• 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

Transferred to the Emergency List on 8 October 1955

Destroyer HMAS Vampire (D 68)

3 Sep 1939
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Williamstown, Melbourne to patrol off Cape Otway (off the western end of the Bass Strait).

She was also to try to intercept the Italian passenger / cargo ship Romolo (9780 GRT, built 1926) presumable to check for contraband or German passengers. The Italian ship later entered Melbourne which had been her normal destination. (1)

7 Sep 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) returned to Williamstown, Melbourne from patrol. (1)

8 Sep 1939
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) departed Williamstown, Melbourne for Fremantle to join HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.W.A. Waller, RN) which was based there. (2)

14 Sep 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) arrived at Fremantle from Williamstown, Melbourne. (2)

16 Sep 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Fremantle for Albany. (1)

17 Sep 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) arrived at Albany from Fremantle. (1)

27 Sep 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Albany for Fremantle. (1)

28 Sep 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) arrived at Fremantle from Albany. (1)

3 Oct 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) were to have conducted gunnery exercises off Fremantle.

For these exercises HMAS Vampire left the harbour towing a target but soon after clearing harbour a strong north-western wind commenced and the target capsized.

HMS Voyager was then told to remain in harbour.

HMAS Vampire only returned to harbour on the 5th after the target had finally been turned upright. (3)

9 Oct 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.W.A. Waller, RN), HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) conducted exercises off Sydney.

The destroyers returned to Fremantle in the evening. HMAS Sydney remained out for more exercises and returned to Fremantle on the 10th. (4)

14 Oct 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) departed Fremantle to proceed to Singapore via the Sunda Strait. (5)

21 Oct 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) arrived at Singapore from Fremantle. (5)

26 Oct 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Singapore for an A/S patrol in the Johore Strait. (3)

30 Oct 1939
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) returned to Singapore from patrol in the Johore Strait after having been relieved by HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN). (5)

1 Nov 1939
HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) was relieved on the Johore patrol by HMS Stronghold (Lt.Cdr. R. Alexander, RN).

HMAS Voyager was then joined by HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and the two destroyers then conducted A/S exercises with the submarine HMS Parthian (Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rimington, RN). (6)

2 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) conducted A/S exercises off Singapore with HMS Parthian (Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rimington, RN).

On completion of the exercises the destroyers proceeded to Serangoon Harbour while HMS Parthian remained out for night exercises. (7)

3 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) proceeded to sea again and then conducted exercises with HMS Parthian (Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rimington, RN). These included A/S exercises for the destroyers and torpedo firing and attack exercises for HMS Parthian. (7)

7 Nov 1939
During 7 and 8 November 1939, the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Singapore. Also A/S exercises were carried out with the submarines HMS Parthian (Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rimington, RN) and HMS Rover (Lt.Cdr. H.A.L. Marsham, RN).

On the 7th the destroyers also search for the crew of a crashed aircraft but none were found.

On completion of the exercises on the 8th, HMAS Vampire, HMAS Voyager and HMAS Parthian returned to Singapore.

HMAS Stuart, HMAS Vendetta, HMAS Waterhen and HMS Rover remained out for exercises and only returned to Singapore on the 10th. (8)

13 Nov 1939
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Singapore for Colombo.

On the 15th, HMAS Vendetta was detached to Penang as Surgeon Lt. E.D. Hull, RANR had to be taken to hospital with an acute appendicitis. (9)

17 Nov 1939
In the afternoon, HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) parted company with HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) to proceed to Trincomalee. The two other destroyers were to continue the passage to Colombo. (10)

18 Nov 1939
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) arrived at Trincomalee from Singapore. (11)

20 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) departed Trincomalee for Nancowry. (11)

15 Dec 1939
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) arrived at Aden from Colombo.

After fuelling they departed for Suez later the same day. (12)

18 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) arrived at Suez. They then transited the Suez Canal Northbound and arrived at Port Said later the same day. (12)

21 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) departed Port Said for Malta. They were escorting convoy K 6 during the passage.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy K 6 ' for 10 December 1939.] (12)

24 Dec 1939
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) arrived at Malta after convoy escort duty.

Before entering harbour gunnery exercises were carried out.

HMAS Vampire then commenced boiler clearing and she was also docked at the Malta Dockyard [exact date not known to us.] (12)

2 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) is undocked. (10)

3 Jan 1940

Convoy K6A.

This convoy departed Marseilles on 3 January 1940.

It was made up of the transports; Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936), Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926), Rohna (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926), Tairea (British, 7934 GRT, built 1924) and Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924).

They were transporting troops for Palestine. Destination was Haifa.

On departure from Marseilles the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN).

On 5 January 1940, off Malta, escort duties were taken over by the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN) and HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN). The original escort then entered Malta.

On 8 January 1940, HMAS Vampire was detached to Port Said.

