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Notable events involving Unruffled include:

The history of HMS P 46 / Unruffled 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. Also thanks to Thomas Weiss from Germany.

This page was last updated in September 2021.

8 Apr 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) departed her builders yard at Barrow for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN). (1)

9 Apr 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (2)

10 Apr 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) conducted independent exercises in lower Loch Long. (3)

11 Apr 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar. (3)

12 Apr 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (3)

13 Apr 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (3)

14 Apr 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) shifted from Arrochar to Holy Loch. (3)

17 Apr 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (3)

18 Apr 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) conducted deep dive trials and exercises in the Clyde area. (3)

19 Apr 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Breda (Capt.(Retd.) A.E. Johnston, RN). These included night exercises. (3)

20 Apr 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (3)

22 Apr 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (3)

23 Apr 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. These included night exercises. (3)

25 Apr 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil and log trials in lower Loch Long. (3)

27 Apr 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) serving as target. (3)

28 Apr 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (3)

2 May 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Campbeltown where she then participated in exercises. (4)

3 May 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (4)

4 May 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Campbeltown. (4)

5 May 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) shiftedfrom Campbeltown to Holy Loch. (4)

7 May 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Kames Bay where she was immediately docked. (4)

8 May 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) is undocked. She immediately returned to Holy Loch. (4)

13 May 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) departed Rothesay for Lerwick. She made the passage together with HMS P 614 (Lt. D.J. Beckley, RN) and HrMs O 10 (Lt. Baron D.T. Mackay, RNN). They were escorted by HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN). (1)

16 May 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) arrived at Lerwick. She departed for her 1st war patrol later the same day. She was ordered to patrol in the Norwegian Sea to provide cover during convoy operations to and from Northern Russia (convoys PQ 16 / QP 12).

For the daily positions of HMS P 46 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

17 May 1942
At 0304 hours, HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) altered course for 63°15’N, 02°15’E to search for a Catalina which had crashed. She was assisted by another Catalina but the search was unsuccessful. (5)

1 Jun 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. (5)

2 Jun 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) departed Lerwick for Holy Loch. She was escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) C.C. Flemming, RN). (1)

5 Jun 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (2)

12 Jun 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) and HMS P 222 (Lt. A.J. MacKenzie, RN) both departed Holy Loch for their passage to Gibraltar. Both submarines were to join the Mediterranean Fleet. They were escorted until Bishops Rock by HrMs Jan van Gelder (Lt. P.L.M. van Geen, RNN).

For the daily positions (though incomplete) of HMS P 46 during this passage see the map below.

(5)

12 Jun 1942

Operation Harpoon. Supply convoy to Malta from Gibraltar.

Timespan: 12 to 18 June 1942.

During March and April 1942 Malta had been attacked very heavily by the German and Italian air forces and was in much need of supplies. It was therefore decided that two convoy’s were to be sent, one from the west (Harpoon) and one from the east (Vigorous). This was to increase the chance of success as the enemy would have to split force if they want to attack both convoys. Also a group of minesweepers were to be sent to Malta.

Below we will give the events regarding the Harpoon convoy in chronological order.

12 June 1942.

Western Mediterranean (Harpoon convoy)

During the night convoy WS 19 Z passed the Straits of Gibraltar. This convoy had departed the Clyde on June 6th. It was made up of five merchant vessels; Burwan (British , 6069 GRT, built 1928), Chant (American, 5601 GRT, built 1938), Orari (British, 10350 GRT, built 1931), Tanimbar (Dutch, 8169 GRT, built 1930) and Troilus (British, 7422 GRT, built 1921).

Off Gibraltar the tanker Kentucky (American , 9308 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy.

Close escort was provided by ‘Force X’ which was made up of the AA-cruiser HMS Cairo (A/Capt. C.C. Hardy, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Bedouin (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, OBE, RN), HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, DSC, RN), HMS Matchless (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, RN), HMS Partridge (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, OBE, RN), HMS Ithuriel (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Maitland-Makgill-Crichton, DSC, RN), escort destroyers HMS Badsworth (Lt. G.T.S. Gray, DSC, RN), HMS Blankney (Lt.Cdr. P.F. Powlett, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Middleton (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, RN), ORP Kujawiak (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) L. Lichodziejewski), minesweepers HMS Hebe (Lt.Cdr. G. Mowatt, RD, RN), HMS Speedy (Lt. J.G. Brookes, RN), HMS Rye (Lt. J.A. Pearson, DSC, RN), HMS Hythe (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Miller, RN) and the motor launches (ML’s) ML 121 (group commander Lt.Cdr. E.J. Strowlger, RNVR), ML 134, ML 135, ML 168, ML 459 and ML 462.

Also operating with ‘Force X’ was the fast minelayer HMS Welshman (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) which was to carry stores and personnel to Malta.

Distant cover was provided by ‘Force W’ which was made up of the battleship HMS Malaya (Capt. J.W.A. Waller, RN), aircraft carriers HMS Eagle (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN), HMS Argus (Capt. G.T. Philip, DSC, RN), light cruisers HMS Kenya (Capt. A.S. Russell, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral A.T.B. Curteis, CB, RN), HMS Liverpool (Capt. W.R. Slayter, DSC, RN), AA-cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. L.D. Mackintosh, DSC, RN), destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.T. Armstrong, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Escapade (Lt.Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN), HMS Wishart (Cdr. H.G. Scott, RN), HMS Westcott (Cdr. I.H. Bockett-Pugh, DSO, RN), HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN) and HMS Vidette (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, DSC, RN). This force was to cover the convoy until off the Skerki Channel, the entrance to the Sicily-Tunis Narrows. The cover forces for this convoy were however rather weak. For instance the aircraft carriers were rather old and had hardly enough fighters available to provide a decent air patrol.

Then there was also a tanker force to fuel the escorts ‘Force Y’. It was made up of the RFA oiler Brown Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941), escorted by two corvettes; HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A. Foxall, RNR) and HMS Coltsfoot (T/Lt. the Hon. W.K. Rous, RNVR).

Besides these forces four submarines were on patrol in the western Mediterranean. They were stationed between Sardinia and Sicily. These were HMS P 211 (Cdr. B. Bryant, DSC, RN), HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN), HMS P 43 (Lt. A.C. Halliday, RN) and HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN).

By 0800B/12 the force was in full strength and proceeded eastwards at 12 to 13 knots.

The remainder of the day was uneventful except for the sighting of a Spanish merchant vessel in the evening.

13 June 1942.

On this day the convoy was shadowed continuously by German and Italian aircraft. Also it was thought an Italian submarine might have spotted the convoy but was not the case as of yet.

HMS Cairo and almost all the destroyers and escort destroyers oiled from Brown Ranger and HMS Liverpool. This was completed late in the evening.

Italian warships reported to be at sea.

Two Italian cruisers and five destroyers had been reported at daybreak (actually six detroyers were present). These were the light cruisers Eugenio di Savoia, Raimondo Montecuccoli and the destroyers Alfredo Oriani, Vincenzo Gioberti, Ascari, Ugolino Vivaldi, Nicolò Zeno and Premuda. They had sailed on the 13th from Cagliari, Sardinia. The most western British submarine on patrol HMS P 43 had attacked them at 1931 hours on the 13th. She claimed to have hit a cruiser but this was obviously not the case. Two hours later the next submarine on the patrol line HMS P 211 also sighted this Italian force but was too far off to attack.

14 June 1942.

During the night the force was spotted and reported by an Italian submarine. In fact two Italian submarines made attacks on the convoy during the night. These were the Uarsciek at 0152B/14 which fired two torpedoes at a destroyer in position 38°02'N, 05°06'E. Both torpedoes missed. Then at 0505B/14, the Giada fired four torpedoes at an aircraft carrier (probably HMS Eagle although this carrier did not report hearing torpedo explosions and HMS Argus did) and a cruiser or battleship in position 37°55'N, 06°12'E. She claimed two hits but in fact all torpedoes missed.

At dawn enemy shadowing aircraft appeared once more. The convoy was approaching the danger area for air attacks coming from Sardinia. At 1000B/12 the first radar warning came and at about the same time fighters from Eagle shot down an Italian torpedo aircraft. More of these aircraft were seen gathering about 20 miles from the convoy and form up for attack.

It was a bright and clear morning with hardly a cloud in the sky. There was little wind but such as there was came from the west and this made it difficult for the British fighter crews, especially for those from the 25-year old Argus with her small margin of speed, unless she would turn into the wind and leave the destroyer screen.

The convoy was steering east in two columns in line ahead. HMS Kenya was leading the port column while HMS Liverpool was leading the starboard one. Astern of the convoy was HMS Malaya with HMS Welshman astern of her. The aircraft carriers were operating independently to port of the convoy. Each carrier had an AA cruiser and a destroyer as escort. HMS Eagle was with HMS Cairo and HMS Wishart while HMS Argus was with HMS Charybdis and HMS Vidette.

The remaining fifteen destroyers and four minesweepers formed an all-round screen spread from three to three and a half miles from the convoy. This was done on purpose so that all ships could fire outward but also inward with a freedom that would have been impossible with a closer screen.

The air attacks began at 1030B/14. The first was a shallow dive-bombing attack by two groups, each of four or five Italian fighter-bombers (CR. 42). One group approached from astern at 12000 feet and diving to 6000 feet. The other group came from ahead at 6000 feet and dropped their bombs from 3000 to 4000 feet. Their target was HMS Argus and her consorts on the port beam of HMS Malaya. No damage was done, only one bomb fell close to HMS Charybdis. Two of the enemy planes were shot down after their attack by Fulmar’s from Eagle which were controlled by the Argus and afterwards landed aboard her. It was the policy to employ the Hurricanes from Eagle as high fighter force and the Fulmar’s from Argus as low fighter force.

A much more serious attack followed half an hour later when 28 Savoia torpedo aircraft escorted by 20 Macchi fighters conducted a combined attack with 10 Cant. high level bombers. The Savoia approached from the northward in two waves of equal strength. The first wave came in at 1110B/14 and the second soon afterwards. The first wave passed through the destroyer screen at 500 feet above the water, rounded the rear of the convoy, and attacked from the starboard side, splitting into groups before firing. They dropped their torpedoes from a height of 100 feet at a range of 2000 yards. They hit HMS Liverpool, which was leading the starboard column, when she was turning to meet the attack. Also the Dutch merchant Tanimbar was hit in the rear and she sank within a few minutes in position 36°58’N, 07°30’E.

The second wave attacked the port column dropped their torpedoes at longer range. All torpedoes missed. The Cant. bombers also came in two formations, coming from ahead out of the sun at a height of about 10000 feet. Their targets seemed to be Eagle and Argus but none of their bombs hit.

A little before 1200B/14 several torpedo planes made harmless attacks from long range. They were probably stragglers turned back by gunfire during the earlier attacks and anxious to get rid of their torpedoes before turning back to base.

Upon the whole the Italians seem to have attacked gallantly. The British fighters claimed to have shot down three enemy fighters and three torpedo aircraft. Three British fighters were lost ofwhich one was shot down in error by a ship in the screen. The convoy and escort claim to have shot down seven enemy aircraft, all Savoia SM 79’s.

HMS Liverpool was hit in the engine room and badly damaged. She could only make 3 to 4 knots on one shaft. She was ordered to return to Gibraltar being towed by HMS Antelope and screened by HMS Westcott. A long voyage during which the first 24 hours she was attacked from the air. At 1640B/14, five CR. 42 fighter-bombers attacked from astern out of the sun, luckily without hitting, though one or two bombs fell close enough to increase the ships list. At 1800B/14, the tow having parted, there was a harmless attempt by eleven high-level bombers followed by an equally harmless attempt by seven torpedo aircraft which were heavily escorted by fighters. The Liverpool and Westcott each claimed to have destroyed a torpedo plane.

At 2015B/14, now once more in tow, fife high-level bombers attacked but their bombs fell wide.

At 2230B/14, six torpedo bombers made a twilight attack from very long range only to loose one of their number to the barrage HMS Liverpool put up.

The fruitless attacks on the damaged Liverpool in the afternoon and evening of the 14th evidently occupied the remaining aircraft available to the enemy in Sardinia for as the convoy was able to continue without being attacked. It was however still being shadowed and came within range of the Sicilian air bases in the evening.

HMS Welshman had replaced HMS Liverpool at the head of the starboard column of the convoy. She however parted company with the convoy around 2000B/14 to continue the passage to Malta on her own at high speed.

At 1820B/14 German bombers appeared, about ten Ju. 88’s approached the convoy from astern at 10000 feet and then dived to 6000 feet to make the attack. Both carriers had narrow escapes, Argus in particular. A bomb pitched fine on her port bow, dived under the ship and exploded on the starboard bow. No ship was damaged however. No enemy aircraft were shot down. Six British fighters however harassed the enemy and forced several of them to release their bombs prematurely. One Fulmar was lost.

As in the morning the shallow dive-bombing attack preluded a heavy combined torpedo and bombing attack but in the evening the lapse of time was greater and dive-bombers as well as high level-bombers took part in the massed attack. It was a combination of Italians and Germans. 16 Savoia 79 bombers heavily escorted by Macchi fighters with 10 Ju 88’s and 15 Ju 87’s. The first to appear were the Savoia’s which approached from the north-east to port at about 2000B/14. They were flying well above the water. Worked their way around the stern of the convoy outside gun range to glide down and attack on the starboard side. In the meantime, a few minutes after the Savoia’s had been sighted, two groups of Ju 88’s came in from ahead at 12000 feet and dropped their bombs without effect as they flew across the screen and along the columns of the convoy. Next the Ju 87’s arrived on the port bow and attacked the port wing of the screen, diving from 7000 to 1000 feet. They narrowly missed HMS Icarus and HMS Wrestler, though they had probably hoped to reach HMS Eagle. These dive bombers took most of the attention of the screen but then at 2020B/14 the Italian torpedo-bombers came in. Most of them concentrated onHMS Malaya, HMS Argus, HMS Charybdis and HMS Vidette. They managed to drop three torpedoes within 300 yards from the carrier but she still managed to avoid them.

