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Re: TS 37 Takoradi - Freetown (West Africa)
Posted by: John Stewart ()
Date: July 05, 2005 03:04AM

On 30th April 1943 Convoy TS 37 composed of 18 merchant ships protected by only three escorts, the smallest in the Royal Navy's inventory: the corvette HMS Bellwort and two trawlers the Birdlip and Arran. The convoys five columns had originally included a nineteenth merchant ship, but two days before she had left the formation to proceed independently, accompanied by a third trawler.

The convoy had the misfortune to meet up with Werner Henke the commander of U-515. During one remarkable night he had equalled the record seven sinkings ( plus one damaged) in a single twentyfour hour day, achieved by U-boat 'ace' Kptt Joachim Schepke (U-100)against Convoy SC 11 on 23rd November 1940. And he had exceeded the earliest best night of sinkings(one damaged) posted by Kptlt Otto Kretschmer (U-99) the 'Tonnage king" on the night of 18/19th October 1940.

For a full report read 'Black May' by Michael Gannon. The corvette Bellwort was my former ship.

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Subject Written By Posted
TS 37 Takoradi - Freetown (West Africa) Nick Clark 05/22/2005 11:29PM
Re: TS 37 Takoradi - Freetown (West Africa) John Stewart 07/05/2005 03:04AM
Re: TS 37 Takoradi - Freetown (West Africa) Overpromoted 02/18/2015 12:41PM


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