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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.38 - U-class Submarine

 

Edited by Gordon Smith, Naval-History.Net

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

B a t t l e    H o n o u r s

None were awarded

 

Completed in October 1941 this submarine was identified only by her Pennant Number and joined the 10th Submarine Flotilla in Malta in January 1942 after working-up in Home waters.

 

She sailed from Malta on her first patrol the next month and was deployed of Kerkenah where she sank a supply ship. She was then transferred on 16th February to join HM Submarines P38, P39 and UNA for an attack on a convoy on passage to Tripoli. After changes in position when it became known that the departure of the convoy from Taranto had been delayed, the convoy avoided interception but was attacked unsuccessfully by P39 and HMS UNA on 23rd February.

 

Whilst taking up position to attack the convoy north of Tripoli next morning this submarine was sighted by the escort. She was heavily attacked and and forced to surface where she came under air and surface gunfire. Whilst attempting to submerge further depth charges were dropped near the submarine which then sank after her bow structure had reappeared. Sinking by the escort is credited to the torpedo boat CIRCE. The submarine was commanded by Lieutenant R J Hemmingway RN. 

 

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