• Home
• The U-boats
• The Men
• The Allies
• Maps
• Forums
• Articles
• Gallery
• Books
• Movies
• WWI

Allies in WWII

• Ships hit by U-boats
• Allied Warships
• Allied Commanders
  • Listing of officers
  • Decorations
  • Personal info
• Ships & Navies
• Aircraft & Air Forces
• Weapons & Techn.

Career information

We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.

Battlecruiser HMS Repulse (34)

20 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted D/G trials at Scapa Flow. (1)

22 Jun 1940
HMS Renown (Capt. C.E.B. Simeon, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral W.J. Whitworth, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, RN), HMS Zulu (Cdr. J.S. Crawford, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, RN), HMS Escort (Lt.Cdr. J. Bostock, RN) and HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) returned to Scapa Flow.

25 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (1)

27 Jun 1940
HMS Renown (Capt. C.E.B. Simeon, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral W.J. Whitworth, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow.

[Escorts unknown to us at the moment.] (1)

5 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted gunnery and torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (2)

27 Jul 1940
In the early evening the battlecruisers HMS Renown (Capt. C.E.B. Simeon, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral W.J. Whitworth, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), heavy cruisers HMS Devonshire (Capt. J.M. Mansfield, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.H.D. Cunningham, CB, MVO, RN), HMS York (Capt. R.H. Portal, DSC, RN), HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN), light cruisers HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN) escorted by destroyers HMS Ashanti (Cdr. W.G. Davis, RN), HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN), HMS Tartar (Capt. C. Caslon, RN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSC, RN), HMS Fortune (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO, RN), HMS Achates (Cdr. R.J. Gardner, RN), HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. N.J.V. Thew, RN) and HMS Arrow (Cdr. H.W. Williams, RN) sailed from Scapa Flow in response to reports that German battlecruiser Gneisenau was proceeding from Trondheim back to Germany but in fact this German battlecruiser was at that time already nearly back in Germany having left undetected earlier and the ships reported were in fact only merchant vessels.

At 0400/28, the destroyers HMS Maori (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, RN) and HMS Zulu (Cdr. J.S. Crawford, RN) joined the Force.

At 1800/28, HMS Devonshire was detached from the force to give cover to a convoy en-route from the Clyde to Iceland.

The force returned to Scapa Flow around 0630/29.

5 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for night gunnery exercises in the Pentland Firth. She was escorted by HMS Echo (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN), HMS Firedrake (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Norris, DSC, RN) and HMS Fortune (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO, RN). They returned to Scapa Flow early the next day. (3)

9 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted gunnery and torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (3)

12 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (3)

23 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (3)

30 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (3)

26 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted gunnery and torpedo firing exercises off Scapa Flow. (4)

30 Sep 1940
At 0130 hours, HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth. She was escorted on departure from Scapa Flow by the destroyers HMS Duncan (Cdr. A.D.B. James, RN), HMS Electra (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN) and HMS Zulu (Cdr. J.S. Crawford, RN).

HMS Duncan parted company for convoy escort duty shortly after departure. HMS Repulse, HMS Electra and HMS Zulu arrived at Rosyth around 1300 hours.

At Rosyth HMS Repulse was taken in hand for a docking and short refit. (5)

1 Oct 1940
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) is docked in No.2 dock at Rosyth. (6)

15 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) is undocked. (6)

20 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
With her refit completed, HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow around 1030 hours. She is being escorted by the destroyers HMS Fearless (Cdr. I.R.H. Black, RN), HMS Electra (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN) and HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN).

At 1630 hours the destroyers were relieved off Rattray Head by the destroyers HMS Somali (Capt. C. Caslon, RN), HMS Matabele (Cdr. R.St.V. Sherbrooke, DSO, RN) and HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN).

HMS Repulse, HMS Somali, HMS Matabele and HMS Mashona arrived at Scapa Flow around 2030 hours. (6)

28 Nov 1940
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (7)

3 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted gunnery and torpedo firing exercises off Scapa Flow. (8)

5 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Laying of minefield SN 10A between Iceland and the Faroes.

Timespan: 5 to 10 December 1940.

At 1530/5 the axiliary minelayers Southern Prince (A/Capt. E.M.C. Barraclough, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, OBE, RN), HMS Port Quebec (Capt. (Retd.) E.C. Watson, RN), HMS Menestheus (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN) and HMS Agamemnon (Capt. (Retd. ) F. Ratsey, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) for minelaying operation SN 10A. They were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.T.B. Curteis, CB, RN) and the destroyers HMS Douglas (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN), HMS Keppel (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN), HMS Bath (Cdr.(Retd.) A.V. Hemming, RN) and HMS St. Albans (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) S.G.C. Rawson, RN).

At 1730/5 a cover force departed Scapa Flow. It was made up of the battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) escorted by the destroyers HMS Somali (Capt. C. Caslon, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Eskimo (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) and HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN).

Both groups made rendez-vous around 0130/6 in approximate position 60°00'N, 06°00'W.

In the evening of the 7th the minelayers commencing laying minefield SN 10A in Iceland-Faroes gap. Minelaying was completed on the 8th. At total of about 2030 mines had been laid.

The Repulse group was to the north-east of the minelaying to provide cover.

Both forces returned to their bases on December 10th. Weather had been bad and many of the destroyers had sustained some weather damage.

