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Re: Seeking records about HMS Electra survivors & USS S-38
Jason Atkinson
Nov 12, 2020 10:47 AM
Dear Ms. Craven,
Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!
We searched the National Archives Catalog and located the U.S. Submarine War Patrol Reports, 1941 - 1945 in the Records of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (Record Group 38) that includes the report USS S-38, February 1942 - May 1942. This report has been digitized and can be viewed online using the Catalog. The events of 28 February and 1 March are described on images 12 through 15, and a list of HMS Electra survivors is on image 47. We also located World War II War Diaries, Other Operational Records and Histories, ca. 1/1/1942 - ca. 6/1/1946 in Record Group 38 that contains USS S-38 - War Patrol Report No 4 (Enc A-C). For the most part this is a duplicate copy of the previously linked war patrol report, although you may find this copy easier to read. The events of 28 February and 1 March are described on images 11 through 14, and a list of HMS Electra survivors is on image 46. Weather on these dates is described on image 29. The track sheet map for these dates is on image 44. In addition, the rest of the report to be of general interest.
Next, we located the Logbooks of U.S. Navy Ships and Stations, 1941 - 1983 in the Records of the Bureau of Naval Personnel (Record Group 24) that include the deck logs of the USS S-38 for February and March 1942. Plus, we located World War II Action and Operational Reports in Record Group 38 that may include additional reports submitted by the USS S-38. These records have not been digitized and are not available online. For more information, please contact the National Archives at College Park - Textual Reference (RDT2) via email at archives2reference@nara.gov.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and pursuant to guidance received from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), NARA has adjusted its normal operations to balance the need of completing its mission-critical work while also adhering to the recommended social distancing for the safety of NARA staff. As a result of this re-prioritization of activities, you may experience a delay in receiving an initial acknowledgement as well as a substantive response to your reference request from RDT2. We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and patience.
In addition, we searched online and located the following articles. Some of these have citations that may suggest further avenues for research:
- https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2015/october/edge
- https://thedockyard.co.uk/lest_we_forget_able_seaman_peaceful_and_hms_electra/
- https://pacificwrecks.com/ships/hms/exeter.html
- https://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/4833.html
- https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/s/s-38.html
- https://navaltheater.com/ships/hms-electra-h27
Among the citations in some of the above listed articles is the book H.M.S. Electra by T.J. Cain as told to A.V. Sellwood, published in 1959. According to WorldCat, a copy is available at the British Library. We also located a listing of the book in the collections of the Australian War Memorial. There may be copies in other libraries.Service records of British military personnel that served during the Second World War and later are still held by the British Ministry of Defence. Visit the Get a copy of military service records website for further information.
Finally, we suggest that you contact The National Archives of the United Kingdom, the Imperial War Museum, and the National Museum Of The Royal Navy for further assistance.
We hope this is helpful. Best of luck with your family research!