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Battleship HMS Revenge (06)

17 Mar 1943
The battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Kilindini during which she was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN).

On completion of the exercises they proceeded to Manza Bay where they arrived the following morning. (1)

20 Mar 1943
HMS Revenge (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN) proceeded from Manza Bay to Kilindini. (1)

12 Apr 1943
From 12 to 16 April 1943, the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN), heavy cruisers HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN), HMS Hawkins (Capt. G.A. French, RN), light cruisers HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN) conducted exercises off Kilindini / Mombasa. (2)

15 Jun 1943
Around 1300C/15, the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) departed Kilindini for Durban. The was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) and HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN). (3)

18 Jun 1943
Around 1040C/18, the battleships HMS Revenge (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN), on passage from Kilindini to Durban, and HMS Resolution (Capt. J.W. Durnford, RN), on passage from Durban to Kilindini, made rendezvous.

HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN) then joined HMS Resolution and HMS Racehorse (Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) while HMS Rotherham (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN) and HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) joined HMS Revenge and HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN). (4)

20 Jun 1943
Around 1700C/20, the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Rotherham (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN), HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) and HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) arrived at Durban.

HMS Revenge was then taken in hand for a short refit at the Durban Dockyard. (3)

29 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Revenge (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) is docked at the Durban Dockyard. (3)

12 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Revenge (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) is undocked. (5)

28 Jul 1943
Around 1230B/28, the battleships HMS Resolution (Capt. J.W. Durnford, RN) and HMS Revenge (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) departed Durban for Capetown. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Lt. G.J.A. Ashley-Brown, RAN), HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN).

The destroyers had gone to sea around 1100B/28 and had first conducted exercises.

HMAS Norman developed problems with her renewed port stern gland and had to return to harbour. She was later able to depart again and overtook and joined the other ships around 1710B/29.

Both battleships had been ordered to return to the U.K. to be decommissioned from active service and serve as training ships. (6)

31 Jul 1943
Around 0930B/31, HMS Resolution (Capt. J.W. Durnford, RN), HMS Revenge (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN), HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN), HMAS Quiberon (Lt. G.J.A. Ashley-Brown, RAN), HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN) arrived at Capetown from Durban.

HMS Rotherham and HMAS Quickmatch actually did not enter the harbour but proceeded to Simonstown arriving there later the same day. (7)

4 Aug 1943
Around 1700B/4, the battleships HMS Resolution (Capt. J.W. Durnford, RN), HMS Revenge (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) and the transports Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924) and Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939) departed Capetown for the Congo River estuary. They were escorted by the destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN), HMAS Quiberon (Lt. G.J.A. Ashley-Brown, RAN), HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Catterick (Lt.Cdr. A. Tyson, RN).

They were to pass through the following positions;
A) 33°13'S, 17°37'E,
B) 28°30'S, 14°30'E,
C) 17°15'S, 10°30'E,
D) 10°00'S, 11°00'E.
(8)

11 Aug 1943
The battleships HMS Resolution (Capt. J.W. Durnford, RN), HMS Revenge (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN), transports Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924), Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939) and the destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.J. Buchanan DSO, RAN), HMAS Quiberon (Lt. G.J.A. Ashley-Brown, RAN), HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Catterick (Lt.Cdr. A. Tyson, RN) arrived in the Congo River Estuary. (9)

15 Aug 1943
The battleships HMS Resolution (Capt. J.W. Durnford, RN), HMS Revenge (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN), transports Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924), Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939), destroyers HMS Wolverine (Cdr. J.M. Money, RN), HMS Douglas (Lt.Cdr. K.H.J.L. Phibbs, RN), HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. N.R. Murch, RN), HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. E.J. Lee, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Catterick (Lt.Cdr. A. Tyson, RN) departed the Congo River Estuary for Freetown. (10)

22 Aug 1943
The battleships HMS Resolution (Capt. J.W. Durnford, RN), HMS Revenge (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN), transports Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924), Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939), destroyers HMS Wolverine (Cdr. J.M. Money, RN), HMS Douglas (Lt.Cdr. K.H.J.L. Phibbs, RN), HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. N.R. Murch, RN), HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. E.J. Lee, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Catterick (Lt.Cdr. A. Tyson, RN) arrived at Freetown. (9)

Battleship HMS Ramillies (07)

25 Aug 1943
Around 1230Z/25, the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) departed Freetown for Walvis Bay. On departure she first carried out gunnery exercises.

