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HMS SGB4 Grey Fox.

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Category: General Discussion
Forum Name: Steam Gunboats
Forum Description: Discussion on Steam Gunboats
URL: http://www.bmpt.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=507
Printed Date: 19 March 2024 at 9:41am


Topic: HMS SGB4 Grey Fox.
Posted By: Jenn
Subject: HMS SGB4 Grey Fox.
Date Posted: 23 February 2008 at 12:43am
I'm researching my grandfathers ship and have stumbled across your forum so I wondered if anyone had any information.
I'm interested in what Grey Fox did during the war especially during 1944 as my grandad was mentioned in despatches but he would never tell what for.
He used to tell me many tales of his life at sea but never about the gritty bits.
Thank you in advance
Jennie 



Replies:
Posted By: johnk
Date Posted: 23 February 2008 at 9:10am

Hello Jen,

 

Welcome aboard the forum, have not heard of Grey Fox only Grey Goose which was Sir Peter Scots vessel, now on the River Medway, converted to a houseboat for the owner of the yard. You have come to the right place I hope for info, more knowledgable people I am sure will help when they see your post, best of luck,

JohnK



Posted By: Jenn
Date Posted: 23 February 2008 at 9:45am
Thanks for your response.
There were 7 SGB. I think Sir Peter Scott was in charge of the flotilla and he named the boats after wild life,
There was Grey:, seal, fox, owl shark wolf and goose. SGB 7 was lost before the naming took place.

Jen


Posted By: Pioneer
Date Posted: 23 February 2008 at 10:03am

Hello ‘jenn’

Yes indeed - Welcome aboard.

Not knowing your grandfathers name I can only guess that he may be Lt Peter Edward Mason DSC MiD?

 

This Gentleman was Commanding Officer of HMS Grey Fox and awarded the DSC for action in the Channel (1943) and it would appear that the M i D award was made during ‘Operation Neptune’ (the Naval constituent of ‘Overlord’ – the D Day landings).

SGB 4 (Grey Fox) is mentioned several times in Peter Scott’s book ‘The Battle of the Narrow Sea’s’

The Executive Officer at that time (jimmy the one) is listed as being

(Lt SANF(V)). (Bob) Gaunt DSC – (later Commander RN).

 

This gentleman (Cdr Gaunt DSC) has been the subject of a recorded interview - a copy of which may still be available from the Coastal Forces Heritage Trust (see links page).

Running for (140 mins) – it gives a story of his childhood in South Africa – (RNVR SA  Seaman) - gunner Winchester Castle - UK Officer training - - temporary CO MTB 254 - convoy action off Le Havre - XO Grey Fox – sweeping oyster mines off French coast - subsequent RN career, culminating as CO HMS Leopard.

This recording was priced at £15.00 but may well be a little dearer now – (if still available).

An interesting story is based around the un-named SGB. I shall try and find the 'link' but it was to have been 'Grey Cat' (owing to the ships mascot) but the cat was  'lost overboard' - a Seaman almost drowning in a vain bid to rescue it - and of course the boat was to eventually to be lost.

I shall try and dig out a little more.

Rgds



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Pioneer - Forum Moderator


Posted By: Jenn
Date Posted: 23 February 2008 at 10:23am
Thanks for your response,
My grandfather was an able seaman. He was a gunner on grey fox.

Thank you for your info about Peter Scott's book, I'll ave to look into that.
I also can across the story of 'Grey Cat' in my googling.
I do appreciate all the replies as this is no way my area of expertise - naval history.
Thanks again


Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 23 February 2008 at 12:06pm

Hi Jenn

Grey Fox bristled with armament; she had a 2-pdr Pom-Pom right on the bow instead of the more usual single 20mm Oerlikon, in addition to another 2-pdr on the foredeck and a 3" gun aft, plus 20mm Oerlikons aft of the funnel and right aft, 2 twin 0.5" Vickers abreast of the wheelhouse, 2 twin .303" Vickers abreast of the bridge and 2 21" torpedo tubes. I'll bet that lot kept your grandad busy!

Photo and info courtesy of "Untold stories of small boats at war" ISBN 1-85821-176-X. No mention of her in texts however. Recommend "The Battle Of The Narrow Seas" as advised by Pioneer.      



