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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 P.32 - U-class Submarine

HM S/M United, sister-boat (Cyber Heritage, click to enlarge) return to Contents List 
 

B a t t l e   H o n o u r s

None was awarded

 

One of the few submarines not given a name when the policy of providing a more suitable title instead of using the Pennant Number was changed in early 1943. Ordered in March 1940 she was speedily built and on completion of working-up went to join the 10th Submarine Flotilla in Malta.

 

After arrival in June 1941 she was deployed for interception of Italian shipping. She sailed from Malta on 6th August to attack an Italian troop convoy known to be on passage to Libya. HM Submarines P33 and UNIQUE were also deployed. This submarine sighted the convoy near Tripoli and, on 20th August in attempt to carry out an attack in the swept Channel struck a mine which flooded the forward compartment, killing eight personnel. Only two of the ships' company were able to effect an escape and were taken prisoner. There is a possibility that the mine may have been one laid by aircraft in the swept channel. The Commanding Officer was Lieutenant D Abdy RN who was one of the survivors. 

 

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revised 30/11/10
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