Around 1630Z/25, on completion of the exercises, she was joined by the destroyers HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN), HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN) and the frigates HMS Helford (Cdr. C.G. Cuthbertson, DSC, RNR), HMS Plym (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A. Foxall, RNR) and HMS Teviot (Lt.Cdr. T. Taylor, DSC, RN).

Around 1730Z/25, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Cilicia (Capt.(Retd.) J.M. Scott, RN) also joined.

They arrived at Walvis Bay around 0830B/3. (11)

3 Sep 1943
Around 2300B/3, the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN), armed merchant cruiser HMS Cilicia (Capt.(Retd.) J.M. Scott, RN) destroyers HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN), HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN) and the frigates HMS Helford (Cdr. C.G. Cuthbertson, DSC, RNR), HMS Plym (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A. Foxall, RNR) and HMS Teviot (Lt.Cdr. T. Taylor, DSC, RN) departed Walvis Bay for Capetown.

They arrived off Capetown around 1200B/6. HMS Quality and HMS Helford did not enter harbour but proceeded to Simonstown instead where they arrived later the same day. (12)

7 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1800B/7, the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) departed Capetown for Durban.

She is escorted by the destroyers HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN), HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN) and the frigate HMS Plym (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A. Foxall, RNR).

Before departure HMS Ramillies had carried out D/G trials. (13)

10 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1315B/10, HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) and HMS Plym (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A. Foxall, RNR) arrived at Durban from Capetown.

The other two escorts, HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN) entered harbour around an hour later. (14)

21 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0800C/21, HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN), HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN), HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) and HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa from convoy escort duty. (15)

6 Oct 1943
Around 0800C/6, the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Durban. She is escorted by the destroyers HMS Racehorse (Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN), HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN) and HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN). (16)

11 Oct 1943
Around 1545C/11, HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN), HMS Racehorse (Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN), HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN) and HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Durban from Kilindini / Mombasa. (16)

22 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) is docked in the graving dock at the Durban Dockyard (17)

31 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) is undocked. (17)

11 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1530C/11, HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) departed Durban for Manza Bay. She is escorted by the destroyers HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN), HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) and HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN). (18)

16 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1800C/16, HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN), HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN), HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) and HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN) arrived at Manza Bay from Durban. (18)

17 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1315C/17, HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN), HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN), HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) and HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN) departed Manza Bay for Kilindini / Mombasa where they arrived around 1830C/17. (18)

7 Jan 1944
Around 0730B/3, HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) arrived at Suez from Aden. (19)

10 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) transited the Suez Canal northbound and arrived at Port Said. (19)

14 Jan 1944

Convoy KMF 27A.

This convoy departed Port Said on 14 January 1944.

It was made up of the troop transports Orontes (British, 20097 GRT, built 1929) and Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931).

The Stratheden (British, 23722 GRT, built 1937) was also to have been part of this convoy but was unable to depart due to engine defects and thus remained at Port Said.

The battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) also joined the convoy for passage to the U.K.

The convoy was escorted by the frigates HMS Duckworth (Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN, S.O. 3rd Escort Group), HMS Berry (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.S. Pirie, RNVR), HMS Blackwood (Lt.Cdr. L.T. Sly, RD, RNR), HMS Cooke (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Hill, OBE, RD, RNR), HMS Domett (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S. Gordon, RNVR) and HMS Essington (A/Lt.Cdr. W. Lambert, RNVR).

Around 1415A/17, near Malta, the submarine HrMs O 24 (Lt.Cdr. W.J. de Vries, RNN) joined the convoy for passage to Gibraltar.

Around 1200A/18, the AA cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. G.R. Waymouth, RN) joined the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Algiers around 0900A/19 and after fuelling departed again around 1600A/19.

The convoy arrived in Gibraltar Bay around 2230A/20 where HMS Ramillies and the six frigates topped off with fuel.

