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Destroyer HNMS Tjerk Hiddes (ii) (G 16)

6 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1330B/6, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) is commissioned at Dumbarton. She is not yet taken over from the shipyard until completion of her trials programme. (1)

7 May 1942
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) proceeded from her builders yard at Dumbarton to Tail of Bank, Greenock. (1)

8 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted trials off Greenock. (1)

10 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) loaded ammunition while anchored off Greenock. (1)

11 May 1942
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) loaded oil at Greenock from the tanker San Ubaldo (British, 5999 GRT, built 1921). (1)

12 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (1)

14 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted compass swing trials off Greenock. (1)

15 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted depth charge firing and gunnery trials in the Clyde area. (1)

16 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted full power trials in the Clyde area. (1)

18 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted trials in the Clyde area. (1)

19 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) is towed up river and docked in No.2 dock at Govan. (1)

20 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) is undocked and towed back to Tail of Bank. While in dock the Asdic dome had been replaced. (1)

27 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted full power trials on the Arran measured mile. Following these trials she returned to Tail of Bank and was then officially taken over from the shipyard. (1)

28 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) loaded oil at Greenock from the tanker San Ubaldo (British, 5999 GRT, built 1921). She then conducted D/G trials in Loch Long. (1)

30 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted D/G trials off Helensburgh. Around 1430B/30, she departed the Clyde for Scapa Flow. (1)

31 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0940B/31, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Scapa Flow from the Clyde. on arrival she loaded oil from the tanker RFA tanker War Pindari (5548 GRT, built 1920). (1)

5 Jun 1942
In the evening, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN), conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. These were continued in the early hours of the following day. (1)

9 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the afternoon HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Pentland Firth. (1)

10 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the morning, HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN), conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (1)

11 Jun 1942
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted speed trials on the measured mile at Scapa Flow. (1)

12 Jun 1942
In the late afternoon and early evening, HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN), conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (1)

13 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the afternoon and early evening, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) and HMS Ledbury (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Hill, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Pentland Firth.

15 Jun 1942
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted dummy torpedo attacks at Scapa Flow. (1)

16 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the late afternoon and early evening, HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN), conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (1)

17 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted AA gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (1)

19 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Phoebe (Capt. C.P. Frend, RN), HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN), HMS Martin (Cdr. C.R.P. Thomson, RN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys. RNethN) conducted exercises in the Pentland Firth. (2)

22 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the afternoon HNoMS Uredd (Lt. Røren) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN). (1)

24 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys. RNethN) and, most likely, three other destroyers conducted exercises in the Pentland Firth. (1)

25 Jun 1942
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys. RNethN) conduced TSDS (high speed minesweeping) and night gunnery exercises in the Pentland Firth. These night gunnery exercises were completed in the early hours of the 26th. (1)

26 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the afternoon HNoMS Uredd (Lt. Røren) participated in A/S exercises off Scapa Flow with HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN). (1)

26 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
On completion of the A/S exercises HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted underway refuelling exercises at Scapa Flow. These were followed by gunnery exercises. (1)

27 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The aircraft carrier HMS Victorious (Capt. H.C. Bovell, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. She was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN), HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) and HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, DSC, RN). (3)

29 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The auxiliary minelayers Southern Prince (A/Capt. J. Cresswell, RN), Agamemnon (Capt.(rtd.) F. Ratsey, RN) , Port Quebec (A/Capt.(rtd.) V. Hammersley-Heenan, RN) , Menestheus (Capt.(rtd.) R.H.F. de Salis, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN) and four merchant vessels (colliers ?) departed Scapa Flow to serve as a dummy convoy to fool the Germans. They were escorted by the light cruisers Sirius (Capt. P.W.B. Brooking, RN), Curacoa (Capt. J.W. Boutwood, RN), minelayer Adventure (Capt. N.V. Grace, RN), destroyers Brighton (Cdr.(rtd). C.W.V.T.S. Lepper, RN), St. Marys (Lt.Cdr. K.H.J.L. Phibbs, RN), HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN), HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys. RNethN), the escort destroyers Oakley (Lt.Cdr. T.A. Pack-Beresford, RN), Catterick (Lt. A. Tyson, RN), and 4 A/S trawlers.

[For more info on this operation see the event ' Convoy operations PQ 17 / QP 13 ' for 27 June 1942.]

