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Heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (78)

14 Feb 1940
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (1)

15 Feb 1940
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted AA gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (1)

16 Feb 1940
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) departed Scapa Flow for the Northern Patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the Denmark Strait. (1)

29 Feb 1940
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) arrived at Greenock from the Northern Patrol. (1)

7 Mar 1940
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) departed Greenock for Scapa Flow. (2)

8 Mar 1940
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Greenock. (2)

15 Mar 1940
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) departed Rosyth for the Northern Patrol. She was ordered to patrol south of Iceland. Before proceeding on patrol she was to land her Walrus aircraft at Scapa Flow [presumably to avoid weather damage to the aircraft due to the bad weather conditions in the patrol area]. (3)

16 Mar 1940
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) was damaged during German air attack on Scapa Flow.

Around 1950A/16, German aircraft attack Scapa Flow during which HMS Norfolk was hit by a 500lb bomb and also two near misses. The bomb entered the quarter deck port side abaft 'Y' turret, passing through main and lower decks and exploded near 'Y' shell room, blowing a hole in the starboard side below the waterline. 'X' and 'Y' magazines and shell rooms were flooded.

Four of the crew got killed, two Midshipmen, one Paymaster Midshipman and one Warrant Engineer.

Six of the crew were wounded, one Midshipman, two Gunners, one Warrant Electrician, one Yeoman of signals and two Maltese Stewards. (3)

19 Mar 1940
Around 1700A/19, the damaged, heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN), departed Scapa Flow for the Clyde where she was to undergo repairs. She was first attended by the tug HMS Buccaneer but she was later detached and returned to Scapa Flow. HMS Norfolk, which was able to proceed at 10 knots, was escorted by the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, RN), HMS Gurkha (Cdr. A.W. Buzzard, RN), HMS Ivanhoe (Cdr. P.H. Hadow, RN) and HMS Gallant (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, RN).

Around 2300A/19, the destroyers HMS Eskimo (Cdr. St.J.A. Micklethwait, DSO, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, RN) joined taking over from HMS Ivanhoe and HMS Gallant which then returned to Scapa Flow escorting Fleet Tender C [Merchant vessel Mamari III, resembling the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes].

HMS Norfolk, HMS Cossack, HMS Eskimo, HMS Gurkha and HMS Punjabi arrived in the Clyde around 2200A/20. (3)

27 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) is towed up river and docked at Govan. (2)

19 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) is undocked and towed downstream to the Fairfield shipyard. (4)

20 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) is towed from the Fairfield shipyard to Princess Dock. (5)

17 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) proceeded from Govan to Greenock (Tail of Bank). (6)

21 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted post repair trials in the Clyde area. (6)

23 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) departed Greenock for Scapa Flow. (6)

24 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Greenock. (6)

25 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted D/G trials at Scapa Flow followed by torpedo firing exercises. (6)

27 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted torpedo firing and gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (6)

28 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (6)

29 Jun 1940
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) was to conduct HA gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow but as no towed target was available these were cancelled. (6)

2 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (7)

3 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. These included HA gunnery exercises. (7)

4 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (7)

5 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. These included HA gunnery exercises. (7)

8 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Greenock. (7)

9 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) arrived at Greenock from Scapa Flow. (7)

17 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. (7)

24 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (7)

28 Jul 1940
Around 0200A/28, the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) and the destroyer HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN) departed the Clyde for Reykjavik, Iceland. They were escorting the troopships Georgic (British, 27759 GRT, built 1932) and Koningin Emma (Dutch, 4135 GRT, built 1939).

At 0700A/28, the destroyer HMS Vortigern (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Howlett, RN) also joined coming from Belfast.

At 1630A/29, HMS Norfolk parted company with the convoy to take up a position 30 nautical miles to the North of the convoy while the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) took up a position 30 nautical miles to the West of the convoy.

At 0530A/1, both cruisers closed the convoy and then parted company with it and set course to Scapa Flow where they arrived around 1700A/2.

