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Heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (78)

10 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During her refit HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) is docked at Hebburn. (1)

16 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) is undocked. She continued her refit at Hebburn afloat. (1)

27 Oct 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
With her refit completed, HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN), shifted from the Palmers Shipyard at Hebburn-on-Tyne to North Shields. (2)

3 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) conducted D/G trials off North Shields. (3)

4 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) proceeded from North Shields to the Rosyth Dockyard. En-route gunnery trials were carried out. (3)

8 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) conducted compass swing trials in the Firth of Forth. On completion she departed for Scapa Flow. (3)

9 Nov 1944
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Rosyth. She now commenced a work-up period. (3)

10 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) conducted log trials on the measured mile at Scapa Flow. (3)

11 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) conducted log trials on the measured mile off Scapa Flow. (3)

15 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials and gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (3)

21 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (3)

22 Nov 1944
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. These included a range and inclination (RIX) exercise with HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN) and a night encounter (NEX) exercises with HMS Zebra (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Peake, RN). (4)

24 Nov 1944
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) and HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (4)

29 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (3)

30 Nov 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. Also a range and inclination (RIX) exercise were carried out with HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi). (3)

5 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials at Scapa Flow. (5)

7 Dec 1944
HMS Devonshire (Capt. D.K. Bain, DSO, RN) and HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (6)

8 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (5)

20 Dec 1944

Operation Fretsaw.

The object of this operation was to destroy enemy shipping in the Stadlandet area and to disturb enemy convoy arrangements.

Two Force's were deployed for this operation; ' Force 3 ' was to conduct the actual raid and cover was provided by ' Force 4 '.

Around 1500A/20, ' Force 3 ', made up of the light cruisers HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN), HMS Mauritius (Capt. C.A.E. Stanfield, RN) and the destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMCS Sioux (A/Lt.Cdr. E.E.G. Boak, RCN) departed Scapa Flow.

Around 1100A/21, ' Force 4 ', made up of the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN), escort carrier HMS Trumpeter (Cdr. K.S. Colquhoun, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN), HMS Serapis (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, RN) departed Scapa Flow.

' Force 3 ' conducted an anti-shipping sweep through the Stadlandet area during the night of 22/23 December but no enemy shipping was encountered.

' Force 3 ' returned to Scapa Flow around 1545A/23.

' Force 4 ' returned to Scapa Flow around 1900A/23. (7)

20 Dec 1944
Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Kent (Capt. G.A.B. Hawkins, DSC, MVO, RN) to HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN). (8)

21 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
R.Adm. R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) to HMS Devonshire (Capt. D.K. Bain, DSO, RN). (9)

24 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
R.Adm. R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Devonshire (Capt. D.K. Bain, DSO, RN) to HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN). (9)

28 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises and compass swing trials at Scapa Flow. She then left Scapa Flow for gunnery exercises in the Pentland Firth and returned to Scapa Flow on completion of these exercises. (5)

29 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN) and HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (10)

3 Jan 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (11)

9 Jan 1945
During the afternoon and evening, the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, DSO, RN), fast minelayer HMS Apollo (Capt. J.A. Grindle, CBE, RN) and some destroyers (most likely HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. the Hon. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, DSC, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Carron (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Wilkinson, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (12)

10 Jan 1945

Operations Spellbinder and Gratis

Operation Spellbinder was carried out in two parts, part I was an anti-shipping raid in the Egersund area and part II was a minelay near Utsira Island.

Operation Gratis was the laying of an air laid minefield in Karm Sund.

Around 2200A/10, ' Force 1 ', made up of the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Bellona (Capt. C.F.W. Norris, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Onslaught (Cdr. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, DSC, RN) and ' Force 2 ', made up of the fast minelayer HMS Apollo (Capt. J.A. Grindle, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Carron (Lt.Cdr. J.V. Wilkinson, DSC, RN) departed Scapa Flow for operation Spellbinder.