Around the time of these attacks HMS Middleton sighted a periscope and dropped a depth charge. Two other destroyers then hauled out of the screen and dropped depth charges. The periscope was next sighted by HMS Malaya after which HMS Speedy obtained an Asdic contact and attacked with depth charges in position 37°39’N, 09°35’E, claiming to have destroyed the enemy submarine.

This was the last encounter with the enemy before ‘Force W’ would separate from the convoy which was then to continue on to Malta only escorted by ‘Force X’.

As the convoy reached the entrance of the Narrows at 2100B/14, four Beaufighters arrived from Malta to relieve the hard worked naval aviators of the carriers. Around this time the Italian submarine Alagi attacked an aircraft carrier with two stern torpedoes in position 37°36'N, 09°53'E which both missed. The attack was not reported by either of the carriers and was probably not observed. Half an hour later ‘Force W’ turned westwards. The convoy continued eastwards with A/Capt. Hardy of HMS Cairo in command. For the passage of the Tunisian coast the five remaining merchant vessels formed a single line ahead with ‘Force X’ screening them.

At 2205B/14, as it was getting dark, eight Ju 88’s made a shallow dive-bombing attack dropping down from 6000 to 3000 feet to release their bombs. No hits were obtained. They lost two aircraft, one was shot down by a Beaufighter and the ther by gunfire from the ships. This was the end of this day’s fighting.

The Italian ships that had been reported to be at sea the previous day.

On receiving the submarines reports Vice-Admiral Leatham at Malta arranged for a striking force of Wellington aircraft to attack the enemy. Aircraft again sighted the enemy north-west of Cape San Vito, Sicily at 0255/14. At 0525/14 the enemy was sighted off Palermo. At 1800/14 two cruisers were reported to be in the harbour there. At dusk, at 2125B/14, two cruisers and four destroyers were reported to be leaving Palermo harbour but their course was not reported. Vice-Admiral Leatham judged that they were proceeding to the east to join the main Italian battlefleet that had left Taranto that same evening to operate against the ‘Vigorous-convoy’ in the eastern Mediterranean. Accordingly he stationed a naval air patrol over the Strait of Messina, with a naval air striking force at Malta standing by to attack.

‘Force W’

Vice-Admiral Curteis, who was taking ‘Force W’ westwards, also received the report of the enemy leaving Palermo and had to decide whether to strengthen ‘Force X’ with either one or both his cruisers, HMS Kenya and HMS Charybdis. He was then, at 2315/24, in position 37°30’N, 09°30’E, over 50 nautical miles from the convoy, which would be a further 100 nautical miles further on to the east by dawn on the 15th. He also judged that the Italian ships would be unlikely to be danger to the convoy and that the escort would be strong enough ‘to deter them from doing any harm’ escpecially as it would be expected that the Italians would be attacked from the air by aircraft from Malta. Apart from this he was anxious for the safety of his aircraft carriers, which would need the cruisers support while within striking distance from the enemy air bases in Sardinia. Furthermore there was barely time to overtake the convoy before by the morning. With the force available a decision either way was a gamble this might have been different had Liverpool not been torpedoed. He therefore decided against sending any reinforcement to the convoy.

15 June 1942.

Action south of Pantellaria

A/Capt. Hardy, the convoy escort commander in HMS Cairo first knew of the presence of the enemy through the report of a Beaufighter which was on it’s way to patrol above the convoy and which at 0620B/15 reported two cruisers and four destroyers to be 15 nautical miles on the port beam of the convoy. The convoy at that time was stearing at 12 knots to the south-east. The merchantmen were formed in two columns again, with HMS Cairo ahead, the five ‘Fleet’ destroyers in the screen to starboard and the four ‘Hunt’s’ to port. The minesweepers and the ML’s were astern of the convoy. A few minutes later the Italian ships were sighted hull down against the brightening sky to the eastward. They were broad on the port bow and drawing ahead of the convoy at high speed. It was now also seen that there were five destroyers present instead of the reported four. Commander Scurfield (in HMS Bedouin led out the ‘Fleet’ destroyers to attack while HMS Cairo and the remainder of the convoy escort started making smoke to cover the merchant ships, which were ordered to turn to starboard and to seek shelter in Tunisian waters. It was A/Capt. Hardy’s intention to gain as much time as possible to enable an air striking force from Malta to attack the enemy.

At 0640B/15, the Italian cruisers opened fire at a range of over 20000 yards. Their second salvo straddled HMS Cairo and others fell near the convoy before the smoke screen could take effect. The British ships could not yet reply as the enemy was still out of range. As the ‘Fleet’ destroyers gathered way, they became strung out in a loose line of bearing, nearly line ahead, in the order HMS Bedouin, HMS Partridge, HMS Ithuriel, HMS Marne and HMS Matchless, though the last ship worked up to 32 knots in the endeavour to keep up. The first to destroyers opened fire on the enemy cruisers at 0645B/15 with their guns at maximum elevation but in a quarter of an hour both Bedouin and Partridge were badly hit and stopped and the fight passed them by. Ithuriel held her fire till she got within 15000 yards, then she engaged a cruiser, which she eventually hit at a range of 8000 yards. Marne also engaged a cruiser, opening fire at over 18000 yards. In the meantime the Italian destroyers had fallen astern of the cruisers, three of them, in fact, soon left the line and disappeared to the northward. The last two enemy destroyers opened fire on the Marne from her port beam at around 0700B/15 and she and Matchless, which was astern of her, replied. Both British destroyers soon found the range and hit one of the enemy (Ugolino Vivaldi) and drove them off. They then pressed on to engage the enemy cruisers which kept their distance and were zig-zagging and making smoke to upset the aim of the British ships.

As soon as the convoy was well behind the smoke screen and on it’s way to the westward. HMS Cairo and the four Hunt class escort destroyers were proceeding south and now also engaged the two enemy destroyers which had been engaged by Marne and Matchless. At about 0700B/15 HMS Cairo came under fire from the enemy cruisers again. They were using two turrets each to engage the Cairo and two turrets to engage the ‘Fleet’ destroyers. HMS Cairo was hit by a 6” shell. She herself fired her 4” guns occasionally, though without much hope of doing real damage to the enemy.

At 0715B/15, A/Capt. Hardy decided to concentrate the remaining three ‘Fleet’ destroyers on HMS Cairo and ordered HMS Ithuriel to join him. HMS Marne and HMS Matchless continued to engage the enemy for about half an hour. Though fire from both sides was accurate no hits were obtained on either side. At 0745B/15 the Italians turned to port on which A/Capt. Hardy turned north and ordered all destroyers to join him.

Meanwhile, the convoy, 15 nautical miles away to the north-west, steering westwards, now turned to the south-east again. At 0705B/15, now deprived of the support of HMS Cairo, all destroyers and escort destroyers, and without air support, the convoy was attacked by eight German JU 87 dive bombers. They sank the Chant and disabled the Kentucky. HMS Hebe took the Kentucky in tow. The convoy then went on until 0745B/15 when course was changed to rejoin the escorts. The Italians however meanwhile where following the British escorts and kept them under fire.

At 0834B/15, A/Capt. Hardy, ordered the convoy to reverse course while Cairo and the destroyers laid a smokescreen across it’s track. This seems to have baffled the Italians which first turned to the south-west and then at 0840B/15 hauled round to the north-eastward and stood away. A/Capt. Hardy then sent the ‘Hunt’-class escort destroyers to rejoin the convoy and then led the ‘Fleet’ destroyers after the enemy. At this time HMS Cairo was hit for the second time. For the present however the Italians had given up the game. By 0930B/15 they were out of sight and the British ships then turned to rejoin the convoy.

At 1030B/15 the merchant vessel were back on their proper course to Malta, with the escort at full strength except for HMS Bedouin and HMS Partridge. Long-range Spitfires from Malta were patrolling overhead.

At 1040B/15 a few German bombers appeared but these were driven off before they could drop their bombs. The fighters were able to shot one down. Unfortunately this exhausted fuel and ammunition of the Spitfires which were operating at their extreme range so when at 1120B/15 another attack started they were not able to repel it. Their relief had not yet arrived.

It was a combination of high-level and dive bombing by Ju. 88’s and Ju. 87’s. Gunfire destroyed one of the German’s. One or two were shot down afterwards by the relieving Spitfires which had arrived during the attack. By then however the merchant vessel Burdwan was disabled. There was still 150 nautical miles to go, with the likelihood of further attacks from the air and with Italian ships nearby. A/Capt. Hardy therefore decided that he had no other choice then to sacrifice the damaged Kentucky and Burdwan as the best way to save the rest of the convoy whose speed would otherwise be reduced to six knots. He ordered HMS Hebe and HMS Badsworth to sink the cripples which enabled the remaining two merchant ships to continue at their best speed.

At 1315B/15, dive-bombers attacked yet again. And again there was no fighter cover present over the convoy. This time however the German’s were unsuccessful. One bomber out of twelve was shot down by the ships AA fire while the relief flight of Spitfires came in time to shoot down two more as the enemy retired. This was the last time the convoy was attacked from the air before it arrived at Malta under the protection from short-range Spitfires. The next threat of attack came from the Italian warships which closed the convoy once more.

After the engagement in the morning the Italian cruisers had gone back to join up with their destroyers, one of wich had been badly damaged by HMS Marne and HMS Matchless. While preparing to take this destroyer in tow the Italians were disrupted by British aircraft. Malta had been able to sent a small torpedo aircraft force to attack them. Four Albacores followed by two Beauforts attacked them about 12 nautical miles south of Pantelleria at 1030B/15. Unfortunately without success.

The two cruisers with two destroyers then went south again hoping to find stagglers from the convoy. They found HMS Hebe, which was on her way back to rejoin the convoy, having left the tanker Kentucky in a sinking condition astern. HMS Hebe sighted the enemy a long way to the north at 1255B/15. In the next half an hour the enemy was able to close as to open fire on the small minesweeper and eventually she was hit.

On receiving Hebe’s enemy report, A/Capt. Hardy, left the convoy in HMS Cairo taking the three remaining ‘Fleet’ destroyers with him; HMS Ithuriel, HMS Marne and HMS Matchless. Besides the Hebe to protect there were other ships coming back from the scuttled merchantmen and also HMS Bedouin and HMS Partridge which, A/Capt. Hardy believed to be following the convoy.

At 1355B/15 the Italians gave up the chase, presumably on sighting HMS Cairo and turned to engage a target to the westward. This could only be HMS Bedouin and HMS Partridge but A/Capt. Hardy felt bound to return to the convoy, then nearly 15 nautical miles off, though it meant leaving the damaged destroyers to their fate.

These two ships had been had been striving to preserve themselves for the King’s service ever since they had been crippled in the morning. HMS Partridge was ready to steam again by 0745B/15, three-quarters of an hour after being put out of action. She prepared to take HMS Bedouin in tow as that ship was entirely disabled. These preparations were disrupted by two Italian destroyers which had to be driven away. By 1000B/15 however Bedouin was being towed by Partridge and the two ships were proceeding slowly towards the convoy which they had orders to join. They met it at 1145B/15. There was still hope to get one engine going in HMS Bedouin but later on it became evident that this hope had to be abandoned. It was then thought best to try to make it to Gibraltar.

At 1320B/15, the Italian Squadron came into sight again and two destroyers were apparently closing the two British destroyers while there were also enemy dive-bombers flying around. HMS Partridge therefore had no choice then to slip the tow and to lay smoke around HMS Bedouin. As the enemy cruisers approached, after their chase of HMS Hebe, HMS Partridge stood away to draw their fire and in this she succeeded. She was straddled from long range at 1400B/15. It was the intention the return to HMS Bedouin later but the latter ship was torpedoed by an Italian torpedo bomber at 1425B/15 and she sank within a few minutes but not before shooting down the attacker. The enemy surface ships also sank the derelict Kentucky and Burdwan around the same time. Kentucky was finished off by the Oriani while Burdwan was possibly sunk by the Ascari.

A/Capt. Hardy rejoined the convoy at 1530B/15 after the last encounter with the Italian squadron. At 1730B/15, HMS Welshman rejoined the convoy south of Linosa coming from Malta. She had arrived there in the morning and was sent out again by Vice-Admiral Leatham as soon as she had landed her cargo.

Then at 1910B/15, there was another air attack. Upon that time the enemy had been kept away by the strong fighter escort from Malta directed by the radar in HMS Cairo. Twelve German bombers managed to close and near misses were obtained on HMS Welshman, HMS Matchless and the merchant Troilus.

A last attempt was foiled at 2040B/15 by the fighters from Malta and the ships guns. There was now only one danger to be overcome, enemy mines.

HMS Liverpool

At 1420B/15, three torpedo aircraft made a final unsuccessful attempt to attack HMS Liverpool after which she, HMS Antelope and HMS Westcott were not again molested. That afternoon the tug HMRT Salvonia arrived from Gibraltar and they took over the tow. Antelope then joined Westcott as A/S screen. With Salvonia came also the A/S trawler HMS Lady Hogarth (T/Lt. S.G. Barnes, RNR).