The convoy continued on to Reykjavik where it arrived on 2 August 1940. (8)

3 Aug 1940
HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN) and HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted 8" gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow on a towed target. (9)

5 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted 8" gunnery exercises in the Pentland Firth. (10)

8 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN) and HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (10)

9 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN) and HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (10)

11 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2250A/11, HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN) and HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) departed Scapa Flow to patrol north of the Faeroer Islands to search for enemy shipping. (11)

16 Aug 1940
Around 2115A/16, HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN) and HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) returned to Scapa Flow from patrol. They had been ordered to discontinue their patrol at 0800A/16 as they were being relieved by HMS Bonaventure (Capt. H.J. Egerton, RN) and HMS Naiad (Capt. M.H.A. Kelsey, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.L.S. King, CB, MVO, RN). (11)

19 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted HA gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (10)

22 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN) and HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (10)

23 Aug 1940

Operation DR.

Anti shipping sweep / search for enemy trawlers of Bear Island and Northern Norway.

Around 1540A/23, the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN) and HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Operation DR. Course was set to the northwards. Heavy weather was encountered for the next two days.

Around 0600A/26, the cruisers arrived off Bear Island and searched the area but there was no sign of the enemy.

Around 0830A/26, the proceeded to the north coast of Norway.

At 1805A/26, HMS Norfolk catapulted her aircraft for a search ahead. It returned around 1955A/26 having sighted only a very small fishing vessel.

At 2025A/26, HMAS Australia then catapulted her aircraft to search the Tromso area and on completion also to bomb military objectives in that harbour. Visibility was however not good and she returned around 2200A/26 after having jettisoned her bombs.

The cruisers then retired to the West-North-West.

At 0500A/27, course was altered to the South-West.

At 1355A/27, the Finnish ship Ericus (2200 GRT, built 1919) was halted by HMS Norfolk about 350 miles west of Tromso. A boarding party was placed on board the ship and she was ordered to proceed to Kirkwall for inspection.

Around 0700A/29, the cruisers arrived at Scapa Flow. (12)

4 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted HA gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (13)

17 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Berwick (Capt. G.L. Warren, RN), HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (14)

19 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Berwick (Capt. G.L. Warren, RN), HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (14)

20 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Operation DT.

Air attack by FAA aircraft on Trondheim.

Around 1300A/20, the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. T.H. Troubridge, RN), heavy cruisers HMS Berwick (Capt. G.L. Warren, RN), HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) and the destroyers HMS Somali (Capt. C. Caslon, RN), HMS Eskimo (Cdr. St. J.A. Micklethwait, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Matabele (Cdr. R.St.V. Sherbrooke, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Operation DT.

At 0300A/22, while in position 64°30'N, 07°50'E, HMS Furious flew off eleven Swordfish and six Skuas to attack Trondheim.

The aircraft encountered bad weather which spoiled the operation. Five Swordfish and one of the Skua's were lost; One Swordfish and the Skua landed in Sweden. One of the Swordfish landed in the sea unable to find the carrier, the crew being lost. The crews of the other aircraft were captured.

The Force returned to Scapa Flow shortly after noon on the 23rd. (15)

1 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Berwick (Capt. G.L. Warren, RN), HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (16)

3 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted HA gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (17)

11 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (17)

25 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Newcastle-on-Tyne. (17)

26 Oct 1940
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) arrived at Newcastle-on-Tyne from Scapa Flow. She was to be fitted with RDF (radar) and undergo some repairs at the Palmer Shipyard. (17)

16 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) departed Newcastle-on-Tyne for Scap Flow arriving there the following day. (18)

17 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) departed Scapa Flow for convoy escort duty with convoy WS 4B.

[For more information on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 4B ' for 18 November 1940.] (18)

28 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from convoy escort duty and patrol. (18)

2 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (19)

3 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (19)

8 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. These were followed by D/G trails. (19)

18 Dec 1940
Around 2000A/18, the aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.La T. Bisset, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) and the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) departed Scapa Flow for operations in the South-Atlantic. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Eskimo (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN) and HMS Matabele (Cdr. R.St.V. Sherbrooke, DSO, RN).

Around 1715Z/20, the destroyers parted company.