They proceeded in company until 1100A/11 when they split up to the north of the Shetlands. ' Force 2 ' remained in that vicinity until 1508A/11 when course and speed were adjusted so as to arrive in the laying position at midnight. ' Force 1 ' set course for the Egersund area, aiming to arrive off the coast at about 2215A/11.

HMS Apollo, HMS Zealous and HMS Carron approached the Norwegian coast from the north-westward at 30 knots, in fine clear weather, making use of the beam of the enemy consol beacon situated in position 58°37'5"N, 05°37'8"E. Course was altered to 090° at 2336A/11 and Utsira light was seen shortly afterwards.

Starshell from ' Force 1 ', engaged 100 miles to the southward, was observed at 2343A/11. Five minutes later ' Force 2 ' reduced speed to 20 knots and HMS Zealous and HMS Carron proceeded ahead to make a smokescreen between the laying position and them mainland.

Between 2357A/11 and 0020A/12, HMS Apollo laid 156 mines in three lines as follows;
Line 1 of 52 mines - Between 59°15'00"N, 05°01'06"E and 59°15'00"N, 05°04'21"E.
Line 2 of 55 mines - Between 59°14'51"N, 05°06'06"E and 59°13'39"N, 05°00'00"E.
Line 3 of 49 mines - Between 59°13'15"N, 05°07'54"E and 59°12'51"N, 05°04'48"E.
The mines were laid at a depth of 30 feet and flooders were set to operate on 19 February 1945.

On completion of this unobserved lay ' Force 2 ' retired at high speed to the northward and then set course to return to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1450A/12.

' Force 1 ' had picked up Utsira Island by radar at 1940A/11 and an hour later course was altered to close the convoy route south of Stavanger. The ships were positioned in line ahead.

At 2215A/11, ' Force 1 ' altered course to starboard to run down the coast, keeping 10 miles to seaward and parallel to the shipping route. At the same time they were picked up and held by enemy shore radar.

At 2312A/11, when opposite Egersund, radar contact was made with a convoy close inshore and apparently making for Egersund. Course was altered towards the target and fire was opened with starshell at 2341A/11. The appearance of a radar echo on the starboard bow, which was classified as a U-boat, somewhat complicated the movements of ' Force 1 '.

During the ensuing engagement the enemy shore batteries joined in, but although they registered several straddles and near misses they achieved no hits. Rear-Admiral McGrigor reported that out of eight ships which made up the convoy, including escorts, one, probably an escort, escaped into Egersund after being hit. Of the remaining seven, one large merchant vessel was sunk and another one was left blazing to the waterline. One small merchant vessel, or escort, was seen to turn turtle. One M-class minesweeper blew up after running itself ashore in flames. The other three ships were left on fire of which one was seen to blow up when ' Force 1 ' was retiring.

' Force 1 ' withdrew to the west at 0027A/12, altering to the northward when well clear of enemy radar. They made rendezvous with ' Force 3 ' at 0800A/12. At 0910A/12, a shadowing JU 88 was shot down by fighters from HMS Trumpeter. One of the fighters was damaged and had to ditch the pilot being recovered by HMS Zodiac. The Combat Air Patrol was kept busy during the forenoon investigating bogeys, but no enemy attack developed and at 1400A/12, ' Force 3 ' was detached for operation Gratis. ' Force 1 ' then headed for Scapa Flow, passing east of the Shetlands, and arrived at 2205A/12.

' Force 3 ', made up of the light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. R.F. Elkins, OBE, RN), escort carriers Premier (A/Capt. R.J. Gardner, RN), HMS Trumpeter (Cdr. K.S. Colquhoun, RN) and the destroyers HMS Opportune (Cdr. R.E.D. Ryder, VC, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Zodiac (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, DSC, RN) and HMS Cavendish (Cdr. R.H. Maurice, DSO, RN) had departed Scapa Flow at 1130A/11, to rendezvous with ' Force 1 ', and, having been detached on the 12th, proceeded west-about round the Shetlands and through Fair Isle Channel for the flying off position in 59°15'N, 01°10'E.

