Navy | The Royal Navy |
Type | Submarine |
Class | U |
Pennant | P 45 |
Mod | Third Group |
Built by | Vickers Armstrong (Barrow-in-Furness, U.K.) |
Ordered | 23 Aug 1940 |
Laid down | 12 May 1941 |
Launched | 16 Feb 1942 |
Commissioned | 3 May 1942 |
End service | 31 Jul 1945 |
History | HMS Unrivalled was decommissioned on 31 July 1945. Scrapped at Briton Ferry, Wales on 22 January 1946. |
Commands listed for HMS Unrivalled (P 45)
Please note that we're still working on this section
and that we only list Commanding Officers for the duration of the Second World War.
Commander | From | To | |
1 | Lt. Hugh Bentley Turner, RN | 25 Mar 1942 | 14 Aug 1942 |
2 | Lt. Andrew George Prideaux, RN | 14 Aug 1942 | 30 Aug 1942 |
3 | Lt. Hugh Bentley Turner, RN | 30 Aug 1942 | 15 Feb 1944 |
4 | Lt. David Sivewright Brown, RNVR | 15 Feb 1944 | 24 Feb 1945 |
5 | T/A/Lt. David Pels, RNVR | 24 Feb 1945 | 3 Mar 1945 |
6 | Lt. Reginald Patrick Fitzgerald, DSC, RN | 3 Mar 1945 | 31 Jul 1945 |
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Notable events involving Unrivalled include:
The history of HMS P 45 / Unrivalled as compiled on this page is extracted from this submarines patrol reports and logbooks. 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 February 2018.
2 May 1942
P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) and P 222 (Lt. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) departed their builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. They were escorted by HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR). (1)
3 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (1)
5 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted speed trials and independent exercises in the Clyde area. (1)
6 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted speed trials and deep dive trials in the Clyde area. (1)
7 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted independent exercises in the Clyde area. (1)
8 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar. (1)
9 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (1)
10 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (1)
11 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) shifted from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (1)
15 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) proceeded to the Ardrossan area for night exercises with special forces. During these exercises she was escorted by HMS La Flore. (1)
16 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) and HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS La Flore. (1)
17 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS La Flore as target. (1)
18 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. (1)
19 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted noise trials in the Clyde area. (1)
20 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted trials in lower Loch Long. (1)
21 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) is docked at Holy Loch. (1)
21 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Kames Bay where she was docked for a propeller change. (1)
22 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) is undocked. (1)
22 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) was undocked at Kames Bay. She then conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area on a target that was towed by HMS Z 5 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR). These were followed by practice attacks with HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN) serving as target and finally night exercises with special forces. (1)
23 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS La Flore as target. (1)
26 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Dobson, RNR) as target. (1)
27 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Campbeltown. (1)
28 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and HMS Bedlington (Skr. J.H.D. Dansie, RNR). (1)
29 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS L'Incomprise (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.S. Deveson, RNR) and HMS Carina (Lt. R.A.H. Lord, RNR). Upon completion of these exercises HMS P 45 proceeded to Holy Loch. (1)
31 May 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) departed Holy Loch for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (1)
2 Jun 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. That same day she participated in A/S exercises with HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Escapade (Lt.Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN). (2)
3 Jun 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Lewes (A/Cdr.(Retd.) L.H. Phillips, RN) and HMS Wheatland (Lt. R.deL. Brooke, DSC, RN). (2)
4 Jun 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Speedwell (Lt.Cdr. J.J. Youngs, OBE, RD, RNR) and HMS Castleton (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Bristowe, DSO, RN). (2)
5 Jun 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow. During the morning with HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) and in the afternoon with and in the afternoon with HMS Oakley (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Pack-Beresford, RN) and ORP Slazak (Kmdr ppor. (Lt.Cdr.) R. Nalecz-Tyminski, ORP). (2)
6 Jun 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Speedwell (Lt.Cdr. J.J. Youngs, OBE, RD, RNR), HMS Ledbury (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, RN), HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN). (2)
8 Jun 1942
The King inspected the naval base and four ratings from P 45 took part in the parade. (2)
9 Jun 1942
In the morning and afternoon, HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, CBE, RN), HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) and two A/S trawlers. (2)
10 Jun 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS London (Capt. R.M. Servaes, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral L.H.K. Hamilton, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Stoke City (Lt. D.P. Piggford, RNR), HMS Preston North End (Lt. K.A. Vasey, MBE, RNR). (2)
11 Jun 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with USS Mayrant (Cdr. C.C. Hartman, USN) and USS Rowan (Lt.Cdr. B.R. Harrison, Jr., USN). (2)
12 Jun 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Speedwell (Lt.Cdr. J.J. Youngs, OBE, RD, RNR), ORP Slazak (Lt.Cdr. R. Nalecz-Tyminski, ORP), HMS Preston North End (Lt. K.A. Vasey, MBE, RNR) and HMS Davy (Skr. W.J. Salisbury, RNR). (2)
13 Jun 1942
In the morning and early afternoon, HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN). (2)
15 Jun 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Preston North End (Lt. K.A. Vasey, MBE, RNR). (2)
16 Jun 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Salamander (Lt. W.R. Muttram, RN), HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN), HMS Offa (Cdr. R.A. Ewing, DSC, RN) and HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN). (2)
17 Jun 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Somali (Capt. J.W.M. Eaton, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN) and two A/S craft. (2)
18 Jun 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Stella Pegasi (T/Lt. F.S. Howell, RNR) and another trawler. (2)
19 Jun 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Catterick (Lt. A. Tyson, RN), HNoMS Glaisdale, HMS Halcyon (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H. Harding, RNR) and HMS Salamander (Lt. W.R. Muttram, RN). (2)
20 Jun 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN), HMS Britomart (Lt.Cdr. S.S. Stammwitz, RN), HMS Catterick (Lt. A. Tyson, RN) and HNoMS Glaisdale. (2)
24 Jun 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) shifted from Scapa Flow to Lerwick. She was escorted by HMS Preston North End (Lt. K.A. Vasey, MBE, RNR). (2)
25 Jun 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) departed Lerwick for her 1st war patrol. She was ordered to form a patrol line with HMS P 54 (Lt. C.E. Oxborrow, DSC, RN) and HMS P 212 (Lt. J.H. Bromage, DSC, RN) to provide cover during passage of convoy PQ 17.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 45 during this patrol see the map below.
(3)
26 Jun 1942
While on a work-up patrol in the Norwegian Sea in position 65°03'N, 03°27'E, HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) fired a torpedo at what is thought to be a submerged enemy submarine that was proceeding on a course of 290°. Only the periscope was sighted and the torpedo was fired in the direction of the hydrophone effect.
The attack was most likely against a non-sub target (perhaps a whale). There is a remote possibility that the target was U-456.
2154 hours - Sighted a periscope bearing green 90° 1000 yards away. P 45 dived immediately. Hydrophone Effect (H.E.) was heard. As there was doubt about the identity of the submarine attempts were made to make contact by SST. but there was no response.
2247 hours - Fired one torpedo at the contact. The torpedo was heard to explode after running its full range. Contact was lost soon after. (3)
7 Jul 1942
At 1050 hours HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN), from a distance of 6 miles, sighted a submarine which could have been either the Soviet submarine K-21 or a U-boat. P 45 closed to 4.5 miles before the submarine turned away and contact was lost. (3)
9 Jul 1942
At 0625 hours HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) sighted an unknown ship bearing 220°, 10 miles. The submarine closed submerged but lost visual touch at 0645 hours as visibility decreased. P 45 made an enemy report. However at 0901 hours, contact was made with HMS Seawolf ((Lt. R.P. Raikes, RN) which proved to be the vessel sighted at 0625 hours. (3)
11 Jul 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) made two attacks on German U-boats. In the attack of 1018 hours four torpedoes were fired at U-510 but they all missed. The U-boat had observed the British submarine from a distance of 10,000 metres and later sighted one of the torpedo tracks.
In the attack of 1359 hours four rounds of 3" were fired at U-658 which had just been missed by four torpedoes from HMS P 212 (Lt. J.H. Bromage, DSC, RN).
(All times are zone -1) 1005 hours - Sighted submarine bearing 155°, range about 6 nautical miles. altered course to 175° too close.
1010 hours - Made the challenge. Submarine subsequently identified as German U-Boat.
1018 hours - In position 63°36'N, 02°20'E fired four torpedoes from about 5000 yards. Enemy dived and all torpedoes missed.
1020 hours - Dived.
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1338 hours - Sighted the conning tower of a submarine bearing 190°. Dived and attempted to close on course 220°. Could not see the submarine so at ......
1357 hours - Surfaced.
1359 hours - Sighted U-boat bearing 275°. Full speed ahead. In position 63°25'N, 02°05'E fired 4 rounds of 3" the enemy from a range of 7000 yards. The enemy then dived. 1402 hours - Dived. 1508 hours - Surfaced. Sighted the U-boat at a distance of about 4,5 miles. Altered course to close. The enemy altered course away and increased speed. 1542 - Sighted a second U-Boat bearing 175° She was soon lost to sight steering westwards. (3)
12 Jul 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. (3)
21 Jul 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) shifted from Lerwick to Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Stoke City (Lt. D.P. Piggford, RNR). (4)
22 Jul 1942
Early in the morning HMS Douglas (Lt.Cdr. R.B.S. Tennant, RN) collided with HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) causing some damage.
P 45 was then docked later the same day. (4)
25 Jul 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) is undocked. She then made a trial dive in Scapa Flow. (4)
28 Jul 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) participate in a boom defence exercise at Scapa Flow. (4)
30 Jul 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS Stella Pegasi (T/Lt. F.S. Howell, RNR). (4)
31 Jul 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (4)
3 Aug 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted noise trials on the Clyde. (5)
4 Aug 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted noise trials on the Clyde. (5)
5 Aug 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted folbot exercises and noise trials on the Clyde. (5)
8 Aug 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) is docked at Ardrossan. (5)
22 Aug 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. A.G. Prideaux, RN) is undocked. (5)
29 Aug 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. A.G. Prideaux, RN) shifted from Ardrossan to Holy Loch. (5)
30 Aug 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted deep diving trials in the Clyde area. (5)
1 Sep 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS La Flore as target. (6)
4 Sep 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) departed Holy Loch with HMS Unique (Lt. R.E. Boddington, RN) for Lerwick. They were escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (6)
6 Sep 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (6)
7 Sep 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) departed Lerwick for her 2nd war patrol. She was ordered to provide cover for convoy operations (PQ 18 and QP 14) to and from Northern Russia.