25 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1500/25, the battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), light cruiser HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN) and the destroyers HMS Somali (Capt. C. Caslon, RN), HMS Matabele (Cdr. R.St.V. Sherbrooke, DSO, RN), HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN) and HMS Eskimo (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) departed Scapa Flow to proceed to the North Atlantic convoy lanes to provide cover for convoys HX 97 and SC 16.

Earlier this day the German heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper had attacked troop convoy WS 5A and the Admiralty decided to sent out a cover force for these North Atlantic convoys in case the Admiral Hipper would proceed northwards in case she was going to return to Germany.

On the 27th, HMS Nigeria was detached to patrol off Iceland.

On the 28th HMS Repulse and her escorting destroyers met the armed merchant cruiser HMS Worcestershire (A/Capt. J. Creswell, RN) which had been the ocean escort of convoy HX 97. She reported the convoy had been scattered in heavy weather and that she was no longer in touch with the convoy.

On the 29th HMS Worcestershire was detached to Minches escorted by HMS Eskimo.

HMS Repulse and the other destroyers returned to Scapa Flow around 0600/31.

6 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 0400/6, the battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Electra (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN) and HMS Escapade (Cdr. R.E. Hyde-Smith, RN) departed Scapa Flow to proceed to the North Atlantic to provide cover for convoy HX 99.

The destroyer HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN) was unable to sail with them as she collided with the destroyer HMS Sikh (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN) on leaving her mooring buoy at Scapa Flow. Both destroyers sustained considerable damage and needed repairs.

A German warship was reported in the North Atlantic by D/F bearing but this proved to be a false report and the ships were recalled in the evening.

HMS Repulse, HMS Bedouin, HMS Electra and HMS Escapade returned to Scapa Flow around 1945/7.

17 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (9)

20 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted gunnery and torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (9)

24 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (9)

3 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises in Scapa Flow. These were followed by D/G trials. (10)

8 Feb 1941
In response to the sighting of the German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau by HMS Ramillies (Capt. A.D. Read, RN) the battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), light cruisers HMS Galatea (Capt. B.B. Schofield, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.T.B. Curteis, CB, RN), HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN), HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, RN), HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN) and the destroyers HMS Eskimo (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Matabele (Cdr. R.St.V. Sherbrooke, DSO, RN) and HMS Punjabi (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow at 1830A/8. They were ordered to proceed to position 62°30'N, 16°00'W.

At 1900A/8 the battleship HMS Nelson (Capt. G.J.A. Miles, RN, flying the flag of A/Adm. J.C. Tovey, KCB, DSO, RN), light cruisers HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN), HMS Dido (Capt. H.W.U. McCall, RN), destroyers HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN), HMS Electra (Cdr. C.W. May, RN) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN) departed Scapa Flow to take up a position seventy miles to the south-south-east of the 'Repulse'-group.

Around 2300A/8, the light cruiser HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN) departed the Clyde for operations. She was later ordered to join the 'Rodney'-group.

In the morning of February, 9th, the battleships HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) and HMS King George V (Capt. W.R. Patterson, CVO, RN) escorted by the destroyers HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, DSC, RN), HMS Zulu (Cdr. H.R. Graham, DSO, RN), HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Maitland-Makgill Crichton, DSC, RN) and HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN) departed Scapa Flow to proceed to position 65°00'N, 08°30'W.

HMS Arethusa and HMS Nigeria were sent to Reykjavik at 2100/12th to refuel prior after which they were to resume patrol.

HMS Mauritius and HMS Dido returned to Scapa Flow around 1700A/11.

HMS Nelson, HMS Eclipse, HMS Electra and HMS Tartar returned to Scapa Flow around 1830A/11.

Around 2030A/11, HMS Rodney and HMS King George V, HMS Edinburgh, HMS Bedouin, HMS Maori, HMS Zulu, HMS Brilliant returned to Scapa Flow. The destroyer HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN) was with them apprently she had joined them at sea. HMS Boreas had been detached to participate in an A/S hunt.

HMS Galatea and HMS Aurora returned to Scapa Flow around 0145A/13th.

HMS Repulse, HMS Eskimo, HMS Matabele and HMS Punjabi returned to Scapa Flow around 0315A/13.

16 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth around 2200 hours. She is escorted by HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, DSC, RN) and HMS Zulu (Cdr. H.R. Graham, DSO, RN).

17 Feb 1941
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Rosyth where she was to refit and prepare for foreign service. Her escorting destroyers, HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, DSC, RN) and HMS Zulu (Cdr. H.R. Graham, DSO, RN), then returned to Scapa Flow where they arrived late in the evening.

19 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) is docked in No.2 Dock at Rosyth. (10)

1 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) is undocked. (11)

3 Mar 1941
Around 1030 hours, HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), departed Rosyth for Greenock. She is escorted by HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, RN), HMS Zulu (Cdr. H.R. Graham, DSO, RN) and HMS Boadicea (A/Cdr. E.C.L. Turner, RN).

4 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2000 hours, HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, RN) and HMS Boadicea (A/Cdr. E.C.L. Turner, RN) arrived at Greenock.

Around 0500 hours, while near Cape Wrath, HMS Zulu (Cdr. H.R. Graham, DSO, RN) developed engine trouble and she was detached to Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1245 hours.

5 Mar 1941
The battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (Capt.(Retd.) J.G.P. Ingham, DSO, RN) and the troopships Strathmore (British, 23428 GRT, built 1935) departed Greenock for Gibraltar. They escorted by the destroyers HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN), HMCS Assiniboine (A/Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN), HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) and HMS Churchill (Cdr.(Retd.) G.R. Cousins, RN).

On the 6th HMS Alcantara was detached as were all the destroyers.

