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Destroyer HMAS Stuart (D 00)

28 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
With repairs completed, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) was to leave Townsville for exercises off / in Challenger Bay, Palm Island with ships from Task Force 44.5 but while leaving the basin, HMAS Stuart collided with her stern with the transport Henry Dearborn (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

The stern was buckled and leaking and some other minor damage was also sustained so repairs had to be undertaken. Due to the weather conditions it was not possible to re-berth at Townsville so HMAS Stuart had to proceed to Challenger Bay. She returned to Townsville for repairs the following day after the weather had moderated. (1)

4 Feb 1943

Convoy TN 32.

This convoy departed Cairns on 4 February 1943.

It was made up of the transports; Canberra (Australian, 7707 GRT, built 1913) and Jason Lee (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

They were escorted by the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) which had departed Townsville earlier in the day to make rendezvous off Fitzroy Island with the transports.

Rendezvous was effected on the 5th, though three hours late as the convoy had been delayed in leaving Cairns.

The convoy arrived at Port Moresby around 0907K/7. (2)

7 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1845K/7, the transport Canberra (Australian, 7707 GRT, built 1913) departed Port Moresby for Cairns.

She was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN).

Late in the morning of the 9th, they parted company having passed the Grafton Passage with the Canberra proceeding to Cairns and HMAS Stuart to Townsville. (1)

9 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2148K/9, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) arrived at Townsville. (1)

10 Feb 1943

Convoy TN 35.

This convoy departed Cairns on 10 February 1943.

It was made up of the transports; Francis Lewis (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Generaal Verspijck (Dutch, 1213 GRT, built 1928), George W. McCrary (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Holt (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Macumba (Australian, 2526 GRT, built 1919), Montoro (British, 4057 GRT, built 1911) and Van der Lijn (Dutch, 2464 GRT, built 1928)

On departure from Cairns, around 0315K/11, the convoy was escorted by the minesweeper HMAS Glenelg (T/Lt. A.F. Summerfield, RANR(S)).

Around 0700K/11, the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) joined near Fitzroy Island. She came from Townsville.

The convoy later (late on the 12th or early on the 13th) split into two sections.

The section for Port Moresby was made up by the Francis Lewis, Joseph Holt, Macumba and Montoro. It was escorted by HMAS Stuart and arrived at Port Moresby around 0955K/14.

The section of Fall River (Milne Bay) was made up of the George W. McCrary, George W. McCrary and Van der Lijn. It was escorted by HMAS Glenelg and arrived at Fall River around 1933K/13.

14 Feb 1943
Around 1400K/14, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Port Moresby for Townsville. (1)

16 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1630K/16, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) arrived at Townsville from Port Moresby. (1)

17 Feb 1943
Around 0600K/17, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Townsville for Cairns via Dunk Island.

At Dunk Island mail was transferred to Task Force 44.5.

HMAS Stuart arrived at Cairns around 1845K/16. (1)

25 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0715K/25, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Cairns for Townsville where she arrived around 1620K/25. (1)

26 Feb 1943

Convoy TS 17.

Convoy TS 17.

This convoy departed Townsville on 25 February 1943.

It was made up of the transports; Cleveland Abbe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), David Bushnell (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942) and Henry Dearborn (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

The RFA tanker Bishopsdale (8406 GRT, built 1937) was also part of the convoy.

On departure from Townsville, around 0715K/26, the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN).

HMAS Stuart however soon parted company due to suspected turbine trouble and anchored in Cleveland Bay.

The convoy continued unescorted until joined by the minesweeper HMAS Geelong (A/Lt.Cdr. C.G. Hill, RANR(S)) later in the day.

The convoy arrived at Moreton Bay in the morning of the 1st of March. The Bishopdale did not enter and proceeded onwards to Sydney. (3)

26 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
After having been unable to sail with convoy TS 17 in the morning, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Townsville later the same day to proceed to Brisbane on one engine. (1)

28 Feb 1943
Around 1950K/28, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) anchored in Moreton Bay having come from Townsville. (1)

1 Mar 1943
Around 0600K/1, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Moreton Bay for Sydney. She is escorting the transport Bantam (Dutch, 3322 GRT, built 1930). They were later joined at sea by the RFA tanker Bishopsdale (8406 GRT, built 1937).

They arrived at Sydney around 0830K/3.

HMAS Stuart was badly in need of a refit or at least a lot of minor repairs to outstanding defects however for the moment the refit could not be undertaken. (1)

7 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Sydney escorting the troop transport James O'Hara (American, 11971 GRT, built 1942).