3 Jul 1942
Around 0800B/13, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys. RNethN) arrived at Liverpool from operations. She had parted company with ' Force X ' around 1500B/2. (1)

5 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys. RNethN) is docked in the Clarence dry dock no.1 at Liverpool. (1)

10 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys. RNethN) is undocked. (1)

17 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Liverpool for Moville where she is to fuel before joining convoy WS 21P.

In the evening, Lt. C. Hos, RNethN, the ships 1st officer is heavily wounded during an accident and he died of his wounds shortly afterwards. His corpse his landed at Moville the following day. (1)

18 Jul 1942

Convoy WS 21P.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 18 July 1942.

The convoy was made up of the following troop transports;
Duchess of Atholl (British, 20119 GRT, built 1928), Duchess of York (British, 20021 GRT, built 1929), Empress of Japan (British, 26032 GRT, built 1930), Oronsay (British, 20043 GRT, built 1925) and Windsor Castle (British, 19141 GRT, built 1922).

On assembly of Oversay the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN), HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN), HMS Buxton (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) W.A. Moens, RN) and HMS Georgetown (Lt.Cdr. P.G. MacIver, RNR).

Around 0800O/20, HMS Buxton parted company with the convoy.

Around 2300O/20, HMAS Nepal parted company to proceed to Ponta Delgada, Azores, to fuel. She rejoined the convoy around 0150O/22.

Around 0800O/22, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes parted company with the convoy to proceed to Ponta Delgada, Azores, to fuel. She rejoined the convoy around 0800O/23.

Around 0730Z/25, the destroyer HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. H.G.D. de Chair, RN) joined the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 27 July 1942.

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The convoy departed Freetown in the same composition on 1 August 1942. It was now escorted by the light cruiser HMS Orion, destroyers HMAS Nepal, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes, HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and the minesweeper / sloop Commandant Duboc.

In the morning of 5 August 1942, the American convoy AS 4 joined the convoy. This convoy was made up of the following transports;
American Manufacturer (American, 6678 GRT, built 1941), Empire Oriole (British, 6535 GRT, built 1941), Exhibitor (American, 6736 GRT, built 1940), Hawaiian Shipper (American, 7775 GRT, built 1941), Mormacdale (American, 6976 GRT, built 1942), Santa Cruz (American, 6925 GRT, built 1941), Seatrain Texas (American, 8108 GRT, built 1940), Tarn (Norwegian, 6850 GRT, built 1933) and Zaandam (Dutch, 19141 GRT, built 1922).

On this convoy joining the American escort, made up of the light cruiser Omaha (Capt. T.E. Chandler, USN), AA cruiser Juneau (Capt. L.K. Swenson, USN) and the destroyers USS Somers (T/Cdr. A.C. Wood, USN) and USS Davis (T/Cdr. M.R. Peterson, USN) then parted company.

At 0900Z/6, HMAS Nepal and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes parted company with the convoy and joined the RFA tanker Rapidol (2648 GRT, built 1917) and her escort, the corvette HMS Snowdrop (Lt. P.A. Tinne, RNVR). The destroyers fuelled from the Rapidol in the early hours of 7 August 1942 when off St. Helena. They rejoined the convoy around 1900A/10.

HMS Boreas also parted company on 6 August 1942. She was also to fuel from the Rapidol.

The convoy arrived at Capetown on 12 August 1942.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The convoy, now made up of the Duchess of Atholl, Duchess of York, Empire Oriole, Empress of Japan, Exhibitor, Hawaiian Shipper, Oronsay, Tarn, Windsor Castle and Zaandam departed Capetown on 16 August 1942.

The convoy was now escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.T. Borrett, OBE, RN) and the destroyer HMS Duncan (Capt. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO, RN).

Around 1700BC/19, the light cruiser HMS Orion and the destroyers HMAS Nepal and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes joined the convoy. HMS Shropshire then parted company. HMS Duncan had already parted company with the convoy earlier in the day.

Around 1645C/24, HMAS Nepal and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes parted company with the convoy to proceed to Kilindini.

