Stanley Herbert King Spurgeon DSO, RAN
| Born | 15 May 1902 | Alverstoke, Hampshire, England, U.K. | |
| Died | 19 Aug 1982 | (80) | Camden, New South Wales, Australia |
| Ranks
Retired: 15 May 1962 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for Stanley Herbert King Spurgeon, RAN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS Echo (H 23) | Cdr. | Destroyer | 3 Apr 1939 | 11 Feb 1941 |
| HMAS Stuart (D 00) | Cdr. | Destroyer | 5 Jan 1942 | 22 Jan 1943 |
Career information
Transferred to the Emergency List on 15 May 1952Events related to this officer
Destroyer HMS Echo (H 23)
19 Nov 1939
The British merchant Pensilva that was torpedoed and sunk northwest of Cape Ortegal in position 46°51'N, 11°36'W by German U-boat U-49. HMS Echo (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, RAN) later picks up the survivors.
Destroyer HMAS Stuart (D 00)
7 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
With her refit completed, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) departed Melbourne for Sydney.
[As there is no reports of proceedings are available for the period from April 1942 to August 1942 some details might be missing for this period.] (2)
9 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Melbourne.
[Most likely some equipment was to be fitted at Garden Island following which trials were have to be carried out, unfortunately no further details are available to us at the moment.] (2)
22 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) departed Sydney for Melbourne. (2)
23 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) arrived at Melbourne from Sydney. (2)
10 May 1942
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) departed Melbourne for Adelaide. (2)
14 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) arrived at Adelaide from Melbourne. (2)
15 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) departed Adelaide for Fremantle. (2)
19 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) arrived at Fremantle from Adelaide. (2)
23 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) departed Fremantle to make rendezvous with the troopship Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939) coming from Colombo.
They arrived at Fremantle in company on 26 May 1942. (3)
27 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) and the troopship Dominion Monarch (British, 27155 GRT, built 1939) departed Fremantle. The troopship was to proceed to Melbourne and she was escorted out by HMAS Stuart which returned to Fremantle the next day. (3)
5 Jun 1942
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) arrived at Fremantle from Geraldton.
After fuelling she departed later the same day for Adelaide. (3)
9 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) arrived at Adelaide from Fremantle. (2)
10 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) departed Adelaide for Melbourne. (2)
11 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) arrived at Melbourne from Adelaide. (2)
13 Jun 1942
Convoy OC 2.
This convoy departed Melbourne on 13 June 1942.
This convoy was made up of the following transports; Asphalion (British, 6274 GRT, built 1924), Cycle (Australian, 3952 GRT, built 1939), Daniel Boone (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Era (Australian, 3148 GRT, built 1921), Mildura (Australian, 3478 GRT, built 1920) and Themistocles (British, 11231 GRT, built 1911).
On departure from Melbourne the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN), HMAS Arunta (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) and the minesweeper HMAS Kalgoorlie (T/Lt. H.A. Litchfield, RANR(S)).
Around 0330K/16, HMAS Stuart parted company with the convoy to proceed to Sydney.
The convoy arrived at Newcastle, NSW later the same day after which HMAS Arunta and HMAS Kalgoorlie also proceeded to Sydney where they arrived early in the afternoon of the 16th. (4)
17 Jun 1942
Convoy VK 2.
This convoy departed Sydney on 17 June 1942. [Note, there had been an earlier Convoy VK 2 in 1941.]
It was made up of the following transports; Birmingham City (American, 6194 GRT, built 1920), Kairanga (New Zealand, 2830 GRT, built 1922), Minsk (Russian, 5858 GRT, built 1919), Narbada (British, 8988 GRT, built 1915), Pegasus (Swedish (tanker), 9583 GRT, built 1930) and Rimutaka (British, 16576 GRT, built 1923).
On departure from Sydney the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) and the minesweeper HMAS Kalgoorlie (T/Lt. H.A. Litchfield, RANR(S)).
The convoy was dispersed around 0918K/18 in approximate position 33°55'S, 155°12'E.
The escorts then returned to Sydney where HMAS Stuart arrived later on the 18th and HMAS Kalgoorlie in the morning of the 19th. (5)
22 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Convoy CO 5.
This convoy departed Newcastle, NSW on 22 June 1942.