Posted By: Pioneer
Date Posted: 23 February 2008 at 12:10pm

This is the link for the tale of the mascot on SGB 7 (Grey Cat?)

http://www.messybeast.com/moggycat/warcat.htm - http://www.messybeast.com/moggycat/warcat.htm

Lovely shot Christian, 'Jenn's Grandad just may have been on board.



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Pioneer - Forum Moderator


Posted By: johnk
Date Posted: 23 February 2008 at 2:04pm

Indeed cracking shot of Grey Fox, Grey Goose much changed now, but very prominent on the Medway shoreline, although I believe owner not keen on visitors to it!

 

Johnk



Posted By: Jenn
Date Posted: 23 February 2008 at 9:46pm
Hi,

Thanks for the great picture of Grey Fox!

I've been looking through some of my Grandad's papers today and found a clipping that gave details of an event.
July 10th 1942.
In a furious night encounter, off Etaples, Grey Fox and Grey Wolf engaged 6 German minesweepers. They sank 2 but a 3rd collided with Grey Fox with such force that everyone on her bridge was thrown on their faces and a huge hole was driven in her hull. Grey Fox struggled home, with her bows almost awash. (Taken from Ron Ashby's obituary)

My grandfather had added ;
Confirmed that the minesweeper that rammed Grey Fox was sunk by Grey Fox's gun fire.

Having checked his service history he was on Grey Fox at that time and probably would have been on his gun during that encounter.



Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 25 February 2008 at 8:45am

This text is from wlb-Stuttgart website, Translation is by Google;

26 - 27.9.1943
Channel
Brit. Attack on a German convoy with the freighter Madali (3019 GRT), from Le Havre to Dunkirk marches. Geleitsicherung through M 507 / From the Groeben 534 and M / Jungingen, mine finder M 82, M 84 and V boat outpost 1507. While the British MGB 108, MGB 117 MGB 118 and try to secure additional 15 vehicles Vp.-Flotilla (Lt.Cdr Rall), V1501, V1509, V1511, V1512, and the 2 M-Flotilla (Lt.Cdr Pinkepang) by the sea her attack, targeting the niederl. MTB 202, MTB 204 and MTB 231 (Lt. Larive) and the British SGB4 / Grey Fox (Lt. Scott), and 3 more SGB before Fécamp and Bercq-sur-Mer from the coast and sink to 1501 V / Wiking 7 , the freighter Madali and the accompanying 534 M / Jungingen. -- At L'Abervrach minesweepers, the 4616 boat M / Maurice Jacqueline by stranding of lost.


Posted By: Jenn
Date Posted: 25 February 2008 at 9:00pm
Thanks Christian.


Posted By: David
Date Posted: 05 June 2008 at 1:22pm
Dear Jenn

I have a picture of the damaged bow of "Grey Fox" following the action of July 1942 - and quite a lot of other wartime images, including her crew under Peter Mason, who was skipper that night, and which must presumably include your grandfather?

My father was No. 1 of Grey Fox from the day she completed her trials and became her captain soon after D-Day, so he must have known your grandafather very well. You might be able to trace the recommendation for his mention in despatches at the National Archive, Kew - if you gave me his number, rank, initials and surname, etc, I should be happy to undertake a search on your behalf.

Best wishes

David

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David


Posted By: Pioneer
Date Posted: 05 June 2008 at 1:38pm
Welcome aboard David
Could you put a couple of your images up here - I'm sure that we would all like to view them - meanwhile enjoy your trip.
Rgds


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Pioneer - Forum Moderator


Posted By: David
Date Posted: 05 June 2008 at 4:50pm
Hello there and thanks for your message - I will try and get a couple of scans done. Best wishes. David.

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David


Posted By: MTB07
Date Posted: 30 November 2008 at 11:08am

Hi jennie

I have a photo of SGB 04 Grey Fox taken after a furious night encounter with six German Mine Sweepers off Etaples along with Grey Wolf. They sank two minesweepers, but a third collided with Grey Fox with such force that everyone on her bridge was thrown on their faces and a huge hole was driven in her hull. Grey Fox struggled home, with bows almost awash, but with only one casualty.

Richard [MTB 07]


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Regards
Richard


Posted By: Pioneer
Date Posted: 30 November 2008 at 11:21am
Hello Richard
I had hoped David would place an image up in here - could you oblige?.
If you have any difficulty in reducing the size to 50k - drop a PM and I will try and assist.
Regards
 


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Pioneer - Forum Moderator


Posted By: johnk
Date Posted: 30 November 2008 at 12:58pm
Hi there,
 
That would be great to see, by coincidence I was at a dinner of business users of the River Medway, and was sat next to the current owner.
 
