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MEDITERRANEAN WAR DIARY –
July 1942
Wednesday, 1st
July 1942
Western Desert
The enemy launched a general attack on our El Alamein position. The
Royal Air Force carried out heavy attacks on advancing motor transport
throughout the day. Liberators bombed the harbour installations at Tobruk.
Alexandria
2. Ammunition in the port area was reduced to nine days notice for
evacuation.
French Fleet
3. As a result of the German advance in Egypt, the movement of
French ships from Alexandria became a question of some urgency.
Air Raids
4. During the night Alexandria was raided by a few aircraft. Some
bombs were dropped but no naval damage was caused.
Operation HORNBLOWER
5. Stage three was reverted to four hours' notice.
Operation DISCRETION (N)
6. All staff at 201 Naval Cooperation Group and Villa Laurens
remained at short notice to move, and gear was packed into lorries. The
Ministry of War Transport, Middle East, and the Principal Sea Transport
Officer, (Egypt)'s offices in Alexandria were closed down, being transferred to
Suez.
Levant
7. The cased petrol carrier MARILYSE MOLLER was torpedoed and sunk
by U boat at 1445 on 1st July in position 31-22N, 33-44E whilst on passage from
Port Said to Haifa. The Senior Naval Officer, Levant Area was informed that
delays occasioned by going into convoys could not at present be accepted. Escorted
sailings were to continue and risks must be accepted to keep shipping on the
move.
Eastern Fleet Ships
8. NEWCASTLE returned to Aden being unable to proceed to Kilindini
without sustaining further damage forward.
Canal Area
9. The Hospital ship MAINE, which had been sailed from Alexandria
arrived at Ismailia.
H.M.S. PROMETHEUS
10. PROMETHEUS was commissioned today as a nominal depot ship for
patrol service personnel, in the Mediterranean under command of Captain T.G.
Harrison, Royal Navy.
Thursday, 2nd
July 1942
Western Desert
Heavy fighting continued all day with no appreciable gains being
made by the enemy. By the end of the day the situation was considered
satisfactory, the enemy making a slight withdrawal westward.
2. Aircraft laid mines off Tobruk and Menelao (near Bomba).
Operation DISCRETION (N)
3. The Commander in Chief's Operational Staff transferred to
Ismailia being established in Navy House. A few officers went by air, but
remaining joining by road in convoy under the direction of the G.S.O.
(Lieutenant Colonel Mosely). All arrived by nightfall without incident. The
Chief of Intelligence Staff and Staff also reached Ismailia. Accommodation in
Ismailia was very limited and the resourcefulness of the Naval Officer in
Charge in finding accommodation for all was appreciated. The decision to
establish the Commander in Chief's Operational Staff at Ismailia was taken due
to the efficient communications at Ismailia, and the facilities for close touch
with General Headquarters, Cairo, and H.M. Ships at Port Said.
4. 201 Naval Cooperation Group less an operational staff moved to
Abu Sweir about 12 miles from Ismailia. Staff Officer (Intelligence),
Mediterranean, and Staff Officer (Intelligence), Alexandria, were established
at Port Said. JAVELIN reached Port Said with the Commander in Chief's officer
records of a most secret nature.
Submarines
5. The Captain (S), First Submarine Flotilla, completed a
preliminary survey of Haifa and Beirut with a view to establishment of a
submarine base. For the time being, Haifa was decided as suitable.
Central Mediterranean
6. Torpedo Wellingtons from Malta hit and probably sank one
8000 ton merchant vessel in a convoy 8 miles south of Mayonna
Island.
Aden
7. Rear Admiral Commanding, Fourth Cruiser Squadron transferred his
flag to BIRMINGHAM, leaving the same day with HOTSPUR, INCONSTANT, NIZAM, and
NORMAN for Kilindini.
French Fleet
8. Admiral Harwood had an interview with Vice Admiral Godfroy
regarding movement of his ships; the latter refused any move without orders
from Vichy which he felt sure would not be given. Vice
Admiral Godfroy made a counter proposal that Force X should move to Bizerta;
this was refused. The deadlock was reported to the Admiralty and a suggestion
was made that the inter- (n.b. page
chopped. Remaining line (s) are missing.)
Friday, 3rd
July 1942
Western Desert
Fierce fighting continued and the enemy's two main thrusts were
held. Royal Air Force air support reached its peak effort of the Middle East
War when 155 bomb and 524 sorties were made in twenty four
hours.
Air Raids
2. The Canal Area was raided by eighteen aircraft,
mines being dropped chiefly in the Lower Section of the Canal.
Operation DISCRETION (N)
3. ANTWERP and MALINES brought R.A.F. personnel from 201 Naval
Cooperation Group, disembarked them at Port Said, being unable to proceed to
Ismailia owing to mining.
Levant
4. SIKH was taken in hand for
repairs at Haifa
after minor damage had been caused by a near mine explosion when leaving
Alexandria.
French Fleet
5. Two further interviews between Admiral Harwood and Vice Admiral
Godfroy without any results. The President of the U.S.A. offered asylum in a
North or South American port, and finally Martinique. None of these suggestions
yielded anything. Thus the situation remained as being with the recent
agreement still in force.
Forces A and B
6. Force
A based on Port Said:
DIDO,
EURYALUS, JERVIS, JAVELIN, EXMOOR, and ALDENHAM
Force B based on Haifa:
CLEOPATRA
(C.S. 15), ARETHUSA, SIKH, ZULU, HERO, CROOME, and TETCOTT.
Alexandria Escort Force
7. A force of four HUNTS were based on Alexandria consisting of:
DULVERTON,
HURWORTH, ERIDGE, and BEAUFORT.
Saturday, 4th
July 1942
Western Desert
Our forces continued to exert pressure to the South and East of the
El Alamein positions. During the day 600 German prisoners of war were taken and
18 tanks destroyed.
Air Raids
2. Sixteen aircraft carried out a minelaying raid in the Canal Area
and Suez Bay with slight diversionary bombing at Port Said. There was no naval
damage. The Canal was closed to shipping.
Red Sea
3. H.M. Ships RESOURCE and WOOLWICH arrived at Port Sudan. Berthing
accommodation in the port was extremely restricted especially with the large
numbers of merchant ships unloading. There were no Defence patrols and
arrangements were made to send two H.D.M.L.'s.
Levant
4. Captain (S), First Submarine Flotilla, reported that a full
reconnaissance at Beirut had been completed and that it was suitable for use as
a submarine base.
Sunday, 5th
July 1942
Western Desert
At the end of the day the enemy had retired behind an anti tank
screen south and southwest of El Alamein defended position. It was apparent that
he had been forced to rest and reorganize his forces. Our forces continued to
attack but were held.
Air Raids
2. About 35 aircraft raided the Alexandria and Port Said areas. Three
aircraft in the Canal Area and two in the Alexandria area were shot down.
Submarines
3. Vice Admiral, Malta considered that the scale of mining and air
attacks had sufficiently decreased to allow the Tenth Submarine Flotilla to
return with acceptable risks in the circumstances.
THRASHER arrived at Haifa from Operation VIGOROUS and patrol in the
Central Mediterranean. At 0133/23 June, torpedoed and sank one 2500 ton merchant vessel in escorted eastbound convoy in
position 31-58N, 16-36E. At 1144 on 29th June, sank with torpedoes a
3000 ton southbound auxiliary in position 33-21N, 23-20E.
Miscellaneous
4. ALDENHAM and A.S.I.S. CID assisted by small craft recovered 47
torpedoes (without warheads) from the wreckage of MEDWAY in the vicinity of
Port Said swept channel.
Monday, 6th
July 1942
Western Desert
The R.A.F. kept up their almost non-stop offensive on the enemy's
motor transport and particularly landing grounds.
Alexandria – Operation
MATCH
2. DULVERTON and HURWORTH were kept at immediate notice throughout
the night in the outer anchorage to act on air reports. It appeared likely that
the enemy would attempt to supply his forward troops with water.
Air Raids
3. During the night a minelaying raid was carried out on Suez Bay by
four aircraft. The only casualty was one waterboat.
Levant
4. The Norwegian S.S. HERO was torpedoed and sunk by U boat at 0600,
6th July in position 32-23N, 34-35E. Ship was being escorted
by GLOXINIA, PROTEA, and SOUTHERN MAID from Haifa to Port Said. KONDOURITIS
and LA MOQUESE and later, CROOME and TETCOTT carried out an A/S search for U
boat, but did not achieve success.
Tuesday, 7th
July 1942
Western Desert
No change in the land situation; considerable movement of the
enemy's transport was apparent throughout the day.
Alexandria – Operation
MATCH
2. ERIDGE and BEAUFORT were detailed for the operation during the
night, but no reports were received.
Air Raids
3. During the night about ten aircraft laid mines in the Gulf of
Suez south of the Newport Channel. Some bombs were also dropped in the Suez
area. One aircraft was shot down by nightfighters.
Levant
4. The S.S. BLAIRCLOVA, in a convoy escorted by PRIMULA (Senior
Officer), CUMBRAE, and H.M.S.A.S. SOUTHERN ISLES, grounded in position 31-23N,
34-22E at 0110. She was refloated shortly afterwards and was able to rejoin the
convoy which was on passage from Port Said to Haifa.
Wednesday, 7th
July 1942
Alexandria
DULVERTON and HURWORTH carried out a shipping search to the westward
of Alexandria during the night but found nothing. M.L.'s 352 and 353 patrolled
in the vicinity of the harbour entrance.
Levant – Naval
Ammunition
2. Arrangements were made to stock Palestine and Syria with a
six month's supply of ammunition. Sufficient stocks were
still maintained at Alexandria for its defence and immediate fleet
requirements.
Canal Area
3. Negotiations were in progress between the Flag Officer
Commanding, Red Sea and Canal Area and Baron Benoist, Head of the Suez Canal
Company with a view to our control of the Canal Company's repair organisation
as a war measure. The military situation and recent air raids had caused a
serious reduction of the Canal Company's workshops at a time when increased
demands were being made upon them.
Award of the Victoria Cross
4. It was announced today that Commander A.C.C. Miers, Royal Navy,
D.S.O., had been awarded the Victoria Cross for valour in command of H.M.
Submarine TORBAY in a daring and successful raid on Corfu Harbour. This
submarine had carried out numerous successful patrols during the recent months
in the Mediterranean.
Thursday, 9th
July 1942
Western Desert
During the day the enemy occupied the positions at Deir El Quattara
and some ground to the eastward. There were indications that the enemy was
strengthening his right flank preparatory to a renewed attack.
Canal Area
2. Restricted traffic recommenced in the Suez Canal today.
Levant – Capture of
Italian U boat
3. HYACINTH who was proceeding independently from
Haifa to Beirut when in position 33-50N, 35-19E was narrowly missed by two
torpedoes at 1727. The tracks of these were sighted in time to enable
drastic avoiding action to be taken. Successful depth charge attacks were
immediately carried out which twenty minutes later forced the submarine to the
surface. After a few rounds on HYACINTH's Breda and 3" gun, the crew of the U
boat surrendered. GLOXINIA by now had arrived on the scene later being joined
by two M.T.B.s from Beirut with officers with knowledge of submarines. A
boarding party was put onboard the submarine with Italian speaking Maltese;
their efforts to get the Italians to steam the submarine underweigh did not
succeed and at dusk HYACINTH had her in tow. Many of the crew panicked and were
picked up by HYACINTH. By 0100 the following morning, the U boat had been towed
into Beirut. Five officers and 39 ratings were taken prisoners; one rating was
killed having been blown out of the submarine.
4. This U boat was the Italian PERLA. She had left Messina on 1st
July and specially diverted by signal to the Levant Area. The machinery was found
to be in a poor state of repair. PERLA had been in Massawa and after its fall
had managed to return to Italy via the Cape. The morale of the ship's company
was low.
Miscellaneous
5. The Commander in Chief directed that a combined naval and
victualling store depot was to be set up near Haifa.
6. It was also decided that three months' supplies to be transferred
to the Levant.
Friday, 10th
July 1942
Western Desert
The Australians launched an attack along the railway line from El
Alamein gaining some ground; over a thousand prisoners were taken during this
engagement.
Alexandria
2. ERIDGE and BEAUFORT carried out operation MATCH during the night.
Attack on Enemy Convoy
3. An enemy convoy of five merchant vessels
escorted by five M.T.B.s and two destroyers on passage from Crete to Tobruk was
attacked by Albacores at dawn. One merchant ship was hit and left on
fire. Subsequent reconnaissance showed this convoy to be in Tobruk less one
ship.
4. The Albacores were flown to an enemy landing group 44 miles south
of Sollum the previous afternoon. Bombay aircraft (n.b. of 216 R.A.F. Squadron)
provided the fuel, stores, and
personnel. Of the ten Albacores which took part it was
unfortunate that only four located the convoy. All aircraft returned safely to
their normal bases and there was no evidence to show that the enemy had any
knowledge of this special operation.
Saturday, 11th
July 1942
Western Desert
By midday the Australians had captured the Tel El Eisa feature
destroying 22 tanks and taking about two thousand German and Italian prisoners.
A heavy daylight attack was carried out by a large force of
Wellingtons, on the enemy convoy in Tobruk. One ship was hit and
severely damaged.
Alexandria
2. ERIDGE and BEAUFORT repeated last night's sweep to the westward. M.L.s
348 and 352 swept within ten miles of the coast as far as 029 East. Again nothing was sighted.
Port Said
3. Captain (D), Fourteenth Destroyer Flotilla in JERVIS with EXMOOR
carried out an A/S search from Port Said to Jaffa and back to Port Said with
A.S.V. Swordfish aircraft cooperating.
Levant
4. An Italian U boat was sunk by PROTEA and SOUTHERN MAID and Walrus
aircraft at 1700 in position 34-38N, 34-56E. The submarine was forced to the
surface by depth charges whereupon the Walrus immediately dived and attacked
from seventy feet. The A/S trawlers shelled the U boat and it sank thirteen
minutes after opening the attack. Forty five prisoners
were taken.
Submarines
5. TAKU returned from patrol off the Libyan Coast. This submarine
went on patrol on the initiative of her Commanding Officer, who owing the
critical situation in the Western Desert volunteered to go to sea in spite of
the fact that he had just returned from an exceedingly long and arduous patrol.
Sunday, 12th
July 1942
Western Desert –
Operation ENORMOUS
During the night DULVERTON and HURWORTH bombarded Mersa Matruh
harbour area; ships fired 400 rounds all of which fell in the in the target
area. ERIDGE and BEAUFORT acted as cover and an ammunition ship
which had left harbour, probably as a result of earlier air attacks, was
sunk by BEAUFORT. E boat which were escorted this ship were engaged and driven
off by ERIDGE. Two Italian torpedo boats which were sighted
proceeding to the westward at high speed were engaged by the "Hunts" but
results were not known. No damage or casualties were
sustained by our Forces. M.T.B. 307 succeeded in reaching Ras el Rum Bay
with a sabotage party (Commandos), but was unable to land them due to the
weather and the presence of enemy forces in the vicinity.
