HMS Oxley - Loss

Loss

On 10 September 1939, Triton was also patrolling in the area. The two submarines had been in regular contact, and when Triton spotted an unidentified submarine in the area, it was initially assumed that this was Oxley. Recognition codes sent by signal light to the unknown boat were not responded to, causing Triton's commander to assume that she was an enemy submarine and fire two torpedoes. Oxley was the submarine; both torpedoes hit and sank her with only two survivors, which were recovered by Triton. A Board of Enquiry found that Oxley was some way out of position and that Triton had acted correctly and was not culpable for the sinking. As HMS Oxley was operating from Dundee with the 2nd Submarine Flotilla when she was lost, her crew are all commemorated on Dundee International Submarine Memorial.

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