Claude Henry Brooks, RAN
| Born | 3 Oct 1903 | Katamundra, Western Australia, Australia |
| Ranks
Retired: 3 Oct 1963 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for Claude Henry Brooks, RAN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS Mistral | Cdr. | Destroyer | 6 Jul 1940 | 22 Sep 1940 |
| FR Paris | Cdr. | Battleship | 23 Sep 1940 | 21 Oct 1940 |
| HMS Mistral | Cdr. | Destroyer | 22 Oct 1940 | 19 Mar 1941 |
| HMS Hambledon (L 37) | Cdr. | Escort destroyer | 18 Apr 1941 | 9 May 1941 |
| HMAS Nizam (G 38) | Cdr. | Destroyer | 26 Jan 1943 | 30 May 1943 |
| HMAS Nizam (G 38) | Cdr. | Destroyer | 1 Jul 1943 | 14 Nov 1944 |
Career information
Transferred to the Emergency List on 3 October 1953Events related to this officer
Destroyer HMAS Nizam (G 38)
2 Mar 1943
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) conducted D/G and compass swing trials off Kilindini. These were followed by AA gunnery exercises. (1)
4 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1400C/4, the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Eastern Fleet) and the destroyers HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC and Bar, RN), HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) and HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) departed Kilindini for exercises. They had been preceeded around 1315C/4 by the destroyer HMS Quilliam (Capt. S.H. Carlill, DSO, RN).
Exercises continued throughout the night and during most of the 5th.
HMAS Nizam returned to Kilinidini around 1045C/5 followed by HMS Quilliam around 1240C/5.
Finally, HMS Warspite, HMS Foxhound and HMAS Nepal returned around 1530C/5. (2)
9 Mar 1943
Around 1000C/9, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) departed Kilindini to conducted D/G and compass swing trials at sea.
Around 1800C/9, the battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. J.W. Durnford, RN) and the destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. S.H. Carlill, DSO, RN) and HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Kilindini for exercises. They were joined at sea by HMAS Nizam.
They returned to harbour on completion of the exercises around 0715C/11. (2)
22 Mar 1943
Around 0925C/22, the destroyers HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN) departed Kilindini for gunnery exercises.
Around 1130C/22, the (submarine) depot ship HMS Adamant (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.A. Laffitte, RN) departed Kilindini for Colombo. the destroyers joined her around 1520C/22 to escort her part of the way.
The destroyers parted company with HMS Adamant early in the evening of 24 March and arrived back at Kilindini on the 25th. (3)
5 Apr 1943
Around 0610C/5, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN) departed Manza Bay to act as targets for torpedo firing aircraft during exercises.
Around 0845C/5, HMS Resolution (Capt. J.W. Durnford, RN) departed Manza Bay for exercises and to return to Kilindini / Mombasa on completion of these. The destroyers then joined her as A/S escorts.
Around 1145C/5, HMS Hawkins (Capt. G.A. French, RN) departed Kilindini to join in these exercises.
HMS Resolution and the destroyers arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa around 1745C/6. HMS Hawkins had returned to harbour a little over an hour earlier. (4)
7 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1015C/7, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN) departed Kilindini for exercises.
They were joined at sea by HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN) which was approaching Kilindini coming from Durban.
They all entered Kilindini harbour between 1730C7 and 1800C/7. (5)
20 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0620C/20, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN, with Commodore (D) S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN, on board) departed Kilindini for exercises.