Two MTB's from Lerwick had been detailed to rendezvous with ' Force 3 ', to act as Air Sea Rescue craft in the event of a ditching to the east the flying off position. They made rendezvous at 0915A/13, just short of the flying off position. In view of the good weather conditions, flying off commenced immediately and by 0930A/13, the strike, made up of six Avengers from 846 Squadron and eight Wildcats from HMS Trumpeter and six Avengers from 856 Squadron and eight Wildcats from HMS Premier, was airborne. Departure was taken at 0938A/13 and a good landfall was made on Utsira Island. At about 1130A/13 the 12 Avengers laid their mines in the channel between Salhus light and a position 500 yards to the northward. Only light flack was encountered and all aircraft returned safely to the carriers being landed on by 1150A/13. ' Force 3 ' then returned to Scapa Flow arriving there at 2100A/13.

The German convoy attacked by ' Force 1 ' was made up of the transports Bahia Camarones (8551 GRT, built 1918), Charlotte (4404 GRT, built 1908) and Wesermarsch (1923 GRT, built 1943). They were escorted by the minesweepers M-456, M-436, M-306, M-273 and M-253. The submarine U-427 was also with the convoy and she fired torpedoes at ' Force 1 ' but all mised. The Bahia Camarones, Charlotte and M-273 were sunk. (13)

24 Jan 1945
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. These were followed by an underway refuelling exercise with HMS Cavalier (Lt.Cdr. D.T. McBarnet, RN). (11)

26 Jan 1945
During 26/27 January 1945, the heavy cruisers HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Devonshire (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), HMS Berwick (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Zambesi (Capt. J.H. Allison, RN, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN), HMS Zodiac (Lt.Cdr. H.R. Rycroft, DSC, RN), HMS Cavalier (Lt.Cdr. D.T. McBarnet, RN), HMS Cavendish (Cdr. R.H. Maurice, DSO, RN), HMS Javelin (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Marjoribanks, RN) and HMCS Algonquin (Lt.Cdr. D.W. Piers, DSC, RCN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (14)

31 Jan 1945
The heavy cruisers HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Devonshire (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), light cruisers HMS Diadem (Capt. E.G.A. Clifford, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, KCB, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. R.F. Elkins, OBE, RN), destroyer HMS Zebra (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Peake, RN) and escort destroyer HMS Blackmore (Lt. J.S. Kerans, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (15)

5 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) to HMS Campania (A/Capt. K.A. Short, RN). (16)

6 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) and HMS Dido (Capt. R.F. Elkins, OBE, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (17)

8 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. R.F. Elkins, OBE, RN), HMS Myngs (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN) and HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (17)

9 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) conducted a mine detection exercise at Scapa Flow. (18)

10 Feb 1945

Operation Selenium.

This operation had two objects, the first object was to destroy enemy shipping between Bud and Kvatholm. The second object was to lay air mines at Skateströmmen (near Maloy).

At 2300A/10, ' Force 1 ', made up of the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN), light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. R.F. Elkins, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Myngs (Capt. P.G.L. Cazalet, DSC, RN), HMS Scorpion (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN) and HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), departed Scapa Flow and proceeded east of the Orkneys and the Shetlands, aiming to reach their operation area for the first part of the operation after dark on the 11th.

at 0900A/11, ' Force 2 ', made up of the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), escort carriers HMS Premier (A/Capt. R.J. Gardner, RN), HMS Puncher (Capt. R.E.S. Bidwell, RCN) and the destroyers HMS Cavendish (Cdr. R.H. Maurice, DSO, RN), HMS Cavalier (Lt.Cdr. D.T. McBarnet, RN), HMS Zebra (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Peake, RN) and HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN), departed Scapa Flow. They followed the same route as ' Force 1 ', adjusting course and speed so as to make rendezvous with ' Force 1 ' after their anti-shipping sweep in position 62°23'N, 02°00' between 0500A/12 and 0700A/12, when the forces were to join under air cover from the escort carriers. Rendezvous was effected at 0700A/12 and the Commanding Officer of HMS Devonshire assumed overall command. ' Force 1 ' had encountered no enemy vessels during their anti-shipping sweep during the night of 11/12 February. At 1000A/12 the air strike was flown off in ideal weather conditions.