The convoy arrived at Haifa, escorted by HMAS Stuart on 9 January 1940. (10)

4 Jan 1940
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN) and HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) conducted torpedo firing and gunnery exercises off Malta. (10)

5 Jan 1940
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN) and HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Malta for escort duty with convoy K6A.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy K6A ' for 3 January 1940.] (10)

8 Jan 1940
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) arrived at Port Said after convoy escort duty.

She departed Port Said later the same day for Malta, escorting the transport Neuralia (British, 9182 GRT, built 1912). (13)

11 Jan 1940
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and the transport Neuralia (British, 9182 GRT, built 1912) arrived at Malta from Port Said.

They departed for Marseilles later the same day. (13)

12 Jan 1940

Convoy K6B.

This convoy departed Haifa on 12 January 1940.

It was made up of the transports; Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936), Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926), Rohna (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926), Tairea (British, 7934 GRT, built 1924) and Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924).

On departure from Haifa the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN).

Later the same day the convoy was joined by the repair ship HMS Resource (Capt.(Retd.) D.B. O’Connell, RN) and the destroyer HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN). They had departed Alexandria also on the 12th.

On the 15th, east of Malta, the destroyer HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) joined relieving HMAS Voyager which then proceeded to Malta to fuel and then to rejoin the convoy. On HMAS Voyager doing so, HMS Resource parted company and proceeded to Malta escorted by HMAS Stuart.

On the 16th, HMAS Waterhen parted company with the convoy to return to Malta.

Later on the 16th, HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) joined the convoy coming from Marseilles.

The convoy arrived at Marseilles on the 18th. (10)

14 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and the transport Neuralia (British, 9182 GRT, built 1912) arrived at Marseilles from Malta. (13)

15 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Marseilles to join convoy K6B as escort.

[For more info on this convoy, see the event ' Convoy K6B ' for 12 January 1940.] (13)

18 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) arrived at Marseilles with convoy K6B. (14)

23 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Convoy Cavalry 1.

This convoy departed Marseilles on 23 January 1940.

It was made up of the transports; Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936), Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926), Rohna (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926) and Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924).

They were transporting troops for Palestine. Destination was Haifa.

Escort on departure from Marseilles was provided by the destroyers HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN).

On the 25th, HMAS Vampire and HMAS Voyager were relieved by HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Cant, RAN).

The convoy arrived ay Haifa on 29 January 1940. (10)

26 Jan 1940
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) arrived at Malta from convoy escort duty. (14)

3 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Malta for Marseilles. (15)

5 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) arrived at Marseilles from Malta. (15)

6 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Marseilles for Malta escorting the transport Neuralia (British, 9182 GRT, built 1912). (15)

8 Feb 1940
Off Malta, HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN), took over the escort of the transport Neuralia (British, 9182 GRT, built 1912) from HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN). (10)

9 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) arrived at Malta from escort duty. (15)

10 Feb 1940
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN) and HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) conducted A/S and gunnery exercises off Malta.

The submarine which participated in the A/S exercises must have been HMS Oswald as she was the only submarine at Malta at that time.

On completion of the exercises HMAS Vampire set course for Marseilles. (10)

12 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) arrived at Marseilles from Malta. (15)

16 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Marseilles escorting the ' horse ' ships Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926) and Rohna (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926) which were to proceed to Haifa. HMAS Vampire was to escort them to the vicinity of Malta from where on they proceeded unescorted. (15)

18 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) arrived at Malta from escort duty. (15)

19 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around midnight, during the night of 19/20 February 1940, HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Malta to make rendezvous with the transport Ettrick (British, 11229 GRT, built 1938) and then escort her to Marseilles. (15)

22 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and the transport Ettrick (British, 11229 GRT, built 1938) arrived at Malta. (15)

23 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Marseilles escorting the transport Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939) part of the way to Alexandria. (15)

25 Feb 1940
Near Malta, HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) turned over the escort of the transport Sobieski (Polish, 11030 GRT, built 1939) over to HMS Westcott (Lt.Cdr. W.F.R. Segrave, RN).

HMAS Vampire arrived at Malta later the same day. (16)

26 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Malta escorting the transports Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939) and Duchess of Atholl (British, 20119 GRT, built 1928) to Marseilles. (17)

28 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and the transports Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939) and Duchess of Atholl (British, 20119 GRT, built 1928) arrived at Marseilles from Malta. (17)

1 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Marseilles for Malta. (18)

2 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) arrived at Malta from Marseilles. (19)

5 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) is taken in hand for refit at the Malta Dockyard. (19)

6 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) is docked at the Malta Dockyard. (19)

26 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) is undocked. (19)

5 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) completed her refit at the Malta Dockyard. (20)

8 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) conducted gunnery, torpedo firing and A/S exercises off Malta. (20)

10 Apr 1940
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Malta for Marseilles. She was escorting the transport Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939). (20)

13 Apr 1940
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and the transport Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939) arrived at Marseilles from Malta.

HMAS Vampire departed Marseilles later the same to return to Malta now escorting the transport Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936). (20)

15 Apr 1940
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and the transport Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936) arrived at Malta from Marseilles.