The convoy departed Gibraltar Bay around 0215A/21. HrMs O 24, which was to proceed to the USA to refit remained at Gibraltar. The aircraft transport HMS Athene (T/A/Cdr. C.H. Moulton, RNR) had joined the convoy at Gibraltar.

Around 0630A/27, the convoy arrived off Rathlin Island where the two troop transports parted company to proceed to Liverpool. HMS Ramillies and HMS Athene proceeded to Greenock arriving there around 1240A/27. The frigates, minus HMS Essington proceeded to Belfast where they arrived later on the same day. The Orontes and Reina del Pacifico, escorted by HMS Essington arrived at Liverpool also later on 27 January 1944. (20)

4 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1200A/4, the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) and the brand new destroyer HMS Wakeful (Lt.Cdr. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN) departed Greenock for Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1545A/5. (21)

12 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) conducted D/G trials at Scapa Flow.

On completion of these D/G trials she left Scapa Flow around 1915A/12 for Rosyth. She was then joined by the destroyer HMS Oribi (Lt.Cdr. J.C.A. Ingram, DSC and Bar, RN) which was also to proceed to Rosyth.

They arrived at Rosyth around 1100A/13. (21)

17 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) is docked in No.2 graving dock at the Rosyth Dockyard. (22)

1 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) is undocked. (23)

2 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1915A/2, the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1130A/3 following which she conducted D/G trials at Scapa Flow.

On passing the outer gate in the Firth of Forth around 2030A/2 she was joined by the destroyer HNoMS Svenner (Lt.Cdr. T. Holte) which then escorted her to Scapa Flow. (24)

17 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Onslaught (Cdr. the Hon. A. Pleydell-Bouverie, RN) and HMS Orwell (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, DSO, RN). (24)

19 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. She was initially escorted by HNoMS Stord (Lt.Cdr. S.V. Storheill) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN).

Around 1420A/19, the destroyers parted company as two other destroyers; HMS Venus (Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson DSO, RN) and HMS Vigilant (Lt.Cdr. L.W.L. Argles, RN) joined. (24)

27 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) conducted AA gunnerry exercises in the Clyde area. (24)

30 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) conducted bombardment exercises in the Clyde area. (24)

22 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0930B/22, HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Greenock where she arrived around 1415B/22. In the Clyde exercises had been carried out with aircraft. (25)

6 Jun 1944
At 0510B/6, HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) arrived in her assigned bombardment position on the east flank of Sword Beach.

At 0525B/6, four torpedoes were seen to pass close by the ship.

At 0545B/6, HMS Ramillies commenced her first shore bombardment of the day.

At 2000B/6, HMS Ramillies left the bombardment area to proceed to Portsmouth (Spithead) where she arrived around 0715B/7. During the passage she was escorted by HMS Verulam (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, DSC, RN).

Around 0240B/7, the destroyer HMS Grenville (Capt. H.P. Henderson, RN) and the escort destroyer ORP Krakowiak (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) W. Maracewicz) joined company. (26)

7 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2115B/7, HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) departed Spithead to return to the operations area off Normandy. She was escorted during the passage by HMS Verulam (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, DSC, RN) and HMS Swift (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gower, RN).

They arrived in the operations area around 0630B/8. (27)

9 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) conducted two bombardments on this day.

Between 0840B/9 and 0855B/9 she bombarded an enemy troop concentration.

Between 1415B/9 and 1453B/9 she bombarded an enemy shore battery. (26)

10 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) conducted three bombardments on this day.

Between 1150B/10 and 1235B/10 she bombarded enemy positions.

Between 1315B/10 and 1400B/10 she bombarded enemy positions.

Between 1615B/10 and 1715B/10 she bombarded enemy positions. (26)

11 Jun 1944
HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) conducted one bombardment on this day.

Between 2040B/11 and 2110B/11 she bombarded enemy positions. (26)

12 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) conducted one bombardment on this day.

At 2300B/12 she opened fire enemy positions. [The logbook does not state when fire was ceased.] (26)

13 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) conducted three bombardments on this day.

Between 0200B/13 and 0340B/13 she bombarded enemy positions.