The convoy was dispersed off Aden on 29 August 1942. (4)

15 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0900B/15, HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Capetown for Durban where they arrived around 1000C/17. (1)

19 Aug 1942
Around 0730C/19, the light cruiser HMS Orion (Capt. G.C.P. Menzies, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Durban to join convoy WS 21P at sea.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 21P ' for 18 July 1942.] (1)

25 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000C/25, HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN), HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Kilindini from convoy escort duty. (1)

3 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 3/4 September 1942, the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. F.E.P. Hutton, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, CinC Eastern Fleet) conducted exercises off Kilindini. She was escorted by the destroyers HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) and HMS Foxhound (Cdr. C.J. Wynne-Edwards, DSC, RN). [The logbook of HMS Warspite gives the name of HrMs Van Galen instead of HrMs Tjerk Hiddes but this is incorrect.] (5)

11 Sep 1942
Around 0915C/11, HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holte, RNethN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Majunga to fuel. (6)

12 Sep 1942
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) both conducted an A/S patrol off Majunga. (7)

15 Sep 1942
Around 1600C/15, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Diego Suarez from Majunga which they had departed on the 13th being part of the escort of a convoy.

[More details to follow at a later date, further research is needed.] (7)

16 Sep 1942
In the afternoon of 16 September 1942, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Diego Suarez to participate in operation ' Jane ', the landings at Tamatave.

[Further research is required and will be done in the future.] (7)

18 Sep 1942
In the afternoon of 18 September 1942, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) anchored off Tamatave.

[Further research is required and will be done in the future.] (7)

19 Sep 1942
Around 0700D/19, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Tamatave for A/S patrol in the area.

Around 1700D/19, HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN, Senior Officer Force M), also departed Tamatave and joined the two Dutch destroyers at sea following course was set for Diego Suarez where they arrived around 1730D/20. (7)

1 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Diego Suarez. Two practice torpedoes were fired but these could not be recovered. Searches for these torpedoes continued until 3 October 1942 but they were not found. (1)

3 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0915D/3, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Diego Suarez for Kilindini. (1)

4 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1730C/4, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Kilindini from Diego Suarez. (1)

5 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) commenced boiler cleaning at Kilindini. (1)

10 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) completed boiler cleaning. (1)

11 Oct 1942
Around 1200C/11, the AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holte, RNethN) and the destroyers HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Fremantle, Australia. They were to proceed via the Seychelles and Diego Garcia.

On their departure from Kilindini / Mombasa they were in company with the light cruiser HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) which was escorting the (troop) transports Eastern Prince (British, 10926 GRT, built 1929) and Empire Pride (British, 9248 GRT, built 1941) to Diego Suarez. The Dutch ships parted company around 1900C/11.

Before their departure to Australia all three ships had first cleaned boilers at Kilindini in the week before departure. (8)

13 Oct 1942
HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holte, RNethN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles to fuel from the RFA tanker Cedardale (8132 GRT, built 1939). (6)

14 Oct 1942
HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holte, RNethN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Port Victoria, Seychelles for Diego Garcia. (6)

16 Oct 1942
HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holte, RNethN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Diego Garcia from Port Victoria. After fuelling from the RFA tanker Appleleaf (5891 GRT, built 1917) they departed for Fremantle later the same day. RFA Appleleaf was with them. The two destroyers topped off from the tanker on the 17th and 18th after which the tanker parted company shortly after noon on the 18th. (6)

25 Oct 1942
Around 1200H/25, HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holte, RNethN), HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Fremantle from Kilindini, via the Seychelles and Diego Garcia. (6)

27 Oct 1942
Around 1800H/27, the submarine tender USS Holland (T/Capt. P.E. Pendelton, USN) departed Fremantle for Melbourne. She was escorted by the destroyers HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) until reaching longitude 125°E.

The destroyers parted company around 1215H/30 and arrived back at Fremantle around 0930H/1. (9)

1 Nov 1942
Around 1430H/1, the AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holte, RNethN) and the destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the troop transport Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939) coming from the Bombay.

Rendezvous was affected around 1415H/2.

They all arrived at Fremantle around 1030H/3. (10)

3 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1800H/3, the troop transport Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939) departed Fremantle. She was escorted until 2100H/4, by the destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN). (1)

5 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1415H/5, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) returned to Fremantle from escort duty. (1)

12 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. She returned very early on the 13th. (1)

13 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (1)

15 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1630H/15, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the USN Cargo ship USS Gold Star (4871 GRT, built 1920, Lt.Cdr. T.J. Schultz, USN).

Rendezvous was affected around 0955H/16.

They arrived at Fremantle around 0800H/17. (1)

20 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1800H/20, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Fremantle escorting the USN Cargo ship USS Gold Star (4871 GRT, built 1920, Lt.Cdr. T.J. Schultz, USN) part of her way to Melbourne.