Malta
2. The Vice Admiral, Malta reported that the searched channel into
the harbour had been finally cleared. A total of 206 mines had been cut since
the operation began on the 8th May. Before the arrival of the Fleet minesweepers
and motor launches from the June convoy, this was carried out
by four local auxiliary minesweepers assisted by smaller craft for danning.
The crews were in large part, Malta naval ratings who
faced up to the dangers and difficulties of the operation with an indomitable
spirit.
Levant
3. The Turkish tanker ANTARES on passage from Alexandretta to Haifa
was torpedoed by an U Boat at 2105 in position 34-35N,
35-39E. Ship was beached on the shoals inshore of Ruad Island (North of Tripoli
(Syria)), with her engineroom and boiler rooms flooded. She was subsequently
salvaged and towed to Iskanderun by the tug HENRIETTA MOLLER, with the
assistance of H.M. Tug TIENTSIN, H.M.S.A.S. SOUTHERN ISLES, and the Free French
ship REINA DES FLOTS.
Port Sudan
4. QUEEN ELIZABETH escorted by NAPIER was sailed for Aden and U.S.A.
Final repairs were to be undertaken at the Naval Yard, Norfolk, Virginia.
Submarines
5. P 211 sank the Italian S.S. ADDA of 800 tons in the Gulf of
Crosei by torpedoes and gunfire. Later in the same area a merchant ship of 1500
tons was attacked by gunfire close inshore. P 211 was forced to break off a
gunfire action owing to fire from coastal batteries. It was probable that the
ship was later beached.
Monday, 13th
July 1942
Western Desert
Our occupation of the Tel El Eisa feature was
maintained throughout the day in spite of heavy attacks by the enemy. There
was little to report from other sectors of the front.
Malta
2. Four "F" lighters who were proceeding to Libya
were attacked by Beaufighters and Wellingtons south of Lampedusa. It is
probable that one was sunk and another damaged.
Levant
3. The Chief of Staff, Commodore Edelsten, left for a short tour of
Palestine and Syria.
Red Sea – Aden
BELVOIR and HURSLEY arrived on the Mediterranean Station, being lent
from the Eastern Fleet.
Tuesday, 14th
July 1942
Malta – Operation
PINPOINT
Thirty one Spitfires were successfully
flown into Malta from H.M.S. EAGLE.
Levant
2. The white oil tanker ADINDA was torpedoed by a U boat at dawn
today, in position 33-33N, 35-10E. She managed to effect temporary repairs and
reached Haifa under her own power. It was subsequently found that ADINDA was
astern of the convoy proceeding from Beirut to Haifa.
Turkey
3. The Turkish submarine ATILAY sank off the entrance to the
Dardanelles during Fleet exercises by striking an antennae
mine in 40 fathoms. She was testing the Dardanelles loops at the time. Salvage
was impossible and the crew of thirty eight (including
eight officers) were lost. Sweepers had exploded three Antennae in the
neighbourhood of the creek and it appears that the enemy had previously laid a
minefield in this area. This was a German submarine which
was assembled at Istanbul and completed in 1940.
Red Sea
4. SAHRA, SANTA, SILHOUETTE, SNOWDRIFT, and RAINSTORM arrived at
Aden. They had been sent from the East Indies Station for conversion and
fitting out as LL minesweeping trawlers.
Wednesday, 16th
July 1942
Alexandria
In view of the present situation in the port, advantage was taken to
overhaul and repair all lighters for further service.
Levant – Move GARWAY
2. The move of troops between Haifa and Famagusta was begun today;
ANTWERP and PRINCESS MARGUERITE were sailed from Port Said, with an escort of three
destroyers, for Famagusta, and Haifa. The greater majority of the personnel
were embarked in PRINCESS MARGUERITE.
Gunnery
3. Two spare 15" guns were despatched today in S.S. GAUSDALE and
REMBRANDT respectively for Australia on Admiralty instructions.
Thursday, 16th
July 1942
Malta
WELSHMAN arrived carrying a cargo consisting of powdered milk,
edible oils and vitamin concentrates. In addition to this, 120 service
personnel took passage in WELSHMAN. Italian and German aircraft carried out one
heavy attack resulting in several near misses but no damage. Whilst in harbour
she was docked in number five dock and given a list to
simulate damage. Fortunately, no attacks on the Harbour developed during her
stay.
Friday, 17th
July 1942
Alexandria
Shipping continued to use the port on a limited scale; a limit of
one "dangerous" ship in harbour at a time was stipulated. Two corvettes, two
A/S M/S vessels and ANTWERP were employed on escort duties between Port Said
and Alexandria. Ship's requiring re arming and repairs were sent to Alexandria,
and the Admiralty Floating Dock was used for merchant ship dockings.
Malta
2. The scale of air attack on Malta had shown a considerable
reduction.
Saturday, 18th
July 1942
Western Desert –
Operation ENORMOUS
DULVERTON, HURWORTH, ERIDGE, and BEAUFORT carried out a bombardment
of Mersa Matruh harbour area during the night. Results were disappointing,
party owing to bad weather and failure of the aircraft to drop his flares over
the target area.
Alexandria
2. It was reported that THORGRIM, previously sunk in an air raid,
was badly damaged and must be considered a total loss.
Malta
3. PARTHIAN arrived with a small cargo of supplies from Gibraltar. This
was mostly cartridges and shells for MATCHLESS who could not be sailed without
them. WELSHMAN was failed from Malta for Gibraltar having unloaded her cargo
without enemy interference.
Levant
4. Schooner traffic was resumed in the Levant area as far south as
Haifa, having been stopped at the end of June when U Boat activity was at its
height.
Sunday, 19th
July 1942
Western Desert –
Operation ENORMOUS
EXMOOR and HURWORTH repeated the bombardment of Mersa Matruh harbour
area. Only six salvoes were fired since the presence of E boats and bad weather
caused it to be discontinued. There was no air spotting over the target when
the destroyers came to open fire due to their late arrival.
Greeks
2. The Greek Commander in Chief, Admiral Sakellariou in agreement
with the Vice President of the Council placed the Greek units serving in the
Mediterranean entirely under the orders of the Commander in Chief,
Mediterranean. The Greeks also expressed desire to remain in the Mediterranean
to the last possible moment with our naval forces.
Monday, 20th
July 1942
Western Desert –
Bombardment of Mersa Matruh
The Rear Admiral Destroyers in DIDO with EURYALUS, JERVIS, JAVELIN,
PAKENHAM, and PALADIN sailed from Port Said at 1300 on 19th and carried out a
successful bombardment of Mersa Matruh harbour area. Aircraft spotting was
excellent the cruisers firing about 400 rounds at least sixty percent of which
fell in the target area. One petrol ship was blown up and other shipping
damaged. At the same time DULVERTON and ALDENHAM carried out an anti E boat
sweep inshore driving off two E boats and returned to Alexandria the following
morning. There was little doubt that these bombardments were seriously
hindering the enemy's use of the port and upsetting morale. The force returned
to Port Said at 1500 without incident.
Move GARWAY
2. At 0700 a mine was exploded in the swept channel to Famagusta. PRINCESS
MARGUERITE and ANTWERP were due to arrive an hour later. The Naval Officer in
Charge closed the port and it was decided to anchor the convoy off the port. In
four hours 1200 troops and three hundred tons of stores were disembarked using
every available small craft in the harbour. Three hundred Greek troops were
also embarked.
Malta
3. The arrival of P 42 marked the beginning of the return to Malta
of the Tenth Submarine Flotilla.
Red Sea
4. ARPHA and SAGITTA sailed for the Yemen coast to intercept German
and Italian refugees who were due to leave Jedda on the 22nd July. This was a
result of political pressure on Ibn Saud, who agreed that these internees could
leave and that he would connive at out ships intercepting them inside
territorial waters.
5. ROBERTS was moved from Suez to Abu Zenina anchorage for the
protection of shipping waiting call up to Suez.
Tuesday, 21st
July 1942
Western Desert
An operation to block Mersa Matruh harbour with the Greek ship
GIORGIOS G on the 23rd was abandoned for the time being. The R.A.F. considered
that as their fighters could not give full protection owing to the distance
involved the operation would be impracticable. GIORGIOS G had been taken over
by a Naval crew. The Operation was to be covered by COVENTRY, 6 "Hunts", 2
M.T.B.s and 2 Fairmiles. Preparations were however continued to carry out the
operation at a later date with a faster block ship.
Malta
2. Temporary repairs to BADSWORTH and MATCHLESS were reported
complete. These ships had been damaged on arrival of the June Malta convoy.
Port Said
3. MALINES, who was off the end of the searched
channel to enter harbour was torpedoed by aircraft just abaft the engine
room. She was towed in by tugs and beached in the out harbour just in time to
save her sinking. Seven ratings were killed and the same number wounded. BOSTON
sustained slight damage whilst towing MALINES.
Ionian Sea
4. Beauforts from Malta attacked a merchant ship escorted by two
destroyers 334 degrees Gheroghambo 63 miles. The merchant was badly hit and
when last seen was stopped, emitting while (n.b.
white ?) smoke and being circled by the
destroyers.
Levant
5. Schooner traffic in the entire Levant area was now resumed.
Wednesday, 22nd
July 1942
Western Desert
M.T.B.s operating from Alexandria carried out an anti shipping sweep
to the westward during the night but found nothing.
Gibraltar
2. P 43 was sailed from Gibraltar to join the Mediterranean Station.
Malta
3. Operation INSECT. EAGLE
flew off twenty nine Spitfire aircraft which landed
safely at Malta with one exception.
4. Captain (S) Tenth Submarine Flotilla and his Staff arrived Malta
by air today and assumed operational control of the Tenth Submarine Flotilla.
Red Sea
5. In view of the recent mining in Suez Bay, GENERAL BIRDWOOD and ST
MINVER of the 23rd M/S Group were retained at Suez for minewatching duties.
Thursday, 23rd
July 1942
Western Desert –
Bombardment of Mersa Matruh
The Rear Admiral Destroyers in DIDO with EURYALUS, JERVIS, PAKENHAM,
JAVELIN, PALADIN, BELVOIR, and HURSLEY who had been sailed from Port Said 2000
on 22nd attempted a bombardment of Mersa Matruh harbour area, but after two
salvoes it had to be abandoned, due to failure of the flaredropping aircraft
and very low cloud. DULVERTON and HURWORTH, who had sailed from Alexandria,
acted as an anti E boat cover during the bombardment. The force returned to
Port Said without incident.
Levant
2. Operation GARWAY. The
move of six thousand military personnel into Famagusta from Haifa was completed
today. ANTWERP and PRINCESS MARGUERITE were employed and an escort of three
destroyers for each trip was provided from Port Said and Haifa as required.
3. At 0500, the Greek schooner VASSILIKI was sunk by a U boat in
approximate position 34-45N, 34-35E. Survivors landed in their own boat at
Famagusta during the day. As a result schooner traffic was again temporarily
suspended.
Friday, 24th
July 1942
Alexandria
Admiralty asked for details as to possibility of moving Admiralty
Floating Dock number 5 to Kilindini.
Levant
2. Convoys were begun between Tripoli (Syria) and Port Said since
sufficient escorts were now available and delays to shipping could be accepted.
It was necessary to relieve the escorts to allow them to get some maintenance
done. Up to now, many of them had been run continuously without sufficient
maintenance. Convoys were numbered LE and LW onwards and set to run every
three day. The scale of escorts was to be a minimum of two
escorts for one ship, three escorts for two ships and five escorts for three
ships or more, and ships of seven knots and under were not to be included.
3. A small Greek sailing vessel was sunk by gunfire from a U boat 30
miles east of Cape Greco.
Saturday, 25th
July 1942
Western Desert –
Operation PLUTO
M.T.B.s and M.L.s operating from Alexandria carried out a shipping
sweep from Ras el Daba to Ras el Rum during the night, but found nothing.
Ionian Sea
2. Beauforts from Malta severely damaged an escorted merchant ship
ten miles west of Cape Gheroghambo. Ship was last seen on fire and stopped with
her escort of four destroyers circling her.
Sunday, 26th
July 1942
Western Desert –
Operation PLUTO
One again an M.T.B. and M.L. shipping sweep west of Alexandria found
nothing.
Submarines
2. THRASHER whilst on passage to her patrol area was unfortunately
attacked by a Swordfish from 815 Squadron thirty five
miles north of Port Said. Her main batteries were severely damaged and major
defects to hull were also found. She was able to return to harbour by dawn the
following day. One rating suffered minor injuries. THRASHER was on her safe
route at the time.
Levant
3. Schooner traffic was once again resumed.
Monday, 27th
July 1942
Alexandria
Shipping authorities were informed that there was no objection to a
few ships being worked at the port. Only one "dangerous" ship however, was
allowed to use the port at a time.
Tuesday, 28th
July 1942
Submarines
The Greek submarine NEREUS arrived at Port Said after a patrol in
the Aegean. Three small caiques were sunk north of Scarpanto and a possible hit
on an unescorted 7000 to merchant ship near Mandali Island. Three Dodecanese
prisoners were taken from these vessels. This was a most determined patrol
carried out in spite of continual electrical defects which deprived NEREUS of
an almost certain victim in the Zea Channel.
Suez
2. About ten enemy aircraft raided the Suez area during the night. H.E.M.S.
FAWZIA who was employed on coastguard duty in the Rea Sea was damaged by bombs
and later sank in shallow water. The boom defence vessel PUNNET was damaged and
rendered unserviceable. The D.E.M.S. office buildings were completely wrecked.
Salvage of FAWZIA was undertaken by CONFEDERATE, the Egyptian
Government bearing the cost. COVENTRY was sailed from Port Said to Suez
for A.A. duties in anchorages south of the Canal.
Wednesday, 29th
July 1942
Western Desert
Six M.T.B.s attempted an anti E boat sweep off Mersa Matruh but due
to the weather it had to be abandoned.
Central Mediterranean
2. Ten miles south of Sapenza, Beauforts attacked a heavily escorted
merchant ship and claim to have seriously damaged it. Subsequent reconnaissance
of Navarin Bay the following day, showed a damaged merchant ship in harbour.
Malta
3. H.M. Submarine CLYDE arrived at Malta with cargo chiefly
consisting of bulk oils and vital food commodities for the garrison. An Italian
flying boat landed in St Julian's Bay. This aircraft had been captured by one
of the crews of the Beauforts, who had been taken prisoners and overpowered
their guards whilst on passage from Navarin to Italy.
Port Said
4. Three schooners north of Damietta reported sunk by gunfire from
enemy submarines.
Commander in Chief
5. Admiral Harwood lunched with H.M. King Farouk at Abdin Palace. The
Prime Minister of Egypt was also present.
Thursday, 30th
July 1942
Malta
There was a noticeable increase in enemy attacks on the Island. In
general bombers were escorted by a huge number of fighters; many sorties turned
back on the appearance of the Spitfires.
Levant
2. During the month six months naval stores and provisions for the
Fleet had been transferred from Alexandria to Haifa.