For the daily positions of HMS P 45 during this patrol see the map below.
(3)
23 Sep 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol at Lerwick. (3)
24 Sep 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS P 217 (Lt. E.J.D. Turner, DSC, RN), HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) and HMS Unique (Lt. R.E. Boddington, RN). They were escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (6)
26 Sep 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (6)
11 Oct 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) departed Holy Loch for passage to Gibraltar. Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN) and HMS P 511 (Lt. C.R. Pelly, RN). They were escorted by HMS Northern Pride (T/Lt. A.L.F. Bell, RNR).
For the daily positions of HMS P 45 during this passage see the map below.
(3)
22 Oct 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (3)
22 Oct 1942
Convoys KMS 1, KMF 1 for the landings at Algiers and Oran during Operation Torch.
Convoy KMS 1.
This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 23 October 1942.
It was made up of the following transports; Alcinous (Dutch, 6189 GRT, built 1925), Alphard (Dutch, 5483 GRT, built 1937), Ardeola (British, 2609 GRT, built 1912), Benalbanach (British, 7153 GRT, built 1940), Charles H. Cramp (American, 6220 GRT, built 1920), Chattanooga City (American, 5687 GRT, built 1921), City of Worcester (British, 5469 GRT, built 1927), Clan MacTaggart (British, 7622 GRT, built 1920), Delilian (British, 6423 GRT, built 1923), Edward Ruthledge (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Empire Confidence (British, 5023 GRT, built 1925), Empire Mordred (British, 7024 GRT, built 1942), Fort McLoughlin (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Glenfinlas (British, 7479 GRT, built 1917), Havildar (British, 5401 GRT, built 1940), Hopecrown (British, 5180 GRT, built 1937), Jean Jadot (Belgian, 5859 GRT, built 1929), Lalande (British, 7453 GRT, built 1920), Lochmonar (British, 9412 GRT, built 1924), Lycaon (British, 7350 GRT, built 1913), Macharda (British, 7998 GRT, built 1938), Manchester Port (British, 7071 GRT, built 1935), Mark Twain (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Maron (British, 6487 GRT, built 1930), Mary Slessor (British, 5027 GRT, built 1930), Ocean Rider (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Viceroy (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Volga (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Wanderer (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Pacific Exporter (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928), Recorder (British, 5981 GRT, built 1930), Salacia (British, 5495 GRT, built 1937), Sobo (British, 5353 GRT, built 1937), St. Essylt (British, 5634 GRT, built 1941), Stanhill (British, 5969 GRT, built 1942), Tadorna (British, 1947 GRT, built 1928), Theseus (British, 6527 GRT, built 1908), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938), Urlana (British, 6852 GRT, built 1941), Walt Whitman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William M. Floyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William Wirt (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) and Zebulon B. Vance (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
Also part of the convoy were the landing ships Derwentdale (8390 GRT, built 1941), Dewdale (8265 GRT, built 1941) and Ennerdale (8280 GRT, built 1941).
On assembly the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Avenger (Cdr. A.P. Colthurst, RN), AA ship HMS Alynbank (A/Capt.(Retd.) H.F. Nash, RN), destroyer HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. T. Johnston, RN), sloops HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN), HMS Stork (Cdr. G.N. Brewer, RN), corvettes HMS Convolvulus (A/Lt.Cdr. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR), HMS Gardenia (T/Lt. M.M. Firth, RNVR), HMS Marigold (Lt. J.A.S. Halcrow, RD, RNR), HMS Pentstemon (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J. Byron, DSC, RNR), HMS Rhododendron (Lt.Cdr. L.A. Sayers, RNR), HMS Samphire (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Renny, DSC, RNR), HMS Vetch (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.J. Beverley, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Violet (Lt. C.N. Stewart, RNR) and the minesweepers HMS Acute (Lt.Cdr. D. Lampen, DSO, RN), HMS Alarm (T/Lt.Cdr. R. Patterson, SANF(V)), HMS Albacore (Lt.Cdr. J.D.L. Williams, RN) and HMS Cadmus (Lt.Cdr. J.B.G. Temple, DSC, RN).
Around 1000A/4, the convoy was split up into two sections KMS A1 and KMS O1. KMS A1 was destined for Algiers and KMS O1 was destined for Oran. KMS O1 then proceeded to the westwards so as to pass the Straits of Gibraltar later.
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Convoy KMS A 1.
Convoy KMS A 1 was to pass the Strait of Gibraltar around 2345A/5; it was made up of the transports; City of Worcester, Glenfinlas, Jean Jadot, Lalande, Lochmonar, Macharda, Manchester Port, Maron, Ocean Rider, Ocean Viceroy, Ocean Volga, Ocean Wanderer, Sobo, Stanhill, Tiba and Urlana.
The landing ships Dewdale and Ennerdale were also part of the convoy.
The convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Stork, corvettes HMS Convolvulus, HMS Marigold, HMS Pentstemon, HMS Samphire [this corvette might have already parted company though, see below] and the minesweepers HMS Acute, HMS Alarm, HMS Albacore and HMS Cadmus.
Around 0700A/5, the corvette HMS Samphire arrived at Gibraltar with defects from convoy KMS A1.
Around 0800A/5, the minesweepers HMS Algerine (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Cooke, RN), HMS Hussar (Lt. R.C. Biggs, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Speedwell (Lt.Cdr. T.E. Williams, RNR) departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS A1.
Around 1830A/5, the M/S trawlers HMS Cava (T/Lt. R.L. Petty-Major, RNVR), HMS Juliet (Lt. L.B. Moffatt, RNR), HMS Othello (T/Lt. S.C. Dickinson, RNVR), HMS Stroma (Skr. J.S. Harper, RNR), HMS Hoy (T/Lt. G.H. McNair, MBE, RNVR), HMS Inchcolm (Skr. A.C. Whitcombe, RNR), HMS Mull (Lt. J. Plomer, RCNVR), HMS Rysa (T/Lt. J.H. Cooper, RNVR) and the motor launches ML 238, ML 273, ML 283, ML 295, ML 307, ML 336, ML 338, ML 444 departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS A1.
Around 2230A/5, the monitor HMS Roberts (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN), escort destroyers HMS Bicester (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN), HMS Bramham (Lt. E.F. Baines, DSO, RN), HMS Cowdray (Lt.Cdr. C.W. North, RN), HMS Zetland (Lt. J.V. Wilkinson, RN) and the corvette HMS Samphire (with her repairs completed) departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS A1.
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Convoy KMS O 1.
Convoy KMS O 1 was to pass the Strait of Gibraltar around 1630A/6; it was made up of the transports; Alcinous, Alphard, Benalbanach, Charles H. Cramp, Chattanooga City, Clan Mactaggart, Delinlian, Edward Rutledge, Empire Confidence, Empire Mordred, Havildar, Lycaon, Mark Twain, Mary Slessor, Pacific Exporter, Recorder, Salacia, St. Essylt, Thesues, Walt Whitman, William Floyd, William Wirt and Zebulon B. Vance.
The landing ship Derwentdale was also part of this convoy.
The convoy was escorted by the AA ship HMS Alynbank, sloop HMS Deptford, corvettes HMS Gardenia, HMS Rhododendron, HMS Vetch and HMS Violet.
Around 1500A/6, the minesweepers HMS Brixham (Lt. G.A. Simmers, RNR), HMS Bude (Lt. F.A.J. Andrew, RN), HMS Clacton (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) L.S. Shaw, RNR) and HMS Felixstowe (T/Lt. C.G. Powney, RNVR) departed Gibraltar to join the convoy KMS O1.
After dark on the 6th, the M/S trawlers HMS Coriolanus (T/Lt. N. Hunt, RNVR), HMS Eday (T/Lt. W.Y. Surtees, RNR), HMS Inchmarnock (T/Lt. C.G.V. Corneby, RNR), HMS Kerrera (Skr. R.W. Slater, RNR) and the motor launches ML 280, ML 458, ML 463, ML 469, ML 471, ML 480, ML 483 and HDML 1127, HDML 1128 and HDML 1139 departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMS O1.
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Operation Crupper.
Two ships from Convoy KMS 1, the Ardeola and Tadorna formed part of Convoy KMS 1A after the convoy had split up. They were to proceed to Malta unescorted. The Admiralty had decided to make use of the expected confusion of the landings in North Africa to run two 'small' merchant ships with important cargo to Malta. These ships were considered expendable. They parted company with convoy KMS 1A on 8 November. They did not reach Malta however. When off Cape Bon on 9 November, they were taken under fire by Vichy French coastal batteries, despite the darkness, and then captured by motor torpedo boats. They were brought into Bizerta where their cargo was unloaded. The ships were later taken over by the Italians.
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Convoy KMF 1.
This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 26 October 1942.
It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Awatea (British, 13482 GRT, built 1936), Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936), Cathay (British, 15225 GRT, built 1925), Dempo (Dutch, 17024 GRT, built 1931), Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935), Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Ettrick (British, 11279 GRT, built 1938), Exceller (American, 6597 GRT, built 1941), Leinster (British, 4302 GRT, built 1937) Letitia (British, 13595 GRT, built 1925), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), Marnix van St. Aldegonde (Dutch, 19355 GRT, built 1930), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Nieuw Zeeland (Dutch, 11069 GRT, built 1928), Orbita (British, 15495 GRT, built 1915), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931), Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939), Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931), Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937), Viceroy of India (British, 19627 GRT, built 1929), Warwick Castle (British, 20107 GRT, built 1930) and Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930).
The headquarters ships HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) R.L. Hamer, RN), HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, OBE, RNR), the landing ships HMS Glengyle (Capt.(Retd.) D.S. McGrath, RN), HMS Karanja (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) D.S. Hore-Lacy, RN), HMS Keren (A/Cdr. S.E. Crewe-Read, RN), HMS Princess Beatrix (Cdr.(Retd.) T.B. Brunton, DSC, RN), HMS Queen Emma (Capt.(Retd.) G.L.D. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Royal Scotsman (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Armstrong, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Royal Ulsterman (A/Lt.Cdr. W.R.K. Clark, DSC, RD RNR) and HMS Ulster Monarch (Lt.Cdr. N.A.F. Kingscote, RNR) and the attack transports USS Almaack (T/Capt. C.L. Nichols, USN), USS Leedstown (Cdr. D. Cook, USNR), USS Samuel Chase (Capt. R.C. Heimer, USCG) and USS Thomas Stone (Capt. O.R. Bennehoff, USN) were also part of the convoy.