They returned around 1800C/20. (6)
25 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Between 25 April and 3 May 1943, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) cleaned boilers at Kilindini. (7)
3 May 1943
Around 1510C/3, the battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. J.W. Durnford, RN) departed Kilindini for Durban. She is escorted by the destroyers HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN). (8)
9 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0700B/9, HMS Resolution (Capt. J.W. Durnford, RN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN) arrived at Durban from Kilindini. (9)
13 May 1943
Around 0700B/13, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) departed Durban to make rendezvous with the troopship Ile de France (British, 43450 GRT, built 1926, former French) coming from Aden. Rendezvous was affected around 1845B/14. (10)
16 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1315B/16, the troopship Ile de France (British, 43450 GRT, built 1926, former French) and it's escort, the destroyer HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Durban. (10)
20 May 1943
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) is docked in the floating dock at the Durban Dockyard. (11)
22 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) is undocked. (11)
27 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) is docked again in the floating dock at the Durban Dockyard. (11)
29 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) is undocked. (11)
30 May 1943
Convoy CM 42.
This convoy departed Durban on 30 May 1943.
The exact composition of this convoy is currently not known to us but the following transports seems to have made up this convoy; Ascanius (British, 10048 GRT, built 1910), Empire Woodlark (British, 7793 GRT, built 1913) en Llanstephan Castle (British, 11340 GRT, built 1914).
On departure from Durban the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Carthage (A/Capt.(Retd.) W.V.H. Harris, DSC, MVO, RN), destroyer HMAS Nizam (Lt. W.F. Cook, RAN) and the corvettes HMS Fritillary (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Barker, RD, RNR) and HMS Rockrose (Lt. E.J. Binfield, DSC, RNR).
Around 2200B/30, the corvettes parted company to search for a reported enemy submarine.
Around 1900C/1, HMAS Nizam parted company to return independently to Durban.
The convoy arrived at Mombasa / Kilindini on 10 June 1943. (12)
2 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Convoy DC 33.
This convoy departed Durban on 2 July 1943.
It was made up of the following transports; Benvanoch (British, 6427 GRT, built 1921), Cape Clear (British, 5085 GRT, built 1939), City of Leicester (British, 3351 GRT, built 1926), City of Yokohama (British, 7341 GRT, built 1922), Empire Glade (British, 7006 GRT, built 1941), Empire Plover (British, 6109 GRT, built 1920), Forbin (British, 7291 GRT, built 1922), Henry Bacon (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Herman Melville (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Markhor (British, 7917 GRT, built 1929), Nishmaha (American, 6040 GRT, built 1919), Ville d'Amiens (British, 6975 GRT, built 1924), West Durfee (American, 5522 GRT, built 1918) and Winslow Homer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
On departure from Durban the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), corvette HMS Fritillary (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Barker, RD, RNR), auxiliary A/S trawler HMS Hertfordshire (?) and the auxiliary A/S whaler HMSAS Standerton.
On 6 July 1943, HMAS Nizam parted company with the convoy near Port Elizabeth to join eastbound convoy CD 25.
Convoy DC 33 arrived at Capetown later on 6 July. (13)
2 Jul 1943
Convoy CD 25.
This convoy departed Capetown on 2 July 1943.
It was made up of the following transports; Caduceus (British, 4364 GRT, built 1927), Chateauroux (British, 4765 GRT, built 1921), City of Oran (British, 7323 GRT, built 1915), Delane (British, 6054 GRT, built 1938), Historian (British, 5074 GRT, built 1924), Narbada (British, 8988 GRT, built 1915), Pilar de Larrinaga (British, 7046 GRT, built 1918), Port Melbourne (British, 9142 GRT, built 1914) and Umvuma (British, 4419 GRT, built 1914).
The boom defence vessel Barwind (Skr.Lt.(Retd.) P. Bush, RD, RNR) was also part of the convoy.
On departure from Capetown the convoy was escorted by the corvette HMS Aster (Lt. W.L. Smith, RNR), auxiliary A/S trawlers HMS St. Loman (T/Lt. R.C. Warwick, DSC and Bar, RNR), HMS St. Zeno (T/Lt. J.K. Craig, RNVR), auxiliary A/S whaler HMSAS Blaauwberg and the auxiliary A/S yacht HMS Virginia (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Dobson, RNR).
On 6 July 1943 the convoy was joined by the destroyer HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN).
The convoy arrived at Durban on 7 July 1943.
8 Jul 1943
Convoy DN 51.
