Allied Warships

HMS Jed (K 235)

Frigate of the River class

NavyThe Royal Navy
TypeFrigate
ClassRiver 
PennantK 235 
Built byCharles Hill & Sons Ltd. (Bristol, U.K.) : Bellis & Morcom 
Ordered11 Feb 1941 
Laid down27 Sep 1941 
Launched30 Jul 1942 
Commissioned30 Nov 1942 
End service 
History

In February 1943 HMS Jed was a unit of the 1st Escort Group deployed in convoy escort duties in the North Atlantic. On May 6th after arriving in the Western Approaches from St John’s in support of a convoy, Jed in company with the sloop HMS Pelican, located a lurking U-boat on the surface by radar, they both went in for the kill and U-438 was destroyed by Pelican. On the 19th the frigate in company with her sisters HMS Spey and HMS Wear and the sloop HMS Sennen came up from the rear of the convoy and sighted the U-954 on the surface. The submarine fired her torpedoes prior to crash diving, fortunately no shipping was hit. It was not long after this, that the submarine was located by Jed, and she and Sennen sank the boat using their Hedgehog’s. On June 14th U-334 was located by the escort group and was sunk by Jed and Pelican On 26 August while in the Bay of Biscay, Jed in company with five other ASW vessels damaged U-340 with depth charges. In September she was back in the North Atlantic on escort duties on the United Kingdom - Gibraltar route.

In November 1944 Jed left the U.K. for the Far East Fleet, based at Colombo, her passage took her through the Mediterranean, and the Suez Canal, being employed as a convoy escort. From May 5-17th 1945 Jed was docked in the Selborne dry dock at Simonstown, South Africa. In October she left for Cape Town for a refit, where a 273 Radar was fixed to the deck and a VHF fighter direction radio was also fitted. The refitting of the ship had been carried out on the assumption that the ship would direct aircraft onto the beach-heads during an invasion on the Japanese held Malaysian coast, once the refit was completed, she left for Simonstown, to have the equipment trialed. After leaving Simonstown problems were experienced concerning the main engines, and she headed for Port Elizabeth for repairs. However due to the Japanese surrender, she was no longer required, and she arrived in U.K. before the year was out.

In 1946 the frigate was placed into reserve. On 25 May 1957 Jed was broken up by Ward at Milford Haven.

 

Commands listed for HMS Jed (K 235)

Please note that we're still working on this section
and that we only list Commanding Officers for the duration of the Second World War.

CommanderFromTo
1Lt.Cdr. Ronald Clifford Freaker, DSO, RD, RNR8 Sep 194211 Apr 1944
2Lt.Cdr. Robert Stevenson Miller, DSC, RNR11 Apr 1944mid 1945
3Lt. Edward Sydney Hutchinson, RNRmid 194531 Dec 1945

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Notable events involving Jed include:


9 Mar 1943
HMS H 28 (Lt. K.H. Martin, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Lord Middleton (T/Lt. G.O.T.D. Henderson, RNVR), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO, RNR), HMS Cape Mariato (T/Lt. N.J. Ivison, RNVR) and HMS Cape Argona (T/A/Lt.Cdr. T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.R. Pate, RNR). (1)

15 Apr 1943
HMS H 33 (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Pelican (Cdr. G.N. Brewer, RN), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO, RD, RNR), HMCS Algoma (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Harding, RCNR), HMCS Calgary (T/Lt. H.K. Hill, RCNVR) and HMS Sunflower (A/Lt.Cdr. J. Plomer, RCNVR). (2)

19 May 1943
German U-boat U-954 was sunk in the North Atlantic south-east of Cape Farewell, Greenland in position 54°54'N, 34°19'W, by depth charges from the British frigate HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO, RNR) and the British sloop HMS Sennen (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Thornton, DSC, RNR).

4 Jun 1943
HMS Universal (Lt. C. Gordon, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Londonderry with HMS Pelican (Cdr. G.N. Brewer, RN), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN), HMS Spey (Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO and Bar, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Vanquisher (Lt.Cdr. G.A.G. Ormsby, RN). (3)

14 Jun 1943
German U-boat U-334 was sunk in the North Atlantic south-west of Iceland, in position 58°16'N, 28°20'W, by depth charges from the British frigate HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Freaker, DSO, RNR) and the British sloop HMS Pelican (Cdr. G.N. Brewer, RN).

19 Jul 1943
HMS H 34 (Lt. B. Charles, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Pelican (Capt. G.N. Brewer, RN), HMS Wear (Cdr. E. Wheeler, RD, RNR), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSO, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Saxifage (T/Lt. J. Renwick, DSO, RNR) and one other vessel [unable to read the name in the log of HMS H 34]. (4)

19 Jul 1943

Combined convoy WS 32 / KMF 20.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 19 July 1943.

On assembly the convoy was made up of the following transports; Chyebassa (British, 7043 GRT, built 1942), City of Bristol (British, 8424 GRT, built 1943), Copacabana (Belgian, 7340 GRT, built 1938), Dempo (Dutch, 17024 GRT, built 1931), Esperance Bay (British, 14204 GRT, built 1922), Highland Chieftain (British, 14135 GRT, built 1929), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930), Maloja (British, 20914 GRT, built 1923), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Moreton Bay (British, 14193 GRT, built 1921), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935), Rangitata (British,16737 GRT, built 1929), Rembrandt (British, 5559 GRT, built 1941), Rochester Castle (British, 7795 GRT, built 1937), Rowallan Castle (British, 7798 GRT, built 1939) and Volendam (Dutch, 15434 GRT, built 1922).

The convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. N.R. Murch, RN), sloops HMS Egret (Lt. G.H. Cook, RN), HMS Pelican (Capt. G.N. Brewer, RN) and the frigates HMS Derg (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.W. Cooper, RNR), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO, RD, RNR), Kale (HMS Kale (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Houchen, OBE, RD, RNR), HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSO, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Tay (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Sherwood, RNR) and HMS Wear (Cdr. E. Wheeler, RD, RNR).

On 21 July 1943 the AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) departed Plymouth to join the convoy which she did early in the evening off 22 July.

The convoy split up at 2000B/25.

Convoy KMF 20, continued on to the Mediterranean. It was made up of the following transports; Cheyebassa, City of Bristol, Dempo, Highland Princess, Mooltan, Orion, Rembrandt and Volendam.