On assembly off Oversay on the 27th the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. A.W. Clarke, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN), escort carrier HMS Biter (Capt. E.M.C. Abel Smith, RN), destroyer HMS Clare (Lt.Cdr. L.H. Landman, RN), sloops HMS Aberdeen (Lt.Cdr. H. Day, RN), HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. A.E.T. Christie, OBE, RN), HMS Ibis (Lt.Cdr. H.M. Darell-Brown, RN), cutters HMS Hartland (Lt.Cdr. G.P. Billot, RNR), HMS Walney (Lt.Cdr. P.C. Meyrick, RN), frigates HMS Exe (A/Cdr. M.A.O. Biddulph, DSC, RN), HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Spey (Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Swale (Lt.Cdr. J. Jackson, RNR) and HMS Tay (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Sherwood, RNR).
Around 1120A/2, the destroyers HrMs Isaac Sweers (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNN) and HMS Escapade (Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN) joined coming from the Azores.
Around 0200A/3, the AA ships HMS Palomares (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.H. Jauncey, RN), HMS Pozarica (Capt.(Retd.) L.B. Hill, DSO, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. A.H.T. Johns, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN), HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) Lord Teynham, RN), HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN), HMS Verity, (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN), HMS Westcott (Cdr. I.H. Bockett-Pugh, DSO, RN) and HMS Wishart (Cdr. H.G. Scott, RN) departed Gibraltar to join the convoy. At 1045A/3, the destroyer HMS Wivern (Cdr. M.D.C. Meyrick, RN) also departed to join the convoy. She had been unable to depart earlier due to defects.
Around 0800A/3, the destroyer HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, DSO, DSC, RN) joined the convoy coming from the Azores.
Around 1300A/3, the light cruiser HMS Jamaica (Capt. J.L. Storey, RN) also departed Gibraltar to join the convoy.
Around 1830Z/3, HMS Sheffield parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar where she arrived at 0815A/3, she was to fuel and then join ' Force O '.
Around noon on 4 November 1942, the convoy was split up into two sections KMF A1 and KMF O1. KMF A1 was destined for Algiers and KMF O1 was destined for Oran. KMF O1 then proceeded to the westwards so as to pass the Straits of Gibraltar later.
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Convoy KMF A 1.
Convoy KMF A 1 was to pass the Strait of Gibraltar around 0100A/6; it was made up of the (troop) transports; Almaack, Awatea, Cathay, Dempo, Ettrick, Exceller, Leedstown, Marnix van St. Aldegonde, Otranto, Sobieski, Strathnaver, Viceroy of India and Winchester Castle.
The headquarters ship HMS Bulolo and the landing ships HMS Karanja, HMS Keren, HMS Royal Scotsman, HMS Royal Ulsterman and Ulster Monarch and the attack transports USS Samuel Chase and USS Thomas Stone were also part of the convoy.
[exactly which ships of the escort went on with this part of the convoy will have to be researched further.]
In the morning of 5 November, HrMs Isaac Sweers parted company with the convoy to join ' Force H '. HMS Escapade and HMS Marne were apparently detached to Gibraltar on the convoy passing the Strait of Gibraltar.
Also on 5 November, the corvettes HMS Spiraea (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Miller, DSC, RNR) and HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RD, RNR) departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMF A1.
Around 0200A/6, the destroyers HMS Broke (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Layard, RN), HMS Malcolm (A/Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN), HMS Vanoc ( A/Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, RN) and HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMF A1 and relieve HMS Achates, HMS Antelope, HMS Amazon and HMS Wivern. After having been relieved these destroyers arrived at Gibraltar around 0545A/6. Also arriving at Gibraltar were the Leinster, HMS Royal Scotsman, HMS Royal Ulsterman and Ulster Monarch.
Around 1000A/6, HMS Broke, HMS Malcolm, HMS Vanoc and HMS Wrestler joined ' Force O ' while the screen on ' Force O ' joined the convoy, the destroyers / escort destroyers involved were ORP Blyskawica (Lt.Cdr. L. Lichodziejewski, ORP), HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC, RN), HMS Wheatland (Lt.Cdr. R. de L. Brooke, DSC, RN) and HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN). The AA ship HMS Tynwald (Capt.(Retd.) P.G. Wodehouse, DSO, RN) also joined the convoy from ' Force O ' at the same time.
Around 0535A/7, in position 37°34'N, 00°01'W, the attack transport USS Thomas Stone was torpedoed and damaged by an enemy aircraft. HMS Spey remained with the damaged ship. At 2040A/7, the destroyers HMS Wishart and HMS Velox joined and the ship was taken in tow by HMS Wishart. HMS Spey by that time had departed with the ships 24 landing craft in which the ships troops had embarked. She was to escort them to Algiers but all had to be scuttled and the troops were taken on board HMS Spey. At 0535A/8 the tug St. Day joined which also passed a tow. The damaged ship anchored off Algiers around 1030A/11 being towed there by HMS Wishart and HMS St. Day.
Around 0725Z/7, HMS Clare parted company to join ' Force O ' which she did around 0913Z/7.
Around 1815A/7, the section destined for ' C Sector ' (Charlie Sector) parted company with the convoy. It was made up of the USS Almaack, USS Leedstown, USS Samuel Chase, Exceller and Dempo. With them were also transports from convoy KMS A1. They were escorted by the AA ship HMS Tynwald, escort destroyers HMS Cowdray, HMS Zetland, sloop HMS Enchantress, minesweepers HMS Algerine, HMS Hussar, HMS Speedwell, corvettes HMS Pentstemon, HMS Samphire, MS trawlers HMS Cava, HMS Othello and the motor launches HMS ML 273 and HMS ML 295. At 2135A/7, the beacon submarine HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) made contact with the force and the ships were guided to their positions for the landings. From convoy KMS A1 the transports Macharda and Maron were destined for Charlie sector. They were escorted by the sloop HMS Stork and the corvettes HMS Pentstemon and HMS Samphire.
Around 1900A/7, The remainder of convoy KMF A1 split into two sections, one for ' A Sector ' (Apple Sector) and one for ' B Sector ' (Beer Sector).
The force for ' A Sector ' was made up of HMS Karanja and the Marnix van St. Aldegonde and Viceroy of India. With them were also transports from convoy KMS A1. They were escorted by the AA ship HMS Pozarica, escort destroyers HMS Bicester, HMS Bramham, frigate HMS Rother, minesweeper HMS Cadmus, MS trawlers HMS Juliet, HMS Rysa, HMS Stroma and the motor launches HMS ML 283, HMS ML 336 and HMS ML 338. At 2214A/7, the made contact with their beacon submarine HMS P 221 (Lt. M.F.R. Ainslie, DSC, RN). A few minutes later they stopped and the landings commenced. From convoy KMS A1 the following ships were assigned to ' A Sector '; Dewdale, Lalande, Manchester Port, Ocean Viceroy and Ocean Wanderer. They were escorted by the corvettes HMS Convolvulus and HMS Marigold.
The force for ' B Sector ' was made up of HMS Bulolo, HMS Keren and the Awatea, Cathay, Otranto, Sobieski, Strathnaver and Winchester Castle. With them were also transports from convoy KMS A1. They were escorted by the AA ship HMS Palomeres, destroyer ORP Blyskawica, escort destroyers HMS Lamerton, HMS Wheatland, HMS Wilton, minesweepers HMS Acute, HMS Alarm, HMS Albacore, MS trawlers HMS Hoy, HMS Incholm, HMS Mull and the motor launches HMS ML 238, HMS ML 307 and HMS ML 444. They made contact with their beacon submarine HMS P 48 (Lt. M.E. Faber, RN) around 2220A/7 hours and landing operation commenced shortly afterwards. From convoy KMS A1 the following ships were assigned to ' A Sector '; City of Worcester, Ennerdale, Glenfinlas, Jean Jadot, Lochmonar, Ocean Rider, Ocean Volga, Sobo, Stanhill, Tiba and Urlana. They were escorted by the sloop HMS Stork and the corvettes HMS Pentstemon and HMS Samphire which then went on with the ships for the ' Charlie sector '.
On 9 November the ships involved in the landings anchored in Algiers Bay.
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Convoy KMF O 1.
Convoy KMF O 1 was to pass the Strait of Gibraltar around 2230A/6; it was made up of the (troop) transports; Batory, Duchess of Bedford, Durban Castle, Letitia, Llangibby Castle, Monarch of Bermuda, Mooltan, Nieuw Zeeland, Orbita, Reina del Pacifico, Tegelberg and Warwick Castle.
The headquarters ship HMS Largs and the landing ships HMS Glengyle, HMS Princess Beatrix and HMS Queen Emma were also part of the convoy.
Around 1950A/4, the light cruiser HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, CB, RN) departed Gibraltar to join convoy KMF O1.
For the landings at Oran three main beaches were selected. ' X ', ' Y ' and ' Z ' beach. There was also one subsidiary beach, ' R '.
The fast convoy, KMF O1, would, after passing through the Straits of Gibraltar make rendezvous with the slow convoy, KMS O1 in position 36°26'N, 01°15'W.
The convoys would then be diverted into nine groups, these were; For ' X ' beach Group I, 1st Division; Batory, HMS Princess Beatrix, Queen Emma, 2nd Division; Benalbenach, Mark Twain, Mary Slessor and Walt Whitman. They were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Aurora, destroyer HMS Wivern, corvettes HMS Gardenia, HMS Vetch and the motor launch HMS HDML 1139. Group VIII, LST HMS Bachaquero (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. McMullan, RNR) escorted by the M/S trawler HMS Horatio (T/Lt. C.A. Lemkey, RNR).
For ' Y ' beach Group II; HMS Glengyle, Monarch of Bermuda, Llangibby Castle, Clan Mactaggart and Salacia. They were escorted by the destroyers Brilliant, HMS Verity, M/S trawlers HMS Coriolanus, HMS Eday, HMS Inchmarnock, HMS Kerrera and the motor launches HMS ML 458, HMS ML 463, HMS ML 469, HMS ML 471 and HMS HDML 1128.
