uboat.net

  Front page - Fighting the U-boats - Allied Warships

Follow us on Twitter
@uboatnet

Notable events involving Tantivy include:

The history of HMS Tantivy as compiled on this page is extracted from the 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 November 2018.

23 Jul 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO and Bar, RN) departed her builders yard for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (1)

24 Jul 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (1)

25 Jul 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted full power trials on the Arran measured mile. (1)

28 Jul 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

29 Jul 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

30 Jul 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

31 Jul 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)

2 Aug 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar where she as to conduct her torpedo discharge trials. (2)

5 Aug 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (2)

6 Aug 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (2)

7 Aug 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (2)

8 Aug 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (2)

9 Aug 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (2)

10 Aug 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (2)

11 Aug 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Upon completion of there trials HMS Tantivy returned to Holy Loch. (2)

13 Aug 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (2)

14 Aug 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Campbeltown, where she conducted A/S exercises with HMS Altair (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) W.R.T. Clements, RNR). (2)

15 Aug 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. Upon completion of these exercises HMS Tantivy proceeded to Holy Loch. (2)

16 Aug 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery trials in the Clyde area. (2)

18 Aug 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (2)

20 Aug 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She made the passage north together with HMS Untiring (Lt. R. Boyd, DSC, RN) that was en-route to Lerwick. They were escorted by HMS Cotillion (T/Lt. S.G. Fowler, RNR). (2)

22 Aug 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow where she was to participate in A/S excercises and in exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course). (2)

23 Aug 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises at/off Scapa Flow for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN) and HMIS Godavari (Capt. J.W. Jefford, OBE, RIN). (2)

24 Aug 1943
In the morning, HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN), conducted attack exercises at/off Scapa Flow for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) on HMS Duke of York (Capt. B.B. Schofield, CBE, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral B.A. Fraser, KCB, KBE, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet), which was out for exercises herself being escorted by HMS Savage (Cdr. R.C. Gordon, DSO, RN) and HMS Mahratta (Lt.Cdr. E.A.F. Drought, DSC, RN).

During the afternoon, HMS Tantivy conducted attack exercises during which HMS London (Capt. R.V. Symonds-Tayler, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral L.H.K. Hamilton, CB, DSO and Bar, RN) served as target. (3)

25 Aug 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises at/off Scapa Flow for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Malaya (Capt. G.E.M. O’Donnell, DSO, RN) that was escorted by HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN). (2)

26 Aug 1943
In the morning, HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN), conducted A/S exercises at/off Scapa Flow with HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Savage (Cdr. R.C. Gordon, DSO, RN).

During the afternoon, HMS Tantivy, conducted attack exercises at/off Scapa Flow for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Danae (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN).

HMS Danae was herself out for exercises with aircraft and also bombardment exercises. HMS Danae only returned to Scapa Flow early the following morning. (4)

27 Aug 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises at/off Scapa Flow for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) off Scapa Flow with HMS Spartan (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) which was out on exercises. (5)

29 Aug 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises at/off Scapa Flow for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HrMs O 15 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. Schouwenaar, RNN). (2)

30 Aug 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted A/S exercises at/off Scapa Flow with HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard DSC, RCN). (2)

31 Aug 1943
In the morning, HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises at/off Scapa Flow for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) with HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) and HMS Spartan (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN). (6)

1 Sep 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at/off Scapa Flow. (7)

2 Sep 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises at/off Scapa Flow with USS Ranger (Capt. G. Rowe, USN) that was escorted by USS Forrest (T/Cdr. K.P. Letts, USN), USS Hobson (Lt.Cdr. K. Loveland, USN) and USS Corry (T/Cdr. L.B. Ensey, USN). (7)

6 Sep 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. At she made rendez-vous with HMS Untiring (Lt. R. Boyd, DSC, RN) which came from Lerwick. They were escorted on their passage south by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). (7)

8 Sep 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (7)

11 Sep 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). These included night exercises during the night of 11/12 September 1943. (7)

12 Sep 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area. Upon completion of these HMS Tantivy proceeded to Larne. (7)

13 Sep 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises off Larne. (7)

14 Sep 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted attack exercises off Larne. (7)

16 Sep 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Larne. (7)

18 Sep 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted attack and A/S exercises off Larne with ORP Burza (Cdr. F. Pitulko, ORP). (7)

19 Sep 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted attack and A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Philante (Capt. A.J. Baker-Cresswell, DSO, RN). (7)

20 Sep 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (7)

21 Sep 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (7)

22 Sep 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Larne. (7)

23 Sep 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) and HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) both shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS ML 229 (T/Lt. W.C.R. Walsh, RNVR). (7)

27 Sep 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar where she was to conduct special torpedo trials. (7)

28 Sep 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted special torpedo trials off Arrochar. (7)

30 Sep 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted special torpedo trials off Arrochar. (7)

1 Oct 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted special torpedo trials off Arrochar. (8)

2 Oct 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted special torpedo trials off Arrochar. (8)

3 Oct 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted special torpedo trials off Arrochar. (8)

4 Oct 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted special torpedo trials off Arrochar. (8)

5 Oct 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) shifted from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (8)

12 Oct 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) is docked at Holy Loch in AFD 7. (9)

16 Oct 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) is undocked. (9)

18 Oct 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) departed from Holy Loch bound for Lerwick.

20 Oct 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) arrived at Lerwick. She departed from Lerwick for her 1st war patrol later the same day. This is a working up patrol off the Norwegian coast in the Trondheim area. (10)

30 Oct 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) ended her 1st war patrol (working up patrol) at Lerwick. The patrol was uneventful. She is now ordered to proceed to Chatham Dockyard. (10)

31 Oct 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) departed Lerwick for Harwich. Part of the passage south was made together with HMS Seadog (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN). They were escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). Off Scapa Flow they were joined by HMS Tuna (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) and HMS Uther (Lt. P.S. Beale, RN). (11)

2 Dec 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) arrived at Harwich. (12)

3 Dec 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) shifted from Harwich to the Chatham Dockyard where modifications were to be fitted before Tantivy would be deployed to the Far East. (12)