Around 2200A/8, the destroyers HMS Fearless (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN), HMS Foresight (Cdr. J.S.C. Salter, RN), HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN) and HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN) joined HMS Repulse, HMS Furious and the Strathmore to escort them to Gibraltar. These destroyers had departed Gibraltar on 7 March.

HMS Repulse and HMS Furious were however ordered to proceed at high speed to Gibraltar which they did escorted by HMS Foxhound. They arrived around 0200A/10. The other destroyers escorted the Strathmore to Gibraltar and arrived later the same day.

10 Mar 1941
The battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN) departed Gibraltar for Freetown. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Duncan (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) and HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN).

They arrived at Freetown on the 16th.

23 Mar 1941

Convoy SL 69.

This convoy departed Freetown on 23 March 1941.

On departure from Freetown this convoy was made up of the following ships; Agioi Victores (Greek, 4344 GRT, built 1918), Alberte le Borgne (British, 3921 GRT, built 1914), Anna (Greek, 5173 GRT, built 1919), Aurillac (British, 4733 GRT, built 1921), Baron Napier (British, 3559 GRT, built 1930), Baronesa (British, 8663 GRT, built 1918), British Justice (British (tanker), 6932 GRT, built 1928), Bulysses (British, 7519 GRT, built 1927), Christine Marie (British, 3895 GRT, built 1919), City of Bath (British, 5079 GRT, built 1926), City of Wellington (British, 5732 GRT, built 1925), Clan Maquarrie (British, 6471 GRT, built 1913), Corilla (Dutch (tanker), 8096 GRT, built 1939), Dago II (British, 1993 GRT, built 1917), Daru (British, 3854 GRT, built 1927), Dornoch (British, 5186 GRT, built 1939), Empire Advocate (British, 5787 GRT, built 1913), Floristan (British, 5478 GRT, built 1928), Glenaffric (British, 7782 GRT, built 1920), Glenbeg (British, 9461 GRT, built 1922), Harpalycus (British, 5629 GRT, built 1935), Hopecastle (British, 5178 GRT, built 1937), L.A. Christensen (Norwegian, 4362 GRT, built 1925), Lekhaven (Dutch, 4802 GRT, built 1921), Madras City (British, 5080 GRT, built 1940), Marton (British, 4969 GRT, built 1933), Mobeka (Belgian, 6111 GRT, built 1937), Mountpark (British, 4648 GRT, built 1938), Narkunda (British, 16632 GRT, built 1920), Nijkerk (Dutch, 5843 GRT, built 1915), Palembang (Dutch, 7070 GRT, built 1921), Pantelis (Greek, 3845 GRT, built 1911), Pontfield (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1940), Roumanie (Belgian, 3658 GRT, built 1906), Salland (Dutch, 6447 GRT, built 1920), San Francisco (Swedish, 4933 GRT, built 1915), Sangara (British, 4174 GRT, built 1939), Sarthe (British, 5271 GRT, built 1920), Selvistan (British, 5136 GRT, built 1924), St. Usk (British, 5472 GRT, built 1909), Swedru (British, 5379 GRT, built 1937) and Tekoa (British, 8695 GRT, built 1922).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Arawa (A/Capt. G.R. Deverell, RN), sloop Commandant Domine and the corvettes HMS Clematis (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSC, RD, RNR) and HMS Cyclamen (Lt. H.N. Lawson, RNR).

Around 0620N/24, in position 08°34'N, 14°58'W, the Bulysses was detached to return to Freetown due to engine trouble.

At 0836N/24, the Empire Advocate reported that she could not keep up with the convoy and that she would proceed independently. [She arrived at São Miguel Island, Azores on 13 April 1941.]

Around 1700N/24, in position 08°32'N, 16°16'W, the Dornoch fell out off the convoy with engine trouble. She did not rejoin the convoy. [She returned to Freetown on 28 March.]

Around 1100N/26, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) R.L. Hamer, RN) joined the convoy in position 09°30'N, 19°59'W.

Around 1200N/27, in position 09°30'N, 19°20'W, the battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) arrived near the convoy to provide 'distant' cover. Shortly afterwards HMS Bulolo then parted company.

In the early hours of the 28th, the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN and the destroyers HMS Duncan (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) and HMS Foxhound (Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN) joined the convoy in position 13°38'N, 18°40'W. The destroyers had escorted HMS Furious from Freetown to the rendezvous with the convoy but they parted company later in the day to proceed to Bathurst to fuel.

Around 1900N/28, the light cruiser HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN) joined the convoy in position 14°45'N, 18°43'W coming from Bathurst.

Around 1300Z/30, in position 19°30'N, 18°52'W, HMS Clematis and HMS Cyclamen parted company with the convoy.

Around 1840Z/30, in position 19°55'N, 18°51'W, HMS Repulse, HMS Furious and the Narkunda parted company to proceed to Gibraltar where they arrived in the morning of 3 April 1941. They had been joined around 1130A/2 by the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. S. Boucher, RN), HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN) and HMS Wrestler (Lt. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) which had departed Gibraltar on 1 April.

Around 0800Z/5, in position 30°54'N, 23°38'W, the light cruiser HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN) joined the convoy. HMS Mauritius then parted company.

At 1414Z/9, in position 42°17'N, 23°41'W, the Mountpark fell out of the convoy with engine trouble and did not rejoin the convoy. [She turned back southwards and arrived at São Miguel Island, Azores on 13 April 1941.]

Around 0615Z/14, in position 52°23'N, 19°47'W, HMS Arawa parted company with the convoy to proceed independently to the Clyde.