Between 1020B/13 and 1110B/13 she bombarded enemy positions.

Between 1625B/13 and 1645B/13 she bombarded enemy positions. (26)

14 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) conducted two bombardments on this day.

Between 1030B/14 and 1105B/14 she bombarded enemy positions.

Between 1710B/14 and 1745B/14 she bombarded enemy positions.

Between 1625B/13 and 1645B/13 she bombarded enemy positions. (26)

15 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) conducted one bombardment on this day.

Between 1710B/15 and 1800B/15 she bombarded enemy positions. (26)

16 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) conducted fpur bombardments on this day.

Between 1710B/16 and 1800B/16 she bombarded enemy positions.

Between 1245B/16 and 1255B/16 she bombarded enemy positions.

Between 1400B/16 and 1405B/16 she bombarded enemy positions.

Between 1445B/16 and 1508B/16 she bombarded enemy positions. (26)

17 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) conducted one bombardment on this day.

Between 1345B/17 and 1425B/17 she bombarded an enemy battery. (26)

18 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0745B/18, HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) departed the operations area off Normandy for Spithead. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Ursa (Cdr. D.B. Wyburd, DSC, RN), HMS Ulysses (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Hanson, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H. Lambton, RN).

Around 1100B/18, HMS Westcott was detached.

Around 1500B/18, HMS Ramillies, HMS Ursa and HMS Ulysses arrived in Spithead. (26)

4 Aug 1944
Around 0930B/4, HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) departed Spithead for Gibraltar.

At 1000B/4, on passing the boom, the destroyers HMS Whelp (Cdr. G.A.F. Norfolk, RN), HMS Wessex (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN) and frigate HMS Narborough (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Muttram, DSC, RN) joined.

Around 1810B/4, off Start Point six frigates of the 3rd Escort Group joined. These were the following; HMS Duckworth (Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Berry (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.S. Pirie, RNVR), HMS Braithwaite (Lt.Cdr. P.J. Stoner, RN), HMS Cooke (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Hill, OBE, RD, RNR), HMS Domett (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S. Gordon, RNVR), HMS Essington (A/Lt.Cdr. W. Lambert, RNVR). They parted company the following day near the Scilly Islands.

Around 2300B/6, HMS Narborough parted company after the destroyer HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. J. Smallwood, RN) joined.

HMS Ramillies, HMS Whelp, HMS Wessex and HMS Brilliant arrived at Gibraltar around 0145B/10.

HMS Ramillies departed again around 0430B/10 for Algiers. Now escorted by the destroyers HMS Whelp, HMS Wessex, HMS Wakeful (Lt.Cdr. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN) and HMS Wager (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN).

Around 1000B/11, HMS Ramillies, HMS Whelp, HMS Wessex, HMS Wakeful and HMS Wager arrived at Algiers. (28)

13 Aug 1944
Around 1545B/13, HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) departed Algiers for the operations area off Southern France for Operation Dragoon (the Allied landings in Southern France). She is escorted by the destroyers HMS Whelp (Cdr. G.A.F. Norfolk, RN), HMS Wessex (Lt.Cdr. R. Horncastle, RN), HMS Wakeful (Lt.Cdr. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN) and HMS Wager (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Watkin, RN).

Around 1800B/14, the four W-class destroyers were detached after the destroyers HMS Terpsichore (Cdr. A.C. Behague, DSC, OBE, RN) and HMS Termagant (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Scatchard, DSC, RN) had joined.

Around 0430B/15, HMS Ramillies and her escorting destroyers arrived in the operations area. They were part of Task Group 84.7. (28)

15 Aug 1944
At 0530B/15, HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) arrived in her assigned posittion for bombardment duty.

At 0615B/15, HMS Ramillies opened fire. Fire was ceased at 0700B/15. Two shore target had been engaged during this period.

No further bombardments were carried out by HMS Ramillies during the day. (29)

17 Aug 1944
At 1259B/17, HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) opened fire on an enemy fort. Fire was ceased at 1320B/17 when a white flag appeared on the fort which indeed surrendered.

