Rodney Rhoades DSC, RAN
| Born | 8 Apr 1909 | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Ranks
Retired: 8 Apr 1964 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for Rodney Rhoades, RAN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMAS Vendetta (D 69) | Lt. | Destroyer | 30 Mar 1940 | 31 Aug 1941 |
| HMAS Quickmatch (G 92) | Lt.Cdr. | Destroyer | 13 May 1942 | 11 Mar 1944 |
Career information
Transferred to the Emergency List on 22 June 1963.Events related to this officer
Destroyer HMAS Vendetta (D 69)
30 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN) arrived at Malta. Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936) was to proceed to Port Said unescorted. (1)
2 Apr 1940
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) conducted A/S exercises off Malta with HMS Oswald (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Fraser, RN). (2)
8 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0850B/8, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Malta for Gibraltar.
They were recalled at 1953B/8 and arrived back at Malta around 1330B/9. (2)
10 Apr 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Malta to make rendezvous with the aircraft carriers HMS Ark Royal (Capt. A.J. Power, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.V. Wells, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Glorious (Capt. G. D’Oyly-Hughes, DSO and Bar, DSC, RN) and the destroyers HMS Bulldog (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN), HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN) that are coming from Alexandria.
The other ships arrived at the rendezvous early and HMAS Vendetta was not informed of this and thus missed the rendezvous.
She was then ordered to search for Danish and Norwegian merchant vessels.
HMAS Vendetta returned to Malta on 12 April. (3)
13 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Malta to patrol south of Calabria, Italy. (3)
16 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) arrived at Malta from patrol. Several merchant vessels had been boarded and inspected the past few days while on patrol. (3)
22 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) conducted exercises off Malta. These included A/S exercises with the submarine HMS Oswald (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Fraser, RN). On completion of the exercises HMAS Vendetta set course to proceed to Gibraltar. (3)
25 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) arrived at Gibraltar from Malta. (3)
26 Apr 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Gibraltar to patrol off Cadiz.
At 0240A/28, she obtained a good A/S echo near Cape Trafalgar. Several pattern of depth charges were dropped but eventually contact was lost. At 0520A/28, HMS Velox (Cdr.(Retd.) J.C. Colvill, RN) joined the hunt but the contact could not be regained. (3)
28 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1100A/28, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) returned to Gibraltar from patrol. (3)
16 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades RAN) is docked in the Gabbari Dry Dock at Alexandria for remetalling of 'A' bracket bushes. (4)
22 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades RAN) is undocked. (4)
25 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0600B/25, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) and the transport Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923), which were en-route from Alexandria to Malta, are joined by the light cruiser HMS Calypso (Capt. H.A. Rowley, RN). (4)
26 May 1940
Around 1200B/26, HMS Calypso (Capt. H.A. Rowley, RN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) and the transport Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923) arrived at Malta.
Around 100B/26, HMAS Vampire and the Talma departed Malta for Marseilles. (4)
29 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) and the transport Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923) arrived at Marseilles. (4)
30 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) and the transport Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923) departed Marseilles for Malta. (4)
1 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) and the transport Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923) arrived at Malta from Marseilles. (5)
3 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN) is taken in hand for refit at the Malta Dockyard. (5)
9 Jul 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) completed her refit at Malta. (6)
9 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) departed Malta escorting convoy MF 1.
[For more info see the event ' Operation MA 5 and the resulting battle of Punta Stilo on 9 July 1940 ' for 7 July 1940.] (7)
15 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Ramillies (Capt. H.T. Baillie-Grohman, OBE, DSO, RN), HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN), HMS Capetown (Capt. T.H. Back, RN), HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.deW. Kitcat, RN), HMS Havock (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, RN), HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN), HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN), HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) arrived at Alexandria from operations. (8)
19 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the morning, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN), served as target during exercises by Swordfish torpedo aircraft off Alexandria. (6)
4 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1700C/4, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) departed Alexandria escorting the transports Doryssa (British, 8078 GRT, built 1938) and Harpalycus (British, 5629 GRT, built 1935).