This convoy was made up of the following transports; Age (Australian, 4734 GRT, built 1936), Arkaba (Australian, 4212 GRT, built 1924), Beltana (Australian, 3043 GRT, built 1937), Bundaleer (Australian, 4238 GRT, built 1939), City of Lyons (British, 7063 GRT, built 1926), Iron Knob (Australian, 3349 GRT, built 1922), Kowarra (Australian, 2125 GRT, built 1916), Montoro (British, 4057 GRT, built 1911), Time (Australian, 3316 GRT, built 1913) and William McArthur (Australian, 2393 GRT, built 1924).
On departure from Newcastle the convoy was escorted by the minesweeper HMAS Geelong (Lt. C.G. Hill, RANR(S)).
Around two hours after departure the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) joined having departed Sydney earlier in the day.
The convoy arrived at Melbourne on 25 June 1942. (6)
27 Jun 1942
Concoy OC 6.
This convoy departed Melbourne on 27 June 1942.
It was made up of the transports; Age (Australian, 4734 GRT, built 1936), Allara (Australian, 3279 GRT, built 1924), Astoria (Australian, 4454 GRT, built 1926), Barwon (Australian, 4239 GRT, built 1939), Coolana (Australian, 2197 GRT, built 1921), Corio (Australian, 3346 GRT, built 1919), Delane (British, 6054 GRT, built 1938), Dilga (Australian, 3308 GRT, built 1920), George M. Livanos (Greek, 3831 GRT, built 1928), Matthew Flinders (Australian, 2235 GRT, built 1938), Mundalla (Australian, 3018 GRT, built 1926), Oakbank (British, 5154 GRT, built 1926), Skagerak (Norwegian, 4244 GRT, built 1936), Theofano Livanos (Greek, 4815 GRT, built 1937), Ulooloo (Australian, 3236 GRT, built 1924) and William McArthur (Australian, 2393 GRT, built 1924).
The depot ship HMAS Ping Wo (T/Lt. A.J. Perry, RANR(S)) was also part of the convoy.
The convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) and the minesweeper HMAS Geelong (Lt. C.G. Hill, RANR(S)).
The convoy arrived at Newcastle, NSW on 1 July 1942. (7)
1 Jul 1942
Convoy VK 3.
This convoy departed Sydney on 1 July 1942.
It was made up of the transports; Empire Granite (British (tanker), 8028 GRT, built 1941), Kalingo (Australian, 2047 GRT, built 1927), Karetu (New Zealand, 3210 GRT, built 1924), Korowai (New Zealand, 2525 GRT, built 1938), Nuolja (Swedish, 6872 GRT, built 1923), Port Tauranga (New Zealand, 1525 GRT, built 1937) and Zachary Taylor (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942).
The convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) and the minesweeper HMAS Geelong (Lt. C.G. Hill, RANR(S)) from around 1000K/1 until 1700K/1 when the convoy was dispersed.
The escorts then proceeded to Sydney arriving late on 1 July 1942. (8)
6 Jul 1942
Convoy CO 9.
This convoy departed Newcastle, NSW on 6 July 1942.
This convoy was made up of the following transports; Aldinga (Australian, 3078 GRT, built 1921), Barwon (Australian, 4239 GRT, built 1939), Cardross (Australian, 2515 GRT, built 1919), Coolana (Australian, 2197 GRT, built 1921), Corio (Australian, 3346 GRT, built 1919), George M. Livanos (Greek, 3831 GRT, built 1928), Maetsuycker (Dutch, 4131 GRT, built 1936), Momba (Australian, 3021 GRT, built 1926), Mungana (Australian, 3351 GRT, built 1920), Osthav (Norwegian (tanker, 8417 GRT, built 1931), Robert G. Harper (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Theofano Livanos (Greek, 4815 GRT, built 1937) and Van Heemskerk (Dutch, 2996 GRT, built 1909).
On departure from Newcastle the convoy was escorted by the destroyer USS Perkins (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Ford, USN) and the minesweeper HMAS Geelong (Lt. C.G. Hill, RANR(S)).
Around 1700K/7, the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) joined coming from Sydney. USS Perkins then parted company and proceeded to Sydney where she arrived in the evening.
Around 1015K/8, the minesweepers HMAS Launceston (T/Lt. P.G. Collins, RANR(S)) and HMIS Madras (Lt. S.G. Karmarkar, RINR) joined having departed Sydney on the 7th.
Around 2300K/8, HMIS Madras parted company with one of the merchant vessels which had been damaged in a collision.
The convoy arrived at Melbourne on 10 July 1942. The damaged ship had also been able to continue her passage to Melbourne escorted by HMIS Madras. (9)
11 Jul 1942
Convoy OC 10.