Red Sea
3. Forty per cent of the Station resources of Naval stores were now
transferred to Port Sudan for eventual use at Alexandria. Stocks in the Canal
area were built up, and the victualling store ship CHANGTE was moved south of
the Canal in readiness to undertake supplies to destroyers and small craft
which might be transferred to this area.
Friday, 31st
July 1942
Western Desert
Heavy air attacks were carried out on Tobruk and Mersa Matruh
harbour. At the latter one ship about 2 to 3000 tons were almost certainly
sunk. Throughout the month, the R.A.F. and F.A.A. Squadrons had kept up almost
continuous air attacks on land and on shipping in harbour and at sea. Six ships
totaling 13,000 tons had definitely been sunk by air attack during this month.
Alexandria
2. About six enemy aircraft operated over Alexandria during the
night. There were some civilian casualties but no naval or military damage.
Malta
3. PARTHIAN, having unloaded her cargo and completed repairs to
minor defects sailed for Gibraltar.
4. P 34 arrived after an uneventful passage from Haifa.
Levant
5. The following ships were escorting convoys between Beirut and
Port Said.
Northbound
- SAKTOURIS, SNAPDRAGON, FALK, KLO,
ROMEO, and M.L. 356
Southbound
- PRIMULA, BURRA, SPETSAI, and IERAX
Submarines
6. Our submarines were disposed as follows:
OTUS On passage from Beirut
to Malta and U.K.
PARTHIAN On passage from Malta to Gibraltar
PORPOISE
At Haifa
PROTEUS
On patrol west of Crete
THORN On patrol in Tobruk area
TURBULENT At Beirut
TRAVELLER
On patrol in Adriatic
UNA,
P 31, P 43 On passage from
Gibraltar to Malta
P
34, P 44, and CLYDE At Malta
P
42 On patrol Messina Area
OSIRIS
and THRASHER At Port Said refitting
TAKU
Libyan coast patrol.
Greek Submarines
PAPANICOLAS On patrol in Aegean
NEREUS
At Port Said refitting
TRITON At Haifa
KATSONIS
Refitting at Ismailia
PART II
SUMMARY OF EVENTS FOR
July 1942
General
The most serious problem in the early part of the month was how the
land situation in the Western Desert would develop. The enemy launched a
general attack against the El Alamein at the beginning of the month which was repulsed and the position was eventually
established on this line. As Alexandria was still within escorted bomber range
it could not be considered as a safe Fleet Base and so the policy of thinning
out as much a possible was continued.
2. A difficult question was that of the French Fleet at Alexandria. At
the beginning of the month Admiral Harwood had an interview with Vice Admiral
Godfroy regarding the movements of his ships; the latter refused any move
without orders from Vichy which he felt sure would not be given. Vice Admiral
Godfroy made a counter proposal that his ships should move to Bizerta, which
was refused. A suggestion was made that the intervention of the U.S.A. might
help, which resulted in an officer by the President for an asylum in a North or
South American port and finally Martinique. This proposal yielded nothing and
thus the situation remained as before with the present agreement still in
force. A plan was prepared for any action necessary against this force under
the varying situations that might arise.
Alexandria and Canal Area
3. As Alexandria could not be considered as a safe Fleet Base the
policy of dispersal and stores was continued, and the Commander in Chief's
operations staff transferred to Ismailia, but Alexandria was still used to a
limited extent for unloading essential military stores.
4. A number of air raids took place on both Alexandria and the Canal
area, chiefly on the latter where mines were dropped in the Canal and one or
two ships damaged at Port Said.
Western Desert
5. After very heavy attacks and counter attacks the line was
eventually stabilized on the El Alamein position. The R.A.F. kept up a very
heavy scale of air attack on the enemy positions and ports. At Tobruk it is
estimated that six ships totaling 13,000 tons were sunk.
6. A number of bombardments at Mersa Matruh both by cruisers and
destroyers were carried out, some were very successful
whilst others were hampered by failure of the flare droppers and bad weather. A
number of searches for enemy shipping along the coast to the west of Alexandria
were also carried out.
Central Mediterranean
7. Every opportunity was taken by both aircraft and submarines to
interfere with the enemy supply lines which resulted
in considerable success. One convoy was attacked by Albacores
which were flown to an enemy landing ground about 44 miles south of
Sollum when they refuelled from Bombays. All the aircraft returned safely to
their bases on completion of the operation and there is no evidence to show
that the enemy had any knowledge of what had taken place.
Levant
8. There was an increase in submarine activity against our convoys
proceeding up and down the coast, which resulted in the loss of two ships and
the damaging of a third. On the credit side, one Italian submarine was captured
and one U boat sunk.
9. Beirut was opened up as a submarine base.
It
had previously been used by the French as such; there was therefore a
good deal of equipment and accommodation already available.
10. On account of the wider dispersal of stores from Alexandria, a
bombing Naval and Victualling Store Depot to take six months' supplies for the
Fleet was opened up at Haifa.
11. An operation entailing the move of 6000 troops between Haifa and
Famagusta was successfully carried out.
Red Sea
12. NEWCASTLE had to return to Aden being unable to proceed to
Kilindini without sustaining further damage; she had been damaged when taking
part in the recent Malta convoy operations.
13. RESOURCE, WOOLWICH arrived at Port Sudan and QUEEN ELIZABETH
left the Red Sea for repairs in America.
14. Two ships were sent to the Yemen coast to intercept German and
Italian refugees who were known to be leaving Jedda.
15. Forty per cent of the Station reserves of naval stores were
transferred to Port Sudan for eventual use at Alexandria, and stocks in the
Canal area were also built up.
Malta
16. Vice Admiral, Malta considered that the scale of mining and air
attacks had sufficiently decreased to allow the Tenth Submarine Flotilla to
return with acceptable losses; about the middle of the month our Submarine
offensive from Malta commenced once again.
17. In recent weeks, 206 mines had been swept up, chiefly by four
local auxiliary minesweepers manned most by Maltese naval ratings,
who faced up to this dangerous and difficult operation with
an indomitable spirit.
18. During the month EAGLE in two operations flew into the Island a
total of sixty Spitfires. WELSHMAN and CLYDE each did one trip taking in
essential stores and personnel.
19. Aircraft took every opportunity to strike against the enemy's
supply lines.
Submarines
20. Our submarines continued their successful offensive against
enemy convoys, and with Malta operating again as a Submarine base, this
offensive was able to be conducted over a wider area.
Changes on Station
21.
QUEEN ELIZABETH left the Red Sea for repairs in
America.
BELVOIR
and HURSLEY arrived from the Eastern Fleet.
Casualties
22.
Cased petrol carrier MARILYSE MOLLER sunk by U
Boat.
S.S.
HERO sunk by U Boat
MALINES
damaged by torpedo aircraft.
MEDITERRANEAN WAR DIARY –
August 1942
Saturday, 1st
August 1942
Alexandria
About five aircraft operated over Alexandria. There was no naval
damage. Three Beaufighters were shot down.
Malta
2. H.M.S. P 31 arrived after an uneventful passage from Haifa.
Levant
3. The Egyptian schooner ST SIMON was sunk by gunfire from a U Boat
35 miles northwest of Beirut whilst on passage to Larnaca. An M.T.B. picked up
survivors and brought them to Limasol. Force B carried out gunnery practices
off Haifa during the day.
Red Sea
4. H.M.S. ARPHA intercepted five Italians off Melma Islands
(position 194-45N, 40-35.5E). These were some of the Italian internees from
Yemen who had been given permission by Ibn Saud to leave the country with our
connivance. They were mostly Italians who had fled from Massawa before its
fall, and in some cases were crews of the scuttled Italian destroyers. Total
numbers concerned were about sixty. Plans of routes to Turkey via Syria and
Transjordan were found on some of the prisoners.
Sunday, 2nd
August 1942
Malta
H.M.S. UNA arrived after a short patrol whilst on passage from
Haifa. P 34 arrived from Gibraltar to join the Tenth Submarine Flotilla.
Levant
2. Schooner traffic in the Levant was suspended.
Monday, 3rd
August 1942
Levant
Work on the submarine base at Beirut was now complete.
2. The Greek submarine depot ship CORINTHIA was sailed from Haifa to
Beirut in convoy and arrived without incident.
Red Sea
3. H.M.S. SAGITTA intercepted fourteen Italian escapees from the
Yemen at Sherm Makar. No objection was raised by the local
authorities to H.M.S. SAGITTA's presence in territorial waters.
Tuesday, 4th
August 1942
Alexandria
A Swordfish of 815 Squadron attacked and damaged a U boat north of
Alexandria during the night. This was partially confirmed by reconnaissance the
next morning and later D/F bearings which showed her returning to Dodecanese
waters.
Levant
2. The Eleventh Royal Marine Battalion was moved from Kabret to
Haifa for special training.
Loss of German U Boat
3. At 2123 on the 3rd August, an A.S.V. Wellington of 231 Squadron
obtained contact of a submarine south west of Haifa. Captain
(D), Twenty Second Destroyer Flotilla in H.M.S. SIKH and H.M.S. ZULU hunted
throughout the night. As depth charges were running low H.M. Ships
CROOME and TETCOTT were sailed from Haifa to relieve them. Finally at 1337 the
U boat surfaced and was engagement by all the armament possible till she
surrendered and sank badly damaged in position 32-28N, 34-37E. The complete
crew and one agent were taken prisoner. It was subsequently learned that she
was on a special mission to sabotage oil installations, quite probably at
Haifa. The Naval Officers in Charge Levant area were warned of this possibility
and to review their present anti sabotage arrangements. The U
boat was commanded by Kapitanleutenant Neumann.
Red Sea
4. H.M.S. RESOURCE returned to Suez after a months' stay at Port
Sudan.
Commander in Chief
5. Admiral Harwood had a meeting with Mr. Churchill at 1730 in
Cairo.
Wednesday, 5th
August 1942
Alexandria
Six M.T.B.s carried out an anti E boat sweep to the westward during
the night but found nothing.
Port Said
2. Out of two Italian
aircraft which
attacked minesweepers at the end of the searched channel, one was shot down by
H.M.S. FAREHAM. She picked up six survivors all of whom were wounded.
Levant
3. H.M.S. DIDO escorted by H.M. Ships PALADIN and KELVIN arrived at
Haifa to relieve H.M.S. ARETHUSA who returned to Port Said with H.M.S. DIDO's
escort, and H.M. Ships SIKH and TETCOTT. Schooner traffic was again resumed.
Thursday, 5th
August 1942
Levant
H.M.S. COVENTRY escorted by JERVIS and KELVIN was sailed from Port
Said to Beirut for a short rest period.
Friday, 7th
August 1942
Malta
OTUS arrived with passengers and vital
supplies
which included torpedoes, ammunition, and petrol.
Levant
2. ALDENHAM was sailed from Haifa to Beirut to reinforce the local
patrols.
Saturday, 8th
August 1942
Commander in Chief and
Operational Staff – Return to Alexandria
The Commander in Chief, and a small operational staff returned to
Alexandria, moving to offices in Sidi Bishr near 201 Naval Cooperation Group. The
Administrative Staff remained at Port Said. The Flag of Commander in Chief was
transferred to H.M.S. FLAMINGO.
Change of Appointment
2. General the Hon. Sir Harold R.L.G. Alexander, K.C.B., C.S.I.,
D.S.O., M.C., assumed command of Middle East Forces today.
Sunday, 9th
August 1942
Western Desert
Wellingtons from 38 Squadron mined the entrance to Matruh Harbour
during the night.
Submarines
2. The Greek submarine PAPANICOLIS returned to Beirut after a short
patrol. Her main object was the evacuation of 22 Greeks from the southern
shores of Crete. This was successfully accomplished in spite of bad weather. PAPANICOLIS
suffered from engine defects, nearly exhausting her fuel before return.
Levant
3. The Egyptian schooner KHAROUF was sunk by gunfire from a U boat
at 0300 between Sidon and Beirut.
COVENTRY escorted by ALDENHAM and ZULU arrived at Haifa from Beirut.
4. The following ships were escorting convoys on the Levant:
Northbound
H.H.M.S. SPETSAI
H.H.M.S.
IERAX
H.M.S.
ERICA
H.M.S.
FALK
H.M.S.A.S. PROTEA
H.M.S. ROMEO
Monday, 10th
August 1942
Operation PEDESTAL
It was decided to run a convoy to Malta. This convoy which consisted
of 13 merchant ships and one tanker which left the United Kingdom on the 2nd
August, entered the Mediterranean on the night 9/10th August. The escorts
comprised NELSON, RODNEY, INDOMITABLE, VICTORIOUS, EAGLE, FURIOUS, NIGERIA,
KENYA, MANCHESTER, PHOEBE, CHARYBDIS, SIRIUS, CAIRO, and twenty
four destroyers. The Operation was under the command of Acting Vice
Admiral E.N. Syfret, C.B., (Senior Officer, Force F) in NELSON. The aircraft
carrier force was under the command of Rear Admiral A.L. St. Lyster, C.B.,
C.V.O., D.S.C., in VICTORIOUS. The Flag Officer Commanding, Tenth Cruiser
Squadron, Rear Admiral H.M. Burrough, C.B., was in NIGERIA.
2. After passing through the Straits the force was sighted by a
Spanish ship on opposite course.
Operation ASCENDANT
3. MATCHLESS and BADSWORTH with two merchant ships which had
remained at Malta since the June convoy sailed after dark and proceeded to
Gibraltar under the cover of Operation PEDESTAL.
Operation M.G. THREE
4. It was decided to run a diversionary Malta convoy in the Eastern
Mediterranean with the object of preventing the enemy directing the full weight
of surface and air forces against the convoy being run from Gibraltar.
5. At 2000 S.S. CITY OF
PRETORIA, CITY OF LINCOLN, and CITY OF EDINBURGH were sailed from Port Said
escorted by ARETHUSA, EURYALUS, COVENTRY, PAKENHAM, PALADIN, JERVIS, KELVIN,
DULVERTON, HURWORTH, ERIDGE, HURSLEY, BEAUFORT, and BELVOIR.
Operation SUNBEAM
6. This operation for blocking Mersa Matruh was finally abandoned
owing to the impossibility at this juncture of providing the necessary fighter
cover and the Eighth Army no longer required it. The S.S. NAWAB had been taken
up but found to be too slow and finally the S.S. CAPE HAWK, a fast ship, was
taken up for the operation.
Levant – Loss of an
Italian U Boat
7. H.M.S. ISLAY sank an Italian U Boat probably the SCIRCE at the
end of the Haifa swept channel at 1610 by depth charges and gunfire. There were
no survivors and the submarine sank in twenty fathoms. She was apparently
fitted to carry human torpedoes; two bodies which came to the surface some days
later were wearing escape apparatus and together with identity discs leave no
doubt as to the nationality of the U boat. CROOME and TETCOTT attacked the
position of the U boat some hours afterwards till the loss was definitely
established.
8. The Levant Escort Force was divided into two British groups, one
all Greek, and an all French escort group.