Around 1100C/5, the transports were detached off the searched channel to Port Said. HMAS Vendetta continued on to Haifa where she arrived aroud 1930C/5. (6)
7 Aug 1940
Around 2000C/7, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) departed Haifa for Famagusta, Cyprus. (6)
8 Aug 1940
Around 0630C/8, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) arrived at Famagusta from Haifa. (6)
10 Aug 1940
Around 1735C/10, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) departed Famagusta for Port Said. She was escorting the merchant vessels
Bantria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928),
Fouadieh (Egyptian, 1738 GRT, built 1923),
Kirkland (British, 1361 GRT, built 1934), Runo (British, 1858 GRT, built 1920) and Zeeland (British, 2726 GRT, built 1930).
The convoy arrived off the entrance to the swept channel to Port Said around 0750C/12. The merchant vessels then entered the swept channel and proceeded to Port Said while HMAS Vendetta conducted an A/S patrol in the area until she was joined around 1105C/12 by the tanker Ormer (British, 1357 GRT, built 1915).
They arrived at Alexandria around 1030C/13.
(6)
22 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
From 22 to 25 August 1940, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) cleaned boilers at Alexandria. (9)
4 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the evening, HMS Malaya (Capt. Sir A.F.E. Palliser, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN), HMS Dainty (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, RN), HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN), HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) arrived at Alexandria from operations.
12 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1725C/12, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Alexandria escorting the tankers British Hope (British, 6951 GRT, built 1928) and the British Pride (British, 7106 GRT, built 1931) to Haifa where they arrived around 0715C/14. HMAS Vendetta then detached the tankers off the entrance to the searched channel and the set course for Port Said where she arrived around 1630C/12.
She then joined the transports Star of Cairo (Egyptian, 4555 GRT, built 1924) and Westbury (British, 4712 GRT, built 1928) to escort them to Alexandria where they arrived around 1640C/15. The transports then entered the searched channel while HMAS Vendetta remained out on A/S patrol. She only returned to harbour around 0800C/16. (10)
19 Sep 1940
Around 0415C/19, the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN), destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) , netlayer HMS Protector (Cdr. R.J. Gardner, RN) and tug HMS St. Issey departed Alexandria to go to the assistance of the damaged heavy cruiser HMS Kent (Capt. D. Young-Jamieson, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E. de F. Renouf, CVO, RN).
[For more info on this see the event ' Operation MBD 1 ' for 15 September 1940.] (11)
21 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, RN) conducted flying exercises off Alexandria. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN) and HMS Hereward (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN). (12)
2 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0925C/2, the destroyers HMS Dainty (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) departed Alexandria to join the battlefleet as additional escorts. They joined around 1415C/2.
They returned with the battlefleet around 2000C/2. (13)
21 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
While undergoing engine repairs at the Malta Dockyard, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN), is docked in No.4 Dock for bottom scraping and painting and examination of her underwater fittings. (13)
23 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) is undocked. (13)
26 Oct 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) is fumigated at the Malta Dockyard. The crew returned on board on the 28th. (13)
31 Oct 1940
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) completed engine repairs at the Malta Dockyard. Also the after bank of torpedo tubes was landed and a 12pdr AA gun was fitted in lieu. (13)
1 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) conducted an A/S patrol off Port Said. (14)
17 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1030B/17, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) arrived at Alexandria.
She departed Alexandria around 1600B/17, for more operations off the Libyan coast. (14)
21 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0600B/21, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) arrived at Alexandria from operations off the Libyan coast. (14)
22 Dec 1940
Around 0900B/22, the monitor HMS Terror (Cdr. H.J. Haynes, DSC, RN) and the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) departed Alexandria for Sollum where they arrived around 1415B/23. HMS Terror entered the harbour while HMAS Vendetta remained at sea to conduct an A/S patrol in the area. (15)
24 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1730B/24, the monitor HMS Terror (Cdr. H.J. Haynes, DSC, RN) departed Sollum for Alexandria. She was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) which had been on A/S patrol in the area during the time HMS Terror had been at Sollum.