This convoy departed Melbourne on 11 July 1942.
It was made up of the transports; Albert Gallatin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Ellaroo (Australian, 4709 GRT, built 1921), Iron Knob (Australian, 3349 GRT, built 1922), Iron Prince (Australian, 3352 GRT, built 1923), Iron Warrior (Australian, 3345 GRT, built 1923), Macedon (Australian, 4368 GRT, built 1916), Recina (Yugoslavian, 4732 GRT, built 1930), Reynella (Australian, 9780 GRT, built 1926, former Italian) and William McArthur (Australian, 2393 GRT, built 1924).
On departure from Melbourne the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN), auxiliary minelayer HMAS Bungaree (A/Cdr. N.K. Calder, RAN) and the minesweeper HMAS Geelong (Lt. C.G. Hill, RANR(S)).
Around 0600K/14, HMAS Bungaree parted company and proceeded to Sydney.
Around 1350K/14, HMAS Stuart parted company to join convoy GP 6 and proceed with it to Brisbane.
The convoy arrived at Newcastle, NSW around 1830K/14. HMAS Geelong then proceeded to Sydney arriving there around 2335K/14. (9)
14 Jul 1942
Convoy GP 6.
This convoy departed Sydney on 14 July 1942.
It was made up of the following transports; Both (Dutch, 2608 GRT, built 1931), Caradale (Australian, 1881 GRT, built 1921), Montoro (British, 4057 GRT, built 1911), Poyang (British, 2873 GRT, built 1941), Time (Australian, 3316 GRT, built 1913), Tulagi (British, 2281 GRT, built 1939) and Ulooloo (Australian, 3236 GRT, built 1924).
On departure from Sydney, around 1000K/14, the convoy was escorted by the destroyer USS Mugford (Lt.Cdr. E.W. Young, USN) and the minesweeper HMAS Cairns (T/Lt. E. MacMillan, RANR(S)).
Around 1600K/14, the convoy was joined by the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) which took over from USS Mugford which then returned to Sydney arriving there the following morning.
On the 17th, HMAS Stuart and HMAS Cairns parted company with the convoy near Lady Elliot Island and proceeded to Brisbane arriving there later on the 17th.
The convoy arrived at Townsville on 19 July.
18 Jul 1942
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Brisbane. (10)
20 Jul 1942
Convoy ZK 14.
This convoy departed Sydney on 20 July 1942.
It was made up of the following transports; Katoomba (Australian, 9424 GRT, built 1913).
They were escorted by the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide (A/Capt. J.C.D. Esdaile, OBE, RAN) and the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN).
Around 0200K/21, HMAS Stuart parted company and returned to Sydney arriving there later the same day.
Around 1530K/22, the transports Cremer (Dutch, 4608 GRT, built 1926) and Van Heutsz (Dutch, 4588 GRT, built 1926) joined coming from Melbourne.
Around 0922H/27, HMAS Wollongong (T/Lt. G.A. Keith, RANR(S)) joined the convoy as local A/S escort in the approaches to Fremantle.
The convoy arrived at Fremantle in the afternoon of 28 July 1942. (11)
21 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) returned to Sydney from convoy escort duty. (10)
21 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Convoy ZK 15.
This convoy departed Sydney on 21 July 1942.
It was made up of the transports; Oakbank (Australian, 5154 GRT, built 1926), Sea Witch (American, 6021 GRT, built 1940) and Van der Lijn (Dutch, 2464 GRT, built 1928).
On departure from Sydney the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) and the sloop / escort vessel HMAS Moresby (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.H. Brown, RANR(S)).
On 24 July 1942, the escorts parted company with the convoy near Lady Elliott Island. The convoy was then dispersed. (12)
27 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
on this day both HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Moresby (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.H. Brown, RANR(S)) arrived at Sydney after escort duty with convoy ZK 15. (10)
30 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1400K/30, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) departed Sydney for Noumea. (13)
2 Aug 1942
Around 1230L/2, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) arrived at Noumea from Sydney.
After fuelling there, she departed around 1600L/2, escorting the transport West Cactus (American, 5642 GRT, built 1919) to Paagoumene.
They arrived off the Koumac Passage around 1230L/3 but HMAS Stuart then remained patrolling outside the reef while the West Point entered the reef and continue on the embark Australian troops at Paagoumene.
HMAS Stuart then proceeded to conduct an A/S patrol off the Gazelle Passage through which the West Cactus would exit the reef.
