19 May 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) is undocked. (7)

21 May 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Arrochar for some more torpedo discharge trials. (7)

22 May 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (7)

23 May 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Upon completion of these HMS Templar returned to Holy Loch. (7)

25 May 1943
Around 2100B/25, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) departed from Holy Loch for Gibraltar.

During the passage south through the Irish Sea she was escorted by HMS Scimitar (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Cuthbertson, DSC, RNR) until 1340B/27 (5)

25 May 1943
For the daily positions of HMS Templar during the passage from Holy Loch to Gibraltar see the map below.

7 Jun 1943
Around 1530B/7, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Holy Loch. The passage had been unventful, only fishing vessels had been sighted while passing the Bay of Biscay. (5)

13 Jun 1943
Around 2045B/13, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) departed from Gibraltar for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Southern France.

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

(5)

19 Jun 1943
At 0430B/19, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) entered her patrol area. She then set course to patrol off Port Vendres. She dived half an hour later in position 42°05'N, 03°45'E to commence closing the French coast for a day of submerged patrol. (5)

23 Jun 1943
At 1629B/23, while patrolling off the southern French coast between Toulon and Marseilles, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) sighed what is thought to be an 'Elan-class' minesweeping sloop coming along the coast from the direction of Toulon. She was transmitting on Asdic. She rounded Riou Island and was then seen to enter Marseille.

This was most likely the German torpedo boat TA 10 (former French La Pomone) on passage from Toulon (departed around 1400B/23) to Marseille. (8)

24 Jun 1943
At 1930B/24, while patrolling off the southern French coast between Toulon and Marseilles, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) sighed what is thought to be an 'La Flore-class' torpedo boat proceeding close inshore towards Marseille. She was proceeding at 16 knots. Range was 11000 yards.

This was most likely the German torpedo boat TA 9 (former French Bombarde) on passage from Toulon (departed around 1700B/24) to Marseille. (8)

25 Jun 1943
At 1300B/25, while patrolling off the southern French coast between Toulon and Marseille, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) sighted an armed trawler coast crawling towards Marseille.

At 1713B/25, a flying boat and the masts of a merchant vessel were seen approaching from the direction of Toulon. Later also the masts of a 'destroyer' were seen. She appeared to be to the inshore of the merchant vessel. At the time of the sighting HMS Templar had already cleared to coast as she intended to patrol off Port Vendres the following day.

The ships sighted at 1713B/25 were probably the French passenger/cargo ship Cap Corse (French, 2444 GRT, built 1929) escorted by the German escort vessel SG 14 (A former French minesweeping sloop of the Chamois-class that had been captured while under construction). They had departed Ajaccio (Corsica) around 0030B/25 and arrived at Marseille around 1900B/25. (8)

26 Jun 1943
At 2306B/26, after a day of submerged patrol near Port Vendres, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) surfaced in position 42°38'N, 03°27'E and then left patrol to proceed to Algiers as ordered in Capt. S 8's signal timed 1732B/24. (9)

30 Jun 1943
Around 0725B/30, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. She was escorted in by HMS St. Kilda (A/Skr.Lt. R.G. Utting, RNR) which had joined around 0635B/30. (5)

12 Jul 1943
Around 2000B/12, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) departed from Algiers for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Lugurian Sea to the north of Corsica.

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

(5)

21 Jul 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) attacked the Italian submarine Axum with seven torpedoes about 5 nautical miles North-West of Calvi, Corsica, France in position 42°35'N, 08°38'E. All torpedoes fired missed their target.

The Axum was en-route from La Spezia to La Maddalena and observed, in all, six torpedo tracks (seven torpedoes had been actually fired, the first single torpedo was probably not noticed) and took evasive action. The periscope of the attacker was briefly seen but at such close range that the stern torpedoes were not fired as they would not had the time to be activated.

1320B/21 - In position 42°35'N, 08°38'E sighted U-boat on a course of 210° at a range of 4000 yards. Started attack.

1330B/21 - Fired one torpedo from 1500 yards (more were intended but Templar was not kept at a steady depth). The torpedo missed.

1333B/21 - Upon regaining depth control and return to periscope depth fired four torpedoes from 1500 yards. All missed again due to the target altering course.

1340 hours - Fired another two torpedoes from 3000 yards. Once again the torpedoes missed. (5)

26 Jul 1943
At 0630B/26, while patrolling to the north-east of Bastia, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) sighed two landing barges and one trawler proceeding from Bastia towards Elba.

At 0715B/26, two landing barges and a KT-ship was seen leaving Bastia. An attack was started but no torpedoes were fired as the KT-ship was in ballast and of shallow draught.

[We have been unable to identify the vessels sighed.] (5)

28 Jul 1943
At 2325B/28, in position 42°48'N, 08°23'E, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) sighed a northbound Italian hospital ship proceeding on course 360° at 12 knots. It was not attacked.

This was possibly the Virgilio (Italian, 11718 GRT, built 1926) who had sailed from Porto Torres (Sardinia) at 1410B/28 for Leghorn. (5)

2 Aug 1943
Around 0820B/2, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. She was escorted in by HMS Mousa (Lt. D.J. Hutton, DSC, RNVR) which had joined around 0610B/2. (5)

9 Aug 1943

Combined convoy OS 53 / KMS 23.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 9 August 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alresford (British, 2472 GRT, built 1922), Antilochus (British, 9082 GRT, built 1906), Avon Coast (British, 1036 GRT, built 1923), Baron Fairlie (British, 6706 GRT, built 1925), Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915), Botlea (British, 5119 GRT, built 1917), British Engineer (British (tanker), 6993 GRT, built 1922), Chloris (British, 1171 GRT, built 1910), Elizabeth Massey (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Empire Bardolph (British, 7063 GRT, built 1943), Empire Cabot (British, 6715 GRT, built 1941), Empire Capulet (British, 7044 GRT, built 1943), Empire Chamois (British, 5684 GRT, built 1918), Empire Clarion (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Deed (British, 6766 GRT, built 1943), Empire Flame (British, 7069 GRT, built 1941), Empire Porpoise (British, 7592 GRT, built 1918), Empire Prince (British, 7030 GRT, built 1942), Empire Prowess (British, 7058 GRT, built 1943), Empire Rain (British, 7290 GRT, built 1941), Empire Shearwater (British, 4970 GRT, built 1920), English Monarch (British, 4557 GRT, built 1924), Euryades (British, 5801 GRT, built 1913), Facto (Norwegian, 1522 GRT, 1921), Fenad Head (British, 5038 GRT, built 1941), Filleigh (British, 4856 GRT, built 1928), Fort Albany (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Ash (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Assiniboine (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Fort Caribou (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort Carillon (British, 7129 GRT, built 1943), Fort Connolly (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Drew (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Fraser (British, 7126 GRT, built 1942), Fort Glenlyon (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Fort McLeod (British, 7127 GRT, built 1942), Fort St. Paul (British, 7137 GRT, built 1943), Fort Ville Marie (British, 7122 GRT, built 1941), Greathope (British, 2297 GRT, built 1926), Hilversum (Dutch, 3717 GRT, built 1920), Itinda (British, 6619 GRT, built 1938), Lanrick (British, 1276 GRT, built 1920), Leighton (British, 7412 GRT, built 1921), Lowlander (British, 8059 GRT, built 1925), MacGregor Laird (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930), Neleus (British, 6685 GRT, built 1911), New Brooklyn (British, 6546 GRT, built 1920), Norjerv (Norwegian, 5582 GRT, 1919), Northleigh (British, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Ocean Faith (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Valentine (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Penshurst (British, 1454 GRT, built 1921), Peterston (British, 4680 GRT, built 1925), Portsea (British, 1583 GRT, 1938), Selvik (Norwegian, 1557 GRT, built 1920), Solarium (British, 6239 GRT, built 1936), St. Rosado (British, 4312 GRT, built 1937), Tigre (Norwegian, 5498 GRT, built 1926), Trojan Star (British, 9037 GRT, built 1936), Tynemouth (British, 3168 GRT, built 1940), Warfield (British, 6070 GRT, built 1917) and Wayfarer (British, 5068 GRT, built 1925).

The rescue vessel Rathlin (British, 1600 GRT, built 1936) was also part of the convoy.

Also part of the convoy were the boom defence vessels HMS Barndale (T/Lt. R.L. Jones, RNR) and HMS Barnehurst (T/Lt. T. Robb, RNR).

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the frigates HMS Blackwood (Lt.Cdr. L.T. Sly, RD, RNR, with Cdr. E.H. Chavasse, DSC, RN on board as Senior Officer of the Escort Group), HMS Bazely (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Brock, RCNVR), HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN), HMS Fal (Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR), HMS Test (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR), HMS Trent (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.G. Rankin, DSC, RNR), HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN) and the M/S trawlers (for passage to the Mediterranean) HMS Staffa (T/Lt. R.L. Roat, RNVR) and HMS Unst (T/Lt. F.M. Cornall, RNVR).

Around 1700Z/11, in position 51°38'N, 13°14'W, the sloop HMS Stork (Cdr.(Retd.) G.W.E. Castens, RN) joined coming from Londonderry.

Around 1300Z/12, the sloop HMS Redpole (Lt.Cdr. I.M. Carrs, RN) joined the convoy coming from Milford Haven. She had the tanker Empire Bombardier (British (tanker), 8202 GRT, built 1943) with her.

