The Mediterranean, Part One
Having seen the convoy deliver its cargo, Petard joined the 12th destroyer flotilla in Port Said on 22 September. Two days later she used her guns in anger for the first time against three JU 88 aircraft. The result was inconclusive.
Back in her mooring, the ship's First Lieutenant had the opportunity to 'paint ship'; it was carried out under the watchful eye of the Buffer (chief bosun's mate). Off-duty time was precious and sometimes amusing for the ships' crew. At one shore-side establishment, four of Petard's officers had just entered as an improvised 'rodeo' of gharry horses (normally employed pulling a cab), was coming to an end. They were then involved with a fish-pond, a Lebanese singer and a move to an out-of-bounds area which saw the Royal Marines Patrol concerned with their welfare.
For the next few days Petard and the Greek destroyer Queen Olga took part in anti-submarine patrols and exercised with Allied submarines, improving the two ships' underwater hunting skills. On 12 October Petard and Pakenham moved to Haifa to escort the cruiser Arethusa to Alexandria. The voyage included drills and tactics for the protection of convoys. Also in attendance were the cruisers Cleopatra, Orion and Euryalus and their attendant fleet destroyers.
On 24 October she took part in the abortive interception of a German force said to be heading for Cyprus.
Read more about this topic: HMS Petard (G56)
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