They parted company around 2100H/22. HrMS Tjerk Hiddes then set course to return to Fremantle where she arrived around 1800H/23. (1)

27 Nov 1942
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (7)

30 Nov 1942
During 30 November / 1 December 1942, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. These included night exercises. (7)

1 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1420H/1, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with HMS Devonshire (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN) and the troopship Mauretania (British, 35739 GRT, built 1939). (1)

5 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0730H/5, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Fremantle for Darwin. (1)

8 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Off Northern Australia, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN), which is en-route from Fremantle to Darwin, is attacked by Japanese aircraft.

A lone Japanese aircraft was spotted at 1203 hours and fire was opened on this aircraft three minutes later. At 1225 the aircraft attacked and dropped four bombs. All missed. At 1240 hours two bombers and two fighters attacked. They made several attack runs and dropped some bombs which also all missed. The final attack came at 1510 hours when two bombers attacked but yet again all bombs missed. (1)

9 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Darwin from Fremantle. (1)

9 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0730I/9, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Darwin for Betano, Timor to evacuate troops and natives.

She arrived off Betano around 0230I/10 and anchored around 800 meters from the shore.

She departed Betano around 0430I/10 to return to Darwin where she arrived around 1900I/10. On board were around 400 evacuees. (1)

14 Dec 1942
Around 0230I/14, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Darwin for an area about 8 miles to the east of Betano, Timor to evacuate troops and natives.

She arrived in the assigned area around 0135I/15 and anchored.

She departed around 0320I/15 to return to Darwin where she arrived around 2000I/15. On board were around 270 evacuees, mostly Australian commando troops. During the evacuation supplies had been landed for commando troops which remained on the island. (1)

16 Dec 1942
Around 0135I/16, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Darwin for Aliambata, Timor.

She arrived off Aliambata around 0140I/17 and anchored.

She departed around 0315I/17 to return to Darwin where she arrived around 1545I/17. On board were around 310, mostly civilian evacuees, mostly Portugese. Also four tons of rubber had been embarked. During the evacuation supplies, mostly for the civilian population, had been also been landed.

During the three round trips to Timor not a single Japanese aircraft had been sighted. This was due to the fact that Japanese flight plans had fallen into Allied hands and their air reconnaissance schedule was thus known so air patrols could be evaded. (1)

20 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0830I/20, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Darwin for Fremantle. (1)

24 Dec 1942
Around 1815I/24, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Fremantle from Darwin.

She had made a short stop at Geraldton in the morning to take on board some fuel. (1)

1 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0035I/1, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys. RNethN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the troop transport Ile de France (British, 43548 GRT, built 1927, former French).

Rendezvous was affected around 1410I/2 and course was set for Fremantle where they arrived around 0800I/3. (1)

8 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the afternoon, on board, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN), which is undergoing maintenance at Fremantle, a torpedo air vessel exploded. Six men were injured, four civilian workers from the State Engineering Works from the from the and two of the crew. The ship itself also sustained damage.

Work has been ongoing on the torpedoes for a few days trying to reduce the pressure in the air vessels due to the extreme hot temperatures. (1)

27 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1500I/27, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Fremantle to escort the transport Chungking (British, 2171 GRT, built 1914) to Geraldton where they arrived around 1700I/28.

Around 2045I/28, HrMS Tjerk Hiddes departed again to return to Fremantle where she arrived around 1415I/29. (1)

30 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1615I/30, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Fremantle to proceed towards Onslow to make rendezvous with the transport Koolinda (Australian, 4372 GRT, built 1926) and then escort this ship to Fremantle.

On 1 February 1943, the orders were changed and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes was ordered to proceed to Geraldton where she arrived around 1145I/2. (1)

4 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1845I/4, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Geraldton for Fremantle where she arrived around 0930I/5. (1)

8 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0745I/8, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Fremantle to conduct an A/S search for a reported enemy submarine. If contact was not made before dark on the 9th she is to proceed to Geraldton to arrive there on the 10th.

An enemy submarine had indeed been operating off Western Australia. This was the Japanese I-165 (offsite link). (1)

10 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1100I/10, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Geraldton from patrol. No enemy submarine had been encountered. (1)

11 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1330I/11, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Geraldton to make rendezvous with the buoy / lighthouse tender Cape Otway (Australian, 996 GRT, built 1931) and then escort this ship to Fremantle.