The orders were cancelled during the night and course was set to return to Sollum where the arrived around 0545B/25. HMAS Vendetta then set course for Alexandria where she arrived around 1530B/25. (15)
25 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1805B/25, on completion of fuelling, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) departed Alexandria to return to Sollum. (14)
27 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0815B/27, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades RAN) arrived at Alexandria from Sollum.
HMAS Vendetta then commenced boiler cleaning which was completed on 1 January 1941. (16)
3 Jan 1941
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) and HMAS Vendetta arrived in the Sollum area for patrol duty with the Inshore Squadron.
HMS Wryneck arrived at Alexandria from duty with the Inshore Squadron around 2315B/5.
HMAS Vendetta arrived at Alexandria from duty with the Inshore Squadron around 0915B/7. She had on board 111 Italian POW's from the Sollum area. (17)
5 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 2140B/5, HMS MA/SB 2 grounded off Raz Azzas. HMAS Vendetta (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) which was patrolling in the area towed her off but the MA/SB had damaged her propellers and rudder so HMAS Vendetta towed her to Sollum. (17)
7 Jan 1941
Around 2350B/7, HMAS Vendetta (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) departed Alexandria for the Sollum area.
She arrived off Sollum the following day around noon and then commenced A/S patrol in the area. (17)
10 Jan 1941
Around 1930B/10, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) returned to Alexandria from the Sollum area. (17)
18 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Between 0650B/18 and 0750B/18, HMS Barham (Capt. G.C. Cooke, RN, flying the flag of A/Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, CBE, RN), HMS Ajax, HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO, RN), HMS Dainty (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, DSO, RN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) and HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN) returned to Alexandria from operations. (18)
8 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Between 8 February and 8 March 1941, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN), was refitting at Alexandria. (19)
9 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) conducted post-refit trials off Alexandria. (20)
10 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0615B/10, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Alexandria for Port Said wher she arrived around 1900B/10. (20)
11 Mar 1941
Convoy AN 19.
This convoy departed Alexandria / Port Said on 11 March 1941.
The, larger, Port Said section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alfios (Greek, 5116 GRT, built 1920), Baluchustan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Cleanthis (Greek, 4153 GRT, built 1911), Constantinos Louloudis (Greek, 4697 GRT, built 1922), Coulouras-Xenos (Greek, 4914 GRT, built 1915), Daisy Moller (British, 4078 GRT, built 1911), Evanthia (Greek, 3551 GRT, built 1915), Evoikos (Greek, 4792 GRT, built 1922), Hellas (Greek, 2295 GRT, built 1916), Ioannis Fafalios (Greek, 5670 GRT, built 1919), Langleecrag (British, 4909 GRT, built 1929), Mary Livanos (Greek, 4771 GRT, built 1938), Meroe (British, 3832 GRT, built 1928), Nitsa (Greek, 4732 GRT, built 1915), Runo (British, 1858 GRT, built 1920), Scottish Prince (British, 4917 GRT, built 1938), Solheim (Norwegian (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1934) and Theofano Livanos (Greek, 4815 GRT, built 1937).
This section was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) and the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).
The, smaller, Alexandria section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Aegeus (Greek, 4538 GRT, built 1920), City of Norwich (British, 6726 GRT, built 1913), Pericles (Dutch (tanker), 3167 GRT, built 1938) and Tanais (Greek, 1545 GRT, built 1907).
The Alexandria section was escorted by the Greek destroyers RHS Spetsai and RHS Ydra.
Around 0635B/13, the two sections merged.
Around 1000B/16, the convoy arrived at Piraeus. The tanker Pericles had meanwhile been detached to Suda Bay. (21)
18 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Convoy AS 20.
This convoy departed Piraeus around noon on the 18 March 1941.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; City of Norwich (British, 6726 GRT, built 1913), Escaut (Belgian, 1087 GRT, built 1938), Heron (Greek, 1580 GRT, built 1906), Marit Maersk (Danish, 1894 GRT, built 1938) and Warszawa (Polish, 2487 GRT, built 1915).