Red Sea
9. The Greek steamer S.S. MARIA
"L" in ballast
which had been stranded off Ras Abu Baker was towed off by S.S.
CONFEDERATE. H.M.S. ROBERTS assisted in the operation.
Change of Appointment
10. Lieutenant General B.L. Montgomery assumed command of the Eighth
Army vice General Auchinleck.
Tuesday, 11th August 1942
Operation PEDESTAL
Enemy aircraft shadowed the convoy during the day.
Thirty eight Spitfires were flown off from FURIOUS of which
thirty six reached Malta.
Loss of H.M.S. EAGLE
2. At 1514, EAGLE was torpedoed by a German U boat
in position 38-05N, 03-02E. She was hit by four torpedoes and sank in
six minutes. Her Commanding Officer (Captain L.D. MacIntosh,
D.S.C., R.N.) and 929 officers and ratings were picked up by LAFOREY, LOOKOUT,
and H.M. Tug JAUNTY. They were later transferred to MALCOLM, KEPPEL, and
VENOMOUS for passage to Gibraltar with FURIOUS. EAGLE was on the starboard
quarter of the convoy and the U Boat penetrated the screen undetected.
3. WOLVERINE rammed and sank a U boat in position 37-12N, 01-51E at
0205 on the 12th.
4. An ineffective attack by bombers and torpedo aircraft took place
at dusk. During the day, CAIRO and twenty four
destroyers had fuelled from a tanker escorted by corvettes ahead of the convoy.
5. S.S. AJAX escorted by the Rear Admiral Commanding, Fifteenth
Cruiser Squadron in CLEOPATRA, DIDO, SIKH, ZULU, JAVELIN, TETCOTT, and CROOME
were sailed from Haifa at 0500 to rendezvous with the remainder of the convoy
from Port Said. After dark the force turned back. KELVIN joined C.S. 15's
force which proceeded to carry out another operation. CITY
OF PRETORIA escorted by ERIDGE and HURSLEY were detached to Port Said. CITY OF
EDINBURGH escorted by BEAUFORT and BELVOIR was detached to Haifa. CITY OF
LINCOLN escorted by DULVERTON and HURWORTH was detached to Beirut. AJAX
escorted by CROOME and TETCOTT was detached to Haifa. DIDO escorted by
PAKENHAM, PALADIN, and JERVIS had to return to Port Said with hull defects.
Haifa
6. Catenary nets to increase the defence of Haifa were placed today,
after initial delays due to a shortage of material.
Submarines
7. H.M.S. THORN (Lieutenant Commander R.G. Norfolk, D.S.O., R.N.)
did not return from patrol was considered lost. She left Beirut on 21st July to
operate in the vicinity of Tobruk and Ras et Tin. She
requested permission to remain in the Tobruk area on 29th July and as a result
she was ordered to remain in the area till 6th August. There was no indication
as to her loss.
Wednesday, 12th
August 1942
Operation PEDESTAL
Air attacks took place throughout the day in which many aircraft
were shot down. Fleet fighters broke up many attacks. Only one M.T. ship was
damaged in these attacks. At 1634 after a heavy depth charge attack down the
port side of the convoy by PATHFINDER, the submarine surfaced and was rammed
and sunk by ITHURIEL in approximate position 37-41N, 10-00E. Four officers
(including the Commanding Officer) and 38 ratings were picked up. This U boat
was believed to be the COBALTO and had only left Cagliari two days previously.
2. At dusk very heavy dive bombing attacks concurrently with high
level and torpedo bombing took place on the Fleet. INDOMITABLE was hit by three
bombs and near missed by three or four others. Her flight deck was seriously
damaged, large fires broke out forward and after, but were
quickly got under control. Six officers and 60 ratings were killed and in
addition 55 ratings were wounded. FORESIGHT was hit by a
torpedo bomber. TARTAR took her in tow.
3. At 1855 the covering force turned back and the convoy with the
Tenth Cruiser Squadron, CAIRO, and destroyers (Force X) entered Skerki Channel.
RODNEY's speed was reduced owing to boiler defects.
4. During the night the force was continually
attacked by U boats and E boats. At 2056 NIGERIA and CAIRO were hit by
the same salvo from a U boat. CAIRO had her stern blown off and both engines
disabled. As towing was impracticable she was sunk by
PATHFINDER in position 37-35N, 10-00W. NIGERIA was hit in the forward
boiler room and returned to Gibraltar escorted by four HUNTs. At this time, the
U.S. tanker OHIO was also torpedoed but carried on with the convoy. Rear
Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred to ASHANTI. At 2137,
KENYA was torpedoed by either U boats or E boats but was
able to continue with the convoy. At this time, four merchant ships had been
sunk.
Malta
5. P 35 arrived after a
twelve day passage
from Haifa without incident.
Operation BELLOWS
6. FURIOUS escorted by KEPPEL, VENOMOUS, and WRESTLER arrived
Gibraltar at 2130.
Special Operation
(n.b. Operation WASH LEATHER)
7. As a diversion for Operation PEDESTAL, UNA landed a sabotage
party in Catania Bay, on the night 11th/12th August. As one
of the folboats was smashed by the seas three other ranks were left in
the submarine. At the time the aerodrome and flare paths were lit; no
opposition was met when the party landed. Three officers and three other ranks
failed to make the rendezvous that night and the following night. The results of
the operation are not known, but it is of interest to note that reconnaissance
on the 9th August showed a total of 170 aircraft present.
Thursday, 13th
August 1942
Operation PEDESTAL
An Italian force of four cruisers and eight destroyers which was off
the N.W. coast of Sicily turned back at 0230 without making contact with the
convoy.
2. During the night MANCHESTER was hit by E boats and possibly
mined. She sank at 0400 in Kelibia Roads. Her Commanding Officer (Captain H.
Drew, D.S.C., R.N.) was interned in Tunis along with large numbers of his
ship's company. ESKIMO and SOMALI on passage to Gibraltar picked up 141
survivors from MANCHESTER at 2100.
3. At dawn the convoy was still in an unformed state, but was soon
reorganized. At 0700 five M.T. ships were in company with KENYA, destroyers and
CHARYBDIS who had been detached from the covering force during the night and
had now joined. Four other merchant ships had been sunk by air and E boat
attacks during the day. Worthy of special mention is the U.S. Tanker
OHIO which had been torpedoed by an E boat the previous day
and had managed to rejoin the convoy in hand steering. By the end of the day
she had been immobilized near Linosa Island where attempts to tow her in to
Malta began.
4. At 1800 three merchant ships had arrived in the Grand
Harbour, one of these had been torpedoed.
5. In the vicinity of Lipari Island, P 42 was fortunate in getting
in an attack on the retiring enemy cruisers. One 8" cruiser, the BOLZANO, and a
6" cruiser, the ATTENDOLO were both claimed to have been hit. P.R.U. of the
latter showed her to have 60 feet of her bows blown off in Messina Harbour.
6. WOLVERINE, damaged after ramming a U boat arrived at Gibraltar at
1450.
7. Three merchant ships were handed over by C.S. 10 to the Malta
Force off the end of the swept channel at about 1700. Force X, less PENN,
LEDBURY, and BRAHAM, returned to Gibraltar.
Operation M.G. Four
8. The Rear Admiral Commanding, Fifteenth Cruiser Squadron in
CLEOPATRA with ARETHUSA, SIKH, ZULU, KELVIN, and JAVELIN, carried out a
bombardment of Rhodes Harbour and the Alliotti Flour Mills during the night. Owing
to searchlights and the presence of at least three E boats the bombardment was
carried out at a longer range than intended. As a result of the air attack the
largest area was covered with smoke. Flares were good; salvoes were fired but
hits were not observed or reported. It appears doubtful whether much material
damage was caused, though it should have had some effect on morale.
Diversionary air attacks were carried out on the Maritsa Aerodrome
by the Royal Air Force. JAVELIN attacked a U boat contact from 0654 till
0804 in position 34-45N, 31-04E and reported no doubt that submarine was
destroyed.
9. Rear Admiral Commanding, Fifteenth Cruiser Squadron, in CLEOPATRA
with ARETHUSA, SIKH and ZULU, and CROOME and TETCOTT, arrived at Haifa at 1900.
10. GLOXINIA attacked a contact in position 31-47N, 34-21.5E close
to a convoy on passage from Haifa to Port Said. An aircraft sighted a submarine
six hours later ten miles away and GLOXINIA's attack may well have prevented an
attack on this convoy.
Friday, 14th
August 1942
Operation PEDESTAL
The S.S. BRISBANE STAR arrived at Malta at 1630. She had left the
convoy after having been torpedoed and had spent all day of the 13th in
territorial waters in the Gulf of Hammamet. Under cover of darkness she managed
to reach the limit of fighter protection. One seriously wounded man was landed
at Susa. Owing to incorrect use of a call sign she was thought by Vice Admiral,
Malta to be the KENYA and was ordered to retire to Gibraltar if able;
fortunately, the Master ignored this and carried on to Malta.
2. Towing operations on the OHIO continued all day with PENN,
BRAHAM, RYE, and SPEEDY and by nightfall slow progress was being made up the
swept channel. LEDBURY and M.L.s also assisted.
3. On the return journey, C.S. 10 and force were
attacked by E Boats one of which was sunk. Heavy air attacks were
encountered but no damage was caused.
4. MATCHLESS and BADSWORTH arrived Gibraltar at 1346 with the
Merchant Vessels TROILUS and ORARI.
5. ESKIMO and SOMALI arrived Gibraltar at 1858 with 376 survivors on
board.
6. RODNEY and INDOMITABLE escorted by WESTCOTT, WISHART, AMAZON,
ANTELOPE, VANSITTART, and QUENTIN arrived Gibraltar at 2030.
Submarines
7. TRAVELLER returned from patrol and reported that at 0914/31st
July in position 44-30N, 14-00E she estimated two hits on the ex-Yugoslav
cruiser DALMACIJA who was escorted by three destroyers. At 1045 5th August in
position 42-48N, 14-31E she claimed one hit by gunfire on a German 500 ton U
boat which he had previously missed by torpedoes. This was her Commanding
Officer's (Lieutenant M.B. St John, R.N.) first Mediterranean War Patrol. Tube
and torpedo failures seriously affected what might have been a very successful
patrol. PROTEUS also returned from patrol and reported that at 0730 7th August
northwest of Anti Milo she attacked a convoy of three northbound escorted
merchant ships, sinking one of 7000 tons. At 1040 in the same position, she
estimated one his on an unescorted merchant ship of 9000 tons. Two schooner and
two caiques were also sunk during this patrol, in all cases laden with troops
and stores.
Operation WATERMELON
8. The landing of a sabotage party of five Greek
officers and four other ranks in the vicinity of Kalamata was carried out by
PROTEUS on the night of 2nd/3rd August.
Saturday, 15th
August 1942
Operation PEDESTAL
NIGERIA escorted by KEPPEL, TARTAR, WILTON, BICESTER, and DERWENT
arrived at Gibraltar at 0234.
2. PENN, BRAHAM, and LEDBURY arrived at Malta at 0855 with the
tanker OHIO. This was just reward after many hours efforts in face of air
attack and submarine menace. The majority of the cargo was intact.
3. Senior Officer, Force
"F" in NELSON with VICTORIOUS, PHOEBE,
SIRIUS, KENYA, CHARYBDIS, escorted by ICARUS, LIGHTNING, LOOKOUT, LAFOREY,
INTREPID, PATHFINDER, FURY and ASHANTI arrived Gibraltar at 1942.
Operation AGENDA
4. M.T.B.s 307, 310, 315, and 316 landed a sabotage party in the Ras
El Daba area; two M.T.B.'s covered the landing against E boat attacks. Four
trucks, one large vehicle, and a small store dump were blown up. One officer
and one other rank failed to return. Slight opposition from the shore was encountered
by the M.T.B.s, who sustained neither damage nor casualties.
Levant – Fifteenth
Cruiser Squadron
5. The Rear Admiral Commanding, Fifteenth Cruiser Squadron in
CLEOPATRA with ARETHUSA, DULVERTON, HURWORTH, ZULU, JAVELIN, KELVIN, and
TETCOTT sailed from Haifa to Port Said. The Flag of Rear Admiral (D),
Mediterranean, was transferred from ARETHUSA to WOOLWICH.
6. M.T.B. 73 on passage from Paphos to Port Said sighted a submarine
of the ARGO class on the surface. She attacked with depth charges but the
result was unobserved.
Submarines
7. P 46 arrived at Malta to join the Tenth Submarine Flotilla. Passage
from Gibraltar was uneventful. P 46's part in Operation PEDESTAL was without
incident.
8. UTMOST also arrived from Gibraltar and Operation PEDESTAL to
rejoin the Tenth Submarine Flotilla after a refit in the United Kingdom. UTMOST
probably sank a southbound enemy merchant ship of 6000 tons off Marittimo on
the 10th August.
Miscellaneous
9. Commander in Chief Mediterranean assumed operational control of
all Royal Air Force marine craft employed on air sea rescue duties as from
today.
Sunday, 16th
August 1942
Operation PEDESTAL –
Enemy aircraft Shot Down
By Fleet fighters 39 certain and 5 probables
By A.A. Gunnery 17 certain and 10 probables
By Malta Aircraft 10 certain and 2 probables.
2. The following paragraph is extracted from Senior Officer, Force
F's report of proceedings:
"C.S. 10 is
loud in his praise for both Beaufighters and Spitfires from Malta who seemed
to do everything possible under the circumstances of being bereft of their
Fighter Direction Ships CAIRO and NIGERIA. Long Range Spitfires were out as
early as possible on D.4. Force X had a number of Spitfires overhead for the
remainder of the journey. They shot down a number of enemy aircraft and
undoubtedly greatly reduced the scale of attack."
Casualties
3. Sunk
EAGLE sunk by
German U Boat
CAIRO
torpedoed by U Boat, disabled and sunk by PATHFINDER.
MANCHESTER
torpedo by E boats and probably mined.
FORESIGHT,
hit by torpedo bomber, towed, and later sunk by TARTAR.
Damaged
INDOMITABLE
by air attack
NIGERIA by U
Boats
KENYA by U
boats or E boats
ITHURIEL by
ramming U boats
WOLVERINE by ramming U boats.
4. Merchant Ships
Sunk
EMPIRE HOPE
by bombs or aircraft torpedo
CLAN FERGUSON
by bombs and E boats
DORSET by
bombs
WAIRANGI by E
boats
GLENORCHY by
E boats
ALMERIA LYKES
(U.S.) probably by E Boats
WAIMARAMA
blew up after air attack
SANTA ELISA
(U.S.) by bombs
DEUCALION
damaged by bombs and sunk by torpedo bombers.
Damaged
OHIO (U.S.)
by E boat and air attack
ROCHESTER
STAR by E Boat
BRISBANE STAR
by torpedo bomber
MELBOURNE
STAR sustained damaged in WAIMARAMA blowing up.