Rendezvous was affected around 2230I/12. It had been intended to make rendezvous during daylight but the ship had not been sighted.

They arrived at Fremantle around 1500I/14. (1)

15 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0800I/15, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the US troopship USS Monticello (Cdr. B.B. Lanier, USNR) (25661 GRT, built 1928, former Italian liner Conte Grande).

Rendezvous was affected around 0930I/16 and course was set for Fremantle where they arrived around 0900I/18.

HrMs Tjerk Hiddes did not enter the harbour but immediately set course to make rendezvous with the Pamphlet convoy.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Pamphlet' convoy, Suez - Sydney, 1 February to 27 February 1943 ' for 1 February 1943.] (1)

26 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) proceeded to the Williamstown naval base where she is taken in hand for a short refit. (1)

2 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) is docked at Williamstown. (1)

19 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) is undocked. (1)

25 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) underwent a tilt test in the dry dock at Williamstown. (1)

27 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises in Port Phillip.

She departed for Fremantle later the same day. (1)

31 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1500H/31, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Fremantle from Williamstown. (1)

6 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1300H/6, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Fremantle harbour. She then first conducted several runs over the degaussing range before she departed around 1515H/6 to make rendezvous with the transport Port Jackson (British, 9687 GRT, built 1937).

Rendezvous was however not affected the following day and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes then set course to return to Fremantle. (1)

8 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle.

HrMs Tjerk Hiddes was returning from escort duties and joined HMAS Adelaide for some exercises before entering harbour. (1)

23 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. These included exercises with USS Gar (T/Cdr. P.D. Quirk, USN, USN). (1)

24 Apr 1943
Around 1230H/24, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Fremantle escorting the transport Alcoa Patriot (American, 6759 GRT, built 1941) to longitude 110°00'E.

They parted company around 2100H/25.

HrMs Tjerk Hiddes then set course to return to Fremantle.

On 26 April she was however ordered to make rendezvous with the transport USS Gold Star (4871 GRT, built 1920, T/Cdr. T.J. Schultz, USN).

Rendezvous was affected around 1005H/27.

They arrived at Fremantle around 1600H/28. (11)

1 May 1943
Around 1830H/1, the submarine tender USS Pelias (T/Capt. W. Wakefield, USN), destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN), minesweeper USS Whippoorwill (T/Lt. C.L. Knopp, USN) and the auxiliary patrol vessel USS Isabel (T/Lt. F.D. Buckley, USN) departed Fremantle to establish an advanced base at Exmouth Gulf. (12)

3 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2300H/3, the submarine tender USS Pelias (T/Capt. W. Wakefield, USN), destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN), minesweeper USS Whippoorwill (T/Lt. C.L. Knopp, USN) and the auxiliary patrol vessel USS Isabel (T/Lt. F.D. Buckley, USN) arrived at Exmouth Gulf from Fremantle. (12)

13 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1445H/13, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Exmouth Gulf for Fremantle. (13)

14 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1800H/14, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Fremantle from Exmouth Gulf. (13)

25 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (14)

26 May 1943

Convoy US 19.

This convoy departed Fremantle on 26 May 1943.

It was made up of the troop transports;
Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939) and Nieuw Amsterdam (Dutch, 36287 GRT, built 1938).

On departure from Fremantle the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HrMs Tromp (Capt. J.B. de Meester, RNethN) and the destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN).

Around 0700H/27, when near longitude 110°00'E, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes parted company to return to Fremantle.

Around 1630FG/29, near position 25°19'S, 91°00'E, the heavy cruiser HMS Sussex (Capt. W.Y.La R. Beverley, RN) took over the escort duties from HrMs Tromp which then set course to return to Fremantle.

Around 1500FG/2, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) joined and the convoy split up. the armed merchant cruiser and the Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939) set course for Aden. HMS Canton parted company with the Dominion Monarch near Socotra around 0640D/6. The Dominion Monarch arrived at Aden on 7 May 1943. HMS Canton proceeded to Kilindini / Mombasa where she arrived around 1215C/10.

