Date of Loss
HMS Phoenix (N96) was a Parthian class submarine, commissioned in February 1931
Key facts
- Class: Parthian-class (P-class) submarine.
- Builder: Cammell Laird Shipyard, Birkenhead.
- Laid down: 23 July 1928.
- Launched: 3 October 1929.
- Commissioned: 3 February 1931.
- Pennant Number: N96.
Service in World War II
At the outbreak of war in September 1939, HMS Phoenix was based at Hong Kong and initially carried out patrols in East Asian waters, including areas near the Luzon Strait, the Yellow Sea, and the approaches to Japan.
Later she transferred to the Mediterranean, where British submarines were engaged against Italian naval and merchant traffic.
Loss
HMS Phoenix was lost on 16 July 1940 off Augusta, Sicily. She is believed to have been sunk by the Italian torpedo boat Albatros at approximately 37°15'N, 15°15'E. Her commanding officer at the time was Lt Cdr Gilbert Hugh Nowell, RN.