Enemy Losses
5. Sunk
Italian U
boat COBALTO
Italian U
boat DAGABUR
Damaged
One 8"
Cruiser (BOLZANO)
One 6"
Cruiser (ATTENDOLO)
One U boat
Levant
6. The Palestinian schooner DANIEL was reported sunk by gunfire from
an U boat at 2330 whilst on passage from Haifa to
Cyrus. She was carrying petrol and all the crew was saved.
7. COVENTRY escorted by JERVIS and PALADIN arrived at Beirut for a
short rest period.
Monday, 17th
August 1942
Operation BARITONE
Reinforcements of 29 Spitfires were flown into Malta from H.M.S.
FURIOUS this afternoon. CHARYBDIS, LAFOREY, LOOKOUT, LIGHTNING, ANTELOPE,
WISHART, DERWENT, KEPPEL, MALCOLM, BICESTER, ESKIMO, SOMALI, and VENOMOUS
provided the escort. One Spitfire crashed on taking off and two others crashed
due to engine trouble.
Levant –
Move ROBERTSBRIDGE
2. The movement of 7000 troops into Cyprus and 4800
out, began today. In Serial One PRINCESS MARGUERITE carrying
approximately a thousand troops was torpedoed and sunk at 1559 in position
32-03N, 32-47E. ANTWERP, also carrying troops, was in company escorted by
KELVIN, BEAUFORT, TETCOTT, and HERO. Eleven hundred survivors
were picked up by HERO and KELVIN. 49 lives were lost and 59 injured. Serial
One was cancelled and all ships returned to Port Said.
Red Sea
3. DIDO arrived at Massawa. ROBERTS was sailed from Suez for Aden
and the Eastern Fleet in accordance with Admiralty's signal timed 1839A of the
16th August.
Miscellaneous
4. The Principal Sea Transport Officer (Egypt) arrived at Baghdad
for a tour of the Persian Gulf ports.
Thursday, 18th
August 1942
Operation BARITONE
FURIOUS and CHARYBDIS escorted by LAFOREY, LOOKOUT, LIGHTNING,
ANTELOPE, WISHART, DERWENT, KEPPEL, MALCOLM, BICESTER, ESKIMO, SOMALI, and
VENOMOUS returned to Gibraltar.
Operation PEDESTAL
2. PENN, BRAHAM, and LEDBURY were sailed at 2100 for Gibraltar at
high speed. PENN had completed repairs sustained during the towing operation
with OHIO. All merchant ships of the convoy continued unloading their cargo.
Levant
3. PALADIN whilst hunting an U boat 125 miles north east of Port
Said shot down one out of two torpedo bombers which attacked her. The entire
crew of this machine, a Savoia 79, were picked up and taken prisoner. KELVIN
who had been hunting with PALADIN, returned to Port Said at 0930 with 82
survivors from PRINCESS MARGUERITE.
Move ROBERTSBRIDGE
4. PRINCESS KATHLEEN, who had replaced PRINCESS MARGUERITE, was
sailed from Port Said for Haifa, escorted by ANTWERP, HERO, BEAUFORT, and
TETCOTT.
Wednesday, 19th
August 1942
Submarines
P 44 returned to Malta from patrol and Operation PEDESTAL. At
2307/17th, P 44 torpedoed and sank a southbound tanker which
had been previously damaged by air attack in position 302 degrees Lampion 29
miles. This was an excellent piece of air and submarine cooperation
which enable P 44 to find her target. The explosion was of extreme
violence and even though at 1500 yards distance P 44 sustained damage which
caused her to return to harbour.
Levant
2. PALADIN, now joined by JERVIS, continued an A/S search for the U
boat which had sunk the PRINCESS MARGUERITE throughout the
night.
Massawa
3. DIDO docked in the Admiralty Floating Dock today. Additional
dockyard labour had been taken south in the ship from Suez for this special
case. She had sustained damage aft due to vibration.
Thursday, 20th
August 1942
Alexandria
KELVIN arrived for quick docking and repairs to her oil fuel tanks.
Port Said
2. JERVIS carried out an A/S sweep north of Port Said during the
night.
Friday, 21st
August 1942
Gibraltar
PENN, BRAHAM, and LEDBURY arrived at 0930 after an uneventful
passage from Malta.
Port Said
2. PORPOISE arrived in harbour with extensive damage to her
batteries. She reported that following a dawn encounter with an Italian
destroyer north of Ras et Tin on 19th August, when she
was depth charged for two hours, that she could not dive. BELVOIR and HURSLEY
were sailed from Alexandria and escorted her into Port Said. Beaufighters gave
fighter protection.
3. During her patrol PORPOISE laid mines in position 32-42N, 23-05E
on the 12th August. Two merchant ships and one CROTONE class minelayer passed
through the minefield three minutes later. At 1022, two miles west of the
minefield, she sank one merchant ship which she had
previously torpedoed. At 1928, 15th August, one southbound merchant ship was
torpedoed and sunk in position 34-45N, 21-32E.
4. PALADIN carried out an A/S sweep north of Port Said during the
night.
Red Sea
5. The U.S.A. CHARLES K. PINCKNEY on passage from America to Suez
with M.T. and ammunition ran aground in position 27-50N, 33-52E on a coral
reef. CONFEDERATE was sailed to her assistance, and after partial discharge of
her cargo, she was able to be refloated a week later.
6. RESOURCE was sailed from Suez to Aden, calling at Port Sudan. She
had been lent to the Eastern Fleet.
Saturday, 22nd
August 1942
Port Said
PALADIN carried out an A/S Sweep north of the harbour throughout the
night.
2. COVENTRY escorted by 3 HUNTS arrived at 1000 from Beirut, the
former immediately transitting the canal.
Attack on U Boat
3. At 0610 an aircraft claimed three hits on a U boat 040 degrees
Port Said 80 miles. COVENTRY on passage detached EXMOOR who was later joined by
BEAUFORT and TETCOTT on her arrival off the searched channel. There was no result
and the hunt was abandoned at nightfall.
H.M.S. ZULU
4. ZULU arrived from boiler cleaning at Suez and was sailed at 2000
for Haifa.
Operation CERES
5. Malta
The Vice Admiral, Malta, reported that the unloading of general
cargo from ships of the convoy was complete except for about 400 tons in the
holds of BRISBANE STAR and ROCHESTER CASTLE, both of whom had been torpedoed. There
was no enemy interference during the whole of this period. Thirty two thousand
tons was unloaded, dispersed, and cleared from dumps mainly by the Army in
eight days.
Submarines
6. P 211 returned to Gibraltar after a short patrol off the east
coast of Sardinia and operation PEDESTAL. On the 16th a 50
ton sailing vessel was sunk by gunfire and the following day a 125 ton
ammunition schooner was blown up by gunfire; both of these were in the Gulf of
Crosei. An empty tanker of 10,000 tons was torpedoed south of Cavoli Island on
the 18th August.
Declaration of War
7. As from p.m. today, Brazil considered herself at war with Germany
and Italy.
Red Sea
8. COVENTRY arrived at Suez for A.A. duties south of
Canal .
Sunday, 23rd
August 1942
Port Said
CROOME escorting S.S. AJAX arrived at 0945. CROOME was sailed for
Alexandria at 2000.
Malta
2. RORQUAL arrived with 48 tons of petrol and other stores for the
garrison. P 34 also arrived after taking part in Operation PEDESTAL and
carrying out short but eventful patrol.
Canal Area
3. The Flag Officer Commanding, Red Sea and Canal Area was informed
that the netting of the Suez Canal project was to cease, as it was considered
that the effort was not worth while. Spotting from shore posts was found
adequate.
Monday, 24th
August 1942
Port Said
KELVIN rejoined Force
A after docking at
Alexandria.
Levant
BEAUFORT and TETCOTT escorted CITY OF LINCOLN from Beirut to Port
Said.
Submarines
3. P 43 returned from patrol off Western Greece. At 0343 on the 20th
August she estimated one hit on a 5000 ton southbound
merchant ship in position 38-57N, 20-24E.
Red Sea
4. Local coast watchers reported a submarine off Siyara (about 20
miles North East of Berbera) during the afternoon. This was substantiated the
following day by a patrol with a British officer. The submarine was 800 yards
from the shore and was seen to move out to seaward and submerge. Air
reconnaissance was carried out but found nothing. POOLE was sent from Aden to
carry out an A/S search.
Tuesday, 25th
August 1942
Western Desert
There was every indication that the enemy was about to renew his
attack. Considerable numbers of mechanized transports and tanks were in the
forward area.
Port Said
2. Moonlight smoke screening trials were carried out over the
harbour, with a view to ascertaining their effect on a defensive measure.
3. BELVOIR arrived Alexandria.
4. THRASHER escorted by JERVIS and KELVIN carried out diving trials
off Port Said, returning to harbour on completion.
5. A U boat was sighted by aircraft on the surface
at 1315 in position 32-03N, 31-40E. JERVIS, JAVELIN, and KELVIN carried out a
search during the day but without result.
6. Force
A came to short notice for steam
in view of possible enemy attack in the Western Desert.
Dodecanese
7. The British Naval Attache, Ankara reported that the Turkish
General Staff confirmed that two Italian cruisers with escort had arrived Leros
and other cruisers were expected. Photographic reconnaissance did not, however,
confirm this.
M.T.B.'s
M.T.B. No. 75 commissioned today at Port Said.
Red Sea
9. DIDO was sailed from Massawa after completion of repairs to her
underwater plates aft. These repairs were completed in six days, a good deal
less than anticipated, largely due to the efforts of Captain Ellsberg, U.S.N.,
head of the North African Mission at Massawa. Officers and ratings were sent in
watches to the Rest Camp at Asmara. Massawa at this time is extremely hot and
DIDO found conditions in the Floating Dock most unpleasant.
10. ARPHA was sailed from Port Sudan to carry out a reconnaissance
of ports and anchorages in the Gulf of Suez, to find suitable unloading berths
for military stores.
Wednesday, 26th
August 1942
Alexandria
ERIDGE and ALDENHAM carried out an anti shipping sweep to the
westward of Alexandria and in addition carried out a short bombardment of the
Daba Area. As no spotting aircraft were available results were unobserved.
Port Said
2. Motor Launch No. 350 commissioned for service today.
3. At 1225 an aircraft claimed two hits on a U boat in position
31-26N, 33-30E. PAKENHAM and KELVIN carried out a search for it without
success.
4. Force A reverted to normal notice for steam.
Levant
5. In a southbound convoy consisting of four merchant ships escorted
by ANTWERP, SOUTHERN SEAS, PROTEA, KLO, and GLOXINIA the British S.S. EMPIRE
KUMARI was torpedoed by a U boat in position 31-53N, 34-10E at 1840.
She was taken in tow by GLOXINIA and later BRIGAND, reaching Haifa
the following day. Her engines were completely wrecked. ZULU and PROTEA
acted as close screen during towing operations. There were no other casualties
in the convoy; BRIGAND had two torpedoes fired at her and following morning,
which missed. The EMPIRE KUMARI sank later in the outer anchorage of Haifa. Her
Master had refused to allow the ship to be beached. Later it was discovered
that pumps could not compete with the water until salvage parties could board
her.
Wednesday, 27th
August 1942
Alexandria
CROOME and HURSLEY patrolled to the westward as far as Ras Kenayia
but found nothing.
Port Said
2. JERVIS and JAVELIN carried out an A/S search to the westward of
Port Said with air cooperation during the night.
Motor Torpedo Boats
3. Motor Torpedo Boat 76 was commissioned at Port Said today.
Thursday, 28th
August 1942
Alexandria
ERIDGE and ALDENHAM carried out an anti shipping sweep to the
westward, but sighted nothing.
Move ROBERTSBRIDGE
2. S.S. PRINCESS KATHLEEN escorted by BELVOIR, DULVERTON, EXMOOR,
and BEAUFORT arrived Port Said at 0730 completing the final serial of the
operation.
Port Said
3. DULVERTON and EXMOOR were sailed at 1900 for Haifa. DIDO arrived
after docking at Massawa.
Saturday, 29th
August 1942
Operation M.G. Six
ERIDGE, CROOME, and HURSLEY carried out a bombardment of the Daba
area at 0415. This was successfully carried out, several fires being started
amongst stores and Motor Transport. On completion of the bombardment, ERIDGE
was torpedoed by what appeared to be a one man torpedo
boat in position 31-07N, 28-26E.
2. ALDENHAM had been acting as E boat cover during the operation. ERIDGE
was hit in the after engine room and was unable to steer or steam and was taken
in tow by ALDENHAM. From 0615 till 1305 the force was
continuously attacked by enemy aircraft in spite of fighter protection. The
force reached Alexandria at 1700. Casualties in ERIDGE were five ratings killed
and five wounded. The one man torpedo boat was
destroyed by CROOME and ERIDGE and an E Boat was shortly afterwards destroyed
by a Swordfish from 815 Squadron.
Alexandria
3. A few enemy aircraft dropped bombs in the Mex area without
causing damage.
Port Said
4. BEAUFORT and BELVOIR were sailed for Alexandria at 1300.
Haifa
5. The Fighting French sloop LA MOQUEUSE was paid off and taken in
hand for an extensive refit.
6. Moonlight smoke screening trials were carried out over the
harbour.
Red Sea
7.
ORION escorting W.S. 21 P.
arrived at Aden. She had completed an extensive refit in the U.S.A. and United
Kingdom after being seriously damaged in the Battle of Crete. She sailed later
in the day for Suez as A.A. escort in company with EMPRESS OF JAPAN.
8. S.S. CAIRO CITY was seriously damaged by fire in Suez Bay from
unknown causes.
Swedish Relief Ships
9. The following ships arrived at Piraeus from Gothenburg and
Montreal with wheat supplies for Greece and had been granted safe conduct by
the belligerent powers:
S.S. FORMOSA, CAMELIA, and EROS.
Sunday, 30th
August 1942
Western Desert
Photographic reconnaissance of Tobruk showed today a total of 54 F
boats in harbour, the highest number so far recorded.
Operation GELDING
2. M.T.B.'s 315 (Senior Officer), 311, 312, 307, 305, and 316 were
sailed from Alexandria to attack enemy shipping en route to North Africa from
the Aegean. The last three M.T.B.s mentioned acted as tankers to refuel the
others west of Alexandria.
Malta
3. CLYDE arrived with petrol stores and some aircraft torpedoes.
Levant
4. The following ships were escorting convoys:
Northbound – H.M.S. SNAPDRAGON, H.M.S.A.S.
SOUTHERN MAID, H.M.S.A.S. SOUTHERN ISLES, H.M.S. CUMBRAE, and H.M.S. BURRA.
Southbound - H.M.S. ERICA,
H.M.S. GLOXINIA, H.M.S. ISLAY, H.M.S. KLO, and H.H.M.S. SAKTOURIS
Monday, 31st
August 1942
Western Desert
The enemy attack in the Western Desert began at 0030 today after a
long period of static warfare.
Port Said
2. Force
A came to short notice for steam.
Malta
3. During August, the R.N.A.S., flying Hurricane Bombers carried out
four successful sorties over enemy aerodromes in Sicily.