Around 0715Z/13 the light cruiser HMS Bermuda (Capt. T.H. Back, RN) arrived near the convoy to provide cover against surface attack. About an hour later she positioned herself well to the east of the convoy. She left the vicinity of the convoy the following day after the AA cruiser HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) had joined around 0535Z/14 in position 43°42'N, 14°15'W. She was stationed inside the convoy for AA protection. During daylight hours, HMS Stork and HMS Redpole were also stationed inside the convoy to provide AA protection with their 4" gun batteries. During the night there were deployed in the A/S screen.

At 0915Z/15, when the convoy was in position 39°40'N, 13°33'W, it was noticed that en enemy FW 200 aircraft was shadowing the convoy.

At 1015Z/15, two FW 200's commenced high level bombing attacks on the convoy but all bombs fell wide.

Around 1745Z/15, the convoy was attacked by (16 to 18) German FW 200 aircraft from 1./KG.40 in position 38°59'N, 12°58'W. The Warfield was heavily damaged and later sank while the Baron Fairlie and Ocean Faith were both damaged. The Baron Fairlie was making water in the engine room. HMS Bazeley remained behind to assist these ships but she later rejoined the convoy. She sank the wreck of the Warfield which was beyond salvage. HMS Bazeley was near missed and slightly damaged but this was not discovered until the ship was docked for inspection.

Around 1200Z/16, HMS Trent was detached to fuel at Casablanca.

Around 2045Z/16, HMS Scylla parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar where she arrived around 0830B/17.

Around 0600Z/16, HMS Test was detached to fuel at Casablanca.

Around 0900Z/17, the convoy split into convoy OS 53 and KMS 23.

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Convoy OS 53, towards Freetown, was made up of the following merchant vessels; Antilochus, Botlea, British Engineer, Empire Bardolph, Empire Bombardier, Empire Cabot, Empire Porpoise, Empire Prowess, English Monarch, Hilversum, Leighton, MacGregor Laird, Neleus, New Brooklyn, Norjerv, Peterston, Solarium, St. Rosario, Trojan Star and Tynemouth.

They were joined by the merchant vessels; Dalcross (British, 4557 GRT, built 1930), Dumfries (British, 5149 GRT, built 1935), Fort Alexandria (British, 7127 GRT, built 1942), Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Kootenay (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Glaucus (British, 7596 GRT, built 1921), Glenpark (British, 5136 GRT, built 1939), Pentridge Hill (British, 7579 GRT, built 1941), Richmond Hill (British, 7579 GRT, built 1940), Stad Maassluis (Dutch, 6541 GRT, built 1918), Trevaylor (British, 5257 GRT, built 1940) and the boom defence vessel HMS Barbette (Skr.Lt. F. Parsons, RNR) and the rescue tug HMRT Antic which came from Gibraltar which they had departed on the 15th escorted by the destroyers HMS Isis (Cdr. B. Jones, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wallace, DSC, RN) and the trawler HMS St. Nectan (T/A/Lt.Cdr. T.F. Broadhead, RNR).

The convoy was escorted by HMS Blackwood, HMS Bazeley, HMS Drury, HMS Fal and HMS Johan Maurits van Nassau. HMS Trent and HMS Test latr rejoined from Casablanca on the 18th and 19th of August respectively.

On 17 August 1943, the convoy was joined by the following merchant vessels coming from Casablanca which they had departed the previous day; El-Biar (French, 4678 GRT, built 1927), Finistere (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909), Fort Nakasley (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943) and Montaigne (French, 2770 GRT, built 1920). They were escorted by the patrol vessels USS PC-471 (Lt. G. Washburn, USNR), USS PC-473 (Lt. D.F. Welch, USNR) and USS PC-474 (Lt. A.D. Weekes, Jr., USNR). These patrol vessels did not join the convoy but returned to Casablanca arriving there on the 18th. They had taken the merchant vessel Empire Prowess with them.

Around 1000Z/22, the sloops HMS Enchantress (Cdr. A.E.T. Christie, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN), HMS Sandwich (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR) and the corvette HMS Anchusa (T/Lt. R.A. Baker, RNVR) joined the convoy. HMS Blackwood, HMS Bazeley, HMS Drury and HMS Johan Maurits van Nassau then parted company to proceed to Dakar to fuel where they arrived the following day.

On 23 August 1943, the El-Biar, Finistere and Montaigne arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy. The merchant vessels Fort Vercheres (British, 7128 GRT, 1942) and Thomas Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929) joined the convoy coming from Dakar.

On 24 August 1943, the British Engineer and Empire Bombardier arrived at Bathurst after having been detached from the convoy. The merchant vessel Lida (Polish, 1387 GRT, built 1938) joined the convoy the following day coming from Bathurst.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 27 August 1943. Not all merchant ships entered Freetown but continued on to their destination independently.

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Convoy KMS 23, towards the Mediterranean, was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arlesford, Avon Coast, Baron Fairlie, Baron Forbes, Chloris, Elizabeth Massey, Empire Capulet, Empire Chamois, Empire Clarion, Empire Deed, Empire Flame, Empire Prince, Empire Rain, Empire Shearwater, Euryades, Facto, Fenad Head, Filleigh, Fort Albany, Fort Ash, Fort Assiniboine, Fort Caribou, Fort Carillon, Fort Connolly, Fort Drew, Fort Fraser, Fort Glenyon, Fort McLeod, Fort St. Paul, Fort Ville Marie, Greathope, Itinda, Lanrick, Lowlander, North Leigh, Ocean Faith, Ocean Valentine, Penshurst, Portsea, Selvik, Tigre and Wayfarer.

The rescue vessel Rathlin and the boomb defence vessels HMS Barndale and HMS Barnehurst were also with the convoy.

They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Isis, HMS Anthony, sloops HMS Stork, HMS Redpole, A/S trawler HMS St. Nectan and the M/S trawlers HMS Staffa and HMS Unst. Also joining on the split up of the combined convoy was the Mediterranean escort of the convoy. It had departed Gibraltar on 16 August 1943 and was made up of the sloop HMS Shoreham (Cdr. E. Hewitt, RD, RNR) and the minesweepers HMS Hythe (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Miller, RN), HMS Romney (Lt. W.E. Halbert, RNR), HMS Rye (A/Lt.Cdr. J.A. Pearson, DSC and Bar, RNR), HMS Whitehaven (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) G.W.A.T. Irvine, DSC, RNR), HMAS Gawler (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) W.J. Seymour, RAN), HMAS Ipswich (T/Lt.Cdr. J.S. McBryde, RANR(S)), HMAS Lismore (T/Lt. L.C.G. Lever, RANR(S)) and HMAS Maryborough (T/Lt. J.C.P. Boyle, RANR(S)).

On 18 August 1943, the Arlesford, Baron Forbes, Ocean Faith, Selvik, Rathlin, HMS Barndale and HMS Barnehurst arrived at Gibraltar after having been detached from the convoy. From the escort, HMS Isis, HMS Anthony, HMS Stork, HMS Redpole, HMS St. Nectan, HMS Staffa and HMS Unst also arrived at Gibraltar.

On 18 August 1943 the following merchant vessels joined the convoy off Gibraltar; A.C. Bedford (British (tanker), 9485 GRT, built 1918), Balteako (British, 1328 GRT, built 1920), Belnor (Norwegian, 2871 GRT, built 1926), Gulf of Venezuela (American, 6910 GRT, 1919) and Toorak (British (tanker), 8627 GRT, built 1927).

Around 1700B/19, the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. H.F. Nalder, RN) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar which she had departed around 1200B/19. She parted company with the convoy around 0725B/20 to return to Gibraltar where she arrived around 1915B/20.

On 20 August 1943, the Cloris, Elizabeth Massay, Greathope and Gulf of Venezuela arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy off Oran; Edward Richardson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Eildon (British, 1447 GRT, built 1936), Grand Quevilly (French, 2844 GRT, built 1914) and Horace Binney (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942).

Also joining from Oran were the LST's USS LST 17 (Lt. H.B. Gallagher, USCGR), USS LST 21 (Lt. C.M. Brookfield, USCGR), USS LST 25 (Lt. J.P. Houlinan, USCGR), USS LST 72 (Lt. H.A Kaye, USNR), USS LST 73 (Lt. W.K. Bradbury, USNR), USS LST 175 (Lt. E.J. Fitzgerald, USNR), USS LST 176 (Lt.(jg) J.A. Salt, USNR), USS LST 208 (Lt. R.W. Emmons, USNR), USS LST 209 (Lt. F.J. Oberg, USNR) and USS LST 261 (Lt. L.I. Reilley, USCG).

On 21 August 1943, the Avon Coast, Baron Fairlie, Empire Chamois, Empire Flame, Empire Prince, Empire Rain, Facto, Filleigh, Fort Fraser, Grand Quevilly, Lanrick and Penshurst arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy off Algiers; Almenara (British, 1851 GRT, built 1922), Benedict (British, 4949 GRT, built 1930), Cape Sable (British, 4398 GRT, built 1936), Empire Cato (British, 7039 GRT, built 1942), Empire Commerce (British, 3722 GRT, built 1943), Empire Salvage (British (tanker) 10746 GRT, built 1940), Jade (British, 930 GRT, built 1938), Kingsborough (British, 3368 GRT, built 1928), Miriam (British, 1903 GRT, built 1912), Ravens Point (British, 1708 GRT, built 1918) and Ville de Djidjelli (French, 1132 GRT, built 1907).