Around 0830L/4, the West Cactus rejoined HMAS Stuart and course was set for Brisbane where they arrived around 1930K/7. (13)
8 Aug 1942
Combined convoy A 2 / B 2.
This convoy departed Caloundra on 8 August 1942.
It was made up of the following transports; Aldinga (Australian, 3078 GRT, built 1921), Balikpapan (Dutch, 1279 GRT, built 1938), Bontekoe (Dutch, 4668 GRT, built 1923), Fiona (Australian, 2198 GRT, built 1933), James Cook (Australian, 2142 GRT, built 1921), John G. Whittier (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Macumba (Australian, 2526 GRT, built 1919), Oliver Hazard Perry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Van Heemskerk (Dutch, 2996 GRT, built 1909) and Zebulon Pike (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).
On departure from Caloundra around 0300K/8, the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) and minesweeper HMAS Goulburn (Lt. B. Paul, RANR(S)).
HMAS Stuart and HMAS Goulburn parted company around 2200K/9, in the Capricorn Channel.
On 10 August the transport James Cook parted company with the convoy and entered Bowen.
The convoy then proceeded unescorted until 1710K/11 when near Townsville the destroyer HMAS Arunta (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) and minesweeper HMAS Katoomba (Cdr. A.P. Cousin, RANR(S)) joined.
Three of the transports of the combined convoy parted company near Townsville and entered that port on the 11th, these were the Aldinga, Macumba and Oliver Hazard Perry. The Fiona also parted company with the convoy to proceed to Lucinda Point.
Around 1700K/13, the mineweeper HMAS Warrnambool (T/Lt. E.J. Barron, RANR(S)) joined the convoy coming from Port Moresby.
Around 1830K/13, Convoy B 2 split off bound for Port Moresby. This convoy was made up of the John G. Whittier and the Zebulon Pike escorted by HMAS Warrnambool. Convoy B 2 arrived at Port Moresby around 1400K/14.
Convoy A 2, made up of the transports Balikpapan, Bontekoe and Van Heemskerk meanwhile continued on towards Fall River (Milne Bay) still escorted by HMAS Arunta and HMAS Katoomba.
Around 1250K/14, HMAS Katoomba parted company to proceed to the assistance of the submarine S-39 (Lt. F.E. Brown, USN) which had grounded on a reef near Rossel Island.
Convoy A 2, escorted by HMAS Arunta arrived at Fall River, Milne Bay around 0920K/15.
10 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) returned to Caloundra from convoy escort duty. (14)
10 Aug 1942
Combined convoy A 3 / B 3.
This convoy departed Caloundra on 10 August 1942.
It was made up of the following transports; Anshun (British, 3188 GRT, built 1930), Daniel Boone (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Kooliga (Australian, 2459 GRT, built 1928), Perida (American, 6580 GRT, built 1937), 's Jacob (Dutch, 2988 GRT, built 1907), Sea Witch (American, 6021 GRT, built 1940) and Van der Lijn (Dutch, 2464 GRT, built 1928).
On departure from Caloundra, around 2000K/10, the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) which parted company around 1200K/12, in the Capricorn Channel. The convoy then continued on unescorted.
On 13 August the Kooliga parted company and entered Bowen.
On 14 August the Daniel Boone parted company and entered Townsville.
Also on the 14th the sloop HMAS Warrego (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, RAN) and minesweeper HMAS Bendigo (T/Lt. S.J. Griffith, RANR(S)) joined coming from Townsville.
On the 16th the minesweeper HMAS Warrnambool (T/Lt. E.J. Barron, RANR(S)) joined coming from Port Moresby but she parted company again shortly afterwards taking the ships of convoy B 3 with her, these were the transports Perida and Sea Witch.
Convoy B 3 arrived at Port Moresby around 0615K/17.
convoy A 3, made up of the Anshun, 's Jacob and Van der Lijn and escorted by HMAS Warrego and HMAS Bendigo arrived at Fall River (Milne Bay) around 1800K/17.
13 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) returned to Caloundra from convoy escort duty. (14)
14 Aug 1942
Combined convoy A 4 / B 4.
This convoy departed Moreton Bay on 10 August 1942.
It was made up of the following transports; Anhui (British, 3414 GRT, built 1925), Bantam (Dutch, 3322 GRT, built 1930), Cremer (Dutch, 4608 GRT, built 1926), John Hart (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Pennant (American, 6576 GRT, built 1937).
