One of the set-backs of cable-cutting trials, July 1945. In Hervey Bay, Queensland, XE3 prepares for trials. First Lieutenant David Carey, working forward, launches a ‘reef anchor’ type grapnel with marker buoy attached. The buoy is astern of XE3. The shorter man amidships is CO Ian Fraser RNR and ERA (Engine Room Artificer) Reid RN, is further aft, holding the induction trunk, which admits air for the engine. This grapnel failed to snag the old cable on which all trials were carried out.

Just after this photograph was taken David who was an experienced diver, exited the submerged submarine to swim alongside the grapnel to observe why it was ineffective. He swam to the short periscope (near Ian’s left foot), signalled ‘thumbs down’ and was not seen again. About the same time during these trials, the same happened to Lieutenant Bruce Enzer RNVR, another good diver who was also testing the grapnel.

Fortunately XE4’s grapnel (which I had designed) worked well and caught both cables off the Vietnam coast.

In April 1945, XE4 and XE1-6 were aboard HMS Bonaventure bound for Brisbane and later to Brunei Bay. I was CO of XE4.

Looking forward in XE4, Stoker Gillard RN, in the steering position. Periscope in lowered position on extreme right. The two circular doors, when shut, form the diver’s exit and re-entry chamber. Further forward are the batteries, beneath wooden boards. In front of the helmsman is the gyrocompass repeater. Above the wheel against the cylindrical pressure hull, are the main ballast tank vent valves, which are opened to submerge.

XE4 in the Pacific Ocean aboard Bonaventure, April 1945. Stoker Gillard RN, holds the de-compression lever, used when hand-starting the Gardner 4Hk diesel engine. We never had to hard start. The 30 horsepower main electric motor always started the engine.

‘Gozo’ was our favourite name for the diesel. ‘Gozo’ was in X24 and ‘Gozo II’ was in XE4. Both ‘Gozo III’ and Gozo IV are in Fremantle. ‘Gozo III’ is in my yacht ‘Bluebell’ and ‘Gozo IV’ is in my Gemini diesel motor car. They are all reliable. In the right foreground is part of the master gyro compass.

XE4 looking aft from the diver’s compartment. Helmsman ERA Shepherd RN, in the left foreground. Right aft in poor light is planesman Spree, RN. He controls submarine depth with hydroplanes (horizontal rudders) and pump, to move water in, out, forward or aft. Engine and main motor are further aft of a white timber bulkhead. Extreme right foreground is the chart table. April, 1945.

XE4 being launched from HMS Bonaventure in Brunei Bay, Borneo, ready to go to French Indochina (modern Vietnam) to cut the Japanese submarine telegraph cables. 28 July 1945.

On deck, Stoker Bill Butters RN, and First Lieutenant Ben Kelly RNVR. Note the port side charge, containing 2 tons of explosives or six x 200 pound limpets. There is another on starboard side. We did not use explosive on cables, but a hydraulically powered cutter. Victor Spree RN, electrical artificer has his head out of the main hatch. The cable cutting operation on 31 July 1945 was a complete success, with no injury (except to the cables) and no defects.

HMS Bonaventure with three US Navy submarines and XE4 in Sydney Harbour, after the Japanese surrender, September, 1945.

Max with a section of telegraph cable and a chart of the Mekong Delta. Perth, July 2005.