|
Ordered
in September 1940 as P91 it was intended that
she be named TUTANKHAMEN when
laid down in April 1941 but this was changed
and she was completed with only
her new Pennant Number P311 as her identity.
After completion of trials and
working-up for operational use she was fitted
with a cylindrical container on
the casing to enable two midget submarines to
be carried.
This submarine was
deployed in the Mediterranean and based in
Malta for interception patrols. In
December 1943 she was selected with HM
Submarines THUNDERBOLT and TROOPER to
embark Chariots to carry out attacks on
Italian warships. She took
passage from Malta to Maddalena
with the two Chariots
and their operators on 28th December for the
execution of Operation PRINCIPAL.
Nothing was heard from her after 31st December
and it is believed she was mined
when attempting to pass through the Straits of
Bonifacio.
Her distinguished commanding officer Commander
Richard Cayley
had been a most successful submarine officer
with the award of a Distinguished
Service Order and two Bars.
|