The submarines HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) and HMS Torbay (Lt. R.J. Clutterbuck, RN) also joined the convoy off Algiers for passage to Malta.

On 22 August 1943, the Fort Ash arrived at Bougie after having been detached from the convoy.

On 22 August 1943, the Benedict, Empire Cato, Fort Albany, Northleigh and Ville de Djidjelli arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy.

On 22 August 1943, the Empire Clarion, Empire Commerce, Empire Deed, Fenad Head, Fort Caribou, Fort Carillon, Fort Ville Marie and Ravens Point arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy.

Around 1800B/22, the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN) joined coming from Bizerta which she had departed around 1000B/22.

On 23 August 1943, the A.C. Bedford, Armenara, Balteako, Edward Richardson, Eildon, Empire Salvage, Horace Binney, Kingsborough, Toorak and all the LST's arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy.

On 23 August 1943, the Cape Sable arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.

On 24 August 1943, the Belnor, Empire Shearwater, Fort Connolly, Fort Drew, Fort St. Paul, Jade, Miriam and Ocean Valentine arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy while the following merchant vessels joined the convoy off Algiers; Beacon (American (tanker), 10388 GRT, built 1921), British Vigour (British (tanker), 5844 GRT, built 1943), Good Gulf (Panamanian (tanker), 7805 GRT, built 1938), Meroe (British, 3832 GRT, built 1928), Ovula (Dutch (tanker), 6256 GRT, built 1938), Rancher (British, 5882 GRT, built 1927) and Shirrabank (British, 7274 GRT, built 1940).

The two submarines were detached to Malta. The escort destroyer HMS Blackmore (Lt. H.T. Harrel, RN) escorted them there.

Around 2230C/26, HMS Colombo parted company with the convoy to proceed to Benghazi.

On 27 August 1943 the merchant vessels Egret (British, 1391 GRT, built 1937) and Trajanus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930) joined the convoy coming from Benghazi.

On 29 August 1943, the British Vigour, Egret, Euryades, Fort Assiniboine, Lowlander, Meroe, Ovula , Shirrabank and Trajanus arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy. They were escorted by HMS Shoreham, HMS Hythe, HMS Romney, HMS Whitehaven and HMAS Gawler.

HMAS Lismore proceeded to Haifa where she arrived on 30 August 1943.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 30 August 1943.

12 Aug 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) is docked at Algiers. (10)

15 Aug 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) is undocked. (10)

18 Aug 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Algiers. (10)

21 Aug 1943
Around 1105B/21, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) departed from Algiers bound for Malta. She makes the passage in convoy KMS 23.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy OS 53 / KMS 23 ' for 9 August 1943.]

For the daily positions of HMS Templar during this passage and subsequent passage to Beirut see the map below.

(10)

24 Aug 1943
Around 1800B/24, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta. (10)

25 Aug 1943
Around 0430B/25, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) departed from Malta for Beirut. She was escorted out until 0835B/25 by HMS Sharpshooter (Lt.Cdr. W.L. O'Mara, DSC, RN). (10)

30 Aug 1943
Around 0640C/30, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) arrived at Beirut. (10)

5 Sep 1943
Around 1915B/5, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) departed from Beirut for Port Said. It has been decided that HMS Templar is to join the 4th Submarine Flotilla in the Far East. (11)

7 Sep 1943
At 0800C/7, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Said. Here she is docked early in the afternoon. (11)

8 Sep 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) is undocked. (11)

9 Sep 1943
Around 0530C/9, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) departed from Port Said. She transited the Suez Canal southbound this day after which she anchored off Suez. She continued her passage to Aden the following morning.

For the daily positions of HMS Templar during the passage from Port Said to Colombo see the map below.

(11)

16 Sep 1943
Around 0845C/16, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) arrived at Aden from Suez. (11)

18 Sep 1943
Around 1000C/18, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) departed from Aden for Colombo. (11)

29 Sep 1943
Around 1045FG/29, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) arrived at Colombo.

At 0800FG/29, while approaching the harbour she collided with a buoy damaging her port propeller.

She was escorted in by HDML 1098 (Lt. G.C.M. Brown, SANF(V)) which had joined around 0930FG/29.

On entering harbour, HMS Templar ran over the D/G range. (11)

9 Oct 1943
Around 1630FG/9, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) departed from Colombo for her 4th war patrol (1st in the Far East). She is to patrol in the Malacca Straits.

[No log is available for October 1943 so no map of this patrol can be displayed.] (5)

15 Oct 1943
Around 2300FG/15, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) arrived in her patrol area about 20 nautical miles to the west of Penang. (5)

19 Oct 1943
At 0400FG/19, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) sighted smoke coming from the southern channel towards Penang. Course was set to intercept before dawn. However 5 minutes later what is thought to be a stopped motor torpedo boat was sighted. Evading action made it impossible to intercept the source of the smoke. (5)

21 Oct 1943
At 0355FG/21, to the south-west of Penang, in position 05°01'N, 100°04'E, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) sighed a trawler steaming slowly to the north.

Four minutes later this trawler began transmitting on Asdic and at the same time she turned towards.

At 0401FG/21, HMS Templar dived. No HE of the enemy could be picked up and Asdic transmissions ceased after a few minutes. HMS Templar remained dived until 1912FG/21. (5)

22 Oct 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) patrolled near Langkawi. (5)

23 Oct 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) patrolled near the Butang Islands. (5)

24 Oct 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) patrolled off Phuket. She had been ordered to patrol off Penang (Capt. S 4's signal timed 0735Z/23) but this was not possible as it was too distant from her current position. (5)

25 Oct 1943
At 1910FG/25, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) left patrol to return to Colombo as ordered by Capt. S 4 in his signal timed 0802Z/23. (5)

31 Oct 1943
Around 0900FG/31, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (1st in the Far East) at Colombo. (5)

9 Nov 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) is docked at Colombo to change a propeller. (12)

11 Nov 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) is undocked. (12)

17 Nov 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Colombo. It was intended that she would proceed on patrol on completion of these exercises however defects to the torpedo tubes were discovered and she returned to Colombo to make repairs instead. (12)

18 Nov 1943
Around 0715FG/18 HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) departed for post repair trials. After these trials had been completed satisfactory at 0945FG/18, she departed for her 5th war patrol (2nd in the Far East). She is to patrol in the Malacca Straits. A special operation (Operation Shade) is also to be carried out on the West coast of Siam to the North of Phuket.

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

(5)

26 Nov 1943
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) carried out special operation Shade to the north of Phuket.

A dived reconnaissance was of the Cape Dolphin Peninsula (Lem Tham Tjob, Thailand) was carried out during the day from a range of not more then two nautical miles. Three junks and one motor lighter passed to seaward during the day.

The Cape Dolphin Peninsula proved to be a most unsuitable spot for Folbot operations. Accordingly two pick-up positions were decided upon further to the south where a sandy beach with good tree cover was seen.

The two agents that were to be landed left HMS Templar at 2130FG/26. HMS Templar remained in the vicinity for 45 minutes. No signs of trouble were observed and it was assumed a good landing had been made. (5)

30 Nov 1943
At 0900FG/30, while patrolling off Diamond Point, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) sighted a drifter, a small schooner and three fishing smacks in quarter line. They were not seen to be minesweeping at the time. It was thought these were auxiliary warships. They were not attacked as it was considered possible that their appearance might be followed by bigger pray but nothing materialised. (5)

4 Dec 1943
At 2000FG/4, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) surfaced in position 05°34'N, 96°01'E. She then left patrol to proceed to Trincomalee as ordered in Capt. S 4's signal timed 1027Z/3. (5)

8 Dec 1943
Around 1430FG/8, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (2nd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. She was escorted in by HMS Tewara (T/Lt. J.G.A. Curtis, RNVR) which had joined around 1030FG/8. (5)

28 Dec 1943
Around 1630FG/28, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 6th war patrol (3rd in the Far East). She is to patrol off the west coast of Siam and the approaches to the Malacca Straits. She is also to perform a special operation (Operation Shade II)

She departed Trincomalee together with HMS Tally-Ho (Lt.Cdr. L.W.A. Bennington, DSO, DSC, RN). The submarines were escorted out by HMS Lord Grey (T/Lt. J.J. Challis, RNVR) until around 2200FG/28. (5)

28 Dec 1943
For the daily positions of HMS Templar during her 6th war patrol see the map below.

1 Jan 1944
On board HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) the high power periscope flooded up. None the less she continues her patrol. (5)

3 Jan 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) conducted a periscope reconnaissance of the Cape Dolphin Peninsula (Lem Tham Tjob, Thailand) where the Shade-party was to be picked up. As the high power (attack) periscope was defective the low power periscope had to be used. It had been decided that if the agreed signal from the shore party was seen that a Folbot would be launched during the night of 3/4 January to pick them up.

If the signal was not seen than a good search of the pickup beach would be carried out on the nigh of 7 January whether the signal had been seen or not.