HMAS Vampire departed Malta later the same day to make rendezvous with HMS Dragon (Capt. R.G. Bowes-Lyon, MVO, RN) which had the gunboat HMS Ladybird (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.F. Blackburn, RN) in tow which had broken down in heavy weather while on passage from Alexandria to Malta together with HMS Aphis (Lt.Cdr R.S. Stafford, RN).

Help of HMAS Vampire was however not needed. (20)

16 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) returned to Malta. (20)

17 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Malta for Marseilles. (20)

19 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) arrived at Marseilles from Malta. (20)

20 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Marseilles for Malta. She was escorting the transport Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939). (20)

22 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and the transport Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939) arrived at Malta from Marseilles. (20)

27 Apr 1940
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN) and HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Malta for Gibraltar.

They were recalled the following day to return to Malta at best speed.

They arrived at Malta on the 29th. (10)

4 May 1940
The destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN) and HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Alexandria to make rendezvous with the repair ship HMS Resource (Capt.(Retd.) D.B. O’Connell, RN) that was being escorted by the destroyers HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades RAN), HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN).

Rendezvous was effected the following day when they took over the escort of the repair ship from the original destroyer screen. (21)

6 May 1940
The repair ship HMS Resource (Capt.(Retd.) D.B. O’Connell, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN) and HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) arrived at Alexandria.

Both destroyers then cleaned boilers while alongside HMS Resource from 7 to 9 May 1940. (22)

17 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Alexandria. She was escorted by destroyers, of which HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) was one. (23)

18 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 18/19 May 1940, HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) patrolled off Alexandria. (23)

20 May 1940
The French battleships Bretagne (Capt. L.R.E. de Pivian) and Provence (Capt. G.T.E. Barois) departed Alexandria for Bizerta. They were escorted by the French destroyers HMS Tigre (Capt. M. De La Forest Divonne), Lynx (Cdr. A.M. De Gouyon Matignon de Pontourade) and the Australian destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN, HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Alexandria for Bizerta.

On 22 May two two more French destroyers joined company, these were Bordelais (Cdr. D.F.M.V. De Bourgoing) and Trombe (Cdr. A.A.M. Lepotier).

On 23 May the Australian destroyers parted company off Bizerta and proceeded to Malta arriving later the same day. (24)

23 May 1940
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) arrived at Malta. (21)

24 May 1940
HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Malta for Alexandria where they arrived on the 25th.

HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) was to have sailed with them but was unable to do so due to an engine room defect. She departed later the same day together with HMS Havock (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, RN). They arrived at Alexandria on the 26th. (25)

27 May 1940
In the evening, HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN), conducted exercises off Alexandria. (23)

10 Jun 1940
HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, RN) conducted flying exercises off Alexandria. She was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN). The exercises were cut short and they returned to harbour late in the day. (26)

15 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1500C/15, HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), returned to Alexandria from patrol. (27)

21 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) conducted exercises off Alexandria with FAA aircraft. She did not return to harbour but remained out on patrol.

She returned to Alexandria on 23 June. (27)

23 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Alexandria for A/S patrol off Alexandria. She returned to harbour on the 25th. (27)

3 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) arrived at Port Said after convoy escort duty. (28)

4 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The French transport Providence (11996 GRT, built 1920) departed Port Said for Alexandria where she was to embark reservist from the French ships that had been interned there. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Hostile (Cdr. J.P. Wright, DSO, RN) and HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN).

They arrived at Alexandria on 5 July but before entering harbour HMAS Vampire was ordered to conduct an A/S sweep off Ras el Tin. She arrived at Alexandria later in the day not having found the reported submarine she was to search for. (28)

25 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) arrived at Port Said from operations. (29)

26 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Operation MD 5.

The object of this operation was to create a diversion by simulating a landing attempt on Castellorizio island.

Around 0945C/26, the destroyers HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and the armed boarding vessels HMS Chakla (Cdr. L.C. Bach, RD, RNR) and HMS Fiona (Cdr. A.H.H. Griffiths, RD, RNR) departed Port Said.

Around 2015C/26, the light cruiser HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral J.C. Tovey, CB, DSO, RN) departed Haifa.

Rendezvous was effected at 0700C/27 and the force proceeded towards the vicinity of Castellorizio island.

In the evening they approached Castellorizio island up to about 8 miles. The armed boarding vessels represented troop transports.

HMS Orion arrived at Alexandria around 1915C/28.

HMAS Vampire, HMAS Vendetta, HMS Chakla and HMS Fiona arrived at Port Said around 0700C/29. (30)

29 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1100C/29, HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) departed Port Said for Alexandria where they arrived around 1900C/29. They had carried out an A/S sweep en-route. (29)

1 Aug 1940
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) are docked in the floating dock (AFD 5) at Alexandria. (31)

2 Aug 1940
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN) are undocked.

HMAS Vampire was then taken in hand for a short refit at Alexandria while HMAS Voyager commenced boiler cleaning which was completed on 7 August. (31)

18 Aug 1940
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) completed her refit. (32)

19 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000C/19, the small transport Lateef (Egyptian, 503 GRT, built 1903) and the tanker British Architect (British, 7388 GRT, built 1922) departed Alexandria for Port Said / Haifa. They were escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN).