HMS Formidable and HMS Norfolk arrived at Freetown around 0930N on 5 January 1941. They had provided cover for convoy WS 5A part of the way.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 5A and the attack by the German heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper ' for 18 December 1940.] (20)

22 Jan 1941
Around 0830B/22, HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.La T. Bisset, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) arrived at Capetown from convoy cover operations. HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) went on to Simonstown where she also arrived on this day. (21)

24 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN, struck his flag at Capetown in HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.La T. Bisset, RN). Later the same day he hoisted it at Simonstown in HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN).

HMS Norfolk then departed Simonstown for a patrol in the South Atlantic which was to end at Freetown. (22)

26 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) departed Scapa Flow for convoy cover duty in the North Atlantic for convoys SC 24 and HX 112.

[For more info on these convoys see the events ' Convoy SC 24 ' for 28 February 1941 and ' Convoy HX 112 ' for 1 March 1941.] (23)

28 Feb 1941

Convoy SC 24.

This convoy departed Halifax for the U.K. on 28 February 1941.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Annavore (Norwegian, 3324 GRT, built 1921), Asiatic (British, 3741 GRT, built 1923), Atlanticos (Greek, 5446 GRT, built 1919), Berkel (Dutch, 2130 GRT, built 1930), Bernhard (Norwegian, 3563 GRT, built 1924), Borgfred (British, 2183 GRT, built 1920), Brave Coeur (British, 6458 GRT, built 1919), Brisk (Norwegian, 1594 GRT, built 1923), Bruxelles (Belgium, 5085 GRT, built 1919), Emmy (Greek, 3895 GRT, built 1914), Flynderborg (Norwegian, 2022 GRT, built 1930), Framlington Court (British, 4888 GRT, built 1924), Inga I (Norwegian, 1304 GRT, built 1921), Kalypso Vergotti (Greek, 5686 GRT, built 1918), Kyma (Greek, 3959 GRT, built 1911), Ledaal (Norwegian, 3076 GRT, built 1899), Manchester Commerce (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Photinia (British, 4010 GRT, built 1929), Sheaf Crown (British, 4868 GRT, built 1929), Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922), Start Point (British, 5293 GRT, built 1919), Swiftpool (British, 5205 GRT, built 1929), Thistleglen (British, 4748 GRT, built 1929), Tilsington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928), Treworlas (British, 4692 GRT, built 1922), Victo (Norwegian, 3655 GRT, built 1906), Western Chief (British, 5759 GRT, built 1918) and Winterswijk (Dutch, 3205 GRT, built 1914).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Wolfe (A/Capt.(Retd.) W.G.A. Shuttleworth, RN) and the corvette HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR). The corvette however soon returned to harbour.

The merchant vessel Bernhard turned back during the night of 28 February / 1 March due to engine defects.

At 1100Q/1, the merchant vessel Kalypso Vergotti turned back to Halifax due to a leak.

From 5 March the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) was nearby to provide cover for the convoy (and convoy HX 112 as well).

On 14 March, the merchant vessel Western Chief, which had straggled from the convoy, was torpedoed and sunk by the Italian submarine Emo.

At 1200A/15, HMS Wolfe parted company with the convoy.

Later on the 15th the destroyers HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN) and HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN) joined the convoy followed by the corvettes HMS Campanula (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Freesia (Lt.Cdr. T.P.G. Crick, RN) and HMS Pimpernel (Lt. F.H. Thornton, RNR) the following day.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 19 March 1941.

1 Mar 1941

Convoy HX 112.

This convoy departed Halifax on 1 March 1941 for the U.K.