29 Dec 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) departed Sheerness for Portsmouth. (12)

30 Dec 1943
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (11)

4 Jan 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) departed Portsmouth for Plymouth. (12)

4 Jan 1944

Combined convoy OS 64 / KMS 38.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 4 January 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Anna N. Goulandris (Greek, 4358 GRT, built 1921), Antilochus (British, 9082 GRT, built 1906), Atlantic City (British, 5133 GRT, built 1941), Baron Douglas (British, 3899 GRT, built 1932), Biafra (British, 5405 GRT, built 1933), Bosphorus (Norwegian, 2111 GRT, built 1934), City of Leicester (British, 3351 GRT, built 1926), Coulbeg (British, 5237 GRT, built 1940), Danae II (British, 2660 GRT, built 1936), Edam (Dutch, 8871 GRT, built 1921), Empire Caxton (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942), Empire Cormorant (British, 5760 GRT, built 1918), Empire Geraint (British, 6991 GRT, built 1942), Empire Grange (British, 6981 GRT, built 1943), Empire Melody (British, 2283 GRT, built 1942), Empire Opossum (British, 5644 GRT, built 1918), Empire Peacock (British, 6098 GRT, built 1919), Empire Stronghold (British, 7064 GRT, built 1943), Empire Thackeray (British, 2865 GRT, built 1942), Empire Wolfe (British, 2888 GRT, built 1941), Eskdalegate (British, 4250 GRT, built 1930), Fort Norman (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Governor (British, 5571 GRT, built 1918), Hartbridge (British, 5080 GRT, built 1927), Kyklades (Greek, 7157 GRT, built 1941), Laguna (British, 6466 GRT, built 1923), Lornaston (British, 4934 GRT, built 1925), Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918), Marsdale (British, 4890 GRT, built 1940), Merchant Royal (British, 5008 GRT, built 1928), North Devon (British, 3658 GRT, built 1924), Ocean Gallant (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vulcan (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Palacio (British, 1346 GRT, built 1927), Port Melbourne (British, 9142 GRT, built 1914), Scottish American (British (tanker / escort oiler), 6999 GRT, built 1920), Sreca (Yugoslavian, 5248 GRT, built 1918), Telesfora de Larrinaga (British, 5780 GRT, built 1920), Theomitor (Greek, 4427 GRT, built 1910) and Van Honthorst (Dutch, 6140 GRT, built 1943).

The rescue ship Copeland (British, 1526 GRT, built 1923) was also with the convoy as was the Greek LST RHS Chios.

Of the transports the following had to return after departure; Empire Cormorant, Empire Thackeray- and Merchant Royal.

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Winchelsea (Lt. C.T. Shuttleworth, RNVR), frigates HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. L.P. Bourke, RNZNR), HMS Helmsdale (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, RN), corvettes HMS Abelia (A/Lt.Cdr. O.G. Stuart, RCNVR), HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Carse, DSC, RNVR), HMS Burdock (T/Lt. F.R.M. Greasley, RNR), HMS Clover (Lt. T.E. Fanshawe, DSC, RNR), HMS Crocus (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.R. Mackay, RNZNVR) and A/S trawler HMS Vizalma (T/Lt. B. James, RNVR). The rescue tug HMRT Stormking was also with the convoy.

On 6 January 1944, the frigate HMS Foley (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Bird, RNVR) departed Londonderry to overtake and join the convoy. She had been unable to departed earlier as her new Commanding Officer had not yet arrived to take over command.

On 6/7 January 1944, the frigate HMCS Waskesiu (T/A/Cdr. J.H.S. MacDonald, RCNR) and the corvettes HMCS Camrose (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L.R. Pavillard, RCNR), HMCS Edmundston (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.D. Barrett, RCNR), HMCS Lunenburg (T/Lt. D.L. Miller, RCNVR) and HMCS Snowberry (T/Lt. J.A. Dunn, RCNVR) joined from convoy SL 143. They parted company on 12 January 1944 to join northbound convoy SL 144.

On 7 January 1944, the frigate HMS Avon (Lt.Cdr. P.G.A. King, DSC, RD, RNR) departed Londonderry to overtake and join the convoy. She had been unable to departed earlier due to defects.

In the evening of 8 January 1944, HMS Bayntun and HMCS Camrose sank the German submarine U-757 in position 50°33'N, 18°03'W.

On 9 January 1944, the corvette HMS Abelia sustained damage to her rudder. The damage was possibly due to a T-5 acoustic torpedo fired by a German submarine but might also have been inflicted due to one of her own depth charges exploding prematurely. She was able to steam under her own power but could not steer. HMRT Stormking then took her in tow towards Cardiff where they arrived on 13 January 1944. They had been escorted by HMS Vizalma which subsequently proceeded to Liverpool arriving on the 14th.

On 11 January 1944, the destroyers HMS Wanderer (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Whinney, RN), HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. G.H.D. Williams, RN), sloop HMS Woodpecker (Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RNR) and frigates HMS Glenarm (Lt.Cdr. W.R.B. Noall, DSO, RNR) joined from convoy SL 144. They parted company again the following day to rejoin convoy SL 144 taking HMS Burdock also with them.

In the late afternoon of 11 January 1944, the German submarine U-953 attacked the corvette HMCS Lunenburg with a T-5 homing torpedo but it missed. The submarine was then hunted for hours by the Lunenburg herself as well as HMS Foley, HMCS Waskesiu and HMCS Edmundston. The U-boat was damaged but was able to remain on patrol.

On 17 January 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 64 and KMS 38.

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

Convoy OS 64, towards Freetown, was made up of the following merchant vessels; Biafra, Bosphorus, Danae II, Empire Geraint and Port Melboune.

On 15 January 1944, the frigate HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Aubretia (Lt. G.D. Fowler, RNR) and HMS Cyclamen (T/Lt. W.S. Joliffe, RNR) had departed Gibraltar escorting convoy OS 64G (the Gibraltar section of convoy OS 64) which was made up of the following transports; Afghanistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Dalhanna (British, 5571 GRT, built 1930), Empire Meteor (British, 7457 GRT, built 1940), Empire Newton (British, 7037 GRT, built 1942), Empire Sunbeam (British, 6711 GRT, built 1941), Fort Lac la Ronge (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Fort McLoughlin (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Houston City (British, 7262 GRT, built 1942), Nairung (British, 5414 GRT, built 1942), Nyanza (British, 4974 GRT, built 1928), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938), Vera Radcliffe (British, 5587 GRT, built 1925) and Vinriver (British, 3881 GRT, built 1917).

On these ships arriving at the rendezvous on the 17th the convoy split. The original escort of the combined convoy then proceeded with convoy KMS 38 towards the Mediterranean.

On 16 January 1944, the transport/ tanker Hoggar (French, 5146 GRT, built 1923) and Ninella (British (tanker), 8134 GRT, built 1943) had departed Casablanca to join the convoy. They were escorted to the rendezvous by the corvette Commandant Detroyant and the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez. These escorts did not join the convoy but returned to Casablanca on the 17th.

On 23 January 1944, the and arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy while the transport Arcturus (French, 2514 GRT, built 1914) joined the convoy coming from Dakar.

Convoy OS 64 arrived at Freetown 26 January 1944. Some ships from the convoy did not enter Freetown but continued on to their destinations independently.

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

Convoy KMS 38, made up of the remaining ships, proceeded towards the Mediterranean with the original escort of the combined convoy.

On 17 January 1944, the following transports / tanker arrived at Gibraltar; City of Leicester, Copeland, Empire Caxton, Empire Melody, Empire Wolfe, Laguna, North Devon and Scottish American. The Greek LST RHS Chios also arrived at Gibraltar.

The original escort, made up of HMS Helmsdale, HMS Bayntun, HMS Avon, HMS Foley, HMS Winchelsea, HMS Asphodel, HMS Clover and HMS Crocus also arrived at Gibraltar.