This convoy departed Durban on 8 July 1943.
This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Danio (Norwegian, 3496 GRT, built 1924), Empire Brook (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941), Empire Lake (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941), Ima (Norwegian (tanker), 6842 GRT, built 1930), Inge Maersk (South African (tanker), 9397 GRT, built 1939, former Danish), Nestor (British, 14629 GRT, built 1913) and Sinclair H-C (American (tanker), 7875 GRT, built 1942).
On departure from Durban the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), corvette HMS Genista (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R. Leigh-Wood, RNVR) and the auxiliary A/S trawlers HMS Coventry City (T/Lt. J.C. Grose, RNR) and HMS Stella Polaris (Skr. T. Normandale, RNR).
The convoy was to be dispersed on the 8th but due to very bad weather conditions only three merchant vessels and two escorts made it in company to the dispersal point.
10 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
While on passage back to Durban, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) is ordered to hunt for a submarine reported near Inhaca and had twice been attacked by aircraft.
The patrol however had to be cut short due to fuel shortage. (13)
13 Jul 1943
Around 2215C/13, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Durban from convoy escort duty and patrol.
Earlier in the day she had picked up 11 survivors from a lifeboat which was then towed to Durban. They were from the American transport Sebastian Cermeno that had been torpedoed and sunk south-east of Madagascar on 27 June. (13)
14 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) conducted AA gunnery exercises off Durban. (13)
31 Jul 1943
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) picks up 6 survivors from the British merchant Cornish City that was torpedoed and sunk on 29 July 1943 by German U-boat U-177 south-east of Madagascar in position 27°20'S, 52°10'E.
1 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Mauritius. After fuelling she departed for Diego Garcia later the same day. (14)
4 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Diego Garcia from Mauritius. After fuelling she departed for Geraldton later the same day. (14)
13 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Geraldton from Diego Garcia. After fuelling she departed Geraldton later the same day for Melbourne where she was to refit. (14)
18 Aug 1943
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Melbourne from Geraldton and taken in hand for refit.
[No reports of proceedings for HMAS Nizam are available until early 1945. So details for the period from late 1943 to early 1945 will be missing due to this.] (14)
22 Oct 1943
With her refit and post refit trials completed, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), departed Williamstown for Fremantle. (15)
28 Oct 1943
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Fremantle from Williamstown. (15)
3 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) departed Fremantle for Geraldton. (16)
3 Nov 1943
Convoy OW 7.
This convoy departed Fremantle on 3 November 1943.
It was made up of the transports; Colina (American, 10198 GRT, built 1943) and Samarovsk (British, 7219 GRt, built 1943).
On departure from Fremantle the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN).
On the 4th, when near Geralton the destroyer HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) took over from HrMs Tjerk Hiddes which then proceeded to Geraldton.
The convoy arrived at Colombo on 17 November 1943. (16)
4 Nov 1943
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Geraldton from Fremantle. After fuelling she departed to join convoy OW 7.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy OW 7 ' for 3 November 1943.] (16)
17 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Colombo with convoy OW 7. (17)
20 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) departed Colombo for Kilindini via the Seychelles. (17)
24 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles from Colombo. After fuelling she departed for Kilindini later the same day. (17)
26 Nov 1943
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Kilindini from Port Victoria. (17)
1 Dec 1943
HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) and HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN) departed Kilindini in the afternoon and at sea joined HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN), HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN, with Commodore S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN on board), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN) which were already out exercising.
Exercises were then carried out until 0100C/2. HMS Ramillies, HMS Frobisher, HMAS Napier, HMAS Nizam and HMS Quadrant returned to harbour on 2 December while HMS Roebuck, HMAS Quiberon and HMS Quality set course for Diego Suarez. (18)
18 Dec 1943
Convoy CM 48.
This convoy departed Durban on 18 December 1943.
It was made up of the following transports; City of London (British, 8956 GRT, built 1907) and Pulaski (Polish, 6345 GRT, built 1912).