'Force Y'.

At 2345B/15 the Italian submarine Bronzo sighted an enemy escort vessel of the 'Kingfisher-class' which opened fire on the submarine in position 36°50'N, 00°10'E. This was HMS Coltsfoot. The submarine was depth-charged and escaped by going down to 117 metres.

16 June 1942.

It had been intended that the minesweepers would be ahead of the convoy when approaching Malta but owning to mistakes the convoy arrived first. The result was that one of the two remaining merchant vessels, the Orari, the destroyer HMS Matchless, two escort destroyers HMS Badsworth, ORP Kujawiak and the minesweeper HMS Hebe hit mines. Fortunately damage was light except for ORP Kujawiak which unfortunately sank in three minutes.

After having taken on board ammunition at Malta, HMS Cairo, HMS Ithuriel, HMS Marne, HMS Middleton and HMS Blankney departed the island in the evening to return to Gibraltar.

HMS Liverpool

Shortly after 0800B/16, the destroyer HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN) joined the A/S screen of the disabled HMS Liverpool. Two more vessels came out from Gibraltar to join the A/S screen, these were the corvette HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RD, RNR) which joined around 0940B/16. At 1530B/16, the motor launch ML 458 joined.

17 June 1942.

As HMS Cairo and the two destroyers and two escort destroyers were skirting along the African coast they were shadowed from sunrise onward. They were however not attacked until midday, when they were passed the Galita bank. From then until 2030B/17 that evening, German bombers pestered them continuously. The Germans came sometimes in flights of six, though generally in flights of two and three. Main target seems to have been HMS Ithuriel which had a tough time and sustained some minor damage due to leaks from near misses. During the attacks one enemy bomber was shot down by HMS Cairo.

At 2017B/17, they joined with Vice-Admiral Curteis with HMS Kenya and HMS Charybdis in position 37°30’N, 04°30’E. After leaving the convoy in the evening of the 14th, the Vice-Admiral had taken ‘Force W’ some 400 nautical miles to the west of Sardinia in order to avoid observation and attack while waiting for the return of ‘Force X’. His ships had however been shadowed on the 15th and was then attacked by two small groups of torpedo aircraft. Hurricanes from HMS Eagle forced them to drop their torpedoes from long range. They were also able to shoot down one of the attackers.

From the morning of the 16th to noon on the 17th, Vice-Admiral Curteis, cruised with HMS Kenya and HMS Charybdis near the rendez-vous position. HMS Malaya both aircraft carriers and the remaining destroyers had been sent to Gibraltar around 0800/16. They arrived at Gibraltar around 1030/17.

Around noon on the 17th, Vice-Admiral Curteis, with his two cruisers proceeded eastwards to meet up with A/Capt. Hardy’s force after which they proceeded in company to Gibraltar where they arrived in the early evening of the 18th.

HMS Liverpool

HMS Liverpool and her escorts safely arrived at Gibraltar late in the afternoon of the 17th. (6)

25 Jun 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (5)

2 Jul 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Alboran Sea.

No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (7)

10 Jul 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol (1st in the Mediterranean) at Gibraltar. (7)

1 Aug 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to proceed to Malta and to provide cover during operation Pedestal. She was to form a patrol line off Marettimo with HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN), HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN), P 31, HMS P 34 (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSC, RN), HMS P 34 (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSC, RN) and HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN).

No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (5)

2 Aug 1942

Convoy WS 21S and Operation Pedestal.

Convoy WS 21S and the concentration of the escort forces

Convoy WS 21S departed the Clyde on 2 August 1942. The convoy was made up of the following ships;
American freighters;
Almeria Lykes (7773 GRT, built 1940), Santa Elisa (8379 GRT, built 1941), British freighters;
Brisbane Star (12791 GRT, built 1937), Clan Ferguson (7347 GRT, built 1938), Deucalion (7516 GRT, built 1930), Dorset (10624 GRT, built 1934), Empire Hope (12688 GRT, built 1941), Glenorchy (8982 GRT, built 1939), Melbourne Star (11076 GRT, built 1936), Port Chalmers (8535 GRT, built 1933), Rochester Castle (7795 GRT, built 1937), Waimarama (12843 GRT, built 1938), Wairangi (12436 GRT, built 1935), and the American tanker;
Ohio (9264 GRT, built 1940).

These ships were escorted by light cruisers HMS Nigeria (Capt. S.H. Paton, RN, flying the flag of the Rear-Admiral 10th C.S., H.M. Burrough, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Kenya (Capt. A.S. Russell, RN) and the destroyers HMS Wishart (Cdr. H.G. Scott, RN), HMS Venomous (Cdr. H.W. Falcon-Stewart, RN), HMS Wolverine (Lt.Cdr. P.W. Gretton, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Malcolm (A/Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN), HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy) Lord Teynham, RN), HMS Derwent (Cdr. R.H. Wright, DSC, RN) and HMS Zetland (Lt. J.V. Wilkinson, RN).

A cover force made up of departed Scapa Flow on the same day. This force was made up of the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral E.N. Syfret, CB, RN) and HMS Rodney (Capt. J.W. Rivett-Carnac, DSC, RN). They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Ashanti (Cdr. R.G. Onslow, DSO, RN), HMS Eskimo (Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Somali (Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) and HMS Quentin (Lt.Cdr. A.H.P. Noble, DSC, RN). They were to rendez-vous with convoy WS 21S at sea on 3 August. HMS Penn was delayed by a defect and after topping off with fuel at Moville, Northern Ireland overtook the force and joined at sea.

The aircraft carrier HMS Victorious (Capt. H.C. Bovell, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral A.L.St.G. Lyster, CB, CVO, DSO, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN) meanwhile had already left Scapa Flow on 31 July 1941 to rendez-vous with the convoy. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A.deW. Kitcat, RN), HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Foresight (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN). These ships were joined at sea on 1 August 1942 by the aircraft carrier HMS Argus (Capt. G.T. Philip, RN), loaded with spare fighter aircraft for the operation, and her two escorts the destroyers HMS Buxton (Lt.Cdr. I.J. Tyson, RD, RNR) and HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. A.F.C. Gray, RNR). HMS Argus and her two escorting destroyers had departed the Clyde on 31 July. HMS Buxton later split off and proceeded towards Canada and HMS Sardonyx proceeded to Londonderry.

The last ships to take part in the operation to depart the U.K. (Clyde around midnight during the night of 4/5 August) were the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. T.O. Bulteel, RN), loaded with Hurricane fighters for Malta, and her escorts, the light cruiser HMS Manchester (Capt. H. Drew, DSC, RN) and the Polish destroyer ORP Blyscawica (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) L. Lichodziejewski). They were joined at sea, around dawn, by HMS Sardonyx coming from Londonderry. The destroyers parted company around midnight during the night of 5/6 August. They arrived at Londonderry on 7 August. HMS Furious and HMS Manchester then joined convoy WS 21S around midnight of the next night but HMS Manchester parted company shortly afterwards to proceed ahead of the convoy and fuel at Gibraltar.

On 1 August 1942 the aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN), light cruiser HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN) and the destroyers HMS Laforey (Capt. R.M.J. Hutton, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. H.G. Walters, DSC, RN) and HMS Lookout (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Forman, DSC, RN) departed Freetown to proceed to a rendez-vous position off the Azores.

On 5 August 1942, the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. L.D. Mackintosh, DSC, RN), light cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) and the the destroyers HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN), HMS Westcott (Cdr. I.H. Bockett-Pugh, DSO, RN) and HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. T. Johnston, RN) departed Gibraltar also to the rendezvous position off the Azores.

The convoy conducted maneuvering and AA exercises with the escorts between the Azores and Gibraltar during the period of 6 to 9 August. (Operation Berserk). Also dummy air attacks were carried out by aircraft from the carriers.

Passage of the Straits of Gibraltar and organization of escort forces.

The convoy then passed the Straits of Gibraltar during the night of 9/10 August 1942 in dense fog but despite this the convoy was detected by German and Italian spies and reported.

After passing the Straits of Gibraltar the convoy was organized as follows;
The actual convoy was protected a large force of warships until the whole force would split up before entering the Sicilian narrows after which ‘Force X’ under command of Rear-Admiral Sir H.M. Burrough, CB, DSO, RN was to accompany the convoy to the approaches to Malta where they would be met by the Malta Minesweeping Flotilla, which was then to sweep the convoy into the harbour. Force X was made up of the following ships:
Licht cruisers: HMS Nigeria (flagship), HMS Kenya,, HMS Manchester.
AA cruiser: HMS Cairo (A/Capt. C.C. Hardy, DSO, RN).
Destroyers: HMS Ashanti, HMS Fury, HMS Foresight, HMS Icarus, HMS Intrepid, HMS Pathfinder and HMS Penn.
Escort destroyers: HMS Derwent, HMS Bicester (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN), HMS Bramham (Lt. E.F. Baines, RN), HMS Ledbury (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, RN) and HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, RN). Also the rescue tug HMRT Jaunty was to be part of this force.

After the escort was to be split up cover was provided by ‘Force Z’ under Vice-Admiral E.N. Syfret, CB, RN. This force was made up of the following ships:
Battleships: HMS Nelson (flagship) and HMS Rodney.
Aircraft carriers: HMS Victorious, HMS Indomitable and HMS Eagle.
Light cruisers: HMS Phoebe, HMS Sirius and HMS Charybdis.
Destroyers: HMS Laforey, HMS Lightning, HMS Lookout, HMS Eskimo, HMS Somali, HMS Tartar, HMS Quentin, HMS Ithuriel (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Maitland-Makgill-Crichton, DSC, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair), HMS Wishart and HMS Vansittart. Escort destroyer: HMS Zetland. Also attached were the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (for Operation Bellows, the launching of Hurricane fighters for Malta. HMS Furious only carried four Albacore aircraft for A/S searches after the Hurricanes had been launched) and the ‘spare’ destroyers HMS Keppel (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN), HMS Malcolm, HMS Venomous, HMS Vidette (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, DSC, RN), HMS Westcott, HMS Wolverine, HMS Wrestler and HMS Amazon. These ‘spare’ destroyers were to take the place of destroyers in the screen ‘Force Z’ if needed, escort HMS Furious during her return passage to Gibraltar after she had completed Operation Bellows and / or strengthen the escort of ‘Force R’.

Then there was also ‘Force R’, the fuelling force. This force was made up of the following ships:
Corvettes: HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RD, RNR), HMS Spiraea (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Miller, DSC, RNR), HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A. Foxall, RNR) and HMS Coltsfoot (T/Lt. the Hon. W.K. Rous, RNVR).
Rescue tug: HMS Salvonia.
RFA tankers: RFA Brown Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941, Master D.B.C. Ralph) and RFA Dingledale (8145 GRT, built 1941, Master R.T. Duthie).

Before we give an account of the passage of the main convoy we will now first describe the operations taking place in the Eastern Mediterranean (Operations MG 3 and MG 4), the launching of the Hurricane fighters for Malta by HMS Furious (Operation Bellows) and the return convoy from Malta (Operation Ascendant) as well as on submarine operations / dispositions.

Diversion in the Eastern Mediterranean.

As part of the plan for Operation Pedestal the Mediterranean Fleet had to carry out a diversion in the Eastern part of the Mediterranean. Before we go to the operations in the Western Mediterranean we will first give an account of the events in the Eastern Mediterranean.

It was at this time not possible to sent any supplies from Egypt to Malta as all supplies and forces were much needed for the upcoming land battle at El Alamein it was agreed that ‘a dummy convoy’ would be sent towards Malta with the object of preventing the enemy to direct the full weight of their air and naval power towards the Western Mediterranean.

In the evening of 10 August 1942 a ‘convoy’ (MG 3) of three merchant ships departed Port Said escorted by three cruisers and ten destroyers. Next morning one more merchant ship departed Haifa escorted by two cruisers and five destroyers. The two forces joined that day (the 11th) and then turned back dispersing during the night. The Italian fleet however did not go to sea to attack ‘the bait’.

The forces taking part in this operation were:
From Port Said:
Merchant vessels City of Edinburgh (8036 GRT, built 1938), City of Lincoln (8039 GRT, built 1938) and City of Pretoria (8049 GRT, built 1937) escorted by the light cruisers HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral I.G. Glennie, RN), HMS Euryalus (Capt. E.W. Bush, DSO, DSC, RN), the AA cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. R.J.R. Dendy, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. A.L. Poland, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Pakenham (Capt. E.B.K. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Dulverton (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Petch, OBE, RN), HMS Hurworth (Lt.Cdr. J.T.B. Birch, RN), HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSC, RN), HMS Hursley (Lt. W.J.P. Church, DSC, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, RN) and HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN).

From Haifa:
Merchant vessel Ajax (7797 GRT, built 1931) escorted by the light cruisers HMS Cleopatra (Capt. G. Grantham, DSO, RN, flagship of Rear-Admiral P.L. Vian, KBE, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN), the destroyers HMS Sikh (Capt. St.J. A. Micklethwait, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Zulu (Cdr. R.T. White, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. G.E. Fardell, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Tetcott (Lt. H.R. Rycroft, RN) and HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN).

After dark on 11 August 1942 the force turned back and the City of Pretoria returned to Port Said escorted by HMS Eridge and HMS Hursley. The City of Edinburgh, escorted by HMS Beaufort and HMS Belvoir proceeded to Haifa. The City of Lincoln escorted by HMS Dulverton and HMS Hurworth proceeded to Beirut and finally the Ajax, escorted by HMS Tetcott and HMS Croome returned to Haifa. HMS Dido had to return to Port Said with hull defects. She was escorted by HMS Pakenham, HMS Paladin and HMS Jervis.

