Richard Stratford Lovatt OBE, RN
| Born | 31 Jul 1898 | ||
| Died | 24 Nov 1941 | (43) | HMS Dunedin |
| Ranks
Decorations
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Warship Commands listed for Richard Stratford Lovatt, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS Dunedin (D 93) | Capt. | Light cruiser | 11 Oct 1940 | 24 Nov 1941 (+) |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Light cruiser HMS Dunedin (D 93)
11 Oct 1940
HMS Dunedin (Capt. E.C. Thornton, DSC, RN) proceeded from Holy Loch to Greenock.
She departed for Portsmouth later the same day after Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN, had taken over command. (1)
13 Oct 1940
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) arrived at Portsmouth from Greenock. At Portsmouth she was kept at short notice for anti-invasion duties. (1)
23 Nov 1940
Around 1945A/23, the light cruiser HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN), destroyer HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Holmes, RN) and escort destroyer HMS Berkeley (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Walters, RN) departed Portsmouth to carry out a sweep westwards in the Channel to the limit of the Portmouth Command arriving in position 50°10'N, 03°00'W at 0030A/24 and then steer southwards for 20 nautical miles, then returning to Portsmouth to be off the Nab at 0745A/24.
During the sweep they sighted nothing and they returned to Portsmouth around 0915A/24. (2)
21 Dec 1940
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN), which had Radar 286M fitted just days before, departed Portsmouth for escort duty with convoy WS 5A and then onwards to Gibraltar.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 5A and the attack by the German heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper ' for 18 December 1940.] (3)
29 Dec 1940
Around 0800A/29, the light cruiser HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Portsmouth.
Around 1430A/29, the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Dunedin and the destroyers HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN) departed Gibraltar for Freetown. (3)
30 Dec 1940
Around 1930Z/30, the destroyers HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN) parted company with the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) which then continued their passage to Freetown unescorted until they joined convoy WS 5A around 1400A/3.
The destroyers then returned to Gibraltar. (4)
5 Jan 1941
The aircraft carriers HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.La T. Bisset, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN), HMS Furious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), heavy cruisers HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN), HMS Dorsetshire (Capt. B.C.S. Martin, RN), light cruisers HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN), destroyers HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St.J. Morgan, RN), sloop HMS Bridgewater (A/Cdr. (Retd.) H.F.G. Leftwich, RN) and corvette HMS Calendula (Lt.Cdr. A.D. Bruford, RNVR) all arrived at Freetown with convoy WS 5A. (5)
10 Jan 1941
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) and the transport Cap des Palmes (French, 3082 GRT, built 1935) departed Freetown for Takoradi.
Around 1800A/13, HMS Dunedin parted company with Cap des Palmes in approximate position 04°24'N, 03°30'W. (6)
13 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1837Z/13, a German unit was found by D/F bearings to be within 80 miles from position 05°30'N, 16°00'W.
The sloops HMS Milford (Capt.(Retd.) S.K. Smyth, RN) and HMS Bridgewater (A/Cdr.(Retd.) H.F.G. Leftwich, RN) were ordered to investigate supported by the light cruisers HMS Delhi (Capt. A.S. Russell, RN) and HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN). (7)
14 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Delhi (Capt. A.S. Russell, RN) and HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) were ordered to search further to the south and return to Freetown when fuel required. (7)
16 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) is ordered to return to Freetown. (7)
17 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) arrived back at Freetown from escort duty and patrol. (8)
21 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) departed Freetown for Bathurst. (8)
22 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) arrived at Bathurst from Freetown. (8)
23 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) departed Bathurst for Freetown. (8)
24 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) arrived at Freetown from Bathurst. (8)
26 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Convoy SLG 1.
This convoy departed Freetown on 26 January 1941.
It was made up of the following transports; Kenya (British, 9890 GRT, built 1930) and Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939).
The convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) and the destroyers HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN) and HMS Vidette (Lt. E.N. Walmsley, RN).
At 1400A/3, the corvettes HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A. Foxall, RNR) and HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RNR) joined.
The convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 5 February 1941.
14 Feb 1941
Convoy SLG 1A.
This convoy departed Gibraltar on 14 February 1941.
It was made up of the following transports; Kenya (British, 9890 GRT, built 1930) and Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939).
The convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) and the destroyers HMS Foresight (Cdr. J.S.C. Salter, RN), HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN), HMS Wishart (Cdr. E.T. Cooper, RN) and HMS Vidette (Lt. E.N. Walmsley, RN).