At 2030B/17, HMS Ramillies left the operations area to proceed to Propriano, Corsica where ammunition was to be embarked. During this passage HMS Ramillies was escorted by the destroyers USS Kearny (T/Cdr. L. Williamson, USN) and USS Ericsson (T/Cdr. Bernard Henry Meyer, USN).

They arrived at Propriano around 0815B/18. (29)

23 Aug 1944
Around 2200B/23, HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) departed Propiano for Algiers. She is escorted by the escort destroyer HMS Brecon (Lt. N.R.H. Rodney, RN).

At 1943B/23, course was altered to proceed to the operations area off Southern France after a signal had been received from CTF 86. (30)

25 Aug 1944
At 1640B/25, HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) opened fire on enemy shore batteries on Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer. Fire was ceased at 1703B/25. (30)

26 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1306B/26, HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) opened fire on enemy shore batteries. Fire was ceased at 1336B/26. (30)

27 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1045B/27, HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) opened fire on enemy shore batteries on Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer. Fire was ceased at 1120B/27. (30)

28 Aug 1944
At 0213B/28, HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) departed the operations area off Southern France to proceed to Propiano, Corsica. She was escorted by USS Hilary P. Jones (T/Cdr. F.M. Stiesberg, USN).

HMS Ramillies arrived at Propiano around 1000B/28. USS Hilary P. Jones subsequently proceeded to Ajaccio. (30)

30 Aug 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1400B/30, the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) departed Propiano for Algiers. She is escorted by the destroyer USS Nields (T/Cdr. A.R. Heckey, USN).

Around 1945B/30, the high speed transport USS Tattnall (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Lennox, USNR) joined and took station in the screen.

Around 1800B/31, HMS Ramillies arrived at Algiers. Both American ships did not enter harbour but set course for Oran. (28)

3 Sep 1944

Convoy MKF 34.

This convoy departed Port Said on 3 September 1944.

The convoy was made up of the following troop transports;
Clan MacAulay (British, 10492 GRT, built 1936), Highland Chieftain (British, 14135 GRT, built 1929), Indrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Moreton Bay (British, 14193 GRT, built 1921), Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931), Strathaird (British, 22281 GRT, built 1932) and Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937).

Escort was provided by the escort destroyers Exmoor, Chiddingfold, Croome and Tetcott.

Later that day the following troop transports departed Alexandria to join the convoy; Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930) and Ruys (Dutch, 14155 GRT, built 1937).

These ships were escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Ledbury (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Higson, DSC and Bar, RN), Wheatland and Kanaris which also joined the convoy.

Around 1500B/6, the Clan MacAulay and Ruys parted company to proceed to Taranto and Naples repectively.

Around 1530B/6, the landing ships HMS Keren (A/Cdr. S.E. Crewe-Read, RN) and HMS Prince Badouin (A/Cdr. W.E. Gelling, DSC, RD, RNR) joined coming from Augusta.

The Clan MacAulay arrived at Taranto on 7 September 1944 as did RHS Kanaris.

The Ruys arrived at Naples on 7 September 1944 as did HMS Wheatland.

HMS Exmoor, HMS Ledbury and HMS Tetcott arrived at Malta on 6 September 1944. Joining the convoy coming from Malta was the headquarters ship HMS Largs (Capt. H.S. Allan, RNR).

Around 1600B/6, the Naples section of the convoy departed Naples Bay. It was made up of the troop transports Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927) and Orontes (British, 20097 GRT, built 1929). They were escorted by the AA ship HMCS Prince Robert (Capt. A.M. Hope, RCN) and the frigates HMS Bentinck (Cdr. R.C.S. Garwood, RN), HMS Bazely (A/Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.W. Cooper, RNR), HMS Byard (A/Lt.Cdr. J.I. Jones, DSO, DSC, RNR), HMS Calder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E. Playne, RNVR), HMS Drury (Lt.Cdr. N.J. Parker, RN) and HMS Pasley (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Wright, RD, RNR).

Around 1000B/7, the Naples section of the convoy joined the main convoy in position 37°15'N, 10°25'E. HMS Croome and HMS Chiddingfold then parted company to proceed to Bizerta where they were to fuel and then rejoin.

