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Career information

Born 18 March 1901 at Clent in Worcestershire, and educated at Winchester College, he joined the Royal Navy as a special entry cadet in 1920 on board HMS CUMBERLAND. He passed for Lieutenant with five 'firsts' and was awarded the Goodenough Medal for the best examination in Gunnery, in which he subsequently specialised in 1928. He served as second Gunnery Officer in the battleship HMS Nelson, as Gunnery Officer of HMS Coventry and of the battle cruiser HMS Hood before being appointed Experimental Commander of the Naval Gunnery School, HMS Excellent, in 1935.

In September 1939 he was appointed in command of HMS Kashmir serving with Captain Lord Louis Mountbatten's 5th Destroyer Flottila, and was Mentioned in Despatches for his part in the sinking of U35 in November 1939. Kashmir was bombed and sunk off Crete on 23rd May 1941, and he was awarded a DSO for his part in this action. Following two years service at the Admiralty during which he was promoted Captain, he was appointed in command of HMS Nigeria serving with the Far East Fleet and based in Ceylon. He was involved in the re-capture of the island of Sabang from the Japanese, amongst other actions during the liberation of Burma, and finally brought HMS Nigeria back to Chatham following VJ Day.

Immediately after the end of World War II he was appointed Chief Staff Officer of the British Naval Mission in Washington DC. He returned to England in 1948 to his last Naval appointment as Director of Naval Ordnance at the Admiralty in Bath. He retired from the Royal Navy in 1951 and was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for distinguished services.

He married Megan Williams in 1926, and they had two sons, William King, who died in 1971 and James Firmstone King who survives him. Captain King died 28th July 1986 in Hampshire and is buried in Dartmouth, Devon where he had lived for many years in retirement.

Destroyer HMS Kashmir (F 12)

14 Oct 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During her trial period, Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), collided with a tug. She had to return to her builders yard for repairs.

26 Oct 1939
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) commissioned at Portsmouth. She shifted to Portland later te same day to commence her work-up period.

[As there are no logs available for HMS Kashmir, not much details are known for her work-up period.] (1)

10 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
With her work-up period completed, HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), departed Portland for Scapa Flow. (1)

12 Nov 1939
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow.

While en-route from Portland she had been ordered to arrive in the Clyde on the 11th to escort the stores ship Dunluce Castle (8114 GRT, built 1904) from the Clyde to Rosyth. Kashmir however had not new codes on board and was unable to decypher the signal sent to her. It was decided she was to remain at Scapa Flow instead of being sent back to the Clyde. (1)

16 Nov 1939
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) are ordered to leave Scapa Flow and join the Home Fleet at sea.

HMS Kashmir was however unable to do so due to defects while HMS Kandahar was ordered to make rendez-vous with convoy HN 2 coming from Norway and then escort the west-coast section of three merchant ships together with HMS Isis (Cdr. J.C. Clouston, RN).

20 Nov 1939
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) departed Scapa Flow at 1240 hours to search for a reported suspicious merchant ship west of the Faroe Islands. A ship called Maas had been reported in position 61°57N 04°55'W at 0940/20 steering 115° at 10 knots. It was thought this might have been a disguised enemy vessel.

22 Nov 1939
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) returned to Scapa Flow having escorted the Dutch merchant vessel Maas (2008 GRT, built 1920) to Kirkwall for inspection.

27 Nov 1939
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) returned to Scapa Flow from operations.

28 Nov 1939
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, RN) departed Scapa Flow. This was possibly to join the Home Fleet (Admiral Forbes) which was at sea. (2)

2 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, RN) arrived in at the Clyde. (2)

17 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around noon the battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. O. Bevir, RN), battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. E.J. Spooner, DSO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. M.L. Clarke, DSC, RN) escorted by the destroyers HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, RN), HMS Eskimo (Cdr. St.J.A. Micklethwait, RN), HMS Eskimo (Cdr. St.J.A. Micklethwait, RN), HMS Matabele (Cdr. G.K. Whitmy-Smith, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Khartoum (Cdr. D.T. Dowler, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, RN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, RN) and HMS Fearless (Cdr. K.L. Harkness, RN) arrived at Greenock.

22 Dec 1939
Around 1600Z/22, the battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. O. Bevir, RN) departed Greenock for Halifax, Nova Scotia. She was escorted until dawn on the 24th by the destroyers HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) and HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN).

On 26 December, HMS Resolution provided cover for convoy TC 2 which was en-route from Halifax to the Clyde. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy TC 2 ' for 22 December 1939.] (3)

22 Dec 1939

Convoy TC 2.

This convoy of troopships departed Halifax on 22 December 1939 for the Clyde where it arrived on 30 December 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following troopships / liners; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914, carrying 1284 troops), Andes (British, 25689 GRT, built 1939, carrying 1358 troops), Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936, carrying 806 troops), Chrobry (Polish, 11442 GRT, built 1939, carrying 1045 troops) Orama (British, 19840 GRT, built 1924, carrying 935 troops), Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917, carrying 1269 troops) and Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931, carrying 1455 troops).

A/S escort was provided on leaving Halifax the Canadian destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.N. Creery, RCN), HMCS Ottawa (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. W.B.L. Holms, RCN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN) and the British destroyer HMS Hunter (Lt.Cdr. L. De Villiers, RN). These destroyers remained with the convoy until 24 December 1939 when they set course to return to Halifax.

Ocean Escort was provided by the British battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN) [Rear-Admiral Holland had hoisted his flag shortly before departure], French battlecruiser Dunkerque (Capt. M.J.M. Seguin and the French light cruiser Gloire (Capt. F.H.R. de Belot).

On 26 December, the battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. O. Bevir, RN), which was on passage from the Clyde to Halifax provided additional cover for the convoy. before she continued her passage to Halifax.

When the convoy approached the British isles, the destroyers HMS Somali (Capt. R.S.G. Nicholson, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, RN), HMS Eskimo (Cdr. St.J.A. Micklethwait, RN), HMS Matabele (Cdr. G.K. Whitmy-Smith, RN), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN), HMS Fearless (Cdr. K.L. Harkness, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSC, RN), HMS Fury (Cdr. G.F. Burghard, RN), HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, RN) departed Greenock on the 25th to join the convoy on the 28th. On the 26th two more destroyers departed Greenock, these were HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN). These destroyers also joined the convoy on the 28th.

On the 29th the French battlecruiser Dunkerque and the light cruiser Gloire parted company with the convoy. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Fearless, HMS Firedrake and HMS Fury until they were relieved by the French large destroyers Mogador (Cdr. P. Maerte), Volta (Cdr. C.V.E. Jacquinet), Le Triomphant (Cdr. M.M.P.L. Pothuau), Le Fantasque (Capt. P.A.B. Still), and Le Terrible (Cdr. A.E.R. Bonneau).

Four more escorts joined the convoy on the 29th. These were the minesweepers HMS Jason (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Fryer, RN), HMS Gleaner (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Price, RN) and the patrol vessels HMS Puffin (Lt.Cdr. Hon. J.M.G. Waldegrave, DSC, RN) and HMS Shearwater (Lt.Cdr. P.F. Powlett, RN).