At 2230A/14, HMS Wishart and HMS Vidette parted company to proceed to Freetown.
At 2100A/17, HMS Foresight and HMS Fortune parted company to return to Gibraltar where they arrived on the 19th.
At 1330A/20, the destroyers HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN), HMS Hesperus (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, RN), HMS Hurricane (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Simms, RN), Piorun (Cdr. E.J.S. Plawski) and ORP Garland (Lt.Cdr. K.F. Namiesniowski, ORP) joined.
The convoy arrived in the Clyde on 22 February 1941.
2 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) departed Greenock for Plymouth. (9)
3 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) arrived at Plymouth from Greenock. (9)
5 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) is docked in No. 9 Dock at the Devonport Dockyard for repairs to her hull. Fuel tanks had been found to be leaking. (9)
3 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) is undocked. (10)
7 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Plymouth. (10)
8 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) departed Plymouth for Gibraltar. (10)
14 Apr 1941
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Plymouth. She departed for Freetown later the same day. (10)
20 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) arrived at Freetown from Gibraltar. (10)
23 Apr 1941
Convoy CF 1.
This convoy departed Capetown on 23 April 1941.
It was made up of the troopships; Empress of Japan (British, 26032 GRT, built 1930) and Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931).
The (damaged) aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Cdr. G.S. Tuck, RN) was also part of the convoy.
The convoy was escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Dorsetshire (Capt. B.C.S. Martin, RN).
On 27 April 1941, the convoy made a short stop at St. Helena where both warships fuelled.
Around 1030Z/29, the light cruiser HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) joined. HMS Dorsetshire and HMS Illustrious then parted company.
The convoy arrived at Freetown on 1 May 1941.
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The convoy departed Freetown on 2 May 1941.
Escort was provided by the light cruiser HMS Dunedin and the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. S. Boucher, RN) and HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Maitland-Makgill Crichton, DSC, RN).
At 1310Z/4, HMS Highlander and HMS Boreas parted company to proceed to Bathurst.
At 1645A/7, the destroyers HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN) and HMS Wrestler (Lt. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) joined coming from Gibraltar.
The convoy arrived at Gibraltar in the morning of the 8th.
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The convoy departed Gibraltar on 8 May 1941.
The convoy was now escorted by the battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and the aircraft carrier HMS Argus (Capt. T.O. Bulteel, RN). No A/S escort could be provided.
Around 1400B/13, the AA cruiser HMS Cairo (A/Capt. I.R.H. Black, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, OBE, RN), HMCS Saguenay (Lt. P.E. Haddon, RCN), HMS Beagle, (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Wanderer (Cdr. A.F.St.G. Orpen, RN) and HMS Ripley (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Agnew, RN) joined.
At 0730B/15, HMS Beagle was detached.
At 1115B/15, the Monarch of Bermuda, HMS Cairo, HMCS Saguenay and HMS Ripley were detached to Liverpool where they arrived on 15 May 1941.
The remainder of the convoy arrived in the Clyde on 15 May 1941.
26 Apr 1941
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) departed Freetown to join convoy CF 1.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy CF 1 ' for 23 April 1941.] (10)
1 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) arrived at Freetown with convoy CF 1. (11)
8 May 1941
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN), HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN) and HMS Wrestler (Lt. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar with convoy CF 1.
HMS Dunedin was then taken in hand for repairs to her boilers. (11)
25 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) departed Gibraltar for Freetown. (11)
30 May 1941
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) arrived at Bathurst from Gibraltar.
After fuelling she departed to make rendezvous with the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN) and the destroyer HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN) to search for German raiders and supply vessels thought to be operating in the area. (11)
31 May 1941
At 0930Z/31, HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) made rendezvous with the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN) and the destroyer HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN). They were to search for German raiders thought to be operating in the area. (12)
1 Jun 1941
Around 1305Z/1, HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN) parted company with HMS Eagle (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN) and HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN).
HMS Velox was ordered to proceed to Bathust to refuel.
HMS Eagle and HMS Dunedin continued on to search for German raiders and supply vessels in the area to the west of the Canary Islands. (13)
6 Jun 1941 (position 23.30, -36.09)
HMS Eagle (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN) and HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) were still on patrol.
