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HMLCG (L) 14 & HMLCG (L) 8 in company with ML 841

October 1st 1944

Lt. Sam Armstrong DSC RNVR was Senior Officer and in charge of the Operation. We sailed from Komiza (Isle of Vis) at 06.00 hours on October 1st in company with LCG 8.

ML 841 had already sailed after embarking a party from the 111 Field Regiment, consisting of 1 Officer and 3 NCO’s, also a FOO party consisting of 1 Officer, Royal Artillery, and 5 Navel Ratings with Partisan Guides.

Our course was steered south of Skedro Island. Intermittent rain showers were experienced, visibility during the showers being no more than two miles. There was little, if any wind and no sea or swell.

Our Minesweepers were sighted working in Korcula Channel and identified. Later just off Cape Loviste we proceeded close along the north coast of Peljesac Peninsular and arrived off Duba Harbour at about 14.10 hours.

ML 841 that had landed the FOO party the previous evening and had stayed the night in Duba Harbour then joined company.

Our speed was adjusted as necessary to arrive off Trapanj Harbour at 15.10 hours. The BLO’s party on board had been unable to establish communications with the FOO by 15.00 hours. However after passing Trapanj, LCG 8 did establish a contact with the FOO and was instructed to carry out ranging fire when called upon to do so.

We were in our firing position, two miles east of Trapanj at 15.30 hours, where a Dan buoy was dropped to mark the position. The ship was pointing south eastwards, with LCG 8 astern and headed in approximately the same direction. The weather was now fine and clear with a light east southeasterly breeze. However there were a lot of low clouds in the vicinity. Visibility from sea level towards the Dalmatian Coast was fairly good.

At about 15.40 hours we established communications with the FOO and stood by to carry out the pre-arranged shoot. The target was a wireless station situated on a hill westward of Ploca harbour. At 15.55 hours we opened fire with a ranging shot from Number 1 Gun. The fall of shot was not observed by the FOO by reason of cloud.

Just afterwards four friendly fighter aircraft flew overhead at low altitude in an East to West direction.

The target continued to be obscured so far as the FOO was concerned and at 16.20 hours, the FOO suggested that we should carry out a direct shoot.

Accordingly we carried out a controlled shoot with both 4.7-inch guns in company with LCG 8. At intervals the FOO was able to observe and reported hits very close to the target. In the absence of other suitable targets to aim for, the FOO then gave us a Crane near the original target to aim at. (No doubt with a smile on his face). We fired one round (Indirect) however the FOO did not observe the fall of shot.

At about 17.30 hours the order to cease-fire was given as it was considered most unlikely that weather conditions would improve. By that time we had expanded 125 rounds of HE Flash less Cordite was used.

As no opposition had been encountered, at 17.45 hours a signal was sent to the FOO to expect us back in the same firing position at 05.00 hours on October 2nd, ML 841 was also informed. Our course was then steered to make anchorage for the night in the vicinity of the harbour.

At about 17.55 hours, just after passing Trapanj, we cleared our guns towards the Dalmatian Coast in the general direction of Gradac, and almost immediately afterwards enemy battery, estimated to be 3 or 4 guns, situated in the vicinity of Gradac opened fire on us. LCG 8 was ahead at the time and the first salvo fell fairly close to her. Speed was increased ad ML 841 laid a smoke screen between the enemy and the LCG’s. The enemy continued to fire fairly accurately until about 18.30 hours. In all about 30 Rounds were fired from this battery. We fired six rounds in reply before smoke prevented us from observing. LCG 8 was able to fire considerably more rounds before the smoke screen eliminated her observations.

Several near misses were experience by both LCG’s. Results of or shots at the enemy battery were not known.

At about 21.30 hours both LCG’s anchored for the night in Bezdia Cove.

A signal had been sent to the Senior Naval Officer, Isle of Vis, at 19.30 hours explaining the situation with the enemy battery, which until it opened fire against us was previously unknown and did not fire until two hours after the LCG’s first came within range. It would seem probable that this was a mobile battery hastily moved along the coast by the enemy.

The signal sent to the SNO was to the effect that our shoot arranged for 05.00 hours on October 2nd was now considered to be impracticable in view of the shelling. A signal was received from the SNO, Isle of Vis, in reply, approving and instructing the LCG’s to return to Komiza at first light on October 2nd. At 06.00 hours we sailed from Bezdia Cove and arrived at Komiza at 13.00 hours. ML 841 remained in the area to bring back the FOO party.

No casualties or damaged was sustained by the LCG’s as a result of this Operation.

The Operation was carried out at the suggestion and request of the Partisans who had information of considerable enemy activity in the Ploca Point area.

As a result of this bombardment by LCG 14 and LCG 8 the Partisans signalled their profound thanks for a job ‘Well Done’.

Harry Turley (M28) I would again wish to acknowledge the use of notes and reports of our late ‘Skipper’ Lt. Sam Armstrong DSC RNVR in writing this article.

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