Around 1300A/14, HMS Edinburgh parted company with the convoy when the local escort joined, which was made up of the sloop HMS Weston (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G. Sutton, RN, Senior Officer of the A/S escort), destroyers HMS Roxborough (Lt. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN), HMS Sherwood (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN), corvettes HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR), HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, DSC, RNR) and the A/S trawler HMS St. Elstan (T/Lt. G. Butcher, RNVR) joined.

Around 1600A/14, the A/S trawler HMS Vizalma (T/Lt. M.M. Firth, RNVR) also joined.

Around 1930A/14, in position 53°43'N, 18°03'W, the Christine Marie fell out of the convoy due to engine trouble. HMS Vizalma was ordered to stand by her to Donegal Bay if required but preferably to Lough Foyle. [She indeed proceeded to Lough Foyle where she arrived on 18 April.]

At 0815A/15, the destroyers; HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN) and HMS Salisbury (Lt.Cdr. H.M.R. Crichton, RN) joined.

Around 1200A/15, in position 54°37'N, 16°48'W, the Pantelis dropped out of the convoy with engine trouble. She did not rejoin the convoy. [She arrived in Barry Roads on 19 April.]

At 0931A/16, in position 55°27'N, 12°26'W, the Swedru was hit by bombs from a single German FW 200. She was soon heavily on fire and was being abandoned. HMS Gladiolus was ordered to standby the stricken vessel and she picked up the survivors, 38 in number of which 18 were wounded (there were 24 dead). It was intended for the wounded to be transferred to HMS Weston but this proved not possible in the heavy swell. It was also not possible to transfer the doctor so HMS Gladiolus was ordered to take them to Londonderry. HMS Roxborough was then ordered to stay by the stricken vessel. She later reported that the vessel was impossible to salvage and she was allowed to sink the stricken vessel with a torpedo.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 17 April 1941. (12)

23 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) departed Freetown around 0600/23 to proceed to position 03°00'N, 21°00'W. She is escorted by the destroyers HMS Wishart (Cdr. E.T. Cooper, RN) and HMS Vidette (Lt. E.N. Walmsley, RN).

The destroyers were to detach at 0600/24 and then return to Freetown.

At 1823/23 however all ships were ordered to return to Freetown which they did around 0730/25. (13)

25 Mar 1941
Around 1645N/25, HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) departed Freetown to overtake convoy SL 69 and join the escort.

[See the event ' Convoy SL 69 ' for 23 March 1941 for more information on this convoy.]

3 Apr 1941
The battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), troopship Narkunda (British, 16632 GRT, built 1920) escorted by the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. S. Boucher, RN), HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN) and HMS Wrestler (Lt. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. They had been joined by the destroyers in approximate position 35°50'N, 12°00'W around 1130A/2.

4 Apr 1941
The battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Argus (Capt. T.O. Bulteel, RN), and troopship Narkunda (British, 16632 GRT, built 1920) departed Gibraltar to proceed to the U.K. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. S. Boucher, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN) and HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN).

Aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN) departed later with ' Force H ' to swap some aircraft at sea with HMS Ark Royal (Capt. L.E.H. Maund, RN). After doing so she split off from ' Force H ' escorted by destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN) and HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN), and joined at sea around 0700A/5. HMS Faulknor then set course to return to Gibraltar.

At 1100A/7, in position 41°00'N, 22°30'W the heavy cruiser HMS London (Capt. R.M. Servaes, CBE, RN) joined after which HMS Repulse, HMS Highlander, HMS Fortune and HMS Fury were detached with orders to proceed to position 46°00'N, 21°00'W to make rendezvous with the battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (Capt. C.B. Barry, DSO, RN). HMS Velox was ordered to return to Gibraltar.

Around 0800N/8, HMS Repulse, HMS Highlander, HMS Fortune and HMS Fury made rendez-vous with HMS Queen Elizabeth.

Around 2000N/8, HMS Repulse, HMS Highlander, HMS Fortune and HMS Fury set course to return to Gibraltar.

Around 1430A/12 HMS Repulse, HMS Highlander and HMS Fortune arrived at Gibraltar. HMS Fury had been detached around 2230A/11.

13 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1600/13, HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), departed Gibraltar to proceed to position 41°00'N, 16°30'W after which she was to patrol to the west of 16°00'W.

On departure from Gibraltar, HMS Repulse was escorted by the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. S. Boucher, RN) and HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Sinclair, RN).

Both destroyers remained with HMS Repulse until about 1500/15.

In the morning of the 19th, HMS Repulse departed her patrol area to return to Gibraltar where she arrived on 21 April 1941.

24 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Shortly before noon, HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), is joined in position 50°22'N, 16°30'W by the destroyers HMS Harvester (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN), HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, OBE, RN) and HMCS Saguenay (Lt. P.E. Haddon, RCN) which were to escort her to the Clyde.

They arrived at Greenock at 0400/26.

5 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1730 hours, HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Harvester (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN), HMS Havelock (Cdr. E.H. Thomas, DSC, RN) and HMS Hesperus (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN), arrived at Gibraltar.

8 May 1941
The battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Argus (Capt. T.O. Bulteel, RN) and the troopships Empress of Japan (British, 26032 GRT, built 1930) and Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931) departed Gibraltar for the Clyde.

No A/S escort could be provided.

[These ships made up convoy CF 1, for more info on this convoy see the event ' Conovy CF 1 ' for 23 April 1941.]