During daylight on 3 January the beach was closed to about a mile and it was thought the agents signal was seen half a mile to the south of Cape Dolphin. At 2115FG/3, Captain Hart and Leading Seaman Glaney were sent inshore with two Folbots to make a quick search and return at about 2300FG/3.

By 2400FG/3, it was found that the Folbots had missed the submarine and course was altered across the setting moon to make a silhouette while a light was flashed at intervals towards the beach. Contact was gained with the Folbots around 0045FG/4 and they were embarked half an hour later.

They reported that the dropping off position was much further to the seaward than had been thought and that they only reached the beach around 2300FG/3. About a mile of the beach was searched but there was no sign of the agents near the agreed rendezvous.

During 3 January 1944, while making the periscope reconnaissance two junks and one A/S trawler had passed to the seaward of HMS Templar. The A/S trawler passed at a range of only 800 yards but fortunately was not using Asdics. (13)

4 Jan 1944
Lt. Beckley decides to abandon HMS Templar's 6th war patrol. The high power periscope had flooded up several days ago which was a big problem and dangerous for the submarine. Besides that there were now also problems with the radar set and the Sperry compass. Also there were some other defects. Course is set to return to Trincomalee. (5)

8 Jan 1944
Around 1730FG/8, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (3rd in the Far East) at Trincomalee. She was escorted in by the Italian sloop Eritrea which had joined around 1330FG/8. (5)

17 Jan 1944
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) carried out gunnery exercises off Trincomalee. Also attack exercises were carried out by both submarines during which Eritrea acted as target. (14)

18 Jan 1944
Around 1800FG/18, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 7th war patrol (4th in the Far East). She is to patrol in the Malacca Straits. She is also to perform a special operation (Operation Shade III). She is escorted out until 2200FG/18 by the Italian sloop Eritrea. (5)

18 Jan 1944
For the daily positions of HMS Templar during her 7th war patrol see the map below.

24 Jan 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) attacked a Japanese submarine with six torpedoes about 60 nautical miles south of Penang, near Pulau Pankor, in position 04°20'N, 100°20'E. All torpedoes missed their, so far unidentified, target.

1155G/24 - Sighted a Japanese submarine bearing Green 60°, range 6000 yards. The enemy's course was estimated to be 345°. Started attack.

1204G/24 - Fired six torpedoes from 5000 yards as the distance could not be closed.

1208G/24 - It was observed that the enemy's course was now 030° meaning the torpedoes must have passed ahead. At one commenced to run in at speed to attack with the remaining two bow torpedoes (in external tubes 7 and 8).

1211G/24 - Sighted the enemy to have altered course to the west and disappearing in a cloud of smoke. They must have sighted the torpedo tracks. Abandoned the attack. (5)

26 Jan 1944
The Japanese light cruiser Kitakami (offsite link) was torpedoed and damaged by two torpedoes from HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) in the Malacca Strait south-west off Penang in position 05°00'N, 98°25'E. The destroyer sighed / heard was the Shikinami.

2312F/26 - Heard HE to the northward. Turned towards and almost immediately sighted a ship at high speed. Commenced attack.

2314F/26 - More HE was reported. Sighted the ship sighted was most likely a destroyer.

2316F/26 - Sighted a cruiser and turned to attack. The course of the enemy was estimated at 130°, speed 20 knots.

2318F/26 - Fired eight torpedoes from 7000 yards. When the last torpedo was fired Templar went deep.

2325F/26 - Heard a torpedo explosion giving a running range of 6800 yards. The explosion was followed by several smaller explosions.

2350F/26 - Heard a destroyer circling at high speed.

2356F/26 - Heard two explosions, most likely depth charges.

0002F/27 - Two more explosions, most likely also depth charges.

0005F/27 - Heard the destroyer leaving the area.

0400F/27 - Surfaced. (5)

31 Jan 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) attacked a Japanese submarine with her last three torpedoes about 60 nautical miles South of Penang in position 04°20'N, 100°21'E. All torpedoes missed their, so far unidentified, target.

Templar was out of torpedoes after this attack. She had to remain on patrol as she had to carry out a special operation on 8 January 1944.

1137G/31 - In position 04°20'N, 100°21'E sighted a Japanese submarine proceeding to the Northward. Started attack.

1142G/31 - Fired the last three (stern) torpedoes from 7000 yards.

1150G/31 - Two torpedoes exploded. The submarine was out of sight at this time, only a patch of smoke could be seen. (5)

3 Feb 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN), carries out a periscope reconnaissance of Cape Dolphin and the beach for 5 nautical miles to the south from a distance of about 2 nautical miles.

No sign of the agents day signal was seen. Seven junks and a small coaster passed through the area during the day.

On completion of the reconnaissace, HMS Templar retired to the seaward of the Sayer Islands where she remained during 4 and 5 February. (5)

7 Feb 1944
Just like on 3 February, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN), carries out a periscope reconnaissance of Cape Dolphin and the beach for 5 nautical miles to the south from a distance of about 2 nautical miles. The agents signal was not sighted. As this was definitely the pick up date, it was decided to sent in a party to search the beach.

2000G/7, HMS Templar attempted to close the beach to land the search party but three junks close inshore precluded an unsighted approach. There was also a full moon with excellent visibility.

2300F/7, HMS Templar was now able to close the beach through a fortunate gap between four junks.

2330F/7, Captain Hart and Leading Seaman Clancy left the submarine in a Folbot with a rubber boat in tow about 2.5 nautical miles from the beach.

HMS Templar then stood out to seawards to charge.

0300F/8, HMS Templar closed the coast and awaited a 'junk gap'.

0350F/8, embarked the Folbot party about 3 miles from the beach and then retired to seaward. Four junks were in sight at the time of the pick up. The landing party had seen no sign of the Shade party. (13)

12 Feb 1944
Around 1130FG/12, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (4th in the Far East) at Trincomalee.

At 0615FG/12, she had joined HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) which was also returning from patrol.

Also joining was the sloop Eritrea which then escorted the submarines to Trincomalee. (5)

16 Feb 1944
Around 1645FG/16, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) departed from Trincomalee for Colombo. They were escorted by the sloop Eritrea. (15)

18 Feb 1944
Around 0845FG/18, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) and Eritrea arrived at Colombo from Trincomalee. Both submarines were then immediately docked together. (15)

26 Feb 1944
HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) are undocked.

They then left Colombo for Trincomalee around 1400FG/26 together with HMS Stoic (Lt. P.B. Marriott, DSO, RN). They were escorted by the sloop Eritrea. (15)

28 Feb 1944
Around 1145FG/28, HMS Taurus (Lt.Cdr. M.R.G. Wingfield, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN), HMS Stoic (Lt. P.B. Marriott, DSO, RN) and Eritrea arrived at Trincomalee from Colombo. (15)

1 Mar 1944
Around 1900FG/1, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 8th war patrol (5th in the Far East). She is to patrol in the Malacca Straits.

She was escorted out until 0100FG/2 by HMS Tewara (T/Lt. J.G.A. Curtis, RNVR). (5)

1 Mar 1944
For the daily positions of HMS Templar during her 8th patrol see the map below.

11 Mar 1944
At 1502FG/11, in position 03°28'N, 99°53'E, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) started an attack on a ship. This attack was abandoned when the ship was recognised as an A/S trawler patrolling slowly to the northward.

At 2103FG/11, a submarine chaser was sighed in the moon path ahead, Templar altered course and avoided.

At 2330FG/11, in position 03°30'N, 99°59'E, HMS Templar had to dive to avoid a submarine chaser moving slowly northwards. HMS Templar surfaced at 0130FG/12. (16)

12 Mar 1944
At 0210FG/12, in position 03°30'N, 100°07'E, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) had to dive for an approaching destroyer steering north-west. HE was held for 40 minutes. HMS Templar surfaced at 0259FG/12.

At 0910FG/12, an A/S trawler, thought to be the same one as had been seen the day before, was approaching from the northward. She however altered course tot the east before she was near the submarine.

At 2025FG/12, in approximate position 03°27'N, 100°21'E, HMS Templar sighted a submarine chaser and dived. Faint HE was picked up. HMS Templar surfaced at 2130FG/12. (16)

13 Mar 1944
At 0229FG/13, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) sighed a submarine chaser moving slowly towards. Templar dived and altered course to the south-west. HE of the submarine chaser immediately increased.

At 0235FG/13, in position 03°20'N, 100°22'E, four depth charges were dropped and thereafter at intervals until 0600FG/13, the submarine chaser made attacks dropping a total of 31 in all. (5)

14 Mar 1944
At 0025FG/14, in position 04°10'N, 99°28'E, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) sighted a vessel thought to be a destroyer or submarine. As it was considered possible that this was HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN), HMS Templar dived and avoided. HE quickly faded.

[HMS Trespasser reported nothing around this time but it is indeed very well possible that she was the vessel sighted as she was indeed in this area.] (5)

16 Mar 1944
At 0255FG/16, north of Diamond Point, Sumatra, in position 06°04'N, 97°25'E, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) sighted what is thought to be a destroyer or submarine. Templar dived to avoid. (5)

19 Mar 1944
At 2310FG/19, west-north-west of Diamond Point, Sumatra, in position 05°35'N, 96°58'E, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) sighted what is thought to be a destroyer. Templar was forced to dive as the destroyer came from an area with limited visibility and was much to close to try to avoid on the surface. (5)

23 Mar 1944
At 1848FG/23, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) surfaced in position 06°12'N, 94°10'E and then left patrol to return to Trincomalee. (5)

28 Mar 1944
Around 1400FG/28, HMS Templar (Lt. D.J. Beckley, DSO, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (5th in the Far East) at Trincomalee.