The convoy arrived safely in the Clyde area in the morning of 30 December 1939. (4)

24 Dec 1939
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) and HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN) arrived back in the Clyde.

26 Dec 1939
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) departed Greenock to join the escort of troop convoy TC 2.

[See the event ' Convoy TC 2 ' for 22 December 1939 for more information on this convoy.]

4 Jan 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) departed Greenock for Rosyth. (1)

6 Jan 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) arrived at Rosyth. (1)

12 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) arrived at Rosyth from convoy escort duty. (1)

24 Jan 1940

Convoy ON 9.

This convoy was formed off Methill on 24 January 1940. It arrived in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 27 January 1940.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Anna (Finnish, 1043 GRT, built 1897), Basel (Norwegian, 1110 GRT, built 1924), Bolette (Norwegian, 1167 GRT, built 1920), Fanefjeld (Norwegian, 1354 GRT, built 1920), Helder (Dutch, 3629 GRT, built 1920), Kalix (Swedish, 2801 GRT, built 1913), Kurikka (British, 3106 GRT, built 1918), Majorca (British, 1126 GRT, built 1921), Minorca (British, GRT, 1123 built 1921), Pollux (Finnish, 1284 GRT, built 1898), Sekstant (Norwegian, 1626 GRT, built 1919), Transport (Norwegian, 1998 GRT, built 1921) and Wanda (Finnish, 1902 GRT, built 1897).

Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, RN), HMS Isis (Cdr. J.C. Clouston, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN) and HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN).

The submarine HMS Seal (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Lonsdale, RN) was also part of the escort.

HMS Tartar was relieved on the 25th by HMS Khartoum (Cdr. D.T. Dowler, RN) which in turn was relieved later that day by HMS Imogen (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN).

Close cover for this convoy was provided by the light cruisers HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) which departed Scapa Flow on the 25th.

The convoy arrived safely off the Norwegian coast on the 27th.

27 Jan 1940

Convoy HN 9A.

This convoy was formed near Bergen, Norway on 27 January 1940. It arrived at Methill on 31 January 1940.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Albert (Swedish, 1745 GRT, built 1922), Carbonia (Swedish, 1918 GRT, built 1916), Ceres (Finnish, 996 GRT, built 1889), Edna (Norwegian, 915 GRT, built 1905), Eikhaug (Norwegian, 1436 GRT, built 1903), Ergo (Finnish, 1928 GRT, built 1893), Favorit (Norwegian, 2826 GRT, built 1920), Haardrade (Norwegian, 750 GRT, built 1922), Helios (Estonian, 1309 GRT, built 1894), Inga (Finnish, 2410 GRT, built 1907), Ingaro (Swedish, 1999 GRT, built 1916), Inger (Norwegian, 1409 GRT, built 1930), Ingerfire (Norwegian, 3835 GRT, built 1905), Julia (Greek, 4352 GRT, built 1914), Juta (Estonian, 1559 GRT, built 1908), Kjell Billner (Norwegian, 1128 GRT, built 1907), Knoll (Norwegian, 1151 GRT, built 1916), Kul (Norwegian, 1310 GRT, built 1907), Lab (Norwegian, 1118 GRT, built 1912), Ledaal (Norwegian, 3076 GRT, built 1899), Leonardia (Swedish, 1583 GRT, built 1906), Louis de Geer (Swedish, 1847 GRT, built 1916), Makefjell (Norwegian, 1567 GRT, built 1932), Mammy (Norwegian, 1656 GRT, built 1911), Namdo (Swedish, 2738 GRT, built 1907), Nordia (Swedish, 1316 GRT, built 1921), Nurgis (Norwegian, 700 GRT, built 1919), Ramava (Latvian, 2141 GRT, built 1900), Rigel (Nowegian, 3828 GRT, built 1924), Skotfoss (Norwegian, 1465 GRT, built 1917), Tautra (Norwegian, 1749 GRT, built 1920), Torne (Swedish, 3792 GRT, built 1913), Torni (British, 2044 GRT, built 1918), Vaga (Norwegian, 1612 GRT, built 1924), Veni (Norwegian, 2982 GRT, built 1901), Vesla (Norwegian, 1107 GRT, built 1913) and Vestfoss (Norwegian, 1388 GRT, built 1909).

Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, RN), HMS Imogen (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Isis (Cdr. J.C. Clouston, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) amd the submarine HMS Seal (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Lonsdale, RN).

Close cover for this convoy was provided by the light cruisers HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN).

The destroyer HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN) joined on 30 January and then split off from the convoy together with HMS Inglefield and twelve ships from the convoy to proceed to the west coast of the U.K.

The bulk of the convoy arrived safely at Methill on 31 January.

14 Feb 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow but departed again later the same day. (1)

16 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) returned to Scapa Flow but departed again later the same day. (1)

21 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. Her Asdic was defective and a docking was required for repairs. (1)

22 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Despite her defective Asdic gear, HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), departed Scapa Flow for patrol.

25 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (5)

27 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Greenock.

28 Feb 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) arrived at Greenock.

HMS Kashmir was taken in hand for repairs by Harland & Wolff, Govan.

14 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Foresight (Lt.Cdr. G.T. Lambert, RN) departed the Clyde for Scapa Flow.

15 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Foresight (Lt.Cdr. G.T. Lambert, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow.

15 Mar 1940

Convoy ON 20.

This convoy was formed off Methill on 15 March 1940. It arrived in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 18 March 1940.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ask (Norwegian, 1541 GRT, built 1917), Batavia (Norwegian, 962 GRT, built 1922), Bygdoy (Norwegian, 1251 GRT, built 1921), Cimbria (Danish, 2653 GRT, built 1921), Fritz S. (Finnish, 1475 GRT, built 1907), Fulton (Norwegian, 1109 GRT, built 1905), Glen Tilt (British, 871 GRT, built 1920), Gogovale (British, 4586 GRT, built 1927), Hardingham (British, 5415 GRT, built 1933), Iberia (Swedish, 1399 GRT, built 1903), Ingaro (British, 1999 GRT, built 1916), King (Norwegian, 645 GRT, built 1918), Leka (Norwegian, 1599 GRT, built 1922), Leo (British, 1127 GRT, built 1908), Leo (Norwegian, 1367 GRT, built 1924), Listro (Norwegian, 1998 GRT, built 1918), Lysaker IV (Norwegian, 1551 GRT, built 1924), Majorca (British, 1126 GRT, built 1921), Maria Gorthon (Swedish, 1572 GRT, built 1930), Marvel (Norwegian, 1566 GRT, built 1921), Namdo (Swedish, 2738 GRT, built 1907), Otto (Finnish, 1343 GRT, built 1907), Rimac (Norwegian, 942 GRT, built 1919), Ringhorn (Norwegian, 1298 GRT, built 1919), Sando (Swedish, 1334 GRT, built 1902), Storesund (Norwegian, 563 GRT, built 1890), Tordenskjold (British, 921 GRT, built 1906) and Valborg (Danish, 847 GRT, built 1914).