HMAS Stuart returned to Sydney from this escort duty on 12 March. (4)

28 Mar 1943
HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Sydney to make rendezvous with the transport Tweedbank (British, 5627 GRT, built 1930) coming from Wellington, New Zealand and then escort her to Sydney.

They arrived at Sydney the following day. (4)

31 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Sydney to make rendezvous with the stores ship USS Mirzar (6982 GRT, built 1932) (T/Capt. W.V. Michaux, USN) coming from San Francisco.

They arrived at Sydney on 1 April 1943. (5)

3 Apr 1943

Convoy CO 85.

This convoy departed from Sydney and Newcastle on 3 April 1943.

The Sydney section was made up of the following transports; Juan de Fuca (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Talune (Australian, 2742 GRT, built 1930) and Thomas Kearns (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943).

On it's departure from Sydney, around 0900K/3, it was escorted by the minesweeper HMAS Bundaberg (Lt.Cdr. N.D. Pixley, RANR).

The Newcastle section was made up of the following transports; Age (Australian, 4734 GRT, built 1936), Carlisle (Australian, 1861 GRT, built 1919), Goulburn (Australian, 2367 GRT, built 1920), Mary Livanos (Greek, 4771 GRT, built 1938), Tai Yin (Norwegian, 6744 GRT, built 1929) and Wear (Australian, 1869 GRT, built 1911).

It was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) which had departed Sydney around 0400K/3, to proceed to Newcastle and then pick up the Newcastle section and escort it to a rendezvous with the Sydney section.

Around 1630K/3, rendezvous was effected but HMAS Bundaberg had to return to Sydney due to one of her engine being defective. Minesweeper HMAS Mildura (Lt. C.J.P. Guille, OBE, RANR(S)) was then ordered to take over. She joined the convoy around 0350K/4.

Later two more transport coming from Port Kembla. These were the following; Colac (Australian, 3341 GRT, built 1920) and Michael L. Embiricos (Greek, 5202 GRT, built 1918).

Around 0800K/6, convoy OC 85 was met and both convoy exchanged escorts so HMAS Stuart and HMAS Mildura left the convoy and FFS Le Triomphant (Cdr. P.A.P. Ortoli) joined.

The convoy arrived at Melbourne later on the 6th.

5 Apr 1943

Convoy OC 85.

This convoy departed from Melbourne 5 April 1943.

It was made up of the following transports; Mernoo (Australian, 2417 GRT, built 1926), Mungana (Australian, 3351 GRT, built 1920) and Rahmani (British, 5463 GRT, built 1928).

On departure from Melbourne the convoy was escorted by the destroyer FFS Le Triomphant (Cdr. P.A.P. Ortoli).

Around 0800K/6, convoy CO 85 was met and both convoy exchanged escorts so FFS Le triomphant parted company and the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) and minesweeper HMAS Mildura (Lt. C.J.P. Guille, OBE, RANR(S)) joined.

The convoy arrived at Sydney on 8 April 1943.

10 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Convoy CO 87.

This convoy departed from Sydney and Newcastle on 3 April 1943.

The Sydney section was made up of the following transports; Cycle (Australian, 3952 GRT, built 1939), Montoro (British, 4057 GRT, built 1911) and Mundalla (Australian, 3018 GRT, built 1926).

On it's departure from Sydney it was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN).

The Newcastle section was made up of the following transports; Adelong (Australian, 3576 GRT, built 1936), Enchunga (Australian, 3362 GRT, built 1922), Michael J. Goulandris (Greek, 6672 GRT, built 1921) and William McArthur (Australian, 2393 GRT, built 1924).

It was escorted by the minesweeper HMAS Bundaberg (Lt.Cdr. N.D. Pixley, RANR).

The two sections merged around 1730K/10. The AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Capt. E.J. van Holthe, RNN) also arrived near the convoy to provide cover during part of her passage to Fremantle.

The transport Iron Knob (Australian, 3349 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy later coming from Port Kembla.

Around 0740K/13, convoy OC 87 was met and and both convoy exchanged escorts so HMAS Stuart and HMAS Bundaberg parted company and the A/S patrol vessel HMAS Doomba (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F.H. Reading, RANR(S)) joined.

The convoy arrived at Melbourne later on 13 April 1943.

12 Apr 1943

Convoy OC 87.

This convoy departed from Melbourne 12 April 1943.

It was made up of the following transports; Carslisle (Australian, 1861 GRT, built 1919), Chios (Greek, 5643 GRT, built 1939), Colac (Australian, 3341 GRT, built 1920), Ilissos (Greek, 4724 GRT, built 1915), Iron Baron (Australian, 4584 GRT, built 1936), Talune (Australian, 2742 GRT, built 1930) and Wear (Australian, 1869 GRT, built 1911).