They were escorted by HMS Egret, HMS Pelican, HMS Jed, HMS Rother and HMS Wear.

At 1000B/26, HMS Charybdis parted company and proceeded ahead to Gibraltar arriving there around 2000B/26.

The convoy passed the straits of Gibraltar during the night of 27/28 July. HMS Pelican was detached and arrived at Gibraltar on 27 July.

The transports Dempo, Highland Princess, Mooltan, Orion and Volendam arrived at Algiers on 28 July 1943 escorted by HMS Egret, HMS Jed, HMS Rother and HMS Wear.

Cheyebassa, City of Bristol and Rembrandt continued on the the eastwards towards Malta as convoy KMF 20A. They were escorted by HMS Egret, HMS Jed and HMS Rother which, most likely, had fuelled at Algiers.

On 30 July 1943, HMS Egret, HMS Jed and HMS Rother arrived at Malta. Their escort duties taking over by the destroyers HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN) and HMS Intrepid (Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) which had departed Malta earlier on 30 July.

The three ships of the convoy joined convoy GTX 4 on 31 July following which HMS Ilex and HMS Intrepid returned to Malta arriving on 1 August.

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Convoy WS 32 continued on towards Freetown. It was made up of the following transports; Copacabana, Esperance Bay, Highland Chieftain, Maloja, Moreton Bay, Rangitata, Rochester Castle and Rowallan Castle.

They were escorted by the destroyer Beagle and the frigates HMS Derg, HMS Kale and HMS Tay. These were joined by the destroyer HMS Douglas (Lt.Cdr. K.H.J.L. Phibbs, RN) and the frigate HMS Ness (A/Cdr. T.G.P. Crick, DSC, RN).

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 28 July 1943.

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Convoy WS 32 departed Freetown for South Africa on 5 August 1943.

It was now made up of the transports; Britannic (British, 26943 GRT, built 1930), Esperance Bay, Highland Chieftain, Maloja, Moreton Bay, Rangitata and Rochester Castle.

On 8 August 1943 the transport Nea Hellas (British, 16991 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy coming from Takoradi. She was escorted by the destroyer HMS Wolverine (Cdr. J.M. Money, RN) which also joined the convoy.

On 9 August 1943, the transports Largs Bay (British, 14182 GRT, built 1921) and Tamaroa (British, 12405 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy coming from Lagos.

The convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Beagle, HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. E.J. Lee, RN), HMS Douglas and the frigates HMS Derg, HMS Kale and HMS Tay.

On 12 August 1943, HMS Beagle, HMS Bulldog, HMS Douglas and HMS Wolverine parted company after having been relieved by the destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN), HMAS Quiberon (Lt. G.J.A. Ashley-Brown, RAN), HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN).

The convoy arrived at Capetown in 18 August 1943.

It sailed again the following day, minus the Rochester Castle for Durban where it arrived on 22 August 1943. They had been escorted by HMAS Norman, HMAS Quiberon, HMS Rapid and HMS Relentless.

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On 28 August 1943 convoy WS 32 departed Durban for Bombay. It was now made up of the transports Britannic, Largs Bay, Maloja, Strathmore (British, 23428 GRT, built 1935) and Tamaroa.

They were escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Norman, HMAS Quiberon and HMS Rapid.

On 3 September 1943, the light cruiser HMS Emerald (Capt. F.J. Wylie, RN) took over from HMS Hawkins and the three destroyers which then proceeded to Kilindini where they arrived the following day after having participated in night exercises.

The convoy arrived at Bombay on 10 September minus the Strathmore which had been detached to Aden on 6 September.

1 Aug 1943

Convoy MKF 20.

This convoy departed Algiers on 1 August 1943.

It was made up of the troop transports; Dempo (Dutch, 17024 GRT, built 1931), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935) and Volendam (Dutch, 15434 GRT, built 1922).

Escort was made up of the sloops HMS Pelican (Capt. G.N. Brewer, RN), HMS Egret (Lt. G.H. Cook, RN), frigates HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSO, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Wear (Cdr. E. Wheeler, RD, RNR) and the escort destroyer HMS Limbourne (Cdr. C.B. Alers-Hankey, DSC, RN).

The convoy arrived at Oran on 2 August 1943.

The convoy departed Oran on 3 August 1943. The frigate HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO, RD, RNR) had reinforced the convoy escort now.

The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 4 August 1943. It departed for the U.K. later the same day minus the transport Dempo. The convoy escort was reinforced by the destroyers HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, DSC, RN) and HMS Wanderer (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Whinney, RN).

On 5 August 1943, the AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) departed Gibraltar to overtake the convoy and then join the convoy escort. She joined the convoy on the morning of the 6th.

At 1000B/8, HMS Charybdis parted company with the convoy to return to Gibraltar.

HMS Limbourne was detached to Plymouth where she arrived on 10 August 1943.

HMS Amazon and HMS Wanderer were detached to Londonderry where they arrived on 10 August 1943.

The convoy arrived in the Clyde on 11 August 1943. The remaining escort vessels then proceeded to Londonderry arriving there later the same day.

18 Aug 1943
HMS H 32 (Lt. J.A.R. Troup, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Lough Foyle with HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Egret, HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSO, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Northern Pride (T/Lt. A.L.F. Bell, RNR). (5)

23 Aug 1943
On the 23th August 1943 the 40th Escort Group (Cdr. Dallison), consisting of the sloops HMS Landguard, HMS Bideford, HMS Hastings and the frigates HMS Exe, HMS Moyola and HMS Waveney were deployed on a U-boat hunt off Cape Ortegal. The whole operation was covered by the British light cruiser HMS Bermuda.

On the 25th August the Canadian 5th Support Group (Cdr. Tweed), consisting of the British frigates HMS Nene, HMS Tweed and the Canadian corvettes HMCS Calgary, HMCS Edmundston and HMCS Snowberry were deployed to relieve the 40th Escort Group. While this was in progress the ships were attacked at 1415 hrs by 14 Dornier Do-217's and 7 Ju-88's. with the new German weapon, the Henschel Glider Bombs, (the "Hs293 A-1"). Designed by the German Professor Herbert Wagner. HMS Landguard and HMS Bideford were the first of the Allied and R.N. ships to be attacked and damaged by them. This being the first time of their being brought into action against Allied ships. Several sailors were injured on HMS Bideford and one sailor was killed.

