📍 HMS Upholder Submarine Memorial
Location Map Coordinates 35.902064, 14.519484
Introduction: The Legacy of a Legend
HMS Upholder (P37) stands immortalized in naval history as the most successful Royal Navy submarine of the Second World War. Operating under the legendary command of Lieutenant Commander Malcolm David Wanklyn (VC, DSO with Two Bars), this U-class submarine became an emblem of defiance, striking critical blows against Axis supply lines in the Mediterranean from her home base in Malta.
Commissioned on October 31, 1940, her operational career was tragic yet profoundly historic. She was declared missing, presumed sunk, during her 25th patrol in April 1942—which was meant to be her final patrol before returning home to England.
The History & Disappearance of HMS Upholder
During her relentless operations in the Central Mediterranean, HMS Upholder successfully disrupted enemy communications and asset movements. However, in April 1942, all contact was lost. The most widely accepted explanation for her loss indicates that after being spotted by an Axis reconnaissance seaplane, she fell victim to a series of targeted depth charges dropped northeast of Tripoli, at coordinates 34°47'N 16°55'E.
On August 22, 1942, the Admiralty officially announced the loss of the vessel, taking an unprecedented step to single out the submarine and her crew for unparalleled praise:
"It is seldom proper for Their Lordships to draw distinction between different services rendered in the course of naval duty, but they take this opportunity of singling out those of HMS Upholder, under the command of Lt.Cdr. David Wanklyn, for special mention... Such was the standard of skill and daring set by Lt.Cdr. Wanklyn and the officers and men under him that they and their ship became an inspiration, not only to their own flotilla, but to the fleet of which she was a part and to Malta, where for so long HMS Upholder was based."
HMS Upholder Crew List: Roll of Honour
Below is the definitive Roll of Honour for the brave crew members who made the ultimate sacrifice aboard HMS Upholder. This record compiles the exact list transcribed directly from the monument plaque located in Malta.
| Rank / Rate | Full Name | Medals / Honours / Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant Commander (Commanding Officer) | Malcolm David Wanklyn | VC, DSO** (Victoria Cross, Distinguished Service Order & 2 Bars) |
| Lieutenant | Peter R. H. Allen | |
| Petty Officer Telegraphist | William E. Anderson | DSM* (Distinguished Service Medal & Bar) |
| Leading Telegraphist | Leopold Blake | DSM |
| Engine Room Artificer 3rd Class | Norman D. Board | DSM |
| Able Seaman | Thomas C. Brown | MiD (Mentioned in Despatches) |
| Engine Room Artificer 2nd Class | Charles L. Burgoyne | DSM |
| Leading Seaman | Robert W. Davidson | DSM |
| Able Seaman | George J. Foster | MiD |
| Chief Engine Room Artificer | Frederick J. Frame | DSM* |
| Ordinary Telegraphist | Edmond Gregory | MiD |
| Stoker Petty Officer | Frederick W. Gregory | DSM* |
| Leading Stoker | Alfred T. Heath | MiD |
| Able Seaman | Gwilym Hughes | MiD |
| Able Seaman | Seiriol F. Lane | MiD |
| Petty Officer | Frederick J. Martin | MiD |
| Petty Officer | David A. Miller | DSM* |
| Stoker 2nd Class | Edward Munday | |
| Telegraphist | Patrick M. Newlands | MiD |
| Sub Lieutenant | John H. Norman | MiD |
| Lance Corporal (Royal Marines) | Charles A. Parker | |
| Leading Seaman | John E. Partleton | DSM |
| Leading Stoker | Frederick W. Perkins | MiD |
| Leading Stoker | John Rowe | MiD |
| Lieutenant | Francis Ruck-Keen | DSC (Distinguished Service Cross) |
| Leading Seaman | Lambert Saunders | MiD* |
| Stoker 1st Class | Ernest E. Self | MiD |
| Leading Signalman | Rex Simmonds | DSM* |
| Able Seaman | George E. R. Smith | |
| Able Seaman | James Smith | |
| Petty Officer | John G. Swainston | DSM* |
| Leading Stoker | Fred Topping | |
| Petty Officer | William R. Turner | DSM* |
Explore More Maltese Maritime History
- Discover comprehensive defense relics, locations, and historical summaries via the Malta War Memorials Catalogue.
- Pay tribute to the silent service veterans stationed at Manoel Island on our dedicated WWII Submarine Roll of Honour.