She was escorted in. The escort had joined around 1000FG/28. [Most likely the escort was HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. F.R. Crawford, RNVR)] (5)

13 Apr 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) is wiped (degaussed) at Trincomalee. (17)

14 Apr 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted noise trials off Trincomalee. (17)

15 Apr 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Trincomalee. (17)

18 Apr 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted excercises off Trincomalee. These included practice attacks on the Italian sloop Eritrea. (17)

19 Apr 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted excercises off Trincomalee. These included practice attacks on the Italian sloop Eritrea. (17)

24 Apr 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Trincomalee, first with HrMs Tromp (A/Capt. F. Stam, RNN) and then with HMS Magnolia (T/Lt. S.R. Brown, RNVR). (17)

26 Apr 1944
Around 0850FG/26, HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 9th war patrol (6th in the Far East). She is to patrol off the north-west coast of Sumatra. She is also to undertake two special operations (Operations Residency and Sugar Loaf).

She was escorted out by HMS Magnolia (T/Lt. S.R. Brown, RNVR).

At 1300FG/26, A/S exercises were commenced with HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN). These lasted until around 1720FG/26 when HMS Templar set course to proceed on patrol. (5)

26 Apr 1944
For the daily positions of HMS Templar during her 9th war patrol see the map below.

30 Apr 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) commenced carrying out her assigned special operations on the west coast of Sumatra.

0534FG/30 - Dived in position 275° - Ujong Jahu - 5.1 nautical miles and proceeded so as to carry out periscope reconnaissance of Rigaih and Chalang Bays.

1350FG/30 - Templar bottomed in position 04°35.9'N, 95°31'E.

2016FG/30 - Surfaced and closed the coast. Prepared three rubber boats to land the party.

2125FG/30 - Lowered the rubber boats into the water 2 cables west of Ujong Jahu and then commenced towing them northwards.

2130FG/30 - Slipped the rubber boats 1.5 cables to the south-east of Ongang Island and then withdrew to seaward.

Between 2150FG/30 and 0200FG/1 - Charged the batteries. Very heavy rain meanwhile had reduced visibility to only a few hundred yards.

0200FG/1 - Informed by 'Walkie-Talkie' that the landing party was returning early so commenced closing the pick-up point.

0247FG/1 - Arrived in the pick-up position, 2 cables due west of Ulong Jahu and picked up the landing party. Due to the bad weather they had been unable to obtain any results. Templar then retired to the seaward.

During daylight on 1 May a further periscope reconnaissance was made of Rigaih and Chalang Bays. On several occasions a Japanese landing craft with several armed soldiers on board came out of Chalang and went alongside several fishing boats.

1602FG/1 - Bottomed in position 04°36'N, 95°31.8'E.

2000FG/1 - Surfaced and commenced closing the coast while preparing two rubber boats for the landing.

2135FG/1 - Disembarked the boats and the landing party in position 04°35.5'N, 95°36.4'E and then withdrew three nautical miles to the south to charge the batteries. The weather and visibility this night was excellent.

0130FG/2 - arrived in the pick-up position, half a mile bearing 180° - Pasi Islands. From there proceeded slowly eastwards. The torch of the landing party was seen and HMS Templar steered straight towards it. Five minutes later the landing party was seen but one of the landing boats was rammed amidships but no damage was done. The landing party, which had carried out a successful reconnaissance, was re-embarked following which HMS Templar retired to seaward.

During 2 May 1944, HMS Templar proceeded southwards towards Meulaboh.

0830FG/2 - In position 04°00'N, 95°50'E, sighted an unescorted merchant vessel of about 3000 tons proceeding on course 140° at 9.5 knots. She was not zigzagging. The enemy was reluctantly allowed to pass owing to the restrictions in the patrol order so as not to compromise the submarines position during the time the special operations were carried out.

During daylight on 3 May a periscope reconnaissance of Meulaboh roads was carried out. It was not possible to close the coast submerged to more then 4 nautical miles due to the shallowness of the water. A large number of fishing vessels were seen but no enemy A/S or other vessels.

1431FG/3 - Bottomed.

1938FG/3 - Surfaced and commenced closing the coast while preparing three rubber boats for landing.

2228FG/3 - Disembarked two rubber boats and the landing party in position 04°07.1'N, 96°09.15'E. Then withdrew 3.5 nautical miles to the southwards to charge the batteries. During the whole operation there was bright moonlight.

0115FG/3 - Received a message from the landing party that they were returning early so closed the pick-up position and picked up the landing party in position 04°07.1'N, 96°09.6'E. The landing party had, on reaching the beach, noticed that there were houses all along it. They were immediately spotted by the villagers. A reconnaissance of the Meulaboh south side was carried out satisfactorily but the northern side was not attempted. The landing party tried, but failed, to take prisoners.

HMS Templar withdrew 10 nautical miles to seaward and then set course to return to Chalang.

During daylight on 4 May a further periscope reconnaissance was made of Rigaih and Chalang Bays. Also periscope photographs were taken. Nothing but fishing boats were sighted.

1725FG/4 - Bottomed in position 04°36.5'N, 95°31'E.

2030FG/4 - Surfaced and commenced closing the coast while preparing two rubber boats for landing.

2203FG/4 - Disembarked the two boats and landing party in position 2 cables to the north-west of Ulong Jahu and then withdrew to the vicinity of Rangas Island to charge the battery.

0230FG/5 - Picked up the landing party in the same place they had been dropped. They had made a successful reconnaissance of the Chalang northern site. Further attempts had been made to take prisoners, but in vain.

HMS Templar then withdrew 10 nautical miles to seawards and then set course to return to the Meulaboh area.

During daylight on 5 May, a periscope and periscope-photographic reconnaissance was carried out of Ujong Karoeng and its vicinity. Again a lot of fishing vessels were seen and also again it was difficult to get close enough to see a lot of detail on the shore.

1758FG/5 - Bottomed in position 04°01.2'N, 96°07'E.

2115FG/5 - Surfaced and ran into the coast while preparing one rubber boat for landing.

2248FG/5 - Disembarked the rubber 'ferry' boat with a party of three in position 04°06.8'N, 96°9.6'E. HMS Templar then withdrew to seaward to charge.

0143FG/6 - The 'ferry' boat informed the submarine by 'walkie talkie' that they were returning to the rendezvous position.

0214FG/6 - The ' ferry' boat was picked up. They said that the landing party, shortly after landing had apparently walked into an ambush on the right bank of the Meureubo River, where it was known that there were enemy pill-boxes. Heavy machine gun fire had been heard. This stopped at once and then soldiers were seen running down to the beach which started to fire at the 'ferry' boat.

The 'ferry' boat remained near the mouth pf the river for half an hour in case the landing party had jumped into the river in an attempt to try to swim back but none showed up. It was reluctantly concluded that the members of the landing party were dead or wounded and taken prisoner.

HMS Templar then withdrew to seaward and at 0400FG/6 left patrol to return to Trincomalee. (13)

9 May 1944
Around 2359FG/9, HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (6th in the Far East) at Trincomalee.

She was escorted in by two motor torpedo boats which had joined around 2220FG/9. (5)

13 May 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) is docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (18)

16 May 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) is undocked. (18)

23 May 1944
Around 0845FG/23, HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 10th war patrol (7th in the Far East). She is to patrol in the Malacca Straits. She is also to lay a minefield off the Dindings.

On departure gunnery exercises were carried out and also three attack runs on her escort, the Italian sloop Eritrea. Eritrea parted company around 1730FG/23 in position 08°46'N, 81°59'E. (5)

23 May 1944
For the daily positions of HMS Templar during her 10th war patrol see the map below.

28 May 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) torpedoes and sinks the Japanese auxiliary storeship Kumano Maru (872 GRT, built 1941). She was in convoy with the Japanese transport Risui Maru (845 GRT, built 1927, former British Lipis). They were escorted by the Japanese submarine chaser Ch-7 and the Japanese auxiliary submarine chasers CHa-50 and CHa-70. Nine of the crew of the Kumano Maru were killed. [All links are off site links.]

0540FG/28 - In position 04°18'N, 100°18'E sighted two merchant ships escorted by two trawlers and one submarine chaser. Bearing 160°, range about 5000 yards, course 340°, speed 9 knots. Started attack.

0552FG/28 - Fired three stern torpedoes from 2400 yards resulting in one hit. The target was later seen to be standing vertically on end in 180 feet of water. Templar was hunted and depth charged following the attack. 18 Depth charges in all were dropped but these did no damage. (5)

30 May 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) is detected and depth charged by a Japanese submarine chaser. 26 Depth charges in all were dropped. No damage is done.

0323FG/30 - Sighted a darkened ship ahead. HMS Templar stopped and then commenced to close at slow speed.

0333FG/30 - Dived in position 04°10'N, 100°13'E and continued to close while dived.