On departure from Halifax it was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ahamo (British, 8621 GRT, built 1926), Auris (British (tanker), 8030 GRT, built 1935), Bic Island (Canadian, 4000 GRT, built 1917), Black Condor (British, 5358 GRT, built 1921), Bonde (Norwegian, 1570 GRT, built 1936), Chaucer (British, 5792 GRT, built 1929), City of Oxford (British, 2759 GRT, built 1926), Dalcross (British, 4557 GRT, built 1930), Everleigh (British, 5222 GRT, built 1930), Ferm (British (tanker), 6593 GRT, built 1933), Gloucester City (British, 3071 GRT, built 1919), J.B. White (British, 7375 GRT, built 1919), Korshamn (British, 6673 GRT, built 1920), Lancaster Castle (British, 5172 GRT, built 1937), Lima (Swedish, 3762 GRT, built 1918), Margarita Chandris (Greek, 5401 GRT, built 1920), Mosli (Norwegian (tanker), 8291 GRT, built 1935), Mount Kassion (Greek, 7914 GRT, built 1918), Norefjord (Norwegian, 3082 GRT, built 1920), Reynolds (British, 5113 GRT, built 1927), Silvercedar (British, 4354 GRT, built 1924), Stad Haarlem (Dutch, 4518 GRT, built 1929), Tortu Guero (British, 5285 GRT, built 1921), Trekieve (British, 5244 GRT, built 1919), Venetia (British, 5728 GRT, built 1927) and Westland (Dutch, 5888 GRT, built 1931).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ranpura (A/Capt.(Retd.) H.T.W. Pawsey, OBE, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Bittersweet (A/Lt.Cdr. J.A. Woods, RCNR) and HMCS Fennel (Lt. J.N. Smith, RCNR). The corvettes were however soon detached to return to Halifax.

In the morning of 4 March the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) was sighted which provided close cover for the convoy until the morning of 15 March.

In the morning of 5 March 1941, Convoy BHX 112, coming from Bermuda, merged with Convoy HX 112. so the following merchant vessels joined; Beduin (Norwegian (tanker), 8136 GRT, built 1936), British Commodore (British (tanker), 6865 GRT, built 1923), British Sincerity (British (tanker), 8538 GRT, built 1939), Cistula (Dutch (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1939), Diloma (British (tanker), 8146 GRT, built 1939), Elona (British (tanker), 6192 GRT, built 1936), Erodona (British (tanker), 6207 GRT, built 1937), Franche-Comte (British (tanker), 9314 GRT, built 1936), Ixion (British, 10263 GRT, built 1912), Katendrecht (Dutch (tanker), 5099 GRT, built 1925), Ocana (British (tanker), 6256 GRT, built 1938), Oilreliance (British (tanker), 5666 GRT, built 1929), Robert F. Hand (British (tanker), 12197 GRT, built 1933), San Cipriano (British (tanker), 7966 GRT, built 1937), Traveller (British, 3963 GRT, built 1922) and Winamac (British (tanker), 8621 GRT, built 1926). Their escort, the armed merchant cruiser HMS California (Capt. C.J. Pope, RAN), then parted company.

At 1620N/14, in position 61°00'N, 24°40'W, HMS Ranpura parted company with the convoy.

At 0720Z/15, HMS Norfolk parted company with the convoy.

Around 1250Z/15, in position 61°01'N, 20°48'W, the destroyers HMS Walker (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, RN) HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. J.G.W. Deneys, RN), HMS Sardonyx (Lt.Cdr. R.B.S. Tennant, RN), HMS Scimitar (Lt. R.D. Franks, OBE, RN), escort destroyer HMS Viceroy (Lt.Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN) and the corvettes HMS Bluebell (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Sherwood, RNR) and HMS Hydrangea (Lt. J.E. Woolfenden, RNR) joined the convoy. HMS Viceroy was however soon detached while the destroyer HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN) also joined (or early on the 16th).

During the night of 15/16 March the German submarine U-110 sighted the convoy and then attacked it damaging the tanker Erodona. Following this attack she was depth charged by HMS Volunteer and HMS Vanoc but she managed to escape without damage. Later that night U-110 made another attack but her torpedoes all missed.

During the night of 16/17 March the German submarine U-99 attacked the convoy resulting in the loss of the following ships; Venetia, Ferm, J.B. White, Korshamn, Beduin. The Franche Comté was damaged during these attacks.

Following these attacks the escorts encountered U-99's sister boat U-100. HMS Scimitar depth charged her causing damage. The U-boat than surfaced and was then rammed and sunk by HMS Vanoc. Six survivors were picked up from the enemy submarine.

