8 Oct 1942
Sinking of U-179.

At 2228C/8, in position 33°28S, 17°05E, HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, RN), which was on an A/S hunt together with HMS Arrow (Cdr. A.M. McKillop, RN), HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC, RN) and HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr. M.J. Clark, DSC, RAN), obtained a radar contact with her type 286P radar at a range of 2500 yards. Course was altered towards. Very shortly afterwards a contact was obtained with the Asdic right ahead at a range of 1600 yards. At the same time a large submarine was sighted on the surface, apparently laying stopped and charging her batteries.

Speed was increased to 25 knots and the submarine was illuminated with the searchlight. Depth charges were brought to the ready.

When the range was 600 yards fire was opened with 'B' 4.7" gun but the only round fired missed.

When the range was 500 yards it was noticed that the submarine was diving. Course was altered and was steadied to about 5 degrees ahead of the conning tower of the diving submarine.

The submarine passed close down the port side and a ten charge pattern was fired by eye. Depth charges were set to 50 and 150 feet and they burst all round the submarine. Swirl and air bubbles from the diving submarine still being clearly visible.

The depth charges dropped were five Mk.8 light depth charges, set to 50 feet and five Mk.7 heave depth charges, set to 150 feet.

The depth charge party reported that the submarine was blown to the surface and then disappeared but this could not be confirmed from the bridge.

Speed was reduced and the position of the attack was again closed but no Asdic contact could be obtained. A large patch of diesel oil came to the surface.

A search in the vicinity was carried out by HMS Arrow, HMS Active and HMAS Nizam throughout the night without result. By dawn the oil patch was seen to be about three miles in length and half a mile wide. No wreckage at all was found.

(Sources: ADM 1/12250)

1 recorded attack on this boat.