These were joined later at sea by 12 merchant vessels that departed Kirkwall in the morning of March 16th, these were; Ada Gorthon (Swedish, 2405 GRT, built 1917), Baron Blythswood (British, 3668 GRT, built 1929), Baron Vernon (British, 3642 GRT, built 1929), Basra (Panamian, 3196 GRT, built 1915), Bera (Swedish, 11286 GRT, built 1939), Havbris (Norwegian, 1315 GRT, built 1918), Koster (Swedish, 973 GRT, built 1913), La France (Norwegian, 617 GRT, built 1909), Llanberis (British, 5055 GRT, built 1928), Lovaas (Norwegian, 1891 GRT, built 1917), Mary (Panamanian, 1524 GRT, built 1884) and Stancliffe (British, 4511 GRT, built 1936).

Escort was provided by destroyers HMS Electra (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN), HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, RN) and HMS Escort (Lt.Cdr. J. Bostock, RN).

Cover was provided by the AA cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) which departed Scapa Flow on the 16th. She joined the convoy the next morning but soon had to depart again due to damage she sustained in the heavy seas. She arrived at Sullom Voe later the same day. She was then replaced by the licht cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN) which departed the Tyne on the 17th.

The Kirkwall section was escorted by the destroyers HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. R.G.K. Knowling, RN).

The convoy arrived safely off the Norwegian coast on the 18th where it was dissolved.

16 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. R.G.K. Knowling, RN) departed Scapa Flow to proceed to Kirkwall where they were to pick up 12 merchant vessels and then join convoy ON 20 to Norway at sea with these merchant vessels.

[See the event ' Convoy ON 20 ' for 15 March 1940 for more info on this convoy.]

18 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Convoy HN 20.

This convoy was formed near Bergen, Norway on 18 March 1940. It arrived at Methill on 22 March 1940

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Anneberg (Finnish, 2537 GRT, built 1902), Ardanbhan (British, 4980 GRT, built 1929), Basel (Norwegian, 1110 GRT, built 1924), Bessheim (Norwegian, 1774 GRT, built 1912), Bokn (Norwegian, 697 GRT, built 1890), Bollsta (Norwegian, 1832 GRT, built 1934), Briarwood (British, 4019 GRT, built 1930), Cetus (Norwegian, 2614 GRT, built 1920), Clarissa Radcliffe (British, 5754 GRT, built 1915), Colombia (Norwegian, 794 GRT, built 1893), Dalveen (British, 5193 GRT, built 1927), Delaware (Finnish, 2441 GRT, built 1902), Edna (Norwegian, 915 GRT, built 1905), Eros (Norwegian, 974 GRT, built 1922), Flimston (British, 4674 GRT, built 1925), Flowergate (British, 5161 GRT, built 1911), Grelrosa (British, 4574 GRT, built 1914), Gulhaug (Norwegian, 1243 GRT, built 1910), Gunborg (Swedish, 1572 GRT, built 1930), Haga (Swedish, 1296 GRT, built 1918), Hannah (Swedish, 1196 GRT, built 1898), Hundvaag (Norwegian, 690 GRT, built 1908), Jacob Christensen (Norwegian, 3594 GRT, built 1920), Karin Thorden (Finnish, 1789 GRT, built 1919), Keret (Norwegian, 1718 GRT, built 1927), Knud Villemoes (Finnish, 1582 GRT, built 1905), Korsfjord (Norwegian, 1620 GRT, built 1913), Lotte (Danish, 1420 GRT, built 1906), Mammy (Norwegian, 1656 GRT, built 1911), Mangen (Swedish, 1253 GRT, built 1922), Milos (Swedish, 3058 GRT, built 1898), Nordhav I (Norwegian, 664 GRT, built 1915), Orania (Norwegian, 1182 GRT, built 1919), Sitona (Norwegian, 1143 GRT, built 1920), Sjofna (Norwegian, 619 GRT, built 1918), Skarv (Norwegian, 852 GRT, built 1923), Snyg (Norwegian, 1326 GRT, built 1918), Stella (Swedish, 1189 GRT, built 1905), Trio (Swedish, 1482 GRT, built 1922), Varoy (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1892) and Vestanvik (Swedish, 1213 GRT, built 1906).

Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Electra (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN), HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, RN), HMS Escort (Lt.Cdr. J. Bostock, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. R.G.K. Knowling, RN).

Close cover for this convoy was provided by the AA cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) from 20 to 22 March.

On 21 March the west coast section of the convoy split off escorted by HMS Electra and HMS Encounter.

The bulk of the convoy arrived safely at Methill on 22 March 1940.

22 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, RN), HMS Escort (Lt.Cdr. J. Bostock, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. R.G.K. Knowling, RN) arrived at Rosyth after escort duties.

24 Mar 1940

Convoy ON 22.

This convoy was formed off Methill on 24 March 1940. It arrived in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 27 March 1940.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Anna (Finnish, 1043 GRT, built 1897), Asiatic (British, 3741 GRT, built 1923), Barosund (Finnish, 1015 GRT, built 1920), Breda (Norwegian, 1260 GRT, built 1915), Ek (Norwegian, 995 GRT, built 1911), Eldrid (Norwegian, 1712 GRT, built 1915), Finse (Norwegian, 1618 GRT, built 1916), Gallia (Swedish, 1436 GRT, built 1926), Harlaw (British, 1141 GRT, built 1911) (To Invergordon only), Havnia (Norwegian, 1571 GRT, built 1888), Hill (Norwegian, 496 GRT, built 1920), Iris (Norwegian, 1171 GRT, built 1901), Jaerden (Norwegian, 902 GRT, built 1918), Kalix (Swedish, 2801 GRT, built 1913), Lysaker (Norwegian, 910 GRT, built 1919), Maurita (Norwegian, 1569 GRT, built 1925), P. L. Pahlsson (Swedish, 1533 GRT, built 1916), Pan (Norwegian, 1309 GRT, built 1922), Roald Jarl (Norwegian, 1404 GRT, built 1913), Romanby (British, 4887 GRT, built 1927), Sarp (Norwegian, 1113 GRT, built 1916), Sekstant (Norwegian, 1626 GRT, built 1919), Strait Fisher (Norwegian, 573 GRT, built 1917) (To Scapa Flow only), Union (Norwegian, 607 GRT, built 1893) and Vigo (Norwegian, 710 GRT, built 1920). These were joined later at sea by 7 merchant vessels that departed Kirkwall in the morning of March 16th, these were; Birk (Norwegian, 3664 GRT, built 1920), Hulda Thorden (Finnish, 2255 GRT, built 1900), Kaupanger (Norwegian, 1584 GRT, built 1930), Riverton (British, 5378 GRT, built 1928), Standard (Norwegian, 1264 GRT, built 1930), Tora Elise (Norwegian, 721 GRT, built 1919) and William Blumer (Norwegian, 3604 GRT, built 1920).

Escort was provided by destroyers HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, RN), HMS Zulu (Cdr. J.S. Crawford, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. R.G.K. Knowling, RN).

Cover was provided by the licht cruisers HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN), HMS Aurora (Capt. L.H.K. Hamilton, DSO, RN) and the AA cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN).

The Kirkwall section was escorted by the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN).

27 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Convoy HN 22.