A Swordfish aircraft from HMS Eagle sank the German blockade runner Elbe (9179 GRT, built 1929) with a torpedo in position 23°30'N, 36°09'W. The German ship was on passage from Japanese occupied China to western France.
Also on this day, HMS Dunedin fuelled at sea, in position 23°30'N, 36°06'W from the RFA tanker Bishopdale (8406 GRT, built 1937). (14)
13 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Eagle (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN) and HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) were still on patrol and on this day they both fuelled from the RFA tanker Bishopdale (8406 GRT, built 1937) in approximate position 24°25'N, 31°33'W. (13)
15 Jun 1941 (position 19.49, -38.30)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN), captured the German tanker Lothringen (10746 GRT, built 1940, former Dutch Papendrecht) in position 19°49'N, 38°30'W which had first been sighted by an aircraft from HMS Eagle (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN). The Lothringen was sent to Bermuda and was put into service by the MOWT as Empire Salvage. (14)
16 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Eagle (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN) and HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) are ordered to proceed to Freetown. (7)
18 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1630Z/18, HMS Eagle (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN) and HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) were joined by the destroyer HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN). (13)
20 Jun 1941
Around 1630N/20, HMS Eagle (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN), HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) and HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN) arrived at Freetown. (13)
27 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) departed Freetown to patrol in the South Atlantic. (15)
30 Jun 1941 (position -4.15, -16.58)
Around 0730Z/30, HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) intercepted and captured the Vichy French merchant vessel Ville de Tamatave (4993 GRT, built 1931) north-west of Ascension in position 04°15'S, 16°58'W.
The Vichy ship was en-route from Madagascar to Dakar and was now sent to Freetown with a prize crew. (15)
1 Jul 1941 (position -10.25, -17.24)
Around 1900Z/1, HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) intercepted and captured the Vichy French merchant vessel D'Entrecasteaux (7614 GRT, built 1922) south-west of Ascension in position 10°25'S, 17°24'W.
The Vichy ship was en-route from Indo-China to Dakar and was sent to Freetown with a prize crew the following afternoon. (16)
2 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) was informed that there were indications that an enemy surface unit was within 200 nautical miles from position 17°00'S, 10°00'W and that she was to remain on patrol as long fuel permitted but that she was to be at St. Helena to fuel on 8 July at latest. (17)
8 Jul 1941
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) arrived at St. Helena from patrol. Here she fuelled from the chartered Norwegian tanker Nyholm (5843 GRT, built 1927). (18)
10 Jul 1941
Around 0630Z/10, the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN), light cruiser HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) and armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) departed St. Helena to patrol in the South Atlantic.
The ships patrolled in the same general area but not always in company with each other. (19)
21 Jul 1941 (position -19.32, -11.12)
Around 2230N/21, HMS Dunedin captured the Vichy French merchant vessel Ville de Rouen (5083 GRT, built 1919) in position 19°32'S, 11°12'W. The Vichy ship was en-route from Madagascar to Dakar. The ship was sent to Simonstown with a prize crew. Eventually she went on to East London. (20)
23 Jul 1941
Around 0830Z/23, HMS Eagle (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN) and HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) arrived at St. Helena from patrol. (21)
24 Jul 1941
Around 1230Z/24, HMS Eagle (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN) and HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) departed St. Helena to resume patrol in the South Atlantic. (20)
2 Aug 1941
Around 0700Z/2, HMS Eagle (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN) and HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) arrived at St. Helena from patrol. (22)
4 Aug 1941
Around 2100Z/4, HMS Eagle (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN) and HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) departed St. Helena for Freetown. (23)
8 Aug 1941
Around 1000N/8, HMS Eagle (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN) and HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) were joined by the destroyers HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) and HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN). (22)
10 Aug 1941
Around 1330N/10, HMS Eagle (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN), HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN), HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) and HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN) arrived at Freetown.
HMS Eagle was to boiler clean at Freetown. (22)
29 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) departed Freetown escorting the RFA tanker Rapidol (2648 GRT, built 1917) northwards. The tanker was to make rendezvous with convoy WS 11 to fuel its escorts. (24)
5 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) fuelled at sea from the RFA tanker Rapidol (2648 GRT, built 1917). (25)
6 Sep 1941
At 1915Z/6, HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) parted company with the RFA tanker Rapidol (2648 GRT, built 1917), in approximate position 27°48'N, 28°04'W, and then set course to proceed to Bathurst.