15 May 1941
The battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Argus (Capt. T.O. Bulteel, RN) and the troopships Empress of Japan (British, 26032 GRT, built 1930) and Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931) arrived in the Clyde.

27 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Conception Bay, Newfoundland from operations in the North-Atlantic. (14)

27 May 1941

Convoy HX 129.

This convoy departed Halifax on 27 May 1941 and arrived at Liverpool on 12 June 1941.

On departure from Halifax this convoy was made up of the following ships; Agra (Swedish, 4569 GRT, built 1925), Baxtergate (British, 5531 GRT, built 1925), Boston City (British, 2870 GRT, built 1920), Braganza (Norwegian, 6327 GRT, built 1924), British Captain (British (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1923), Chesapeake (British (tanker), 8955 GRT, built 1928), Delfshaven (Dutch, 5281 GRT, built 1930), Empire Albatross (British, 4714 GRT, built 1918), Empire Dawn (British, 7241 GRT, built 1941), Empire Ibex (British, 6990 GRT, built 1918), Empire Impala (British, 6116 GRT, built 1920), Empire Lapwing (British, 5403 GRT, built 1921), Empire Lightning (British, 6942 GRT, built 1940), Empire Panter (British, 5600 GRT, built 1919), Empire Ptarmigan (British, 6013 GRT, built 1920), Empire Zephyr (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Erna III (British, 1590 GRT, built 1930), Evanger (Norwegian, 3869 GRT, built 1920), Generton (British, 4797 GRT, built 1936), Glenlea (British, 4252 GRT, built 1930), Harpasa (British, 5082 GRT, built 1934), Koenjit (Dutch, 4551 GRT, built 1929), Leonidas M. (Greek, 4573 GRT, built 1929), Lyras (Greek, 5685 GRT, built 1918), Manchester Commerce (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Mariso (Dutch, 7659 GRT, built 1930), Mount Kassion (Greek, 7914 GRT, built 1918), Norwegian (British, 6366 GRT, built 1921), Pacific Pioneer (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928), Peterston (British, 4680 GRT, built 1925), Prins Maurits (Dutch, 1287 GRT, built 1936), Ringstad (Norwegian, 4765 GRT, built 1923), Salando (Dutch, 5272 GRT, built 1920), Saltersgate (British, 3940 GRT, built 1924), Saluta (British, 5272 GRT, built 1920), Suderoy (Norwegian (whale factory ship), 7562 GRT, built 1913), Sylvia de Larrinaga (British, 5218 GRT, built 1925), Uffington Court (British, 4976 GRT, built 1929), Wanstead (British, 5486 GRT, built 1928) and Zaglobia (Polish, 2864 GRT, built 1938).

The rescue ship Zaafaran (British, 1559 GRT, built 1929) was also part of the convoy.

On departure from Halifax convoy HX 129 was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser Chitral (Capt.(Retd.) G. Hamilton, RN) and the destroyers HMS Buxton (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) Earl Beattie, RN) and HMCS St Croix (Cdr. H. Kingsley, RCN).

On 28 May 1941, HMS Buxton and HMCS St. Croix were detached.

This convoy merged at sea on 31 May 1941 with convoy BHX 129 which had departed Bermuda on 25 May 1941 and was made up of the following ships; Basil (British, 4913 GRT, built 1928), Benedick (British (tanker), 6978 GRT, built 1928), British Princess (British (tanker), 7019 GRT, built 1917), Cowrie (British (tanker), 8197 GRT, built 1931), Daphnella (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1938), Delhi (Swedish, 4571 GRT, built 1925), El Grillo (British (tanker), 7264 GRT, built 1922), Explorer (British, 6235 GRT, built 1935), Ferncastle (Norwegian (tanker), 9940 GRT, built 1936), Geisha (British, 5113 GRT, built 1921), Maja (British (tanker), 8181 GRT, built 1931), Malmanger (Norwegian (tanker), 7078 GRT, built 1920), Murena (Dutch (tanker), 8252 GRT, built 1931), Rapana (British (tanker), 8017 GRT, built 1935), San Alvaro (British (tanker), 7385 GRT, built 1935), San Ambrosio (British (tanker), 7410 GRT, built 1935), San Demetrio (British (tanker), 8073 GRT, built 1938), Sandanger (Norwegian (tanker), 9432 GRT, built 1938), Solsten (Norwegian (tanker), 5379 GRT, built 1929), South Africa (Norwegian (tanker), 9234 GRT, built 1930) and Trader (British, 6087 GRT, built 1940).

On departure from Bermuda convoy BHX 129 was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ranpura (A/Capt.(Retd.) H.T.W. Pawsey, OBE, RN) which was then detached.

Also on 31 May 1941 the battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) joined the convoy to provide cover against attack by enemy surface ships (the German light cruiser Prinz Eugen was still at sea).

On 3 June 1941 the corvettes HMCS Chambly (A/Cdr. J.D. Prentice, RCN), HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR) and HMCS Orillia (T/Lt.Cdr. W.E.S. Briggs, RCNR) joined the convoy.

On 4 June 1941, HMS Repulse parted company with the convoy having been relieved by the heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk (Capt. R.M. Ellis, RN).

On 6 June 1941, HMS Suffolk was detached after the destroyers HMS Verity (Cdr. R.H. Mills, RN), HMS Veteran (Cdr. W.T. Couchman, OBE, RN), HMS Wolverine (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rowland, RN) and the corvettes HMS Begonia (T/Lt. T.A.R. Muir, RNR) and HMS Convolvulus (T/Lt. R.S. Connell, RNR) had joined the convoy.

