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SERVICE HISTORIES of ROYAL NAVY WARSHIPS in WORLD WAR 2 - Summary
by Lt Cdr Geoffrey B Mason RN (Rtd) (c) 2006

 

HMS TRITON - T-class Submarine

HM S/M Thistle, sister-boat (Navy Photos, click to enlarge)

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B a t t l e   H o n o u r s

 

VELEZ MALAGA 1704 - ST VINCENT 1780 - THE SAINTES 1782 - NORWAY 1940 - MEDITERRANEAN 1940

 

Motto

Vigilans de profundo: 'Watching from the deep'

 

First submarine of the Class to be completed and commissioned in 1938. Although this name had been used for several surface warships after being introduced in 1702 for a French Sloop of this name taken as Prize this was its first use for a submarine. During WW1 it was carried by three naval auxiliaries one which was a Paddle survey ship sold in 1919 for use at the Gravesend Sea School.

 

In September 1939 this submarine, commanded by Lieut Cdr H P de C Steel, was deployed for patrol off Norway. On 10th of the month she challenged HM Submarine OXLEY off Stavanger and when no reply was given carried out a torpedo attack which resulted in the sinking of HMS OXLEY, with only two survivors. Her patrol deployment with the 2nd Submarine Flotilla continued in the North Sea into 1940 and in an attack on a convoy off Norway in April she carried out an attack on a convoy taking German troops for the landings. Two transport ships and an escort were sunk with loss of several hundred enemy personnel. The next month during a separate patrol she attacked and sank another transport off Norway.

 

Transferred to the Mediterranean in September 1940 and under command of Lieutenant E F Pizey she was deployed for interception patrols based in Alexandria. Her successful career continued by further sinkings off Genoa soon after arrival and on a subsequent patrol in October. She also carried shore bombardment at Vado and Savona. This submarine sailed for patrol in the Straits of Otranto on 28th November 1940 and never returned. She is believed to have attacked the Italian mercantile OLIMPIA and escort off Durazzo on 6th December but this cannot be confirmed. Her unexplained loss may have been due to counter attacks on this occasion or by mine or attack by the Italian torpedo boat CLIO on 18th unless by a mine during the interim period. Her Commanding Officer, when she was lost without any survivors, was Lieut Cdr G C I St B S Watkins.

 

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revised 28/11/10
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