On departure from Durban the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Racehorse (Cdr. J.J. Casement, DSC, RN) and HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN).
These destroyers were relieved on 25 December 1943 by HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN).
The convoy arrived at Aden on 31 December 1943.
24 Dec 1943
HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) departed Kilindini to join convoy CM 48.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy CM 48 ' for 18 December 1943.] (19)
31 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Aden with convoy CM 48. (19)
1 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0800C/1, the destroyer tender HMS Woolwich (Capt.(Retd.) L.H. Bayley, RN) departed Aden for Trincomalee. She was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and the corvette Betony (Lt. N.B.J. Stapleton, RD, RNR).
On 4 January 1944, the first HMAS Napier and HMAS Nizam fuelled from HMS Woolwich.
On 9 January 1944, HMS Betony parted company and proceeded to Colombo arriving there later the same day.
HMS Woolwich, HMAS Napier and HMAS Nizam arrived at Trincomalee around 1830FG/10. (20)
14 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1200FG/14, HMS Patroller (Capt. A.I. Robertson, RNR), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Cochin. (21)
22 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0830FG/22, HMS Patroller (Capt. A.I. Robertson, RNR), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) departed Cochin for Colombo. (22)
23 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000FG/23, HMS Patroller (Capt. A.I. Robertson, RNR), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Colombo from Cochin. (22)
25 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0830FG/25, HMS Patroller (Capt. A.I. Robertson, RNR) departed Colombo for Fremantle. She was escorted by HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN).
The destroyers parted company around 1200G/26 and proceeded back to the northwards. (21)
9 Feb 1944
Around 0800FG/9, the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. R.L.B. Cunliffe, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, CB, RN) and the destroyers HMS Racehorse (Cdr. J.J. Casement, DSC, RN), HMS Pathfinder (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Hallifax, RN) and HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) departed Trincomalee for exercises. At sea they were joined by HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) which was already out exercising.
They returned to harbour between 0810FG/10 and 0920FG/10. (23)
18 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1800FG/18, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN) departed Trincomalee for Bombay. (24)
21 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN) arrived at Bombay from Trincomalee. (24)
22 Feb 1944
The landing ship HMS Keren (A/Cdr. S.E. Crewe-Read, RN) departed Bombay for Madras where she arrived on 27 February. She was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN). (25)
27 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) departed Madras for Trincomalee. (15)
28 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Trincomalee from Madras. She departed later the same day with HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN) to make rendezvous with the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. R.L.B. Cunliffe, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, CB, RN) which was returning to Trincomalee from operation Sleuth.
[For more info see the event ' Operation Sleuth ' for 22 February 1944.] (26)
3 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Illustrious (Capt. R.L.B. Cunliffe, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, CB, RN), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. O.H. Becher, DSC, RAN) arrived at Trincomalee. (27)
15 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) is taken in hand for repairs and a docking at Colombo. (15)
27 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) departed Colombo for Cochin. (15)
28 Mar 1944
The destroyer HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Cochin from Colombo.
She departed for Addu Atoll later the same day escorting the escort carrier HMS Ranee (A/Capt. J.S. Metcalf, DSC, RD, RNR) which is to proceed to Melbourne. (28)
28 Mar 1944
Convoy AJ 2.
This convoy departed Aden on 28 March 1944.
It was made up of the transport; Aronda (British, 9031 GRT, built 1941).
The escort carriers HMS Atheling (Capt. R.I. Agnew, OBE, RCN), HMS Begum (A/Capt. J.E. Broome, DSC, RN) and aircraft transports HMS Athene (T/A/Cdr. C.H. Moulton, RNR) and HMS Engadine (Capt. W.T. Fitzgerald, RD, RNR) were also part of this convoy.
On departure from Aden they were escorted by the destroyer HMS Racehorse (Cdr. J.J. Casement, DSC, RN), sloop HMIS Cauvery (A/Cdr. A.W. Beeton, RIN) and the frigates HMS Lossie (Lt.Cdr. A.F. MacFie, OBE, RNR), HMS Spey (Cdr. G.A.G. Ormsby, RN) and HMS Taff (T/Lt.Cdr. A. Harrison, RNR).
