ISLD Operation Ironclad, Crete May 1943, HMS Parthian

Hello!

I am currently undertaking PhD research on the Resistance in the Lasithi region of Crete during World War II, with a particular focus on clandestine wireless networks and British intelligence operations. A central part of my research involves Operation Ironclad, an ISLD mission that took place on 2 May 1943, when HMS Parthian landed a three-man team at Makri Yalo Bay.
This operation is of both academic and personal importance to me, as my grandfather, Alexandros Gerolakis, was one of the three men landed during this mission. He was a Cretan resistance fighter who had been trained by the ISLD in Cairo for espionage and wireless operations.
I am trying to locate the file ADM 199/1832, which I have seen referenced in relation to submarine and Special Service activity in the Eastern Mediterranean. Any help, information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

Admiral Submarines: patrol reports of HM Submarines PANDORA, PROTEUS, PARTHIAN and PERSEUS | The National Archives

 

This is the only time the file has been mentioned here, it has not been digitised and there are members here who visit regularly who can copy it for you, starting with how large it is!

Just looked for each submarine using an online search, e.g. "HMS Perseus" site:ww2talk.com there is are very few threads here.

Have a look at: Anyone require War Diaries or other files from the National Archives? The members who can help can be id'd there or post a request.

Good luck.

 

Thank you very much for finding the link! I was unable for some reason to locate the specific file in their system.

 

Thank you very much! I will post there to see if any member will be able to help me locate the files regarding the operation Ironclad/ HMS Parthian. I really appreciate your help!

 

Parthian's patrol history can be found on U-boat.net
HMS Parthian (N 75) of the Royal Navy - British Submarine of the P class - Allied Warships of WWII - uboat.net

As far as 2nd May 1943 this is all it says with the reference being to ADM 199/1832.

30 Apr 1943
HMS Parthian (Lt. M.B. St. John, RN) departed Port Said for her 18th war patrol (16th in the Mediterranean). She was ordered to conduct a special operation and to patrol in the Aegean.

For the daily and attack positions of HMS Parthian during this patrol see the map below.
The positions had to be taken from the patrol report as there is no log available, therefore not all days have positions. (21)

2 May 1943
In the evening HMS Parthian (Lt. M.B. St. John, RN) landed a party of three at Makri Yalo Bay (ca. 35°01’N, 26°04’E) on the south coast of Crete. This was operation Ironclad [not to be mistaken with the operation of the same name which resulted in the occupation of Madagascar a year earlier].

[No information is found in files regarding SOE operations which means this operation was most likely an ISLD operation (as MI6 was known in the Middle East).] (21)

 

Norteled would you have any information regarding Operation Corsair or Capricorn in August 1942? Corsair was a Greek agent named Antonios Koronaios (“Anthony” aka “Corsair”) who was exfiltrated from Crete by HMS Turbulent. Capricorn was the landing of two agents a few days later .
HMS Turbulent (N 98) of the Royal Navy - British Submarine of the T class - Allied Warships of WWII - uboat.net

 

Lintonbiographer,

Norteled last logged into the site in May 2025. I will send him a Private Message (PM) next to ask him to return.

PM explanation

If you hover over the name of the member in their avatar it will show a new text box and within is the date of their last logged visit. Some members "flag" their interest in a thread, which means they get a system alert. Once you have posted five times - a measure to stop spam - you can send a private message (PM) to members using 'Start a private conversation' accessed via your avatar. Such messages depend on their email given at registration is still valid. You can receive and reply to a PM already.

 

Linton,

Additional details are on an open Facebook entry. See: WW2 Wrecks in Greece There are a few other Facebook entries, none elsewhere which is odd IMHO and I did online try "Op Corsair", "Operation Corsair" and "Operation Capricorn".

No trace on both operations here.

 

The Facebook post was by me regarding these operations . Hopefully the original poster will return and may be able to assist. I surmise from the lack of information on line that the agents were probably ISLD or Greek Intelligence and the files are still closed.