For ' Z ' beach Group III, 1st Division; Duchess of Bedford, Durban Castle, Ettrick, Warwick Castle. 2nd Division; Derwentdale, Reina del Pacifico and Tegelberg. They were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Jamaica, escort destroyers HMS Calpe (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN), minesweepers HMS Brixham, HMS Bude, HMS Clacton, HMS Felixtowe, HMS Polruan (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.S. Landers, RNR), HMS Rothesay (Cdr. A.A. Martin, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Rhyl (Cdr. L.J.S. Ede, DSO, RN), HMS Stornoway (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.R. Fraser, RNR) and the motor launches HMS ML 280, HMS HDML 1127.
Group V; Alcinous, Alphard, Charles H. Cramp, Chatanooga City, Delilian, Recorder and Zebulon B. Vance. They were escorted by the sloop HMS Deptford, cutters HMS Hartland, HMS Walney, corvettes HMS Rhododendron, HMS Violet and the motor launches HMS ML 480 and HMS ML 483.
Group VI, 1st division; Derbyshire, Letitia, Mooltan and Nieuw Zeeland. 2nd division, Empire Confidence, Lycaon and Theseus.
Group VII, 1st division, Empire Mordred, Havildar, Pacific Exporter and St. Essylt. 2nd division; Edward Rutledge, William Floyd and William Wirt. Groups VI and VII were escorted by the light (AA) cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. A.T.G.C. Peachey, RN), destroyer HMS Vansittart, sloop HMS Aberdeen and the frigates HMS Exe and HMS Swale.
Group IX; LST's HMS Misoa (T/Lt. K.G. Graham, RNR) and HMS Tasajera (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Gelling, DSC, RD, RNR). They were escorted by the M/S trawlers HMS Fluellen (T/Lt. B.J. Hampson, RNR), HMS Ronaldsay (T/Lt. A. Stirling, RNR) and HMS Shiant (T/Lt. A.C. Elton, RNR).
For ' R ' beach Group IV; HMS Royal Scotsman, HMS Royal Ulsterman and HMS Ulster Monarch. They had the same escort as Group III.
Two submarines were stationed off the beaches as beacons, these were HMS Ursula (Lt. R.B. Lakin, DSC, RN) and HMS P 54 (Lt. C.E. Oxborrow, DSC, RN).
31 Oct 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to perform a special operation (during operation Torch, landing beach marking off Algiers). She carried only six torpedoes to make room for two folbots. She was to proceed to Malta at the end of this patrol to join the 10th Submarine Flotilla based there.
For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 45 during this patrol see the map below.
(3)
4 Nov 1942
During the evening of 4 November 1942, HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN), launched a party with a folbot for a reconnaissance. The party left at 2101 hours and returned at 2325 hours. (3)
7 Nov 1942
During the night of 7/8 November 1942, HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN), assisted in the landing at Algiers Bay. She launched the folbot and her party and also guided the convoy in, acting as beacon. (3)
9 Nov 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) completed her special operation off Algiers. (3)
10 Nov 1942
At 0020 hours HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN), in the Gulf of Philippeville sighted an unknown submarine on course 240°. This was the Italian Bronzo (T.V. Cesare Buldrini). Both submarines dived and lost contact. (3) (3)
11 Nov 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) was ordered to patrol off Cape San Vito, Sicily. (3)
14 Nov 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) attacked an escorted merchant vessel with four torpedoes north-east of Bizerta, Tunisia. No hits were obtained. This was the Italian Sivigliano (1270 GRT, built 1921) escorted by the torpedo boat Sirtori on a transport mission from Palermo to Bizerta.
Later on the same day another escorted merchant vessel was attacked with one torpedo north-east of Bizerta. The torpedo missed. This vessel has not yet (July 2016) been identified.
(All times are zone -1) 0725 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 110°. Altered course to get on track. Sighed destroyer and later masts of merchant ship with air escort. Enemy course 240°.
0754 hours - In position 37°25'N, 10°11'E fired four torpedoes from 5500 yards at the merchant vessel thought to be of about 3500 tons. On firing broke surface. The aircraft was seen to come towards. Quickly dived again and took evasive action.
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At 1424 hours HMS P 45 sighted two Maestrale-class destroyers at a distance of 5 miles in approximately 37°27' N, 10°12' E. The submarine closed to about 3.5 miles before giving up the attack. They were actually four destroyers, Maestrale, Grecale, Vincenzo Gioberti and Alfredo Oriani, carrying troops from Palermo to Bizerta.
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1828 hours - Sighted a merchant vessel escorted by three destroyers on the port quarter. Enemy course 060°.
1831 hours - In position 37°26'N, 10°12'E fired one torpedo at the merchant vessel from 1000 yards. The torpedo missed. (3)
15 Nov 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) attacked an escorted merchant vessel with one torpedo north-north-east of Tunis. The torpedo missed. These were probably ships from the convoy Città di Tunisi (5419 GRT, built 1930) and Caterina Costa (8060 GRT, built 1942) escorted by the torpedo boat Uragano and destroyer Folgore. They had sailed from Bizerta for Palermo and Naples.
(All times are zone -1) 1935 hours - Sighted one merchant vessel, one unidentified ship and two destroyers bearing 320°. Enemy course 050°. Altered course to attack.
1939 hours - In position 37°30'N, 10°25'E fired one torpedo at the merchant vessel from about 1200 yards. (3)
18 Nov 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (3)
26 Nov 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) departed Malta for her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol north of Tunisia.
No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (3)
2 Dec 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) attacked an Italian torpedo boat with one torpedo north of the Gulf of Tunis. The torpedo missed. This was most probably the damaged Italian torpedo boat Procione on her way to Tunis after the Aventino convoy had been decimated by Force Q.
(All times are zone -1) 0312 hours - Sighted ship astern. It was first thought to be a torpedo boat, a destroyer and then a submarine. Finally, visually confirmed as torpedo boat.
0325 hours - In position 37°12'N, 10°48'E fired one torpedo. Dived and altered course to get clear. (3)
3 Dec 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) attacked but missed an Italian schooner with one torpedo.
Later she attacked the Italian torpedo boat Antonio Mosto in the Gulf of Tunis in position 37°16'N, 10°22'E. The Italian warship had sailed to reinforce the Arlesiana convoy. One torpedo hit the port side and failed to explode but caused a leak in no.4 fuel tank and unhinged the port propeller guard.
Even later P 45 damaged the Italian sailing vessel Cesira Curreri (81 GRT) with gunfire in the Gulf of Tunis in position 37°09'N, 10°29'E.
(All times are zone -1) 0256 hours - Sighted three destroyers, one E-boat and one large schooner to the northward. Turned to close.
0312 hours - In position 37°11'N, 10°33'E fired one torpedo at the schooner from 1800 yards. It missed.
0320 hours - Dived. The ships seem the have altered course and to be moving slowly.
0325 hours - In position 37°09'N, 10°29'E fired another torpedo at the schooner which had turned back to her original course. Range on firing was 1500 yards. The torpedo missed yet again.
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0830 hours - Surfaced in position 37°09'N, 10°29'E and engaged a small two-masted schooner with gunfire from a range of 1000 yards. A total of 16 rounds were fired for 1 or 2 hits. The crew was seen to jump overboard. Dived. Unable to see the schooner through the periscope. Range was only 1000 yards on diving.
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1200 hours - Sighted an Odero-class destroyer.
1221 hours - In position 37°14'N, 10°27'E fired one torpedo. The enemy sighted the tracks and no hits were obtained.
1231 hours - Heard 7 depth charges exploding. A second destroyer or torpedo boat arrived and the enemy carried out a hunt.
1430 hours - The enemy made a fairly accurate attack in which 6 depth charges were dropped quite close causing minor damage.
1545 hours - Now clear of the enemy, returned to periscope depth. (3)
5 Dec 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) attacked an escorted small tanker with two torpedoes north of the Gulf of Tunis. No hits were obtained. This was the German tanker Sudest (ex French, 641 GRT, built 1939) escorted by the Italian destroyer Saetta and the Italian torpedo boat Procione, they were travelling from Tunis to Trapani, a fourth vessel had the French prize Noroit had just been mined and sunk.
(All times are zone -1) 1340 hours - Sighted two Maestrale-class destroyers escorting a small tanker in ballast on a northerly course. Closed to attack.
1433 hours - In position 37°23'N, 10°41'E fired two torpedoes at the tanker from 1200 yards. No hits were obtained. (3)
7 Dec 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (3)
22 Dec 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) departed Malta for her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol between Kerkenah and Kuriat.
No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (3)
25 Dec 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) attacked a convoy made up of the Italian sailing vessel Pasquale Costa and the German landing barges F 479, F 546 off Mahdia, Tunisia. Following the attack F 479 dropped 4 depth charges.
(All times are zone -1) 0515 hours - Closed land. Sighted a large schooner and two small craft in line ahead steering 180 degrees in position 35°28'N, 11°08'E. The small craft were thought to be lighters. Engaged the larger of these two lighters with the 3" gun from 1000 yards. The vessel opened fire with tracer and probably Oerlikon. These lighters were probably landing craft. The schooner turned away. After a burst of Vickers gun the enemy ceased fire temporarily but soon re-opened an accurate fire. P 45 turned away and dived. Two light depth charges were dropped close astern. P 45 then drew clear and returned to periscope depth but the enemy could no longer be seen. One of the gun crew of P 45 had been hit by the enemy and was seriously wounded. Course was then set to return to Malta to put him ashore for treatment but he died a few hours later. (3)
26 Dec 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) sank the Italian auxiliary submarine chaser O 97 / Margherita (69 GRT) with gunfire about 5 nautical miles north of Mehedia, Tunisia in position 35°32'N, 11°05'E. There were no casualties.
(All times are zone -1) 1410 hours - Surfaced and engaged a small southbound schooner with the 3" gun from a range of 2500 yards. The enemy abandoned ship. Closed. Obtained 3 hits.
1415 hours - Dived for aircraft, flying low over the eastern horizon on course 350°. Meanwhile closed the schooner.
1420 hours - Surfaced and resumed the gun action now from a range of 1200 yards closing to 800 yards.
1425 hours - Dived after 12 hits. The schooner was seen to sink in 15 fathoms in approximate position 35°32'N, 11°05'E. (3)
29 Dec 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) attacked an unescorted merchant vessel with four torpedoes east-south-east of Kuriat. No hits were obtained. Possibly this was Sivigliano (1270 GRT, built 1921) on passage from Bizerta to Tunis.
(All times are zone -1) 0515 hours - Sighted ship bearing 340°.
0521 hours - Dived and turned to attack.