At 0500E/2, the destroyer HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) joined coming from Addu Atoll.
The convoy arrived at Colombo on 4 April 1944.
31 Mar 1944
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Addu Atoll after having parted company with HMS Ranee (A/Capt. J.S. Metcalf, DSC, RD, RNR). She departed to join convoy AJ 2 coming from Aden later the same day.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy AJ 2 ' for 28 March 1944.] (15)
5 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1230FG/5, the maintenance carrier HMS Unicorn (Capt. H.L.St.J. Fancourt, DSO, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee where she arrived around 1400FG/6. She was escorted by HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN). (29)
7 Apr 1944
Around 0715FG/7, the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. R.L.B. Cunliffe, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, CB, RN) departed Colombo for exercises. she was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN).
They returned to harbour around 0900FG/8. (30)
13 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0700FG/13, the aircraft carriers HMS Illustrious (Capt. R.L.B. Cunliffe, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C. Moody, CB, RN), USS Saratoga (T/Capt. J.H. Cassady, USN) and the destroyers USS Cummings (T/Cdr. P.D. Williams, USN), USS Dunlap (T/Cdr. C. Iverson, USN) and USS Fanning (T/Cdr. J.C. Bentley, USN) departed Colombo for exercises. At sea they were joined by the destroyers HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN).
Around 0830FG/14, HMS Illustrious, USS Saratoga, HMAS Nepal and HMAS Nizam returned to Trincomalee harbour. They three US destroyers remained out for exercises and only returned to harbour in the morning of April 15th. (31)
25 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (32)
26 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 26/27 April 1944, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (33)
27 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) departed Trincomalee for Madras. (34)
28 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Madras from Trincomalee. (34)
4 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) departed Madras for Trincomalee. (34)
5 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Trincomalee from Madras. (34)
14 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0135FG/14, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) departed Trincomalee for Bombay. (34)
17 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Bombay from Trincomalee. (34)
19 May 1944
Around 1520FG/19, the aircraft maintenance carrier HMS Unicorn (Capt. H.L.St.J. Fancourt, DSO, RN) departed Bombay for Colombo. She was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN). (34)
21 May 1944
Around 1745FG/21, HMS Unicorn (Capt. H.L.St.J. Fancourt, DSO, RN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) arrived at Colombo from Bombay. (34)
26 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The destroyers HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) and corvette HMS Burnet (Lt. D.S. Charles, RNR) departed Colombo to join Task Force 67 and escort it to Trincomalee.
[For more info see the event ' Operation Transom ' for 6 May 1944.] (25)
1 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. O.H. Becher, DSC, RAN), HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, DSC, RN), HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) and HMS Burnet (Lt. D.S. Charles, RNR) arrived at Trincomalee escorting Task Force 67 made up of RFA tankers.
[For more info see the event ' Operation Transom ' for 6 May 1944.] (25)
6 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 6/7 July 1944, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (35)
11 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) returned to Trincomalee from exercises in the Palk Bay area. (34)
12 Jun 1944
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Trincomalee for Cochin. (36)
14 Jun 1944
Around 0830FG/14, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) were joined off Cochin by HMS Ameer (Capt. G.D. Yates, RN). They then set course for Colombo. (37)
15 Jun 1944
Around 0815FG/15 HMS Ameer (Capt. G.D. Yates, RN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrive off Colombo from Cochin.
