| 1010 |
A first class bearing 155° was obtained, and at 1016 "Oribi" was ordered to investigate this to a depth of 12 miles. (Position 54°33'N. 43°40'W.). |
| 1020 |
Increased speed to 18 knots. |
| 1057 |
Submarine sighted on the surface bearing 170°, 7 miles ("Oribi's" position 150ZZ11). The smoke haze from her diesels was visible even before her hull had been actually sighted. |
| 1100 |
Increased to 30 knots. |
| 1107 |
Sighted second U-boat bearing 190°, 6 miles. |
| 1109 |
First submarine dived. |
| 1110 |
Third submarine sighted bearing 145°, distant 6 to 7 miles. |
| 1116 |
Second and third submarines dived. |
| |
On first sighting, these U-Boats were proceeding away from "Oribi" roughly in line abreast, and the plot showed that they proceeded at high speed until it became apparent to them they were being overhauled at an unaccustomed speed. |
| 1120 |
Rediced to 15 knots to carry out "alpha" search for the first submarine, this having been instituted when it dived. |
| 1147 |
Gained contact 1000x, bearing R.40, which was classified as "Submarine" at 800x. This was immediately brought ahead, but, having no gyro repeater in the control training unit and with the bearing of the magnetic compass card for steering, it was extremely difficult to ascertain whether the bearing of contact was drawing left or right. It was inferred at 300 yards that the contact was drawing left, and ship turned in that direction. A ten charge pattern, setting D, was dropped at 1140-1/2, but this was stopped after four charges had been fired, as the submarine was passing down the port side and it was apparent that the remainder would only fall progressively astern of it. |
| 1150 |
Operating conditions were only fair, and contact was lost. The ship ran out to 1000 yards, and turned to regain contact. This was not effected, and a search was carried out round the place where submarine was last detected. |
| 1243 |
Contact was gained Green 25 1800x. Ship was turned towards, and at 1100x, the contact having been classified as "Submarine", a deliberate attack was commenced. |
| 1247 |
A good trace was obtained and a ten charge pattern, setting F, was fired, contact being lost at 300x. |
| 1249 |
Following on the explosion of the charges, and slightly less than two minutes after the first charge was fired, two unexplained explosions were heard, one heavy and one of less intensity, resulting in a large visible eruption of air. It was reported from the quarterdeck that a periscope was then sighted, for a moment, in the middle of the disturbance caused by the depth charge pattern, mmoving slowly to port. Amongst those who are certain that they saw this was Mr. Stacey, Gunner (T), but it was not observed from the bridge. |
| 1254 |
Contact was regained on the port quarter, and ship ran out to 900x, turned hard a port, and, at 1254, five charges set to 50 feet were fired by recorder and stop watch. A full patter was not fired as it was thought essential to conserve supplies of depth charges for attacks in the vicinity of the convoy. Contact was firm and held down to "Instant Echoes". No visible results were obtained. Contact was held amonst the disturbances caused by the charges, but faded before another attack was carried out. |
| 1340 |
Ship left the area to comply with E.G.3's signal timed 05.1335 ordering me to rejoin the convoy. |
| 1445 |
Rejoined the convoy. Proceeded to oil from "British Lady". |
| 1719 |
Refuelling completed. |
| 1740 |
In station in position L. Convoy's course 201°. |
| 1942 |
Submarine attacked from starboard side of convoy, three ships being torpedoed. |
| 1945 |
Convoy made emergency 90° turn to port. |
| |
Altered course towards convoy. |