On 7 June the corvettes HMCS Chambly, HMCS Collingwood and HMCS Orillia were detached.

On 8 June the destroyers HMS Chelsea (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN), HMS Lincoln (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN), HNoMS Mansfield (Cdr. F. Ulstrup, RNorN), HMS Sabre (Lt. P.W. Gretton, DSC, RN), HMS Venomous (Cdr. H.P. Henderson, RN), corvettes HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR), HMS Kingcup (Lt. R.A.D. Cambridge, RNR), HMS Sunflower (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RNR), auxiliary A/S trawler HMS Wellard (Lt.(Retd.) R.F. Turnbull, RD, RNR) and the MAC-ship Springbank joined.

On 10 June HMS Alisma was detached.

On 11 June HMS Chelsea, HMS Lincoln, HMS Mansfield, HMS Veteran, HMS Wolverine and HMS Sunflower were detached.

The convoy arrived at Liverpool on 12 June 1941 escorted by HMS Chitral, HMS Sabre, HMS Venomous, HMS Begonia, HMS Convolvulus, HMS Kincup and HMS Wellard.

28 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Shortly after midnight, HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), departed Conception Bay, Newfoundland. She returned around 1615 hours.

At 2245 hours she departed again. (14)

29 May 1941
At 0645 hours, HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), returned to Conception Bay, Newfoundland.

At 1945 hours she departed again. She was to join convoy HX 129 at sea.

[See the event ' Convoy HX 129 ' for 27 May 1941 for more information on this convoy.] (14)

6 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) returned to Conception Bay from convoy escort duty. (14)

7 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) departed Conception Bay for Halifax. (14)

9 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Halifax. (14)

21 Jun 1941

Convoy TC 11.

This troop convoy departed Halifax on 21 June 1941.

Is was made up of the troopships Andes (British, 25689 GRT, built 1930), Britannic (British, 26943 GRT, built 1930), Indrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925), Pasteur (British, 29253 GRT, built 1938), Stirling Castle (British, 25550 GRT, built 1936) and Windsor Castle (British, 19141 GRT, built 1922).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. A.D. Read, RN), battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Havelock (Cdr. E.H. Thomas, DSC, RN), HMS Harvester (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, DSC, RN), HMCS Assiniboine (A/Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN).

Around 1245Z/21, HMCS St. Laurent and HMCS Skeena parted company with the convoy and proceeded to St. John's.

Shortly after 1900B/26, the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. E.L. Berthon, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Sikh (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN), HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN), HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, DSO, RN), HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. Viscount Jocelyn, RN), HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN) and HMS Sherwood (Lt.Cdr. S.W.F. Bennetts, RN) joined the convoy coming from Hvalfjord, Iceland.

Around 1200B/27, HMS Ramillies, HMS Harvester, HMS Havelock and HMCS Assiniboine parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Reykjavik, Iceland.

Around 0345B/28, HMS Sherwood was detached to return to Hvalfjord due to defects.

Around 0900B/28, the AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Cdr. E.J. van Holthe, RNN) joined the convoy.

The convoy arrived in the Clyde in the morning of June, 30th. (15)

3 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) departed Greenock for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN) and HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. Viscount Jocelyn, RN). (16)

4 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN) and HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. Viscount Jocelyn, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (16)

5 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (16)

8 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (16)

10 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the night of 10 / 11 July 1941, HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), conducted exercises off Scapa Flow with several destroyers. (16)

16 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the early hours of the night, HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (16)

18 Jul 1941
Around 1930 hours, HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth where she is to undergo a short refit and radar will be installed. During the passage to Rosyth she is escorted by the destroyers HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, RN), HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. Viscount Jocelyn, RN) and HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, DSO, RN). (16)

19 Jul 1941
Around 0730 hours HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, RN), HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. Viscount Jocelyn, RN) and HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, DSO, RN) arrived at Rosyth. (16)

23 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) is docked in No.2 Dock at Rosyth. (16)

10 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) is undocked at Rosyth. (17)

15 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Having completed her refit, around 0700 hours, HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, DSC, RN).

They arrived at Scapa Flow around 1900 hours. (17)

20 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted exercises at Scapa Flow. (17)

29 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1300 hours HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Greenock. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Lightning (Cdr. R.G. Stewart, RN), HMS Vivacious (Lt.Cdr. R. Alexander, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Badsworth (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN).

Off Scapa Flow they were joined by HMS Sheffield (Capt. A.W. Clarke, RN) which also took passage to Greenock.

30 Aug 1941
Around 1000 hours, HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Sheffield (Capt. A.W. Clarke, RN), HMS Lightning (Cdr. R.G. Stewart, RN), HMS Vivacious (Lt.Cdr. R. Alexander, RN) and HMS Badsworth (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, DSC and Bar, OBE, RN) arrived at Greenock.

31 Aug 1941

Convoy WS 11

This convoy assembled in the Clyde area on 31 August 1941 for the far east.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant ships; Abosso (11330 GRT, built 1935), Barrister (6348 GRT, built 1939), Bhutan (6104 GRT, built 1929), City of Edinburgh (8036 GRT, built 1938), City of Manchester (8917 GRT, built 1935), Duchess of York (20021 GRT, built 1929), Empress of Australia (21833 GRT, built 1914), Glaucus (7596 GRT, built 1921), Glenorchy (8982 GRT, built 1939), Kina II (9823 GRT, built 1939), Largs Bay (14182 GRT, built 1921), Manchester Progress (5620 GRT, built 1938), Mooltan (20952 GRT, built 1923), Northumberland (11558 GRT, built 1915), Orontes (20097 GRT, built 1929), Otranto (20026 GRT, built 1925), Scythia (19761 GRT, built 1920), Viceroy of India (19627 GRT, built 1929). The netlayer HMS Guardian (A/Capt. H.A.C. Lane, RN) also sailed in this convoy.