This convoy was formed near Bergen, Norway on 27 March 1940. It arrived at Methill on 30 March 1940

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ara (Norwegian, 965 GRT, built 1919), Ascania (Finnish, 838 GRT, built 1901), Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924), Ask (Norwegian, 1541 GRT, built 1917), Audun (Norwegian, 1304 GRT, built 1925), Balder (Norwegian, 1129 GRT, built 1901), Balticia (Swedish, 1966 GRT, built 1905), Berto (Norwegian, 1493 GRT, built 1918), Bissen (Swedish, 1514 GRT, built 1920), Bolette (Norwegian, 1167 GRT, built 1920), Bruse (Norwegian, 2205 GRT, built 1933), Canopus (Finnish, 1592 GRT, built 1911), Demeterton (British, 5251 GRT, built 1926), Devon (Swedish, 926 GRT, built 1925), Ena de Larrinaga (British, 5200 GRT, built 1925), Freden (Swedish, 1172 GRT, built 1924), Fylla (Danish, 792 GRT, built 1906), Gudrun (Norwegian, 1128 GRT, built 1919), Hammarland (Finnish, 3875 GRT, built 1911), Hedera (Swedish, 2327 GRT, built 1900), Heilo (Norwegian, 989 GRT, built 1921), Helle (Norwegian, 2467 GRT, built 1918), Lyng (Norwegian, 953 GRT, built 1920), Mari (British, 1372 GRT, built 1918), Marianne (Danish, 1239 GRT, built 1924), Norita (Swedish, 1516 GRT, built 1924), Oinas (Finnish, 1423 GRT, built 1910), Osric (Swedish, 1418 GRT, built 1919), Paris (Danish, 1509 GRT, built 1927), Phonix (Danish, 895 GRT, built 1921), Rask (Norwegian, 632 GRT, built 1890), Ring (Swedish, 1314 GRT, built 1927), Risoy (Norwegian, 793 GRT, built 1918), Sedgepool (British, 5556 GRT, built 1918), Selbo (Norwegian, 1778 GRT, built 1921), Sigrid (Norwegian, 965 GRT, built 1920), Sirius (Swedish, 1832 GRT, built 1889), Skagerak (Danish, 1283 GRT, built 1921), Tautra (Norwegian, 1749 GRT, built 1920), Tora (Norwegian, 851 GRT, built 1918), Varanberg (Norwegian, 2842 GRT, built 1915), Varia (Swedish, 828 GRT, built 1908) and Wallonia (Swedish, 1435 GRT, built 1919

Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, RN), HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN), HMS Zulu (Cdr. J.S. Crawford, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. R.G.K. Knowling, RN).

On the 29th, six merchant ships split off from the convoy to proceed to the west coast of the U.K. these were escorted by HMS Kashmir and HMS Kimberley. This convoy was then dispersed off Cape Wrath. Kashmir and Kimberley then entered Scapa Flow.

The bulk of the convoy arrived safely at Methill on 30 March 1940.

29 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. R.G.K. Knowling, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow after convoy escort duty.

31 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Shortly before midnight, HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth. They were escorting the merchant vessel Devon City (4928 GRT, built 1933).

1 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and the merchant vessel Devon City (4928 GRT, built 1933) arrived at Rosyth.

2 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) is damaged at Rosyth while coming alongside a tanker to fuel. Repairs were needed and were completed by 7 April. (1)

7 Apr 1940
The light cruisers HMS Galatea (Capt. B.B. Schofield, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN), HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN) and the destroyers HMS Afridi (Capt. P.L. Vian, RN), HMS Cossack (Cdr. R.St.V. Sherbrooke, RN), HMS Gurkha (Cdr. A.W. Buzzard, RN), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN), HMS Sikh (Cdr. J.A. Giffard, RN), HMS Zulu (Cdr. J.S. Crawford), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. J.L. Machin, RN), ORP Burza (Lt.Cdr. W. Francki), ORP Blyscawica (Lt.Cdr. S.M. Nahorski) and ORP Grom (Lt.Cdr. S. Hryniewiecki) departed Rosyth in the evening for operations of Norway. They were to proceed to a position west of Stavanger and then were to sweep northwards. On the 9th they made rendezvous with the Home Fleet.

9 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0400/9, HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. J.L. Machin, RN) ran into the stern of her sister-ship, HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN). One of the crew of HMS Kashmir was killed and the ships sustained heavy damage. Both destroyers parted company with the force they were escorting at that time. Kashmir was unable to proceed under her own power, she was being towed to Lerwick by HMS Cossack (Cdr. R.St.V. Sherbrooke, RN). Escort was provided by HMS Zulu (Cdr. J.S. Crawford) and the damaged HMS Kelvin.

They arrived at Lerwick later this day but not before, at 1415/9, the German submarine U-19 was detected on the surface by HMS Zulu. She was then depth charged and sustained some light damage.

12 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. J.L. Machin, RN) departed Lerwick for the Tyne. HMS Kelvin had to proceed stern first. They were being escorted by the French destroyers Brestois (Capitaine de Fregate (Cdr.) J.L.C. Kraft) and Foudroyant (Capitaine de Fregate (Cdr.) P.L.A. Fontaine).

13 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The damaged british destroyers HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kelvin (Lt.Cdr. J.L. Machin, RN) and their escorts, the French destroyers, Brestois (Capitaine de Fregate (Cdr.) J.L.C. Kraft) and Foudroyant (Capitaine de Fregate (Cdr.) P.L.A. Fontaine), arrived at the Tyne. Both damaged British destroyers were then taken in hand for repairs at Wallsend.

17 Jun 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) shifted from the Tyne to the Humber (Immingham). (6)

25 Jun 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) departed Immingham to patrol off the Humber light vessel relieving HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN) and HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) on the same patrol. (6)

27 Jun 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol. They had been relieved by HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) which had departed Immingham earlier that day. (6)

29 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) departed Immingham to patrol off the Humber light vessel. (6)

1 Jul 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol. They had been relieved by HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) which had departed Immingham earlier that day. (1)

2 Jul 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) departed Immingham to patrol off the Humber light vessel. (1)

4 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol. (1)

6 Jul 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) departed Immingham for patrol 'U'. They also reinforced the escort of convoy FN 215.

During the night of 6/7 July, they were reinforced on their patrol by the light cruiser HMS Aurora (Capt. L.H.K. Hamilton, DSO, RN) which had departed Immingham around 1930A/6 and returned there around 0730A/7.

7 Jul 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) reported at 1648A/7 that she had been attacked by enemy aircraft north-north-west of Cromer in position 53°15'N, 01°05'E. She had sustained no damage.

9 Jul 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol.

They departed again later the same day to reinforce patrol 'U'.

14 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) departed Immingham to reinforce patrol 'U'. (6)

15 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol. (6)

17 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) departed Immingham to relieve HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) on patrol 'U'. HMS Jupiter then proceeded to Immingham. HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) thus remained on patrol but now with HMS Kashmir. (6)

19 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol. (6)

21 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) departed Immingham to reinforce patrol 'U'. (6)

22 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol. (6)

26 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) departed Immingham to reinforce patrol 'U'. (6)

27 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) returned to Immingham from patrol. (6)

29 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) departed Immingham for patrol.

