HMS Sickle was a British Royal Navy S-class submarine (Third Group) built during the Second World War. Constructed by Cammell Laird at Birkenhead, she was launched on 27 August 1942 and commissioned on 1 December 1942 under the command of Lieutenant James Ralph Drummond.
Early Service
After commissioning, Sickle carried out training and trials in Scottish waters before beginning active operations. Her first war patrol was conducted off the Norwegian coast, after which she transferred to the Mediterranean theatre via Gibraltar.
Mediterranean Operations
From spring to autumn 1943, HMS Sickle operated extensively in the western Mediterranean, particularly in the Gulf of Genoa. During a series of aggressive patrols she:
- Sank the German submarine U-303.
- Destroyed several Axis auxiliary minesweepers and escort vessels.
- Damaged enemy merchant shipping and disrupted coastal traffic.
Her success made her one of the more effective British submarines operating in the Mediterranean during that period.
Aegean Sea Missions
Later in 1943, Sickle was based in the eastern Mediterranean and carried out patrols in the Aegean Sea. She sank numerous small supply vessels and a merchant ship, while also undertaking special operations, including landing resistance agents and supporting Allied activities in occupied Greece.
During one patrol, attacks by enemy destroyers damaged her electric motors, forcing her to return to Gibraltar for repairs before resuming operations.
Loss of HMS Sickle
On 31 May 1944, HMS Sickle departed Malta for another patrol in the Aegean. She was reported in action on 4 June 1944, engaging German patrol vessels near Mytilene (Lesbos). After further operations, all contact was lost.
The submarine failed to return to base and is believed to have been lost between 16 and 18 June 1944, most likely after striking mines in the Antikythera (Kythera) Channel between Crete and mainland Greece. All hands, approximately 48 to 50 officers and sailors, were lost.
Summary
- Class: Third Group S-class submarine
- Builder: Cammell Laird, Birkenhead
- Launched: 27 August 1942
- Commissioned: 1 December 1942
- Commanding Officer: Lt. James Ralph Drummond
- Theatre: Mediterranean and Aegean Seas
- Notable Achievement: Sank German submarine U-303 and numerous Axis vessels
- Lost: June 1944, probably due to a mine in the Antikythera Channel, Greece
HMS Sickle remains one of the Royal Navy submarines commemorated in the Submarine Service Roll of Honour for those lost during the Second World War.