The destroyers then left for the Seychelles later the same day. (37)
19 Jun 1944
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles to fuel. (36)
20 Jun 1944
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) departed Port Victoria, Seychelles for Aden. (36)
23 Jun 1944
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Aden from Port Victoria, Seychelles. (36)
27 Jun 1944
The destroyers HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN), HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN) departed Aden to make rendezvous with the aircraft carriers HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN) and HMS Indomitable (Capt. J.A.S. Eccles, RN) coming down the Red Sea from Suez. Rendezvous was affected around 1815C/27. (25)
28 Jun 1944
Around 0730C/28, HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN) and HMS Indomitable (Capt. J.A.S. Eccles, RN), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN), HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN) arrived at Aden. (38)
29 Jun 1944
Around 0600C/29, the aircraft carriers HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN) and HMS Indomitable (Capt. J.A.S. Eccles, RN) departed Aden for Bombay. They were escorted by the destroyers HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN), HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN). (38)
3 Jul 1944
Around 1030FG/3, HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN) and HMS Indomitable (Capt. J.A.S. Eccles, RN), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN), HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN) arrived at Bombay from Aden. (39)
5 Jul 1944
Around 1000FG/5, the aircraft carriers HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN) and HMS Indomitable (Capt. J.A.S. Eccles, RN) departed Bombay for Colombo. They were escorted by the destroyers HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN), HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN). (39)
7 Jul 1944
Around 1400FG/7, HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN) and HMS Indomitable (Capt. J.A.S. Eccles, RN), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN), HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMS Rocket (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Acworth, OBE, RN) arrived at Colombo from Bombay.
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) did not enter harbour as she was to continue on to Trincomalee. (39)
16 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Colombo for Addu Atoll. (25)
18 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Addu Atoll to fuel on completion of which they departed to join convoy US 24B coming from Fremantle.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 24B ' for 11 July 1944.] (25)
23 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, DSO, DSC, RN) which are escorting convoy WS 24B made a short call at Port Victoria, Seychelles to fuel.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 24B ' for 11 July 1944.] (25)
28 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMS Petard (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, DSO, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden with convoy US 24B.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 24B ' for 11 July 1944.] (25)
2 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Cochin from escort duties. She departed for Trincomalee later the same day. (25)
4 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0730FG/4, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Trincomalee from Cochin. (40)
13 Aug 1944
Around 1045FG/13, escort carrier HMS Atheling (A/Cdr. H.L. Oliver, RN) departed Madras for Trincomalee. She was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN). (41)
14 Aug 1944
Around 0800FG/14, HMS Atheling (A/Cdr. H.L. Oliver, RN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) arrived at Trincomalee from Madras. (41)
14 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) departed Trincomalee for Bombay. (25)
17 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Bombay from Trincomalee. (25)
21 Aug 1944
Convoy BM 100.
This convoy departed Bombay on 21 August 1944.
It was made up of the troop transports; Dunnottar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936) and Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931).
On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Quilliam (Capt. R.G. Onslow, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. O.H. Becher, DSC, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and the frigate HMS Findhorn (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Dawson, RD, RNR).
The convoy arrived at Colombo on 24 August 1944. HMAS Nizam continued on to Trincomalee though arriving there on 25 August 1944. (25)
31 Aug 1944
Around 1540FG/31, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMS Pathfinder (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Hallifax, RN) returned to Trincomalee from escort duty. (25)
4 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0830FG/4, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Trincomalee.
Around 1320FG/4, HMS Rotherham (Capt. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN) and HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) departed Trincomalee.
They all returned between 0730FG/5 and 0800FG/5. Presumably they had been at sea for exercises. (42)
14 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 14/15 September 1944, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (42)
17 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1850FG/17, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) departed Trincomalee for Colombo. (43)
18 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Colombo from Trincomalee. (25)
19 Sep 1944
Convoy MB 78B.
This convoy departed Colombo on 19 September 1944.
It was only made up of the troopship Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931).
Escort was provided by the destroyers HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Sluijter, RNethN).
The convoy arrived at Bombay on 22 September 1944. (25)
25 Sep 1944
Convoy BM 101.
This convoy departed Bombay on 25 September 1944.
It was made up of the transports; Clan Campbell (British, 9545 GRT, built 1943) and Nevasa (British, 9213 GRT, built 1913).