The auxiliary minelayer HMAS Bungaree (A/Cdr. N.K. Calder, RAN) was also part of the convoy.

On departure from Melbourne the convoy was escorted by the A/S patrol vessel HMAS Doomba (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F.H. Reading, RANR(S)).

Around 0740K/13, convoy CO 87 was was met and and escorts were exchanged so HMAS Doomba parted company and the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) and minesweeper HMAS Bundaberg (Lt.Cdr. N.D. Pixley, RANR) joined.

At 0858K/15, HMAS Stuart picked up the crew of a crashed Anson aircraft from the sea near Point Perpendicular. As one of the crew was badly injured HMAS Stuart parted company with the convoy in the afternoon to race ahead to Sydney to seek treatment for the injured man.

Around 1300K/15, the Chios and Ilissos parted company and proceeded to Port Kembla, arriving there later the same day.

Around , the auxiliary A/S patrol vessel HMAS Yandra (Lt. J.A. Taplin, RANR(S)) joined the convoy so that HMAS Stuart could proceed ahead to Sydney to land the badly injured airmen. After doing so HMAS Stuart rejoined the convoy.

Around 2215K/15, the Carlisle and Talune were detached to Sydney.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Newcastle around 0530K/16.

17 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Convoy CO 89.

This convoy departed from Newcastle on 17 April 1943.

It was made up of the transports; Aeon (Australian, 3763 GRT, built 1913), Barwon (Australian, 4239 GRT, built 1939), Goulburn (Australian, 2367 GRT, built 1920), Honduras (Panamanian, 4524 GRT, built 1915), Mernoo (Australian, 2417 GRT, built 1926) and Wear (Australian, 1869 GRT, built 1911).

On departure from Newcastle, around 0850K/17, the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) and the minesweeper HMAS Kalgoorlie (T/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Litchfield, RANR(S)).

Off Sydney, around 1600K/17, HMAS Stuart parted company to proceed to Sydney. The minesweeper HMAS Warrnambool (Lt.Cdr. N.R. Read, RAN) and the transport Lot Whitcomb (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy.

Around 0300K/21, HMAS Kalgoorlie parted company with the convoy to join northbound convoy OC 89.

The convoy arrived at Melbourne around 1500K/22.

21 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0530K/21, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Sydney to make rendezvous with the transport Duntroon (Australian, 10346 GRT, built 1935).

HMAS Stuart encountered heavy weather and she could not make the rendezvous. She also sustained weather damage.

At 1500K/23, she sighted the troop transport USS Hermitage (24416 GRT, built 1925, former Italian) and then commenced escorting this ship.

They arrived in Port Phillip (Melbourne) on the 24th. (6)

26 Apr 1943
Around 1100K/26, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Port Phillip (Melboune) to escort the troopship USS Hermitage (24416 GRT, built 1925, former Italian) north-eastwards.

They parted company at 0437K/27.

HMAS Stuart then set course for Sydney but she was later ordered to join convoy OC 91 as additional escort.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy OC 91 ' for 26 April 1943.] (6)

26 Apr 1943

Convoy OC 91.

This convoy departed from Melbourne 5 April 1943.

It was made up of the following transports; Adoniram Judson (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), Baron Elphinstone (British, 4635 GRT, built 1937), Barossa (Australian, 4239 GRT, built 1938), Dilga (Australian, 3308 GRT, built 1920), Echunga (Australian, 3362 GRT, built 1922), Wear (Australian, 1869 GRT, built 1911) and William McArthur (Australian, 2393 GRT, built 1924).

On departure from Melbourne, around 2145K/26, the convoy was escorted by the minesweeper HMAS Kalgoorlie (T/Lt.Cdr. H.A. Litchfield, RANR(S)).

Around 0915K/27, convoy CO 91 was met. One of the escorts of convoy CO 91 then joined convoy OC 91, this was the minesweeper HMAS Bundaberg (Lt.Cdr. N.D. Pixley, RANR).

Around 1750K/27, the A/S patrol vessel HMAS Bingara (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Little, RANR(S)) joined as additional escort.

Around 2245K/27, the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) joined the convoy as additional escort.

Around 1530K/29, the transports Barossa and Dilga parted company with the convoy to proceed to Port Kembla. They were escorted by HMAS Kalgoorlie. After this duty, HMAS Kalgoorlie rejoined the convoy around 1810K/29.