On the convoy passing Gibraltar on the 17th, the transports Cragpool (British 5133 GRT, built 1928) and Empire Daring (British 7059 GRT, built 1943) joined.

Also a new escort joined, this was made up of the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), frigate HMS Inver (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR), corvettes HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), RHS Sakhtouris, RHS Apostolis, A/S whaler HMSAS Southern Sea and the M/S trawler HMS Filla (T/Lt. G.H. Syrett, RNVR).

The submarines HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) and HrMs K XIV (Lt.Cdr. J.F. Drijfhout Van Hooff, RNN) also joined the convoy for passage to Port Said.

On 18 January 1944, the transport Lornaston was detached to Oran while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Oran; Cartago (American, 4732 GRT, built 1908), Empire Harbour (British (tanker), 797 GRT, built 1943), George G. Meade (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Irvin MacDowell (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), James R. Randall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John P. Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John S. Pillsbury (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph E. Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Mount Othrys (Greek, 6527 GRT, built 1919), P.L.M. 13 (British, 3754 GRT, built 1921), Tabitha Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Ville de Djidjelli (French, 1132 GRT, built 1907) and William Mulholland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

On 19 January 1944, the transports / tanker Atlantic City, Baron Douglas, Hartbridge, Mount Othrys, Ocean Gallant and Telesfora de Larrinaga were detached to Algiers as was the M/S trawler HMS Filla while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Amberton (British, 5377 GRT, built 1928), Djebel Aures (French, 2835 GRT, built 1929), Edward P. Costigan (American, 7194, built 1943), Fort Fairford (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Reliance (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Gouverneur General Lepine (French, 3509 GRT, built 1923), Guinean (British, 5205 GRT, built 1936), Joseph N. Teal (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Pan-Maryland (American (tanker), 7701 GRT, built 1938), Silvester Gardiner (American, 7176, built 1943), Srbin (Yugoslavian, 928 GRT, built 1913), Temple Inn (British, 5218 GRT, built 1940) and Thomas Pickney (American, 7177, built 1942).

On 20 January 1944, the transport Benjamin Tay (British, 1814 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bougie.

On 20 January 1944, the transport Ville de Djidjelli arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy.

On 20 January 1944, the transports / tanker , Anna N. Goulandris, Empire Harbour, George G. Meade, Gouverneur General Lepine and Srbin arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Bone; Brighton (British, 7345 GRT, built 1943), Cyrus H.K. Curtis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920), Dornoch (British, 5186 GRT, built 1939), Dux (Norwegian, 1590 GRT, built 1934), Empire Brook (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941) and Senga (Yugoslavian, 5140 GRT, built 1913). The RFA tanker Prestol (2629 GRT, built 1917) also joined the convoy.

On 21 January 1944, the transports Cartago, James R. Randall, Senga, Sreca, Theomitor and the RFA tanker Prestol arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; George Matthews (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), George W. McCrary (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942) and John A. Campbell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). HMS Colombo also arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy.

On 21 January 1944, the transports Eskdalegate and Joseph N. Teal arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.

On 22 January 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Anglo-African (British, 5601 GRT, built 1929), Blairclova (British, 5083 GRT, built 1938), Comliebank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1924), Empire Ballad (British, 6700 GRT, built 1942), Empire Cedar (British (tug), 129 GRT, built 1941), Empire Daring (British, 7059 GRT, built 1943), Empire Raja (British, 6224 GRT, built 1922), Empire Rock (British, 7061 GRT, built 1943), Fort Capot River (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Fort Clatsop (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), Fort Nashwaak (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort St. Francois (British, 7125 GRT, built 1942), Lublin (Polish, 1409 GRT, built 1932), Nolisement (British, 5084 GRT, built 1928), Ocean Trader (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Samaritan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samnebra (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsylvan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Tide Water (American (tanker), 8886 GRT, built 1930) and Trevelyan (British, 7292 GRT, built 1943).

On 23 January 1944, the transports Amberton, Benjamin Tay, Brighton, Coulbeg, Craigpool, Cyrus H.K. Curtis, Destro, Djebel Aures, Dornoch, Dux, Edward P. Costigan, Empire Brook, Empire Grange, Empire Opossum, Empire Peacock, Empire Stronghold, Fort Fairford, Fort Norman, Fort Reliance, George Matthews, George W. McCrary, Guinean, Irvin MacDowell, John A. Campbell, John P. Mitchell, John S. Pillsbury, Joseph E. Brown , Kyklades, Manchester Exporter, Ocean Vulcan, P.L.M. 13, Pan-Maryland , Silvester Gardiner, Tabitha Brown, Temple Inn, Thomas Pinckney, Van Honthorst and William Mulholland arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.

On 26 January 1944, the following transports arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy. Blairclova, Edam, Fort Capot River, Fort Nashwaak, Fort St. Francois, Lublin, Marsdale, Ocean Trader, Samaritan, Samnebra, Samsylvan and Trevelyan. Also the following escort vessels arrived at Alexandria; HMS Inver, HMS Delphinium and RHS Apostolis.

On 27 January 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Port Said; Anglo-African, Antilochus, Comliebank, Empire Ballad, Empire Cedar, Empire Daring, Empire Raja, Empire Rock, Fort Clatsop, Governor, Nolisement and Tide Water. Also the following escort vessels arrived at Port Said; RHS Sakhtouris, HMSAS Southern Sea

5 Jan 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) arrived at Plymouth. (12)

6 Jan 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) departed from Plymouth bound for Gibraltar, this is the first leg of her passage to Trincomalee.

For HMS Tantivy's daily (1200 hours) positions during the passage from Plymouth to Gibraltar see the map below.

(10)

15 Jan 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (10)

17 Jan 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) departed Gibraltar for Port Said. (12)

27 Jan 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Said. (12)

1 Feb 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) departed Port Said, transited the Suez canal southbound, and arrived at Suez. (12)

2 Feb 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) departed Suez for Aden. (12)

7 Feb 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) arrived at Aden. (12)

10 Feb 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) departed Aden for Trincomalee. (12)

22 Feb 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (12)

23 Feb 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 2nd war patrol (1st in Far Eastern waters), patrol area is the Sunda Strait. (10)

29 Feb 1944
Shortly before arriving in her assigned patrol area HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) is sighted and bombed by a Japanese aircraft. No damaged was caused.

(all times are zone -6,5)
1240 hours - Sighted an aircraft and dived. When Tantivy passed 70 feet a bomb exploded. Cdr. Rimington is not happy with that he was sighted shortly before arriving in the patrol area
2030 hours - Surfaced (10)

22 Mar 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Trincomalee. The patrol was uneventful.

Before Tantivy proceeded on her next patrol she was docked. The date of docking is for the moment however not known to us. (10)

6 Apr 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) is undocked. (13)

16 Apr 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (13)

17 Apr 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in Far Eastern waters). Patrol area is the Malacca Straits and the west coast of Siam. (10)

29 Apr 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) attacks shipping inside Phuket harbour. Three torpedoes were fired into the harbour against damaged / sunken ships that were undergoing salvage. The attack fails as the torpedoes most likely got stuck in mud.