HMS Kelvin was sailed to patrol only during the night, she returned to Immingham the following day. (6)

31 Jul 1940
In the early hours of the day, HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), collided with the Auxiliary M/S trawler HMT Kurd (Skr. J.H. Petherbridge, RNR). HMS Kashmir, which was on patrol off the Humber had to return to Immingham. She later went to Hull for repairs which were completed on 21 August. (6)

21 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN, with Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN = Capt.(D.5) on board), HMS Jackal (Cdr. T.M. Napier, RN), HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) and HMS Vortigern (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Howlett, RN) conducted exercises off the Humber. (6)

25 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (6)

31 Aug 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) returned to Scapa Flow. On their return trip from their convoy escort duty they had been ordered to search for an open boat reported in position 60°29'N, 01°08'E (east of the Shetland Islands). They located the boat and picked up five Norwegians which were trying to escape from Norway to the U.K. (7)

3 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Sikh (Cdr. J.A. Giffard, RN), HMS Zulu (Cdr. J.S. Crawford, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) shifted from Scapa Flow to Port ZA (Loch Alsh). (7)

4 Sep 1940
At 1400 hours the auxiliary minelayers Menestheus (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN), Port Quebec (Capt.(Retd.) E.C. Watson, RN), Southern Prince (A/Capt. E.M.C. Barraclough, RN) departed Port ZA for minelaying mission SN 5A. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Sikh (Cdr. J.A. Giffard, RN), HMS Zulu (Cdr. J.S. Crawford, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN). (7)

6 Sep 1940
Having completed minelaying mission SN 5A, the auxiliary minelayers Menestheus (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN), Port Quebec (Capt.(Retd.) E.C. Watson, RN), Southern Prince (A/Capt. E.M.C. Barraclough, RN) and their escort, the AA cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) and the destroyers HMS Sikh (Cdr. J.A. Giffard, RN), HMS Zulu (Cdr. J.S. Crawford, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN), arrived at Port ZA (Loch Alsh) at 0715 hours.

The destroyers then departed for Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1400 hours. (7)

7 Sep 1940
Around 1300A/7, the battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), the heavy cruisers HMS Berwick (Capt. G.L. Warren, RN), HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) and the destroyers HMS Sikh (Cdr. J.A. Giffard, RN), HMS Zulu (Cdr. J.S. Crawford, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) departed Scapa Flow to patrol to the east of Iceland. (7)

10 Sep 1940
Around 2130A/10, the battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), the heavy cruisers HMS Berwick (Capt. G.L. Warren, RN), HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) and the destroyers HMS Sikh (Cdr. J.A. Giffard, RN), HMS Zulu (Cdr. J.S. Crawford, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) returned to Scapa Flow. Their patrol to the east of Iceland had been uneventful. (7)

1 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0200 hours, HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) departed Rosyth for Plymouth where they were to join the Western Approaches Command. (7)

2 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN) arrived at Plymouth. (1)

8 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) departed Plymouth early in the evening to patrol between Start Point and Lizard Head. They were to return to Plymouth by 0700/9.

At 2057/8 they were enformed that there was probably enemy E-boat activity in the area. (8)

15 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) shifted from Portsmouth to Plymouth. (1)

17 Oct 1940
After German destroyers proceeding westwards in position 48°24'N, 05°33'W had been reported at 0719 hours, the light cruisers, HMS Newcastle (Capt. E.A. Aylmer, DSC, RN), HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN with Capt.(D.5) Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN on board), HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) departed Plymouth at 1035A/17 to intercept them.

Contact with the enemy was made at 1600A/17 and seven minutes later HMS Newcastle was enganging the enemy at extreme range in position 49°29'N, 06°40'W. The enemy turned back at the British started to chase. Around 1810A/17 they broke off the action as they were ordered to return to Plymouth as adequate air protection could not be given.

The German destroyers had sortied from Brest to conduct a raid against shipping in the west entrance to the Bristol Channel. The destroyers were the Z 10 / Hans Lody, Z 14/Friedrich Ihn, Z 15 Erich Steinbrinck and Z 20 / Karl Galster. A fifth destroyers, the Z 6/Theodor Riedel had to return to Brest shortly after sailing due to problems with her boilers. (9)

18 Oct 1940
Around 0830 hours HMS Newcastle (Capt. E.A. Aylmer, DSC, RN), HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN) and the destroyers HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN, with Capt.(D.5) Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN on board), HMS Jupiter (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) arrived back at Plymouth. (8)

21 Oct 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) departed Plymouth around 1900 hours. [presumably for a patrol but we have been unable to find confirmation for this in documents.]

They returned to Plymouth the next day around 0920 hours. (10)

26 Oct 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) departed Plymouth around 1640 hours. [presumably for a patrol but we have been unable to find confirmation for this in documents.]

They returned to Plymouth around 1120/27. (11)

1 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN) departed Plymouth [presumably for a patrol but we have been unable to find confirmation for this in documents].

They returned to Plymouth the next day. (10)

6 Nov 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) departed Plymouth [presumably for a patrol but we have been unable to find confirmation for this in documents].

They returned to Plymouth the next day. (10)

22 Nov 1940
HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) departed Plymouth [presumably for a patrol but we have been unable to find confirmation for this in documents].

They returned to Plymouth the next day. (10)

23 Nov 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN with Capt.(D.5) Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN on board), HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Plymouth at 2052.

They were to intercept a German convoy but nothing was sighted. Speed had been limited by defects in HMS Jackal. The destroyers returned to Plymouth at 1025/24. (10)

24 Nov 1940
HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN, with Capt.(D.5) Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN on board), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) departed Plymouth at 2150 to patrol between the Lizard and the Scillies Islands as three German destroyers had been reported to have left Brest and were thought to be operating off the South coast between 06'W and 01.30'W. They were intially ordered to return to Plymouth at 0930/25 but his order was cancelled at 1925/24.

Around midnight a group of three German destroyers (Z 4 / Richard Beitzen, Z 10 / Hans Lody and Z 20 / Karl Galster attacked a group of fishing trawlers near Wolf Rock. The Belgian trawler Marguetite Simonne was sunk and the British trawler Lent Lily was damaged.

Shortly afterwards they attacked a small convoy from which the Dutch merchant tanker Apollonia (2086 GRT, built 1931) was sunk and the Norwegian merchant vessel Stadion II (629 GRT, built 1914) was damaged.

The 5th destroyer flotilla however made no contact with the enemy despite that they swept towards Ushant to cut off the enemy when returning to Brest.

The destroyers were joined by HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN) on the 25th. Jackal departed Plymouth at 1700/25. The Admiralty feared that German destroyers would carry out another raid during the night of 25/26 November.

During the night of 25/26 November Capt. D.5 swept with his 5 destroyers to a position to the west of Ushant.

The destroyers arrived back at Plymouth at 1030/26. (8)

28 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1556 hours, HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN, with Capt.(D.5) Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN on board), HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), were ordered to patrol between Land's End and Start Point during the coming night. (8)

29 Nov 1940
At 0402 hours, Capt.(D.5) Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN) was informed that gunfire had been reported off Prawle Point.

At 0553 hours, HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), who was operating together with HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN, with Capt.(D.5) Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN on board), reported sighting three unkown ships. One minute later another signal was received from HMS Jackal stating that HMS Javelin had been torpedoed.