Around 2145K/29, the transports Adoniram Judson and Baron Elphinstone parted company with the convoy to proceed to Sydney escorted by HMAS Stuart. They arrived at Sydney around 2330K/29.

The remainder of the convoy arrived off Newcastle around 0530K/30.

29 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2330K/29, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) arrived at Sydney with the ' Sydney Section ' of convoy OC 91.

On arrival Lt.Cdr. Mackinnon had to report to the NOIC Sydney that HMAS Stuart was no longer fit for escort duties due to the many defects she had developed. During the last few days she had to stop abrupltly on several occasions while directly in front of a convoy.

HMAS Stuart commenced to de-ammunition for refit the following day. (6)

1 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) is docked in the Fitzroy Dock at the Cockatoo Island Dockyard. (7)

10 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) is undocked. (7)

21 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
With her refit completed, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN), conducted D/G trials off Cockatoo Island. (8)

24 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) conducted D/G trials off Cockatoo Island. She then proceeded to sea for radar and engine trials. The weather conditions however prevented full power trials to be carried out. On her return to harbour she was taken in hand for some defects which had developed which included some leaks. (8)

29 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0700K/29, the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Brisbane to make rendezvous with the escort carrier USS Nassau (T/Capt. A.K. Doyle, USN) approaching from the east.

Rendezvous was effected around 0715K/30 and course was set for Caloundra.

They arrived at Caloundra around 0900K/1. (9)

1 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) conducted exercises in Moreton Bay. On completion of these exercises she set course to escort the tanker Norfold (Norwegian, 6370 GRT, built 1930) to the vicinity of Lady Elliot Island. They parted company around 2130K/2 and HMAS Stuart arrived at Moreton Bay around 1000K/3. (10)

3 Jul 1943
Around 1100K/3, the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Moreton Bay escorting the escort carrier USS Nassau (T/Capt. A.K. Doyle, USN) eastwards.

They parted company around 0945K/4.

HMAS Stuart then made rendezvous with the troop transport USS Mount Vernon (24289 GRT, built 1932) around 0945K/5.

They arrived at Sydney around 1315K/6. (10)

7 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) conducted Hedgehog trials off Sydney on completion of which left escorting the transport Katoomba (Australian, 9424 GRT, built 1913) northwards.

They parted company around 0400K/10. HMAS Stuart then set course for Brisbane where she arrived around 1525K/10. (10)

11 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1500K/11, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Brisbane to make rendezvous with the troopship Lurline (American, 18009 GRT, built 1932) approaching from the east.

Rendezvous was effected around 0815K/12 and the ships arrived in Moreton Bay around 2100K/12. (10)

12 Jul 1943
Around 2220K/12, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Moreton Bay escorting the destroyer tender USS Dobbin (T/Capt. H.N. Williams, USN) to the vicinity of Cape Capricorn.

They parted company around 0200K/13 when HMAS Stuart commenced escorting the transport George M. Livanos (Greek, 3831 GRT, built 1928) southwards to Brisbane where they arrived around 1420K/14. (10)

17 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) conducted exercises in Moreton Bay. (10)

18 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0930K/18, the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Brisbane to make rendezvous with the escort carrier USS Barnes (T/Capt. G.A. Dussalt, USN) approaching from the east.

Rendezvous was effected around 0925K/19 and course was set for Brisbane.

They arrived at Brisbane around 1420K/20. (10)

21 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Convoy QL 3A.

This convoy departed Brisbane around 0530K on 21 July 1943.

It was made up of the transports; Adoniram Judson (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), James M. Goodhue (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Mangola (British, 3352 GRT, built 1920).

It was escorted until 0430K/22 by the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN).

The convoy arrived at Townsville on 23 April 1943. (10)

22 Jul 1943
Around 1715K/22, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) anchored off Moreton Bay having returned from the north after convoy escort duty. She later anchored off Pile Light off the mouth of the Brisbane River in Moreton Bay. (10)

23 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) conducted A/S exercises off Brisbane with Balao (T/Cdr. R.H. Crane, USN).

On completion of the exercises, HMAS Stuart set course to make rendezvous with the transport Mormacsea (American, 7773 GRT, built 1941).

Rendezvous was effected around 1310K/24 when course was set for Brisbane where they arrived around 1730K/25. (10)

31 Jul 1943
Around 1240K/31, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Moreton Bay to escort the troopship George Washington (American, 25570 GRT, built 1909) eastwards.

They parted company around 0900K/1. HMAS Stuart then remained patrolling in the area as she was to make rendezvous with the escort carrier USS Altamaha (T/Capt. J.R. Tate, USN).