HMS Cleopatra, HMS Arethusa, HMS Sikh, HMS Zulu, HMS Javelin and HMS Kelvin then proceeded to carry out another diversion (Operation MG 4). They bombarded Rhodes harbour and the Alliotti Flour Mills during the night of 12/13 August but did little damage. On the way back HMS Javelin attacked a submarine contact in position 34°45’N, 31°04’E between 0654 and 0804 hours. She reported that there was no doubt that the submarine was sunk but no Axis submarines were operating in this area so the attack must have been bogus. This force returned to Haifa at 1900B/13.

Operation Bellows.

During operation Bellows, the aircraft carrier HMS Furious, started 37 Spitfire which were to proceed to Malta, when south of the Balearic Islands. The Admiralty had decided to carry out this operation at the same time as Operation Pedestal.

HMS Furious remained with the convoy until 1200B/11. She then launched the Spitfires for Malta in 5 batches between 1230 and 1515 hours. During these flying off operations she acted independently with the destroyers HMS Lookout and HMS Lightning. After having launched the last batch of Spitfires she briefly re-joined to convoy until around 1700 hours when she split off and set course for Gibraltar escorted by the destroyers HMS Malcolm, HMS Wolverine and HMS Wrestler. These were joined shortly afterwards by HMS Keppel and HMS Venomous.

Around 0100B/12, HMS Wolverine, rammed and sank the Italian submarine Dagabur which was trying to attack HMS Furious. Around 0200 hours, HMS Wolverine reported that she was stopped due to the damage she had sustained in the ramming. HMS Malcolm was detached to assist her.

At 1530B/12, the destroyer HMS Vidette joined the screen. The force then entered Gibraltar Bay around 1930B/12. The damaged HMS Wolverine arrived at Gibraltar at 1230B/13 followed by HMS Malcolm around 1530B/13.

Operation Ascendant

On 10 August 1942 the empty transports Troilus (7648 GRT, built 1921) and Orari (10107 GRT, built 1931) departed Malta after dark for Gibraltar. They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Matchless (Lt.Cdr. J. Mowlam, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Badsworth (Lt. G.T.S. Gray, DSC, RN). They first proceeded to the south of Lampedusa, then hugged the Tunisian coast as far as Galita Island. Near Cape Bon they encountered the Italian destroyer Lanzerotto Malocello that was laying a minefield. They had a brief gunfight but this was soon ended as both sides were thinking the enemy was Vichy-French. The remained of the passage to Gibraltar was uneventful and the convoy arrived at Gibraltar shortly before noon on 14 August 1942.

Submarine operations / dispositions.
Eight submarines took part in the operation; these were HMS Utmost (Lt. A.W. Langridge, RN), HMS P 31 (Lt. J.B.de B. Kershaw, DSO, RN), HMS P 34 (Lt. P.R.H. Harrison, DSC, RN), HMS P 42 (Lt. A.C.G. Mars, RN), HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN), HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN), HMS P 211 (Cdr. B. Bryant, DSC, RN), HMS P 222 (Lt.Cdr. A.J. MacKenzie, RN). Two of these were to carry out normal dived patrol to the north of Sicily, one off Palermo, the other off Milazzo which is futher to the east. The other six submarines were given alternative patrol lines south of Pantelleria, one od which they were to take up at dawn on 13 August 1942, according to the movements of enemy surface ships that might threathen the convoy from the westward. When the convoy had passed the patrol line, which it should have done by that time, the submarines were to proceed on the surface parallel to the convoy as a screen and to dive away clear of the convoy at noon. It was expressly intended that they should be seen on the surface and reported by enemy aircraft in order to deter enemy warships from attacking the convoy.

Enemy warships did go to sea but as soon as it was clear that the enemy ships could not reach the convoy the sunmarines were ordered to dive and retire. These six sumarines had no contact with the enemy. One of the the two submarines off the north coast of Sicily, HMS P 42, managed to torpedo two Italian cruisers near Stromboli on the morning of 13 August 1942.

Now we return to the main convoy to Malta.

Passage eastwards after passing the Straits of Gibraltar.

10 and 11 August 1942.

After passing through the Straits of Gibraltar in the early hours of 10 August 1942, in dense fog, the convoy was first sighted by an Italian passenger aircraft, which sighted the convoy in the afternoon of the same day. German reconnaissance aircraft started shadowing the convoy from dawn on the 11th, and thereafter they or Italian aircraft kept the convoy under continuous observation, despite the effort of the fighters from the carriers to shoot them down or drive them off. At 1315 hours, HMS Eagle, was hit an sunk by torpedoes from the German submarine U-73 which had penetrated the destroyer screen. At that moment there were thirteen destroyers in the screen, the remainder was away from the main convoy, escorting HMS Furious during the flying off operations of the Hurricane fighters for Malta or oiling from and screening ‘Force R’ which was several miles away. Between 1430B/10 and and 2030B/11 no less then three cruisers and twenty-four destroyers fuelled from the two oilers of ‘Force R’.

At the time of the torpedoing of HMS Eagle the convoy was in four columns, zigzagging at 13 knots, with the heavy ships stationed close round it and a destroyer screen ahead. HMS Eagle was on the starboard quarter of the convoy. She was hit on her starboard side by four torpedoes which had dived through the destroyer screen and the convoy columns undetected and then torpedoed and sank the Eagle in position 38°05’N, 03°02’E (Another source gives 03°12’E but this might be a typo). The carrier sank quickly in about 8 minutes, 926 of her crew, including the Commanding Officer, were rescued by the destroyers HMS Laforey and HMS Lookout and the rescue tug HMS Jaunty. At the time of her sinking, HMS Eagle had four aircraft on patrol. These landed on the other carriers. All other aircraft were lost with the ship. The survivors picked up were later transferred to the destroyers HMS Keppel, HMS Malcolm and HMS Venomous that were to escort HMS Furious back to Gibraltar. The tug HMS Jaunty that had been involved in picking up survivors was never able to rejoin the convoy due to her slow speed.

Late in the afternoon air attacks were expected so Vice-Admiral Syfret ordered the destroyer to form an all-round screen. Indeed the air attacks started around sunset, 2045 hours. The last destroyers had just returned from oiling from ‘Force R’. The enemy aircraft that were attacking were 36 German bombers and torpedo aircraft, Ju 88’s and He 111’s, most of which attacked the convoy but a few attacked ‘Force R’ to the southward. The Junkers arrived first, diving down from 8000 feet to 2000 / 3000 feet to drop their bombs. They claimed to have hit an aircraft carrier and one of the merchant ships. Then the Heinkels attacked, they claimed to have torpedoed a cruiser but during the attacks no ship was hit. The British fighter cover was unable to attack / find the enemy in the failing light. Four enemy aircraft were claimed shot down by the ships AA fire but it appears only two JU 88’s were in fact shot down.

12 August 1942

At 0915B/12 another wave of German aircraft attacked the convoy. Some twenty or more JU 88’s approached the convoy out of the sun ahead. They were intercepted by fighters about 25 miles from the convoy. About a dozen got through to the convoy, making high-level or shallow dive-bombing attacks individually but without any result. Eight German aircraft were claimed to be shot down by the fighters and two more by AA guns from the ships. The fighters meanwhile were also busy dealng with shadowers, three of which are claimed to have been shot down before the morning attack. Around this time destroyers were also busy with numerous submarine contact which were attacked by depth charges.

Around noon the enemy launched heavy air attacks from the Sardinian airfields. Seventy aircraft approached which were heavily escorted by fighters. They attacked in stages and employed new methods.

First ten Italian torpedo-bombers were each to drop some sort of circling torpedo or mine a few hundred yards ahead of the British force, while eight fighter bombers made dive-bombing and machine-gun attacks. The object at this stage was clearly to dislocate the formation of the force and to draw anti-aircraft fire, making the ships more vulnerable to a torpedo attack which soon followed with over forty aircraft. They attacked in two groups, one on either bow of the convoy. The next stage was a shallow dive-bombing attack by German aircraft, after which two Italian Reggiane 2001 fighters, each with a single heavy armour-piercing bomb were to dive bomb on one of the aircraft carriers, whilst yet another new form of attack was to be employed against the other carrier, but defects in the weapon prevented this attack from taking place.

The enemy attack went according to plan besides that the torpedo attack was only made half an our after the ‘mines’ were dropped instead of five minutes. British fighters met the minelaying aircraft, they shot down one of them as they approached. The remaining nine aircraft dropped their ‘mines’ at 1215 hours in the path of the force, which turned to avoid the danger. The mines were heard to explode several minutes later. Only three of the fighter-bombers of this stage of the attack appear to have reached as far the screen, but HMS Lightning had a narrow escape from their bombs.

The torpedo-aircraft appeared at 1245 hours. Their number were brought down a bit due to British fighters. The remaining aircraft, estimated at 25 to 30 machines, attacked from the port bow, port beam and starboard quarter. They dropped their torpedoes well outside the screen some 8000 yards from the merchant ships which they had been ordered to attack. The force turned 45° to port and then back to starboard to avoid the attack.

In the next stage, around 1318 hours, the German bombing attack, the enemy scored their one success. These aircraft were also intercepted on their way in but about a dozen of about twenty aircraft came through. They crossed the convoy from starboard to port and then dived to 3000 feet. They managed to damage the transport Deucalion which was leading the port wing column. More bombs fell close to several other ships.

Finally, at 1345 hours, the two Reggiane fighters approached HMS Victorious as if to land on. They looked like Hurricanes and HMS Victorious was at that time engaged in landing her own fighters. They managed to drop their bombs and one hit the flight deck amidships. Fortunately the bomb broke up without exploding. By the time HMS Victorious could open fire both fighters were out of range.

The Deucalion could no longer keep up with the convoy and was ordered to follow the inshore route along the Tunisian coast escorted by HMS Bramham. Two bombers found these ships late in the afternoon, but their bombs missed. At 1940 hours, however, near the Cani Rocks, two torpedo aircraft attacked and a torpedo hit the Deucalion. She caught fire and eventually blew up.

The convoy passed some 20 miles north of Galita Island and spent the afternoon avoiding enemy submarines which were known to be concentrated in these waters. There were innumerable reports of sightings and Asdic contacts and at least two submarines proved dangerous. At 1616 hours, HMS Pathfinder and HMS Zetland attacked one on the port bow of the convoy and hunted her until the convoy was out of reach. HMS Ithuriel, stationed on the quarter, then attacked, forced the enemy to surface and finally rammed her. She proved to be the Italian submarine Cobalto. Meanwhile HMS Tartar, on the starboard quarter, saw six torpedoes fired at close range at 1640 hours, and the next destroyer in the screen, HMS Lookout sighted a periscope. Together they attacked the submarine, continuing until it was no longer dangerous. There was no evidence this submarine was sunk.

At 1750 hours, HMS Ithuriel, which was on her way back to the convoy after sinking the Italian submarine Cobalto was attacked by a few dive-bombers, when still a dozen miles astern of the convoy. At this time the convoy came under attack by aircraft stationed on Sicily. This force numbered nearly 100 aircraft. Ju.87 dive-bombers as well as Ju.88’s and SM-79’s all with a strong escort of fighters. The enemy started attacking at 1835 hours, the bombers attacking from both ahead and astern which last was the direction of the sun. The torpedo aircraft came from ahead to attack on the starboard bow and beam of the convoy.

The Italian SM-79’s torpedo bombers dropped their torpedoes from ranges of about 3000 yards outside the destroyer screen, and once again the convoy turned away to avoid them. However the destroyer HMS Foresight was hit by a torpedo and disabled. The bombers chose HMS Indomitable as their main target. She was astern of HMS Rodney at the time on the port quarter of the convoy. Four Ju.88’s and eight Ju.87’s came suddenly out of the sun and dived steeply towards HMS Indomitable from astern. Some of the Ju.87 came down to 1000 feet and the carrier received three hits and her flight deck was put out of action. Her airborne fighters eventually had to land on HMS Victorious. HMS Rodney meanwhile had a narrow escape when a bomber attacked from ahead. One enemy aircraft was claimed to have been shot down by AA fire from the ships while the fighters claimed nine more although there were about twice as much enemy fighters in the air then British.

HMS Tartar took the damaged HMS Foresight in tow and proceeded westward for Gibraltar. Next day, as they were shadowed by enemy aircraft, and enemy submarines were known to be in the area, it was decided to scuttle the cripple before both ships might be lost. HMS Tartar then torpedoed HMS Foresight a few miles from Galita Island.

Passage through the narrows, 12-13 August 1942, and the loss off HMS Manchester.

These last air attacks took place about 20 nautical miles west of the Skerki Channel and at 1900 hours, when the attacks were clearly over, Vice-Admiral Syfret turned away with ‘Force Z’. It was now up to Rear-Admiral Burrough with ‘Force X’ to take the convoy to Malta.

At 2000 hours, when the convoy was changing it’s formation from four to two columns, the convoy was attacked by Italian submarines. The submarine Dessiè attacked a freighter with four torpedoes and claimed three hits. The sound of the torpedo hits was however not caused by her attack but by an attack by the Axum which hit three ships, HMS Nigeria, HMS Cairo and the tanker Ohio.

HMS Nigeria had to turn back to make for Gibraltar escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Derwent, HMS Wilton and HMS Bicester. Rear-Admiral Burrough transferred his flag to the destroyer HMS Ashanti. The stern of HMS Cairo had been blown off and she had to be sunk as she was beyond salvage with both engines also out of action. She was scuttled by HMS Pathfinder. The Ohio meanwhile managed to struggle on.