Johnk


Posted By: Pioneer
Date Posted: 30 November 2008 at 3:47pm

Here is a rather murky and blury image of SGB 4 from Richard. Sorry, but I was unable to get it any sharper (owing to pixelation) but the damage can be clearly seen.

Are you sure that it was the owner of Grey Fox (and not Mr Swann who owns the ex Grey Goose) John? 
 
Picture Courtesy of "MTB07"
 


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Pioneer - Forum Moderator


Posted By: johnk
Date Posted: 30 November 2008 at 4:37pm
Ah, yes you are quite right, I am getting mixed up, not unusual! Grey Goose, Sir Peter Scotts vessel, sorry about that, need to engage brain next time,
 
Johnk


Posted By: David
Date Posted: 02 December 2008 at 3:11pm
Dear all

Herewith a picture of damage to "Grey Fox" after her collision with an R-Boat on the night of 9-10 July 1942 - the hole measured 22ft. high and 18ft. wide at upper deck level. Other than the description of the action in Peter Scott's "Battle of the Narrow Seas", there is an excellent account of life aboard "Grey Fox" by Denis White, her Leading Telegraphist, which was published in "The Review" of the Naval Historical Collectors & Research Association (Spring 2002, Vol. 14.4). Herewith, then, some extracts from that account re. the night of 9-10 July:
 


"So far as I remember the almost simultaneous result was a sharp heel to starboard as the ship turned, and a burst of gunfire from our own gunners. This was followed by what my mind registered as an explosion on the port side forward. I was thrown violently out of my seat and against the ship's side. As I picked myself up the ship slowly righted itself and I have an indelible picture on my mind of seeing sea water pouring through the open watertight door in the bulkhead between the galley flat and the wardroom passage through which spare ammunition had been passed. At that precise moment there was no one forward of that bulkhead and by good fortune, or perhaps design, the watertight door closed from forward and as I pulled it together the inrush and water pressure behind it helped to shut it making it easy to knock the clips on. We were well down by the bows and I think fear of sinking was uppermost, but our forward gunner was still firing. Some minutes later the First Lieutenant came down and between us we completed shoring up the bulkhead with timbers kept at the far end of the galley flat for that purpose. I then learned from Lieutenant Erskine-Hill that what I had thought was an explosion was the sound of the German R-Boat as it rammed itself through the ship's side into the wardroom and forward messdeck. It shortly afterwards fell away and sank, leaving a large gash in our bows ... The next couple of hours or so were considerably nerve-wracking, sitting on watch with the ship very much down by the bow and wondering, apprehensively, whether the bulkhead against which I sat would hold. The level of water on the other side could clearly be seen by the condensation line which was somewhere near shoulder high, with the deck of the wireless office awash ... We were apparently wavering sluggishly all over the place but heading slowly in the correct general direction and managed to get within sight of Newhaven under our own steam. However, we could not be trusted to keep a straight course to enter harbour unaided and "Grey Wolf" took us in tied alongside. I do not remember ever being so relieved to get off watch! Daylight revealed what a remarkable escape we had had. Lieutenant Erskine-Hill solved the problem of inspecting the damage by the simple expedient of rowing the dinghy through the hole in the ship's side!".

Hope this and the other photograph of "Grey Fox's" crew of interest - actually a little later in the War when commanded by Tom Boyd (who won the DSO for his part in the St. Nazaire raid), but the line-up includes Denis White (second row, first from left) and my father, Lieutenant John Erskine-Hill (front row, fourth from left), who together had shored-up "Grey Fox's" bulkhead that memorable night. I still have a couple of bits from the R-Boat (metal and wood) saved by my father as souvenirs of the occasion!

Kind regards

David



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David


Posted By: johnk
Date Posted: 03 December 2008 at 6:10pm
Hi there,
 
All great stuff indeed, what a trip back! rowing a dinghy through the hole!
 
Johnk


Posted By: David
Date Posted: 03 December 2008 at 6:57pm
Thanks very much John and glad you enjoyed it - an amazing generation and all of them so modest. Kind regards. David.

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David


Posted By: MTB07
Date Posted: 16 December 2008 at 9:29pm
 

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Regards
Richard


Posted By: MTB07
Date Posted: 16 December 2008 at 9:41pm

The image of SGB4 Grey Fox with Newhaven fort in the background was taken by Lt Ron Ashby late of MTB 07 of the 2nd MTB Flotilla.