At 0609 hours HMS Jackal engaged an enemy destroyer but she soon lost contact.

At 0637 hours HMS Jackal sent a signal asking for tugs and an air escort for her disabled sister-ship HMS Javelin

Three minutes before, at 0634 hours, HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), which was in company with HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN), reported that they had a lost touch with the enemy after a short action.

At 0700 hours, HMS Kashmir reported that it was thought one of the enemy destroyers had been damaged.

At 0818 hours, HMS Jackal reported that HMS Javelin was still afloat but that her bow and stern had been blown off, two tugs were requested, one on either end.

At 0834 hours, HMS Kashmir, HMS Jersey and HMS Jupiter were ordered to screen HMS Javelin.

At 0850 hours the tug HMS Caroline Moller departed Falmouth followed at 0855 by HMS Retort which sailed from Plymouth.

Also at 0850 hours three Blenheim aircraft took off as air escort.

At 1010 hours the destroyer HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) departed Dartmouth.

At 1039 hours HMS Jackal left for Plymouth with survivors from ships attacked by the German destroyers. She arrived at Plymouth at 1347 hours.

At 1419 hours HMS Kashmir reported that enemy aircraft had attacked them.

HMS Javelin in tow of two tugs arrived at Plymouth at 0425/30.

HMS Jersey had already arrived at 0150/30 followed by HMS Jupiter at 0239 hours.

HMS Kashmir and HMS Kipling arrived at 1340/30.

The German destroyers encountered were once again the Z 4 / Richard Beitzen, Z 10 / Hans Lody and Z 20 / Karl Galster. Before their encounter with the British destoyers they had sunk the British tug Aid (134 GRT, built 1914, five dead) and damaged the French tug Abeille XIV (126 GRT, built 1927. two dead). A barge that had been under tow by the Aid sank at 1145/29. Z 10 / Hans Lody was hit several times and all German destroyers had some splinter damage. (8)

30 Nov 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) and HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN) departed Plymouth for patrol at 1815 hours. They were also to make rendez-vous with the minelayer HMS Adventure (Capt. N.V. Grace, RN) to escort her on minelaying mission GQ 1. HMS Adventure departed Milford haven around 1100/1. Rendez-vous was made with the destroyers at 1500/1. The destroyer escort parted company at 1800/1 after which HMS Adventure proceeded to the minelaying position. She joined up with her destroyer escort again shortly after 0700/2. The destroyers were detached shortly before noon and shortly afterwards they were ordered to return to Plymouth with despatch. They apparantly arrived at Plymouth in the second half of the afternoon. HMS Adventure returned to Milford Haven around 1900/2.

2 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) returned to Plymouth from operations. (12)

3 Dec 1940
The minelaying destroyer HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Dartmouth at 1820 hours to lay minefield GR off the French coast. She was to make rendez-vous with her escorts, the destroyers HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) which had departed Plymouth at 1715 hours.

The operation however had to be abandoned due to defects to the minelaying gear of HMS Icarus. The destroyers then escorted HMS Icarus to Torquay following which they patrolled off the Lizard. They were ordered to return to Plymouth at 1034/4 where they arrived at 1158 hours. (8)

4 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) departed Plymouth at 1619 hours for an A/S sweep towards position 49°30'N, 07°00'W in which they were to arrive at 0900/5. (8)

5 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) returned to Plymouth at 1345 hours.

8 Dec 1940
At 1255 hours, HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) were ordered to leave Plymouth at 1630 hours to patrol between Eddystone and Wolf Rock. They were ordered to return to Plymouth at 0945/9.

They actually departed Plymouth at 1650/8 and returned at 1035/9.

10 Dec 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) departed Plymouth at 1650 hours with orders to arrive off the Nab (Portsmouth) at 0830/11.

12 Dec 1940
After a delay of 24 hours due to a reported enemy submarine the British battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. C.B. Barry, DSO, RN) departed Portsmouth for Rosyth where she was to complete her reconstruction.

She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Cattistock (Lt.Cdr R.A. Ewing, RN), HMS Cleveland (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN), HMS Fernie (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, RN) and HMS Holderness (Lt.Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN).

Around 1600A/13 the original escort was relieved by the destroyer HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Exmoor (Lt.Cdr. R.T. Lampard, RN), HMS Pytchley (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC, RN) and HMS Southdown (Cdr. E.R. Condor, DSO, DSC, RN).

At 1630A/14 the light cruiser HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN) and the AA cruiser HMS Curacoa (Capt. C.C. Hughes-Hallett, RN) joined the escort coming from Scapa Flow.

The battleship and her escort arrived at Rosyth around 1330A/15. HMS Nigeria had parted company around 1115A/15 and arrived back at Scapa Flow later the same day.

13 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Having parted company with HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. C.B. Barry, DSO, RN) around 1600/13, HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) proceeded southwards to conduct an A/S hunt along the north coast of Cornwall and later between the coast of Cornwall and 07°00'W.

14 Dec 1940
At 1900 hours, HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN), were ordered to patrol between The Lizard and Start Point during the night to cover westbound merchant shipping. They were ordered to arrive at Plymouth at 1030/15.

15 Dec 1940
At 1055 hours, HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN), HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN), arrived at Plymouth.

23 Dec 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) were to departed Plymouth for patrol at 1700 hours. During the night they were to proceed to position 49.15'N, 03.00'W and then sweep towards Ushant. They were to return to Plymouth at 1030/24. (1)

24 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) returned to Plymouth from patrol at 1050 hours.

27 Dec 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Plymouth at 1750/27 to intercept a convoy of four small enemy merchant vessels that were sighted near Ushant at 1530/27 if these would proceed up Channel.

The destroyers were at first ordered to proceed to position 49°10'N, 03°20'W and then sweep to the westward to intercept the enemy vessels. If no contact was made when off Ushant they were to return to Plymouth arriving at 1030/28.

later they were ordered to proceed with despatch to position 48°30'N, 05°45'W as it appeared the enemy ships were returning to Brest. They were to arrive in position 180°, Lizard, 20 nautical miles by 0830/28 and then return to Plymouth with fighter protection.

The destroyers returned to Plymouth at 1058/28 not having sighted the enemy ships.

28 Dec 1940
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Plymouth in the afternoon intercept a convoy of German merchant vessels that were sighted near Ushant if these would proceed up Channel. The destroyers were ordered to return to Plymouth at 1030/29.

29 Dec 1940
At 1055 hours HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) arrived at Plymouth.

HMS Jersey and HMS Jupiter departed again at 1523 hours to join the minelayer HMS Adventure (Capt. N.V. Grace, RN) which had departed Milford Haven at 1000 hours to lay minefield GQ 2.

HMS Kashmir also departed Plymouth later on the 29th to overtake the other destroyers before they joined the minelayer.

30 Dec 1940
At 1729 hours HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) arrived at Plymouth.

HMS Adventure (Capt. N.V. Grace, RN) returned to Milford Haven at 1700 hours.

The mines had been laid successfully.

1 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) departed Plymouth for exercises at 0940 hours followed by HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) at 1010 hours. Both destroyers were to conduct exercises and then proceed to Dartmouth on completion where they arrived late in the afternoon or early in the evening.