Cyprus
4. At 0530 an explosion occurred in a loaded military petrol lighter
lying alongside the pier at Larnaca. The lighter was burnt out and slight
damage was done to the pier. It was considered that the explosion was due to an
accident and not sabotage. One man was killed.
Red Sea
5. During August, H.M.S. ENDEAVOUR completed a survey of Mersa
Halaib anchorage.
Submarines
Our submarine were disposed as follows:
At Malta
– P 35 (damaged)
On passage to
patrol area off Kithera – UNA
On passage
from minelaying operations off Corfu to Beirut – RORQUAL
On passage
off Cephalonia – UTMOST
On passage to
patrol off Messina – P 42
On patrol
north of Ras el Hilal – P 46
On patrol
Tobruk area – THRASHER
On passage to
Tobruk area – TRAVELLER
On passage to
Aegean – H.H.M.S. PAPANICOLIS
At Beirut - TURBULENT,
TAKU, PROTEUS, and H.H.M.S. NEREUS
At Port Said
– PORPOISE
At Ismailia
– H.H.M.S. KATSONIS (refitting)
Axis Shipping Losses
7. During the month, 13 ships totaling 67,600 tons and 8 ships
totaling 50,200 tons were sunk and damaged respectively.
SUMMARY OF EVENTS FOR
August 1942
GENERAL
The land situation in the Western Desert remained static until the
last day of the month when the enemy launched his attack. He had brought up a
large number of paratroops into Libya which so far
have been utilized as infantry. As Alexandria was still within escorted bomber
range the Fleet continued to remain dispersed between Haifa and Port
Said. A force of four HUNTS and one Flotilla of M.T.B.s was
based on Alexandria throughout the month.
2. The main event during August was the passage of a convoy to Malta
from Gibraltar. Our losses were undoubtedly heavy, but after strenuous efforts,
five merchant ships, including the tanker, reached Malta. With drastic cuts it
was estimated that they could last out until the end of December. Petrol,
though, was still very short. A diversionary convoy was sailed from Port Said
and Haifa at the same time as that in the west, which turned back to the
westward of Cyprus. Subsequently a bombardment of Rhodes was
carried out by a small force of cruisers.
Alexandria
3. Offensive sweeps to the westward against E
Boats were frequently carried out by two HUNTS, although all were
without incident. Two bombardments of the Daba area were successfully
completed. M.T.B.s landed a sabotage raiding party in the El Daba area causing
some damage to the enemy's trucks and supply dumps. Plans for blocking Mersa
Matruh reached an advanced stage, but were finally abandoned, primarily due to
the impossibility of providing fighter cover, and the presence of strong
coastal defences.
Central Mediterranean
4. Submarines and aircraft attacks continued to interfere with the
enemy's supply lines to Libya. The resulting figure of 13 ships definitely
sunk, totally 67,600 tons, was encouraging.
5. An example of good air and submarine cooperation was afforded by
P 44's sinking of a loaded enemy tanker which had been
stopped and damaged in the vicinity of Lampion.
6. PORPOISE laid a minefield in the Gulf of Bomba in the path of an
approaching convoy. She subsequently torpedoed and sank two laden merchant
ships.
Levant
7. U boats were active but their results were not commensurate with
their losses. SIKH, ZULU, CROOME, and TETCOTT destroyed the German U Boat 372
after many hours of hunting. She was forced to surface as a result of depth
charges, surrendered, and quickly sank badly damaged. It is interesting to note
that this U Boat had previously sunk MEDWAY in June.
8. An Italian U Boat, probably the SCIRE, was sunk by ISLAY off the
Haifa swept channel. There were no survivors and she appeared to be fitted for
the carriage of Human torpedoes. Diving and subsequent searches failed to
reveal the actual presence of any Human Torpedoes; two bodies were, however,
recovered wearing escape apparatus. JAVELIN made a very promising attack on a U
boat west of Cyprus and an aircraft claimed hits on another north of Port Said.
9. The enemy's net gain for the definite loss of two U boats was one
merchant ship and two schooners sunk.
10. The submarine base at Beirut was completed and working
satisfactorily. It was capable of fuelling and operating one Flotilla of
submarines, though dockings and battery refits have to be carried out
elsewhere.
11. An operation for the relief of personnel took place during the month.
S.S. PRINCESS MARGUERITE with over a thousand personnel on board was
unfortunately sunk by an U boat shortly after leaving Port Said at the
beginning of the move. There were over a hundred casualties, including 49
killed, nearly all of whom were military personnel.
12. The Fifteenth Cruiser Squadron carried out several exercises
between Port Said and Haifa.
Red Sea
13. DIDO was docked in the Admiralty Floating Dock at Massawa for
repairs to her plates aft.
14. Nineteen Italian internees were intercepted by
ARPHA and SAGITTA off the Yemen Coast south of Jedda.
Malta
15. OTUS, RORQUAL, and CLYDE carried supplies of petrol, aircraft
torpedoes and ammunition for the garrison. The ships of the convoy were all
unloaded without enemy air interference.
16. FURIOUS flew in Spitfire reinforcements on two occasions, before
and after Operation PEDESTAL.
Changes on the Station
17. RESOURCE left for the Eastern Fleet
ROBERTS left for Freetown
OTUS left for repairs in the United Kingdom.
Casualties in the Eastern
Mediterranean
18. THORN overdue and presumed
lost
PORPOISE damaged by depth charges.
MEDITERRANEAN WAR DIARY –
September 1942
Tuesday, 1st
September 1942
Operation Gelding
During the night 31/8 August/1 September, M.T.B.s 315, 311, and 312,
who had reached a position south of Crete were forced to turn back owing to the
weather. On the return journey to Alexandria, enemy aircraft made repeated
attacked on this force, on attacked included ten aircraft; all were repulsed
and no damage or casualties were sustained by the M.T.B.s who arrived at
Alexandria at 1040.
Western Desert
2. Heavy fighting took place throughout the day. The enemy continued
to make slight progress in the Southern sector of the El Alamein line, but
suffered severely in tank losses.
Submarines
3. P 35 returned to Malta from patrol and reported that at 0748/27
in position 35-39N, 23-05E sank a 6500 ton southbound
merchant ship; this ship was in a convoy of two merchant ships escorted by two
destroyers.
4. TURBULENT returned from a
27 day patrol
in the vicinity of Crete and Western Greece. There were many sightings but only
one opportunity for an attack occurred, which TURBULENT took. At 1633 on the
17th August in position 36-35N, 21-34E she obtained one hit on each of two
large merchant ships escorted by three destroyers. During the course of her
patrol, two special operations were carried out. On the night of 8th/9th
August, two men were brought off from the southeast corner of Crete and on the
night of 12th/13th August, two Greeks were landed in the Gulf of Arcadia on the
western coast of Greece.
Yugo Slav Submarines
5. The Yugo Slav submarine NEBOSCJA was handed over to the British
Admiralty on loan under the following conditions:
1). Available
Yugo Slav members of the crew will be embarked in the submarine.
2). When a
fully trained Yugo Slav crew is available, the submarine will be returned.
3). This
submarine can be used for any purpose considered fit by the Admiralty.
4). The Yugo
Slav flag will be flown.
Aden
6. H.M.S. RESOURCE was sailed from Aden for Kilindini. She had been
lent to the Eastern Fleet, as during the present situation, the Commander in
Chief considered she was unable to do her full share of repair work in the
Mediterranean.
U Boat Activity
7. A British aircraft sighted a submarine on the surface at noon in
the Cape Guardafui area.
The British S.S. GAZCON was torpedoed and sunk by an enemy
(n.b. Japanese inserted in ink) in
position 13-01N, 50-41E at 2315. Survivors were picked up by S.S. GRAINTON and
landed at Aden on the 4th September. This ship was on passage from New York to
Alexandria with a cargo consisting chiefly of motor transport, tanks, planes,
and ammunition.
Wednesday, 2nd
September 1942
Western Desert
There were signs that the enemy's attack was failing. Meanwhile the
R.A.F. carried out very heavy bombing attacks on his armour and motor
transport.
Alexandria
2. H.M.S. CROOME and HURSLEY carried out a patrol for a suspected
enemy submarine to seaward. M.L.s 1032 and 1083 patrolled close inshore.
Malta
3. The Naval Air Squadron secured two hits on a medium sized
merchant vessel off Cape Spartivento.
Port Said
4. The hospital ship MAINE was sailed from Ismailia to Port Said for
bunkering and storing; on completion she returned to her former anchorage.
Miscellaneous
5. The Principal Sea Transport Officer (Egypt) returned after a tour
of the Persian Gulf ports.
Thursday, 3rd
September 1942
Western Desert
The enemy who had advanced in the Southern sector of the Alamein
line was unable to penetrate our armour on the Ruweisat Ridge. He decided to
cut his losses and began a withdrawal behind his minefields.
Levant
2. At 2000, 2nd September, Rear Admiral Commanding, Fifteenth
Cruiser Squadron in CLEOPATRA with DIDO, ARETHUSA, JERVIS, KELVIN, JAVELIN, AND
PAKENHAM sailed from Port Said to carry out a night bombardment exercise with
EURYALUS, DULVERTON, EXMOOR, HERO, and TETCOTT who had sailed from Haifa at the
same time. On completion, EURYALUS returned to Port Said and DIDO to Haifa.
The remaining units as before.
3. The Palestinian S.S. ARNON was attacked by gunfire from an enemy
submarine in position 34-59N, 35-51E. The ship was beached and then torpedoed. She
was sailing unescorted from Tripoli (Syria) to Palestine. All the crew
were saved. The ship was a total loss. Two schooners were
also attacked in this area; one was sunk and the other was later towed to
Rouad.
Red Sea
4. The Master of the S.S. BRITISH GENIUS on arrival at
Aden, reported that a torpedo exploded near is ship in
position 13-00N, 48-04E at 100 G.M.T.
Miscellaneous
5. The Italian Hospital ship GRADISCA was attacked
by a Beaufort in error at position 35-56N, 24-33E. The ship was
machine gunned and torpedoes were fired, but no damage
resulted.
Friday, 4th
September 1942
Western Desert
BEAUFORT and ALDENHAM carried out an anti shipping sweep to the
westward, but found nothing. A.S.V. aircraft patrolled close inshore to signal
reports of shipping, if found.
Italian Sabotage Landing
2. During the night, an Italian sabotage party of one officer and
thirteen other ranks from the San Marco Marines landed sixteen miles west of
Agami from an E boat. This was quite close to the Tactical Eighth Army
Headquarters. The water pipe line and railway were cut. The entire
party were later taken prisoners. Two enemy E boats are
known to have taken part in the operation, of which one turned back. H.M.S.
BEAUFORT on patrol, did, however, encounter one of
these but incorrectly assumed it to be an H.S.L. Launch known to be on patrol.
Attack on Enemy Convoy
3. An enemy convoy of three merchant ships with a destroyer escort
was sighted at 0105 in position 33-18N, 24-15E, steering south.
These ships were attacked by Wellingtons and Liberators
throughout the night, and at dawn by Hudsons. One tanker and two merchant ships
were definitely sunk. Hospital ships north of Tobruk were seen picking up
survivors. In addition to all, one destroyer was seriously damaged. H.M.S. P 34
claimed one hit on the rear ship of the convoy, and was accurately counter
attacked, forcing her to return to Malta with some damage. This was her last
patrol on the Station before refitting in the United Kingdom.
Alexandria
4. A Seaman Guard Battalion was formed for guarding vulnerable
points in the Alexandria area and came under the orders of General Officer
Commanding, British Troops in Egypt. This was a result of the Egyptian Army,
who would no longer undertake to guard vulnerable points on land in the event
of enemy attacks on the Delta.
Port Said
5. H.M.S. KELVIN picked up the crew of a Bisley Blenheim of the 15th
S.A.A.F. Squadron which had crashed north of Damietta
the previous evening whilst on A/S patrol.
6. H.M.S. EURYALUS transitted the Suez Canal on passage south.
Enemy U boats
7. The following signal was made by the Commander in Chief to the
Mediterranean Station:
"Enemy U boats in the Mediterranean suffered greater loss by sinking
and damage during August than in any month since June 1940.
This results in
the greatest credit on all Naval and Air Force personnel engaged in this
work and I congratulate them on their fine achievement."
Malta
8. The Commander in Chief sent a telegram to the Governor of Malta
expressing the gratitude (n.b. pen
correction, gratitude crossed out and "congratulations" is inserted) of the
whole Mediterranean Fleet to the people of Malta on the occasion of the
anniversary of the Great Siege of Malta.
Red Sea
9. The Commodore, Aden, reported that POOLE was being employed on
convoy escort as far eastward as 500 miles. She was the only escort vessel
available.
M.T.B.'s
10. Motor Torpedo Boat No. 65 commissioned today.
Saturday, 5th
September 1942
Western Desert
In view of last night's enemy landing, increased military patrols
were established between Burg El Arab and Agami.
Alexandria
2. H.M.S. CROOME and HURWORTH on E boat patrol to the westward
during the night, met nothing.
Red Sea
3. In the view of the presence of enemy U boats in the Gulf of Aden,
H.M.S. HERO and TETCOTT were sailed during the night from Haifa to Aden as A/S
reinforcements.
Turkey
4. S.S. NIRPURA arrived at Iskanderun with a cargo of over four
hundred horses from Australia. She was escorted from Port Said by the Free
French ship COMMANDANT DOMINE and the Greek destroyer PAUL KONDOURITIS. Over
ninety horses had died in passage. At 0814/4, she had struck an unchartered
shoal in position 32-23.5N, 34-51.2E. No damage occurred.
Red Sea
5. Commodore in Charge, Aden, was ordered to make arrangements for
setting up R.D.F. stations on Dameira and Perim Islands.
Commander in Chief
6. Mr. Wendell Wilkie stayed with Admiral Harwood at Admiralty
House.
Sunday, 6th
September 1942
Alexandria
H.M. Ships CROOME and HURWORTH carried out an anti shipping search
to the westward of Alexandria during the night, but found nothing.
Levant
2. An unidentified schooner was sunk by gunfire from a U boat at
1128 in position 35-28N, 35-40E.
Red Sea: 158th M/S Group
3. The minesweeping trawler AIGLON arrived at Aden to join the
Mediterranean Fleet.
Monday, 7th
September 1942
Western Desert
There was little activity during the day. The enemy was practically
back on to his former positions on the El Alamein line.
Alexandria
2. H.M.S. BEAUFORT and ALDENHAM carried out a shipping sweep to the
westward during the night, but found nothing.
Submarines
3. H.M.S. UTMOST and P 46 arrived at Malta from unsuccessful patrols
in the Central Mediterranean.
4. H.M.S. RORQUAL returned from patrol off Corfu. Fifteen mines were
laid in position 39-17N, 20-18E on 30th August. At 1529/30th August, she
probably sank a lightly laden southbound merchant ship in the vicinity of
Corfu. Owing to defects to her minelaying gear further operations could not be
carried out.