Earlier that day, at 1504Z/6, both ships nearly collided with each other. HMS Dunedin avoided the collision by backing up full. (25)
10 Sep 1941
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) arrived at Barhurst from escort duty. (25)
11 Sep 1941
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) departed Bathurst to patrol north of the Cape Verde Islands between 15°00'N and 19°00'N / 22°30'W and 25°30'W. (26)
12 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) is ordered to proceed to Freetown going through an area bounded by 11°30'N and 13°00'N / 30°00'W and 35°00'W. (17)
13 Sep 1941
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) is ordered to search as much an area bounded by 09°30'N and 13°00'N / 30°00'W and 36°00'W. (17)
19 Sep 1941
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) arrived at Freetown from patrol. (25)
27 Sep 1941
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) conducted gunnery and torpedo firing exercises off Freetown. (25)
4 Oct 1941
Around 1800N/4, the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN) departed Freetown for Gibraltar. She was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) and the corvettes HMS Armeria (T/Lt. H.N. Russell, DSC, RNR), HMS Aster (Lt.Cdr. E. Hewitt, RD, RNR).
The Free French minesweeper / sloop Commandant Duboc also remained near HMS Eagle during the passage to Gibraltar. She was however not in company all the time.
Around 1630N/6, HMS Aster parted company.
Around 1850N/6, HMS Armeria parted company.
Around 0945N/7, the destroyer HMS Wild Swan (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, RN) joined.
Around 1235N/7, HMS Dunedin parted company.
Around 1135N/8, the destroyer HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. H.G.D. de Chair, RN) joined.
Around 1210N/8, the escort destroyer HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Hayes, RN) joined.
Around 1800N/8, HMS Vimy parted company.
Around 0300N/9, HMS Wild Swan was detached to fuel at Las Palmas.
Around 1200Z/10, HMS Wild Swan rejoined.
HMS Eagle, HMS Wild Swan and HMS Croome arrived at Gibraltar around 0830Z/11. (27)
9 Oct 1941
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) returned to Freetown. (28)
13 Oct 1941
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) conducted gunnery and torpedo firing exercises off Freetown. (28)
19 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) arrived at Bathurst from convoy cover duty. (28)
21 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The light cruiser HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) and the destroyers HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. H.G.D. de Chair, RN) and HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Poe, RN) departed Bathurst to patrol off the Cape Verde Islands. (29)
26 Oct 1941
Convoy OS 10.
This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 26 October 1941.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aldermarin (Dutch, 7886 GRT, built 1920), Anglo-Indian (British, 5609 GRT, built 1938), Bennekom (Dutch, 5998 GRT, built 1917), Berwickshire (British, 7464 GRT, built 1912), Blommersdijk (British, 6855 GRT, built 1922), Clan Alpine (British, 5442 GRT, built 1918), Clan Chattan (British, 7262 GRT, built 1937), Custodian (British, 5881 GRT, built 1928), Derrymore (British, 4799 GRT, built 1938), Dundrum Castle (British, 5259 GRT, built 1919), Dunelmia (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929), Egyptian (British, 2868 GRT, built 1920), Elysia (British, 6757 GRT, built 1908), Empire Moonbeam (British, 6849 GRT, built 1941), Empire Ortolan (British, 4970 GRT, built 1919), Fana (Norwegian, 1375 GRT, built 1939), Gleniffer (British, 9559 GRT, built 1919), Halizones (British, 3298 GRT, built 1920), Henri Jaspar (Belgian, 5760 GRT, built 1929), Holmpark (British, 5780 GRT, built 1927), Industria (British, 4850 GRT, built 1940), Lagosian (British, 5412 GRT, built 1930), Lindenhall (British, 5248 GRT, built 1937), Lulworth Hill (British, 7628 GRT, built 1940), Mariso (British, 7659 GRT, built 1930), Marklyn (British, 3090 GRT, built 1918), Marsa (British, 4405 GRT, built 1928), Mary Kingsley (British, 5021 GRT, built 1930), New Brooklyn (British, 6546 GRT, built 1920), Rio Verde (Norwegian, 3223 GRT, built 1924), San Andres (Norwegian, 1975 GRT, built 1921), Silverteak (British, 6770 GRT, built 1930), Somerville (Norwegian, 4265 GRT, built 1929), Starstone (British, 5702 GRT, built 1938), Trader (British, 6087 GRT, built 1940), Trefusis (British, 5299 GRT, built 1918) and Twickenham (British, 4762 GRT, built 1940).