On departure from Piraeus the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN), destroyers HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN), 'a Greek destroyer' and the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).
Between 1750B/18 and 1840B/18, HMAS Vendetta conducted depth charge attacks on a A/S contact. She was assisted in the hunt by a Sunderland aircraft.
Around 1800B/18, HMS Calcutta parted company with the convoy to proceed to Suda Bay.
Around 0915B/19, HMS Calcutta rejoined the convoy.
Around 0950B/19, the merchant vessel Thalma (Norwegian (tanker), 8297 GRT, built 1937) joined coming from Suda Bay.
Around 0700B/20, the Greek destroyer parted company.
Around 0615B/21, the convoy was dispersed and the ships proceeded to either Alexandria or Port Said. (20)
21 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000B/21, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) arrived at Alexandria from convoy escort duty. (20)
22 Mar 1941
Convoy AN 22.
This convoy departed Alexandria on 22 March 1941.
It was made up of the following merchant vessels; City of Kararchi (British, 7140 GRT, built 1937), City of Windsor (British, 7218 GRT, built 1923), Comliebank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1929), Crista (British, 2590 GRT, built 1938), Dumana (British, 8427 GRT, built 1923), Nicolaou Georgios (Greek, 4108 GRT, built 1930), Settler (British, 6202 GRT, built 1939), Thurland Castle (British, 6372 GRT, built 1929) and Volsella (British, 2103 GRT, built 1906).
On departure from Alexandria the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) and the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).
During the night of 22/23 March 1941 the Volsella was detached as she could not keep up with the convoy.
Around 0730B/24, the AA cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN) and destroyer HMS Hereward (Lt. W.J. Munn, RN) joined the convoy as additional escorts.
Around 0615B/25, the Suda Bay section of the convoy parted company, these were the Dumana and Nicolaou Georgios.
The convoy arrived at Piraeus around 1830B/25. (22)
27 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Between around 0145B/27 and 0820B/27, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) conducted an A/S patrol off Piraeus. (20)
29 Mar 1941
HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the Fleet due to engine trouble. She was taken in hand for repairs and also for boiler cleaning at the same time. (20)
11 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0030B/11, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Alexandria to overtake and join a convoy made up of the transports Bamora (British, 3285 GRT, built 1914) and Barpeta (British, 3283 GRT, built 1914) and their escort, HMSAS Southern Isles.
She overtook and joined the convoy about two hours later.
Around 0130B/12, the Bamora and HMSAS Southern Isles were detached to Sollum.
Around 1200B/12, the Barpeta and HMAS Vendetta arrived at Tobruk.
(23)
15 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0845B/15, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) returned to Tobruk from patrol.
She departed again around 1435B/15, to escort the tanker Myriel (3560 GRT, built 1913) into harbour. They entered harbour around 1645B/15.
Around 1935B/15, HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.R. Marshall-A'Deane, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMAS Vendetta departed Tobruk for a sweep along the coast towards Tolmeitha. (23)
16 Apr 1941
Around 1230B/16, HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.R. Marshall-A'Deane, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) returned to Tobruk from patrol.
Around 1430B/16, they departed again for another sweep along the coast towards Tolmeitha.
At 0250B/17, they encountered an enemy schooner. HMS Greyhound illuminated the target with her searchlight and after firing some short burst with machine guns the enemy was seen to abandon ship.
At 0304B/17, with the schooner now abandoned, HMS Greyhound opened fire with her main armament, followed a minute later by HMAS Vendetta.
at 0307B/17, the enemy schooner caught fire and three minutes later the destroyers set course to leave the area. The schooner was seen to blow up at 0312B/17.
At 0430B/17, HMAS Vendetta parted company with HMS Greyhound as she was to join a convoy proceeding to Alexandria. HMS Greyhound returned to Tobruk.
[The schooner they had sunk was the Italian Romagna (195 GRT) which was en-route to Derna with supplies.] (23)
17 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1030B/17, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) joined four ships from convoy AN 27 which had been ordered to return to Alexandria.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy AN 27 ' for 13 April 1941.]