Another two days later on the 27th August 1943 the Canadian 5th Support group was relieved by the 1st Support group (Cdr. Brewer) consisting of the sloops HMS Pelican, HMS Egret and the frigates HMS Jed, HMS Rother, HMS Spey and HMS Evenlode. Also the covering cruiser HMS Bermuda was relieved by the Canadian destroyer HMCS Athabaskan and the British destroyer HMS Grenville. These ships were also attacked by the Germans. This time with 18 Dornier Do-217?s also carrying Henschel Glider Bombs. HMCS Athabaskan was heavily damaged and HMS Egret was sunk with the loss of 194 of her crew. After this loss the U-boat hunt was blown off.

17 Sep 1943

Convoy MKF 24.

This convoy departed Port Said on 17 September 1943.

It was made up of the (troop) transports; Clan Campbell (British, 9545 GRT, built 1943), Eastern Prince (British, 10926 GRT, built 1929), Staffordshire (British, 10683 GRT, built 1929) and Strathmore (British, 23428 GRT, built 1935).

The armed merchant cruiser HMS Carthage (A/Capt. U.H.R. James, RN) was also part of the convoy. She was en-route from the East Indies station to the U.K. to be decommissioned and be outfitted for her new role as troop transport.

The convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt.Cdr. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Rockwood (Lt. S.R. Le H. Lombard-Hobson, RN), RHS Kanaris and RHS Miaoulis.

At 0620C/18, the Eastern Prince was detached to Alexandria.

The convoy arrived at Algiers on 22 September 1943.

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On 28 September 1943 the convoy departed Algiers for the U.K.

It was now made up of the following (troop) transports; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Arundel Castle (British, 19118 GRT, built 1921), Athlone Castle (British, 25564 GRT, built 1936), Bergensfjord (Norwegian, 11015 GRT, built 1913), Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), Clan Campbell, Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Empress of Australia (British, 21833 GRT, built 1914), Marnix van St. Aldegonde (Dutch, 19355 GRT, built 1930), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Ruys (Dutch, 14155 GRT, built 1937), Staffordshire, Strathmore, Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937) and Volendam (British, 15434 GRT, built 1922).

The armed merchant cruiser HMS Carthage was still part of the convoy.

The convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Pelican (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, DSO, RN) and the frigates HMS Evenlode (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.L. Turner, RNR), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR), HMS Spey (Lt.Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR) and HMS Wear (Cdr. E. Wheeler, RD, RNR).

At 0700A/30, the Ruys and Volendam were detached.

At 0900A/30, the Empress of Australia and Monarch of Bermuda were detached.

At 0930A/30, the (troop) transports Empire Might (British, 9209 GRT, built 1942), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930) and Rochester Castle (British, 7795 GRT, built 1937) joined coming from Gibraltar.

Also the following warships joined at the same time; escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. W.W.P. Shirley-Rollison, RN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), HMS Stalker (Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN), seaplane carrier HMS Albatross (A/Capt.(Retd.) S. Barry, RN) and the destroyers HMS Wishart (Lt. J.A. Holdsworth, RN) and HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. R.B.S. Tennant, RN).

At 1400A/30, the Volendam rejoined.

At 1500A/30, the AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) joined coming from Gibraltar.

At 1600A/30, the Ruys rejoined.

At 0420A/1, the Bergensfjord, Highland Princess and Volendam parted company to proceed to Freetown. They took HMS Wishart and HMS Witherington with them as escorts. Also the destroyer HMS Malcolm (Lt. I.M. Clegg, RN) joined them which had came from Casablanca.

At 1300A/1, the Athone Castle was detached to proceed independently to New York.

At 0640Z/4, the light cruiser HMS Spartan (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) joined the convoy escort.

At 0635Z/5, HMS Spartan parted company with the convoy.

At 0930Z/5, HMS Charybdis and HMS Albatross parted company to proceed to Plymouth where they arrived on 6 October.

On 7 October the convoy arrived in U.K waters. The bulk of the convoy proceeded either to Greenock or to Liverpool.

17 Oct 1943

Combined convoy MKF 24 / XIF 2A.

This convoy departed Port Said on 17 October 1943.

It was made up of the (troop) transports; Britannic (British, 26943 GRT, built 1930), Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Glenartney (British, 9795 GRT, built 1940), Largs Bay (British, 14182 GRT, built 1921), Martand (British, 7967 GRT, built 1925), Maloja (British, 20914 GRT, built 1923), Stirling Castle (British, 25550 GRT, built 1936), Stratheden (British, 23722 GRT, built 1937) and Tamaroa (British, 12405 GRT, built 1922).

The headquarters ship HMS Largs (Capt. H.S. Allan, RNR) was also part of the convoy.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Wilton (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC and Bar, RN), RHS Kanaris and RHS Themistocles.

On 18 October 1943, the (troop) transports; Aronda (British, 9031 GRT, built 1941), Karoa (British, 7009 GRT, built 1915), Letitia (British, 13595 GRT, built 1925), Llandgibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929) and Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927) departed Alexandria to join the convoy which they did later the same day.

The were escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Croome (Lt. H.D.M. Slater, RN) and HMS Tetcott (Lt. A.F. Harkness, DSC, OBE, RNR).

In the morning of 21 October 1943, the convoy arrived off Augusta where the Britannic, Glenartney, Largs Bay, Maloya, Martand, Stirling Castle, Stratheden, Tamaroa, and HMS Largs were detached and entered harbour.

The Aronda, Egra, Karoa, Letitia, Llangibby Castle and Nieuw Holland and the entire convoy escort then proceeded to Taranto where they arrived early in the morning of 22 August 1943.

The convoy departed Taranto in the late afternoon to proceed to Augusta. The escort destroyer HMS Haydon (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN) had joined the convoy escort. The Llangibby Castle and HMS Lamerton did not sail with the convoy.

Early in the afternoon of 23 October the convoy was back off Augusta. the Nieuw Holland was then detached and entered Augusta. The convoy was rejoined by the Britannic, Glenartney, Largs Bay, Maloya, Martand, Stirling Castle, Stratheden, Tamaroa and HMS Largs which had been detached on 21 October. More (troop) transports however joined coming from Augusta, these were; Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928), Dunnottar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931) and Sibajak (Dutch, 12226 GRT, built 1927).