At this time the convoy was still trying to form up the the submarine attacks messed things up and right at thus time the convoy was once more attacked from the air in the growing dusk at 2030 hours. About 20 German aircraft, Ju-88’s made dive bombing and torpedo attacks, hitting the Empire Hope with a bomb and the Clan Ferguson and Brisbane Star with torpedoes. The first of these ships had to be sunk (by HMS Bramham, the second blew up but the last eventually reached Malta. Soon after this attack, at 2111 hours, HMS Kenya was torpedoed by the Italian submarine Alagi. She was able to evade three of the four torpedoes but was hit in the bow by the fouth. She was however able to remain with the convoy.

The situation was then as follows. HMS Kenya and HMS Manchester with two merchant ships, and with the minesweeping destroyers HMS Intrepid, HMS Icarus and HMS Fury sweeping ahead, had passed the Skerki Channel and were steering to pass Zembra Island on the way to Cape Bon. HMS Ashanti, with Rear-Admiral Burrough on board was fast overhauling these ships. The other two destroyers HMS Pathfinder, HMS Penn and the escort destroyer HMS Ledbury, were rounding up the remaining nine merchant ships. The escort destroyer HMS Bramham was also catching up after having escorted the single Deucalion until she sank.

On learing about the fate of HMS Nigeria and HMS Cairo, Vice-Admiral Syfret detached HMS Charybdis, HMS Eskimo and HMS Somali to reinforce Rear-Admiral Burrough. It would take these ships several hourse to catch up with the convoy.

The main body of the convoy passed Cape Bon around midnight. Fourty minutes later enemy Motor Torpedo Boats appeared and started to attack. Their first victim was HMS Manchester which was torpedoed at 0120B/13 by the Italian MS 16 or MS 22. She had to be scuttled by her own crew. Many of her ships company landed in Tunisia and were interned by the Vichy-French but about 300 were picked up by destroyers (first by HMS Pathfinder, and later by HMS Eskimo and HMS Somali. These last two destoyers then set off towards Gibraltar.)

Four and possibly five of the merchant ships were also hit by the Motor Torpedo Boats. These were the Wairangi, Rochester Castle, Almeria Lykes, Santa Elisa and probably the Glenorchy. They were attacked between 0315 and 0430 hours about 15 nautical miles south-east of Kelibia whilst taking a short cut to overhaul the main body of the convoy. Four were lost, only the Rochester Castle survived and she managed to catch up with the main body of the convoy at 0530 hours. The Glenorchy was sunk by the Italian MS 31, the other four, of which the Rochester Castle survived as mentioned earlier, were hit by the German S 30 and S 36 as well as the Italian MAS 554 and MAS 557.

Shortly before 0530 hours HMS Charybdis, HMS Eskimo and HMS Somali had joined the main body of the convoy making the force now two cruisers and seven destroyers with the transports Rochester Castle, Waimarama and Melbourne Star. The damaged tanker Ohio was slowly catching up. With her was the escort destroyer HMS Ledbury. Astern of the main body was the Port Chalmers escorted by the destroyer HMS Penn and the escort destroyer HMS Bramham. The destroyers recued the crew of the Santa Elisa when the passed by the abandoned ship which was afterwards finished off by a German bomber. The Dorset was proceeding without escort and lastly the damaged Brisbane Star was still keeping close to the Tunisian coast independently, intending to steer towards Malta after nightfall.

At 0730 hours, Rear-Admiral Burrough, sent back HMS Tartar and HMS Somali to Kelibia to assist HMS Manchester and then go to Gibraltar. When they arrived they found out that the Manchester had been scuttled several hours earlier so they rescued those of her crew that had not reached the shore yet and then made off to Gibraltar as ordered. Besides crew of the Manchester they also picked up survivors from the Almeria Lykes and Wairangi.

The next encounter with the enemy was an air attack on the main body of the convoy at 0800 hours by German bombers. About 12 Ju.88’s made a shallow diving attack coming down from 6000 feet to 2000 feet to drop their bombs. Two dived on the Waimarama hitting her several times and she blew up immediately, one of the bombers was even destroyed in the explosion. HMS Ledbury saved some of her crew out of the blazing sea. At 0925 hours, when the Ohio, Port Chalmers and Dorset where with the main body again, a few Ju.87’s escorted by Italian fighters attacked. They dived down to 1500 to 1000 feet. HMS Kenya leading the port column, and the Ohio last ship but one in the starboard column, had narrow escapes. One of the enemy aircraft crashed on board the Ohio just after having released it’s bomb after being damaged by gunfire from the Ohio and HMS Ashanti. Another aircraft was claimed to have been shot down by fighters from Malta that had been patrolling overhead since daybreak.

Arrivals at Malta 13-15 August 1942.

At 1050 hours, about 20 bombers, mostly Ju.88’s with a few Ju.87’s, came in to attack. Target was the Ohio and she received four or five near misses and her engines were disabled. At the same time the Rochester Castle in the port column was near-missed and set on fire but she continued with the convoy. The Dorset which was astern of her was hit and stopped. The convoy went on leaving the Dorset behind with the Ohio and two destroyers.

At 1125 hours the last air attack on the main body took place. Five Italian SM.79’s attacked with torpedoes and almost hit the Port Chalmers as the torpedo got stuck in the paravane. Further attacks on the main body were held of by fighters from Malta. At 1430 hours, four minesweepers from Malta joined the main body of the convoy, these were HMS Speedy (Lt.Cdr. A.E. Doran, RN, with the group’s commander A/Cdr. H.J.A.S. Jerome, RN on board), HMS Hebe, HMS Rye and HMS Heyte. Also with them were seven Motor Launches; ML 121, ML 126, ML 134, ML 135, ML 168, ML 459 and ML 462. HMS Rye and two of the ML’s were sent towards the damaged Ohio which was ‘vital for Malta’, according to A/Cdr. Jerome.

At 1600 hours, Rear-Admiral Burrough, set course to the west with his two cruisers and with five destroyers. The Port Chalmers, Melbourne Star and Rochester Castle arrived in Grand Harbour around 1800 hours with the force of A/Cdr. Jerome. The Rochester Castle was by that time very low in the water, she had just made it into port on time.

Out were still the Ohio, Dorset and the Brisbane Star. The valuable Ohio had been helpless with HMS Penn and HMS Bramham. When HMS Rye arrived at 1730 hours, HMS Penn took the Ohio in tow. Meanwhile HMS Bramham was sent to the Dorset but soon afterwards German bombers came again and the ships were attacked repeatedly until dark. Both merchantman were hit around 1900 hours and the Dorset sank.

At daylight on the 14th HMS Ledbury arrived to help bringing the Ohio to Malta. HMS Speedy also soon arrived on the scene with two ML’s. The rest of his force he had sent to search for the Brisbane Star. At 1045 hours, enemy aircraft made their last attempt, causing the parting of the tow. Fighter from Malta shot down two of the attackers. The tow was passed again and the slow procession went on and in the morning of the 15th the vital tanker finally reached Malta.

The Brisbane Star had by then also arrived. She left the Tunisian coast at dusk on the 13th. Aircraft had attacked her unsuccessfully and one of the attackers was shot down by a Beaufighter escort that had been sent from Malta. She arrived at Malta in the afternoon of the 14th.

Italian surface ships to operate against the convoy ?

The convoy had experienced the violence of the enemy in every shape except that of an attack by large surface ships. Yet Italian cruisers and destroyers had been at sea to intercept and attack it. Two light cruiser had left Cagliari in the evening of 11 August 1942 and the heavy cruisers Gorizia and Bolzano from Messina, and a light cruiser from Naples had sailed on the morning of the 12th. That evening reconnaissance aircraft reported one heavy and two light cruisers with eight destroyers about 80 nautical miles to the north of the western tip of Sicily and steering south. It would have been possible for this force to meet the convoy at dawn on the 13th so the shadowing aircraft was therefore ordered in plain language to illuminate and attack. This apparently influenced the Italians as they had limited air cover and they turned back at 0130B/13 when near Cape San Vito. At 0140 hours the aircraft reported that it had dropped its bombs but no hits had been obtained. Similar orders were signalled, in plain language, to relief shadowers and to report the position of the enemy force to the benefit of imaginary Liberator bombers in case the Italians would change their minds and turn back. They however held on to the eastward.

The submarine HMS P 42 sighted them around 0800B/13 off Stromboli and attacked with four torpedoes claiming two hits. She had in fact hit the heavy cruiser Bolzano which was able to proceed northwards and the light cruiser Muzio Attendolo which managed to reach Messina with her bows blown off. The other cruisers went to Naples. Following the attack P 42 was heavily depth charged by the destroyers but managed to escape.

In fact the following Italian ships had been at sea; heavy cruisers Gorizia, Trieste, Bolzano, light cruisers Eugenio di Savoia Raimondo Montecuccoli, Muzio Attendolo. They were escorted by eleven destroyers; Ascari, Aviere, Camicia Nera, Corsaro, Fuceliere, Geniere, Legionaro, Vincenzo Gioberti, Alfredo Oriani, Grecale and Maestrale.

The return to Gibraltar.

The British ships returning to Gibraltar had better fortune. Having left the convoy off Malta in the afternoon of the 13th, they rounded Cape Bon around 0130B/14 and from that point until past Zembra Island they successful ran the gauntled of E-boats laying in wait.

at 0450B/14, near the Fratelli Rocks, a submarine fired torpedoes at HMS Ashanti from the surface. She was nearly rammed by HMS Kenya, which was next astern of the ‘flagship’ (Rear-Admiral Burrough was still in HMS Ashanti). The inevitable shadowers arrived soon after daylight to herald their air attacks that began at 0730 hours. They lasted until around 1315 hours. German bombers came in first with three attemps by a few Ju.88’s. This was followed by a more severe attack with about 30 bombers, Ju-88’s and Ju-87’s between 1030 and 1050 hours. An hour later 15 Savoia high-level bombers attacked followed until 1315 hours by torpedo-carrying Savoia’s. Around 20 aircraft attacking single or in pairs. Also aircraft are though to be laying mines ahead. Several ships were near missed, but no further damage was sustained. After these attacks the British were left alone and in the evening they joined ‘Force Z’.

Vice-Admiral Syfret had gone as far west as 01’E where he ordered the damaged carrier HMS Indomitable to proceed to Malta with HMS Rodney and a destroyer screen made up of HMS Ithuriel, HMS Antelope, HMS Amazon, HMS Westcott, HMS Wishart and HMS Zetland. He then turned back to the east to make rendez-vous with Rear-Admiral Burrough. HMS Rodney, HMS Indomitable, HMS Ithuriel, HMS Antelope, HMS Amazon, HMS Westcott, HMS Wishart and HMS Zetland arrived at Gibraltar in the evening of the 14th.

A few hours before they arrived the damaged HMS Nigeria and her escort had also entered port, as had HMS Tartar, HMS Eskimo and HMS Somali. On her way back HMS Nigeria had been attacked by torpedo-bombers and a submarine but she had not been hit.

Conclusion.

Out of the fourteen ships that had sailed only five arrived ‘safe’ at Malta. This was not a very high score also given the very heavy escort that had been provided also taken in mind that an aircraft carrier, a light cruiser, an AA cruiser an a destroyer had been lost and two heavy cruiser had been damaged. But the convoy had to meet very heavy air attacks by over 150 bombers and 80 torpedo aircraft, all in the space of two days. Also these aircraft were protected by fighter in much greater strength that the carriers and Malta could provide. And there were also the enemy submarines and E-boats.

The spirit in which to operation was carried out appears in Vice-Admiral Syfret’s report: ‘ Tribute has been paid to the personnel of His Majesty’s Ships, both the officers and men will desire to give first place to the conduct, courage, and determination of the masters, officers, and men of the merchant ships. The steadfast manner in which these ships pressed on their way to Malta through all attacks, answering every maneuvering order like a well trained fleet unit, was a most inspiring sight. Many of these fine men and their ships were lost. But the memory of their conduct will remain an inspiration to all who were privileged to sail with them. ‘ (8)

10 Aug 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) attacked a merchant vessel with three torpedoes west-north-west of Marettimo Island. No hits were obtained. This was the Italian Siculo (1481 GRT, built 1906) proceeding independently from Palermo to Tripoli escorted by a CANT flying boat of 144^Squadriglia. The aircraft gave the alarm as two torpedo tracks were seen approaching and the vessel manoeuvred to pass between them. As a precaution Siculo was diverted to Trapani.

(All times are zone -2)
1835 hours - In position 38°03'N, 11°52'E sighted a merchant ship bearing 080°. Enemy course 270°.

1909 hours - Commenced attack. The enemy was escorted by a flying boat.

1935 hours - Fired three torpedoes at the target, a 4000 tons merchant vessel. Range was 2500 yards. No hits were obtained. One of the torpedoes had a gyro failure and was circling. (5)

15 Aug 1942
P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

24 Aug 1942
P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Misurata, Libya.

For the daily positions of HMS P 46 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

2 Sep 1942
P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) was informed of a small tanker damaged by aircraft (Liberator bombers of the USAAF) in 33°37’N, 22°25’E and altered course but found only a strong smell of oil. This was Abruzzi (680 GRT, built 1897) but she had been taken in tow by the torpedo boat Calatafimi to Ras Hilal where she was beached and later towed to Benghazi. Another tanker in the same convoy, Picci Fassio, had been torpedoed by a Wellington bomber of 38 Squadron and sunk 40 miles north of Derna.