The air laid lay was planned for eight mines, but only seven Avengers of 856 Squadron on board HMS Premier were serviceable, and these, together with four Wildcats from the same escort carrier and a further twelve from HMS Puncher, took departure at 1017A/12 from position 62°16'N, 01°48'E. Shortly afterwards one of the Avengers was forced to return with a heavy oil leak, but the remainder made landfall on Vaagso Island and, continuing up Faa Fjord, laid five mines in the channel at Skatestrommen. One aircraft was unable to release its mine and jettisoned it later at ' safe '. Little opposition was encountered and all aircraft returned to the escort carriers, being landed on by 1151A/12. One Wildcat from HMS Premier was found to have been hit by flak and two from HMS Puncher fired two short bursts from its guns in the process by accident, causing five casualties and damaging a Barracuda parked on the starboard side of the flight deck.

When all aircraft of the strike had been recovered the combines fores retired to Scapa Flow, using the same route as on the outwards passage. HMS Norfolk and HMS Dido were detached at 1735A/12 to return at high speed unescorted. They arrived at Scapa Flow at 0330A/13. The remaining ships arrived around 1050A/13. (19)

21 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (18)

22 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (18)

27 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Campania (A/Capt. K.A. Short, RN) to HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN). (16)

6 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow. These included underway refuelling and torpedo firing exercises with HMS Ulysses (Lt.Cdr. B.G.B. Bordes, DSC, RN). (20)

11 Mar 1945
Rear-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) to HMS Searcher (Capt. J.W. Grant, DSO, RN).

HMS Norfolk then departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth. (21)

12 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) arrived at Rosyth from Scapa Flow. (20)

13 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) is docked in No.2 Dock at the Rosyth Dockyard. (20)

6 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) is undocked. (22)

12 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) conducted D/G trials in the Firth of Forth on completion of which she set course for Scapa Flow. (22)

13 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Rosyth. (22)

16 Apr 1945
Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Searcher (Capt. J.W. Grant, DSO, RN) to HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN). (23)

19 Apr 1945
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN) conducted D/G and compass swing trials at Scapa Flow. These were followed by gunnery exercises. (22)

20 Apr 1945
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Devonshire (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) and HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN) all conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (24)

23 Apr 1945
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials at Scapa Flow.

These were followed by underway refuelling exercises with HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. C.G.H. Brown, DSC, RN). (22)

1 May 1945

Operation Judgement.

The main object of the operastion was the destruction of U-boat depot ships at Kolbotn. The secondary object was to destroy enemy shipping anchored of Sandnesjoen.

The Force deployed for this operation departed Scapa Flow around 1130B/1 and was made up of the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMS Diadem (Capt. A.M. Knapp, RN), escort carriers HMS Queen (A/Capt. K.J. D'Arcy, DSO, RN), HMS Searcher (Capt. J.W. Grant, DSO, RN), HMS Trumpeter (A/Capt. K.S. Colquhoun, RN) and the destroyers HMS Carysfort (Lt.Cdr. L.St.G. Rich, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Palmer, RN), HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. C.G.H. Brown, DSC, RN), HMS Opportune (Cdr. R.E.D. Ryder, VC, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, DSC, RN) and HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC and Bar, RN).

In the early morning of 3 May the destroyers were fuelled by HMS Norfolk, HMS Searcher, HMS Trumpeter and the RFA tanker Blue Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941) which had also been deployed.

At 1020B/3, the Blue Ranger parted company escorted by HMS Obedient and HMS Orwell. HMS Orwell escorting the Blue Ranger arrived at Scapa Flow on 7 May. HMS Obedient had been detached to join convoy RA 66.