Shortly afterwards U-99 was depth charged by HMS Walker. The U-boat was damaged and had to surface. HMS Walker was able to pick up 40 survivors from the U-boat including it's famous Commanding Officer Otto Kretschmer.

On the 18th, HMS Bluebell was detached.

On the 19th, HMS Walker, HMS Sardonyx and HMS Scimitar were detached.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on the 20th.

16 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow after convoy cover / escort duty. (24)

18 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Reykjavik / Hvalfjord. (24)

20 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) arrived at Hvalfjord. She departed for the Denmark Strait patrol later the same day. (25)

27 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) arrived at Hvalfjord from patrol. (25)

29 Mar 1941
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) departed Hvalfjord for the Denmark Strait patrol.

She later also provided cover for a minelaying operation. (25)

8 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) returned to Hvalfjord from patrol. (26)

10 Apr 1941
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) departed Hvalfjord for the Denmark Strait patrol.

Later in the day she was ordered to provide cover for convoy HX 119.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy HX 119 ' for 6 April 1941.] (26)

18 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) arrived at Hvalfjord from convoy escort duty. (26)

28 Apr 1941
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) returned to Hvalfjord from patrol. She departed for Scapa Flow later the same day. (26)

30 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Hvalfjord. (26)

4 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) deparated Scapa Flow for Rosyth. (26)

5 May 1941
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) arrived at the Rosyth Dockyard where she was immediately docked in No.1 Dock for a propeller change. (26)

10 May 1941
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) is undocked. Besides the propeller change also a modification to her radar outfit had been made. (26)

11 May 1941
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow. On departure she had a minor collision with the Dutch skoot Sparta. Speed was very low and neither ship was damaged.

HMS Norfolk arrived at Scapa Flow later the same day. (26)

13 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) conducted D/G trials at Scapa Flow. (27)

15 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) conducted HA gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (27)

16 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (27)

17 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Hvalfjord. (26)

19 May 1941
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) arrived at Hvalfjord from Scapa Flow.

She departed Hvalfjord for the Denmark Strait patrol later the same day.

In the evening of 23 May she commenced operations against the German battleship Bismarck and heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen.

[For more information see the events ' Chase and sinking of the German battleship Bismarck, 18 to 27 May 1941 Part I and Part II ' both for 18 May 1941.] (26)

28 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0915B/28, HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) is attacked by a single Heinkel bomber which dropped four bombs which fell close on the starboard side of the ship. Only some minor damage was caused. (26)

29 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) arrived at Greenock from operations. (26)

30 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN, struck his flag on board HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN). (26)

8 Jun 1941

Convoy SL 77.

This convoy departed Freetown for the U.K. on 8 June 1941.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aliakmon (Greek, 4521 GRT, built 1913), Banfora (British, 9472 GRT, built 1914), Blackheath (British, 4637 GRT, built 1936), Boskoop (Dutch, 5620 GRT, built 1927), Chulmleigh (British, 5445 GRT, built 1938), Ile de Batz (British, 5755 GRT, built 1918), John Holt (British, 4975 GRT, built 1938), Kindat (British, 4358 GRT, built 1938), Macuba (Dutch (tanker), 8249 GRT, built 1931), Mahsud (British, 7540 GRT, built 1917), Peebles (British, 4982 GRT, built 1936), Spar (Dutch, 3616 GRT, built 1924) and Storaas (Norwegian (tanker), 7886 GRT, built 1929).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by armed merchant cruiser HMS Arawa (A/Capt. G.R. Deverell, RN) and the corvettes HMS Gardenia (Lt.Cdr. H. Hill, RD, RNR), HMS Marguerite (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Blundell, RNR) and the auxiliary A/S yacht HMS Surprise (Capt.(Retd.) E. Stubbs, RN).

The merchant vessels Aliakmon and Blackheath however soon returned to Freetown due to engine defects.

At 1015N/10, the convoy was joined by the corvette HMS Cyclamen (Lt. H.N. Lawson, RNR). She parted company around 0800N/11.