0531 hours - In position 35°44'N, 11°10'E fired four torpedoes at an unescorted merchant vessel of about 3500 tons on a course of 270°. All torpedoes missed. (3)
31 Dec 1942
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Maddalena (345 GRT, built 1920) south-east of Mehedia, Tunisia in position 35°18'N, 11°23'E. The Italian vessel was on passage from Sousse to Tripoli.
(All times are zone -1) 0453 hours - Sighted a southbound vessel on the starboard beam. Altered course to close at full speed.
0509 hours - Dived when the range was 1500 yards and closed submerged to 1200 yards.
0517 hours - Fired one torpedo by moonlight at the auxiliary Maddalena. The torpedo hit and the ship blew up with of column of black smoke and debris.
0521 hours - Surfaced and closed the area of the sinking to search for survivors.
0613 hours - Picked up three survivors.
0625 hours - Dived and set course for the north end of our patrol area. (3)
3 Jan 1943
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (3)
14 Jan 1943
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) departed Malta for her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol between the Gulf of Hammamet and Kerkenah.
No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (3)
17 Jan 1943
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) damaged the Italian tug R 97 / Genova (96 GRT) with gunfire near Hergla, Tunisia. Two German armoured vehicles (under Sub.Lt. Heine) of Combat Group Hergla opened fire on the submarine with their 75mm cannon, claiming two hits on conning tower and bow, and forced her to dive.
(All times are zone -1) 1345 hours - Sighted a tug northbound between Sousa and Hammamet. Closed to 2000 yards. The tug was lightly armed with only one machine gun forward.
1455 hours - Surfaced in position 36°03'N, 10°33'E and opened fire from 2000 yards. The tug turned away and was beached. Scored 2 hits, possibly 3 out of 18 rounds. Shore batteries had by now opened fire so the action had to be broken off and P 45 dived and withdrew to seaward. (3)
19 Jan 1943
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) attacked and damaged what is thought to be a small auxiliary off Korba, Tunisia. The gun action had to be broken off when a round jammed in the gun. This may have been the Italian schooner Maurizio (62 GRT, built 1897) from Marsala which disappeared at that time in this area.
(All times are zone -1) 0350 hours - Sighted smoke of a small vessel bearing 320°.
0400 hours - Dived and closed to identify. Unable to close submerged. Surfaced and gave chase.
0455 hours - Engaged the enemy with the gun in position 36°32'N, 10°56'E from a range of 1500 yards and closing. The 6th round however jammed in the breach and we were unable to clear the gun so the action had to be broken off. One hit had been obtained. Dived and retired to seaward.
0534 hours - Surfaced and cleared the gun of the projectile. Unable to see the enemy. (3)
20 Jan 1943
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) intercepts a small Italian naval auxiliary towing a schooner. She sank the naval auxiliary with gunfire, most likely this was the former French auxiliary minesweeper AD 283 / Grondin seized in Bizerta. The schooner apparently beached herself on the Tunisian coast south of Mahdia. This was most probably Maggio (ex French) which was reported beached near Ras Hercle but was later refloated.
(All times are zone -1) 1120 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 215°. Turned to close.
1538 hours - In position 35°27'N, 11°06'E fired two torpedoes at a small northbound auxiliary wearing the Italian Ensign. Range was 1350 yards. She was towing another small vessel. A torpedo boat, not thought to be escorting, was also in the area. Went deep after firing. The torpedo wakes could clearly be seen in the water though. One explosion was heard after the correct interval.
1545 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The torpedo boat was seen to the northward, almost out of sight. There was no sign of the towing vessel. The vessel that had been under tow was seen making smoke and had altered course towards the shore. P 45 followed but after a while the vessel was not seen anymore. It is thought she foundered while attempting to beach this ship. (3)
21 Jan 1943
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) sank the Italian sailing vessel Margherita (140 GRT, built 1893) towed by the auxiliary minesweeper R 220 / Ardito (120 GRT, built 1937) with gunfire and a demolition charge about 5 nautical miles east-north-east of Kuriat Island, Tunisia. Later, two torpedoes were fired at a northbound minelayer.
(All times are zone -1) 0830 hours - Sighted two 200-ton topsail schooners. One was towing the other. Enemy course was 030°. Closed at full speed.
0916 hours - Surfaced in position 35°49'N, 10°56'E for gun action. Both vessels were soon abandoned by the crews. The towing vessel was sunk by gunfire. The towed vessel was also hit several times but was then boarded. She was then scuttled with a demolition charge.
0953 hours - Dived and withdrew towards Kuriat Island. (3)
23 Jan 1943
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) attacked and damaged the Italian auxiliary minesweeper B 487 / Michelino (37 GRT, built 1927) with gunfire off Sousse, Tunisia.
(All times are zone -1) 1531 hours - Sighted a small merchant vessel with an auxiliary sail set. Enemy course was 260° and she was bound for Sousse.
1550 hours - Surfaced in position 35°52'N, 10°43'E for gun action. The enemy was hit several times but the ships crew did not abandon ship. Shore batteries from Sousse opened up and the action was broken off, also P 45 was out of ammo for the deck gun.
1559 hours - Dived and withdrew to seaward.
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2239 hours – in position 35°45’N, 11°07’E, fired two torpedoes at northbound enemy minelayer. Missed. (3)
24 Jan 1943
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) sank the small Tunisian sailing vessel Adjbi with demolition charges off Salakta, Tunisia. Adjbi was damaged earlier by Beaufighters.
(All times are zone -1) 1200 hours - Sighted a small northbound sailing vessel. Prepared for gun action with the Vickers machine gun and starshell for the 3" gun (the only 3" ammunition left). It was hoped that the enemy would abandon ship after fire was opened so we could board.
1230 hours - Four Beaufighter aircraft were seen. These attacked the sailing vessel and the crew abandoned ship. Unrivalled continued to close.
1345 hours - Surfaced in position 35°23'N, 11°05'E. The Tunisian ship had a full cargo off earthenware gourds. Two demolition charges were placed and the vessel was sunk to prevent her from being used by the enemy. (3)
28 Jan 1943
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (3)
8 Feb 1943
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) departed Malta for her 7th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol south of straits of Messina.
No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (3)
13 Feb 1943
HMS P 45 (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) landed a party of three to blow up a Railway tunnel of Cape Bruzzano. The attempt failed due to the heavy swell close inshore.
(All times are zone -1) 0237 hours - Launched folbot in position 38°02'N, 16°09'E with three men to sabotage a railway tunnel off Cape Bruzzano.
0345 to 0415 hours - The folbot was recovered. They had been unable to land in the heavy swell close inshore. (3)
15 Feb 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) fired a total of three torpedoes at a tug an lighter off Acireale, Sicily. No hits were obtained. Unrivalled then surfaced for gun action but before a round could be fired she had to dive again when shore batteries opened fire on her. The target was the auxiliary minesweeper R 204 / Tea (115 tons, built 1914) towing a barge. Three torpedoes were observed to explode on the shore. Axis documents show that the submarine opened fire but this was a mistake as, from a distance, the firing from Flak Regiment 131 (located about a mile away) which forced Unrivalled to withdraw was mistaken for coming from the submarine.
(All times are zone -1) 1332 hours - Sighted three small schooners, two under sail and one under auxiliary motor and one small cargo vessel. All were southbound. Commenced a dummy attack on the small cargo vessel which was thought not to be worth a torpedo. Now a tug was sighted bound for Messina. She was towing a large heavily laden lighter. The dummy attack on the small cargo vessel was broken off and an attack was started on the tug and lighter.
1418 hours - In position 37°37'N, 15°12'E fired two torpedoes at the tug and lighter from 1000 yards. The torpedoes ran under and exploded on the rocks behind. The tug slipped the tow.
1428 hours - Fired one torpedo at the now almost stationary lighter. Range was 750 yards. This torpedo also passed under. The tug meanwhile took the lighter in tow again.
1432 hours - Surfaced for gun action. The tug turned inshore. Shore batteries now opened fire and Unrivalled had to dive again without having fired a single shell. (3)
16 Feb 1943
While operating south of Punta Stilo HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian sailing vessel Sparviero (498 GRT) in position 38°18'N, 16°26'E.
Unrivalled also torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Pasubio (2216 GRT) in position 38°18'N, 16°29E'.
(All times are zone -1) 0837 hours - Sighted a 1000 tons 4-masted motor vessel at anchor close inshore of Rocella Ionica. Closed.
0932 hours - Fired one torpedo from a range of 750 yards. It hit amidships. The ship broke in two and sank in shallow water. Withdrew to seaward.
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1111 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 020°. This turned out to be two medium sized merchant vessels escorted by two destroyers and two CANT flying boats. The vessels were southbound, zigzagging, with the destroyers screening ahead and on either bow.
1215 hours - Fired four torpedoes at the leading merchant vessel thought to be 6000 tons. The vessel was deep laden.
1217 hours - One torpedo was heard to hit. Unrivalled meanwhile had gone deep.
1223 hours - Five depth charges were dropped.
1228 hours - Six depth charges were dropped.
1230 - 1300 hours - Unrivalled managed to drew clear from the hunt.
1330 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Several aircraft were seen to be patrolling near the position of the attack. No ships in sight.
1414 hours - Went to 70 feet and set course for Malta. (3)
19 Feb 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (3)
2 Mar 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) departed Malta for her 8th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to perform a special operation (beach reconnaissance) for the upcoming operation Husky.
No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (7)
7 Mar 1943
At 2123 hours (zone -1), HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN), launched a folbot with a crew of two for a beach reconnaissance. The folbot failed to return. Launch position was approximately 36°40'N, 14°53'E. (7)
8 Mar 1943
At 1953 hours (zone -1), HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN), launched a folbot with a crew of two to search for the crew of the folbot that had been launched the previous evening. This folbot and her crew also failed to return. The four men were captured by Italian coast guards. (7)
13 Mar 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (7)
23 Mar 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) departed Malta for her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the north of Sicily.
No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (3)
29 Mar 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) torpedoed and sank the German auxiliary submarine chasers UJ 2201 (1375 GRT, built 1940, former French Bois Rose) and UJ 2204 (1188 GRT, built 1927, former French Boréal) off Palermo, Sicily near position 38°06'N, 13°26'E. UJ 2201 was hit in the bow and sank in shallow waters, five men were killed. UJ 2204 was then hit and sunk, three men were killed.