HMS Sussex and the Nieuw Amsterdam continued on towards Colombo where they arrived around 0930FG/4. (15)

28 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0300H/28, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) anchored in Gage Roads. She entered Fremantle harbour around 0730H/28. (13)

14 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Thresher (T/Cdr. H. Hull) and USS Gar (T/Cdr. P.D. Quirk, USN, USN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. The destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) served as target ship during these exercises. (13)

15 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2200H/15, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the USN Cargo ship USS Gold Star (4871 GRT, built 1920, Lt.Cdr. T.J. Schultz, USN).

Rendezvous was affected around 1400H/16.

They arrived at Fremantle around 2200H/17. (13)

23 Jun 1943
Around 1700H/23, the submarine tender USS Otus (Cdr. J. Newsom, USN) departed Fremantle for Sydney. She was escorted by the destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN). (16)

1 Jul 1943
Around 1500K/1, the submarine tender USS Otus (Cdr. J. Newsom, USN) and her escort, the destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN), arrived at Sydney from Fremantle. (17)

5 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted D/G and compass swing trials at Sydney.

Around 1730K/5, she departed Sydney for Port Melbourne. (13)

7 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1010K/7, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Port Melbourne from Sydney. (13)

9 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1030K/9, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Port Melbourne for Fremantle. (13)

13 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2350H/13, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) anchored in Gage Roads.

She entered Fremantle harbour around 0800H/14. (13)

22 Jul 1943

Convoy US 21.

This convoy departed Wellington on 22 July 1943.

It was made up of the troopship Nieuw Amsterdam (Dutch, 36287 GRT, built 1938).

On departure from Wellington the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNethN).

In the late morning and afternoon of 27 July 1943, HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck fuelled at Hobart following which passage towards Fremantle was resumed.

Around 1220H/1, the destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) joined in approximate position 35°09'S, 113°30'E.

The convoy arrived at Fremantle around 0730H/2.

The convoy departed Fremantle around 1100H/4. Escort was again HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes.

Around 2100H/4, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes parted company to return to Fremantle.

Around 1500FG/7, the light cruiser HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) made rendezvous in approximate position 19°00'S, 94°40'E and took over the escort duties from HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck.

Around 1530F/10, in approximate position 05°50'S, 75°00'E HMS Newcastle turned over the escort of convoy US 21 to the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN). HMS Newcastle then proceeded to Addu Atoll.

HMS Canton parted company with the Nieuw Amsterdam around 2000D/13 in position 07°40'N, 55°14'E. HMS Canton then proceeded to Kilidini. The troopship then continued on unescorted towards Suez.

31 Jul 1943
Around 1800H/31, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with convoy US 21.

Rendezvous was affected around 1220H/1.

They arrived at Fremantle around 0730H/2.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 21 ' for 22 July 1943.] (13)

4 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1100H/4, HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Fremantle escorting convoy US 21.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 21 ' for 22 July 1943.] (18)

5 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0800H/5, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) returned to Fremantle from escort duty. (13)

6 Aug 1943
USS Gar (T/Lt.Cdr. G.W. Lautrup, Jr., USN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. The destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) served as target ship during these exercises. Also A/S exercises were carried out. (13)

11 Aug 1943
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (19)

20 Aug 1943
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (19)

23 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs K XII (Lt.Cdr. T. Brunsting, RNethN) conducted A/S exercises off Fremantle with HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN). (20)

24 Aug 1943
Around 0830H/24, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the troop transport Hermitage (American, 23254 GRT, built 1925). Before proceeding to the rendezvous exercises were carried out with HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN).

Rendezvous was affected around 1315H/25.

They arrived at Fremantle around 0930H/26. (19)

27 Aug 1943
Around 1145H/27, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with (troop)transports; Brazil (American, 20614 GRT, built 1929) and Uruguay (American, 20183 GRT, built 1928).

Rendezvous was affected around 1030H/28.

They arrived at Fremantle around 1245H/29. (19)

1 Sep 1943
Around 1700H/1, HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) returned to Fremantle from escort duty. (19)

10 Sep 1943
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (19)

21 Sep 1943
USS Kingfish (T/Cdr. V.L. Lawrence, USN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. The destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) served as target ship during these exercises. Also A/S exercises were carried out. (13)

23 Sep 1943
Around 1400H/23, the destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) joined the heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) coming from Capetown, South Africa. (21)

24 Sep 1943
Around 0830H/24, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Fremantle. (21)

27 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0600H/27, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Fremantle for Sydney where she arrived around 0730K/2. She was escorted until 1200H/27 by HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) which then detached to return to Fremantle where she arrived around 1730H/27. (22)

30 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted torpedo firing and gunnery exercises off Fremantle. (13)

4 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1100H/4, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the troop transport George Washington (American, 25570 GRT, built 1909).