0512FG/30 - Identified the contact as a submarine chaser.

0517FG/30 - Altered course to port to work round the enemy and set course for the Dindings.

By 0540FG/30 - The enemy appeared to be aware of the submarine now and he started an A/S hunt. HMS Templar altered course to seawards.

The A/S hunt continued until around 1000FG/30 during which a total of 26 depth charges were counted. The enemy made us of Asdic during the first part of the hunt. (5)

3 Jun 1944
Around 1843FG/3, in position 04°08'N, 98°50'E, HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) surfaced after a day of submerged patrol. Shortly before surfacing a large junk was sighted but it was not attacked so as not to stirring up trouble with tomorrows minelaying missing upcoming. (5)

4 Jun 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) lays mines in the Strait of Malacca off the Dindings near position 04°16'N, 100°27'E.

0440FG/4 - Dived in position 04°19'N, 100°16'E and commenced closing Pulau Pankor from the northward.

0800FG/4 - Sighted a trawler close inshore when about 8 nautical miles north-west of Pulau Pankor. Also three 'Rufe' aircraft were seen patrolling in the vicinity. HMS Templar continued proceeding southwards at slow speed. The trawler later disappeared to the north. The aircraft were last seen around 1100FG/4.

1200FG/4 - Commenced closing the Dindings for the minelaying operation.

Between 1615FG/4 and 1845FG/4 - Laid 12 mines, in two groups and two single mines, in minefield M.L.O. 8.

Group I; Five mines were laid spaced 900 feet apart (the 5th 1200 feet apart) in a direction of 066° from position 04°18.7'N, 100°29.1'E.

Group II; Five mines were laid spaced 600 feet apart in a direction 080° from position 04°18.1'N, 100°28.8'E.

One mine was laid in position 04°17.9'N, 100°28.8'E and another was laid at a distance of 1 mile bearing 280° from the first mine.

1850FG/4 - Surfaced in position 04°16'N, 100°27'E and set course for Langsa Bay.

2046FG/4 - When in position 04°14'N, 100°07'E, sighted a submarine chaser laying stopped bearing 160° at a range of about 8000 yards. Altered course to the north to avoid. (19)

12 Jun 1944
At 1530FG/12, while patrolling near Pulau Weh (Sabang) HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) sighted three motor torpedo boats approaching at speed. HMS Templar retired to seawards to evade.

At 1930FG/12, HMS Templar surfaced in position 06°08'N, 95°19'E and then left patrol to return to Trincomalee. (5)

16 Jun 1944
Around 0830FG/16, HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (7th in the Far East) at Trincomalee.

She was escorted in by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. F.R. Crawford, RNVR) which had joined around 0425FG/16. (5)

23 Jun 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) is docked in AFD 26 at Trincomalee. (20)

27 Jun 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) is undocked. (20)

5 Jul 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted noise trials and exercises off Trincomalee. (21)

7 Jul 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted gunnery and attack exercises off Trincomalee.

During these attack exercises the Italian sloop Eritrea served as target. (21)

9 Jul 1944
Around 1900FG/9, HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 11th war patrol (8th in the Far East). She is to patrol off Northern Sumatra and to carry out a special operation [no further details available, but this appeared to have been A/S rescue duties during operation Crimson.]

She was escorted out until 2330FG/9 by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. F.R. Crawford, RNVR). (5)

9 Jul 1944
For the daily positions of HMS Templar during her 11th war patrol see the map below.

15 Jul 1944
At 0037FG/15, while patrolling to the east of Pulo Weh, HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) heard fast diesel HE approaching from bearing 125°. HMS Templar turned end on. The HE crossed her stern. HMS Templar retired to the north-eastward as this was obviously an A/S vessel possibly proceeding towards Sabang. (5)

16 Jul 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) missed the German U-boat U-1062 with eight torpedoes north of Sumatra. U-1062 had departed Penang bound for Europe the previous day.

U-1062 did not make it to Europe though, she was sunk in the central Atlantic on 30 September 1944.

1345FG/16 - In position 07°03'N, 96°00'E, the conning tower of a submarine was sighted about 8 nautical miles away, an attack was commenced. The course of the enemy was estimated as being around 270°.

1429FG/16 - Eight torpedoes were fired from 4000 yards that all missed. The enemy evaded the torpedoes. (5)

21 Jul 1944
At 1935FG/21, HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) surfaced in position 05°34'N, 96°36'E. Shortly before surfacing HE was picked up thought to be coming from a destroyer (Turbine HE, between 160 - 180 revs.), bearing 145°. Templar closed but nothing could be seen.

HMS Templar set off in pursuit as it was hoped this ship may have been escorting something else but nothing was seen and it was thought it may have thus been a single destroyer proceeding to Sabang. (5)

22 Jul 1944

Operation Crimson.

Carrier raid and surface bombardment against Sabang, Netherlands East Indies by the Eastern Fleet.

On 22 July 1944 the Eastern Fleet put to sea from Trincomalee, Ceylon. The ships that participated in this sortie were the battleships HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. H.G. Norman, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Eastern Fleet), HMS Valiant (Capt. G.E.M. O’Donnell, DSO, RN), Richelieu (Capt. G.M.J. Merveilleux du Vignaux), battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt. B.C.B. Brooke, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral A.J. Power, KCB, CVO, RN, second in command of the Eastern Fleet), aircraft carriers HMS Illustrious (Capt. C.E. Lambe, CB, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, CB, RN), HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland (Capt. W.Y.La R. Beverley, RN), light cruisers HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN), HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN), HMS Ceylon (Capt. G.B. Amery-Parkes, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), HMNZS Gambia (Capt. N.J.W. William-Powlett, DSC, RN), HrMs Tromp (A/Capt. F. Stam, RNN) and the destroyers HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN), HMS Racehorse (Cdr. J.J. Casement, DSC, RN), HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN), HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, DSC, RN), HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN), HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. the Viscount Jocelyn, RN), HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. O.H. Becher, DSC, RAN).

The British submarines HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) and HMS Tantalus (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Mackenzie, DSO and Bar, RN) were deployed for air/sea rescue duties.

In the early hours of the 25th the carriers, HMS Illustrious and HMS Victorious, separated from the fleet under the escort of HMS Phoebe, HMS Roebuck and HMS Raider, and launched a total of 34 fighter aircraft to attack airfields in the area (18 Corsairs from HMS Illustrious and 16 Corsairs from HMS Victorious). One Corsair fighter was damaged by AA fire from the enemy and crashed into the sea, the pilot was picked up by HMS Nigeria. Five other Corsairs were damaged by AA fire but managed to return to the carriers. Two of these could be repaired on board, the other three were too badly damaged for effective repairs.

The battleships HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Valiant, Richelieu, battlecruiser HMS Renown, heavy cruiser HMS Cumberland, light cruisers HMS Nigeria, HMS Kenya, HMS Ceylon, HMNZS Gambia and the destroyers HMS Rotherham, HMS Relentless, HMS Racehorse, HMS Rocket and HMS Rapid then commenced a bombardment of the Sabang area. They fired a total of 294 - 15", 134 - 8", 324 - 6", ca. 500 - 4.7" and 123 - 4" shells.

Then the Dutch cruiser HrMs Tromp entered Sabang Bay, her rightful waters, with the destroyers HMS Quilliam, HMS Quality and HMAS Quickmatch. In all these four ships fired a total of 8 Torpedos and 208 - 6", 717 - 4.'7" and 668 x 4" shells. Japanese shore batteries obtained 4 hits on the Tromp while Quilliam and Quality were both hit once. The hit by what was thought to be a 3” shell on Quilliam caused minor structural damage but killed one petty officer and wounded four ratings. Quality was hit by what is thought to be a 5” shell which hit the tripod foremast and HA director. One war correspondent was killed and one officer and eight retings were wounded, some of them seriously. Tromp was hit by two 5” and two 3” shells but was lucky that none of these exploded !!!, she suffered only minor structural damage and no deaths or even wounded amongst her crew !

Later that day 13 fighters from the carriers intercepted a Japanese counter attack with 10 aircraft. 7 of these were shot down for no losses of their own.

The fleet arrived back at Trincomalee on 27 July. (22)

25 Jul 1944
At 0530FG/25, HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) arrived in position 05°42'N, 95°33'E, which was her air/sea rescue position to the south-east of Sabang during 'Operation Crimson'.

At 0715FG/25, HMS Templar received a signal from HMS Valiant ordering her to proceed to the location of a ditched Corsair aircraft. HMS Templar proceeded to the indicated location at full speed on one engine and one motor (the other main engine were defective) but later a signal was received that the pilot of the Corsair had been picked up however due to a mistake the Commanding Officer was not informed of this.

At 0822FG/25, in position 05°55'N, 95°29'E, HMS Templar dived for a twin-engined bomber. This bomber machine gunned Templar as she dived but fortunately no bombs were dropped.

HMS Templar then continued on proceeding to the position where the Corsair had been ditched submerged.

At 1215FG/25, a Chidori-class torpedo boat was seen bearing 175° at a range of about 4 nautical miles. She was steering 090° at slow speed.