(All times are zone -1) 1230 hours - Sighted a 3000 tons and a 6000 tons merchant vessel anchored off Palermo in positions 38°06'1"N, 13°26'5"E and 38°06'2"N, 13°26'1"E. Later several F-lighters were seen to proceed to these ships.
1250 hours - Manoeuvered to get into an attacking position.
1414 hours - Fired one torpedo at the smaller of the merchant vessels from 600 yards. It hit and the ship quickly sank. The second merchant vessel went ahead immediately and altered course to comb possible torpedoes hoping to drag his anchor.
1417 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 800 yards at the larger vessel. The first torpedo hit but the result was not seen. Unrivalled had gone deep and retired to seaward.
1430 - 1510 hours - A fairly heavy counter attack took place in which a total of 51 depth charges were dropped. It is thought the counter attack was carried out mainly by E-boats.
1530 hours - Drew clear to the north-eastward. (3)
1 Apr 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) sank the Italian sailing vessel Triglav (231 GRT, built 1920, former Yugoslav) 4 nautical miles south-east of Cape San Vito, Sicily. Triglav had two killed, eight survivors were picked up. She was in company with the sailing vessel San Matteo which reported missed by a torpedo. The corvette Cicogna was sent to hunt the submarine.
(All times are zone -1) 0850 hours - Sighted a small auxiliary sailing cutter with a 300-tons three-masted auxiliary schooner. They were escorted by a flying boat. They were rounding Cape San Vito. Started attack on the schooner.
0920 hours - Fired two torpedoes at the schooner from 1600 yards. One hit was obtained and the ship blew up.
0939 to 1045 hours - E-boats counter attacked with a total of 31 depth charges. Unrivalled managed to draw clear to seaward. (3)
4 Apr 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (3)
16 Apr 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) departed Malta for her 10th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol north of Sicily.
No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (3)
19 Apr 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) sank the Italian merchant Mostaganem (1942 GRT, built 1921, former French) north of Marettimo Island in position 38°11'N, 11°44'E. The ship had been damaged by aircraft bombs earlier. She was was on passage from Bizerta to Palermo escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Tifone. Twenty-five survivors were picked up by Tifone, two men were missing.
Later on this day Unrivalled sank the Italian tanker Bivona (1646 GRT, built 1930, former French Socombel) west of Sicily in position 38°22'N, 12°36'E. Bivona was escorted by the German auxiliary submarine chasers UJ 2203 and UJ 2208. From a crew and passengers consisting in all of thirty-eight Italians and eighteen German soldiers, only three Italians and five German survivors were picked up by UJ 2208 while UJ 2203 dropped sixty-nine depth charges but without success.
(All times are zone -2) 0025 hours - Heard an underwater explosion. Sighted two ships thought to be destroyers bearing 220°. Received two enemy reports which identified the contact as a merchant vessel escorted by a torpedo boat. Started attack on the merchant vessel.
0120 hours - In position 38°15'N, 12°00'E fired three torpedoes at the almost stationary merchant ship. Range was 1400 yards. One hit was obtained. Unrivalled then took evasive action but the torpedo boat did not start a hunt. Most likely the Italians thought the ship had ben attacked from the air as before.
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1455 hours - Sighted a flying boat on the starboard bow. Later smoke of a merchant vessel was sighted and finally a convoy came into sight made up of a 5000 tons tanker with two armed merchant vessels on either bow. Three or four flying boats were patrolling overhead. Started attack on the tanker.
1547 hours - In position 38°22'N, 12°36'E fired four torpedoes from 1400 yards. At the correct intervals four explosions were heard. During the next observation through the periscope only a large cloud of smoke and fire on the water were seen. Unrivalled then withdrew to the eastward but was detected and depth charged by the enemy. Some were quite close and caused some minor damage.
1800 hours - The counter attack ceased. A total of 52 depth charges had been dropped. (3)
23 Apr 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (3)
1 May 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) departed Malta for her 11th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol north of Sicily.
No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (3)
6 May 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) attacked the Italian sailing vessel Albina (223 GRT) with two torpedoes off Cape Vaticano, Calabria, Italy. The torpedoes however missed their target.
(All times are zone -2) 1250 hours - Sighted a three-masted topsail schooner. She was northbound.
1336 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 1400 yards. No hits were obtained. The enemy did not notice the attack and continued on her way. Decided not to surface as it seemed very likely that in this location Unrivalled would be taken under fire from shore batteries before a good deal of damage could be done to the schooner.
1520 hours - A second schooner was now sighted. Set course to be in a good position to intercept the schooners further north the following morning. (3)
7 May 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) destroyed the Italian sailing vessel Albina (223 GRT) south of San Lucido, Italy. Only one man was wounded but the vessel was a constructive total loss.
(All times are zone -2) 1025 hours - Sighted a three-masted topsail schooner. She was northbound. The vessel was identified as the schooner we had attacked yesterday.
1101 hours - In position 39°13'N, 16°02'E from 1000 yards. After about 400 yards a large splash was seen, this was probably caused by a torpedo collision. This was seen by the schooner. The vessel changed course. Two small machine guns were seen on the schooners stern.
1116 hours - Surfaced and engaged with the gun. The crew soon abandoned ship and the vessel was turned towards the shore. 17 rounds of HE (High Explosive) were fired for 7 or 8 hits before the vessel ran on the beach. Dived and drew clear. (3)
9 May 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) torpedoed and sank the small Italian passenger ship Santa Marina Salina (763 GRT, built 1929) south-east off Lipari, Italy. There were forty-eight victims, eleven sailors, fourteen military and twenty-one civilian passengers were picked up by the motorboats M.3 and M.5 and two German patrol boats. The rescue boats were then missed by two torpedoes.
Later a schooner towing two other vessels was attacked with one torpedo which missed.
(All times are zone -2) 1524 hours - Sighted the same small 800 tons auxiliary we had seen during the forenoon. She was bound for Milazzo. Started attack.
1540 hours - In position 38°25'N, 15°03'E fired three torpedoes. Two hits were obtained and the ship sank. The third torpedo was heard to explode on Vulcano Island.
1618 hours - Sighted a two-masted schooner coming out of Lipari. Closed and commenced attack. The schooner was towing two other vessels. All three were flying the Italian Naval Ensign.
1642 hours - In position 38°25'N, 15°02'E fired one torpedo. The schooner saw the track and altered away to comb it. The torpedo missed. Unrivalled then drew clear to the northward.
(3)
13 May 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) ended her 11th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (3)
31 May 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) departed Malta for her 12th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to perform a special operation (beach reconnaissance for Operation Husky). For this purpose, Unrivalled had a chariot and a folbot on board.
No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (3)
1 Jun 1943
At 2227 hours (zone -2), HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN), launched a folbot and a chariot in position 36°53'N, 14°23'E. The folbot returned at 0034/2, the chariot at 0132/2. (3)
2 Jun 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) returned to Malta. (3)
3 Jun 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) departed Malta to continue her special operation. (3)
5 Jun 1943
At 2238 hours (zone -2), HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN), launched a folbot in position 36°57'N, 14°20'E. The chariot was launched at 2242 hours but bumped on the casing and was heavily damaged. The operation was abandoned and the folbot and the chariot returned at 2348 hours. (3)
6 Jun 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) returned to Malta. (3)
7 Jun 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) departed Malta to continue her special operation. (3)
9 Jun 1943
During the morning, HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN), conducted periscope reconnaissance of the harbour of Syracuse, Sicily. (3)
10 Jun 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) ended her 12th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (3)
24 Jun 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) departed Malta for her 13th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to perform a special operation (beach reconnaissance for Operation Husky). For this purpose, Unrivalled had a chariot and a folbot on board.
No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (3)
25 Jun 1943
At 2220 hours (zone -2), HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN), launched a folbot in position 36°40'N, 15°07'E. The folbot returned at 2255 hours. Sea conditions were unsuitable for reconnaissance. (3)
26 Jun 1943
At 2200 hours (zone -2), HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) again launched a folbot. The folbot was re-embarked at 0135/27. (3)
28 Jun 1943
At 2209 hours (zone -2), HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN), again launched a folbot. The folbot was re-embarked at 0135/29. (3)
29 Jun 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, RN) ended her 13th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (3)
6 Jul 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Malta to act as a beacon for operation Husky.
9 Jul 1943
At 2211 hours, HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) launched two folbots to act as marking positions for operation Husky.
At 2300 hours, from position 36°36.5'N, 14°56'E, HMS Unrivalled acted as beacon for the invasion fleet.
10 Jul 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) returned to Malta.
17 Jul 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 14th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol north of the Straits of Messina.
No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (3)
23 Jul 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) made two attacks this day off Cape Vaticano. In the first attack three torpedoes were fired against a tug, all missed. Unrivalled then surfaced to attack with the gun but the gun attack had to be broken off twice. This was the tug Boeo which returned fire and managed to escape.
Not much better luck in the second attack. Four torpedoes were fired at what is thought to be a German U-boat. This was actually the Italian submarine Argento (T.V. Leo Masina) which reported three torpedoes missing astern.
(All times are zone -2) 0506 hours - Sighted a tug bearing 210°. Enemy course 040°, speed 11 knots. Started attack.
0521 hours - In position 38°38'N, 15°39'E fired three torpedoes. Due to an error in drill Unrivalled broke surface. She quickly dived again and on the next periscope observation the enemy was seen to have turned towards and combed the torpedo tracks.
0525 hours - Surfaced and engaged the enemy from 2000 yards with the 3" gun.
0535 hours - The enemy returned fire with machine guns. So far the enemy had not been hit by us. Broke off the action and dived.
0540 hours - When the range had opened up to 3000 yards surfaced and engaged the enemy again. A round of 3" jammed in the gun and again the action had to be broken off. Dived.
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1459 hours - Sighted what is thought to be a German U-boat with an Italian ML as escort. Range was 4000-5000 yards. Started attack.
1506 hours - In position 38°37'N, 15°45'E fired four torpedoes from 4000 yards. No hits were obtained.
1512 hours - The U-boat and escort turned and carried out practice gunnery.
1516 hours - Three end of run explosions were heard. The U-boat resumed it's original course. The escort stopped to listen for the submarine that had attacked them. Unrivalled then retired to the west. (3)
24 Jul 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) sank the Italian auxiliary minesweeper R 172 / Impero (68 GRT) with gunfire off Amantea, Italy in position 38°59'N, 15°38'E. She was only armed with two 6.5mm machine guns and was unable to resist, four men were taken prisoners and sixteen were left in a lifeboat, two of them were wounded.