HMS Gardenia and HMS Marguerite and HMS Surprise parted company in the afternoon of 13 June.

Around 1130N/15, the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) joined the convoy as did the merchant vessels Anglo-Indian (British, 5609 GRT, built 1938), Cordillera (British, 6865 GRT, built 1920), Gascony (British, 4716 GRT, built 1925), and Stornest (British, 4265 GRT, built 1921) which had been brought out from St. Vincent by the corvette HMS Cyclamen.

At 1810N/15, HMS Surprise parted company with the convoy.

Around noon on 21 June, the merchant vessel Peebles was detached to the Azores due to engine defects.

Around 1100Z/27, HMS Norfolk was detached to proceed to Scapa Flow.

Around 0700A/28, the armed boarding vessel HMS Hilary (Cdr. T.L. Owen, RD, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 0100B/28, the armed boarding vessel Cavina (Cdr. C.B. Osborne, RD, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 0800B/28, the corvette HMS Wallflower (Lt.Cdr. I.J. Tyson, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1140B/28, the destroyer HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. J.G.W. Deneys, DSO, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1210B/28, the destroyers HMS Walker (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, DSO, RN), HNoMS Bath (Lt.Cdr. C.F.T. Melsom) and the corvette HMS Hydrangea (Lt. J.E. Woolfenden, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 1300B/28, the rescue ship Toward (British, 1571 GRT, built 1923) joined the convoy.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 2 July 1941.

11 Jun 1941
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) arrived at Freetown with convoy WS 8X. (28)

12 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) departed Freetown to overtake and join convoy SL 77.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy SL 77 ' for 8 June 1941.] (28)

29 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow after convoy escort duty. (28)

30 Jun 1941
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) proceeded from Scapa Flow for the Tyne where she was to refit. (28)

3 Jul 1941
Having completed de-ammunitioning the previous afternoon, HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN), is taken in hand for refit at the Middle Docks & Engineering Company Ltd. at South Shields. (29)

12 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN), is docked in No.4 Dock at the Middle Docks & Engineering Company Ltd. at South Shields. (30)

9 Sep 1941
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) is undocked and towed to North Shields. (31)

14 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted D/G trials off North Shields. (31)

15 Sep 1941
Around 0730A/15, the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) departed North Shields for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Winchester ( Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN) and HMS Windsor (Lt.Cdr. J.M.G. Waldegrave, DSC, RN).

At 1200A/15, HMS Winchester was detached as was HMS Windsor 15 minutes later.

HMS Norfolk arrived at Scapa Flow around 1905A/15. Shortly before arrival a full power trial had been carried out. (31)

18 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials at Scapa Flow. (31)

19 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted D/G trials at Scapa Flow. These were followed by compass swing trials. (31)

20 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) conducted gunnery and torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (31)

25 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Devonshire (Capt. R.D. Oliver, DSC, RN) to HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN). (32)

30 Sep 1941
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow followed by 4" HA gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (31)

2 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) conducted torpedo firing and underway refuelling exercises at Scapa Flow together with HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN). (33)

9 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) conducted 8" gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow followed by torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (33)

17 Oct 1941

Convoy PQ 2.

This convoy departed Scapa Flow on 16 October 1941 for Archangelsk where it arrived on 30 October 1941.

On departure from Scapa Flow the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Empire Baffin (British, 6978 GRT, built 1941), Haraplion (British, 5486 GRT, built 1932), Hartlebury (British, 5082 GRT, built 1934), Orient City (British, 5095 GRT, built 1940), Queen City (British, 4814 GRT, built 1924) and Temple Arch (British, 5138 GRT, built 1940).

On departure from Scapa Flow, P.M. on the 17th, the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN) and the minesweepers HMS Bramble (Capt. J.H.F. Crombie, RN), HMS Seagull (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Pollock, RN) and HMS Speedy (Lt. J.G. Brookes, DSC, RN).

The heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) departed Scapa Flow around 0130A/18 to provide close cover for the convoy.

On 29 October the minesweepers HMS Gossamer (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Crease, RN), HMS Hussar (Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, DSC, RN) and HMS Leda (Lt.Cdr. A.D.H. Jay, RN) joined the convoy.