Escort was initially provided by the battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, MVO, RN), the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), the light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. A.W. Clarke, RN) (31 August – 2 September), the anti-aircraft cruiser HMS Cairo (A/Capt. I.R.H. Black, RN) (31 August – 2 September), the armed merchant cruiser HMS Derbyshire (Capt.(Retd.) E.A.B. Stanley, MVO, DSO, RN), the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. E.L. Berthon, DSC and Bar, RN) (31 August – 4 September), HMS Zulu (Cdr. H.R. Graham, DSO, RN) (31 August – 4 September), HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN) (31 August – 4 September), HMS Lively (Lt.Cdr. W.F.E. Hussey, DSC, RN) (31 August – 4 September), HMS Highlander (Cdr. S. Boucher, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, OBE, DSC, RN) (31 August – 2 September), HrMs Isaac Sweers (Cdr. J. Houtsmuller, RNN) (31 August – 2 September), ORP Piorun (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) E.J.S. Plawski) (31 August – 3 September), ORP Garland (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) K.F. Namiesniowski) (31 August – 3 September), the sloops HMIS Sutlej (Capt. P.A. Mare, RIN), HMS HMS Sennen (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, RN) and HMS Totland (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) S.G.C. Rawson, RN).

Around 1530A/31, HMS Furious was detached to Bangor due to an engine room defect. HMS Lively accompanied the carrier. They arrived at Bangor around 1930A/31. The defect could be repaired quickly and they left again around 0430A/1 to rejoin the convoy which they did around around noon on 2 September. Meanwhile they had been joined around 1000A/1 by HrMs Isaac Sweers which had been detached from the convoy to join HMS Furious.

HMS Cairo and HrMs Isaac Sweers parted company with the convoy on 2 September and proceeded to Northern Ireland. HMS Sheffield also left the convoy later this day.

ORP Piorun and ORP Garland parted company with the convoy shortly after noon on 3 September to assist a merchant vessel that was being bombed by German aircraft. By then HMS Winchelsea had also left the convoy.

HMS Furious was destined for Gibraltar and operated mainly a little away from the convoy. She left the convoy around 1100 hours on 4 September arrived at Gibraltar on 7 September escorted by HMS Cossack, HMS Zulu, HMS Legion and HMS Lively.

Shortly afterwards around 1300 hours on 4 September the convoy split into two sections, these were;
WS 11F (Fast); This convoy was made up of the merchants Bhutan, City of Edinburgh, Duchess of York, Empress of Australia, Glenorchy, Kina II, Largs Bay, Mooltan, Orontes, Otranto, Scythia, Viceroy of India. HMS Guardian was also part of this convoy.

Escort for this part of the convoy was provided by; HMS Repulse, HMIS Sutlej (Later went to the escort of convoy WS 11S), HMS Highlander (detached to fuel at the Azores), HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN) (joined around noon on 4 September coming from Gibraltar) and HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) (joined around 0800 hours on 7 September coming from Gibraltar).

Most of these ships oiled at sea from the RFA tanker Rapidol (2648 GRT, built 1917) (Master Lt.Cdr. A.E. Curtain, OBE, RNR). Rapidol later joined convoy WS 11S. At least HMS Highlander oiled at Ponta Delgada, Azores, she rejoined the convoy around noon on 6 September.

Around 0730 hours on 8 September 1941, HMAS Nestor parted company to fuel at Bathurst where she arrived around 0930 hours on 11 September 1941. She departed again around 1430 hours to rejoin the convoy. However at 1640 hours on 11 September HMAS Nestor obtained a firm A/S contact and attack with depth charges which resulted in a heavy explosion which shook the ship considerably. She the resumed course to rejoin the convoy but 30 minutes later a lubrication oil leak was reported. Course was then set to proceed direct to Freetown for repairs. Further damage was discovered afterwards which made it necessary to reduce speed.

In the morning of 11 September 1941 two destroyers coming from Freetown joined the escort, these were HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN) and HMS Wrestler (Lt. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN). Later that day, around 1400 hours, the corvette HMS Starwort (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Duck, RD, RNR) also joined the escort. Shortly afterwards HMS Highlander parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Bathurst.

This part of the convoy arrived at Freetown on 13 September 1941.

The other section of the convoy was WS 11S (Slow); This convoy was made up of the merchants Abosso, Barrister, City of Manchester, Glaucus Manchester Progress and Northumberland.

Escort for this part of the convoy was provided by; HMS Derbyhire, HMS Sennen and HMS Totland.

This part of the convoy arrived at Freetown on 15 September 1941.

At Freetown the convoy (now called WS 11B) was re-grouped and departed from there on 18 September 1941 for the Cape.

The convoy was now made up of the merchants Barrister, Bhutan, City of Edinburgh, City of Manchester, Duchess of York, Empress of Australia, Glaucus, Glenorchy, Kina II, Largs Bay, Manchester Progress, Mooltan, Orontes, Otranto, Scythia, Viceroy of India and the Dutch liner (troopship) Nieuw Zeeland (11069 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy at Freetown.

Escort was provided by the battlecruiser HMS Renown and the armed merchant cruiser Derbyshire. A/S escort was provided until 1800 hours 20 September 1941 by the destroyers HMS Velox and HMS Wrestler after which these returned to Freetown.