Rendezvous was effected around 1100K/2 and course was set for Brisbane where they arrived around 1300K/3. (11)

6 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0550K/6, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Moreton Bay to escort the escort carrier USS Altamaha (T/Capt. J.R. Tate, USN) eastwards.

They parted company around 0600K/7. (12)

7 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1310K/7, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) arrived at Sydney after escort duty. (12)

9 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0600K/9, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Brisbane escorting the transport Cremer (Dutch, 4608 GRT, built 1926) northwards. They parted company in bad weather around 2100K/10, when HMAS Stuart set course to make rendezvous to the eastward to make rendezvous with the transport Klipfontein (Dutch, 10544 GRT, built 1939).

Weather conditions were bad en the Dutch ship was not sighted.

Around 1620K/12, HMAS Stuart sighted the tanker Fenris (Norwegian, 9804 GRT, built 1936) and escorted this ship until a new position was received for the rendezvous with the Klipfontein.

Around 1000K/13, the Klipfontein was finally sighted and escorted to Brisbane where they arrived around 2200K/13. (12)

14 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1430K/14, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Brisbane to make rendezvous with the transport Maui (American, 10261 GRT, built 1917) approaching from the east.

Rendezvous was effected around 1215K/15. Course was then set for Caloundra where they arrived around 0545K/16.

HMAS Stuart however did not enter Moreton Bay but set course to make rendezvous with the troop transport Fred C. Ainsworth (American, 12097 GRT, built 1943).

Rendezvous was effected around 0730K/17 and course was set towards Lady Elliot Island where they parted company on the 18th.

HMAS Stuart arrived in Moreton Bay later the same day. (12)

19 Aug 1943
HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) proceeded up river to Brisbane. She then commenced boiler cleaning which was completed on 27 August. (12)

28 Aug 1943
During 28 and 29 August 1943, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN), conducted A/S and attack exercises off Brisbane with USS Bluefish (T/Cdr. G.E. Porter, Jr., USN) and USS Puffer (T/Lt.Cdr. F.G. Selby, USN).

On completion of the exercises HMAS Stuart set course to make rendezvous with the transport Sea Snipe (American, 7942 GRT, built 1943). Rendezvous was effected around 0905K/30 and course was set for Lady Elliot Island.

They parted company around 0730K/31 and HMAS Stuart set course to make rendezvous with the the Australian Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Kurumba (3798 GRT, built 1916) which was effected around 1000K/31.

They arrived in Moreton Bay around 0600K/1. HMAS Stuart then proceeded to Brisbane. (12)

1 Sep 1943
Around 2030K/1, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Brisbane escorting the submarine tender USS Otus (Cdr. J. Newsom, USN) towards the vicinity of Lady Elliot Island.

They parted company around 1830K/2. (13)

3 Sep 1943
Around 0530K/3, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) arrived off Caloundra from escort duty.

She then immediately departed to escort the stores ship USS Mizar (6982 GRT, built 1932) towards Sydney. (13)

4 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1040K/4, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) and USS Mizar (6982 GRT, built 1932) arrived at Sydney. (13)

5 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0800K/5, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Brisbane to make rendezvous with the troop transport Matsonia (American, 17226 GRT, built 1927).

Rendezvous was effected around 2330K/6.

They arrived at Brisbane around 1200K/7. (13)

11 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) is docked at Brisbane. (13)

15 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) is undocked. (13)

16 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0130K/16, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Brisbane for Melbourne. (13)

18 Sep 1943
Around 0845K/18, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) arrived at Williamstown from Brisbane. (13)

21 Sep 1943
Around 0530K/21, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Williamstown to escort the escort carrier USS Altamaha (T/Capt. J.R. Tate, USN) eastwards towards longitude 151°E.

They parted company around 0200K/22. (13)

22 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1715K/22, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) returned to Williamstown from escort duty. (13)

24 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) conducted exercises in Port Phillip. (14)

27 Sep 1943

Convoy PV 2.

This convoy departed Port Phillip (Melbourne) on 27 September 1943.

It was made up of the following transports; Andrew D. White (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), B.F. Shaw (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Both (Dutch, 2608 GRT, built 1931), Charles H. Windham (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George H. Flanders (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George S. Boutwell (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), James W. Grimes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Whiteaker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William Ellery Channing (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

On departure the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, DSO, RAN), HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) and the minesweepers HMAS Bendigo (Lt. J.H. Dowson, RAN) and HMAS Goulburn (Lt.Cdr. Collins, RANR(S)).

Around 0800K/29, the destroyer HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) joined.