Late in the afternoon of 23 October the convoy was off Malta where it was joined by the damaged light cruiser HMS Cleopatra (Cdr. M.J. Ross, DSC, RN) and the landing ships HMS Prince Charles (A/Cdr. (Retd.) S.H. Dennis, DSC, RN), HMS Prince Leopold (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Lowe, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Princess Josephine Charlotte (Lt. J.E. Bromley, RNR) and HMS Princess Astrid (T/A/Lt.Cdr. (Retd.) C.E. Hall, RNR).

On 25 October 1943, the convoy arrived at Algiers. Part of the convoy however went on to Oran. These were the Aronda, Egra, Karoa, escorted by HMS Croome, HMS Tetcott, RHS Kanaris and RHS Themistocles.

On 27 October 1943, the convoy departed Algiers. It was now made up of the following (troop) transports; Britannic, Duchess of Bedford, Dunnottar Castle, Durban Castle, Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Largs Bay, Maloja, Martand, Reina del Pacifico, Samaria, Sibajak, Stirling Castle, Stratheden, Tamaroa,

The light cruiser HMS Cleopatra, headquarters ship HMS Largs and the landings ships HMS Prince Charles, HMS Prince Leopold, HMS Princess Josephine Charlotte, HMS Princess Astrid, HMS Ulster Monarch (Lt.Cdr. N.A.F. Kingscote, RNR) were also part of the concoy.

The convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Colombo, escort destroyers HMS Haydon, HMS Wilton, sloop HMS Pelican (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, DSO, RN) and the frigates HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR) and HMS Spey (Lt.Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR).

The frigate HMS Evenlode (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.L. Turner, RNR) departed Algiers on the 28th to overtake and join the convoy at sea which she did on 30 October.

On 28 October 1943, the convoy passed Gibraltar and the following ships were detached from the convoy; HMS Cleopatra, HMS Prince Charles, HMS Prince Leopold, HMS Princess Josephine Charlotte, HMS Princess Astrid, HMS Colombo and HMS Haydon.

From Gibraltar the following ships joined the convoy; (troop) transports; Esperance Bay (British, 13837 GRT, built 1922), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930), Moreton Bay (British, 14193 GRT, built 1921), Rangitata (British, 16737 GRT, built 1929), Saturnia (Italian, 23940 GRT, built 1927), Strathaird (British, 22281 GRT, built 1932).

The landing ship HMS Prince Albert (Lt.Cdr. H.B. Peate, RNR) also joined as did the AA ship HMCS Prince Robert (Cdr. A.M. Hope, RCN) and the destroyers HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. N.R. Murch, RN), HMS Boadicea (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN) and HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. E.J. Lee, RN).

On 30 October 1943, HMS Wilton was detached to return to Gibraltar where she arrived at following day.

On 1 November 1943, the convoy was joined by the frigate HMS Tavy (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F. Ardern, RNR).

On 4 November 1943, HMCS Prince Robert arrived at Horta, Azores after having been detached from the convoy earlier on it approaching 50°N.

On 4 November 1943, HMS Prince Albert and HMS Bulldog arrived at Plymouth after having been detached from the convoy earlier.

On 5 November 1943, the convoy arrived in U.K. waters. The bulk of the convoy proceeded to Liverpool.

15 Nov 1943

Convoy KMF 26.

This convoy departed the Clyde on 15 November 1943 and arrived at Alexandria / Port Said on 30 November 1943 / 1 December 1943.

This convoy was made up of the following transports; Arundel Castle (British, 19118 GRT, built 1921), Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), Chinese Prince (British, 9485 GRT, built 1943), City of Lincoln (British, 8039 GRT, built 1938), Clan Campbell (British, 9545 GRT, built 1943), Dempo (British, 17024 GRT, built 1931), Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928), Dunnottar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935), Ranchi (British, 16738 GRT, built 1925), Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931), Samanco (British, 8336 GRT, built 1943), Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921), Sarmiento (British, 8335 GRT, built 1943) and Scythia (British, 19761 GRT, built 1920).

On departure the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN) (actually joined on the 16th), sloops HMS Pelican (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, DSO, RN, S.O. of A/S escort), HMS Woodpecker (Lt.Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RNR) and the frigates HMS Evenlode (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.L. Turner, RNR), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR) and HMS Spey (Lt.Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR).

In the afternoon of 19 November, HMS Birmingham fuelled HMS Spey as the frigate had two out of four fuel tanks contaminated with seawater drastically effecting her range. With this underway refuelling she was able to continue on to Algiers.

During the morning of 20 November, the frigate HMS Rother also received some fuel from HMS Birmingham.

On passing the Straits of Gibraltar, HMS Birmingham parted company with the convoy and entered Gibraltar harbour. The AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN) and the destroyers HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wallace, DSC, RN) and HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. J. Smallwood, RN) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar. Also the submarine HMS Stonehenge (Lt. D.S.M. Verschoyle-Campbell, DSC and Bar, RN) joined the convoy for passage to Alexandria.

On the 25th, HMS Anthony and HMS Spey parted company with the convoy.

Off Oran / Mers-el-Kebir the transports Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Karoa (British, 7009 GRT, built 1915) and Rohna (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926) joined the convoy. They were escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Frederick C. Davis (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Goepner, USNR), USS Herbert C. Jones (T/Lt.Cdr. A.W. Gardes, Jr., USN) and the minesweepers USS Pioneer (Lt. L.E. Rogers, Jr., USNR) and USS Portent (Lt. H.C. Plummer, USNR).

Off Algiers transport Monarch of Bermuda and the escorts HMS Brilliant, HMS Pelican, HMS Woodpecker, HMS Evenlode, HMS Jed, HMS Rother parted company with the convoy while the escort destroyers HMS Atherstone (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR), HMS Catterick (Lt.Cdr. A. Tyson, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt.Cdr. J.K. Hamilton, RN), RHS Miaoulis and ORP Slazak (Cdr. R. Nalecz-Tyminski, ORP) joined the convoy.

