Thanks for the add to this excellent site. I am currently researching submarine activity through Lerwick, in the Shetland Islands, during WW2 and was hoping someone might be able to offer any interesting online links regarding the operation of the base here - HMS Ambrose II, a forward base from the main one in Dundee (HMS Ambrose). From 1942 onwards there were between 100-200 submarines passing through Lerwick each year but there seems to be little written about this activity other than mention of exploits by individual submarines. My activity data for these calls comes from the Port Authorities written records with a useful cross check of submarine arrival/sail dates from U-Boats.net The TNA would of course be a good place to start, especially with regards to the vessel’s logs, but living in Shetland is limiting in the amount of research that can be done, more especially in these strange times that we are all living through just now. By the way I am currently transferring our WW2 records for Lerwick from written archives onto computer - just in case anyone has any interest in a specific ship that may have passed through Lerwick during the war years. Hoping someone can offer up some suggestions re my query. Many thanks. John
Hi, Last week I managed to get up to the National Archives in Kew and one of the files I copied held the submarine patrol reports for HM Submarines Truant and Trusty (ADM199/1861). I was in a hurry so didn't pay too much attention as I flicked and photographed but I did notice "Lerwick" a couple of times and recalled reading your message on here - an example is here: If this is the kind of thing you are looking for, let me know and I'll see whether I can find anymore entries that reference Lerwick. Regards Tom
Hi Tom, thanks so much for your post and yes these submarine patrol reports where a sub passed through Lerwick, as many did, are exactly what I’m looking for. If you are going back down to Kew and have time to photograph any of these that reference Lerwick that would be amazing, thank you! Also any reference to Ambrose II at Lerwick would certainly be of interest also. Just glancing at your attachment I can already see details of interest relating to this sub’s visit along Lerwick - excellent! Are you able to pm me and I can let you have my email address. Thanks again John
Hi John, Same source (ADM199/1861), but a signal about a different submarine this time in Feb 44: I'll keep looking back through this file as I get the chance. Happy to help where possible, but I only get to Kew once in a blue moon so can't be relied on! If you were to pick out a particular SM I could see if I could find its log though as I find them all fascinating. All the best, Tom
Hi Tom, Thanks again for this which much appreciated. With so many submarines passing through Lerwick during the war years it’s probably best to say that I’d be very interested to see any of the documents that mention Lerwick if that were possible. Sadly given the current situation I’m unlikely to get away from Shetland down to the National Archives before next summer! Thank you again Brgds/John
Hi I am research the defences of Shetland for a book, at the moment any info on the exact location of the submarine base in Lerwick (Was it just at Alexander Warf) would be good with any locations of guns etc - thanks
Richshet, Once you have posted x5 you can use the 'Start a Conversation' option - click on your Avatar - and send Murmanseld a message, assuming his email given at registration in early 2020 remains valid. He/ She was last here October 2020.