6 Sep 1942
P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (3rd in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

18 Sep 1942
P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 5th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean). She is ordered to patrol off Kuriat, Tunisia.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 46 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

21 Sep 1942
At 0105 hours HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) sank the Italian auxiliary minesweeper N 10 / Aquila (305 GRT) with gunfire off the Tunisian near Mehedia. All were saved of her crew of twenty-six but three were wounded. The auxiliary minesweeper S. Michele was in company but escaped unscathed.

Shortly afterwards P 46 torpedoed and sank the Vichy-French merchant Liberia (3890 GRT, built 1905) north-east of Mehedia, Tunisia in position 35°36'N, 11°09'E. She was on passage from La Goulette to Sfax. Four men were killed.

(All times are zone -2)
20 September 1942
2245 hours - Sighed a darkened ship bearing 240°. The target was proceeding to the south. Closed to investigate.

21 September 1942
0017 hours - The vessel was identified as a large three-masted auxiliary schooner. A small motor craft was seen astern. Decided to attack the schooner with gunfire. The small craft was difficult to identify. It could not be seen if it was an escort.

0105 hours - In position 35°33'N, 11°08'E opened fire on the schooner from 1000 yards and still closing. 12 rounds were fired for 8 hits. The crew was seen to abandon ship. The schooner was set on fire and this could still be seen 4 hours later. The small boat was not seen again but later it was thought she was seen picking up survivors.

0130 hours - Proceeded to investigate lights of a vessel seen bearing 330°, also on a southerly course.

0200 hours - The vessel was seen to fly French colours and the name Liberia was illuminated on her side. Decided to attack as all ships in these waters were to be considered hostile.

0213 hours - In position 35°36'N, 11°09'E fired two torpedoes from 1000 yards. The first torpedo circled to starboard with a gyro failure. The second hit just abaft the mainmast.

0228 hours - The ship was seen to sink. (5)

22 Sep 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Leonardo Palomba (1110 GRT, built 1899) about east of Sousse, Tunisia in position 35°45'N, 11°11'E. Fourteen German soldiers and one Italian sailor were rescued by French vessels.

(All times are zone -2)
0241 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 045°. Closed to investigate.

0300 hours - Identified one unescorted merchant vessel on a southerly course. Started attack.

0325 hours - In position 35°53'N, 11°09'E fired two torpedoes. Both missed ahead.

0330 hours - Opened fire with the 3" gun. 4 rounds were fired from 1000 yards. 2 probable hits were obtained. The enemy opened up with machine gun fire and the action was broken off and P 46 dived.

0350 hours - Surfaced. Decided to shadow the enemy until moonset and then attack with torpedoes.

0430 hours - Moonset. Commenced attack.

0448 hours - In position 35°45'N, 11°11'E fired three torpedoes from 2000 yards. One hit was obtained amidships. The ship blew up in a sheet of flame as though carying petrol. (5)

23 Sep 1942
P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (4th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

1 Oct 1942
P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 6th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 46 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

3 Oct 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) attacked but missed the Italian merchant Torquato Gennari (1012 GRT, built 1890) with two torpedoes north-north-west of Cape Gallo, Sicily.

(All times are zone -2)
0915 hours - Sighted a small 800 tons merchant vessel in position 38°22'N, 13°15'E. Started attack.

0947 hours - In position 38°21'N, 13°14'E fired two torpedoes from 700 yards. Both missed. It is thought the enemy had sighted the tracks and was able to evade the torpedoes as he turned to starboard. (5)

7 Oct 1942
At 0001 hours (zone -2) in 39°08'N, 15°08'E, to confuse the enemy, HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) jettisoned a dummy periscope. (5)

9 Oct 1942
At 0210 hours (zone -2), HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN), bombarded a southbound train near position 39°04'N, 16°05'30"E. Italian sources confirm that a military train was shelled near Nocera Terinese but there were no damages or casualties. (5)

11 Oct 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Una (1395 GRT, built 1904) near Capri Island. Two men were missing, forty-five survivors were picked up including fourteen wounded.

(All times are zone -2)
0810 hours - Sighted masts and funnel of a ship on a southerly course to the northward of Bocca Piccola. Decided to proceed to the west of Capri to intercept her.

0840 hours - Started attack.

0904 hours - In position 40°29'N, 14°15'E fired three torpedoes from 4000 yards. All missed ahead.

0909 hours - The enemy altered course to port, presumably to return to harbour.

0913 hours - Heard three explosions at the end of run of the torpedoes.

0921 hours - Started a second attack, we had one torpedo left in the tubes.

0932 hours - In position 40°30'N, 14°15E fired one torpedo from 1400 yards. The torpedo hit just forward of the funnel. The ship was seen to burst into flames. P 46 meanwhile went deep and retired to the southwest as aircraft were seen to approach.

1035 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The target was not sighted but a trawler type vessel was seen to be stopped in the attack area, presumably picking up survivors. A Cant aircraft was seen searching the area. (5)

12 Oct 1942
At 2025 hours (zone -2) in 40°13'N, 13°04'E, to confuse the enemy, HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) jettisoned dummy periscopes. (5)

13 Oct 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Loreto (1055 GRT, built 1912) off Cape Gallo, Sicily, Italy in position 38°14'N, 13°14'E. 129 Indian POW's aboard and 18 of the Italian crew were lost from a total of 400 and 57 respectively.

(All times are zone -2)
1640 hours - Sighted masts and funnels of an eastbound ship keeping close inshore.

1720 hours - Started attack. The target was a merchant vessel of 1500 tons. A gun was seen aft and she was in ballast.

1733 hours - In position 38°14'N, 13°14'E fired three torpedoes from 1150 yards. Two hits were obtained.

1745 hours - The ship was seen to sink by the stern. (5)

16 Oct 1942
P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (5th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

31 Oct 1942
P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) was docked at Malta. (9)

1 Nov 1942
P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) was undocked. (10)

2 Nov 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 7th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the North of Sicily to provide cover during the Allied landings in North Africa (Operation Torch). She departed Malta together with HMS P 35 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN) and HMS P 44 (Lt. T.E. Barlow, RN). They were escorted out by HMS Speedy (Lt. J.G. Brookes, DSC, RN).

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 46 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

6 Nov 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) attacked an Italian submarine with four torpedoes north of Cape San Vito, Sicily. All torpedoes missed. This was most probably Bronzo on her way to Trapani but the attack was unobserved. Another submarine (probably Avorio) was also observed at 1300 hours but was too far to be attacked.

(All times are zone -1)
0658 hours - Sighted a south-west bound submarine. Started attack.

0708 hours - In position 38°16'N, 12°43'E fired four torpedoes from 3000 yards at a submarine which was though to be Italian. No hits were obtained. (5)

8 Nov 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) torpedoed and damaged the Italian light cruiser Attilio Regolo off Cape San Vito, Sicily in position 38°14'N, 12°43'E. The cruiser lost its bow nearly up to the bridge. Lt. Stevens could not finish off the ship since he ran out of torpedoes. The destroyers Nicolò Zeno and Antonio da Noli hunted the submarine. The damaged cruiser was towed to port by the tug Polifemo escorted by the torpedo boats Cigno, Lince and Giuseppe Cesare Abba. Another attack later the same day by the British submarine HMS P 44 failed.

When Attilio Regolo was torpedoed by P 46 she was returning from a milelaying mission. She was escorted by the Italian destroyers Antonio Pigafetta, Antonio da Noli, Nicolò Zeno, Corraziere, Ascari and Mitragliere. They had laid minefield S 8 off Cape Bon except Corraziere which had been detached to lay minefield ST 2 in an adjacent area.

(All times are zone -1)
0955 hours - Sighted masts and smoke with aircraft overhead to the south-west. This was most likely the cruiser and destroyers we had been warned about.

1000 hours - Sighted the director tower of a cruiser to the south-west.

1005 hours - Commenced to close at full speed for an attack.

1023 hours - In position 38°14'N, 12°43'E fired a full salvo of four torpedoes from a range of 2100 yards but probably less. One torpedo was heard to hit but the result could not be observed as P 46 meanwhile had gone deep to evade the strong escort of destroyers and aircraft.

1035 hours - Depth charging started. 14 single charges were dropped during the next hour but none were close.

1245 hours - Came to periscope depth. Destroyers were seen to be circling near the attack area. Decided to retire to the west.

1428 hours - Surfaced and passed an enemy report.

1445 hours - Dived and set course to return to Malta as all torpedoes had been expended. (5)

11 Nov 1942
P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) ended her 7th war patrol (6th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

16 Nov 1942
P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 8th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Sirte but before proceeding towards that area she was ordered to patrol off Lampion Island to intercept a southbound enemy ship. This ship was however not seen.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 46 during this patrol see the map below.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 46 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

22 Nov 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) damaged the Italian tug Porto Fossone (89 GRT) with gunfire off Sirte, Libya. The vessel was only slightly damaged; one man was wounded.

(All times are zone -1)
0145 hours - Sighted a darkened westbound vessel closing from the eastward. This was later identified as a small tug.

0210 hours - In position 31°19'N, 16°38'E opened fire with the 3" gun from 1000 yards. Fired 45 rounds for about 5 hits. The hits appeared to cause only superficial damage as the enemy was able to head towards the shore at 9 knots. The gun action did not go as planned due to difficulties with the gun. (5)

29 Nov 1942
P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) ended her 8th war patrol (7th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

10 Dec 1942
P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 9th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol north of Tunisia.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 46 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

14 Dec 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian transport Castelverde (6958 GRT, built 1921) about 30 nautical miles north-north-west of Cape Bon, Tunisia in position 37°29'N, 10°46'E. Fifteen men were killed or missing, 248 survivors were picked up.

Castelverde had been in convoy together with the Italian merchant Honestas (4960 GRT, built 1920). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Ardito and Fortunale. About three hours earlier, the convoy had been attacked without success by P.228 and just a few minutes before HMS P 212 (Lt. J.H. Bromage, DSC, RN) had sunk Honestas.

(All times are zone -1)
0700 hours - A land fix showed that P 46 had been set to the north-east during the night and that we were 10 miles from our patrol position. Closed the Bizerta convoy route and proceeded via it to our patrol position.

1106 hours - Sighted aircraft circling bearing 060°. Thought that this means a convoy approaching. Altered course to intercept.

1300 hours - Sighted the funnel of a merchant vessel. Three aircraft were seen circling overhead.

1315 hours - The convoy was now seen to be made up of two merchant vessels in line ahead. They were escorted by two torpedo boats and were bound for Tunis.

1351 hours - The leading ship was torpedoed by another submarine. The second ship altered towards but soon resumed her original course.

1403 hours - In position 37°29'N, 10°46'E fired three torpedoes at this merchant vessel from 2000 yards. The third torpedo broke surface and ran off to port, possibly a gyro failure. One hit was obtained, the torpedo hit just abaft the funnel. P 46 then went deep and turned stern on the escorts.

1428 hours - A pattern of four depth charges was dropped fairly close. P 46 was now hunted for about half an hour in which 27 depth charges were dropped, several fairly close. They broke a few lamps but caused no other damage.

1533 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Both ships were seen to be stopped. The torpedo boats were close by the targets.

1553 hours - In position 37°30'N, 10°46'E fired one torpedo at 'our' target from 6000 yards. The target was seen to be down by the stern.

1555 hours - An aircraft was seen to drop flares over the torpedo track. Went deep and took avoiding action.

1557 hours - Heard the torpedo hit the target. This was followed by breaking up noises.

1600 hours - A depth charge was dropped. More followed but none were close.

1720 hours - Returned to periscope depth. 'Our' target was not seen but the other ship was seen to be burning fiercely.

1735 hours - Heard a very violent explosion. Only smoke could be seen where the ship had been. (5)

15 Dec 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) sank the Italian merchant Sant'Antioco (4994 GRT, built 1919) about 35 nautical miles north-north-west of Cape Bon, Tunisia in position 37°37'N, 10°44'E. Twenty-nine were killed or missing, over 200 survivors were rescued.

Sant'Antioco was in convoy with the German merchant Brott (1583 GRT, built 1937, former Norwegian, then French, the Brott looked like a tanker). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Orione and Groppo.

(All times are zone -1)
1050 hours - Aircraft circling on the horizon bearing bearing 050°. Altered course to close.

1240 hours - Sighted two merchant vessels approaching on a course for Bizerta. These two ships were later seen to be a 4000-ton merchant vessel and a medium sized tanker (which was a merchant ship that looked like a tanker). They were escorted by two torpedo boats.

1330 hours - In position 37°32'N, 10°39'E fired four torpedoes at the 4000-ton merchant ship. Range was 4000 yards.

1333 hours - Heard two timed torpedo explosions. The result could not be observed as P 46 had gone deep.

1336 hours - A depth charge was dropped. This was followed by a pair of charges and then another single one.

1406 hours - A pattern of 12 depth charges was dropped very close causing some minor damage. The hunt continued until about 1830 hours. By then a total of 62 depth charges were counted.

2008 hours - Surfaced. (5)

17 Dec 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) ended her 9th war patrol (8th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

28 Dec 1942
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 10th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to perform a special operation (pick up Chariot personnel after the attack on Palermo harbour).

For the daily positions of HMS P 46 during this patrol see the map below.