In the afternoon of 26 November the convoy was attacked by German aircraft and the transport Rohna was sunk by a glider bomb in position 36°56'N, 05°20'E. 1149 crew and passengers (mostly US troops) were killed in this attack.

Off Philipeville the transports Cameronia, Clan Campbell and Duchess of Bedford parted company with the convoy to proceed to that place while the transport Derbyshire joined the convoy coming from there.

On 27 November first HMS Colombo and later USS Frederick C. Davis and USS Herbert C. Jones parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bizerta.

The remainder of the convoy proceeded towards Alexandria / Port Said arriving there on 30 November / 1 December 1943.

17 Nov 1943

Combined convoy MKF 26 / XIF 4.

This convoy departed Port Said on 17 November 1943.

It was made up of the (troop) transports; Duchess of Richmond (British, 22022 GRT, built 1928), Karamea (British, 10530 GRT, built 1928), Margrethe Bakke (Norwegian, 5478 GRT, built 1938), Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927) and Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914).

They were escorted by the escort vessel HMS Antwerp (Cdr. J.N. Hulse, DSC, RD, RNR) and the escort destroyer RHS Kriti.

On 18 November 1943, the (troop) transports; Cuba (British, 11420 GRT, 1923), Staffordshire (British, 10683 GRT, built 1929) and Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937) departed Alexandria to join the convoy. They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Paladin (Lt. E.A.S. Bailey DSC, MBE, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Beaufort (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), HMS Belvoir (Lt. J.F.D. Bush, DSC and Bar, RN), RHS Kanaris and Pindos which also joined the convoy.

On 21 November 1943, the bulk of the convoy, Duchess of Richmond, Karamea, Margrethe Bakke, Nieuw Holland, Orduna and Tegelberg escorted by HMS Antwerp, HMS Paladin, HMS Belvoir and RHS Kriti arrived at Augusta. Meanwhile the Cuba and Staffordshire had been detached to Taranto where they arrived on 22 November 1943 escorted by HMS Beaufort, RHS Kriti and RHS Pindos.

The ships that had arrived at Taranto (convoy XIF 4) departed from there again on 24 November 1943 and arrived at Augusta the following day.

Convoy MKF 26 departed Augusta on 27 November. It was now made up of the following (troop) transports; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Cuba, Duchess of Richmond, Karamea, Margrethe Bakke, Nieuw Holland, Orduna, Staffordshire and Tegelberg. They were escorted by the escort vessel HMS Antwerp, escort destroyers HMS Beaufort, HMS Belvoir, RHS Kriti, RHS Kanaris and RHS Pindos. The destroyer HMS Nubian (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC, RN) joined coming from Malta which she had departed on the same day.

On 28 November 1943, the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN) and the destroyer escorts USS Frederick C. Davis (Lt.Cdr. O.W. Goepner, USNR) and USS Herbert C. Jones (T/Lt.Cdr. A.W. Gardes, Jr., USN) joined the convoy escort coming from Bizerta while the Cuba was detached to Bizerta.

Later on the 28th, the troop transport Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy coming from Philippeville.

On 29 November 1943, the Karamea was detached to Algiers as were the following escorts; HMS Antwerp, HMS Beaufort, HMS Belvoir, RHS Kriti, RHS Kanaris and RHS Pindos.

The following (troop) transports joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921) and Scythia (British, 19761 GRT, built 1920). Also joining from Algiers were the following escorts; sloops HMS Pelican (Cdr. J.S. Dalison, DSO, RN), HMS Woodpecker (Lt.Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RNR) and the frigates HMS Evenlode (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.L. Turner, RNR), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Freaker, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Rother (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Hickey, RNR) and HMS Spey (Lt.Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR).

Later on the 29th, the (troop) transport Champollion (French, 12546 GRT, built 1924) joined the convoy coming from Oran / Mers-el-Kebir. Also joining from there were the USN transports USS Andromeda (T/Cdr. W.A. Fly, USN), USS Arcturus (T/Cdr. C.R. Woodson, USN), USS Barnett (T/Capt. G.E. Maynard, USN), USS Charles Carroll (T/Capt. H. Biesemeier, USN), USS Frederick Funston (T/Cdr. J.E. Murphy, USN), USS James O'Hara (T/Capt. C. Allen, USN), USS Joseph T. Dickman (Capt. R.J. Mauermann, USCG), USS Oberon (T/Cdr. D.G. Greenlee, Jr., USN), USS Procyon (T/Cdr. B.A. Hartt, USN) and USS Thomas Jefferson (T/Capt. P.P. Welch, USN).

Around 1945A/30, USS Frederick C. Davis and USS Herbert C. Jones parted company with the convoy to proceed to Algiers. HMS Nubian also parted company with the convoy on the 30th to fuel at Gibraltar and then rejoin the convoy when it passed through the Straits of Gibraltar.

Around 0445A/1, HMS Colombo was detached from the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar. Also on 1 December 1943 the following (troop) transports joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar; Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924), City of Bristol (British, 8424 GRT, built 1943) and City of Capetown (British, 8046 GRT, built 1937). The destroyer HMS Velox (Lt. G.B. Barstow, RN) also joined the convoy off Gibraltar.

HMS Velox fuelled at Horta, Azores during 3/4 December 1943 and then rejoined the convoy.

Around 1800O/4, the light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. E.M. Evans-Lombe, RN) joined the convoy. She parted company around 1800Z/6.

The Margrethe Bakke was detached in the North Atlantic and arrived at New York on 12 December 1943.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 8/9 December 1943.