On departure from Moreton Bay the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) and the minesweeper HMAS Geelong (Lt. C.G. Hill, RANR(S)).
HMAS Stuart and HMAS Geelong parted company around 1200K/15, in the Capricorn Channel and the convoy continued on unescorted.
Around 0900K/17, the sloop HMAS Swan (Cdr. G.C. Oldham, RAN) and corvette HMAS Cessnock (A/Lt.Cdr. T.S. Marchington, RANR(S)) joined the convoy coming from Townsville. Also coming from Townsville were two more transports, these were the Daniel Boone (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Maetsuycker (Dutch, 4131 GRT, built 1936) while the Pennant was detached to Townsville.
Around 1530K/19, the mineweeper HMAS Warrnambool (T/Lt. E.J. Barron, RANR(S)) made rendezvous with the convoy in position 12.13'S, 147.42'E and then took the transports of convoy B 4 with her to Port Moresby, these were the Daniel Boone, John Hart and Maetsuyker. They arrived at Port Moresby around 0830K/20. They had been joined earlier on the 20th by the minesweeper Colac (Lt. W.S. Reynolds, RANR).
Convoy A 4, made up of the Anhui, Bantam and Cremer meanwhile continued on to Fall River (Milne Bay) escorted by HMS Swan and HMAS Cessnock.
Convoy A 4 arrived at Fall River around noon on 21 August 1942.
16 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1230K/16, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Geelong (Lt. C.G. Hill, RANR(S)) arrived at Brisbane from convoy escort duty. (14)
17 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1600K/17, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) departed Brisbane escorting the transport Poyang (British, 2873 GRT, built 1941) to Noumea. (14)
21 Aug 1942
Around 0940L/21, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) and the transport Poyang (British, 2873 GRT, built 1941) arrived at Noumea from Brisbane. (14)
22 Aug 1942
Around 1500L/22, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) departed Noumea for Sydney. She is escorting the damaged USS Chicago (Capt. H.D. Bode, USN) and USS Mugford (T/Cdr. E.W. Young, USN). (14)
27 Aug 1942
Around 1400K/27, USS Chicago (Capt. H.D. Bode, USN), USS Mugford (T/Cdr. E.W. Young, USN) and HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Noumea. (14)
5 Sep 1942
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) departed Sydney for Townsville.
[No report of proceedings are available for HMS Stuart for the period of September to ca. mid January 1943, so therefore some details for this period might be missing.] (15)
9 Sep 1942
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) arrived at Townsville from Sydney.
It appears she made a short call at Brisbane on 8 September 1942.
[During the majority of the month of September 1942, HMAS Stuart was on convoy escort duties in the New Guinea area, unfortunately not much information could be found on these.]
During her trip from Sydney to Townsville she was most likely escorting convoy GP 11A which departed Sydney on the 5th and arrived at Townsville on the 9th. This convoy had been made up of the transports; Aroona (British, 3116 GRT, built 1918), George Matthews (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), West Cactus (American, 5681 GRT, built 1919) and William Ellery (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942). (2)
15 Sep 1942
Around 1055K/15, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) arrived at Fall River, Milne Bay with a convoy.
[No further information avaialable.] (16)
15 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1400K/15, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN), HMAS Arunta (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) departed Milne Bay escorting a convoy to Townsville.
[ No further details available.] (16)
16 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1600K/16, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) parted company with HMAS Arunta (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) and the convoy which was en-route from Milne Bay to Townsville. (16)
22 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) departed Milne Bay with a company of infantry on board which she landed on Normanby Island where they were to search for survivors from a Japanese destroyer sunk in the area earlier.
The company of infantry was picked up again the next day having captured eight Japanese. They were taken back to Milne Bay. (17)
29 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) departed Townsville for Sydney. (2)
1 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Townsville. (18)
17 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) departed Sydney for Townsville. (18)
19 Oct 1942
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) arrived at Townsville from Sydney.
[HMAS Stuart then commenced operations in the New Guinea area, mostly convoying, unfortunately not much information could be found on these.] (2)
21 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0945K/21, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) arrived at Fall River, Milne Bay. (19)
22 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1700K/22, the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Arunta (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) departed Fall River, Milne Bay escorting the transport Islander (British, 1619 GRT, built 1929) to Cairns.
Around 1600K/25, HMAS Stuart parted company to mark the Grafton Passage.
Around 2015K/25, HMAS Stuart and the Islander entered the Grafton Passage.