(All times are zone -2) 0557 hours - Sighted a two-masted schooner wearing the Italian Naval Ensign approaching from the Stromboli direction.
0620 hours - Surfaced in position 38°59'N, 15°38'E and engaged the target with the 3" and Vickers guns from a range of 1500 yards. After several hits by both guns the enemy started to abandon ship. Ceased fire. Unrivalled now went alongside and the schooner was boarded. Several items and documents were removed. Two demolition charges were then placed. The lifeboat was then approached and the wounded on board it were tended. Four Italians were taken prisoner.
0711 hours - Dived and proceeded clear. (3)
25 Jul 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) damaged the Italian tug Z 10 / Iseo (80 GRT) and a schooner with gunfire off Cape Vaticano. Both vessels were beached.
(All times are zone -2) 1130 hours - Sighted a small tug towing a two-masted schooner. They were northbound.
1215 hours - Surfaced in position 38°36'N, 15°49'E on the enemy's port quarter and engaged both vessels with the gun at a range of 1800 yards and closing. Both ships were beached after being damaged. Unrivalled was then forced to dive due to gunfire from the shore. Retired to seaward. (3)
28 Jul 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) damaged an Italian sailing vessel with gunfire off Cape Vaticano, Italy. This vessel has not yet (July 2016) been identified.
(All times are zone -2) 1131 hours - Sighted a northbound two-masted schooner.
1330 hours - Surfaced in position 38.39'N, 15.49'E and engaged the schooner with the 3" gun from 2000 yards range and closing. The schooner was hit three times and turned towards the shore. Shore guns opened fire. Unrivalled now dived and retired to seaward. The schooner was last seen to resume her course and was not beached. (3)
30 Jul 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) arrived at Bizerta. (3)
2 Aug 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Bizerta together with HMS Unison (Lt. A.R. Daniell, DSC, RN) to join convoy KMS 21 for onward passage to Malta. Late in the evening, shortly after joining the convoy, both submarines were taken under fire by one of ships of the convoy, the US steam tanker Yankee Arrow which had apparently not been informed about their presence.
Unison was hit on the conning tower and the pressure hull. The officer of the watch, T/Lt. J.P. King, RNR was killed and the commanding officer, Lt. Daniell, DSC, RN was wounded as were the two lookouts, petty officer Day and leading seaman Halliday.
Both submarines then returned to Bizerta escorted by ORP Slazak (Lt.Cdr. R. Nalecz-Tyminski, ORP). (3)
3 Aug 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) arrived back at Bizerta. (3)
4 Aug 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Bizerta for Malta. She made the passage together with HMS Unison (Lt. J.E.E.D. Haward, RN) departed Bizerta for passage to Malta escorted by HMS Clacton (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) L.S. Shaw, RNR). (3)
5 Aug 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 14th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (3)
24 Aug 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 15th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to perform two special operations. The first was operation 'Bottom' in which Chariot human torpedoes were to be launched to attack an Italian battleship inside Taranto harbour.
No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (3)
26 Aug 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) received a signal postponing operation 'Bottom'. (3)
27 Aug 1943
At 0450 hours in 38°03.7'N, 17°58'E, HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) spotted a submarine on her port quarter. She was not in a good position for a gun action and the identity was uncertain so Unrivalled dived but could not regain contact. The submarine was HMS Unsparing (Lt. A.D. Piper, DSC and 2 bars, RNR) on her way for a patrol off Cephalonia. She had observed Unrivalled and dived at the same time. (3)
29 Aug 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 15th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (3)
2 Sep 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 16th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Brindisi.
No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (3)
8 Sep 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) attacked a small merchant vessel off Bari with three torpedoes. No hits were obtained. This ship has not yet (July 2016) been identified.
(All times are zone -2) 1329 hours - In position 41°12'N, 16°59'E fired three torpedoes at a small merchant vessel of 800 - 1000 tons. Range was 1000 yards. No hits were obtained. The first torpedo was seen to pass ahead but the second torpedo is thought to have run under the target. The enemy had seen the torpedo tracks and increased to full speed and made off for Bari. (3)
10 Sep 1943
After the Italian surrender, HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN), entered Bari harbour. The Italians were ordered to form of convoy of all merchant ships in the harbour that were seaworthy. Unrivalled then left the harbour again and waited for the convoy to form up. Around 1800 hours the convoy of 8 ships was outside the harbour and then set course for Malta escorted by Unrivalled. On the 12th she was joined by HMS Unruly (Lt. J.P. Fyfe, RN).
(3)
13 Sep 1943
At 0811 hours, the convoy still escorted by HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) came under air attack from a lone German bomber. One large bomb was dropped but missed, the submarine had only time to fire off a single 3in round. (3)
14 Sep 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 16th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (3)
2 Oct 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 17th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean.
No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (3)
8 Oct 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) attacked the German auxiliary minelayer Bulgaria (1188 GRT, built 1894) with three torpedoes. All missed. Bulgaria was transporting troops from Piraeus to Kos together with German minelayer Drache.
(All times are zone -2) 0832 hours - Sighted two small merchant vessels on the port beam. They were escorted by three CANT aircraft. Commenced attack on the larger vessel. The patrol report does not give a position for this attack and there is no log available for this month.
0905 hours - Fired three torpedoes at the target from 2000 yards. All torpedoes missed, most likely astern. The enemy saw the tracks and turned towards, transmitting on Asdics but he soon re-joined his consort. Unrivalled meanwhile remained at periscope depth as the aircraft were not near. (3)
18 Oct 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 17th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean) at Beirut. (3)
29 Oct 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Beirut for her 18th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean. (3)
6 Nov 1943
At 1803 hours (time zone -2), HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN), picked up two RAF pilots of a Beaufighter of 603 Squadron and their rubber dinghy near position 36°40'N, 25°47'E.
(3)
10 Nov 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) ended her 18th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (3)
17 Nov 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Malta for Gibraltar. HMS Unrivalled was to proceed to the U.K. to refit. Passage to Gibraltar was made in convoy MKS 31.
No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (3)
23 Nov 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (3)
24 Nov 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for Blyth. (3)
6 Dec 1943
At 1825 hours, HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN), made rendez-vous with HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN), HMS Unshaken (Lt. J. Whitton, RN) and HMS La Capricieuse (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.M. Norman, RN) which came from Falmouth. They then proceeded north up the Irish Sea. (3)
9 Dec 1943
Around 0230A/9, HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN), HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) and HMS Unshaken (Lt. J. Whitton, RN) all arrived at Tobermory.
The submarines departed around 1000A/9 for the east coast of the U.K. escorted by HMS Loch Monteith (T/Lt. K.W. Richardson, RNR). (8)
11 Dec 1943
Off Dundee HMS ML 229 (T/Lt. W.C.R. Walsh, RNVR) took over the escort. HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN), HMS Trident (Lt. P.E. Newstead, RN) and ML 229 then continued on to Blyth.
12 Dec 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) arrived at Blyth where she was to refit. (3)
23 Dec 1943
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. H.B. Turner, DSC, RN) is taken in hand for refit at Blyth. (9)
20 Apr 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted post refit trials off Blyth. (10)
21 Apr 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted post refit trials off Blyth. Upon completion of these she proceeded to South Shields. (10)
22 Apr 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) proceeded from South Shields to Blyth. En-route full power trials were carried out. (10)
24 Apr 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (10)
25 Apr 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (10)
27 Apr 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Blyth. (10)
28 Apr 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) departed Blyth for Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS Castlenau (Skr. W.G. Mickleburgh, RNR). (10)
29 Apr 1944
Off Dundee, HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR), made rendez-vous with FFS Junon (Lt. E. Schlumberger). HMS Portchester Castle (Lt. A.G. Scott, RNR) then took over the escort. (10)
1 May 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) arrived at Rothesay. She was now assigned to training duties. (11)
3 May 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted gunnery exercises and speed trials in the Clyde area. (11)
4 May 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area with HMS Braithwaite (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Mackay, RD, RNR) serving as the target. (11)
5 May 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (11)
7 May 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) departed Rothesay for Heysham. She was escorted by HMS Mistral (Lt. J.H.M. Sowry, RNVR). (11)
8 May 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) arrived at Heysham. She departed again later the same day for exercises off Morecambe Bay. (11)
9 May 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Morecambe Bay. (11)
10 May 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Morecambe Bay. (11)
11 May 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Morecambe Bay. (11)
12 May 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Morecambe Bay. (11)
13 May 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Morecambe Bay. (11)
14 May 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Morecambe Bay. (11)
15 May 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) was joined at 0600 hours off Morecambe Bay by her escort towards Rothesay, HMS Brontes (T/Skr. B. Truefitt, RNR). They arrived at Rothesay later the same day. (11)
25 May 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) departed Rothesay for Stornoway. She was escorted by HMS Blade (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR). (11)
26 May 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) arrived at Stornoway. (11)
30 May 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Stornoway with a trawler. (11)
31 May 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Stornoway with HMS Bellwort (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L.V. Banks, RNVR) and aircraft. (11)
1 Jun 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Stornoway with a trawler. (12)
2 Jun 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Stornoway with a trawler. (12)
5 Jun 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Stornoway. (12)
8 Jun 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Stornoway. These included a practice attack on an escort carrier. (12)
11 Jun 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Stornoway with a trawler. (12)
12 Jun 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Stornoway with HMS Kingston Peridot (A/Skr.Lt. J.T. Denoon, RNR). (12)
13 Jun 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Stornoway with HMS Kingston Peridot (A/Skr.Lt. J.T. Denoon, RNR). (12)
14 Jun 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Stornoway with HMS Kingston Peridot (A/Skr.Lt. J.T. Denoon, RNR) and HMS Neil Mackay (Skr. T. Normandale, RNR). (12)
15 Jun 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Stornoway with HMS Kingston Peridot (A/Skr.Lt. J.T. Denoon, RNR) and HMS Neil Mackay (Skr. T. Normandale, RNR). (12)
16 Jun 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Stornoway with HNoMS Farsund. (12)
17 Jun 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Stornoway with HNoMS Farsund and HMS Kingston Onyx (A/Skr.Lt. H.L. Gladwell, RNR). (12)
18 Jun 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) shifted from Stornoway to Tobermory. She was escorted by HMS Clorinde (T/Lt. M.L. Patterson, RNVR). (12)
21 Jun 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Tobermory with HMS Pevensey Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. C.W. Leadbetter, RNR) and HMS Mermaid (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Mosse, RN). (12)
22 Jun 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Tobermory with HMS Pevensey Castle (A/Lt.Cdr. C.W. Leadbetter, RNR) and HMS Mermaid (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Mosse, RN). (12)
29 Jun 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Tobermory with HMS Bamborough Castle (T/Lt. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR) and HMS Peacock (Lt.Cdr. R.B. Stannard, VC, DSO, RD, RNR). (12)
30 Jun 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Tobermory with HMS Bamborough Castle (T/Lt. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR) and HMS Peacock (Lt.Cdr. R.B. Stannard, VC, DSO, RD, RNR). (12)