On assembly the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Bideford (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Moore, RNR), cutters HMS Culver (Lt.Cdr. R.T. Gordon-Duff, RN), HMS Landguard (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) R.E.S. Hugonin, RN), HMS Lulworth (Lt.Cdr. C. Gwinner, RN) and the corvettes HMS Freesia (Lt.Cdr. T.P.G. Crick, RN) and HMS Verbena (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, RNVR).
On 4 November 1941, HMS Verbena was detached.
On 13 November 1941, the destroyer HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) and the corvettes HMS Burdock (T/Lt. H.J. Fellows, SANF(V)), HMS Marguerite (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Blundell, RNR) and HMS Starwort (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Duck, RD, RNR) and the RFA tanker Rapidol (2648 GRT, built 1917) joined the convoy.
On 14 November 1941, HMS Bideford, cutters HMS Culver, HMS Landguard, HMS Lulworth, corvettes Freesia and the Rapidol were detached.
During 14/15 November 1941, cover for the convoy was provided by the heavy cruiser HMS Dorsetshire (Capt. A.W.S. Agar, VC, DSO, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN).
The convoy arrived at Freetown on 18 November 1941.
27 Oct 1941
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) arrived at Freetown from patrol. The destroyers having been detached earlier.
[As no log is available for HMS Dunedin for the month of November 1941 due to her loss, some details for this month might be missing.] (29)
4 Nov 1941
The RFA tanker Olwen (6470 GRT, built 1917) reported being attacked by an enemy raider in position 03°04'N, 22°42'W.
In response the light cruiser HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) and the landing ships HMS Princess Beatrix (4136 GRT, built 1939) (Cdr.(ret.) T.B. Brunton, RN), HMS Queen Emma (4136 GRT, built 1939) (Capt.(ret.) G.L.D. Gibbs, DSO, RN) were ordered to leave Freetown as soon as possible and search the area. They sailed the following day. (17)
6 Nov 1941
Convoy SL 92.
This convoy departed Freetown for the U.K. on 6 November 1941.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Andreas (Greek, 6566 GRT, built 1919), Baron Herries (British, 4574 GRT, built 1940), Brika (British, 4412 GRT, built 1929), Calumet (British, 7268 GRT, built 1923), City of Worcester (British, 5469 GRT, built 1927), Clan MacWhirter (British, 5941 GRT, built 1918), Clan Ross (British, 5897 GRT, built 1914), Corabella (British, 5682 GRT, built 1937), Desirade (British, 9645 GRT, built 1921), Elmdale (British, 4872 GRT, built 1941), Empire Byron (British, 5894 GRT, built 1926), Euryades (British, 5801 GRT, built 1913), Gazcon (British, 4224 GRT, built 1932), Holmbury (British, 4566 GRT, built 1925), Imber (British, 1899 GRT, built 1920), Jeypore (British, 5318 GRT, built 1920), Lynhaug (Norwegian, 2829 GRT, built 1919), Maro (Greek, 3836 GRT, built 1924), Mary Slessor (British, 5027 GRT, built 1930), Meliskerk (Dutch, 6045 GRT, built 1919), Mokambo (British, 4996 GRT, built 1938), Nagpore (British, 5283 GRT, built 1920), New Brunswick (British, 6529 GRT, built 1919), Observer (British, 5881 GRT, built 1928), Penrose (British, 4393 GRT, built 1928), Pentridge Hill (British, 7579 GRT, built 1941), Richmond Hill (British, 7579 GRT, built 1940), Ripley (British, 4997 GRT, built 1936), San Francisco (Swedish, 4933 GRT, built 1915), Sandown Castle (British, 7607 GRT, built 1921), Savoia (British, 5490 GRT, built 1922), Skeldergate (British, 4251 GRT, built 1930), Sobo (British, 5353 GRT, built 1937), Tore Jarl (Norwegian, 1514 GRT, built 1920) and Zouave (British, 4256 GRT, built 1930).
The RFA tanker Rapidol (2648 GRT, built 1917) was also with the convoy to test the concept of an oiler for the escorts. She remained with the convoy until 12 November 1941.
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN), HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Burdock (T/Lt. H.J. Fellows, SANF(V)), HMS Marguerite (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Blundell, RNR) and HMS Starwort (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Duck, RD, RNR).