Around 2200K/25, HMAS Arunta parted company with the Islander ehich then continued on to Cairns. HMAS Arunta set course to Townsville.
At 0205K/26, HMAS Arunta altered course to proceed to Cairns instead where she arrived around 0720K/26. (20)
26 Oct 1942
Convoy F.
This convoy departed Townsville on 26 October 1942.
This convoy was made up of the transports; George Taylor (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Gorgon (British, 3533 GRT, built 1933), Jason Lee (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Paine Wingate (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Taroona (Australian, 4286 GRT, built 1935).
On departure from Townsville, around 1030K/26, the convoy was escorted by the minesweeper HMAS Armidale (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Richards, RANR(S)).
Around 0630K/27, the convoy was joined off Fitzroy Island by the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN).
Around 1000K/29, the convoy arrived at Port Moresby. (21)
27 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0630K/27, convoy ' F ' was joined off Fitzroy Island by the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN).
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy F ' for 26 October 1942.]
31 Oct 1942
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) departed Port Moresby escorting the transport Taroona (Australian, 4286 GRT, built 1935) to Townsville. (22)
11 Nov 1942
Combined convoy J Q.
This convoy departed Townsville for Port Moresby / Fall River.
It was made up of the transports; Fort Pine (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Janssens (Dutch, 2071 GRT, built 1935), Larchbank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925) and Montoro (British, 4057 GRT, built 1911).
On departure from Townsville, around 1400K/11, the convoy was escorted by the minesweeper HMAS Broome (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Denovan, RANVR).
Around 0600K/12, the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) joined near Fitzroy Island.
Around 1700K/13, ' Convoy J ' and ' convoy Q ' split up. ' Convoy J ' was made up of the Janssens and Montoro set course for Port Moresby escorted by HMAS Broome. It arrived at Port Moresby around 1115K/14.
' Convoy Q ', made up of the Fort Pine and Larchbank set course for Fall River, Milne Bay escorted by HMAS Stuart. They arrived at Fall River also on the 14th. (23)
17 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1800K/17, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) arrived at Port Moresby with the transport Fort Pine (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942). The came from Fall River (Milne Bay).
HMAS Stuart departed Port Moresby around 2300K/17. Seems like to return to Fall River. (24)
30 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1400K/30, the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Arunta (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) departed Port Moresby for Townsville.
Around 1420K/1, they parted company near Palm Island and then proceeded to Townsville individually arriving there later the same day. (25)
2 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1900K/2, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Arunta (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) departed Townsville for Port Moresby. (26)
4 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0900K/4, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Arunta (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) arrived at Port Moresby from Townsville. (26)
4 Dec 1942
Around 1515K/4, HMAS Stuart (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Arunta (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) departed Port Moresby for Townsville and Cairs respectively where they were to clean boilers. They both arrived at their destinations on the 5th.
During her stay at Townsville apparently an accident occurred in ' B ' boiler room and repairs had to be undertaken rendering HMAS Stuart out of service for almost two months. (27)
Sources
- DSO awarded on 22 December 1939
- ADM 199/2571
- War diary Commander Allied Naval Force Western Australia from 8 March to 30 June 1942
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Arunta for June 1942 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Kalgoorlie for June 1942
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Kalgoorlie for June 1942 + War diary Naval Officer in Charge, Sydney for June 1942
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Geelong for June 1942 + War diary Naval Officer in Charge, Sydney for June 1942
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Geelong for June 1942
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Geelong for July 1942 + War diary Naval Officer in Charge, Sydney for June 1942
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Geelong for July 1942
- War diary Naval Officer in Charge, Sydney for July 1942
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Adelaide for July 1942
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Moresby for July 1942
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Stuart from 30 July to 7 August 1942
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Stuart from 7 to 27 August 1942
- ADM 199/2571 + War diary Naval Officer in Charge, Sydney for September 1942
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Arunta for September 1942
- War Diary of Task Force 44 from 18 September to 29 September 1942
- ADM 199/2571 + War diary Naval Officer in Charge, Sydney for October 1942
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Arunta for October 1942 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Warrego for 1942
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Arunta for October 1942
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Armidale for October 1942
- War diary Naval Officer in Charge, Port Moresby for October 1942
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Broome for November 1942
- War diary Naval Officer in Charge, Port Moresby for November 1942
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Arunta for November 1942 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Arunta for December 1942
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Arunta for December 1942
- Report of proceedings of HMAS Arunta for December 1942 + War diary Naval Officer in Charge, Port Moresby for December 1942
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
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