On 30 September the following ships put into Capetown escorted by HMS Derbyshire; Bhutan, City of Edinburgh, City of Manchester, Duchess of York, Glaucus, Glenorchy, Kina II, Largs Bay, Orontes, Viceroy of India and Nieuw Zeeland.

The other ships; Barrister, Empress of Australia, Manchester Progress, Mooltan, Otranto and Scythia arrived at Durban on 3 October escorted by HMS Repulse.

On 3 October 1941, Bhutan, City of Edinburgh, City of Manchester, Duchess of York, Glaucus, Glenorchy, Kina II, Largs Bay, Orontes, Viceroy of India and Nieuw Zeeland departed Capetown still escorted by HMS Derbyshire.

On 7 October 1941, Barrister, Manchester Progress, Mooltan, Otranto as well as the transports City of Canterbury (8331 GRT, built 1922), Dilwara (11080 GRT, built 1936), Eastern Prince (10926 GRT, built 1929), Johan de Witt (Dutch, 10474 GRT, built 1920), Llandaff Castle (10799 GRT, built 1926), Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927) and Pulaski (Polish, 6516 GRT, built 1912). They were escorted by the battlecruiser Repulse until 13 October when she was relieved by HMS Ceres (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN). On 8 October these ships joined up with the ships coming from Capetown. HMS Derbyshire then left the convoy and returned to Capetown.

In the afternoon of 17 October 1941, HMS Glasgow (Capt. H. Hickling, DSO, RN) made rendez-vous with the convoy and then parted company taking the following ships with her; Barrister, City of Edinburgh, Duchess of York, Glaucius, Glenorchy, Johan de Witt, Kina II, Largs Bay, Orontes, Otranto, Nieuw Zeeland, Viceroy of India.

The other ships continued with HMS Ceres towards Aden where they arrived on 19 October 1941.

The ships taken over by HMS Glasgow proceeded to Bombay where they arrived on 22 October 1941. Three ships taken over by HMS Glasgow however were destined for Basra. One of these, the Barrister was unable to keep up with the convoy and was detached on 18 October. This ship arrived at Basra on 25 October. The other two ships destined for Basra, City of Edinburgh and Glenorchy were detached on 19 October and both arrived at Basra on 23 October 1941.

On 27 October 1941 the convoy departed Bombay for Colombo escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN). The convoy was now made up of the transports; Glaucus, Johan de Witt, Kina II, Largs Bay, Nieuw Zeeland, Orion (23371 GRT, built 1935) and Ellenga (5196 GRT, built 1911).

They arrived at Colombo on 30 October 1941, minus the Kina II which had been detached at 1815(EF) on 29 October 1942, in position 07°52'N, 76°29'E, and proceeded independently to Trincomalee.

On 31 October 1941 the convoy, now made up of Ellenga, Glaucus, Johan de Witt, Largs Bay, Nieuw Zeeland Orion and Rangitiki (16698 GRT, built 1929) departed Colombo for Singapore. The convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN). They arrived at Singapore on 6 November 1941. (18)

24 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
While escorting convoy WS 11, HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) made a short stop at St. Helena to fuel. She had detached from the convoy on 23 September and rejoined on 25 September. (19)

13 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) parted company with convoy WS 11B. She then set course for Mombasa. (20)

14 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Mombasa. (20)

19 Oct 1941
The battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes (Capt. R.F.J. Onslow, DSC, MVO, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa to patrol in the Seychelles area. (20)

26 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and HMS Hermes (Capt. R.F.J. Onslow, DSC, MVO, RN) arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles. (20)

28 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) departed Port Victoria, Seychelles for Durban. (20)

3 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Durban. (21)

8 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) departed Durban for convoy escort duty with convoy WS 12.

[See the event ' Convoy WS 12 ' for 29 September 1941 for more details on this convoy.]

14 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) parted company with convoy WS 12. She arrived at Mombasa later the same day.

[See the event ' Convoy WS 12 ' for 29 September 1941 for more details on this convoy.]

15 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) departed Mombasa for Colombo. (21)

22 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Colombo. (21)

24 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. (21)

25 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (21)

5 Dec 1941
The battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. Sir W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Vampire (Cdr. W.T.A. Moran, RAN) and HMS Tenedos (Lt. R. Dyer, RN) departed Singapore for Darwin, Australia. This was to 'show the flag' in Australian waters. HMAS Vampire had still been repairing some post-refit defects but the repairs were cut short as she was required for escort duty.

The destroyers HMS Electra (Cdr. C.W. May, RN) and HMS Jupiter (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.P. Thew, RN) sailed with them for the first part of the voyage. They returned to Singapore on the 6th.

6 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1330 hours, HMS Repulse (Capt. Sir W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMAS Vampire (Cdr. W.T.A. Moran, RAN) and HMS Tenedos (Lt. R. Dyer, RN) were recalled to Singapore.

Strong Japanese forces had been detected in the South China Sea.

7 Dec 1941
Around noon, HMS Repulse (Capt. Sir W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMAS Vampire (Cdr. W.T.A. Moran, RAN) and HMS Tenedos (Lt. R. Dyer, RN), returned to Singapore.

You can help improve officers William George Tennant's page
Click here to Submit events/comments/updates for this officer.
Please use this if you spot mistakes or want to improve his page.

• Front page
• About
• Contact us
• FAQ
• Glossary
• What's new

 © 1995 - 2024 Guðmundur Helgason