(11)

3 Jan 1943
At 0350 hours (zone -1), HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN), picked up the crew of two from Chariot no.23 that had been launched by HMS Trooper. They had to abandon their attempt to enter Palermo harbour due to one of them had a leak in his dive suit. (11)

8 Jan 1943
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) ended her 10th war patrol (9th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (11)

11 Jan 1943
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) was docked at Malta. (12)

16 Jan 1943
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) was undocked. (12)

19 Jan 1943
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 11th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Hammamet.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 46 during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

23 Jan 1943
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) sank the Italian sailing vessel Amabile Carolina (39 GRT) off Hammamet, Tunisia.

(All times are zone -1)
0915 hours - Sighted masts of a schooner closing from the eastward.

0954 hours - Surfaced in position 36°12'N, 10°37'E and engaged the schooner with gunfire from the 3" gun from a range of 2000 yards. 29 rounds were fired and about 10 hits were obtained. The crew abandoned ship almost immediately and made off for the shore. After about 10 rounds shore batteries opened fire.

1022 hours - Dived when enemy gunfire now came closer.

1048 hours - The schooner only showed signs of minor damage. An attempt to board her after surfacing again at 1026 hours was not possible as shore batteries opened fire again forcing P 46 to dive. So fired one torpedo from 1000 yards. The torpedo hit and the schooner disintegrated into a large cloud of smoke and flames. She was probably carrying petrol. (5)

25 Jan 1943
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the small Italian tanker Teodolinda (361 GRT, built 1925) off Hammamet, Tunisia.

(All times are zone -1)
1230 hours - Sighted a small tanker anchored 3 cables to the westward of Hammamet Fort, close inshore. She was seen to be in ballast.

1303 hours - In position 36°23'N, 10°36'E fired one torpedo from 1500 yards. This torpedo was seen to run under. It appeared the attack was not noticed by the enemy.

1325 hours - Fired another torpedo. It hit in the engine room. (5)

26 Jan 1943
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) sank the Italian naval auxiliary Z 90 / Redentore (46 GRT) with gunfire near Hammamet, Tunisia.

(All times are zone -1)
0227 hours - Sighted a darkened vessel to the westward. Closed to investigate.

0322 hours - In position 36°21'N, 10°39'E opened fire with the 3" gun at a vessel which proved to be a heavily laden caique that was westbound. 14 rounds were fired. It is thought 9 hits were obtained. The crew abonded ship at once.

0328 hours - Dived as it was thought another vessel was approaching from the west but no HE could be heard.

0404 hours - Surfaced and closed the caique. Sent over a boarding party of two. The ship was in a sinking condition.

0415 hours - Fired another 5 rounds into the stern from point blank range.

0430 hours - Withdrew to the east. (5)

31 Jan 1943
HMS P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant Lisboa (1799 GRT, built 1911) about north of Sousse, Tunisia. Lisboa was escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Cigno and was on a trip from Trapani to Sousse.

(All times are zone -1)
1358 hours - Sighted smoke bearing 290°.

1405 hours - Identified the masts of one merchant vessel and one torpedo boat close inshore. They were southbound.

1428 hours - Commenced attack. The torpedo boat was zigzagging on the port bow of the merchant vessel which was about 2000 tons gross.

1502 hours - In position 35°54'N, 10°38'E fired four torpedoes from 6000 yards. One hit was heard after a little over 6 minutes after firing giving a running range of 8200 yards. P 46 had gone deep on firing.

1515 hours - Returned to periscope depth. The merchant vessel was stopped and on fire with the hull invisible. The torpedo boat was proceeding to seaward well clear of P 46. Two minutes later she dropped two depth charges.

1525 hours - Three aircraft were now seen patrolling the area. Went deep again.

1650 hours - Returned to periscope depth. All that could be seen was grey smoke from the merchant vessel.

1725 hours - Dense black smoke was now seen.

1820 hours - Heard a heavy explosion. P 46 meanwhile withdrew to the east. (5)

2 Feb 1943
P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) ended her 11th war patrol (10th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

12 Feb 1943
P 46 (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 12th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off the Gulf of Hammamet, Tunisia.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS P 46 / Unruffled during this patrol see the map below.

(5)

18 Feb 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) attacked the Italian schooners L'Angelo Raffaelo (74 GRT) and Nicolò lo Porto (71 GRT) with a total of three torpedoes off Nabeul, Tunisia. The crews abandoned both schooners. That night wind increased to gale force and both schooners were wrecked on the beach.

(All times are zone -1)
1335 hours - Sighted masts of two schooners off Neboel. Closed to attack. Observed two large schooners to be anchored close inshore.

1418 hours - Shore batteries opened fire at the periscope. Range to the schooners was 1500 yards. In position 36°25'N, 10°45'E fired one torpedo at the left hand schooner.

1419 hours - Fired one torpedo at the right hand schooner.

Both torpedoes missed their targets. The crews of both schooners abandoned ship as soon as they saw the tracks. Unruffled then withdrew but it was quickly decided to go back and shoot one more torpedo.

1513 hours - Shore batteries again opened fire on the periscope. Fired another torpedo at the right hand schooner. It broke surface and ran off slightly to port and again the torpedo missed.

During the night a wind increased to gale force and this did not look good for the schooners with no crew onboard. The area was examined on the 22th and two new wrecks were seen ashore. (5)

21 Feb 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant Baalbeck (2115 GRT, built 1923, former French) about 18 nautical miles east-south-east of Cape Bon, Tunisia in position 36°56'N, 11°23'E. She was in convoy together with the German merchant Charles le Borgne (1426 GRT, built 1920, former French). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Groppo and the Italian corvette Gabbiano.

(All times are zone -1
0742 hours - Heard HE to the eastward and sighted a merchant vessel. This soon developed into a convoy of two merchant ships with two torpedo boats on each beam. Several aircraft were patrolling overhead.

0745 hours - Commenced attack.

0814 hours - In position 36°56'N, 11°23'E fired four torpedoes at the northernmost merchant vessel from 4000 yards. Almost 3 minutes after firing a loud explosion was heard followed shortly after a smaller explosion. This was followed by breaking up noises. Almost 5 minutes after firing another loud explosion was heard. Unruffled meanwhile had gone deep.

0842 hours - Depth charging commenced. A pattern of 5 was dropped reasonably close.

0930 hours - Returned to periscope depth. A torpedo boat could be seen which was only just visible. Nothing else was in sight. Unruffled now withdrew to the south. (5)

24 Feb 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSC, RN) ended her 12th war patrol (11th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

6 Mar 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 13th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Hammamet.

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

(5)

16 Mar 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) sank a petrol lighter with a demolition charge between Nabeul and Korba, Tunisia.

(All times are zone -1)
0730 hours - Sighted a barge bearing 230°. Closed. It was later seen to be a tank lighter.

0945 hours - A party of Arabs boarded the lighter from a small boat and looted it. It was decided to deal with this lighter after dark as she was close inshore.

1930 hours - Surfaced. Set course to the north to find the lighter.

2012 hours - Went alongside the lighter in position 36°30'N, 10°53'E. A boarding party of two was sent over. A demolition charge was placed by them.

2032 hours - The charge exploded and the lighter sank. (5)

19 Mar 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 13th war patrol (12th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

4 Apr 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 14th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean). She is 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. (5)

7 Apr 1943
At 2255 hours (zone -1), HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), launched a folbot to check out the sea conditions. The folbot returned after 20 minutes as the weather was unsuitable to continue with the operation. (5)

12 Apr 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 14th war patrol (13th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

28 Apr 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 15th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean). She is 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. (5)

8 May 1943
At 2330 hours (zone -1), HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), launched a folbot for beach reconnaissance near Cape Murro di Porco. The operation had been delayed for days due to the severe weather conditions. (5)

9 May 1943
At 0215 hours (zone -1), HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), re-embarked her folbot. (5)

11 May 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 15th war patrol (14th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

25 May 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 16th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol to the north of Messina.

No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (5)

3 Jun 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the French tanker (in German service) Henry Desprez (9895 GRT, built 1932) about 70 nautical miles north-east of Messina in position 39°13'N, 16°01'E. She was en-route from Naples to Taranto escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Clio. The Italian torpedo boat Sirtori, the Italian ASW motorboat VAS 217 and the German submarine chaser UJ 2212 sailed from Messina to hunt the submarine.

(All times are zone -2)
1510 hours - Sighted a southbound vessel and an escorting torpedo boat 5000 yards away. An attack was commenced. The vessel was identified as a medium sized modern type tanker and the escort was identified as a new modern class torpedo boat.

1531 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 1100 yards. Three torpedo hits were heard.

1539 hours - Unruffled was counter-attacked by the escort, with, in all, 15 depth-charges. No damage to the submarine was done. After the attack was over Unruffled withdrew to the west. (5)

8 Jun 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 16th war patrol (15th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

24 Jun 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 17th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean). She is ordered to perform a special operation COPP V (beach reconnaissance for the upcoming Operation Husky).

No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (13)

25 Jun 1943
At 2200 hours (zone -2), HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), launched a folbot for beach reconnaissance. The folbot returned at 0140/26. (13)

26 Jun 1943
At 2200 hours (zone -2), HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), launched a folbot for beach reconnaissance. The folbot returned at 0255/27. (13)

27 Jun 1943
At 2200 hours (zone -2), HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN), launched a folbot for beach reconnaissance. The folbot returned at 0230/28. (13)

29 Jun 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 17th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (13)

6 Jul 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 18th war patrol (17th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to perform a special operation during operation Husky. She was to lay three buoys and launch two folbots to act as marking positions near Cape Murro di Porco for the Husky landings (invasion of Sicily).

No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (14)

8 Jul 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) laid three buoys near Cape Murro di Porco, Sicily.

(All times are zone -2)
2150 hours - Laid one type FH 830 in position 232°, Cape Murro di Porco, 5.75 nautical miles.

2220 hours - Laid a second type FH 830 in position 232°, Cape Murro di Porco, 7.75 nautical miles.

2315 hours - Laid a third type FH 830 in position 229°, Cape Murro di Porco, 9.7 nautical miles. (14)

9 Jul 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) launched two folbots near Cape Murro di Porco, Sicily.

(All times are zone -2)
2145 hours - Launched a folbot for 'George sector' manned by a crew of two.

2220 hours - Launched a folbot for 'Jig sector' also manned by a crew of two.

2305 hours - In position 183 degrees, Cape Murro di Porco lighthouse, 6 nautical miles and started transmitting. The convoy was sighted coming in at 0001/10.

0040/10 - Stopped transmitting.

0650/10 - Proceeded southwards. HMS Unseen was now in company. They were joined by a trawler for onward escort to Malta at 0730/10. (14)

10 Jul 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 18th war patrol (17th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (14)

27 Jul 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 19th war patrol (18th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol in the Gulf of Taranto. Later she was ordered to patrol off Brindisi.

No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (5)

1 Aug 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) attacked the Italian merchant Città di Catania (3355 GRT, built 1910) with one torpedo north-east of Brindisi, Italy. The torpedo missed its target.

(All times are zone -2)
0622 hours - Sighted a large vessel outward bound on a course of 050°. Range was 8000 yards. This proved to be a three-funneled transport, unescorted, speed 3 knots. Started attack.

0639 hours - In position 40°46'N, 18°07'E fired one torpedo from 2500 yards. It missed, presumably due to the enemy yawing. (5)

3 Aug 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Città di Catania (3355 GRT, built 1910) north-east of Brindisi in position 40°44'N, 18°05'E. She had sailed from Durazzo for Brindisi. Rescue operations were organised very quickly as a number of patrol vessels were near by sweeping the area. The pilot vessel Galliano, the minesweeper RD 32 and the fishing vessels Immacolata, Caterina, Nuovo Francesco and San Rocco. The number of casualties and survivors varies according to sources but about 259 were killed or missing and about 242 survivors were picked up. The corvette Scimittara, two motorboats and a VAS ASW boat were sailed to hunt the submarine.

(All times are zone -2)
1035 hours - A large vessel loomed out of the mist, bearing 040°, range 8000 yards. This turned out to be the same three-funnelled transport that we attacked on 1st August. Commenced attack.

1054 hours - In position 40°44'N, 18°05'E fired a salvo of four torpedoes from 1000 yards. Three hits were heard.

1056 hours - Almost the whole of the enemy ship were obscured by dense smoke and flame. She was settling by the stern.

1057 hours - The ship sank stern first. About 100 survivors were seen in the water. Went deep and withdrew to the north-north-east. (5)

10 Aug 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 19th war patrol (18th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

22 Aug 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 20th war patrol (19th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to perform a special operation and to patrol off Brindisi.

No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (5)

22 Aug 1943
At 2045 hours, HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) carried out operation SEAMAN. Two Greek officers, Phrixos Simiopoulos and Andreas Caliatsatos, were landed with 300lb of stores near cape Vlioti on the island of Cephalonia.

27 Aug 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian merchant Città di Spezia (2474 GRT, built 1929) about 40 nautical miles, 103° of Brindisi, Italy in position 40°36'N, 18°37'E. She was on a trip from Brindisi to Valona and was escorted only by a CANT Z.501 seaplane of 141^Squadriglia. She had a crew of forty-seven civilians and eleven naval personnel and was transporting 131 Military and forty-seven naval passengers. Thirty-nine were killed or missing. The seaplane attacked the submarine with two 100-kg A/S bombs then alighted to pick up five severely wounded. More aircraft, the torpedo boat Giuseppe Cesare Abba and the corvettes Scimittara and Pomona were sent to the scene to assist the rescue and hunt the submarine.

(All times are zone -2)
0935 hours - Sighted a Cant aircraft circling to the northward.

0955 hours - Sighted the masts of a merchant vessel. Commenced attack. The target was seen to be a medium sized merchant vessel of modern design. There was passenger accommodation amidships. No surface escort was seen.