Escort was provided by the destroyers HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN), HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN), HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Sluijter, RNethN) and HMS Pathfinder (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Hallifax, RN).
The convoy arrived at Colombo on 28 September 1944.
HMAS Nizam, HMAS Norman and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes continued on to Trincomalee arriving there on 29 September 1944. (25)
30 Sep 1944
Around 0730FG/30, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) departed Trincomalee for Chittagong.
[No further details available.] (43)
11 Oct 1944
Around 1115FG/11, the aircraft carrier HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN) departed Colombo for Tricomalee. Off the swept channel she was joined by the destroyers HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. O.H. Becher, DSC, RAN) which had come from Trincomalee. (44)
12 Oct 1944
Around 1200FG/12, HMS Victorious (Capt. M.M. Denny, CB, CBE, RN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. O.H. Becher, DSC, RAN) arrived at Trincomalee.
Later on the day, around 1900FG/12, HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. O.H. Becher, DSC, RAN) departed Trincomalee for Colombo. (44)
13 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. O.H. Becher, DSC, RAN) arrived at Colombo from Trincomalee. (45)
15 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. O.H. Becher, DSC, RAN) departed Colombo for Fremantle via Addu Atoll. (46)
28 Oct 1944
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Fremantle from Colombo via Addu Atoll. (47)
29 Oct 1944
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) departed Fremantle for Melbourne. (47)
2 Nov 1944
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) arrived at Melbourne from Fremantle. (15)
3 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) is taken in hand for refit at Melbourne. (48)
Sources
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Nizam for March 1943
- ADM 53/118440 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Nizam for March 1943
- ADM 53/116821 + ADM 53/118440 + ADM 199/643 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Nizam for March 1943
- ADM 53/117620 + ADM 53/118441
- ADM 53/118797 + ADM 53/118441
- ADM 53/118441 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Nizam for April 1943
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Nizam for April 1943 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Nizam for May 1943
- ADM 53/118442 + ADM 199/632 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Nizam for May 1943
- ADM 53/118442 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Nizam for May 1943
- ADM 199/2349 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Nizam for May 1943
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Nizam for May 1943
- ADM 53/117168 + ADM 199/2349 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Nizam for May 1943 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Nizam for June 1943
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Nizam for July 1943
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Nizam for August 1943
- ADM 199/2563
- War diary Western Australia for November 1943
- ADM 199/643 + ADM 199/2563
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Quiberon for December 1943
- ADM 199/643
- ADM 53/120763
- ADM 53/120209
- ADM 53/120209 + ADM 199/1388
- ADM 53/119576 + ADM 53/120764 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Quiberon for January 1944
- ADM 53/120764 + ADM 199/1388
- ADM 199/1388
- ADM 53/120764
- ADM 53/119577 + ADM 199/1388
- ADM 53/120338 + ADM 199/2563
- ADM 53/120666
- ADM 53/119578 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Quiberon for April 1944
- ADM 53/120766 + War diary for USS Saratoga for April 1944 + War diary for USS Cummings for April 1944 + War diary for USS Dunlap for April 1944 + War diary for USS Fanning for April 1944
- ADM 53/120767
- ADM 53/120766
- ADM 199/1388 + ADM 199/2547
- ADM 53/120768
- ADM 199/1388 + File 2.12.03.1617 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
- ADM 53/118809 + ADM 199/1388 + File 2.12.03.1617 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
- ADM 53/119611 + ADM 53/120693 + ADM 199/1388
- ADM 53/119612 + ADM 53/120694 + ADM 199/1388
- ADM 53/120770 + ADM 199/1388
- ADM 199/1388 + File 2.12.03.1618 (Dutch Archives, The Hague, Netherlands)
- ADM 53/120771
- ADM 53/120771 + ADM 199/1388
- ADM 53/120697
- ADM 53/120383
- ADM 187/41
- War diary Commander Allied Naval Force Western Australia for October 1944
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Nizam for November 1944, December 1944 and January 1945
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
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