After his incredible escape from Hong Kong with the legendry one legged Chinese Admiral Chan Chak he was posted on Grey Goose I believe as 1st Lt. He was due to take command of Grey Fox on the 10th July and went out on her on the night of the 9th and the above photo was the result of the action. Grey Fox made a slow voyage back across the Channel in daylight and in reverse for a period.

How did I get the photos and info, Lt Ashby was C/O of MTB 07 of which my father was the Stoker PO and I am in contact with Ron Ashby's son.
For more info on MTB 07 and Ron Ashby click the following link: http://www.mwadui.com/HongKong/index_hk.htm - http://www.mwadui.com/HongKong/index_hk.htm
 
Richard


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Regards
Richard


Posted By: David
Date Posted: 17 December 2008 at 11:36am
A great photograph, Richard - good to see a bit of the old fort at Newhaven in the background too; father undoubtedly mentioned Ron Ashby to me some years ago and his HK-China trip amazing (I think his first DSC for this). With renewed thanks. Kind regards. David.



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David


Posted By: MTB07
Date Posted: 19 December 2008 at 8:06pm
 

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Regards
Richard


Posted By: johnk
Date Posted: 21 December 2008 at 9:15am
Hi there,
 
My goodness, can see how you could row through it!,
Many thanks,
 
JohnK


Posted By: David
Date Posted: 05 January 2009 at 12:19pm
Have been away for a week or two - and what a picture to come back to! Really does show the extent of the damage - so many thanks Richard. Much appreciated. David.

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David


Posted By: Taylor
Date Posted: 14 January 2009 at 2:33pm
Hi,

My Grandfather Wilfred Taylor served on HMS Grey Fox in 1942 and was part of the Coastal Forces during WW2. I am currently writing up his notes well from what he can remember during his time in the Coastal Forces serving on HMS Grey Fox.

He is pictured in the photo of the crew, we also have a copy of the photo and it is on display in the Imperial War Museum in Manchester. I have other photos of Grey Fox which I sent for from the Imperial War Museum London, numbering 12.

I am also currently in the process of building an exact scale model replica of HMS Grey Fox for my Grandfather as my Father was in the process but passed away in July 2007. If anyone wishes to share information on HMS Grey Fox, I would gladly do so.

I am also wondering what happened to HMS Grey Fox after the war, there is no record or at least i can't find any record of what happened to her?


Posted By: David
Date Posted: 14 January 2009 at 2:56pm
As far as I know, "Grey Fox" was scrapped late 1945-1946, only "Grey Goose" being retained by the Admiralty for further experimental work in minesweeping measures - the latter now a houseboat on the Medway. Sometime last year, I came across a model of "Grey Fox" after googling her name - will see if I can find a reference for you since the detail was excellent. Good luck with your research. David - son of John E-H, "Grey Fox's" Jimmy the One from her launch and latterly her C.O.

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David


Posted By: Taylor
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 2:23am
Thank you for the reply, shame really that she was scrapped. Was hoping she might still be somewhere in existence. I will notify my Grandfather about this, yes that would be great if you could find those images. Thank you for your help  


Posted By: David
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 11:55am
Will take a look over the weekend - sure I kept a print out of the model somewhere. Best wishes. David.

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David


Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 16 January 2009 at 8:57pm
The photos were on the HSL Mouldings site, they aren't there any more.
I put them here for you;
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/569667499hfKFDV - http://good-times.webshots.com/album/569667499hfKFDV
 


Posted By: David
Date Posted: 19 January 2009 at 11:24am
Thank you very much Christian - very helpful indeed. David.

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David


Posted By: pete h
Date Posted: 18 November 2009 at 1:34pm
my father was a crew member of hms grey fox,grey goose, and hms cumberland,his name is herbert francis hughes (known as frank). i would love to know anything of his service record, he was a gunner, thanks pete h


Posted By: pete h
Date Posted: 05 December 2009 at 4:57pm
how can i obtain the photo of hms grey fox crew which i am pleased to say includes my father on page 2 of BMPT forum, Pete H


Posted By: Pioneer
Date Posted: 05 December 2009 at 5:51pm
Hello 'pete h'
Place your curser over the image - right click - select e-mail (to yourself)
you may need to run it through a Photoshop or like package.