1038 hours - In position 40.36'N, 18.37'E fired a salvo of four ships from 4300 yards. Three hits were observed. The vessel listed sharply to starboard and settled by the stern. Unruffled now went deep and retired from the area. (5)

5 Sep 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO, DSC, RN) ended her 20th war patrol (19th in the Mediterranean) at Malta. (5)

26 Sep 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) departed Malta for her 21th war patrol (20th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to patrol off Corsica and the Gulf of Genoa.

Passage through the Sicilian war channel was made together with HMS Unshaken (Lt. J. Whitton, RN). They were escorted by HMS BYMS 2028 (Skr. J.R. Clark, RNR).

No log is available for this period so no map can be displayed. (5)

3 Oct 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Stevens, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) attacked the transport Sassari (2485 GRT, built 1917, former French Sidi Mabrouk) with torpedooes north-east of Bastia, Corsica, France. The target was not hit. She wa being escorted by the motor minesweeper R 212.

Following the attack, Unruffled was hunted by R 212 north-east of Bastia, Corsica, France but she managed to escape.

(All times are zone -1)
0555 hours - Sighted a westbound merchant vessel to the southward. Closed to attack. The target was a three-island tramp of about 2000-3000 tons. She was in ballast.

0619 hours - In position 42°44'N, 09°32'E fired a salvo of four torpedoes from 4500 yards. No hits were obtained. A MAS boat was seen hunting in the area after the attack. She dropped eight depth charges but these were not close at all. (5)

5 Oct 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Stevens, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) attacked a merchant vessel in a convoy with four torpedoes to the south-west of Sestri Levante, Italy. No hits were obtained. The target has not yet (July 2016) been identified.

(All times are zone -1)
0729 hours - Sighted a northbound merchant vessel flying two barrage balloons coast crawling to the south-east. Closed to attack. The vessel was soon seen to be part of a convoy of three merchant vessel escorted by three UJ-boats. The target was a low built vessel of about 5000 tons with a vertical squat funnel and a cruiser stern. One small tramp was inshore of her and one vessel of medium size with no funnel was astern of her. The escorts were disposed one ahead and one on either beam of the rear ship.

0810 hours - In position 44°13'N, 09°18'E fired a salvo of four torpedoes from a range of 3500 yards. No hits were heard. Also no counter attack developed. (5)

9 Oct 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt. J.S. Stevens, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) ended her 21th war patrol (20th in the Mediterranean) at Algiers. (5)

17 Oct 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Stevens, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) departed Algiers for Gibraltar. (5)

21 Oct 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Stevens, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (5)

4 Nov 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Stevens, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) departed Gibraltar for the U.K. (5)

15 Nov 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Stevens, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) arrived at Falmouth. (5)

16 Nov 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Stevens, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) departed Falmouth for Portsmouth. She was escorted by the French submarine chaser Chasseur 13. They spent the night of 16/17 November at Dartmouth and the night of 17/18 November at Yarmouth. (5)

18 Nov 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Stevens, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (5)

28 Nov 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Stevens, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) departed Portsmouth for Sheerness. She made the passage in convoy CE 225. (15)

29 Nov 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Stevens, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) arrived at Sheerness. (2)

30 Nov 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Stevens, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) shifted from Sheerness to Tilbury where she was to refit. (2)

3 Dec 1943
HMS Unruffled (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Stevens, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) was taken in hand for refit at Tilbury. (2)

7 May 1944
With her refit completed, HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN), shifted from Tilbury to Sheerness. (16)

8 May 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) shifted from Sheerness to the Chatham Dockyard. (16)

9 May 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) shifted from the Chatham Dockyard to Sheerness. Later the same day she departed Sheerness for Portland. (16)

10 May 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) arrived at Portland. (16)

11 May 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) shifted from Portland to Plymouth. (16)

13 May 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (16)

14 May 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (16)

15 May 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (16)

16 May 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (16)

17 May 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (16)

18 May 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (16)

19 May 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (16)

23 May 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (16)

25 May 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (16)

26 May 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (16)

29 May 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (16)

30 May 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (16)

1 Jun 1944
With her refit at the Devonport Dockyard completed HMS Shakespeare (Lt. D. Swanston, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Plymouth for the Clyde. She made the passage together with HMS Unruffled (Lt. F. Park, RN). They were escorted by HMS White Bear (Cdr. C.W. Sabine, OBE, RN). (17)

3 Jun 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) arrived at Rothesay. She was now assigned to training duties. (18)

5 Jun 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (18)

6 Jun 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (18)

25 Jun 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (18)

29 Jun 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) departed Rothesay together with HMS Unseen (T/Lt. T.D. Wood, DSC, RNVR) for St. John's, Newfoundland. They were escorted until 2340/30 by HMS Milford (Lt.Cdr. G.G. Slade, RN). (5)

9 Jul 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) arrived at St. John's, Newfoundland. (5)

11 Jul 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) departed St. John's for Halifax. (19)

14 Jul 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) arrived at Halifax. (19)

22 Jul 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) departed Halifax for Bermuda. (19)

26 Jul 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) arrived at Bermuda where she was assigned to training duties. (19)

28 Jul 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (20)

29 Jul 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (19)

30 Jul 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (19)

2 Aug 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (21)

2 Aug 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (21)

3 Aug 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (21)

4 Aug 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (21)

5 Aug 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (21)

8 Aug 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (21)

9 Aug 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (21)

10 Aug 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (21)

11 Aug 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (21)

12 Aug 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (21)

15 Aug 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (21)

17 Aug 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (21)

18 Aug 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (21)

19 Aug 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (21)

22 Aug 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (21)

24 Aug 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (21)

25 Aug 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (21)

26 Aug 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (21)

27 Aug 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (21)

28 Aug 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (21)

31 Aug 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (21)

1 Sep 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (22)

1 Sep 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (22)

2 Sep 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (22)

3 Sep 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (22)

7 Sep 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (22)

8 Sep 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (22)

9 Sep 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (22)

10 Sep 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (22)

13 Sep 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (22)

15 Sep 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (22)

16 Sep 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (22)

17 Sep 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (22)

18 Sep 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (22)

22 Sep 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (22)

23 Sep 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (22)

24 Sep 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (22)

25 Sep 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (22)

26 Sep 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (22)

29 Sep 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (22)

30 Sep 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (22)

1 Oct 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (23)

2 Oct 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (23)

10 Oct 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (23)

11 Oct 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) was docked at Bermuda. (5)

18 Oct 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) was undocked. (5)

21 Oct 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (23)

23 Oct 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (23)

24 Oct 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (23)

25 Oct 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (23)

30 Oct 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (23)

1 Nov 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (24)

3 Nov 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (24)

4 Nov 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (24)

7 Nov 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (24)

8 Nov 1944
From 8 to 15 November 1944, HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN), was in Dockyard hands at Bermuda for engine (compressor) repairs. (24)

17 Nov 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (24)

20 Nov 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (24)

21 Nov 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (24)

22 Nov 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (24)

24 Nov 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (24)

26 Nov 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (24)

27 Nov 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (24)

28 Nov 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (23)

30 Nov 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (24)

1 Dec 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (25)

2 Dec 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (25)

4 Dec 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (25)

5 Dec 1944
HMS Unruffled (Lt. R.F. Park, RN) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. The exercises however had to be cancelled shortly after they had commenced due to the bad weather.

After returning to harbour T/Lt. MacCoy took command of HMS Unruffled from Lt. Park.

8 Dec 1944
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (25)

10 Dec 1944
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (25)

13 Dec 1944
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (25)

14 Dec 1944
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (25)

17 Dec 1944
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (25)

18 Dec 1944
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (25)

21 Dec 1944
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (25)

22 Dec 1944
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (25)

23 Dec 1944
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (25)

24 Dec 1944
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (25)

26 Dec 1944
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (25)

30 Dec 1944
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (25)

31 Dec 1944
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (25)

3 Jan 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (5)

4 Jan 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (5)

5 Jan 1945
From 5 to 16 January 1945, HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)), was in the dockyard at Bermuda for repairs to the starboard generator and the fitting of a dummy schnorkel. (5)

5 Jan 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (5)

6 Jan 1945
From 6 to 16 January 1945, HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)), was in dockyard hands at Bermuda for engine (compressor) repairs. (5)

18 Jan 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (5)

19 Jan 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (5)

20 Jan 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (5)

21 Jan 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (5)

22 Jan 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (26)

23 Jan 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (5)

26 Jan 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (5)

27 Jan 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (5)

28 Jan 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (5)

29 Jan 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (5)

30 Jan 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (5)

31 Jan 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (5)

1 Feb 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. The exercises had to be abandoned due to the bad weather conditions. (27)

3 Feb 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. The exercises had to be abandoned due to the bad weather conditions. (27)

6 Feb 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (27)

7 Feb 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (27)

15 Feb 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (27)

17 Feb 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (27)

19 Feb 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (27)

21 Feb 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (27)

22 Feb 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (27)

23 Feb 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (27)

27 Feb 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (27)

28 Feb 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (27)

2 Mar 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (28)

2 Mar 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (28)

5 Mar 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (28)

6 Mar 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (28)

7 Mar 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (28)

8 Mar 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (28)

9 Mar 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (28)

10 Mar 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (28)

11 Mar 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (28)

12 Mar 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (28)

13 Mar 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (28)

14 Mar 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (28)

17 Mar 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (28)

18 Mar 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (28)

19 Mar 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (28)

22 Mar 1945
HMS Upright (Lt. J.A.L. Wilkinson, RN) conducted attack exercises with HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)). (29)

30 Mar 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (28)

31 Mar 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (28)

1 Apr 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (30)

2 Apr 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (30)

4 Apr 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda together with HMCS Waskesiu (T/Lt. L.D. Quick, RCNR) and HMCS Prince Rupert (T/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Draney, RCNR). (30)

5 Apr 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda together with HMCS Waskesiu (T/Lt. L.D. Quick, RCNR) and HMCS Prince Rupert (T/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Draney, RCNR). (30)

6 Apr 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda together with HMCS New Westminster (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.O. McKenzie, RCNR) and HMCS Dawson (T/A/Lt.Cdr. T.P. Ryan, RCNR). (30)

7 Apr 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda together with HMCS Prince Rupert (T/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Draney, RCNR) and HMCS Strathroy (T/Lt. J.D. Moore, RCNVR). (30)

8 Apr 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda together with HMCS Prince Rupert (T/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Draney, RCNR) and HMCS Strathroy (T/Lt. J.D. Moore, RCNVR). (30)

9 Apr 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) proceeded to the Bermuda Royal Dockyard for repairs. (30)

12 Apr 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda together with HMCS Strathroy (T/Lt. J.D. Moore, RCNVR) and HMCS Dunvegan (T/Lt. R.L.B. Hunter, RCNVR). (30)

16 Apr 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda together with HMCS Dunvegan (T/Lt. R.L.B. Hunter, RCNVR) and HMCS Forrest Hill (T/Lt. F.R. Brebner, RCNVR). (30)

18 Apr 1945
HMS Upright (Lt. J.A.L. Wilkinson, RN) conducted attack exercises on each other with HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)). (31)

19 Apr 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda together with HMCS Forrest Hill (T/Lt. F.R. Brebner, RCNVR). (30)

22 Apr 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda together with HMCS Lachine (T/Lt. F.M. Travers, RCNVR). (30)

24 Apr 1945
During the night of 24/25 April 1945, HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)), conducted night exercises off Bermuda. (30)

25 Apr 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda together with HMCS Lachine (T/Lt. F.M. Travers, RCNVR) and HMCS Cape Breton (Lt. J.C.L. Annesley, RCN). (30)

26 Apr 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda together with HMCS Cape Breton (Lt. J.C.L. Annesley, RCN). (30)

1 May 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda together with HMCS Frontenac (T/Lt. D.R. Baker, RCNVR). (32)

3 May 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda together with HMCS Frontenac (T/Lt. D.R. Baker, RCNVR). (32)

17 May 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda together with HMCS Westmount (T/Lt. R.P. Jackson, RCNVR). (32)

21 May 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda together with HMCS Trois Rivieres (T/Lt. J.M.S. Clark, RCNVR). (32)

23 May 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda together with HMCS Chicoutimi (T/Lt. R.A. Wyllie, RCNVR). (32)

25 May 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda together with HMCS Chicoutimi (T/Lt. R.A. Wyllie, RCNVR). (32)

28 May 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda together with HMCS Agassiz (Lt. J.P. Jarvis, RCNVR). (32)

29 May 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) conducted A/S exercises off Bermuda together with HMCS Long Branch (T/Lt. K.B. Culley, RCNVR). (32)

1 Jun 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (5)

4 Jun 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) participated in A/S exercises off Bermuda. (5)

5 Jun 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) was docked at Bermuda. (5)

11 Jun 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) was undocked. (5)

15 Jun 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) conducted independent exercises off Bermuda. (5)

27 Jun 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) departed Bermuda for New London, Connecticut, USA. (5)

30 Jun 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) arrived at New London, Connecticut, USA from Bermuda. (5)

22 Jul 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) departed New London, Connecticut, USA for Digby, Canada.

24 Jul 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) arrived at Digby, Canada from New London, Connecticut, USA. Later she proceeded to Bermuda.

9 Sep 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) departed Bermuda for Rothesay. (2)

22 Sep 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) arrived at Rothesay. In early October she proceeded to Londonderry. (2)

18 Oct 1945
HMS Unruffled (T/Lt. A.H. MacCoy, DSC, SANF(V)) was paid off into reserve at Lisahally. (2)