Around 1200C/20, off the entrance to the searched channel to Port Said, the Lateef parted company to proceed to Port Said.

The British Architect continued on escorted by HMAS Vampire. They arrived at Haifa around 0700C/21. (32)

22 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2359C/22, the merchant vessel Fouadieh (Egyptian, 1738 GRT, built 1923) and tanker British Union (British, 6987 GRT, built 1927) departed Haifa for Port Said / Alexandria. They were escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN).

Around 0600C/23, the Fouadieh parted company off Port Said and the tankers Hoegh Hood (Norwegian, 9351 GRT, built 1936) and Ormer (British, 1357 GRT, built 1915) joined.

The convoy arrived at Alexandria around 0800C/24. (32)

28 Aug 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 HMS Dainty (Cdr. M.S. Thomas, RN), HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN). (33)

10 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 10/11 September 1940, the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (Capt. D.W. Boyd, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.L.St.G. Lyster, CVO, DSO, RN) conducted flying exercises off Alexandria. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN), HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) and HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN). (34)

11 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1800C/11, the tanker British Judge (British, 6735 GRT, built 1921) and transport Peshawur (British, 7934 GRT, built 1919) departed Alexandria for Port Said. They were escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN).

The merchant ships were detached around 1545C/12, off the searched channel to Port Said. HMAS Vampire was then joined by the transport California Star (British, 8300 GRT, built 1938) which she then escorted to Haifa arriving there around 0830C/13. (35)

13 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The tanker Duffield (British, 8516 GRT, built 1938) departed Haifa around 1000C/13 for Port Said where she arrived around 0800C/13. She was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN). (35)

14 Sep 1940
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) passed the Suez Canal southbound and arrived at Port Tewfik where she was immediately docked in the Ismail Dock. (35)

23 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) was undocked. She immediately transferred the Suez Canal northbound and after fuelling at Port Said departed for Alexandria. (35)

24 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) arrived at Alexandria. (35)

8 Jan 1941
HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) conducted post repair trials off Alexandria on after these had proven to be satisfactory she set course for the Gulf of Sollom. (36)

9 Jan 1941
Off Sollum, Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN, rejoined HMAS Vampire from HMAS Vendetta.

HMAS Vampire returned to Alexandria the following day when Capt. Waller departed Vampire as the flotilla leader HMAS Stuart had just returned to Alexandria from refit at Malta. (37)

11 Jan 1941
Around 0200B/11, ' Force X ', made up of the battleship HMS Barham (Capt. G.C. Cooke, RN, flying the flag of A/Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, CBE, RN), light cruiser HMS Ajax and the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) and HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) departed Alexandria for operations.

[For more info see the event ' Operations Excess and Operation M.C. 4 ' for 4 January 1941.]

23 Jan 1941

Further operations with the Inshore Squadron by ships of the 10th Destroyer Flottila.

Timespan: 23 January 1941 to 31 January 1941.

On 23 January 1941, HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) were still operating with the Inshore Squadron as HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) had returned to Alexandria the previous day. HMAS Stuart and HMAS Vampire were reinforced that day by HMS Defender (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, RN) which came from Alexandria having sailed from there around 0805B/23.

On the 24th, HMAS Stuart, HMAS Vampire and HMS Defender patrolled north and west of Tobruk. They sank three floating mines. Around 1700B/24, HMAS Stuart set course for Alexandria where she arrived around 0740B/25.

Around 0650B/26, HMAS Stuart departed Alexandria escorting the transport Cingalese Prince (British, 8474 GRT, built 1929) to Tubruk where they arrived on the 27th, having been join en-route by HMAS Vampire and HMS Defender.

On the 28th, HMAS Stuart and HMAS Vampire departed Tobruk for Sollum where they arrived later the same day and were joined by HMAS Voyager. They sailed later the same day to patrol off Derna during the night. Meanwhile HMS Defender had departed Tobruk escorting the Cingalese Prince back to Alexandria where they arrived the following day.

On the 29th, HMAS Stuart and HMAS Vampire entered Tobruk but later departed again to rejoin HMAS Voyager at sea. They then proceeded for an A/S sweep to the north of Raz Azzaz during the night.

On 30 January, HMAS Stuart, HMAS Vampire and HMAS Voyager arrived at Sollum from the A/S patrol at daylight. HMAS Vampire departed again later the same day to patrol of Raz Azzaz and then proceed to Alexandria on complearound 0900B/31. HMAS Stuart and HMAS Voyager, after fuelling, proceeded on another A/S patrol but HMAS Stuart parted company with HMAS Voyager around 1900B/30 to proceed to Alexandria where she arrived around 0945B/31.