5. S.S. VACPORT, escorted by DELPHINIUM, passage from Haifa to
Beirut, grounded in position 33-24N, 35-13E. She was subsequently refloated
with assistance of H.M. Tug TIENSTIN.
6. H.M.S. JAVELIN and PALADIN carried out an A/S search for a U boat
sighted in position 31-46N, 32-03E.
7. The Palestinian schooner SALINA was sunk by gunfire from a
submarine at 1115 in position 35-31N, 35-42E. All the crew were
saved.
8. In view of recent U boat activity two M.L.'s were sailed from
Beirut to Tripoli (Syria).
Fleet Air Arm
9. The following message was sent by the Air
Officer Commander in Chief, Middle East to Albacore Squadrons of the Fleet Air
Arm:
"Please convey to 826 and 821 Squadrons my sincere congratulations
on their magnificent work with and for the Wellingtons. There is no doubt that
these continuous night attacks were one of the decisive factors in crushing the
enemy's attack. The successful conclusion of this phase of the land battle may
well prove to be a turning point in the war in Africa."
Tuesday, 8th
September 1942
Alexandria
H.M. Ships BEAUFORT and ALDENHAM repeated their patrol to the
westward during the night with incident.
Port Said
2. H.M. Ships JERVIS and KELVIN took over the A/S hunt for a
suspected U boat north of Port Said from JAVELIN and PALADIN. This was
unsuccessful.
Suez
3. H.E.M.S. EL AMIRA
FAWZIA which had been sunk in
an air raid at the end of July was refloated.
Station Appointment
4. Captain A.G.V. Hubback, R.N. assumed command as Captain Coastal
Forces, Eastern Mediterranean. This included all M.T.B.s, Fairmiles, and M.L.
Flotillas on the Station.
Wednesday, 9th
September 1942
Western Desert
There was little fighting, the enemy being on the defensive on all
fronts. In the south, we were now holding the Munassib-Himeimat line.
Port Said
2. Rear Admiral Commanding, Fifteenth Cruiser Squadron in CLEOPATRA
with ARETHUSA, ORION, and destroyers carried out exercises north of Port Said. On
completion, ORION escorted by SIKH and ZULU was sailed fro Haifa. H.M.S.
CLEOPATRA had to return early due to strained plates aft. H.M.S. COVENTRY
damaged her stern in collision with A Lighter 120 in Port Said Harbour.
Levant
3. All schooner traffic north of Tripoli was suspended. The
following ships were escorting convoys.
Northbound: SNAPDRAGON, H.M.S.A.S. SOUTHERN ISLES, SOUTHERN MAID and
BURRA
Southbound: GLOXINIA, DELPHINIUM,
H.M.S.A.S.
SOUTHERN SEAS
From Beirut to Famagusta: H.H.M.S. IERAX and F.F.S. COMMANDANT
DOMINE
Thursday, 10th
September 1942
Submarines
H.M.S. CLYDE returned to Gibraltar after a storing trip to Malta.
Friday, 11th
September 1942
Levant
S.S. FOUDIEH escorted by H.H.M.S. IERAX and F.F.S. COMMANDANT DOMINE
arrived at Famagusta from Beirut with 250 service personnel.
Suez
2. H.E.M.S.
FAWZIA which had been sunk in an air
raid on Suez Bay at the end of July was raised by S.S. CONFEDERATE.
Saturday, 12th
September 1942
Operation AGREEMENT –
Preliminary Movements
A combined operation under the command of Captain (D), Twenty second
Flotilla to destroy shipping and port facilities in Tobruk Harbour
Force A
H.M. Ships
SIKH and ZULU were sailed from Haifa to Alexandria arriving after dark. Both
ships completed with fuel and extra ammunition. The strictest secrecy was
maintained in order not to disclose the presence of the Royal Marines
Force C
Eighteen
M.T.B.s and three Fairmiles were sailed from Alexandria at dusk with 150
support troops to take part in Operation AGREEMENT. One M.T.B. was forced to
return with engine defects, her troops being transferred to an M.L.
Force D
H.M. Ships
COVENTRY, DULVERTON, HURSLEY, BELVOIR, CROOME, and HERO sailed at 2000 from
Port Said to rendezvous with Captain (D), Twenty Second Destroyer Flotilla off
Alexandria.
Western Desert
2. Wellingtons mined the entrance and channel in Mersa Matruh
harbour during the night.
Change of Flag Officers
3. Rear Admiral A.J. Power, C.B., C.V.O. relieved Rear Admiral Philip
L. Vian, K.B.E., D.S.O. as Rear Admiral Commanding the Fifteenth Cruiser
Squadron.
Miscellaneous
4. 201 Naval Cooperation Group Rear Headquarters at Abu Sweir
returned to Combined Headquarters, Alexandria.
Sunday, 13th
September 1942
Operation AGREEMENT
Captain (D), Twenty Second Destroyer Flotilla in SIKH with ZULU,
HURWORTH, BEAUFORT, EXMOOR, and ALDENHAM were sailed from Alexandria at 0600 to
rendezvous with COVENTRY and the remainder of the Fifth Destroyer Flotilla.
Operation M.G. Seven
2. H.M.S. DIDO escorted by JERVIS, JAVELIN, PAKENHAM, PALADIN, and
KELVIN was sailed from Port Said at 1500 for a bombardment in support of the
Operation.
Submarines
3. H.M.S. P 34 returned from patrol with slight damage after an
unsuccessful attack on a heavily escorted southbound convoy of three merchant
ships in position 36-17N, 21-03E at 0921/8th September.
4. P 42 returned from her patrol and reported that at 2004 on 7th
September, she had shelled a bridge over the Amendolia River, west of Spartivento,
securing twelve hits. On the evening of 8th September, P 42 bombarded a bridge
near the railway in the Gulf of Squallios since no trains appeared.
Special Operation
5. Captain R. Wilson, D.S.C., Royal Artillery of the Special Boat
section with a new type of self propelled depth keeping limpet was landed off
Crotone Harbour on the night of 3rd/4th September; due to A/S craft hunting, P
42 had to withdraw for some hours, and subsequent search did not locate him.
Port Said
6. M.L. 351 commissioned for service today.
Levant
7. The Turkish ferry DERINGE on passage from Beirut to Alexandretta
ran aground in position 326 Latakia 3.6 miles. H.H.M.S. SAKTOURIS was escorting
her with the new Greek Commander in Chief.
Change of Flag Officer
8. Commodore P. Todd, C.B.E., D.S.O. relieved Rear Admiral I.G.
Glennie and assumed duties of Commodore (Destroyers), Mediterranean
Monday, 14th September 1942
Operation AGREEMENT
Intentions
H.M. Ships SIKH and ZULU, with a force of 350 Royal Marines, were to
land north of Tobruk harbour and the M.T.B.s with 150 support troops for our
land forces were to land in an inlet outside the south end of Tobruk Harbour.
2. On completion of the demolitions, the forces would withdraw to
the destroyers, who would spend the day inside Tobruk covered by the enemy gun
positions manned by us.
Sequence of Events
3. Out
forces proceeding to the westward were not attacked by enemy aircraft, though an enemy reconnaissance did sight COVENTRY
and her Fifth Destroyer Flotilla before SIKH and ZULU had joined.
4. During the night, the
military force, which had proceeded overland from Kufra, penetrated Tobruk
perimeter and at 0120 reported that they had captured the gun positions at
Marsa Umm Es Sciausc, an inlet outside the south end of Tobruk Harbour. Unless
this objective had been attained, the operation would have had to be
discontinued.
5. As cover for the
operation, a heavy air attack on Tobruk took place from 2130 to 0300. Many
fires were started and several particularly large explosions took place.
6. At 0130, TAKU reported
that the weather was suitable for landings by Assault Craft at Mersa Mreira. The
landing of the Beach Marking Party in Folbots failed due to swell.
7. Only two of the
seventeen M.T.B.s succeeded in landing their troops;
both of these grounded and one was unable to get off and had to be destroyed. Many
of the M.T.B.s attempted to enter Tobruk Harbour, but failed owning to the
heavy gun opposition and searchlights.
8. At 0400 destroyers
landed their first flight of about 200 at Mersa Mreira, and this force got
ashore unopposed, later they met heavy opposition. It appears possible that the
assault craft landed in the wrong bay and were wrecked, probably losing
direction as a result of the heavy fires ashore. They did not return for the
second flight. SIKH closed to one mile off the shore to locate them. At this
close range, SIKH was sighted and at 0530 was engaged by shore batteries, her
steering gear and starboard engine being put out of action. ZULU took her in
tow, but further hits parted the tow. At 0800, Captain (D), Twenty Second
Destroyer Flotilla ordered ZULU to part company and return to Alexandria. SIKH
was last seen close to the shore, heavily on fire and being repeatedly hit, but
firing all guns. The sinking of SIKH and enforced departure of ZULU completed
wrecked the withdrawal plans.
9. The Royal Marines
fought for some time North of Tobruk town and advanced towards the harbour as
intended but eventually they must have run out of ammunition. Some explosions
as of demolitions were seen and heard on shore after daylight. The majority of
SIKH's crew and the remaining Royal Marines managed to get ashore and are
prisoners of war.
10. The Military forces
are known to have held the area south end of the harbour until 0600 on the 14th
when the M.T.B.s left.
11. The latter were
repeatedly attacked by high level and dive bombers; apart from a few near
misses they came through unscathed.
12. At 0900 COVENTRY and
the Fifth Destroyer Flotilla were ordered to return to the westward to support
ZULU, who was retiring to the north east at high speed. ALDENHAM and BELVOIR
were detached to Alexandria to fuel. The M.T.B.s retired in groups of four or
less towards Alexandria.
13. COVENTRY was hit by
enemy aircraft at 1140 and became heavily on fire. At 1213, she was abandoned. DULVERTON,
EXMOOR, HURWORTH took off survivors and proceeded to Alexandria.
(N.B.
pencil notation: EXMOOR and HURWORTH scored out and
BEAUFORT added with a question mark). CROOME and HURSLEY tried to sink her by depth charges and gunfire. ZULU,
after having avoided some eighty attacks joined CROOME and HURSLEY at 1515 and
sank COVENTRY with torpedoes in position 32-45N, 28-17E.
14. ZULU
was hit at 1615 by the last bomb in the last attack and disabled. HURSLEY took her in tow, but at 2154 she sank in
position 32-00N, 28-56E.
15. At the same time as
the attack on Tobruk L.R.D.G. forces with a small naval demolition party were
to attack shipping and block Benghazi harbour.
Operation M.G. SEVEN
16. As
a diversion to Operation AGREEMENT a bombardment of the Daba area was carried
out by DIDO at 0001 for thirty
minutes. 350 rounds were fired, 50% hits being in the main target area. JERVIS,
JAVELIN, PALADIN, PAKENHAM, and KELVIN escorted DIDO. The entire force returned
to Port Said at 1530 without incident.
Western Mediterranean
17. A Sunderland sank a U
boat at 1510 in position 37-28N, 04-35E. The U boat was sighted on the surface
and opened fire at a range of two miles, it was seen to submerge with a portion
of her crew on deck, finally sank bows first. Thirty six
men were counted in the water.
Levant
18. Schooner traffic north
of Tripoli (Syria) was resumed.
19. The Turkish ferry
steamer DERINGE was refloated and continued her voyage Alexandretta.
Submarines
20. H.M.S. UNA returned
from a patrol in the Kithera area and reported that at 1106 on 10th September
in position 35-11.5N, 23-28.5E she probably sank a 4000 ton
northbound merchant ship similar to the RAMB class.
Tuesday, 15th
September 1942
Operation AGREEMENT
By 1500, twelve M.T.B.s and one M.L. had returned to harbour.
2. The following ships were lost during the operation.
H.M.S.
COVENTRY
H.M.S. SIKH
H.M.S. ZULU
M.T.B.s 308,
310, 312, 314
M.L.s 352 and
353
Slightly damaged
H.M.S. CROOME
and M.L. 354
The majority
of the M.T.B.s suffered minor damage as a result of these operations.
Casualties in H.M. Ships
were:
H.M.S.
COVENTRY Killed and Missing 3 officers,
61 ratings
H.M.S. ZULU Killed and Missing 4 officers and 34 ratings
M.T.B.s and
M.L.s Killed and Missing 8 officers and
41 ratings
H.M.S. SIKH Killed and
Missing 2 officers and 20 ratings. Some 200 captured
Western Desert
3. Units of the L.R.D.G. occupied Jalo Oasis, destroying considerable
material and subsequently retiring.
Submarines
4. The Greek submarine PAPANICOLIS returned from a patrol in the
Aegean. During the night of 4th/5th September an aerodrome sabotage part was
successfully landed near Rhodes. The remainder of this patrol was uneventful.
Canal Area
5. H.M.S. EURYALUS arrived at Port Said. The Flag of the Rear
Admiral Commanding, Fifteenth Cruiser Squadron was transferred to EURYALUS from
CLEOPATRA who was sailed for refit at Massawa.
Wednesday, 16th
September 1942
Port Said
H.M.S. BEAUFORT and BELVOIR, escorting S.S. LOWLANDER arrived from
Alexandria.
Canal Area
2. H.M.S. CLEOPATRA transitted the Canal on passage to Massawa
Levant
3. H.M.S. EXMOOR and ALDENHAM arrived at Haifa from Alexandria.
Red Sea
4. H.M.S. PETARD arrived at Aden to join the Mediterranean Station
and was sailed to Port Said.
5. S.S. OCEAN HONOUR was torpedoed, shelled, and sunk by an U boat
at 0600 in position 12-48N, 50-50E She was bound for the Middle East and had a
cargo which chiefly consisted of M.T. and ammunition.
Thursday, 17th
September 1942
Submarines
H.M.S. P 45 returned to Malta after a patrol in the Anti Kithera
area and north of Crete.
Suez
2. H.M.S. BEAUFORT arrived from Port Said for boiler cleaning and a
short refit.
Friday, 18th
September 1942
Malta
Beaufighters bombed and left stationary a 2,000
ton merchant ship off Kelibia. Reconnaissance on the following day
showed a very large quantity of wreckage in this area. Beaufighters also attacked
three schooners with bombs and cannon fire east of Tripoli. All the ships were
hit and one was left stationary and on fire.
Submarines
H.M.S. TALISMAN who was on passage from Gibraltar to Beirut to
rejoin the Mediterranean Station was overdue at Malta and had to be considered
lost. It is possible that she attacked a merchant vessel off Marittimo p.m. on
the 16th September and that she was successfully counterattacked; there was
partial confirmation of this from the Italian news.
Royal Marines
3. The Eleventh Royal Marine Battalion was moved from Alexandria to
Haifa to reorganize and train. After the Tobruk operations, their strength was
reduced to about one company.
Saturday, 19th
September 1942
Submarines
H.M.S. P 44 returned to Malta from patrol and reported having sunk
by gunfire and torpedoes a 200 ton schooner and a
small merchant vessel Ziliten Roads (west of Misurata) on 17th September.
2. H.M.S. P 211 joined the Tenth Submarine Flotilla at Malta after
an uneventful passage from Gibraltar.