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Pioneer - Forum Moderator


Posted By: pete h
Date Posted: 11 December 2009 at 10:08pm
thanks pioneer,pete h


Posted By: Taylor
Date Posted: 14 January 2010 at 4:53pm
Hi,
I have lots of photographs off HMS Grey Fox from WW2. My Grandfather served on this boat as part of the coastal forces defense. I originally contacted the Imperial War Museum in London they sent me an application form and lots of miniature photocopies of the photos they hold with catalog numbers that's how I have them in my possession this was some years ago now but I'm sure they still offer the same service. Also if you contact the Maritime museum or the Government Department dealing with defense they can send you a copy of any service records and a list of any medals you grandfather may have received. I did the same thing,

Garry


Posted By: Dennis
Date Posted: 30 September 2013 at 8:53pm
Hello David
 
While updating some family tree research I found a photograph of my father amongst the crew of HMS SGB4 Grey Fox. It is an original photograph with my father's writing on the reverse in which he identifies the Grey Fox. It's the same photo in your post which you say was taken after the July 1942 incident.
Can you please tell me any more about the photo, when it was taken for example?
My father was Norman Lovatt and he is standing immediately behind your father Lt John Erskine-Hill.
I tried uploading the photo but I was unsuccessful - too large.
Any information gratefully received.
 
Dennis


Posted By: ACPerry
Date Posted: 09 February 2015 at 1:58pm
Hello

My grandfather was Peter Mason, Commanding Officer of HMS Grey Fox during WWII.  I am really pleased to have found this thread and the information, and photos, contained in it.

Many thanks.

Amanda


Posted By: johnk
Date Posted: 09 February 2015 at 4:04pm
Hi Amanda,

Welcome to the forum, great to hear re your Grandfather, always of great interest to colleagues here for sure, all the best,

Johnk


Posted By: sergey
Date Posted: 05 June 2015 at 12:50pm
Hello.
Interested in the details of fights involving SGBs. I would be very grateful for the help.

What was the chronology of the battle SGB-4 and -8 with R-boats 07.10.1942? What damage was SGB-4 from the artillery of the Germans? 


Posted By: sergey
Date Posted: 05 June 2015 at 12:52pm
Originally posted by sergey sergey wrote:

Hello.
Interested in the details of fights involving SGBs. I would be very grateful for the help.

What was the chronology of the battle SGB-4 and -8 with R-boats 10.07.1942? What damage was SGB-4 from the artillery of the Germans? 


Posted By: Johnny
Date Posted: 31 May 2016 at 5:33pm
I know I'm very late in joining this forum, I've just come across it.
My Dad Bill Caine DSM was at one time the coxswain on Grey fox, he liked her so much he named our house after her. He spent the whole war on various MGBs. The only picture we have of him was on MGB 312 returning from a action with German prisoners.
I would love to see some crew pictures from Grey fox.



Posted By: johnk
Date Posted: 01 June 2016 at 4:23pm
Hi Johnny,

Just seen your last and welcome aboard, any time is good, trust colleagues will be able to help, all the best.

Johnk


Posted By: Jcarver
Date Posted: 14 August 2017 at 12:15am
Hi,
A bit late to this thread but my grandfather, John Young (known as Jack) served on SGB Grey Shark. He was injured by shrapenel during one action. Not sure if it was th below. But some info on the flotilla that it was part of is below. Grey Shark - part of 1st Steam Gun Boat Flotilla out of Newhaven that John served on. Might be of interest 🙂


1. On the night of 26th July, 1943, the First Steam Gun Boat Flotilla, consisting of GREY GOOSE (Senior Officer's boat) GREY WOLF, GREY SHARK and GREY SEAL, was proceeding to carry out a patrol in the Baie de la Seine.

2. Between 0149 and 1242 on the 27th, enemy plots were received and it was decided to pursue the enemy, on the supposition that he was returning to Cherbourg.

3. At about 0350 a Radar contact was obtained, bearing 250 degrees 3,500 yards, and the force closed the enemy at 20 knots to bring him into action before he entered the harbour.

4. The sea was glassy calm and the moon, which had just risen and gave little light, was directly behind the force.


II. THE ACTION.

5. The enemy was sighted at a range of about 1,500 yards and appeared to consist of 3 trawlers and 8 or 9 "R" boats travelling at slow speed on an approximately parallel course, but visibility did not allow of an accurate assessment of the strength of the formation.