21 Apr 1944
HMS United (Lt. N.R. Wood, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory together with HMCS Teme (T/Lt.Cdr. D.G. Jeffrey, DSO, RCNR), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Miller, DSC, RNR), HMS Highlander (Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, RNVR) and La Surprise. (6)

22 Apr 1944
HMS United (Lt. N.R. Wood, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory together with HMS Highlander (Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, RNVR), La Surprise, HMS Loch Fada (Lt.Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR) and HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Miller, DSC, RNR). (6)

27 Apr 1944
HMS United (Lt. N.R. Wood, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory together with HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Miller, DSC, RNR), La Surprise, HMCS Teme (T/Lt.Cdr. D.G. Jeffrey, DSO, RCNR) and HMS Loch Fada (Lt.Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR). (6)

28 Apr 1944
HMS United (Lt. N.R. Wood, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory together with HMS Loch Fada (Lt.Cdr. B.A. Rogers, RD, RNR), HMCS Teme (T/Lt.Cdr. D.G. Jeffrey, DSO, RCNR), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Miller, DSC, RNR) and HMS Tintagel Castle (Lt. R. Atkinson, DSC and Bar, RNR). (6)

14 May 1944

Combined convoy OS 77 / KMS 51.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 14 May 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Afghanistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Amstelkerk (Dutch, 4457 GRT, built 1929), Badjestan (British, 5573 GRT, built 1928), Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Belgian Trader (British, 2890 GRT, built 1942), Biafra (British, 5405 GRT, built 1933), City of Khios (British, 5574 GRT, built 1925), Cragpool (British 5133 GRT, built 1928), Defender (British, 8078 GRT, built 1915), Drakepool (British, 4838 GRT, built 1924), Dunelmia (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929), Eloy Alfaro (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Empire Caxton (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942), Empire Foam (British, 7047 GRT, built 1941), Empire Mariott (British, 5970 GRT, built 1941), Fort Tadoussac (British, 7129 GRT, built 1941), Gascony (British, 4716 GRT, built 1925), King Frederick (British, 5106 GRT, built 1920), Madras City (British, 5080 GRT, built 1940), Marquesa (British, 8979 GRT, built 1918), Menelaus (British, 10307 GRT, built 1923), Mount Rhodope (Greek, 5182 GRT, built 1919), Nairnbank (British, 5155 GRT, built 1925), New Brooklyn (British, 6546 GRT, built 1920), Norbryn (Norwegian, 5089 GRT, built 1922), Nordeflinge (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942), Pendeen (British, 4174 GRT, built 1923), Port Darwin (British, 8063 GRT, built 1918), Stad Arnhem (Dutch, 3819 GRT, built 1920), Stanhope (British, 2337 GRT, built 1919), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938) and Tjimanoek (Dutch, 5628 GRT, built 1911).

The rescue ship Melrose Abbey (British, 1924 GRT, built 1929) was also part of the convoy.

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), HMS Stalker (Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN), frigates HMS Towy (Cdr. H.V. King, DSO, OBE, RN), anguilla, HMS Antigua (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Knaresborough Castle (Lt. J.R. Freeman, RNR), HMS Tintagel Castle (Lt. R. Atkinson, DSC and Bar, RNR) and HMS Smilax (Lt. A. Branson, RNR). Additional escorts were the frigates HMCS Matane (A/Cdr. A.F.C. Layard, DSO, RN), HMCS Stormont (T/Skr.Lt. G.A. Myra, RCNR) and HMCS Swansea (A/Cdr. C.A. King, DSO, DSC, RCNR). These additional escorts remained with the convoy until 19 May.

The Stanhope was detached to return to the U.K. on the 16th being unable to keep up with the convoy.

On 15 May 1944, the frigate HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Miller, DSC, RNR) departed Londonderry to overtake and join the convoy.

On 17 May 1944, the corvette HMS Leeds Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.T. Hodson, DSC, RNVR) departed Londonderry to overtake and join the convoy.

The escort oiler Esturia (ritish (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1914) later joined the convoy at sea. She came from the combined convoy SL 157 / MKS 48.

On 24 May 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 77 bound for Freetown and convoy KMS 51 bound for the Mediterranean.

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Convoy OS 77 towards Freetown was made up of the following merchant vessels; Amstelkerk, Dunelmia, Marquesa, Menelaus, Mount Rhodope, Nairnbank, New Brooklyn and Port Darwin.

On 23 May 1944, the following merchant vessels departed Gibraltar to join the convoy when it split up; Domby (British, 5582 GRT, built 1932), Empire Glen (British, 6316 GRT, built 1941), Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942), Empire Southey (British, 7041 GRT, built 1942), Fort Paskoyac (British, 7134 GRT, built 1934), Harmattan (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Van Ostade (Dutch, 2890 GRT, built 1942) and Zypenberg (Dutch, 4973 GRT, built 1920). They were escorted by the sloops HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN) and HMS Sandwich (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR) which joined the convoy and took over from the original escorts.

On 23 May 1944, the following merchant vessels departed Gibraltar to join the convoy when it split up; Empire Archer (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Dickens (British (tanker), 9819 GRT, built 1942) Empire Duchess (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), Finistere (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909), Fort Ash (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenora (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Medie II (French, 5078 GRT, built 1922) and President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935). They were escorted by the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez, minesweeping sloops La Gracieuse and the patrol vessels USS PC-473 (Lt. A.W. Silverstein, USNR) and USS PC-482 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR). These escorts did not join the convoy but set course to return to Casablanca. The six transports joined convoy OS 77 while the two tankers joined convoy KMS 51.

On 24 May 1944, the patrol vessel HMS Kilmartin (T/Lt. E.H.G. Hope, RNVR) departed Casablanca to join the convoy.

On 30 May 1944, the following transports departed Dakar to join the convoy; Tynemouth (British, 3168 GRT, built 1940), Vendome (French, 4192 GRT, built 1920) and Vinriver (British, 3881 GRT, built 1917). They were escorted by the corvette Commandant Drogou and the minesweeping sloops Annamite and Chevreul. These escorts did not join the convoy but proceeded to Dakar taking the transports Empire Southey, Finistere, Medie II and Nairnbank with them.

Convoy OS 77 arrived at Freetown 2 June 1944. Some ships from the convoy did not enter Freetown but continued on to their destinations independently and some ships of the convoy had already been detached before reaching Freetown.

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Convoy KMS 51 towards the Mediterranean was made up of the following merchant vessels; Afghanistan, Bajestan, Beckenham, Belgian Trader, Biafra, City of Khios, Cragpool, Defender, Drakepool, Dunelmia, Eloy Alfaro, Empire Caxton, Empire Foam, Empire Mariott, Esturia, Fort Tadoussac, Gascony, King Frederick, Madras City, Melrose Abbey, Norbryn, Nordeflinge, Pendeen, Stad Arnhem, Tiba and Tjimanoek. The tankers Empire Dickens and President de Vogue had joined from Casablanca [see above].

The convoy was escorted by HMS Attacker, HMS Hunter, HMS Stalker, HMS Tovy, HMS Anguilla, HMS Antigua, HMS Knaresborough Castle, HMS Leeds Castle, HMS Tintagel Castle and HMS Smilax.