On 31 January, HMAS Voyager, having completed patrol, entered Tobruk for repairs to her condensors. HMAS Stuart, which had arrived at Alexandria around 0945B/31, departed again around 1200B/31, escorting the transport Ulster Prince (British, 3791 GRT, built 1930) to Tobruk where they arrived the following day. (38)

3 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Convoy AS 14.

This convoy departed Piraeus on 3 February 1941.

It was made up of six merchant vessels, four Greek one British and one Norwegian; The British / Norwegian ships were the British Motorist (British (tanker), 6891 GRT, built 1924) and Fosna (Norwegian (tanker) 8202 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Piraeus the convoy was escorted by the anti-aircraft cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN) and corvettes HMS Hyacinth (T/Lt. F.C. Hopkins, RNR) and HMS Salvia (Lt.Cdr. J.I. Miller, DSO, RN, RNR).

The destroyers HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN), coming from Suda Bay relieved the corvettes later on the 3rd.

Around 1750C/5, the convoy split into an Alexandria section escorted by HMAS Vampire and a Port Said section escorted by HMS Coventry and HMAS Vendetta.

Around 0200C/5, HMS Coventry parted company with the Port Said section to proceed to Alexandria.

Both sections arrived at their destination on the 7th.

8 Feb 1941
The transport Warszawa (Polish, 2487 GRT, built 1915) and petrol ship Hanne (1253 GRT, built 1918) departed Alexandria for Tobruk. She was escorted by the destroyer HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN). They arrived at Tobruk on the 10th after being delayed by strong north-western winds. (39)

10 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the night of 10/11 February 1941, HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) and HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN) conducted an A/S sweep to the east of Tobruk. They returned to Tobruk on its completion. (21)

11 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) departed Tobruk in the afternoon for local and A/S patrol.

Around 1900C/11, near the end of the swept channel cries were heard from the water and wreckage was sighted with one man clinged to it. He was picked up and proved to be a stoker from the M/S Whaler Southern Floe which had been mined earlier that day around 0405C/11.

The destroyers then set off on an A/S sweep to the westward returning to Tobruk the following morning. (21)

14 Feb 1941
Around 0700B/14, HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) made rendezvous with HMS Terror (Cdr. H.J. Haynes, DSC, RN) off Toburk and course was then set to Derna where the monitor anchored. HMAS Vampire conducting an A/S sweep in the area during the night of 14/15 February.

HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) arrived at Derna around 0900B/15 and around 1200B/15, HMS Terror lifted anchor to proceed to Benghazi escorted by the two destroyers.

Around 1900B/15, HMAS Vampire was relieved by HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN). HMAS Vampire then set course for Tobruk where she arrived to fuel early on the 16th.

HMS Terror, HMAS Stuart and HMAS Voyager arrived at Benghazi around 0900B/16. They were preceeded by the corvettes HMS Peony (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) M.B. Sherwood, DSO, RN) and HMS Hyacinth (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F.C. Hopkins, DSC, RNR) which exploded two acoustic mines while the other ships approached. (40)

16 Feb 1941
HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Tobruk while HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) departed Benghazi. They were then to rendezvous and conduct patrols between Benghazi and Tobruk.

These patrols lasted until 21 February when they arrived at Tobruk. Some drifting mines had been sunk and on the 18th HMAS Vampire had attacked an A/S contact which turned out to be a school of tunny fish which resulted in a welcome change on the menu for the next 24 hours. HMAS Voyager briefly entered Tobruk on the 18th to fuel. (21)

21 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1400C/21, HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Tobruk to conduct an A/S sweep and then join the battlefleet at sea which they did around 1000C/22.

[For more info on the operations of the battlefleet see the event ' Operations MC 8, troops to be ferried to Malta and a convoy of empty transports was to return from Malta ' for 19 February 1941.] (40)

25 Feb 1941
HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria for Port Said. (39)

26 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Said from Alexandria. (39)

27 Feb 1941

Convoy AN(F) 16.

This convoy departed Port Said on 27 February 1941.

It was made up five merchant vessels; Alavi (British, 3566 GRT, built 1924), Brattdal (Norwegian, 4968 GRT, built 1935), Kyriaki (Greek, 5528 GRT, built 1912), Thelma (Norwegian (tanker), 8297 GRT, built 1937) and Ulster Prince (British, 3791 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC, RN).

The convoy was joined around 0700C/28 by the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN).

P.M. on the 28th the convoy got scattered by a gale.

By daylight on 2 March the convoy was back in formation again except for the transport Ulster Prince (British, 3791 GRT, built 1930).

The convoy arrived at Piraeus around 1800C/2. (15)

3 Mar 1941
HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) is docked in No.2 Dock at Piraeus. She also commenced boiler cleaning. (41)

8 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) is undocked. (41)

15 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Piraeus for Alexandria.