6. When the force was 600 yards away, one "R" boat challenged with a blue light, but fire was held to bring the whole force into effective range.

7. At 0357, when in position 320 degrees Cap Levi 4.3 miles, all the S.G.Bs opened fire on the port side at 300 yards range and very heavy return fire was encountered.

8. The "R" boats increased speed but held course and GREY GOOSE, leading, overtook them one by one, closing the range in an endeavour to turn the enemy's line. About 6 "R" boats were engaged in turn and hits with 3 inch shell from GREY GOOSE were observed on three occasions before the gun's crew was wounded.

9. Early in the action, the rudder of GREY SHARK (second in the line) became jammed 'hard-a-starboard' due to two hits. This left a gap in the line and GREY GOOSE became the principal target. A cordite fire was started in the starboard 3-inch ready-use locker and forced GREY GOOSE to disengage. By this time, shore batteries, firing H.E. and starshell, had joined in the action.

10. The trawlers, which had been strongly engaged by GREY WOLF and GREY SEAL, had, by now, been left some way astern and one was seen to be on fire and emitting clouds of black smoke.

11. Meanwhile GREY SHARK rigged hand steering and, observing that GREY GOOSE was on fire, regained her place ahead of GREY WOLF and manoeuvred in between the enemy and GREY GOOSE. For several minutes a very fierce and confused battle raged, in the course of which GREY SHARK and GREY WOLF were hit severely, the former being brought to a standstill by a hit in the Boiler Room.

12. The line again became disorganised. GREY SEAL, after overtaking GREY WOLF without realising the fact, passed the stopped GREY SHARK and, observing that she was in trouble, was turning back to starboard to go to her aid, when GREY WOLF appeared on the starboard bow. At 0403 a collision occurred between these two boats, badly damaging the port bow of GREY WOLF. GREY SEAL sustained minor damage to her starboard bow.

13. By this time GREY SHARK and GREY WOLF had sustained fairly heavy casualties. The former was stopped without prospect of repair and the latter was in some danger of sinking. Four fires were burning in GREY GOOSE, her 3-inch gun's crew had been wounded and her W/T aerials, Radar aerials and recognition lights had been shot away.

14. GREY GOOSE, having extinguished her fires, had got well ahead of the others and was proceeding to the pre-arranged rendezvous, when at 0407, a distress signal was seen and GREY GOOSE set course 180 degrees in answer.

15. On close approach, four stationary vessels (at least one enemy) were sighted close together. The nearest was identified as an "R" boat, but was not engaged as the identity of the others had not been established.

16. The reason for this grouping was that GREY SEAL was preparing to take GREY SHARK in tow and had fallen out some of the guns' crews for this purpose, when an "R" boat appeared signalling. GREY SEAL, not in a position to engage, signalled "WAIT" in German V/S procedure, with the result that she was able to take GREY SHARK in tow within 4 minutes and proceed northwards. GREY WOLF had already set off to the north indicating her intentions by W/T.

17. The main force of the enemy was seen to be concentrating only about 1,000 yards away to the westward, with the advantage of the moon and the approaching dawn. GREY GOOSE therefore moved into position between the enemy and the tow and commenced to lay a smoke screen. The enemy increased speed and opened fire at 0427 at a range of about 500 yards. At least seven of the enemy were firing, principally at GREY GOOSE as the other two were obscured, but this fire was inaccurate compared with that of the earlier part of the action and GREY GOOSE scored a number of hits on the second ship in the enemy line.

18. The enemy, either from the shore or from the trawlers, fired starshell and H.E., but the "R" boats turned away. The tow was able to withdraw to the North East at about 10 knots and was further hidden by the smoke which GREY WOLF had laid previously.

19. GREY SEAL continued to tow GREY SHARK, GREY GOOSE escorting. At 0655 BLEASEDALE and STEVENSTONE, with GREY WOLF in company, were encountered in approximate position, 160 degrees St. Catherine Point 28 miles, and GREY WOLF's wounded were transferred to BLEASEDALE, the remaining wounded being transferred to STEVENSTONE.

20. At 1130 GREY GOOSE and STEVENSTONE entered Portsmouth Harbour and at approximately 1330, GREY SHARK, still in tow by GREY SEAL, entered harbour in company with BLEASEDALE and GREY WOLF.

Grey Shark.
Killed - 1 officer, 2 ratings.
Seriously wounded - 2 officers, 3 ratings.
Slightly wounded - 4 ratings.



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