(all times are zone -6,5)
0448 hours - Dived and ran in to attack shipping inside Phuket harbour
1143 hours - At a range of 4500 yards fired No 1. torpedo tube at a sunken ship in the harbour, No 2 and 3 torpedo tubes were fired at a damaged ship. All torpedoes fired were seen running for the first 3000 yards. They were also seen to be running strait towards their intended targets. However nothing happened and all torpedoes probably got stuck in mud. Tantalus retired to deeper water
1912 hours - Surfaced (10)

4 May 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) attacks a Japanese submarine with six torpedoes south of the mouth of the Perak river. All torpedoes fired missed their target.

All times are zone -6,5)
0456 hours - Dived
1540 hours - Sighted a Japanese submarine of the I-68 class to the south of the mouth of the Perak river
1549 hours - Attacked the Japanese submarine with six torpedoes. The enemy however sighted the tracks and combed them. They were then seen to pass to the eastward of the Sembilan Islands making for the Dindings
1903 hours - Surfaced. As it was hoped that the submarine would spent the night in the Dindings and proceed towards Penang the next day. Cdr. Rimington decided to proceed to a position between the Dindings and Penang (10)

7 May 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) sank a Siamese sailing vessel with gunfire of the west coast of Siam.

(All times are zone -6,5)
0502 hours - Dived
1525 hours - Surfaced for gun action, 24 rounds were fired at a junk (about 150 tons) from about 700 yards of which 14 were hits. After the junk sank 4 survivors were picked up. The junk was fully loaded with tin and also had a deck cargo of bagged rice. She was en-route from Phuket to Penang (10)

9 May 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) encounters a submerged submarine. She is not able to attack.

(all times are zone -6,5)
0530 hours - Dived
1400 hours - Surfaced
1548 hours - Dived to periscope depth upon sighting of periscope. H.E. (= Hydrophone Effect) was heard and echo contact was obtained until 1850 hours. During a cat and mouse game neither submarine was able to attack
1910 hours - The other submarine was heard to increase speed and make off. Contact was lost soon afterwards
2115 hours - Surfaced (10)

12 May 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol at Trincomalee. (10)

27 May 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) is docked at Trincomalee. (14)

29 May 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) is undocked. (14)

31 May 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (14)

1 Jun 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 4th war patrol (3rd in Far Eastern waters). Patrol area is the Malacca Straits and the west coast of Siam. (10)

7 Jun 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) lays mines in the Strait of Malacca off Sembilang Island.

At 1915 hours (time zone -6.5) commenced mine laying operation
M.L.O. 11.
2200 hours - completed mine laying (10)

15 Jun 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) tries to intercept a small merchant vessel off Phuket. She is not able to attack.

(All times are zone -6,5)
0522 hours - Dived and started approaching Phuket harbour
1112 hours - Sighted a small diesel merchant ship of about 1500 to 2000 tons leaving Phuket harbour. Tantivy turned to intercept. Immediately after three A/S vessels were seen making a direct attack impossible. Cdr. Rimington decided to try to intercept the ship off Go Lantar Yai about 25 nautical miles away. The target was however not seen again
1900 hours - Surfaced and proceeded to the vicinity of Goh Beng light (10)

19 Jun 1944

Operation Pedal.

Air strikes against Port Blair in the Andaman Islands.

On 19 June 1944, ' Force 60 ' deaparted Trincomalee. It was made up of the following warships: 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), battleship Richelieu (Capt. G.M.J. Merveilleux du Vignaux), aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. C.E. Lambe, CB, CVO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, CB, RN), light cruisers HMS Nigeria (Capt. S.H. Paton, 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) and the destroyers 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), HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMS Racehorse (Cdr. J.J. Casement, DSC, RN), HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, DSC, RN), HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) and HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN).

The submarines HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO and Bar, RN) were deployed on air/sea rescue duties.

At dawn on 21 June, ' Force 60 ' was in the flying off position, about 95 miles to the west of Port Blair.

At 0530/21, an air striking force of 15 Barracudas escorted by 16 Corsairs was flown off followed by a separate fighter striking force of 8 Corsairs.

They were to attack the following targets near Port Blair;
Parked aircraft on the two enemy airfields were to be attacked by the fighter striking force.
Shipping in the harbour was to be attacked by the air striking force. Also targets on Ross Island, the Chatham Island saw mills, the seaplane base at Phoenix Bay and military installations in Aberdeen harbour.

Two Barracudas returned to HMS Illustrious with engine trouble before they could attack their targets.

Surprise appears to have been almost complete. Weather was poor though.

The total bomb load taken over the target area was 26 500lb bombs and 26 250lb bombs. 3 Bombs failed to release. Another 3 were released set at safe. 4 were jettisoned in the sea. The remaining 42 fell in the target area, of which 17 were seen to hit the selected targets.

The following results were reported:
2 - 500lb and 1 - 250lb bombs on the barracks and 1 - 500lb bomb on the power house on Ross Island.

2 - 250lb and 3 - 500lb bombs in the saw mills at Chatham Island.

1 - 500lb bomb on workshops and 4 more bombs in close proximity of the sea-plane base in Phoenix Bay.

2 - 500lb bombs on the barracks and 1 - 250lb bomb on the motor transport yard in the Aberdeen harbour area.

2 single engined enemy aircraft were set on fire at Port Blair main airfield. No enemy aircraft were see on the secondary landing strip.

Mount August radar station was completely destroyed and Mount Harriet radar station and tower were damaged by Corsairs.

4 aircraft had been hit by AA fire but were able to return to HMS Illustrious.

1 Barracuda was lost over the target area, the crew must be considered lost. 1 Corsair crahed into the sea on return. The pilot was picked up after having bailed out just in time.

A total of 57 aircraft had been embarked in HMS Illustrious for this operation. At one time 51 aircraft were in the air at the same time.

After landing on the aircraft, ' Force 60 ' withdrew to the westward at high speed during 21 June. No enemy aircraft approached the force throughout this operation.

' Force 60 ' returned to Trincomalee in the morning of 23 June 1944. (15)

26 Jun 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) ended her 4th war patrol at Trincomalee. (10)

9 Jul 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Trincomalee. (16)

13 Jul 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (16)

14 Jul 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) is docked at Trincomalee. (16)

21 Jul 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) is undocked. (16)

23 Jul 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (16)

24 Jul 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 5th war patrol (4th in Far Eastern waters). Patrol area is the Malacca Straits. (10)

31 Jul 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) tries to intercept a merchant vessel bound for Sabang (see also 1 August 1944)

(All times are zone -6,5)
0635 hours - Dived
1215 hours - Sighted an unidentified aircraft
1810 hours - Surfaced
1814 hours - Sighted two submarine chasers about five nautical miles inshore steering north-west along the coast. They sighted Tantivy at the same time and turned towards. Tantivy retired to seawards at 13 knots. One of the submarine chasers turned towards the coast again to other continued to follow Tantivy. A merchant was now sighted about two to three nautical miles to the westward of the escorts in position 05°15'N, 97°10'E. After about ten minutes the submarine chaser that was following Tantivy abandoned the pursuit. Tantivy now proceeded towards the south-east point of Pulo Weh to intercept as the merchant was obviously bound for Sabang. (10)

1 Aug 1944
While trying to attack the merchant spotted the previous day, HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) is spotted by an aircraft. The attack therefore had to be broken off.