Around 1400B/17, HMS Hotspur (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC, RN) joined as additional escort. (23)
19 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1015B/19, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) arrived at Alexandria with the four transports from convoy AN 27 which had been ordered to return there.
HMAS Vendetta had condenser trouble and she was taken in hand for repairs by HMS Resource (Capt.(Retd.) D.B. O’Connell, RN). (23)
3 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
From 3 to 7 May 1941, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) was undergoing repairs at Alexandria. (24)
8 May 1941
Around 1845C/8, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) departed Alexandria for Tobruk with 150 Australian troops and 25 tons of stores. (24)
10 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0045C/10, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN) arrived at Tobruk where the troops and stores were landed and 340 wounded and some baggage were emberked.
Around 0315C/10, she departed for Mersa Matruh where she arrived around 1130C/10. The wounded were then disembarked.
Around 1430C/10, HMAS Vendetta departed Mersa Matruh for Alexandria where she arrived around 2200C/10. (24)
11 May 1941
Convoy ANF 30.
This convoy departed Alexandria around 1900C/11.
It was made up of the following transports; Dalesman (British, 6343 GRT, built 1940), Logician (British, 5993 GRT, built 1928), Nieuw Zeeland (Dutch, 11069 GRT, built 1928) and Volo (British, 1587 GRT, built 1938).
On departure from Alexandria the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN).
Around 2200C/12, the light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN) and the destroyer HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN) joined the convoy.
Around 0130C/13, the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) and the destroyer HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN) joined the convoy.
Around 0245C/14, the convoy arrived at Suda Bay. (25)
14 May 1941
Around 0430C/14, the light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN) departed Suda Bay to patrol off the Bay.
Around 0800C/14, HMAS Vendetta parted company and returned to Suda Bay to fuel. She rejoined the other ships off the Bay around 1100C/14.
Around 1445C/14, HMAS Vendetta was detached to search for two missing MTB's to the south-west of Crete.
HMS Dido, HMAS Stuart and HMS Isis later joined the escort of convoy AS 31 when it left Suda Bay. (26)
14 May 1941
Convoy AS 31.
This convoy departed Suda Bay at dusk on 14 May 1941.
It was made up of the following transports; Lossiebank (British, 5627 GRT, built 1930) and Nieuw Zeeland (Dutch, 11069 GRT, built 1928).
On departure from Suda Bay the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) and HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN).
Around 0445C/15, the Lossiebank broke down. she got underway again on one engine. HMAS Stuart then went ahead with the Nieuw Zeeland. They were joined shortly afterwards by the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN).
Around 0700C/15, HMS Calcutta, HMAS Stuart and the Nieuw Zeeland were joined by the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) but she was sent to join HMS Dido and HMS Isis which were standing by the Lossiebank. She joined them at 0745C/15.
After dark on the 15th, HMS Calcutta parted company with HMAS Stuart and the Nieuw Zeeland and HMS Dido parted company with the Lossiebank, HMS Isis and HMAS Vendetta.
At 1200C/16, HMAS Stuart was relieved from escorting the Nieuw Zeeland to Port Said by a Greek destroyer. HMAS Stuart then set course for Alexandria where she arrived around 1640C/16.
Meanwhile around 1125C/16, the Lossiebank had been attacked from the air and sustained several near misses.
At 0635C/16, the Greek destroyers joined the Lossiebank group. HMS Isis and HMAS Vendetta then parted company and proceeded to Alexandria where they arrived around 0950C/16.
The Nieuw Zeeland and Lossiebank both arrived at Port Said escorted by the Greek destroyers on the 16th. (26)
20 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the evening, HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) conducted night gunnery exercises off Alexandria. (26)
28 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At Alexandria, while going astern, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) fouled her port screw with a buoy cable. The cable was later cleared and there was no damage to the port screw and shaft. (24)
29 May 1941
At 0630C/29, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Alexandria for Tobruk. She had on board 150 Australian troops and 25 tons of ammunition.
She arrived at Tobruk around 2330C/29.