2 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Dartmouth in the morning. Around 1500 hours they made rendez-vous with the armed merchant cruiser HMS Worcestershire (A/Capt. J. Creswell, RN) and escort her to Portsmouth.

3 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The armed merchant cruiser HMS Worcestershire (A/Capt. J. Creswell, RN) and her escorting destroyers HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) arrived at Portsmouth in the morning.

HMS Kashmir and HMS Jupiter departed Portsmouth for Plymouth at 1710 hours.

4 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) arrived at Plymouth at 1040 hours.

6 Jan 1941
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) were ordered to depart Plymouth at 2000/6 to intercept a large German transport that was spotted passing Cape Griz-Nez westwards at 1330/6. They were ordered to try to intercept this ship between Cape la Hague and Ushant.

HMS Kashmir and HMS Jupiter actually departed at 2050/6.

7 Jan 1941
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) returned to Plymouth at 1043 hours. They had not sighted the enemy transport.

HMS Kashmir departed again at 2039 hours together with HMS Jersey (Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) to patrol between the Lizard and Start Point during the night.

9 Jan 1941
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) returned to Plymouth at 1100 hours having been on the western Channel patrol for two nights.

10 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for the western Channel patrol.

11 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) returned to Plymouth at 1057 hours from the western Channel patrol.

12 Jan 1941
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Plymouth at 0627 hours.

At 0843/12 they were ordered to return to Plymouth at 1030/12 by the Vice-Admiral Western Approaches.

13 Jan 1941
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Plymouth possibly for patrol. They were to conduct experimental A/S exercises off Dartmouth on the next two days.

16 Jan 1941
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Plymouth for a night patrol in the western Channel area to cover coastal shipping.

17 Jan 1941
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) returned to Plymouth at 1430 hours.

19 Jan 1941
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) departed Plymouth at 1842 hours for a night patrol in the western Channel area.

20 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) returned to Plymouth at 1000 hours.

28 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
A convoy of six German merchant vessels of between 500 and 3000 tons was reported off Ushant proceeding north at 8 knots. It was expected they would turn east to proceed up Channel along the French coast.

HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) departed Plymouth at 1924/28 to intercept. They were ordered to return to harbour at 1000/29.

On return to harbour they reported having sighted nothing.

22 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) and HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN) departed Plymouth shortly after 1900 hours for a patrol near Brest, France.

Bad weather conditions were experienced and a speed of only 10 knots could not be exceeded. The patrol was cancelled and the destroyers returned to Plymouth. (13)

23 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the morning HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) and HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN) returned to Plymouth. (13)

24 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) departed Plymouth at 0630 hours. She returned to Plymouth at 1850 hours.

At 1422 she reported that she was being shadowed by an enemy aircraft.

[The purpose of her sailing is so far not clear to us, it is not mentioned in the documents avaialble to us at the moment.]

24 Feb 1941
At 1900 hours HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) and HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN) departed Plymouth to make rendez-vous on the 27th with the battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, CBE, RN) that is en-route from Gibraltar to Portsmouth.

HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) was also to join after oiling, but as she had only returned 10 minutes before HMS Kingston and HMS Jackal sailed this was not completed in time. Kashmir departed Plymouth at 2032 hours to catch up with the other two destroyers.

27 Feb 1941
Shortly after 1100A/27, the battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, CBE, RN) and her destroyer escort of HMS Jersey (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN), HMS Duncan (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) and HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN) made rendez-vous in approximate position 42°45'N, 16°50'W with three relief destroyers coming from Plymouth. These were HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) and HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN). HMS Duncan and HMS Velox were then detached to return to Gibraltar. (14)

6 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) departed Plymouth at 1900 hours. Presumably for patrol in the western Channel area.

21 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) departed Greenock in the afternoon. They were to proceed to Plymouth with despatch. It was estimated they would arrive at Plymouth at 1300/22.

22 Mar 1941
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) arrived at Plymouth at 1230 hours.

They departed Plymouth again late in the afternoon or early in the evening to patrol between Eddystone and the Scilly Islands.

23 Mar 1941
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) returned to Plymouth from patrol at 0800A/23.

They departed again at 1630A/23 to escort the fast minelayer HMS Abdiel (Capt. E. Pleydell-Bouverie, MVO, RN) on minelaying mission GV.

They returned from this mission at 1245A/24.

HMS Kipling was then taken in hand for repairs at the Devonport Dockyard. This included a docking. (13)

12 Apr 1941
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) and HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth to escort the 3rd ML flotilla on their passage from the U.K. to Gibraltar. This flotilla was made up of the following ML's; ML 121, ML 129, ML 130, ML 132, ML 134, ML 135 and ML 168.

17 Apr 1941
HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Jackal (Lt.Cdr. R.McC.P. Jonas, DSC, RN) and the the ML's of the 3rd ML flotilla; ML 121, ML 129, ML 130, ML 132, ML 134, ML 135 and ML 168 arrived at Gibraltar.

19 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Fearless (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) departed Gibraltar to rendez-vous with the battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and then escort her to Gibraltar.

20 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000 hours (zone -1), HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), made rendez-vous with her escorting destroyers; HMS Fearless (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN).

21 Apr 1941
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Fearless (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN) arrived at Gibraltar around 0800 hours.

After fuelling, HMS Repulse, departed Gibraltar around 1900 hours to proceed to the Clyde.

Light cruiser HMS Nigeria (60)

13 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) and HMNZS Gambia (Capt. N.J.W. William-Powlett, DSC, RN) conducted underway refuelling exercises off Trincomalee with the RFA tanker Broomdale (8334 GRT, built 1937). (15)

25 Aug 1944
On 25 August 1944, the troopship Dunnottar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936) departed Colombo for Melbourne. She was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. O.H. Becher, DSC, RAN) and the frigate HMS Helford (Cdr. C.G. Cuthbertson, DSC, RNR).

On the same day the submarine depot ship HMS Maidstone (Capt. L.M. Shadwell, RN) and the escort carrier HMS Atheling (A/Cdr. H.L. Oliver, RN) departed Trincomalee for Fremantle and Mauritius respectively. They were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) and the destroyer HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN) and HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN).

HMAS Norman however soon returned to harbour after the destroyers HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN) and HMS Pathfinder (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Hallifax, RN), which had already been at sea, had joined.

These two groups made rendezvous around 1845FG(-6.5)/26. HMAS Quickmatch was then detached to return to Colombo.

At 0030FG/29, HMAS Nizam, HrMS Van Galen and HMS Pathfinder parted company. HMAS Nizam and HMS Pathfinder returned to Trincomalee while HrMs Van Galen proceeded to Colombo. They all arrived on 31 August 1944.

At 0045FG/29, HMS Atheling and HMS Helford parted company.

This left the Dunnottar Castle and HMS Maidstone proceeding towards Australia escorted by HMS Nigeria.

At 1330H/4, the Dunnottar Castle parted company to proceed to Melbourne.

HMS Maidstone and HMS Nigeria arrived at Fremantle around noon on the 5th.

27 Sep 1944
Around 1500H/27, the light cruiser HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) departed Fremantle.