(All times are zone -6,5)
0508 hours - Dived off the south-east corner of Pulo Weh.
0608 hours - The masts and bridge of a ship were sighted. Also one single engined aircraft was patrolling over the Malacca Passage. After a while the ship suddenly turned towards leaving Tantivy perfectly placed for an attack. At 0704 hours when Cdr. Rimington wanted to have a last quick peep through the attack periscope an aircraft bomb went off. Fortunately it was not close. The aircraft had probably seen us and dropped the bomb as a warning that a submarine was very close. The target immediately changed course. One of the escorts was only 400 yards away and turned strait towards Tantivy. Cdr. Rimington immediately ordered Tantivy deep. It was only after seven minutes that the first two depth charges were dropped and these were not close. When Tantivy was able to return to periscope depth the target could be seen stern on and out of range. At the same time a twin-engined bomber, a Sally, was seen to dive towards us from 1000 feet but failed to drop anything as Tantivy went deep again
0910 hours - Returned to periscope depth to find the sea and sky clear. Proceeded to a position to the north-west of the One Fathom Bank
1852 hours - Surfaced. (10)

6 Aug 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) is spotted by a Japanese torpedo boat. She is depth charged but no damage was done.

(All times are zone -6,5)
0440 hours - In position 210°, 3 nautical miles from Observation Island (Butangs) a light was sighted flashing. It was challenging us. Tantivy turned to the south stern on to the light. A small destroyer was then sighted that started to challenge again. We had clearly been sighted and as it was getting light Cdr. Rimington dived at 0449 hours. Tantivy went deep immediately expecting to be attacked. The destroyer was picked up on the Asdic and was approaching at 12 knots. No attack however developed and by 0540 hours Tantivy came to periscope depth. It was now light enough to see the destroyer, (Otori class) about 4 nautical miles to the eastward steering towards Langkawi
0750 hours - The destroyer was seen to make off towards Penang. Also the first aircraft of the day was sighted at this time. During the day at least one aircraft was in sight. Sometimes up to three were in sight at the same time
1815 hours - The mast of an escort vessel (most likely the Otori-class destroyer again) was sighted bearing 110°, 5 to 6 nautical miles. She appeared to be heading slowly north. Tantivy was at this time about 3.5 nautical miles to the south-east of Observatory Island. Cdr. Rimington turned to the west to open up the range to the vessel before surfacing. She was very soon out of sight in the dusk
1908 hours - Surfaced
2030 hours - The after lookout sighted the destroyer closing us. She was then about 4 nautical miles away on the starboard quarter. Turned to the south-west, stern on to the destroyer and increased speed to 13 knots. The destroyer soon followed us and appeared to have increased speed
2116 hours - Distance was now about 3 nautical miles and decreasing so there was no other choice then to dive. Just before diving a second vessel was sighted bearing 050 about 4 nautical miles away. On diving Tantivy turned to port to 090°, hoping the destroyer's Commanding Officer was thinking the submarine would turn to seaward. The destroyer steamed on to the diving position and as she crossed fairly close astern she dropped a single depth charge. She ten reduced speed and to Cdr. Rimingtons disgust also turned to Port and steamed up Tantivy's Starboard side dropping two more depth charges about half a mile apart. The destroyer then turned to Port, crossed close ahead and then drew out to the North of Tantivy. Cdr. Rimington started to turn slowly 180° to Starboard to 270°. During this time nothing had been heard from the second vessel. The destroyer appeared to be at fault. As the destroyer drew clear, Cdr. Rimington took the risk to increase speed to get clear of the search area. At this moment the second vessel was heard to approach fast from the South-West (Port bow). She passed very close to port and then joined the destroyer. The game of cat and mouse continued during the whole night and Tantivy was unable to surface during the night so measures were taken to conserve battery power and improve the air quality. (10)

16 Aug 1944
HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) ended her 5th war patrol at Trincomalee. (10)

23 Aug 1944
Around 0815FG/23, the battleship Richelieu (Capt. G.M.J. Merveilleux du Vignaux) departed Trincomalee for exercises. She was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HMS Pathfinder (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Hallifax, RN).

During the exercises the Richelieu acted as target for the submarines HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) and HMS Stygian (Lt. G.S.C. Clarabut, DSO, RN).

At 1115FG/23, the Richelieu was ordered to return to harbour as a surfaced enemy submarine had been reported the tanker Oregon Trail (American, 10448 GRT, built 1943). The destroyers then proceeded on an A/S sweep of the area. It was later found out the position given by the Oregon Trail had been in error and the submarine in question had been HMS Tantiviy.

The destroyers returned to Trincomalee around 0800FG/24. (17)

25 Aug 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) departed from Trincomalee for passage to Fremantle, Australia.

For HMS Tantivy's daily positions during this passage (and what was to become her 6th war patrol) see the map below.

(10)

1 Sep 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) is attacked with bombs by a Japanese aircraft in position 07°30'S, 101°56'E. Three bombs were dropped but these all failed to explode.

(All times are zone -6,5)
1016 hours - In position 07°30'S, 101°56'E dived for an aircraft overhead reported by a lookout. The aircraft was not picked up by radar. The aircraft was identified as a Betty flying at 1000 feet. While diving a stick of 3 bombs was observed landing about 1 cable on the starboard bow. Fortunately they all failed to explode
1101 hours - Surfaced
1313 hours - In position 07°44'S, 102°10'E dived for an unidentified aircraft at extreme range
1325 hours - Surfaced. (10)

2 Sep 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) was ordered to divert for a short patrol in the Sunda Strait. The passage to Fremantle now became her 6th war patrol (5th in Far Eastern waters). (10)

4 Sep 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) makes a torpedo attack on a Japanese merchant. Three torpedoes were fired but these all missed their target.