Levant
3. H.M.S. EURYALUS escorted by EXMOOR and BELVOIR arrived at Haifa
after carrying out exercises whilst on passage from Port Said. ORION, escorted
by JERVIS, KELVIN, and JAVELIN was sailed from Haifa for exercises with
EURYALUS during passage to Port Said.
Canal Area
4. H.M.S. DIDO was docked at Massawa for hull repairs.
Commander in Chief
5. Admiral Harwood visited the General Officer Commanding Eighth
Army and the Air Officer Commanding, Western Desert, at the Main Headquarters of
the Eighth Army.
Sunday, 20th
September 1942
Submarines
H.M.S. TRAVELLER arrived at Beirut from patrol. At 0235/5 in
position 33-02N, 23-13E she torpedoed and sank a heavily laden merchant ship. At
2140/5 in position 33-27N, 21-59E she estimated one hit on a 3000
ton northbound merchant ship.
Special Operation ANGLO
2. TRAVELLER re embarked one officer and one Royal Marine rank from
the vicinity of Calato on the night of 17th/18th September. These were all that
remained of a party who had been landed earlier in the month from PAPANICOLIS. They
reported that 13 to 15 aircraft had been destroyed on the Calato Aerodrome on
the night of 12th/13th September.
Monday, 21st
September 1942
Submarines
H.M.S. P 212 arrived at Gibraltar from a working up patrol off the
western coast of Sardinia. Two schooners were sunk by
gunfire, one off Colummagia and the other off Cape Argentierra. She also
fired a torpedo into the wharf at Buggerru which
exploded among some schooners.
Red Sea
2. At 0238, H.M.S. EMPIRE PINTAIL on passage from the U.S.A. to Suez
ran aground on Hindi Gider Reef near Port Sudan in position 19-23N, 37-54E. This
ship was carrying British and U.S. cargo and still retained her commissioned
crew, wearing the white ensign.
Malta
3. H.M.S. PROTEUS, on passage to the United Kingdom, arrived with
aircraft torpedoes and petrol.
Tuesday, 22nd
September 1942
Submarines
THRASHER returned to Beirut and reported torpedoing and probably
sinking a 5000 ton southbound merchant ship at 0355/4th
in position 32-58N, 24-11E.
Levant
2. The Rear Admiral Commanding, Fifteenth Cruiser Squadron began a
tour of the Levant area to meet Senior Naval, Military, and Government
Officials.
Cyprus
3. A U
boat which had been sighted by M.L. 348 in
Famagusta Bay was hunted throughout the night but without results.
Canal Area
4. The Aircraft Transport Vessel H.M.S. ATHENE arrived at Abu Sultan
and embarked 805 Squadron for Kilindini.
Wednesday, 23rd
September 1942
Submarines
H.M.S. P 46 returned to Malta from a patrol and reported that at
0105/21 in position 33-34N, 11-06E she fired 12 rounds at a large southbound
schooner scoring 8 hits. Four hours later the vessel was still burning.
2. At 0213/13 in position 35-36N, 11-09E
(n.b. pencil query in text regarding 33 north of the prior entry and 35
north in this entry although the attacks were a little more than an hour apart)
she torpedoed and sank the Vichy S.S. LIBERIA. As this ship could not be
identified by the Commanding Officer in publications held by the submarine, he
considered it to be an enemy merchant ship employing a "ruse de guerre" and
according sank her.
3. At 0440/21 in position 35-45N, 11-11E she torpedoed and sank a
2000 tons southbound merchant ship.
Canal Area
4. H.D.M.L.s 1126, 1149, and 1159 of the 113th M.L. Flotilla arrived
at Suez for service on the Mediterranean Station.
Reorganisation of Escort
Groups
5. Escort vessels were re organized into the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
Escort Groups as follows: Each group was under the command of a Commander, R.N.
The first two groups were allocated to the Levant and the third to
the Port Said to Alexandria run.
Red Sea
6. S.S. PORT PHILLIP arrived at Aden with her 6" gun completely
wrecked as a result of a serious accident during a practice firing.
7. S.S. EMPIRE PATROL on passage from Aqaba to
Suez was bombed by enemy aircraft at 2203 in position 26-06N, 33-25E.
8. Three attacks by single aircraft were made and she suffered
neither damage or casualties.
Thursday, 24th
September 1942
Alexandria
M.T.B.s 315 and 316 with an Air Sea Rescue Launch carried out a
search without result for a Spitfire pilot known to have crashed some ninety
miles northwest of Alexandria.
Levant
2. At 2109/23 the R.D.F. Station at Paphos reported surface craft
moving at high speed about 30 miles south west of Paphos. During the night, the
Rear Admiral Commanding, Fifteen Cruiser Squadron in EURYALUS was sailed from
Haifa escorted by EXMOOR and BELVOIR, and ORION and ARETHUSA, escorted by
PAKENHAM, PETARD, PALADIN, JERVIS, JAVELIN, and KELVIN was sailed from Port
Said. Nothing was found and all forces returned to harbour without incident.
Red Sea
3. CLEOPATRA, whilst in the Admiralty Floating Dock at Massawa was
slightly damaged when the keel docking block
collapsed. The ship settled four feet aft and then bodily two and a half feet down.
CLEOPATRA was very slightly damaged and was undocked the following day. The
dock was out of action for about four days.
Friday, 25th
September 1942
Submarines
H.M.S. P 37 arrived at Malta from Gibraltar to join the 10th
Submarine Flotilla. P 34 was sailed from Malta for a refit in the United
Kingdom.
Red Sea
2. H.M.S. EMPIRE PINTAIL was refloated at midnight with the
assistance of H.M. Tug HENRIETTA MOLLER from Massawa and tugs and lighters from
Port Sudan. She was towed stern first into Port Sudan where her cargo was
unloaded and temporary repairs were effected.
Saturday, 26th
September 1942
Western Desert
Tobruk harbour area was heavily mined by aircraft
during the night.
Operation M.A.Z. I
The destruction of shipping approaching Rhodes
Harbour and in the harbour.
2. M.T.B.s 307, 309, 311, 316 were sailed from Alexandria for Paphos
where they laid up, refuelled and awaited a suitable opportunity to carry out
the operation. The R.A.F. provided 10,000 gallons of fuel,
Submarines
3. H.M.S. UTMOST returned to Malta after an observation patrol off
Empedocle and in the Gulf of Hammamet for enemy minelaying. Sightings were
confined to fishing boats. On her return passage a practice bombardment shoot
was carried out on Linosa Island.
Levant
4. The Palestinian schooner SPHINX was sunk by gunfire from a
submarine 36 miles west of Tyre during the night. Survivors were landed at
Saida.
Red Sea
5. The Swedish S.S. KARLSHAMN on passage from Aden
to Suez was damaged by torpedo aircraft 9 miles north of Ashrafi Island
at 0455. She was able to proceed to Port Sudan.
6. At 0435, the Panamanian tanker
YORBA LINDA
was machine gunned by a single Heinkel 111 whilst discharging at Ras Gharib. There
was no damage or casualties.
Sunday, 27th
September 1942
Canal Area
H.M.S. CLEOPATRA arrived at Suez from Massawa and relieved DIDO who
was carrying out A.A. Protection duties south of the Canal. DIDO proceeded to
Port Said.
Red Sea
2. H.M.S. ENDEAVOUR completed a survey of Port Berenice.
Monday, 28th
September 1942
Operation M.A.Z. One
A few M.T.B.s were sailed to the westward at 1600 as a diversion to
keep enemy reconnaissance preoccupied in the Alexandria area. This continued
for several days.
Alexandria
2. Two M.T.B.s and an Air Sea Rescue Launch carried out an
unsuccessful search in cooperation with aircraft for the crew of a Wellington
which had crashed fifty miles northwest of Ras el Kanayia. German Sea Rescue
Flight subsequently picked them up.
Canal Area
3. Four enemy aircraft raided Suez Bay during the night. One
circling torpedo hit the British S.S. TREVALGAN but did not explode. There was
no other damage.
Tuesday, 29th
September 1942
Gibraltar
H.M.S. CLYDE on passage to Malta was attacked by a
single Junkers 88 ten miles east of Europa Point. There was no damage or
casualties.
Canal Area
2. H.M.S. CROOME was sailed from Alexandria to Suez for additional
A.A. protection to shipping south of the Canal.
Submarines
3. The Greek submarine NEREUS returned to Beirut after a patrol in
the Aegean. At 1404/24 she torpedoed and sank a 1500 ton
M.V., probably the Italian FIUME in position 130 degrees Cape Alupo 6 miles. At
1510/25, an 80 ton caique was rammed and sunk in
position 190 degrees Cape Krio 5.5 miles.
Wednesday, 30th
September 1942
Operation M.A.Z. One
Four M.T.B.s sailed from Paphos to attack shipping near Rhodes, but
were forced to turn back due to foul weather.
Western Desert
2. An attack was made in the southern sector to secure the Munassib
depression which was achieved after forty eight hours of
fighting.
Red Sea
3. S.S. CLAN CAMERON on passage to Suez was
attacked by one torpedo bomber at 0243 in position 27-20N, 34-15E. There
were no casualties and only slight superficial structural damage. The German
S.S. LIEBENFELS which had been raised and refloated at
Massawa was seized in prize.
Levant
4. The following ships were carrying out escort duties.
Northbound: WHITEHAVEN, PRIMULA, BOSTON, FALK, and HYACINTH
Southbound: WOLBOROUGH, IERAX,
PROTEA, ISLAY.
Port Said to Alexandria: DELPHINIUM, SOUTHERN SEA, Yugoslav motor
anti submarine boats DURMITOR and KAJMAKCLAN
Submarines
Tenth Flotilla
UNA On patrol off Kuriat
UTMOST, P 37,
P 46 Malta
P 34 On patrol Western Sardinia
P 35 Returning to Malta from patrol
P 42 On patrol off Cape Misurata
P 43 On passage to patrol area from Malta
P 44 On patrol south of Messina
P 46 Working up patrol north of Alboran
Island
P 211 On patrol Gulf of Taranto
P 247 Working up patrol off Valencia
First Flotilla
TAKU Returning to Beirut from patrol
TURBULENT On patrol off Benghazi
TRAVELLER At Beirut
THRASHER At Beirut
PORPOISE On passage to patrol area and Malta
OSIRIS Refitting at Port Said
Greek Submarines
NEREUS At Beirut
PAPANICOLIS At Suez
TRITON At Port Said refitting
KATSONIS At Ismailia refitting
NEBOSJCA At Port Said refitting
Intelligence
Axis shipping losses during the month were as follows:
13 ships
sunk, totaling 27,500 tons
13 ships
damaged, totaling 39,600 tons
In addition,
one Vichy French merchant ship of 4000 tons and one Italian hospital ship of
8000 tons were sunk.
APPRECIATION OF EVENTS FOR
September
1942
General
The main event of the month was a combined operation to destroy the
port facilities of Tobruk and Benghazi. A Naval demolition party and a
detachment of the Special Boat Section proceeded overland with the Military
force for Benghazi. To assist these operations, attacks were carried out on
Barce landing ground and Gialo. The attack on Benghazi had to be called off as
it was evident the enemy were fully aware of our forces and in addition they
were behind time. Though the military force successfully penetrated the Tobruk
perimeter undetected and many Royal Marines were able to land on the northern
shorts, the enemy rapidly became aware of what was intended putting up heavy
resistance which, early on, disabled destroyer SIKH. Considerable damage was
caused at Barce and Gialo and casualties were light. The R.A.F.'s very heavy
attack on Tobruk undoubtedly caused considerable damage and dummy paratroops
were dropped on various objectives.
2. Early in the month an attempt was made to destroyer enemy
shipping off south western Crete, using M.T.B.s near Elaphonisi, which was
frustrated by weather at the last minute.
Western Desert
3. The enemy's offensive was short lived and after ten days he was
forced back again to his original lines. He clearly underestimated the strength
of our armour. His losses in M.T. and tanks were fairly serious.
Alexandria
4. Anti shipping sweeps to the Daba area were frequently carried out
by Hunts but all were without incident. A small party of Italian Marines made
an abortive landing behind our lines to sabotage the railway to the front. Their
attempt was a failure and a very disillusioned party gave themselves up at
dawn.
5. A seaman battalion was formed to guard vital points in the Delta.
The Egyptian Army for political reasons, stated they
would not retaliate if threatened with airborne attack. At this juncture, the
army could not spare forces for this duty.
Central Mediterranean
6. Our submarines and aircraft continued their successful attacks on
enemy shipping and there was little doubt that the efficacy of these seriously
hampered his supply problems.
Levant
7. U boat activity was very slight only four schooners being sunk. There
were no losses in convoy.
8. The Rear Admiral Commanding, Fifteenth Cruiser
Squadron,
visited all ports in the Levant area on taking over command.
Canal Area
9. There was no activity during the month. At Suez, H.E.M.S. FAWZIA
was successfully refloated with the assistance of CONFEDERATE.
Rea Sea
10. Enemy U boats made their appearance in the Gulf of Aden, but
only two ships were sunk. Aircraft made several attacks with unknown results. HERO
and TETCOTT were sailed for local A/S escort duties.
11. Long range aircraft made several attacks on shipping in the Gulf
of Suez during the moon period. Two ships were hit by circling torpedoes but in
neither case did they explode.
12. EURYALUS and CLEOPATRA completed quick docking in the Admiralty
Floating Dock at Massawa.
13. H.M.S. EMPIRE PINTAIL on passage to Suez from the U.S.A. with
valuable war materials ran aground on Hindi Gider reef. After discharging most
of her cargo into lighters, she was refloated and towed stern first into Port
Sudan were only temporary repairs could be made.
14. H.M.S. ENDEAVOUR carried out surveys of many Red Sea ports and
anchorages.
Malta
15. One
store carrying trip was made by
PROTEUS whilst on passage to the United Kingdom for refit. Three submarines
rejoined the Tenth Submarine Flotilla from Gibraltar. Enemy bombing of the
Island was on a negligible scale, mainly due to the sufficiency of Spitfires.
Miscellaneous
16. A/S escort vessels were formed into three groups under the
administration of Rear Admiral (Destroyers) (n.b.
Commodore (D) P. Todd). A commander was placed in command of each group in
order to achieve a higher state of efficiency and to overcome the difficulties
of command with the relatively senior Greek Commanding Officers. A Levant
convoy system was also instituted which gave escorts more time for much needed
maintenance and practices.
17. All M.T.B.s and M.L.s in the Eastern Mediterranean were formed
into a separate unit under the command of a Captain, Coastal Forces.
Changes on Station
18.
P 31, P 34, and PROTEUS
left for refits in the United Kingdom.
RESOURCE on loan to the Eastern Fleet
PETARD, AIGLON, P 37 and 3 H.D.M.L.s joined the station.
Casualties
19. H.M. Ships COVENTRY, SIKH,
ZULU, TALISMAN, 4 M.T.B.s and 2 Fairmiles. |
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on to Med Fleet,
October to December 1942 revised 16/1/12 |
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