The entire convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 25 May 1944.

The convoy continued its passage on 28 May 1944. It was now made up of the following ships; Afghanistan, Bajestan, Beckenham, Belgian Trader, Charles A. Wickliffe (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943), City of Khios, Cragpool, Defender, Eloy Alfaro, Empire Caxton, Empire Foam, Empire Gareth (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942), Empire Mariott, Empire Strength (British, 7355 GRT, built 1942), Fort Tadoussac, Gascony, Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936), King Frederick, Madras City, Norbryn, Nordeflinge, President de Vogue, Robert Howe (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Stad Arnhem, Tiba and Tjimanoek.

The submarines HMS Trenchant (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN), HMS Vivid (Lt. J.C. Varley, RN), Junon and Atalante were also tanking passage eastwards in this convoy.

The convoy was now escorted by the frigate HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Hyderabad (Lt. G.H. Taylor, RNR), KB Nada [Yugoslavian corvette] and the auxiliary A/S whalers HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) and HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF). The destroyer L'Alcyon was also with the convoy.

On 29 May 1944, the following ships were detached to Oran; Empire Gareth, Norbryn, Stad Arnhem and the submarine Atalante while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Albert A. Michelson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Askeladden (Norwegian, 2496 GRT, built 1920), Dwight W. Morrow (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), Edward H. Crockett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), George W. McCrary (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), James Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John S. Casement (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John S. Pillsbury (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Sergeant (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Palermo (British, 2797 GRT, built 1938) and William Blount (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

On 30 May 1944, the following ships were detached to Algiers; Belgian Trader, Cragpool, Edward H. Crockett, Empire Caxton, Empire Foam, Empire Strenght, Palermo, Mount Blount and the submarine Junon while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Andrew Pickens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Campidoglio (Italian, 3702 GRT, built 1910), Chiswick (British, 6006 GRT, built 1943), Empire Clarion (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Marin (British, 7159 GRT, built 1943), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Marathon (Norwegian, 7208 GRT, built 1930), Monte Grappa (Italian, 834 GRT, built 1943), Ocean Gallant (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Samoa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsteel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942), Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922) and Titus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930).

On 31 May 1944, the convoy was attacked by 41 German Ju-88 aircraft from II./KG.76 I. and III./KG 77 operating from Southern France. The Nordeflinge was hit by bombs and sank in position 37°02'N, 03°47'E.

On 31 May 1944, the Montegrappa arrived at Bougie after having been detached from the convoy.

On 1 June 1944, the Askeladden arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bone; Abel Stearns (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Iceland (British, 1236 GRT, built 1914), Ocean Rider (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Traveller (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Sampan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

On 1 June 1944, the following ships were detached to Bizerta; Badjestan, John S. Casement, John Sergeant, Titus and the destroyer L'Alcyon while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Facto (Norwegian, 1522 GRT, 1921), George Davis (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), George Handley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John B. Hood (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), John Cropper (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Kemp P. Battle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Laurent Meeus (Belgian (tanker), 6429 GRT, built 1930), Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Marion McKinley Bovard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Samuel Griffin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

Early on 2 June 1944, the convoy merged with convoy UGS 42.

Convoy KMS 51 was at that moment made up of the following ships; Abel Stearns, Afghanistan, Albert A. Michelson, Andrew Pickens, Beckenham, Campidoglio, Charles A. Wickliffe, Chiswick, City of Khios, Defender, Dwight W. Morrow, Eloy Alfaro, Empire Clarion, Empire Mariott, Facto, Fort Gaspereau, Fort Marin, Fort Tadoussac, Gascony, George Davis, George Handley, George W. McCrary, Hopestar, Iceland, James Jackson, John B. Hood, John Cropper, John Murray Forbes, John S. Pillsbury, Kemp P. Battle, King Frederic, King S. Woolsey, Laurent Meeus, Lincoln Steffens, Louis McLane, Madras City, Marathon, Marion McKinley Bovard, Ocean Gallant, Ocean Rider, Ocean Traveller, President de Vogue, Robert Howe, Samoa, Sampan, Samphire, Samsteel, Samuel Griffin, Stancleeve, Star, Tiba and Tjimanoek.

The submarines HMS Traveller and HMS Vivid were also part of the convoy.

They were escorted by the frigates HMS Jed, HMS Usk, corvettes HMS Delphinium, HMS Hyderabad, HMS Smilax and the auxiliary A/S whalers HMSAS Protea and HMSAS Southern Sea.

2 Jun 1944

Combined convoy KMS 51 / UGS 42.

This convoy was formed at sea, south of Sicily, on 2 June 1943 when the two convoys merged.