(All times are zone -8)
0632 hours - Dived south of Flat Cape
1100 hours - Established a patrol off Flat Cape
2212 hours - Radar reported a possible ship 7400 yards away. This was soon seen to be a submarine chaser that turned towards
2217 hours - Dived and turned away. H.E. was soon heard to fade away
2235 hours - Surfaced and found nothing in sight so set off at 13 knots towards the last bearing of the H.E. After 5 minutes an object was sighted and a few minutes later two small ones ahead. It was decided that this was a worth-wile target. It looked like they were coast crawling very close inshore along Flat Cape. Tantivy increased to full speed. Radar range was 7800 yards. When it came down to 6000 yards the course was estimated at 110°, which was through the strait, passing close to Krakatoa, speed was 9 knots. The escorts were broad on each bow of the target so it was decided to fire from 4000 yards, the nearest escort would then be 3000 yards away
2314 hours - After slowing down, three torpedoes were fired, five torpedoes were intended but the target turned away after the third torpedo so the other two were not fired. The target turned away and Lt. May thought they had been spotted so he turned away and increased speed. In the meantime they started to reload the torpedo tubes that had been fired. However the target remained on her new course, approximately 350°, and also the escorts did nothing. So it was decided to follow them at slow speed. It now appeared they continued to coast crawl until they were north of Tabuan, then cross to the other side of Samanka Bay, coast crawl down again and so through the strait. Lt. May decided to cross to the west coast of Tabuan and then steer north up the coast and get a shot at them as they crossed north of the island. This was done but despite that Tantivy ran at full power plus, they passed north of the island while the range was over 5000 yards. After been foiled again it was decided that rather than follow them round and been silhouetted against a very bright moon while they were against the far shore, Tantivy would turn, go south of Tabuan and meet them on opposite course, thus getting between them and the shore. This was done but when they were sighted again at ......... (continues on 5 September 1944) (10)

5 Sep 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese merchant cargo ship Shiretoko Maru (1799 GRT, former Dutch Siberoet, built 1927) in Semangka Bay in position 05°44'S, 104°58'E.

(All times are zone -8)
(continuation of 4 September 1944) ??? 0238 hours it was seen that they were so close inshore that the attack would have to be from the seaward and as the moon would be behind Tantivy again the attack had to be submerged
0310 hours - After manoeuvring into position for attack and having dived, 7 torpedoes were fired from 1500 yards. One minute after firing a dull flash was observed followed by a fairly heavy explosion. The nearest escort, 700 yards away, turned towards so Lt. May took Tantivy deep. H.E. from the target ceased. The escort that turned towards counter-attacked for half an hour dropping 11 depth-charges in all but none were very close. The other escort did not participate in the counter-attack. Tantivy remained deep until daylight, then came to periscope depth and set course for Princess Island. Nothing further was sighted all day
1928 hours - Surfaced and patrolled south-west of the Princess Passage. (10)

6 Sep 1944
At dawn HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) departed from the Sunda Strait area and resumes her passage to Fremantle, Australia. (10)

13 Sep 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Fremantle, Australia. (10)

4 Oct 1944
During 4 and 5 October 1944, HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) and HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN), conducted exercises off Fremantle. These included night exercises. Convoy attack exercises were carried out on USS Chanticleer (L.L. Tyndall, USN), HMAS Ipswich (T/Lt. R.H. Creasey, RANR(S)) and HMAS Warrnambool (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) E.J.B. Wight, RAN). (18)

9 Oct 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. H.S. May, RN) departed from Fremantle for her 7th war patrol (6th in Far Eastern waters). Patrol area is the Makassar Straits and Flores Sea.

For HMS Tantivy's daily positions during her 7th war patrol see the map below.

(10)

13 Oct 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. H.S. May, RN) tops off with fuel at Exmouth Gulf. (10)

21 Oct 1944
While operating in Makassar Strait HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) sank (with gunfire) the small Japanese sailing vessels Chokyu Maru No.2 (136 GRT), Takasago Maru No.3 (82 GRT), Otori Maru (198 GRT) and six more that are unidentified.

(All times are zone -8)
0315 hours - Began approach to Bonthain Roads but the echo sounder became defective so the approach was abandoned
0500 hours - When it was getting light, it became evident that there was nothing of interest in the roadstead
0520 hours - Turned south and proceeded dived to patrol of Bulu Bulu
1330 hours - The sails of several large schooners were spotted. Tantivy closed
1400 hours - There were now 21 sails in sight and with HMS Sturdy's success in mind (She reported 9 fully laden schooners sunk in the area next to Tantivy) decided to surface and engage
1416 hours - Surfaced and started closing in
1435 hours - Opened fire on the first one. All the others immediately struck sail and abandoned ship in their canoes. One survivor was picked up during the sinking of the schooners
1540 hours - In the vicinity of 05°41'S, 119°35'E eight schooners were sunk for an average of 21 rounds each. Radar now reported an aircraft closing
1543 hours - Dived to 80 feet. When Tantivy returned to periscope depth there was only one schooner in sight. Closed submerged
1739 hours - Surfaced and engaged the schooner
1753 hours - Schooner sunk and picked up 5 survivors
1815 hours - Set course for Sangean Island
2300 hours - Received a signal that aircraft had sighted troopships in position 04°02'S, 119°37'E
2336 hours - Altered course to the North-East intending to cover the South coast of Celebes from the Eastern edge of our area Westwards. (10)

22 Oct 1944
While operating in Makassar Strait HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) sank the Japanese Communications Vessel No. 137 (approx. 200 GRT) in position 05°47'S, 119°42'E. Tantivy also sank 6 small vessels that are unidentified with gunfire.

(All times are zone -8)
0540 hours - Sighted a coaster of about 150 tons steering East close inshore. Closed
0620 hours - Opened fire
0627 hours - In position 05°37'N, 120°09'E the target was burning forward. Her stern was awash and she was probably beached
0656 hours - Sighted 4 topsail schooners steering South-West from Bonthain roads, closed. The schooners made off towards the shore. Increased speed to 14 knots
0715 hours - In position 05°36'S, 119°57'E slowed down and opened fire
0716 hours - First schooner sunk with 4 rounds
0722 hours - Second schooner sunk with 2 rounds
0726 hours - Third schooner sunk with 3 rounds
0728 hours - Engaged and sank 2 out of 4 schooners anchored close inshore. These schooners were heavily laden and sank at once. The other 2 were empty and were left
0734 hours - Turned to seaward to go after the other remaining schooner of the original 4, which had separated from the others and was close inshore to the East when at 0742 hours the Starboard lookout reported an aircraft flying low over the trees at extreme range. Increased speed to 12 knots to get into deeper water. There was a long way to go
0749 hours - Dived in position 05°35'S, 119°57'E. Depth was only 6 fathoms. The aircraft was now only 8000 yards away
0751 hours - Two bombs were dropped close aboard. These were only small bombs and were followed by machine gun fire. Tantivy was then at 22 feet with nothing under the keel
0803 hours - Another bomb, and more machine gun fire followed. All were rather distant. Tantivy was now at 34 feet
0810 hours - Now at 45 feet made a 45° course change
0850 hours - Came to periscope depth to see if the aircraft was still about, he was so went to 60 feet and altered course again
1400 hours - Came to periscope depth. Sighted an armed coaster steering 265° at 5 knots along the coast. Decided to sink this ship with a torpedo, from tube no.8. This torpedo had been leaking air for several days and was considered to be to unreliable to be fired in a salvo
1501 hours - In position 05°45'S, 119°44'E fired this torpedo from 3000 yards. The torpedo missed the target
1511 hours - Surfaced for gun action
1520 hours - Sighted an escort vessel on the port bow, 8 nautical miles away. Considered that there would be enough time to deal with the coaster before the escort got to near
1525 hours - Opened fire on the coaster at 3600 yards. The target fired back with possibly a 12 pounder gun and a machine gun
1532 hours - In position 05°44'S, 119°44'E, the target was seen to be burning furiously, listing to starboard and was probably beached. It was considered that the target was a total loss. Turned to seaward to reach deeper water
1534 hours - Dived. When the escort vessel came nearer nothing was dropped at all
1615 hours - An aircraft was seen to join the escort
1728 hours - Another escort vessel arrived but it remained close inshore
1730 hours - Lt. May was looking through the periscope at the second escort vessel when it was suddenly totally obscured by a large explosion. When it reappeared it had settled considerably and it was considered that it was on the bottom as it was very close inshore. It is thought possible that by chance it set off the torpedo fired earlier as the positions checked (the torpedo was fitted with a magnetic exploder)
1820 hours - Surfaced and set course for Sangean Island. (10)

23 Oct 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) sank a Japanese sailing vessel with gunfire west of Sangean Island in position 08°15'S, 118°55'E.