Around 1900C/19, she made rendezvous in the Anti-Kythira Channel with HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) which came from Suda Bay. They then proceeded in company to Alexandria where they arrived around 1545C/16. (42)

18 Mar 1941

Convoy AG 7.

This convoy departed Alexandria on 18 March 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Corinthia (Greek, 3721 GRT, built 1911), Hav (Norwegian, 5062 GRT, built 1939), Hellas (Greek, 2081 GRT, built 1916), Menelaus (British, 10307 GRT, built 1923) and Ozarda (British, 6985 GRT, built 1940).

The naval transport HMS Breconshire (9776 GRT, built 1939) (Capt.(Retd.) C.A.G. Hutchenson, RN) was also with the convoy as were the armed boarding vessel

HMS Chakla (Cdr. L.C. Bach, RD, RNR) and HMS Fiona (Cdr. A.H.H. Griffiths, RD, RNR) and the tug HMRT Retriever.

The convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. T.C. Hampton, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN).

Around 1600B/19, the transport Ulster Prince (British, 3791 GRT, built 1930) joined coming from Tobruk being escorted by the destroyer HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) which also joined the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Piraeus late on the 20th. (43)

21 Mar 1941
In the Gulf of Athens, HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) embarked the former Prime Minister of Yugoslavia (Mr. Stojadinovi?) from the yacht Calanthe. HMAS Vampire then set course for Haifa.

Around 0330C/22, orders were received to proceed to Alexandria and course was altered accordingly.

Around 1400C/22, course was altered to go to the aid of the Brazilian transport Taubate (5082 GRT, built 1905) which had been attacked by Axis aircraft. But HMAS Vampire was soon ordered to continue her passage to Alexandria.

HMAS Vampire arrived at Alexandria around 1945C/22. (41)

4 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
From 4 to 12 April 1941, HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) was taken in hand for the fitting of a 12pdr. AA gun in lieu of the after bank of torpedo tubes. Also the boilers were cleaned. (44)

13 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000C/13, the destroyers HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN) and HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Alexandria for Port Said.

They arrived off Port Said around 1730C/13 and were then joined by the landing ships HMS Glenearn (Capt.(Retd.) L.B. Hill, OBE, RN) and HMS Glengyle (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Petrie, RN) and course was set for Alexandria where they arrived around 0830C/14. (44)

13 Apr 1941

Convoy AN 27.

This convoy sailed in three sections.

The Haifa and Port Said sections departed on 13 April 1941.

The Haifa section was made up of the British Science (British (tanker), 7138 GRT, built 1931). She was not escorted.

The Port Said section was made up of the Aghios Markos (Greek, 4514 GRT, built 1919), Point Judith (Greek, 4810 GRT, built 1919) and Runo (British, 1858 GRT, built 1921). They too, were not escorted.

On 14 April 1941 the Alexandria section was to have sailed but these was a delay and the ships only sailed on the 15th. The Alexandria section was made up of the Comliebank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1924), Crista (British, 2590 GRT, built 1938), Custodian (British, 5881 GRT, built 1928), Dumana (British, 8427 GRT, built 1923), Levernbank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925) and Santa Clara Valley (British, 4665 GRT, built 1928).

Around 1330C/14, the destroyer HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN) was sent out to make contact with the Haifa and Port Said sections which were now to make rendezvous with the Alexandria section on the 15th. Around 1605C/14 the destroyer HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) was sent out for the same purpose.

The Alexandria section finally sailed on the 15th and made rendezvous with the other sections and the destroyers.

Around 0715C/17, the convoy was joined by the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. T.C. Hampton, RN).

Around 1015C/17, the destroyer HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, RAN) made rendezvous, coming from Tobruk, to take the merchant vessels Comliebank, Custodian, Levernbank and Santa Clara Valley with her to return to Alexandria. They were joined by the destroyer HMS Hotspur (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC, RN) at 1400C/17 which remained with this returning part of the convoy until P.M. on the 18th. The four ships arrived back in Alexandria around 1015C/19 escorted by HMAS Vendetta.

The remainder of the convoy meanwhile continued on but was attacked from the air several times. Around 1330C/18, the British Science was hit by a torpedo launched by an enemy aircraft and was holed. She was sent to Suda Bay independently but she later sank in position 36.06'N, 24.00'E, her crew being rescued by the destroyer HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN). Around the same time HMS Isis was straddled by bombs from high level bombers.

The merchant vessels Crista, Dumana and Runo were sent to Suda Bay where they arrived on 19 April.

Both Greek ships went on to Piraeus with the escort. They arrived at Piraeus also on the 19th.

At 0150C/19, HMAS Vampire had attacked an A/S contact with 20 depth charges and thought to have sunk an enemy submarine but no submarine reported being attacked at this time so the contact was probably non-sub.

19 Apr 1941

Convoy AS 26.