Around 0150C/30, she departed again but now with about 100 wounded and some 100 personnel for Mersa Matruh where she arrived around 0930C/30.
Around 1425C/30, she departed Mersa Matruh for Tobruk. On board were 250 Australian troops and 27 tons of ammunition.
Around 1515C/30, she arrived back at Mersa Matruh after her orders to proceed to Tobruk had been cancelled.
Around 1330C/31, she departed Mersa Matruh for Tobruk. On board were again the 250 Australian troops and the 27 tons of ammunition.
Around 2300C/31, she arrived at Tobruk.
Around 0120C/1, she departed Tobruk for Mersa Matruh with 280 troops on board.
Around 0945C/1, she arrived at Mersa Matruh.
Around 1330C/1, she departed Mersa Matruh with 246 troops and 23 tons of ammunition.
Around 2330C/1, she arrived at Tobruk.
Around 0045C/2, she departed Tobruk with 220 troops for Alexandria where she arrived around 1430C/2. (27)
14 Jun 1941
Around 1945C/14, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Alexandria for Mersa Matruh where she arrived around 0610C/15. (28)
27 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
From 27 to 29 June 1941, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) was cleaning boilers at Alexandria. (28)
1 Jul 1941
Around 0600C/1, HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Alexandria with troops, ammunition and stores.
They arrived at Tobruk around 0050C/2.
They departed Tobruk around 0200C/2 with wounded and other personnel.
They arrived at Mersa Matruh around 1045C/2. (29)
7 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1410C/7, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN) departed Mersa Matruh for Tobruk. On board the destroyers were some troops as well as stores and ammunition.
They arrived at Tobruk around 2330C/7. (30)
11 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0110C/11, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN) departed Tobruk for Mersa Matruh. On board were personnel which had to be evacuated.
At 0518C/11, on board HMAS Vendetta a flash was observed and a column of smoke or water as coming from HMS Defender. Course was altered towards. HMS Defender meanwhile signalled ' I think i have been hit, come alongside and take off the Military personnel. When about half a mile from HMS Defender cries were heard coming from the water and one men was picked up which had been blown overboard.
At 0552C/11, HMAS Vendetta secured alongside HMS Defender and took off 275 Army personnel and some equipment.
At 0607C/11, a Savoia aircraft was sighted, HMAS Vendetta cast off and opened fire on it.
At 0623C/11, while preparing to take the stricken ship in tow 50 of Defender's crew were also transferred.
At 0645C/11, HMAS Vendetta commenced towing and 15 minutes later fighter cover arrived overhead. Speed could gradually be increased to 9 knots.
At 0752C/11, HMS Defender sagged visibly amidships so HMAS Vendetta slipped the tow and came alongside to take off some more of Defender's crew.
At 0812C/11, a new tow was passed as it was thought that even if the ship was to break in two the fore part could be salvaged. This tow hover soon parted.
By 0900C/11, a new tow had been established and towing commenced at 4 knots.
At 1030C/11, HMS Defender commenced foundering. The tow was quickly parted and the whaler was sent over to evacuate the remaining crew of the stricken ship.
At 1058C/11, a torpedo was fired to hasten the sinking of HMS Defender and seven minutes later two shells were fired into the forecastle which was by then vertical in the water.
At 1115C/11, the last part of HMS Defender slipped under the waves in position 000°, Sidi Barrani, 7 miles. Depth of the water was 58 fathoms.
(31)
14 Jul 1941
Around 0650C/14, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Alexandria for Tobruk. On board were some personnel, stores and most of all ammunition.
They arrived at Tobruk around 0025C/15. While going alongside the oil jetty at Tobruk, HMAS Vendetta sustained some hull damage.
Around 0125C/15, they departed again with wounded.
They arrived at Mersa Matruh around 0925C/15. At Mersa Matruh HMAS Vendetta made some temporary repairs but in the end she had to return to Alexandria for proper repairs so she departed around 1920C/15 to do so. HMS Hero remained at Mersa Matruh. (30)
17 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Between 17 and 25 July 1941, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN), underwent repairs at Alexandria. During this period she had also been in dock and while being in dock for repairs her bottom was also scraped and repainted. (30)
28 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0725C/28, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria for Tobruk. On board were some personnel, stores and most of all ammunition.