1 Jul 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Tobermory with HMS Hurst Castle (Lt. H.G. Chesterman, DSC and Bar, RNR) and HMS Bamborough Castle (T/Lt. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR). (13)
2 Jul 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Tobermory with HMS Bamborough Castle (T/Lt. M.S. Work, DSC and Bar, RNR). (13)
4 Jul 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Tobermory with HMS Launceston Castle (Lt. R.M. Roberts, RNR) and HMS Cowslip (T/Lt. R. Thompson, RNR). (13)
5 Jul 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted gunnery exercises off Tobermory. She also made a practice attack on HMS Varangian (Lt. G.J. Gellie, RANVR) which was conducting independent exercises in the same area. (13)
7 Jul 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) departed Tobermory for Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS Blade (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR). (13)
8 Jul 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) arrived at Rothesay. (13)
18 Jul 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) departed Rothesay for Barrow. She was escorted by HMS Istria (A/Skr.Lt. A.E. Larner, RNR). (13)
19 Jul 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) arrived at Barrow to repair a defective motor. (13)
29 Aug 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) shifted from Barrow to Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS Kihna (Cdr.(Retd.) T.J.T.C. Jenks, RN). (14)
9 Sep 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area on a target that was towed by HMS Blade (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.T. Wenlock, RNR). (15)
9 Sep 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted practice attacks in the Clyde area on HMS H 50 (Lt. W.T.J. Fox, RN) which was en-route from Campbeltown to Rothesay. (15)
10 Sep 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (15)
11 Sep 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (15)
13 Sep 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) shifted from Rothesay to Larne. (15)
15 Sep 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne. (15)
16 Sep 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne with HMS Peacock (Lt.Cdr. R.B. Stannard, VC, DSO, RD, RNR). (15)
17 Sep 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne. (15)
19 Sep 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne with aircraft. (15)
20 Sep 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne. (15)
21 Sep 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne with aircraft. (15)
23 Sep 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne. (15)
26 Sep 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne. (15)
26 Sep 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne with aircraft from HMS Tracker (A/Capt. J.H. Huntley, RN). (15)
29 Sep 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne with ships from Escort Group 2. (15)
30 Sep 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne. (15)
4 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne. (16)
5 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne with ships from Escort Group 10. (16)
6 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne with ships from Escort Group 10. (16)
7 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne. (16)
9 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne. (16)
10 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne. (16)
11 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne. (16)
12 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne with ships from Escort Group 4. (16)
13 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne with aircraft from HMS Premier (A/Capt. R.J. Gardner, RN). (16)
14 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne with ships from Escort Group 4. (16)
15 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne. (16)
16 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne. (16)
17 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne. (16)
18 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne. (16)
20 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne. (16)
21 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne with aircraft. (16)
22 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne with ships from Escort Group 31. (16)
23 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne with ships from Escort Group 18. (16)
25 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted gunnery exercises off Larne. (16)
26 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne with ships from Escort Group 1. (16)
27 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne with ships from Escort Group 1. (16)
28 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne. (16)
29 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne. (16)
31 Oct 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne with aircraft. (16)
2 Nov 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne. (17)
3 Nov 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne with aircraft. (17)
4 Nov 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne with aircraft. (17)
6 Nov 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne with an Escort Group. (17)
7 Nov 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne. (17)
9 Nov 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Larne with aircraft. (17)
11 Nov 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) shifted from Larne to Rothesay. (17)
13 Nov 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) is docked at Holy Loch. (18)
15 Nov 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) is undocked. (18)
22 Nov 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted a practice attack in the Clyde area on HMS Cyclops (Cdr. B. Bryant, DSO and 2 Bars, DSC, RN) which was escorted by HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. C.G. Walker, RN). (17)
24 Nov 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) served as target for HMS Safari (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) during exercises in the Clyde area. (17)
25 Nov 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) suffered a small fire in no.2 battery. (17)
26 Nov 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (17)
28 Nov 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area with a target that was towed by HMS Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.D. O'Driscoll, RNR). (17)
2 Dec 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. (19)
2 Dec 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. (19)
3 Dec 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) shifted from Campbeltown to Douglas, Isle of Man. (19)
5 Dec 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) departed Douglas, Isle of Man for exercises off Morecambe Bay. (19)
7 Dec 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) returned to Douglas, Isle of Man. (19)
11 Dec 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) departed Douglas, Isle of Man for exercises. She returned later the same day, the night exercises being cancelled. (19)
12 Dec 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) departed Douglas, Isle of Man for exercises off Morecambe Bay. (19)
13 Dec 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) returned to Douglas, Isle of Man upon completion of the exercises. (19)
14 Dec 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) departed Douglas, Isle of Man for exercises off Morecambe Bay. She however quickly returned due to a leak in the pressure hull. (19)
15 Dec 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) shifted from Douglas, Isle of Man to Rothesay. She was escorted by HMS Bridgewater (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (19)
16 Dec 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) shifted from Rothesay to Holy Loch where she was docked for repairs to her pressure hull. (19)
19 Dec 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) was undocked at Holy Loch and immediately returned to Rothesay. (19)
20 Dec 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) shifted from Rothesay to Campbeltown. En-route dive trials were carried out. (19)
21 Dec 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Campbeltown. (19)
22 Dec 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Campbeltown. (19)
24 Dec 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Campbeltown. (19)
26 Dec 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN). (19)
28 Dec 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Inconstant (A/Lt.Cdr. H.D. Verschoyle, DSC, RN). (19)
29 Dec 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Rhododendron (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H. Vernon, RNR). (19)
31 Dec 1944
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Campbeltown. (19)
1 Jan 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted exercises off Campbeltown. (20)
2 Jan 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and HMS Rhododendron (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H. Vernon, RNR). (20)
3 Jan 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Rhododendron (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H. Vernon, RNR). (20)
5 Jan 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Spaniel. (20)
7 Jan 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Spaniel. (20)
8 Jan 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Spaniel and HMS Boarhound (A/Ch.Skr. A. Keable, RNR). (20)
10 Jan 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Rhododendron (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H. Vernon, RNR). (20)
11 Jan 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS Rhododendron (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H. Vernon, RNR). (20)
12 Jan 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Shemara (Cdr.(Retd.) H. Buckle, RN) and HMS Radiant (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR). (20)
14 Jan 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Radiant (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR). (20)
15 Jan 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS Radiant (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.S.R. Shapland, RNVR) and HMS Bedlington (Skr. A.W. Peak, RNR). (20)
24 Jan 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) conducted A/S exercises off Campbeltown with HMS La Cordeliere (Lt.Cdr. A.J.G. Barff, RNR) and HMS L' Atlantique (Skr.Lt. C.W. Freer, RNR). (20)
27 Jan 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) and HMS Una (Lt. F.E. Ashmead-Bartlett, RN) shifted from Campbeltown to Rothesay. (20)
1 Feb 1945
HMS Una (Lt. F.E. Ashmead-Bartlett, RN), HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) and HMS Untiring (Lt. G.E.L.F. Edsell, RN) departed Rothesay for Plymouth. They were escorted by HMS Milford (Cdr.(Retd.) G.G. Slade, RN). (21)
3 Feb 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. D.S. Brown, RNVR) arrived at Plymouth for repairs and refit at the Devonport Dockyard. (22)
14 Apr 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) conducted trials off Plymouth. (23)
18 Apr 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (23)
23 Apr 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) was assigned to training duties while based at Plymouth. (23)
23 Apr 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for exercises with aircraft to the north of Brittany, France. (23)
27 Apr 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) returned to Plymouth. (23)
30 Apr 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for exercises with aircraft to the north of Brittany, France. (23)
4 May 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) returned to Plymouth. (24)
7 May 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for exercises with aircraft to the north of Brittany, France. (24)
9 May 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) returned to Plymouth. (24)
15 May 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for exercises with aircraft to the north of Brittany, France. (24)
19 May 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) returned to Plymouth. (24)
21 May 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for exercises with aircraft to the north of Brittany, France. (24)
25 May 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) returned to Plymouth. (24)
6 Jun 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth with HMS Caesar (Capt. G.N. Brewer, DSO, RN). (25)
18 Jun 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for exercises with aircraft to the north of Brittany, France. (25)
19 Jun 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) returned to Plymouth. (25)
26 Jun 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for exercises with aircraft to the north of Brittany, France. (25)
28 Jun 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) returned to Plymouth. (25)
3 Jul 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for exercises with aircraft to the north of Brittany, France. (26)
6 Jul 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) returned to Plymouth. (26)
10 Jul 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for exercises with aircraft to the north of Brittany, France. (26)
13 Jul 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) returned to Plymouth. (26)
17 Jul 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for exercises with aircraft to the north of Brittany, France. (26)
19 Jul 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) returned to Plymouth. (26)
26 Jul 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for Portsmouth. (26)
27 Jul 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (26)
31 Jul 1945
HMS Unrivalled (Lt. R.P. Fitzgerald, DSC, RN) was paid off into reserve at Portsmouth. (26)
Sources
- ADM 173/17406
- ADM 173/17407
- ADM 199/1821
- ADM 173/17408
- ADM 173/17409
- ADM 173/17410
- ADM199/858
- ADM 199/1864
- ADM 199/2573
- ADM 173/19222
- ADM 173/19223
- ADM 173/19224
- ADM 173/19225
- ADM 173/19226
- ADM 173/19227
- ADM 173/19288
- ADM 173/19289
- ADM 173/19229
- ADM 173/19230
- ADM 173/20130
- ADM 173/20108
- ADM 173/20131
- ADM 173/20133
- ADM 173/20134
- ADM 173/20135
- ADM 173/20136
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.