Around 1200B/7, the Reina del Pacifico was detached to proceed ahead of the main convoy to Naples. She was escorted by HMS Bazely and HMS Pasley until these were relieved by HMS Croome and HMS Chiddingfold coming from Bizerta after fuelling.

Around 0140B/8, HMS Bazely and HMS Pasley rejoined the main convoy after they had been relieved.

Around 0600B/8, in position 37°08'N, 04°42'E, HMS Prince Badouin was detached to proceed ahead of the main convoy to Gibraltar. She proceeded unescorted.

Around 0945B/8, HMS Byard parted company with the convoy to enter Algiers for fresh water after which she was to rejoin the convoy.

Around 1200B/8, the Algiers section of the convoy joined. It was made up of the following troop transports; Ascania (British, 14013 GRT, built 1925), Circassia (British, 11136 GRT, built 1937), Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935), Empire Pride (British, 9248 GRT, built 1941) and Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939).

Around 1700B/8, the Ascania which had straggled from the convoy, due to insufficient speed, was ordered to proceed to Oran. HMS Pasley was ordered to escort her.

Around 2100B/8, HMS Byard rejoined the convoy.

Around 0400B/9, the troop transport Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920) joined coming from Oran. Around the same time HMCS Prince Robert was detached to Gibraltar to embark stores and then rejoin the convoy.

Around 0700B/9, HMS Pasley rejoined the convoy.

Around 2100B/9, the escort carrier HMS Nairana (Capt. V.N. Surtees, DSO, RN) joined. She had been conducting exercises off Gibraltar escorted by the destroyer HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. J. Smallwood, RN) which did not join the convoy but returned to Gibraltar.

Around 2300B/9, HMCS Prince Robert, HMS Prince Badouin and the (troop) transports City of Bristol (British, 8424 GRT, built 1943), Sibajak (Dutch, 12226 GRT, built 1927) and Winchester Castle (British, 20012 GRT, built 1930) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar.

Around 0600B/10, the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, RN) and the escort carrier HMS Reaper (A/Capt. J.F.H. Sawyer, RN) joined coming from Gibraltar. They were escorted to the rendezvous by the destroyer RHN Salamis and the sloop HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. E.D.J. Abbot, DSC, RN) which subsequently returned to Gibraltar.

Around 2055B/12, in position 48°19'N, 07°41'W, HMCS Prince Robert was detached to Plymouth.

Around 1500B/13, in position 51°47'N, 07°23'W, HMS Reaper was detached to proceed ahead to the Clyde.

Around 2200B/13, all frigates except HMS Bazely and HMS Byard were detached to proceed to Belfast.

Around 0500B/14, the Liverpool section of the convoy was detached. This was made up of the Christiaan Huygens, City of Bristol, Derbyshire, Empire Pride, Highland Princess, Indrapoera, Moreton Bay, Orontes and Sibajak.

Around 0700B/14, HMS Nairana was detached to proceed ahead to the Clyde for gunnery exercises.

Around 1100B/14, HMS Nairana rejoined, having completed her exercises.

The convoy arrived in the Clyde in the afternoon of 14 September 1944. HMS Bazely and HMS Byard proceeded to Belfast. (31)

7 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000B/7, the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) departed Algiers for Gibraltar.

Around 1730B/7, she was joined by the destroyers HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. J. Smallwood, RN) and RHN Salamis.

They arrived at Gibraltar around 1530B/8. (32)

9 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2330B/9, the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, RN) and the escort carrier HMS Reaper (A/Capt. J.F.H. Sawyer, RN) departed Gibraltar to join convoy MKF 34. They were escorted to the rendezvous by the destroyer RHN Salamis and the sloop HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. E.D.J. Abbot, DSC, RN).

HMS Ramillies and HMS Reaper joined the convoy around 0600B/10. The two escorts then returned to Gibraltar.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy MKF 34 ' for 3 September 1944.] (33)

14 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1700B/14, HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, RN) arrived at Greenock. (32)

26 Sep 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, RN) proceeded from Greenock to Gare Loch. (32)

17 Jan 1945
HMS Ramillies (Rear Admiral G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN) proceeded from Spithead to the Portsmouth Dockyard. She was now to be used as training and accommodation ship. (34)

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