Around 1600B/4, the escort carrier commenced flying off aircraft to attack the German base at Kilbotn, just south of Harstad. During the attacks the depot ships Black Watch (5035 GRT, built 1939) and Senja (858 GRT, built 1938). Also sunk was the submarine U-711 which was alongside the Black Watch. Aircraft involved were eight Avengers and four Wildcats from 846 Squadron in HMS Trumpeter, eight Avengers and four Wildcats from 853 Squadron in HMS Queen, and twenty Wildcats from 882 Squadron in HMS Queen.

By 1809B/4, all aircraft had landed on except for one Avenger and one Wildcat. All crews were lost.

At 0700B/5, HMS Norfolk and HMS Diadem parted company to proceed ahead to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 0800B/6.

The destroyers HMS Carysfort, HMS Zambesi, HMS Savage, HMS Scourge and HMS Opportune also arrived at Scapa Flow, most likely late on the 6th.

The three escort carriers remained at sea and were joined around 2359B/6 by the escort carrier HMS Campania (Capt. C.B. Alers-Hankey, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. R.D. Franks, DSO, DSC, OBE, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi) and ORP Piorun (Lt.Cdr. J. Tchorznicki, ORP). (25)

14 May 1945
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Palmer, RN) and HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Bergen, Norway. (26)

15 May 1945
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Palmer, RN) and HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Bergen from Scapa Flow. (26)

21 May 1945
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Zambesi (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Palmer, RN) and HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Kirkwood, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Bergen for Scapa Flow where they arrived the following morning. (26)

29 May 1945
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN) and HMS Zephyr (Capt. J.H. Allison, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Rosyth loaded with troops for Trondheim. (26)

31 May 1945
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN) and HMS Zephyr (Capt. J.H. Allison, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Trondheim from Rosyth. (26)

1 Jun 1945
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN) and HMS Zephyr (Capt. J.H. Allison, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Trondheim for Rosyth. (27)

2 Jun 1945
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN) and HMS Zephyr (Capt. J.H. Allison, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Rosyth from Trondheim. (27)

5 Jun 1945

Operation Indestructible.

Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) to HMS Devonshire (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN).

His Norwegian Majesty King Haakon VII then hoisted his flag in HMS Norfolk after which she (with the entire Royal party on board, HMS Devonshire and their destroyer escort made up of HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. R.D. Franks, DSO, DSC, OBE, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, DSC, RN), HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi) then departed Rosyth for Oslo where they arrived on 7 June.

Vice-Admiral McGrigor then transferred his flag back to HMS Norfolk. (28)

12 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Devonshire (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. R.D. Franks, DSO, DSC, OBE, RN), HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, DSC, RN) and HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi) departed Oslo to return to Rosyth.

HMS Onslow was however detached soon after departure as she was to proceed to Copenhagen, Denmark. (28)

13 Jun 1945
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. R.D. Franks, DSO, DSC, OBE, RN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, DSC, RN) arrived at Rosyth from Oslo.

HMS Devonshire (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) and HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. H. Øi) had parted company around 1230B/13.

HNoMS Stord then proceeded to Scapa Flow arriving there later the same day.

HMS Devonshire proceeded to Plymouth arriving there on the 15th. (28)

16 Jun 1945
Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) to HMS Dido (Capt. R.F. Elkins, OBE, RN).

HMS Norfolk then departed Rosyth for the Devonport Dockyard. (29)

18 Jun 1945
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) arrived at the Devonport Dockyard where she commenced de-ammunitioning on completion of which she was taken in hand for docking and a short refit. (27)

2 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN, rehoisted his flag in HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN). (25)

15 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Vice-Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, DSO, RN, struck his flag on board HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN). (30)

21 Jul 1945
With her short refit now being partially completed [no docking had been undertaken though as this would be done at Malta where the refit would continue], HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) departed the Devonport Dockyard at Plymouth for Malta.

HMS Norfolk was eventually to proceed to the East Indies. (31)

25 Jul 1945
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) arrived at Malta from Plymouth. (31)

20 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) is docked in No.4 Dock at the Malta Dockyard. (32)

10 Sep 1945
HMS Norfolk (Capt. J.G.Y. Loveband, RN) is undocked.

[She departed Malta for the East Indies on 30 October 1945.] (32)

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