Around 1715H/28, she joined the US troopships USS General William Mitchell (17811 GRT, built 1944) and USS General George M. Randall (17811 GRT, built 1944). Course was set for Ceylon.

Around 1430FG/3, they were joined by the destroyers HMS Racehorse (Cdr. J.J. Casement, DSC, RN) and HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN).

Around 0800FG/4, HMS Nigeria parted company to proceed to Colombo. where she arrived around 0900FG/5.

The troopships and their escorting destroyer arrived at Bombay around noon on 7 October 1944. (16)

5 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0900FG/5, HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) arrived at Colombo from escort duty. (17)

10 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. (17)

11 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) arrived at Trincomalee from Colombo. (17)

18 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) to HMS Woolwich (Capt.(Retd.) W.B. Hynes, DSO, RN).

HMS Nigeria then conducted exercises off Trincomalee. In the afternoon she conducted a RIX (rangefinding and inclination) excercise with the destroyers HMS Paladin (Lt.Cdr. M.C. Morris, RN) and HMS Pathfinder (Lt.Cdr. T.F. Hallifax, RN).

On return to harbour Rear-Admiral Read re-hoisted his flag in HMS Nigeria. (17)

20 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) proceeded from Trincomalee to Palk Strait. (18)

21 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the morning, HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN), conducted a bombardment exercise on completion of which she departed Palk Strait to return to Trincomalee. (18)

22 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (18)

5 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) departed Trincomalee for Bombay. (19)

8 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) arrived at Bombay from Trincomalee. (19)

9 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) departed Bombay for Trincomalee. (19)

11 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) arrived at Trincomalee from Bombay. (19)

3 Feb 1945
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN), HMS Phoebe (Capt. S.M. Raw, CBE, RN), HMS Ameer (A/Capt. J.H. Lewes, OBE, RN), HMS Teviot (Cdr.(Retd.) T. Taylor, DSC, RN) and HMS Spey (T/Lt.Cdr. A. Harrison, RNR) arrived at Trincomalee from operations of the Burmese coast near Ramree Island. They had departed the operations area in the evening of 31 January. (20)

10 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
On 10 February 1945, HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) departed Trincomalee for exercises in Palk Strait.

She returned to Trincomlaee on 12 February 1945. (21)

22 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) departed Trincomalee for Simonstown via Mauritius. (21)

28 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) arrived at Mauritius. (21)

1 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) departed Mauritius for Simonstown. (22)

7 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) arrived at Simonstown where she is to refit. (22)

29 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) is docked at the Simonstown Dockyard. (22)

20 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) is undocked. (23)

21 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Between 1600B/21 and 1200B/23, HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) is fumigated. Nobody is allowed to be onboard. (23)

3 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
With her refit completed, HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN), departed Simonstown for Diego Suarez. (24)

7 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) arrived at Diego Suarez from Simonstown. (24)

8 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) departed Diego Suarez for Addu Atoll. (24)

11 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) made a short call at Addu Atoll before departed for Trincomalee almost immediately after arriving there. (24)

12 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (24)

13 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) departed Trincomalee as part of ' Force 62 ', the refuelling force for operation Dukedom.

[For more information on this operation see the event ' Operation Dukedum ' for 10 May 1945.] (24)

30 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 30/31 May 1945, HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (24)

7 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN), departed Trincomalee for exercises in Palk Strait. She returned to Trincomalee the following day. (25)

20 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included a range and inclination exercise during which HMS Blackmore (Lt. J.S. Kerans, RN) served as target. (25)

27 Jun 1945
At Trincomalee, Rear-Admiral W.R. Patterson, CB, CVO, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Phoebe (Capt. S.M. Raw, CBE, RN) to HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) (26)

2 Jul 1945

Operation Collie.

The object of this operation was; sweeping mines off Car Nicobar and to bombardment and and conduct air strikes directed against appropriate targets.

Two forces were deployed;
Force 61, made up of the light cruiser HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.R. Patterson, CB, CVO, RN), escort carriers HMS Ameer (Cdr. P.D.H.R. Pelly, DSO, RN), HMS Emperor (Capt. C. Madden, RN), HMS Eskimo (Lt. Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, DSC, RN) HMS Roebuck (Cdr. C.D. Bonham-Carter, RN) and HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, DSC, RN).

Force 62: made up of the minesweepers HMS Melita (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.R. May, RNR, with Cdr. D.L. Johnston, RN, Senior Officer Sixth Minesweeping Flotilla on board), HMS Gozo (Lt.Cdr. T.T. Euman, RN), HMS Lennox (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.H. Walton, RNR), HMS Lightfoot (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.S. Drysdale, RNVR), HMS Pelorus (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Bourgat, RN), HMS Persian (Lt.Cdr. J.L. Woollcombe, RN), HMS Postillion (A/Lt.Cdr. W.E. Halbert, DSC, RNR), and the trawlers HMS Imersay (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.H.A. Winfield, RNR) and HMS Lingay (T/Lt. P.W. Jequier, RNVR) as danlayers.

In the afternoon of 2 July both forces sailed from Trincomalee to proceed direct to Car Nicobar. The destroyers and minesweepers fuelled from the carriers on passage and as necessary during the operation.

The minesweepers operated off Car Nicobar daily from the 5th to 10th July, inclusive. A total of 167 moored mines were swept, all to the eastward of the island.

To cover the activities of the minesweepers, Nigeria and the destroyers bombarded gun positions and targets of opportunity on the island, while Hellcats from the escort carriers carried out a series of strikes, during which radar stations were put out of action and all craft seen in the area rendered unseaworthy.

The only enemy reaction was accurate Anti-Aircraft fire. Four of our aircraft were shot down, but all pilots were rescued inshore, one by a Walrus aircraft flown off from HMS Emperor and the remainder by the destroyers who drew ineffective machine gun fire from shore.

Precautionary measures against a landing, these including the erection of stakes on airfield runways, were observed to be taken by the Japanese.

On 7th July, Nancowry was subjected to bombardments and air strikes by Force 61, operating in heavy rain squalls. Fires and explosions were observed in the area of Naval Point and two coasters were left on fire. Two of our Hellcats were shot down by Anti-Aircraft fire, the pilot of one being rescued.

At first light on 11th July, twenty four Hellcats attacked Kotaraja and Lhonga Airfields in northwest Sumatra. No aircraft were observed on either airfield, nor at Sabang, but runways and buildings were bombed and strafed. After being hit by Anti-Aircraft fire, one Hellcat force landed in the sea, the pilot being picked up by a destroyer. One Japanese aircraft which approached was shot down by fighters.

Force 61 arrived back at Trincomalee on 13 July 1945, Force 62 on the 14th. (27)

30 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) is undocked. She then departed Bombay for Trincomalee. (28)

2 Aug 1945
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN) arrived at Trincomalee from Bombay.

Rear-Admiral W.R. Patterson, CB, CVO, RN then hoisted his flag. (29)

7 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nigeria (Capt. H.A. King, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.R. Patterson, CB, CVO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Trincomalee.

[On the Japanese surrender on 15 August 1945, HMS Nigeria was still at Trincomalee. She remained in the Far East until mid/late October and arrived back in the U.K. in mid November.] (29)

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