Around 2000K/29, HMAS Bendigo parted company.

Around 1545K/2, the convoy escorted parted company with the convoy near Lady Elliot Island. HMAS Arunta and HMAS Stuart set course for Brisbane, HMAS Warramunga for Sydney and HMAS Goulburn for Gladstone.

The convoy arrived at Townsville on 3 October 1943.

3 Oct 1943
Around 1045L/3, HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) arrived at Brisbane. (15)

4 Oct 1943
Around 0800L/4, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Brisbane to pick up the transport Boschfontein (Dutch, 7139 GRT, built 1928) in Moreton Bay and then escort her eastwards.

They parted company the following day and HMAS Stuart then set course for Melbourne. (16)

7 Oct 1943
Around 1430L/7, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) arrived at Williamstown after escort duty. (16)

11 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Convoy PV 4.

This convoy departed Port Phillip (Melbourne) on 11 October 1943.

It was made up of the following transports; Charles P. Steinmetz (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Francis G. Newlands (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and John Carroll (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On departure from Melbourne the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN).

The convoy arrived at Townsville on 18 October 1943. (15)

20 Oct 1943

Convoy TN 170.

This convoy departed Townsville on 20 October 1943 for New Guinea.

It was made up of the following transports; Charles P. Steinmetz (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Francis G. Newlands (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and John Carroll (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

The landing ships HMAS Manoora (A/Capt. C.C. Baldwin, RAN) and HMAS Westralia (Cdr. A.V. Knight, RD, RANR(S)) were also part of the convoy.

They were escorted by the destroyers HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, DSO, RAN), HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN), USS Conyngham (T/Cdr. J.H. Ward, USN) and the patrol vessel USS PC-1124 (Lt. R.F. Sheffield, USNR).

Around 1130L/23, the convoy split up, USS Conyngham and USS PC-1124 immediately entered Milne Bay. HMAS Arunta and the three Liberty ships proceeded to Goodenough Island (Beli Beli Bay) arriving around 1845L/23 while HMAS Stuart with the two landing ships proceeded to Oro Bay arriving around 0700L/24. (15)

25 Oct 1943
The landing ships HMAS Manoora (A/Capt. C.C. Baldwin, RAN) and HMAS Westralia (Cdr. A.V. Knight, RD, RANR(S)) departed Oro Bay for Cairns.

They were escorted by the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) until 1430L/27 when off the Grafton Passage. (16)

27 Oct 1943
Around 2200L/27, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) arrived at Townsville from escort duty. (16)

28 Oct 1943
Around 1400L/28, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Townsville to make rendezvous with the escort carrier USS Long Island (T/Capt. J.H. McKay, USN).

Rendezvous was made around 0600L/31 and the ships arrived at Brisbane around noon on 1 November 1943. (17)

2 Nov 1943
Around 1545L/2, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Moreton Bay escorting the escort carrier USS Long Island (T/Capt. J.H. McKay, USN) eastwards.

They parted company around 1000L/3. (18)

4 Nov 1943
Around 0925L/4, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) arrived at Sydney from escort duty.

She then commenced boiler cleaning which was completed on 13 November. (18)

14 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) conducted D/G and compass swing trials at Sydney. (18)

17 Nov 1943
Around 1700L/17, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Sydney to make rendezvous with the troop transport Nieuw Amsterdam (Dutch, 36287 GRT, built 1938).

Rendezvous was effected around 1100L/18 and the ships arrived at Sydney around 0700L/19. (18)

21 Nov 1943
Around 0815L/21, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) and the troop transport Nieuw Amsterdam (Dutch, 36287 GRT, built 1938) departed Sydney to proceed to the eastwards.

They parted company around 0630L/22 with HMAS Stuart then setting course to return to Sydney where she arrived around 0625L/23. (18)

24 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) was wiped at Sydney. (18)

25 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) conducted D/G and Hedgehog trials at Sydney (18)

26 Nov 1943
Around 1300L/26, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Sydney escorting the tanker Empire Silver (British, 8602 GRT, built 1941) towards Lady Elliot Island.

They parted company around 1630L/29. (18)

30 Nov 1943
Around 0940L/30, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) arrived at Brisbane after escort duty. (18)

3 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) and HMAS Cowra (T/Lt. W.J. Gillies, RANR(S)) conducted exercises in Moreton Bay.

On completion of these exercises they proceeded to sea for A/S and attack exercises with USS Guardfish (T/Lt.Cdr. N.G. Ward, USN) which were to continue until the next day.