The combined convoy was made up of the following ships; Abel Stearns (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Afghanistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Albert A. Michelson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Andrew Briscoe (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), Andrew Pickens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), A.P. Hill (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Arthur L. Perry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), British Confidence (British (tanker), 8494 GRT, built 1936), British Tradition (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), Campidoglio (Italian, 3702 GRT, built 1910), Charles A. Warfield (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Charles A. Wickliffe (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943), Charles Nordhoff (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Chiswick (British, 6006 GRT, built 1943), City of Durban (British, 5945 GRT, built 1921), City of Khios (British, 5574 GRT, built 1925), David F. Houston (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), David G. Farragut (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), David L. Swain (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Defender (British, 8078 GRT, built 1915), Dilworth (American (tanker), 7045 GRT, built 1920), Dwight W. Morrow (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), Eli Whitney (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Eloy Alfaro (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Empire Clarion (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Mariott (British, 5970 GRT, built 1941), Ezra Meeker (American, 7180 GRT, built 1942), Facto (Norwegian, 1522 GRT, 1921), Fort Frontenac (British, 7148 GRT, built 1943), Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Marin (British, 7159 GRT, built 1943), Fort Tadoussac (British, 7129 GRT, built 1941), Fort Venango (British, 7166 GRT, built 1943), Frans Hals (Dutch, 6626 GRT, built 1941), Gascony (British, 4716 GRT, built 1925), George Davis (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), George E. Hale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George Handley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George Sharswood (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), George W. McCrary (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), George Weems (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Gylfe (Norwegian (tanker), 6129 GRT, built 1930), Harrogate (British, 1029 GRT, built 1925), Henry L. Benning (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Hoegh Hood (Norwegian (tanker), 9351 GRT, built 1936), Hoegh Silvercloud (Norwegian, 5287 GRT, built 1943), Homer Lea (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936), Houston Volunteers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Iceland (British, 1236 GRT, built 1914), Isaac van Zandt (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), James B. Hickok (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), James B. Richardson (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), James Duncan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James Harrod (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Otis (American, 7180 GRT, built 1942), Jersey Hart (British, 7275 GRT, built 1943), John B. Gordon (American, 7201 GRT, built 1943), John B. Hood (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), John Cropper (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), John E. Schmeltzer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Hathorn (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Ireland (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John S. Pillsbury (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph T. Robinson (American, 7196 GRT, built 1943), Keith Palmer (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), Kemp P. Battle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), King Frederick (British, 5106 GRT, built 1920), King S. Woolsey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Lafontaine Park (Canadian, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Laurent Meeus (Belgian (tanker), 6429 GRT, built 1930), Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 194), Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Lyman Abbott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Madras City (British, 5080 GRT, built 1940), Marathon (Norwegian, 7208 GRT, built 1930), Marion McKinley Bovard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Maya (Honduran, 5528 GRT, built 1929), Michael Pupin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Moses Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nathaniel Macon (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Nicholas Gilman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Nuculana (British (tanker), 8179 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Gallant (), Ocean Rider (), Ocean Traveller (), Oregon (French, 7705 GRT, built 1929), Pan-Delaware (American (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1918), Philander C. Knox (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), President de Vogue (), Robert F. Stockton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Robert Howe (), Robert Lucas (), Robert T. Hill (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Samadre (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Sambanka (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samclyde (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samdon (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samnid (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samoa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sampan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samspring (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsteel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samtweed (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samvannah (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samwash (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samuel Griffin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Simon Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942), Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922), Stephen T. Mather (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Tabitha Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Thomas R. Marshall (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938), Tjimanoek (Dutch, 5628 GRT, built 1911), William Cushing (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), William G. Fargo (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William M. Stewart (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Winfred L. Smith (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943) and Winslow Homer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

The submarines HMS Trenchant (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN) and HMS Vivid (Lt. J.C. Varley, RN) were also taking passage in the convoy.

The combined convoy was escorted by the frigates HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN), HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Miller, DSC, RNR), sloops HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN), HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. S.C. Tuke, DSO, RN) and the corvettes HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Hyderabad (Lt. G.H. Taylor, RNR), HrMs Friso (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Goslings, RNethN), KB Nada [Yugoslavian corvette] and the auxiliary A/S whalers HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) and HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF).

Later on 2 June the following transports arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy; Andrew Pickens and Star. Also HMS Trenchant, HMS Vivid and KB Nada were detached to Malta. the transports Eridan (French, 9928 GRT, built 1928) and Fort Grant (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Malta.

On 2 June 1944, the following ships departed Augusta to join the combined convoy; Algonquin (British, 7229 GRT, built 1920), Algorab (Dutch, 4938 GRT, built 1921), Badarpur (British (tanker), 8079 GRT, built 1922), Boskoop (Dutch, 5620 GRT, built 1927), British Genius (British (tanker), 8553 GRT, built 1939), British Lord (British (tanker), 6098 GRT, built 1922), Empire Rosalind (British, 7290 GRT, built 1943), Evviva (Norwegian, 1597 GRT, built 1921), Fort Astoria (British, 7189 GRT, built 1943), Fort Grahame (British, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort Kootenay (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort la Prairie (British, 7138 GRT, built 1943), Jan Lievens (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Kwai Sang (British, 2320 GRT, built 1917), Limousin (French (tanker), 7619 GRT, built 1930), Luminetta (British (tanker), 6159 GRT, built 1927), Norfjell (Norwegian (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1942), Pan-Rhode Island (American (tanker), 7742 GRT, built 1941) and Sampford (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

On 3 June 1943, the following ships arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the combined convoy; Abel Stearns, Albert A. Micholson, Andrew Briscoe, A.P. Hill, Beckenham, British Confidence, British Tradition, Campidoglio, Charles A. Warfield, Chiswick, David G. Farragut, David L. Swain, Dilworth, Dwight W. Morrow, Empire Clarion, Empire Mariott, Ezra Meeker, Facto, Fort Frontenac, Fort Gaspereau, Fort Manin, Fort Venango, George Davis, George E. Half, George Handley, George W. McCrary, Gylfe, Harrogate, Henry L. Benning, Hopestar, Hoegh Hood, Houston Volunteers, Iceland, James B. Richardson, James Jackson, Jersey Hart, John B. Gordon, John B. Hood, John Cropper, John E. Schmeltzer, John Harhorn, John Murray Forbes, John S. Pillsbury, Joseph T. Robinson, Kamp P. Battle, King S. Woolsey, Laurent Meeus, Lincoln Steffens, Louis McLane, Lymann Abbott, Marathon, Marion McKinley Bovard, Maya, Michael Pupin, Moses Brown, Nicholas Gilman, Nuculana, Ocean Gallant, Ocean Rider, Ocean Traveller, Pan-Delaware, Philander C. Knox, Robert F. Stockton, Robert T. Hill, Sambanka, Samoa, Sampan, Samphire, Samsteel, Samuel Griffin, Samwash, Simon Willard, Stancleeve, Tabitha Brown, Thomas R. Marshall, William Cushing and William G. Fargo.

On 7 June 1944, the following ships arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy; Algorab, British Lord, City of Khios, Empire Rosalind, Eridan, Fort Astoroa, Fort Grahame, Fort Kootenay, Fort la Prairie, Gascony, King Frederick, Kwai Sang and Nathaniel Macon. Also the following ships of the escort arrived at Alexandria; HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau , HMS Jed, HMS Usk, HMS Amethyst, HMS Hyderabad, HrMs Friso and HMSAS Protea.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 8 June 1944 escorted by HMS Deptford, HMS Delphinium and HMSAS Southern Sea.

Sources

  1. ADM 173/17756
  2. ADM 173/17781
  3. ADM 173/18351
  4. ADM 173/17796
  5. ADM 173/17773
  6. ADM 173/19218

ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.


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