The convoy arrived off Archangelsk on 30 October 1941.

3 Nov 1941

Convoy QP 2.

This convoy departed Archangelsk on 3 November 1941 for Kirkwall where it arrived on 17 November 1941.

On departure from Archangelsk the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Blairnevis (British, 4155 GRT, built 1930), Cepira (Panamanian, 5625 GRT, built 1920), Chernyshevski (Russian, 3588 GRT, built 1919), Gemstone (British, 4986 GRT, built 1938), Harmonic (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), IJora (Russian, 2815 GRT, built 1921), Lorca (British, 4875 GRT, built 1931), North King (Panamanian, 4934 GRT, built 1903), River Afton (British, 5479 GRT, built 1935), Stephan Khalturin (Russian, 2498 GRT, built 1921) and Ville d'Anvers (Belgian, 7462 GRT, built 1920).

On departure from Archangelsk the convoy was escorted by the minesweepers HMS Bramble (Capt. J.H.F. Crombie, RN), HMS Leda (Lt.Cdr. A.D.H. Jay, RN) and HMS Seagull (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Pollock, RN).

In the morning of the 4th the convoy was joined by the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN).

At dusk on the 5th HMS Bramble, HMS Leda and HMS Seagull parted company with the convoy to return to North Russia.

At 0500A/11, HMS Norfolk parted company with the convoy to proceed to Scapa Flow.

Later on the 11th, the HMS Celia (T/Lt. F.G. Dawson, RNR) and HMS Windermere (Skr. J. Mawer, RNR) joined the convoy. HMS Icarus and HMS Eclipse were then detached to fuel at Seidisfjord. The rejoined the convoy on 13 November following which the trawlers were detached.

The convoy arrived at Kirkwall on 17 November 1941.

13 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from convoy escort duty. (34)

19 Nov 1941
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) departed Scapa Flow to patrol in the Iceland-Faeroer gap. (35)

24 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) arrived at Hvalfjord from patrol. (35)

2 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) departed Hvalfjord for the Denmark Strait patrol. (36)

7 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) returned to Hvalfjord from patrol. (36)

11 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) departed Hvalfjord for the Denmark Strait patrol. (36)

18 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) returned to Hvalfjord from patrol. (36)

26 Dec 1941
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) departed Hvalfjord for the Denmark Strait patrol.

' Patrol White ', the Denmark Strait patrol, was re-established. (36)

1 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) returned to Hvalfjord from patrol. (36)

4 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) departed Hvalfjord for the Denmark Strait patrol. (37)

10 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) returned to Hvalfjord from patrol. (37)

12 Jan 1942
HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN) departed Hvalfjord at 1500N/12 for Scapa Flow. She first picked up mail at Reykjavik and proceeded from there at 1830N/12.

At 2140N/12, HMS Norfolk, which had encountered very heavy weather upon her departure, was hit by a monstrous wave, much higher than the previous one, breaking over ' A ' turret. The left half of the turret roof was thrown over ' B ' turret and struck and damaged the front of the compass platform. The left side of ' A ' gunhouse was set in some 15 degrees. Also damage to breakwater and deck fittings was caused. Cascades of water broke over the compass platform and damage was caused to the starboard HA director. Casualties in the turret were one man killed and five injured, but elsewhere nothing but minor injuries were sustained.

HMS Norfolk then returned to Hvalfjord for repairs. She anchored inside the boom at 0120N/13. (37)

14 Jan 1942
With temporary repairs completed, HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN), departed Hvalfjord at 0900N/14 for Scapa Flow.

On the 15th heavy weather was again encountered and HMS Norfolk was only able to proceed at 5 knots.

At 2330A/16, she was joined by the destroyers HMS Bedouin (Cdr. B.G. Scurfield, OBE, RN) and HMS Eskimo (Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) which had been on A/S patrol off Cape Wrath having departed Scapa Flow around 1515A/15.

HMS Norfolk, HMS Bedouin and HMS Eskimo arrived at Scapa Flow around 0515A/17. (37)

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