However at 2355L/3, USS Guardfish collided with the small Army tanker Y-20 (484 GRT, built 1943) and the exercises had to be broken off and all ships returned to Brisbane. (19)

4 Dec 1943
While returning to Brisbane after last nights exercises had to be broken off, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN), is ordered to overtake the troop transport Contessa (American, 5512 GRT, built 1930) and escort her to Lady Elliot Island. HMAS Stuart joined the troopship around 1530L/4.

Around 0130L/4, they parted company and HMAS Stuart proceeded to make rendezvous with the transport Duntroon (10346 GRT, built 1935) off Jenny Lind Rock [no idea where this is].

Rendezvous was effected around 0800L/5. They parted company around 0700L/6 and HMAS Stuart set course to make rendezvous with the troop transport Willard A. Holbrook (American, 14812 GRT, built 1921).

Rendezvous was effected around 0830L/6 and course was set for Brisbane where they arrived around 1930L/6. (19)

7 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1210L/7, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Brisbane to make rendezvous with the transport Sea Snipe (American, 7942 GRT, built 1943). Rendezvous was effected late in the afternoon and they arrived at Brisbane around 2345L/7. (19)

12 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1330L/12, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Brisbane to make rendezvous with the transport Boschfontein (Dutch, 7139 GRT, built 1928).

Rendezvous was effected around 2240L/12 and they then set course for Moreton Bay. (19)

13 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises in Moreton Bay. (19)

14 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1440L/14, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Moreton Bay to make rendezvous with the transport Pennant (American, 6576 GRT, built 1937).

Rendezvous was effected around 0630L/15 and they parted company around 1940L/15 off Lady Elliot Island. (19)

16 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1155/16, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) arrived at Brisbane from escort duty. (19)

17 Dec 1943
During 17/18 December 1943, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) conducted A/S exercises with USS Scamp (T/Cdr. W.G. Ebert, USN) off Brisbane. (19)

20 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1045L/20, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Brisbane escorting the command ship USS Blue Ridge (8425 GRT, built 1943) (Cdr. L.R. McDowell, USN) to the vicinity of Lady Elliot Island.

They parted company around 0425L/21. HMAS Stuart then set course to make rendezvous with the transport Sea Pike (American, 7949 GRT, built 1943). Rendezvous was hover not effected and HMAS Stuart was ordered to return to Brisbane.

Around 1650L/22, HMAS Stuart arrived at Brisbane. (19)

23 Dec 1943
Around 0600L/23, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Brisbane to make rendezvous with the submarine tender USS Orion (T/Capt. C.S. Isgrig, USN) and her current escort USS Harmon (Lt.Cdr. K.E. Read, USNR).

Rendezvous was effected in position 26°32'S, 156°16'E around 1800K/23.

USS Harmon then parted company and set course for Noumea.

HMAS Stuart and USS Orion arrived at Brisbane around 1020L/24. (19)

27 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
From 27 to 29 December 1943, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) and HMAS Townsville (Lt. A. Farquhar-Smith, RANR(S)) conducted A/S and attack exercises with USS Albacore (T/Cdr. J.W. Blanchard, USN).

HMAS Stuart however parted company around 1005L/28, having been ordered to escort USS Orion (T/Capt. C.S. Isgrig, USN) to the vicinity of Sydney. (20)

28 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1400L/28, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) made rendezvous with USS Orion (T/Capt. C.S. Isgrig, USN) off Caloundra.

They parted company around 2100L/29 to the North-East of Sydney. (19)

30 Dec 1943
Around 0545L/30, HMAS Stuart (Lt.Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) arrived at Sydney after escort duty. She then commenced boiler cleaning and repairing defects. Boiler cleaning was completed on 5 January 1944. (21)

8 Jan 1944
Around 0800L/8, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Sydney for Brisbane. (22)

9 Jan 1944
Around 0930L/9, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) arrived at Brisbane from Sydney.

After fuelling, she departed again around 1400L/9, to make rendezvous with the transport Cape Perpetua (American, 7189 GRT, built 1943).

Rendezvous was effected around 0940L/10 and course was set for Milne Bay where they arrived on the 13th. (22)

16 Jan 1944
Around 0800L/16, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Milne Bay for A/S patrol and pilot duties off the southern entrance to the bay.

She was relieved around 1230L/19 by the patrol vessel USS PC 1123 (Lt. W.R. Plage, USNR). (22)

23 Jan 1944
Around 1800L/23, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Milne Bay to make rendezvous with the transport Alcoa Patriot (American, 6759 GRT, built 1941).