(All times are zone -8)
Patrolled on the surface in the vicinity of Sangean Island during the forenoon. The visibility was very poor
1215 hours - In position 08°15'S, 118°55'E sank a small schooner with gunfire
1300 hours - Visibility much improved. Dived. Nothing in sight
2030 hours - Closed firm radar contact at 8000 yards and chased. This later turns out to be most likely a US submarine (possibly USS Muskallunge) so the chase was abandoned. (10)

25 Oct 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) sank the Japanese barge No. 136 and the Japanese motor sailing vessel Tachibana Maru No.47 with gunfire off Miro, Sumbawa, Netherlands East Indies in approximate position 08°08'S, 117°45'E.

(All times are zone -8)
0635 hours - Dived and inspected Batahai Strait and anchorage. Sighted one topsail schooner steering North-East from Salah Bay. As there was almost no wind, Lt. May decided to leave the schooner for the moment as he could not get far hoping that bigger pray might show up
1500 hours - Sighted a large coaster coast crawling northwards
1520 hours - Sighted another large coaster following the first one
1612 hours - Both coasters anchored two nautical miles apart off Kunanga village
1628 hours - In position 08°08'S, 117°46'E. Fired one torpedo at the nearest (and largest) coaster from 1000 yards. After 22 seconds and after running 400/500 yards the torpedo exploded prematurely
1629 hours - Surfaced for gun action. The target returned fire with machine guns but this soon ceased as the target burst into flames. Fire was checked and course was set to go after the second coaster that was getting under way. The crew opened fire on Tantivy but started to abandon ship before fire was returned. This coaster was also sunk with gunfire. Tantivy now set off at 14 knots to go after the schooner seen earlier this day
1830 hours - In position 08°05'S, 117°53'E sank the schooner with 3 starshell and 1 H.E. round and two pans of Oerlikon
1835 hours - Set course for deeper water to the westward
1900 hours - Set course for Sangean Island
2000 hours - The coasters were still seen burning from a distance of 15 nautical miles. (10)

26 Oct 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. H.S. May, RN) damaged a coaster off Sangean Island in position 08°15'S, 119°10'E.

(All times are zone -8)
0608 hours - Sighted a coaster steering north-west from Banta Island, range 12000 yards. Closed at 14 knots. The coaster was seen to alter course to the west to pass through the channel between Sangean Island and Naru Point. Tantivy kept dead astern of the coaster with the rising sun behind them
0713 hours - It was decided to fire two torpedoes against the target. In position 08°16'S, 119°09'5"E fired tube 5. This torpedo immediately turned hard to starboard and passed close under the stern. Went to full speed to get out of the way as soon as possible. After 15 minutes turned our attention to the coaster again
0737 hours - In position 08°15'S, 119°10'E fired a torpedo from no.7 tube. This torpedo also malfunctioned and exploded 300 yards away. This also made the coaster decide that Tantivy was up to no good. He opened fire with a 12 pounder gun and two heavy machine guns. Fire was quite accurately. Tantivy made off at full speed but after about a minute turned towards now opening fire with her deck gun. 20 rounds were fired with four with (with two on the waterline) before ammunition ran out. The Oerlikon also jammed at the same moment. The coaster ran towards the shore and beached herself on Sangean Island. Her stern had settled down. The action had to be broken off until the Oerlikon was repaired as the coaster was still firing with their guns. The barrel of the Oerlikon had to be replaced
0847 hours - Dived for an aircraft. It was now decided to return to Fremantle as we were out of ammunition for the deck gun and the torpedoes proved to be unreliable. Set course for Lombok Strait
1712 hours - Surfaced and completed changing the barrel of the Oerlikon. (10)

3 Nov 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. H.S. May, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at Fremantle. (10)

6 Nov 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) is put on the slipway at Fremantle. (19)

9 Nov 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) is put back in the water. (19)

19 Nov 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (19)

22 Nov 1944
During 22/23 November 1944, HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN), conducted exercises off Fremantle. These included night exercises. (19)

24 Nov 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) departed from Fremantle for her 8th war patrol (7th in Far Eastern waters). Tantivy is to patrol in the South China Sea to the east of Singapore.

For HMS Tantivy's daily positions during her 8th war patrol see the map below.

(10)

28 Nov 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) arrived at Exmouth Bay to top up with fuel and load fresh provisions. Also minor defects were repaired. She departed from early the next morning. (10)

29 Nov 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) suffers a burned out motor for the fore hydroplanes. (10)

30 Nov 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) suffers three cracked breech ends. There was only one spare carried, it was decided to keep it in reserve for the moment. (10)

1 Dec 1944
One of the breech ended cracked began to leak so badly that it had to be replaced with the spare. Also a hole in the Port muffler tank was repaired. (10)

2 Dec 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) has to abandon her Northbound passage of Lombok Strait.

(All times are zone -8)
2 December 1944
2000 hours - Started passage of Lombok Strait
2242 hours - In position 08°33'S, 115°47'4"E sighted one motor launch ahead, range was 3000 yards. Turned to the westwards to go round him. Just before reaching the shelter of a rain squall at 2250 hours a violent lightning flash disclosed two more motor launches right ahead, in the rain squall in position 08°31'7"S, 115°46'5"E well under 1000 yards away. Turned 180° and increased to full speed to run around the original motor launch inshore to eastwards. Reduced to 14 knots after 10 minutes. After 3/4 of an hour, when near the North entrance to the Straits, close to the eastern shore, with the original motor launch abaft the beam drawing aft, range 2000-3000 yards, the moon shone out at full brilliance. After a few minutes the motor launch increased speed and turned towards
2348 hours - Dived to 230 feet in position 08°26'1"S, 115°54'7"E and rigged for depth charging.