At 1937FG/25, HMS Templar surfaced in position 06°25'N, 96°21'E and left patrol to return to Trincomalee. (5)

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

She was escorted in by HMS Maid Marion (T/Lt. F.R. Crawford, RNVR) which had joined around 0220FG/31. Around 0830FG/31, HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN), which was also returning from patrol (her 4th, 2nd in the Far East) also joined. (23)

14 Aug 1944
Around 1741FG/14, HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) departed from Trincomalee bound for Aden. She is to return to the U.K. for a refit.

For the daily positions of HMS Templar during the passage from Ceylon to the U.K. see the map below.

(24)

28 Aug 1944
Around 0650C/28, HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) arrived at Aden from Trincomalee. (24)

15 Sep 1944
Around 0530C/15, HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) departed from Aden bound for Suez.

On departure A/S exercises were carried out with ships of Force 66. Force 66 was made up of the following ships; escort carriers HMS Begum (A/Capt. J.E. Broome, DSC, RN), HMS Shah (A/Capt. W.J. Yendell, RN), sloops HMIS Godavari (A/Cdr. A.B. Goord, RIN, HMIS Cauvery (A/Cdr. A.W. Beeton, RIN) and the frigates HMS Lossie (Lt.Cdr. A.F. MacFie, OBE, RD, RNR), HMS Parrett (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) T. Hood, RNR) and HMS Taff (Cdr. G.A.G. Ormsby, DSO, DSC, RN).

On completion of the exercises Force 66 set course to proceed to Kilindini / Mombasa. (25)

20 Sep 1944
Around 2100C/20, HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) arrived at Suez. (25)

22 Sep 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) transited the Suez Canal northbound and arrived at Port Said. (25)

24 Sep 1944
Around 1715C/24, HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) departed from Port Said bound for Malta. (25)

29 Sep 1944
Around 1230A/29, HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) arrived at Malta from Port Said. (25)

30 Sep 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted D/G trials at Malta. (25)

2 Oct 1944

Convoy GUS 54.

This convoy departed Port Said on 2 October 1944.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the following ships; Balfe (British, 5369 GRT, built 192), Baron Scott (British, 4574 GRT, built 1939), Chester O. Swain (American (tanker), 8146 GRT, built 1921), Chung Tung (Chinese, 7120 GRT, built 1944), Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920), Empire Collins (British (tanker), 9796 GRT, built 1942), Euryades (British, 5801 GRT, built 1913), Henry H. Sibley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry T. Scott (American, 7216 GRT, built 1944), John C. Spencer (American, 7242 GRT, built 1943), Jose J. Acosta (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lankashire (British, 9816 GRT, built 1940), Laurentide Park (British, 7136 GRT, built 1942), M. Michael Edelstein (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Palermo (British, 2797 GRT, built 1938), Steel Engineer (American, 5687 GRT, built 1920), Ville d'Anvers (Belgian, 7462 GRT, built 1920) and Westmount Park (Canadian, 7133, built 1943).

On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the frigate HMS Barle (Cdr. A.H. Davies,VRD, RNVR).

On 3 October 1944, the following ships departed Alexandria and joined the convoy; Brittany Coast (British, 1389 GRT, built 1919), John J. McGraw (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samouse (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

They were escorted by the corvette HMS Coltsfoot (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.W. Rayner, RNVR).

On 7 October 1944, the submarine HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) joined the convoy coming from Malta while the Brittany Coast was detached to Malta.

Also on 7 October the following ships were detached to Augusta; Destro, Empire Collins, John J. McGraw, Palermo and Samouse while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Augusta; Benjamin Williams (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Carlton (British, 7210 GRT, built 1942), Empire Airman (British (tanker), 9813 GRT, built 1942), Haym Salomon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry Bacon (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Henry S. Sanford (American, 7240 GRT, built 1944), Josiah B. Grinnell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Noesaniwi (Dutch, 6737 GRT, built 1936), Richard H. Alvey (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and W.C. Latta (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944).

Around 1500A/8, the following ships joined coming from Bizerta; James Monroe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and USS Pleiades (Lt. E. Motley Jr., USNR). Also the British escort was relieved by an American escort coming from Palerma. The American escort, Task Forc 61, was made up of the cutter USCGC Campbell (Cdr. S.F. Gray, USCG, with COMTASKFOR 61, T/Capt. W.A.P. Martin, USN on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Evarts (Lt.Cdr. F.A. Harding, Jr., USNR, with COMCORTDI5 5, Cdr. R.A. Fitch, USNR on board), USS Wyffels (Lt. S.N. Gleis, USNR), USS Decker (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Cody, Jr., USNR), USS Dobler (Lt. J.C. Murphy, USNR), USS Smartt (Lt. E.R. Wepman, USNR) and USS Walter S. Brown (Lt. L.C. Burdett, USNR).

At 0300A/9, the Balfe and Baron Scott were detached to Bone.

At 0825A/9, the Richard H. Alvey was detached to Philippeville.

Around 0700A/10, the Jose J. Acosta proceeded ahead to Algiers to land the British Commodore there and then rejoin the convoy which she did around 1015A/10.

At 0900A/10, the Carlton and Laurentide Park were detached to Algiers while the following ships joined coming from Algiers; Empire Glory (British, 7290 GRT, built 1943), J.L. Luckenbach (American, 6369 GRT, built 1919), Oregon (French, 7705 GRT, built 1929), President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935), Sagittaire (French, 7706 GRT, built 1929), William A. Graham (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and William Blount (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

Around 0435A/11, USS Evarts proceeded ahead towards Oran to escort the joiners coming from Oran.

Around 0830A/11, the John C. Spencer was detached to Oran escorted by the French patrol vessel Le Volontaire which had come out from Oran.

Around 1230A/11, the following ships joined coming from Oran; Albert A. Michelson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Backhuysen (Dutch (tanker), 8194 GRT, built 1942), Bernard N. Baker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Bret Harte (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Francis Amasa Walker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Franz Klasen (Panamanian (tanker), 12425 GRT, built 1932), George Leonard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Golden Eagle (American, 6180 GRT, built 1943), Henry D. Thoreau (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Henry Ward Beecher (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James B. Richardson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), James C. Cameron (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Clarke (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Cropper (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), John Morton (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Joseph E. Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Leonidas Polk (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Luther Martin (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Meyer Lissner (American, 7207 GRT, built 1943), Noah Webster (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Oscar Underwood (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), Patrick Henry (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), Salamis (Norwegian (tanker), 8286 GRT, built 1939), Theodore Foster (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Thomas L. Clingman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William Floyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

The naval oiler USS Escalante(Cdr. J.M. Paulsson, USNR) also joined.

Around 1600A/11, five more ships joined coming from Oran, these were the following; Benjamin Rush (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Button Gwinnett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Edwin L. Godkin (American, 7198 GRT, built 1943), Hoegh Scout (Norwegian (tanker), 9924 GRT, built 1939) and Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

Around 0730A/12, the William Cushing (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), which had departed Oran late, caught up with and joined the convoy.

Around 1020A/12, HMS Templar left the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar.

Around 1155A/12, the Chester O. Swain, Euryades and Lankashire were detached to Gibraltar.

Around 1205A/12, two ships joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar, these were the following; Havprins (Norwegian (tanker), 8066 GRT, built 1935) and Torborg (Norwegian (tanker), 6042 GRT, built 1921).

Around 1250A/12, the Hoegh Scout which had reported that she still had 4845 tons of aviation fuel on board was detached to Gibraltar to discharge her remaining cargo and then rejoin the convoy. She was escorted to Gibraltar by USS Dobler which was then to wait until the tanker had discharged her cargo and then escort her back to the convoy. Orders were however changed and the tanker was ordered to sail in a later convoy. USS Dobler was ordered to rejoin the convoy which she did later that day.

Around 0815Z/13, the following ships joined the convoy coming from Casablanca; Joshua B. Lippencott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samgaudie (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944) and William R. Davie (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942). They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the French patrol vessel L'Ardent which then returned to Casablanca taking the Franz Klasen and Noesaniwi with her.

Also on the 13th, all escorts fuelled from USS Escalante.

Around 1400N/17, one ship joined coming from Fayal, this was the John S. Bassett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the A/S trawler HMS Stafnes (T/Lt. A.T. Motion, RNVR) which subsequently returned to the Azores.

On 18 October 1943, all escorts fuelled from USS Escalante.

At 0650O/19, the Golden Eagle was detached to proceed independently to Hampton Roads.

On 24 October 1943, all escorts again fuelled from USS Escalante.

At 0127Q/25, the Henry D. Thoreau was detached to proceed independently to San Pedro via the Panama Canal.

At 0313Q/25, the Henry S. Sanford was detached to proceed independently to San Pedro via the Panama Canal.

At 0423Q/25, the John S. Bassett was detached to proceed independently to San Pedro via the Panama Canal.

At 0600Q/25, the Josiah B. Grinnell was detached to proceed independently to San Pedro via the Panama Canal.

At 0800Q/25, USS Escalante was ordered to proceed independently to Bermuda. Her escort, the frigate USS Huron (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Collins, USCGR) had failed to make rendezvous.

At 1500Q/26, the Norfolk (Chesapeake Bay) section of the convoy (29 ships) parted company to proceed to its destination escorted by USS Evarts, USS Wyffels and USS Walter S. Brown. It arrived at its destination on the 28th.