Rendezvous was affected around 1600H/5.

They arrived off Fremantle in the evening of the 6th. HMS Tjerk Hiddes only entered harbour around 1115H/7 after having conducted an A/S patrol off Fremantle. (13)

24 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1315H/24, on board HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN), which is undergoing repairs and maintenance at Fremantle, a small fire is discovered which could quickly be extinguished. (13)

30 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Puffer (T/Cdr. M.J. Jensen, USN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. The destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) served as target ship during these exercises. Also A/S exercises were carried out. (1)

1 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (13)

4 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1415H/4, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Geraldton from convoy escort duty. (13)

5 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0800H/5, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) departed Geraldton for Fremantle where she arrived around 1815H/5. (13)

9 Nov 1943
HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (19)

12 Nov 1943
HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. W. Harmsen, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (18)

17 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (13)

18 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Bonefish (T/Cdr. T.W. Hogan, USN) and USS Puffer (T/Lt.Cdr. F.G. Selby, USN) both conducted exercises off Fremantle. The destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) served as target ship during these exercises. Also A/S exercises were carried out. (13)

19 Nov 1943
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle. (13)

20 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Bonefish (T/Cdr. T.W. Hogan, USN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. The destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) served as target ship during these exercises. (13)

24 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted A/S exercises off Fremantle with USS Puffer (T/Lt.Cdr. F.G. Selby, USN). (13)

26 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Cabrilla (T/Cdr. D.T. Hammond, USN) both conducted exercises off Fremantle. The destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) served as target ship during these exercises. Also A/S exercises were carried out. (13)

27 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Cabrilla (T/Cdr. D.T. Hammond, USN) both conducted exercises off Fremantle. The destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) served as target ship during these exercises. (13)

3 Dec 1943
In the afternoon HrMs Van Galen (Lt.Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) conducted exercises off Fremantle.

Around 1730H/3, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes departed Fremantle with the transport Koolinda (Australian, 4372 GRT, built 1926). They were to proceed to Broome via Carnarvon, Exmouth Gulf, Point Samson and Port Hedland. (19)

5 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around noon on the 5th, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) and the transport Koolinda (Australian, 4372 GRT, built 1926) anchored off Carnarvon. They departed again around 2030H/5. (13)

6 Dec 1943
Around 1500H/6, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) and the transport Koolinda (Australian, 4372 GRT, built 1926) arrived at Exmouth Gulf. Here HrMs Tjerk Hiddes fuelled. (13)

9 Dec 1943
Around 0515H/9, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) and the transport Koolinda (Australian, 4372 GRT, built 1926) departed Exmouth Gulf for Point Samson where they arrived around 1900H/9. (13)

10 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0640H/10, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) and the transport Koolinda (Australian, 4372 GRT, built 1926) departed Point Samson for Port Hedland where they arrived around 1420H/10. (13)

11 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2230H/11, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) and the transport Koolinda (Australian, 4372 GRT, built 1926) departed Port Hedland for Exmouth Gulf. (13)

12 Dec 1943
Around 1400H/12, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) and the transport Koolinda (Australian, 4372 GRT, built 1926) arrived at Exmouth Gulf from Port Hedland.

Around 1800H/12, they departed for Broome. (13)

14 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1040H/14, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) and the transport Koolinda (Australian, 4372 GRT, built 1926) arrived at Broome. (13)

17 Dec 1943
Around 0045H/17, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) and the transport Koolinda (Australian, 4372 GRT, built 1926) departed Broome for Fremantle via Exmouth Gulf. (13)

18 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1730H/18, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) and the transport Koolinda (Australian, 4372 GRT, built 1926) arrived at Exmouth Gulf from Broome. (13)

19 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0515H/19, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) and the transport Koolinda (Australian, 4372 GRT, built 1926) departed Exmouth Gulf for Fremantle. (13)

22 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000H/22, HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) and the transport Koolinda (Australian, 4372 GRT, built 1926) arrived at Fremantle from Exmouth Gulf. (13)

7 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) is put on the slipway at Fremantle. (13)

10 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) is put back in the water, however a leak is discovered, and she is immediately put on the slipway again. (13)

11 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) is put back in the water. (13)

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