This convoy departed Piraeus on 19 April 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Bantria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), British Lord (British (tanker), 6098 GRT, built 1922), Cleanthis (Greek, 4153 GRT, built 1911), Daisy Moller (British, 4078 GRT, built 1911), Ekaterini Coumantarou (Greek, 7777 GRT, built 1917), Ena (Dutch (tanker), 6229 GRT, built 1936), Evanthia (Greek, 3551 GRT, built 1915), Georgios Potamianos (Greek, 4044 GRT, built 1913), Helka (British (tanker), 3471 GRT, built 1912), Katie Moller (British, 3100 GRT, built 1919), Kyriaki (British, 5528 GRT, built 1912), Langleecrag (British, 4909 GRT, built 1929), Meroe (British, 3832 GRT, built 1928), Nitsa (Greek, 4732 GRT, built 1915), Point Clear (Greek, 4839 GRT, built 1920), Port Halifax (British, 5820 GRT, built 1937), Rawnsley (British, 4998 GRT, built 1940), Saronikos (Greek, 3548 GRT, built 1912), Volo (British, 1587 GRT, built 1938), Volsella (British, 2103 GRT, built 1096), Warszawa (Polish, 2487 GRT, built 1915) and Zannis L. Cambanis (Greek, 5317 GRT, built 1920).

[Apparently some of these ships were unable to sail with the convoy and sailed later to overtake.]

They were escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. T.C. Hampton, RN) and the destroyers HMS Isis (Cdr. C.S.B. Swinley, DSC, RN) and HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN).

In the morning of the 20th, HMAS Vampire was detached to search for straggles. She rejoined shortly before noon with two merchant vessels.

Around 0600C/21, more ships joined coming from Suda Bay, these included several Greek warships among them the armoured cruiser RHS Georgios Averoff. One of the ships joined coming from Suda Bay appeared to be the Desmoulea (British (tanker), 8120 GRT, built 1939).

Also the merchant ship Kyriaki was apparently detached to Suda Bay as she was sunk there on 24 April 1941.

Around 1100C/21, the convoy was attacks and four bombs exploded underneath the British Lord. She was disabled and the engine room slowly flooded. The crew was taken off by HMAS Vampire as were two of them which had been blown overboard but one of these later died. The ship was not sunk as it was hoped she could be towed to Suda Bay later. Apparently she was later taken in tow towards Alexandria by the sloop HMS Auckland (Cdr. E.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) which was relieved on the 24th by the netlayer HMS Protector (Cdr. R.J. Gardner, RN). The tow arrived at Alexandria on the 25th.

Meanwhile the convoy had continued and was divided into a section of Alexandria and Port Said around 1830C/22.

The Alexandria section arrived there on 23 April escorted by HMS Calcutta and HMS Isis. The Alexandria section was made up of the Bantria, Ena, Georgios Potamianos, Helka, Point Clear, Port Haifax, Rawnslay, Volsella and Warszawa.

The Port Said section arrived there on 24 April. It had been escorted until dark on 22 April by HMAS Vampire but she then parted company and joined the Alexandria section.

The Port Said section was made up of the Cleanthis, Daisy Moller, Desmoulea, Ekaterini Coumantarou, Evanthia, Katie Moller, Langleecrag, Meroe, Nitsa, Saronikos, Volo and Zannis L. Cambanis.

24 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Convoy AG 15.

This convoy departed Alexandria on 24 April 1941.

It was made up of the transports; Belray (British, 2888 GRT, built 1926), Comliebank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1924), Corinthia (Greek, 3721 GRT, built 1911), Eleonora Maersk (British (tanker), 10694 GRT, built 1936), Ionia (British, 1936 GRT, built 1923) and Itria (British, 6845 GRT, built 1940).

The RFA tanker Brambleleaf (5917 GRT, built 1917) was also part of the convoy.

On departure from Alexandria the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN).

Course was set for Suda Bay via the Kaso Strait.

Around 1830C/25, the sloop HMS Auckland (Cdr. E.G. Hewitt, RN) joined.

The convoy arrived at Suda Bay on the 26th but before arrival HMAS Vampire had been detached around 1530C/26.

26 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 26 April 1941, the destroyer HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) was detached from convoy AG 15 to close the damaged transport Scottish Prince (4917 GRT, built 1938) which had been hit by bombs about 40 miles north-north-east of Suda Bay while en-route from Izmir to Suda Bay. On arrival the destroyers HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN) and HMS Hasty (Lt.Cdr. L.R.K. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN), which were standing by the ship, were relieved. The master of the ship wanted to abandon ship as he feared she was about to capsize. HMAS Vampire then took off the crew. The list of the ship however did not increase and the Master, Engineer and several of the crew were then put back on the ship. Meanwhile the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) had joined. Course was then set to Suda Bay where they arrived around 0700C/27. (44)

5 May 1941

Convoy AN 30.

This convoy sailed in two sections, one from Haida and one from Port Said.

The Haifa section sailed on 5 May 1941. It was made up of only one ship, the transport Cape Horn (British, 5643 GRT, built 1929). She was escorted by the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).