Rendezvous was effected around 0500L/24 and then proceeded to Milne Bay. (22)

25 Jan 1944
Around 0500L/25, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Milne Bay to make rendezvous with the transport Noordam (Dutch, 10726 GRT, built 1938).

Rendezvous was effected around 1600L/25 and they then proceeded to Milne Bay. (22)

28 Jan 1944
Around 1700L/28, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Milne Bay to make rendezvous with the troop transport Mount Vernon (American, 24289 GRT, built 1933).

Rendezvous was effected around 0500L/29 and they then proceeded to Milne Bay. (22)

30 Jan 1944
Around 0500L/30, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Milne Bay to make rendezvous with the troop transport Monterey (American, 148017 GRT, built 1932).

Shortly before 0800L/30, in heavy seas, one of HMAS Stuart's crew was thrown violently against one of the ships Oerlikon AA guns and sustained severe internal injuries. After he was taken to the sick bay the severity of his injuries became apparent and Lt.Cdr. Mackinnon decided to go back to Milne Bay to seek treatment for the badly injured crewmen. In any case if she had proceeded to the rendezvous she would have been unable to keep up the speed of the troopship in the heavy seas. The patient was transferred to another ship around 1210L/30 and HMAS Stuart went to sea again to make rendezvous with the troopship.

Rendezvous was effected around 0630L/31. Besides the Monterey the transport Kota Agoeng (Dutch, 7356 GRT, built 1930) was also near the rendezvous also bound for Milne Bay. HMAS Stuart then escorted both ships to Milne Bay. On arrival at Milne Bay it was learnt that the injured crewmen had died from his wounds around 0600 hours that morning. (22)

31 Jan 1944
Around 1830/31, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Milne Bay to make rendezvous with the transport Sea Flasher (American, 8040 GRT, built 1943) and then escort her to Milne Bay.

A signal was however received that the transport had already arrived and HMAS Stuart then anchored in Suiaha Bay [unable to find out where this is, but must be a bay somewhere to the immediate south of China Strait.] (23)

2 Feb 1944
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) proceeded from Suiaha Bay to Milne Bay and back. At Milne Bay a replacement part for the Asdic installation was picked up due to the set being defective. (24)

3 Feb 1944
Very early in the day, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed from Suiaha Bay to make rendezvous with the troopship USS Monticello (25661 GRT, built 1928, former Italian liner Conte Grande) (T/Capt. B.H. Colyear, USN). Rendezvous was effected around 0640L/3. They arrived at Milne Bay around noon on this day. (24)

6 Feb 1944
Around 0500L/5, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Milne Bay to make rendezvous with the transport Sea Snipe (American, 7942 GRT, built 1943) and then escort this ship to Milne Bay.

Rendezvous was effected around 1745L/5. They arrived at Milne Bay the following morning. (24)

15 Feb 1944
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN), HMAS Gascoyne (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) J. Donovan, RAN), HMAS Ararat ( T/Lt. N.M. Muzzell, RANR(S)) and HMAS Stawell (T/Lt. S.J. Griffith, RANR(S)) conducted exercises off Milne Bay. (24)

18 Feb 1944
Around 0005L/18, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Suiaha Bay to make rendezvous with the transport Klipfontein (Dutch, 10544 GRT, built 1939).

Rendezvous was effected around 0600L/18. they arrived at Milne Bay in the afternoon. (24)

21 Feb 1944
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) proceeded from Milne Bay to Suiaha Bay. (24)

22 Feb 1944
Early on the day HMAS Stuart (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Suiaha Bay to make rendezvous with the tanker Esso Bayonne (American, 7698 GRT, built 1937) and then escort her to China Strait.

HMAS Stuart returned to Suiaha Bay in the afternoon of the following day. (24)

23 Feb 1944
Around 2200L/23, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Suiaha Bay to make rendezvous with the transport Mexico (American, 5236 GRT, built 1932).

The Mexico was apparently ahead of shedule and was not sighted. Instead the tanker Jacksonville (American, 10448 GRT, built 1944) was then escorted to Milne Bay where they arrived on the 24th. During the transfer of charts HMAS Stuart collided with the tanker. Some minor damage was sustained. (24)

27 Feb 1944
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) and USS SC-747 (Lt.(jg) D.A. Kennedy, USNR) conducted A/S and attack exercises off Milne Bay with USS Scamp (T/Cdr. J.C. Hollingsworth, USN).

29 Feb 1944
Around 0700L/29, departed Milne Bay escorting convoy MV 70 made up of the transports Sea Snipe (American, 7942 GRT, built 1943) and Cape Neddick (American, 6797 GRT, built 1941). (24)

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