At 1850Q/26, the New York section detached the Samgaudie to proceed independently to Baltimore.

At 2050Q/26, the New York section detached the Joshua B. Lippencott to also proceed independently to Baltimore.

At 0530Q/27, the New York section detached the Backhuysen and Benjamin Rush to proceed to Delaware Bay.

At 0630Q/27, the New York section detached the Westmount Park to proceed independently to Saint John, New Brunswick.

The New York section of the convoy made up of 22 ships and the remaining escorts arrived at its destination on 28 October 1944.

4 Oct 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted D/G trials at Malta. (26)

5 Oct 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) is wiped (degaussed) at Malta. (26)

7 Oct 1944
Around 0650A/7, HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) departed from Malta bound for Gibraltar. She joined convoy GUS 54 for the passage.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy GUS 54 ' for 2 October 1944.] (26)

9 Oct 1944

Convoy SL 173.

This convoy departed Freetown on 9 October 1944.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Albion Star (British, 7946 GRT, built 1919), Alcor (Dutch, 3526 GRT, built 1920), Aleksandar I (Yugoslavian, 5948 GRT, built 1927), Arcturus (French, 2514 GRT, built 1914), Arosa (Norwegian, 5043 GRT, built 1924), Atlantian (British, 6549 GRT, built 1928), Benalder (British, 5161 GRT, built 1919), Boryslaw (Polish, 5977 GRT, built 1942), Dalemore (British, 5835 GRT, built 1922), Empire Clive (British, 7069 GRT, built 1941), Empire Meteor (British, 7457 GRT, built 1940), Mahout (British, 7921 GRT, built 1925), Marquesa (British, 8979 GRT, built 1918), Mary Kingsley (British, 5021 GRT, built 1930), Ocean Vestal (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Viscount (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Rookley (British, 4998 GRT, built 1940) and Samnid (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. E.D.J. Abbot, DSC, RN) and the patrol vessels HMS Kilmarnock (T/Lt. I.H. Bargrave-Deane, RNVR) and HMS Kilmartin (T/Lt. E.H.G. Hope, RNVR).

Around 0700Z/12, in position 14°38'N, 17°55'W, the Arcturus was detached to Dakar while the Mahana (British, 11796 GRT, built 1917) joined coming from Dakar.

Around 0630A/20, in position 35°30'N, 09°12'W, the Noesaniwi (Dutch, 6737 GRT, built 1936) joined the convoy from Casablanca. She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the French patrol vessel Le Resolu which subsequently returned to Casablanca.

Around 1200A/20, in position 35°59'N, 09°01'W, convoy MKS 64G coming from Gibraltar merged with the convoy which now became the combined convoy SL 173 / KMS 64.

The ships that joined, and thus made up convoy KMS 64G, were the following; Balfe (British, 5369 GRT, built 1920), Baron Scott (British, 4574 GRT, built 1939), Bestik (Norwegian, 2684 GRT, built 1920), Carlton (British, 7210 GRT, built 1942), Carslogie (British, 3786 GRT, built 1924), Castalia (British, 6601 GRT, built 1906), Empire Clarion (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Peak (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Empire Trent (British, 5006 GRT, built 1927), Empire Zephyr (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Harberton (British, 4585 GRT, built 1930), Hopecrest (British, 5099 GRT, built 1935), Modasa (British, 9070 GRT, built 1921), Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906), Samport (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samspeed (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), St. Clears (British, 4312 GRT, built 1936), Tjimanoek (Dutch, 5628 GRT, built 1911) and Vinriver (British, 3881 GRT, built 1917).

The boom carrier HMS Ethiopian (5424 GRT, built 1936, A/Cdr.(Retd.) K.A.S. Phillips, RNR) and submarine HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) were also part of the convoy.

Convoy MKS 64G had departed Gibraltar on 19 October 1944 and was escorted by the frigates HMS Cotton (Lt.Cdr. I.W.T. Beloe, RN), HMS Bazely (A/Lt.Cdr. J.W. Cooper, DSC, RNR) and corvettes HMS Morpeth Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.R. Pate, DSC, RNR) and HMS Oxford Castle (T/Lt. H.E. Holden, DSC, RNR) which then took over the combined convoy.

The original escort of convoy SL 173 proceeded to Gibraltar where HMS Enchantress and HMS Kilmartin arrived around 0800A/21. They had taken the Albion Star with them. HMS Kilmarnock had been detached to Casablanca at 1900A/20 in position 35°52'N, 07°34'W.

AM on 23 October 1944, HMS Bazely was detached and proceeded to the U.K. independently.

AM on 28 October 1944, in position 49°38'N, 06°49'W, the convoy split into two sections. The Irish Sea section proceeded with the original escort. To escort the Channel section the corvettes HMS Narcissus (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.T.S. Clampitt, RNR) and A/S trawler HMS Olvina (A/Skr.Lt. C.G. Spillings, RNR) had joined.

Most ships of the convoy arrived at their destinations on 28 October 1944. (27)

12 Oct 1944
Around 1510Z/12, HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. On entering harbour D/G trials were carried out. (26)

16 Oct 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials at Gibraltar. (26)

19 Oct 1944
Around 0800A/19, HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) departed from Gibraltar bound for Holy Loch. She made the passage in convoy SL 173 / MKS 64.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy SL 173 ' for 9 October 1944.] (26)

28 Oct 1944
Around 1515A/28, HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) arrived at Holy Loch.

During the period between arriving in the U.K. and the start of her refit, which was delayed due to congestion in British shipyards, HMS Templar is used for exercises in the Clyde area. These included snort trials. (26)

15 Nov 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted special trials in lower Loch Long. (28)

16 Nov 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted special trials in lower Loch Long. (28)

20 Nov 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted special trials in lower Loch Long. (28)

22 Nov 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted special trials in lower Loch Long. (28)

24 Nov 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted special trials off Largs with HMS Alnwick Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR) (28)

25 Nov 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted special trials off Largs with HMS Alnwick Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR) (28)

26 Nov 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted special trials off Largs with HMS Alnwick Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR) (28)

27 Nov 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted special trials off Largs with HMS Alnwick Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stonehouse, DSC, RNR) (28)

5 Dec 1944
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted special trials in the Clyde area. (29)

12 Dec 1944
HMS Templar (with T/Lt. C.J. Hardy, RNVR temporary in command) proceeded from Holy Loch to the torpedo firing range at Arrochar.

[T/Lt. Hardy was temporary in command as Lt. Ridgeway had proceeded on 28 days leave on 6 December although he was officially still Templar's Commanding Officer.] (29)

13 Dec 1944
HMS Templar (with T/Lt. C.J. Hardy, RNVR temporary in command) conducted torpedo firing trials off Arrochar. (29)

14 Dec 1944
HMS Templar (with T/Lt. C.J. Hardy, RNVR temporary in command) conducted torpedo firing trials off Arrochar. (29)

15 Dec 1944
HMS Templar (with T/Lt. C.J. Hardy, RNVR temporary in command) conducted torpedo firing trials off Arrochar. (29)

16 Dec 1944
HMS Templar (with T/Lt. C.J. Hardy, RNVR temporary in command) conducted torpedo firing trials off Arrochar. (29)

17 Dec 1944
HMS Templar (with T/Lt. C.J. Hardy, RNVR temporary in command) conducted torpedo firing trials off Arrochar. (29)

18 Dec 1944
HMS Templar (with T/Lt. C.J. Hardy, RNVR temporary in command) conducted torpedo firing trials off Arrochar. (29)

19 Dec 1944
HMS Templar (with T/Lt. C.J. Hardy, RNVR temporary in command) conducted torpedo firing trials off Arrochar. (29)

20 Dec 1944
HMS Templar (with T/Lt. C.J. Hardy, RNVR temporary in command) conducted torpedo firing trials off Arrochar. (29)

21 Dec 1944
HMS Templar (with T/Lt. C.J. Hardy, RNVR temporary in command) conducted torpedo firing trials off Arrochar on completion of which she proceeded to Holy Loch. (29)

22 Dec 1944
HMS Templar (with T/Lt. C.J. Hardy, RNVR temporary in command) proceeded from Holy Loch to Arrochar where torpedo firing trials were conducted.

23 Dec 1944
HMS Templar (with T/Lt. C.J. Hardy, RNVR temporary in command) conducted torpedo firing trials off Arrochar. (29)

24 Dec 1944
HMS Templar (with T/Lt. C.J. Hardy, RNVR temporary in command) conducted torpedo firing trials off Arrochar. (29)

26 Dec 1944
HMS Templar (with T/Lt. C.J. Hardy, RNVR temporary in command) conducted torpedo firing trials off Arrochar. (29)

27 Dec 1944
HMS Templar (with T/Lt. C.J. Hardy, RNVR temporary in command) proceeded from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (29)

5 Jan 1945
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted special trials at Holy Loch. (30)

15 Jan 1945
HMS Tuna (Lt.Cdr. E.D. Norman, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) conducted special exercises / trials in the Clyde area. (31)

2 Feb 1945
HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) proceeds from Holy Loch for Troon where she is to refit. She was escorted by HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). (32)

19 Sep 1945
Upon completion of her refit, HMS Templar (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) proceeded from Troon for Holy Loch to begin a period of port refit trials and work up training. (33)

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