The Port Said section sailed on 6 May 1941. It was made up of the transports City of Canterbury (British, 8331 GRT, built 1922), Lossiebank (British, 5627 GRT, built 1930) and Rawnsley (British, 4998 GRT, built 1940). On departure from Port Said they were escorted by the sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. R.J.O. Otway-Ruthven, RN).

HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Alexandria around 2150C/6 to go to the aid of the transport City of Canterbury which had broken down while in convoy AN 30 from Port Said to Suda Bay.

The City of Canterbury was sighted at 0155C/7 in approximate position 32°00'N, 30°00'E. She was making repairs which were completed by 0215C/7. Course was then set to rejoin convoy AN 30.

During the forenoon of the 7th, HMAS Vampire encountered HMS Flamingo with the remainder of the Port Said section. They had been delayed due to defects in the Rawnsley.

HMAS Vampire then proceeded with the other two ships to make rendezvous with the Haifa section which on the 7th had been joined by the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) coming from Alexandria. The sloop HMS Auckland (Cdr. E.G. Hewitt, RN) also joined on the 7th. HMAS Stuart however developed defects and parted company later on the 7th.

The convoy was in formation around 1300C/7 and by 2000C/7 the Flamingo and the Rawnsley had caught up.

On the 8th the convoy was joined by the destroyer HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) which had departed Alexandria earlier that day to replace HMAS Stuart.

Around 1935C/8, the convoy was attacked from the air in position 33°52'N, 26°34'E. The first attack run failed due to effective AA fire from HMS Flamingo. The enemy then commenced a second attack run during which the Rawnsley was hit. HMS Grimsby and HMAS Waterhen remained behind to assist her. HMS Grimsby took her in tow with HMAS Waterhen screening. The remainder of the convoy meanwhile continued on to Suda Bay where it arrived around 0830C/9.

Meanwhile the Rawnsley was towed to an anchorage off the south of Crete. HMAS Waterhen then parted company and proceeded to Suda Bay where she arrived on 10 May. (45)

9 May 1941

Convoy AS 30.

This convoy departed Suda Bay on 9 May 1941.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Belray (British, 2888 GRT, built 1926), Crista (British, 2590 GRT, built 1938), Kephallinia (Greek, 1055 GRT, built 1893), Kirkland (British, 1361 GRT, built 1934), Lesbos (Greek, 1106 GRT, built 1893), Pass of Balmaha (British (tanker), 758 GRT, built 1933), Popi (Greek, 1594 GRT, built 1896), Rodi (British, 3220 GRT, built 1928, former Italian), Rokos (Greek, 6426 GRT, built 1918), Runa (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930), Samos (Greek, 921 GRT, built 1889), Scottish Prince (British, 4917 GRT, built 1938) and Zealand (British, 2726 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Suda Bay the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN), sloops HMS Auckland (Cdr. E.G. Hewitt, RN), HMS Flamingo (Cdr. R.J.O. Otway-Ruthven, RN), minesweeper HMS Derby (Lt.Cdr. F.C.V. Brightman, RN), ASW trawler HMS Moonstone (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Britten, RNR). The Greek torpedo boat RHS Sfendoni was also with the convoy.

The passage was undisturbed. The convoy split into two sections (Port Said and Alexandria) around 2100C/11.

Both sections arrived at their destination on the 12th. The Port Said section was escorted by HMS Flamingo while the other escorts remained with the Alexandria section.

15 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2000C/15, HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Alexandria with troops and stores for Tobruk.

These were landed at Tobruk during the night of 16/17 May and HMAS Vampire then embared 180 wounded. She cleared Tobruk harbour around 0320C/17 and arrived back at Alexandria around 1800C/17. (46)

19 May 1941
On 19 May 1941, HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Alexandria with troops and stores for Tobruk.

These were landed at Tobruk during the night of 20/21 May and HMAS Vampire then embared wounded soldiers. She arrived back at Alexandria on 21 May.

While in Tobruk Harbour alongside the jetty she struck a submerged object which carried away her Asdic dome and oscillator. Both were later salvaged by naval personnel at Tobruk.

On Vampire's return to Alexandria it had become obvious that the old ship was badly in need for a long refit. At speeds above 18 knots she suffered from massive vibration.

HMAS Vampire then commenced boiler cleaning and to prepare for the trip to Singapore where she was to refit. (46)

28 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1700C/28, HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Alexandria for Singapore. (46)

29 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) passed the Suez Canal southbound and then set course for Aden. (46)

2 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) arrived at Aden. (47)

3 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Aden for Bombay. (47)

8 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) arrived at Bombay from Aden. (47)

9 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Bombay for Colombo. (47)

11 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) arrived at Colombo from Bombay. (47)

14 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) departed Colombo for Singapore. (47)

19 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) arrived at Singapore from Colombo. (47)

20 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) is taken in hand for refit by the Singapore Harbour Board. (47)

You can help improve officers John Anthony Walsh'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