HMS Velox returned to Freetown on 12 November 1941, presumably she had parted company with the convoy on 10 November.
The heavy cruiser HMS Dorsetshire (Capt. A.W.S. Agar, VC, DSO, RN) and light cruiser HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) provided close cover for the convoy during 12 and 13 November 1941.
On 11 November 1941 the sloop HMS Egret (A/Capt. E.M. Haes, RN) and cutters Banff (Lt.Cdr. P.S. Evans, RN) and Fishguard (Lt.Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RN) joined the convoy. They were then to fuel from the Rapidol but apparently only HMS Egret did so.
On 12 November 1941, HMS Vansittart,HMS Burdock, HMS Marguerite and HMS Starwort parted company to join convoy OS 10 coming from the U.K. taking the Rapidol.
On 24 November 1941, the destroyers HMS Foresight (Cdr. J.S.C. Salter, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN), escort destroyers HMS Badsworth (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN) and HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Hayes, DSO, RN) joined.
On 25 November 1941, the destroyer HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, DSC and Bar, RN) joined.
Later on 25 November 1941, HMS Foresight, HMS Forester, HMS Fury, escort destroyers HMS Badsworth and HMS Croome parted company with the convoy.
HMS Egret parted company with the convoy on 29 November 1941.
On 30 November 1941, the corvette HNoMS Montbretia and A/S trawler HMS Man o' War (T/Lt. W.W. Creber, RNR) joined the convoy but parted company again later the same day.
A/S trawler HMS Arab (T/Lt. C.A. Shillan, RNVR) was with the convoy on 1 December.
The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 1 December 1941.
9 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN), HMS Princess Beatrix (4136 GRT, built 1939) (Cdr.(ret.) T.B. Brunton, RN) and HMS Queen Emma (4136 GRT, built 1939) (Capt.(ret.) G.L.D. Gibbs, DSO, RN) returned to Freetown from patrol. (17)
10 Nov 1941
The heavy cruiser HMS Dorsetshire (Capt. A.W.S. Agar, VC, DSO, RN) and light cruiser HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) departed Freetown to overtake convoy SL 92 and to provide cover during 12 and 13 November as it was feared that the Vichy-French at Dakar might want to attack this convoy as a reprisal for the interception of one of their convoys off South Africa.
After providing cover for northbound convoy SL 92 they were to provide cover for convoy OS 10.
[For more info on these convoy's see the events ' Convoy SL 92 ' for 6 November 1941 and ' Convoy OS 10 ' for 26 October 1941.] (30)
16 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) arrived at Bathurst from convoy cover duties. (31)
17 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) departed Bathurst for Freetown. (31)
18 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) arrived at Freetown from Bathurst. (31)
21 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) departed Freetown in the mid-Atlantic to search for German blockade breakers and supply vessels. (31)
24 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) is ordered to remain on patrol until prudent limit of endurance and then return to Freetown. (17)
Media links
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Sources
- ADM 53/112068
- ADM 53/112069 + ADM 199/2217
- ADM 53/112070
- ADM 53/112070 + ADM 53/112276
- ADM 53/114129 + ADM 53/114156 + ADM 53/114264 + ADM 53/114288 + ADM 53/114806
- ADM 53/114156 + ADM 199/394
- ADM 199/394
- ADM 53/114156
- ADM 53/114158
- ADM 53/114159
- ADM 53/114160
- ADM 53/114160 + ADM 53/114190
- ADM 53/114161 + ADM 53/114191
- ADM 53/114161 + ADM 53/114191 + ADM 199/394
- ADM 53/114161 + ADM 199/394
- ADM 53/114162 + ADM 199/395
- ADM 199/395
- ADM 53/114162
- ADM 53/113567 + ADM 53/114162 + ADM 53/114192
- ADM 53/114162 + ADM 53/114192 + ADM 199/395
- ADM 53/114162 + ADM 53/114192
- ADM 53/114163 + ADM 53/114193
- ADM 53/114163 + ADM 53/114193 + ADM 199/395
- ADM 53/114163
- ADM 53/114164
- ADM 53/114164 + ADM 199/395
- ADM 53/114165 + ADM 53/114195 + ADM 199/395
- ADM 53/114165
- ADM 53/114165 + ADM 199/395
- ADM 53/114138 + ADM 199/395 + ADM 199/2552
- ADM 199/395 + ADM 199/2552
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
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