3 December 1944
0057 hours - A pattern of four depth charges was dropped right on top of us, they were to close for comfort. 10 more depth charges were dropped in the next minutes. These caused minor damage (and violent squealing from the rats behind the woodwork !!!). During the first pattern of depth charges something scraping down the side was reported from aft and the port screw became extremely noisy. Oil fuel was now leaking into the boat through the spindle of number 5 Port Kingston Valve, and the vent to number 3 Port External. It seemed very likely that we were leaking oil fuel from the external tanks, which would also account for the accuracy of the depth charging so at 0130 hours turned South to run back trough the Straits
0330 hours - Surfaced in position 08°35'2"S, 115°50'9"E to get clear of the Straits by daylight
0402 hours - In position 08°38'8"S, 115°48'3"E sighted a motor launch 3000 yards away. Turned to Port to run around him
0414 hours - Turned back to original course but the wheel jammed. Both engines were stopped but we went in the direction of the motor launch
0422 hours - The range was about 2500 yards so dived in position 08°40'7"S, 115°50'2"E and rigged for depth charging. No attack followed however. As daybreak was at 0500 hours decided to remain dived until well clear of the Straits
0830 hours - Surfaced in position 09°04'8"S, 115°39'5"E to charge and make good defects. No fuel leaks were found
1400 hours - Dived in position 09°15'S, 114°56'5"E and went to 120 feet to repair steering gear
1852 hours - Surfaced in position 09°13'3"S, 114°54'E and set course for Lombok Strait
2350 hours - Commenced passage of the Strait. (10)

4 Dec 1944
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) successfully transits Lombok Strait Northbound.

(All times are zone -8)
0102 hours - In position 08°36'8"S, 115°41'5"E sighted two motor launches 3500 yards away. Turned away to run round them
0137 hours - Altered course back North again
0300 hours - Passage completed
1313 hours - In position 06°36'2"S, 116°30'E dived for 2 aircraft detected by radar, range 7000 yards. They were not seen. The radar set had just been switched on again after 10 minutes of cooling, which accounts for the short range
1400 hours - Came to 20 feet to sweep round with the radar before surfacing. Got a radar contact at 2000 yards, went to 80 feet
1445 hours - Surfaced in position 06°31'4"S, 116°30'E
1930 hours - Discovered 1/4 inch of salt water in the drain oil tank, as the separators could deal with this amount it was decided to carry on until the next morning, then dive and investigate. (10)

5 Dec 1944
Traces of salt water were found in both camshaft cases. Also Tantivy spent the day submerged to make repairs to both main engines.

(All times are zone -8)
0340 hours - Found traces of salt water in both camshaft cases, stopped both engines
0420 hours - In position 05°16'S, 114°34'E went ahead on both engines (320 revs) to carry out an attack on a darkened ship. This turned out to be a fishing prau
0555 hours - Dived in position 05°16'1"S, 114°31'E to make good defects on main engines
1720 hours - Surfaced in position 05°06'S, 114°11'E and proceeded. (10)

6 Dec 1944
More engineering problems were found aboard HMS Tantivy. They were of such nature that it was decided to abandon the patrol and return to Fremantle.

(All times are zone -8)
0645 hours - Dived in position 04°32'S, 112°12'E to clean inlet boxes and examine breech ends. It was discovered that number 6 Starboard breech end was cracked so badly that it would have to be cut out. The situation was now as follows. The Starboard engine with only five cylinders could not propel by itself and could only give a Down Group standing charge of 200 amps per battery. One of these five cylinders had a cracked breech end, likely to go completely at any time, which would put the engine completely out of action. The Port engine was still going on all six cylinders but one of the cylinders had a cracked breech end also likely to go at any given time. The spare breech end had already been used. Thus Tantivy was left with virtually only one engine. As the patrol are was still over 800 nautical miles away. A signal was sent to base of the intentions
1025 hours - Surfaced in position 04°32'N, 112°12'E and set course for Lombok Strait. (10)

16 Dec 1944
After even more mechanical problems on the return trip HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) ended her 8th war patrol at Fremantle. (10)

14 Jan 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) departed from Fremantle for her 9th war patrol (8th in Far Eastern waters). Tantivy was ordered to patrol in the Sunda Straits and then to proceed to Ceylon. After this patrol she is to proceed to the UK for a much needed refit.

(10)

16 Jan 1945

Operation Meridian.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17 Jan 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) arrived at Exmouth Bay to top off with fuel. Also some repairs were made. (10)

18 Jan 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) departed from Exmouth Bay after topping off with fuel and some minor repairs. Nearly three hours after departure two breech ended cracked. Tantivy returned to Exmouth Bay to make repairs. (10)

21 Jan 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) departed from Exmouth Bay after the completion of repairs. (10)

26 Jan 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) arrived in her patrol area, the Sunda Strait. (10)

3 Feb 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.H. May, RN) sank a Japanese tug and two Japanese coasters in the Sunda Strait.

Tantivy also fires a torpedo into Panjang harbour to destroy a pier and ships alongside it. When getting clear of the area, Tantivy is grounded for more than two hours.

(All times are zone -8)
0645 hours - Dived in position 06°03'5"S, 105°41E
1245 hours - In position 05°57'5"S, 105°36'E sighted a coaster on the usual route from Zutphen Islands to Pajang harbour
1407 hours - In position 05°57'S, 105°35'E sighted an ocean going tug towing two coasters steaming south from Pajang, closed
1500 hours - Surfaced in position 05°51'S, 105°34'2"E and sunk all three with gunfire
1530 hours - Dived in position 05°51'S, 105°34'E and steered South, using plenty of periscope
1543 hours - Altered course to 320° towards Pajang harbour keeping west of Tiga Islands
1727 hours - Surfaced in position 05°48'S, 105°27'5"E and proceeded at 13 knots towards Pajang
2005 hours - Grounded off Pajang Harbour but got off in a few minutes. Manouvered into place for a torpedo attack down the harbour entrance. One torpedo was fired at the pier at 2030 hours
2035 hours - Grounded hard
2225 hours - At last Tantivy was off, but not before fuel had to pumped overboard, four torpedoes from the bow tubes were fired and damaging the screws
2248 hours - Went ahead on both engines and cleared the area via Legundi Strait. (10)

14 Feb 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) ended her 9th war patrol at Trincomalee. (10)

26 Feb 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) is docked at Trincomalee. (20)

28 Feb 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) is undocked. (20)

2 Mar 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) departed from Trincomalee bound for Aden. The ultimate destination is Chatham Dockyard where she is to refit. (21)

12 Mar 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) arrived at Aden. (21)

14 Mar 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) departed from Aden bound for Suez. (21)

19 Mar 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) arrived at Suez. (21)

20 Mar 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) transits the Suez Canal and arrived at Port Said. (21)

30 Mar 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) departed from Port Said bound for Malta. (21)

3 Apr 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) arrived at Malta. (12)

5 Apr 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) departed from Malta bound for Gibraltar. (12)

9 Apr 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (12)

10 Apr 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) departed from Gibraltar bound for Plymouth. She made the passage in convoy MKS 94. (22)

16 Apr 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) arrived at Plymouth. (12)

17 Apr 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) departed from Plymouth bound for Portsmouth where she arrived on the same day. (12)

19 Apr 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) departed from Portsmouth bound for Sheerness. (12)

20 Apr 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) arrived at Sheerness. (12)

24 Apr 1945
HMS Tantivy (Lt. P.S. May, RN) was taken in hand for refit at the Chatham Dockyard. She was still in dockyard hands when the war ended. (12)

As an Amazon Associate uboat.net earns a commission from qualifying purchases.