They arrived at Tobruk around 2350C/28. (30)
29 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0055C/29, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN) departed Tobruk for Mersa Matruh where they arrived around 0910C/29. (30)
30 Jul 1941
Around 1140C/30, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN) departed Mersa Matruh for Tobruk with personnel, stores and most of all ammuntion.
Around 2115C/30, HMS Hero sighted a submarine on the surface. The submarine promptly dived. Both ships then carried out depth charge attacks but no decisive results were obtained.
The submarine in question was the Italian Squalo.
The destroyers then continued their passage to Tobruk. (30)
31 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0030C/31, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC, RN) arrived off Tobruk. Due to mines off the harbour they were unable to enter and unload.
Around 0110C/31, they departed for Alexandria where they arrived around 1420C/31. (30)
2 Aug 1941
Around 0900C/2, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMS Havock (Lt. G.R.G. Watkins, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria for Tobruk.
Around 1950C/2, they were attacked by about 24 Ju-87 Stuka dive bombers which were escorted by fighter aircraft. Allied aircraft did good work attacking them. The destroyers sustained no damage though several near misses were obtained.
They departed Tobruk around 0045C/3 to return to Alexandria where they arrived around 1415C/3.
HMAS Vendetta and HMS Havock arrived at Tobruk around 2355C/3. (32)
10 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1910C/10, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Alexandria to proceed to Haifa where she arrived around 1445C/11. She was to undergo a short refit at Haifa. (32)
12 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Between 12 and 26 August 1941, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) was undergoing a short refit at Haifa. (32)
27 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1100C/27, HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Haifa for Alexandria where she arrived around 0950C/28. (32)
Destroyer HMAS Quickmatch (G 92)
1 Dec 1942 (position 44.00, -20.00)
The Italian blockade breaker Cortellazzo had departed Bordeaux bound for Japan on 29 November 1942. The next day the ship was spotted by a Sunderland flying boat. The British submarines HMS Graph (Lt. P.B. Marriott, RN), HMS Clyde (Lt. R.S. Brookes, DSC, RN), and HMS Sealion (Lt. D. Lambert, DSC, RN), were ordered to intercept but failed to do so.
The British destroyer HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN) and the Australian destroyer HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN) were detached from convoy KMF-4 to intercept the Italian ship. They did so on 1 December and after the Italians had abandoned ship she was sunk by torpedo by HMS Redoubt about 470 nautical miles west of Cape Finisterre, Spain in position 44°00'N, 20°00'W.
6 Jul 1943
The Canadian merchant Jasper Park is torpedoed and sunk south-south-west of Cap Sainte Marie, Madagascar in position 32°52'S, 42°15'E by German U-boat U-177. Later the Australian destroyers HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) and HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN) together pick up 51 survivors.
Sources
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for March 1940
- Report of proceedings of the Australian Destroyer Flotilla for April 1940 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for April 1940
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for April 1940
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for May 1940
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for June 1940
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for July 1940
- ADM 199/386 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for July 1940
- ADM 199/386
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for August 1940
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for September 1940
- ADM 53/113423
- ADM 53/113423 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for September 1940
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for October 1940
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for December 1940
- ADM 53/113323 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for December 1940
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for December 1940 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for January 1941
- Report of proceedings of the 10th Destroyer Flotilla for January 1941 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for January 1941
- ADM 53/115208
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for February 1941
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for March 1941
- ADM 199/42 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for March 1941
- ADM 199/42
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for April 1941
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for May 1941
- ADM 199/42 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for May 1941
- Report of proceedings of the 10th Destroyer Flotilla for May 1941 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for May 1941
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for May 1941 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for June 1941
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for June 1941
- Report of proceedings of the 10th Destroyer Flotilla for July 1941 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for July 1941
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for July 1941
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for July 1941 + Report on the loss of HMS Defender
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Vendetta for August 1941
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
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