Peveril Barton Reibey Wallop William-Powlett DSO, RN
| Born | 5 Mar 1898 |
| Ranks
Retired: 8 Sep 1954 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for Peveril Barton Reibey Wallop William-Powlett, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS Fiji (58) | Capt. | Light cruiser | 16 Dec 1940 | 22 May 1941 |
| HMS Newcastle (76) | Capt. | Light cruiser | 14 Feb 1942 | 8 May 1944 |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Light cruiser HMS Fiji (58)
7 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
With her repairs now completed HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) proceeded down river to Greenock. (1)
15 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (1)
18 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) conducted full power trials and exercises in the Clyde area. (1)
25 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. (1)
2 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) conducted torpedo and gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. Also a simulation air attack was made on her. (2)
6 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. (2)
7 Mar 1941
HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. (2)
10 Mar 1941
HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in the Clyde area. (2)
11 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) departed the Clyde for Scapa Flow. (2)
12 Mar 1941
HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from the Clyde. (2)
14 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) conducted torpedo firing and 4" gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (2)
19 Mar 1941
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN) and HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) conducted gunnery and RIX (rangefinding and inclination) exercises off Scapa Flow. (2)
22 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the evening, HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN), conducted night gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (2)
25 Mar 1941
HMS London (Capt. R.M. Servaes, CBE, RN) and HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) both conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. Also RDF exercises were carried out with during the night of 25/26 March. (3)
27 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the afternoon HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN) and HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) departed Scapa Flow to patrol in the Denmark Strait. (4)
28 Mar 1941
HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN) and HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) are ordered to join the battlecruiser HMS Hood (Capt. R. Kerr, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral W.J. Whitworth, CB, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN), HMS Electra (Cdr. C.W. May, RN) and HMS Escapade (Lt.Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN) which they did around 1445 hours (zone -1). HMS Hood and her escorting destroyers had departed Scapa Flow around 0630 hours. The destroyers were to proceed to the limit of their edurance and then proceed to Londonderry to refuel, in fact they were detached at 0001/31.
These ships were to relieve 'Force H' from Gibraltar on the Bay of Biscay patrol to block the German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau in Brest. (4)
31 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Shortly after midnight, HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN), HMS Electra (Cdr. C.W. May, RN) and HMS Escapade (Lt.Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN), parted company with Hood (Capt. R. Kerr, CBE, RN), HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN) and HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN). The destroyers were to proceed to Londonderry to fuel before they were to rejoin the other ships for their return passage to the U.K. (5)
2 Apr 1941
Around 2100 hours, HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) parted company with
HMS Hood (Capt. R. Kerr, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral W.J. Whitworth, CB, DSO, RN) and HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN). HMS Fiji was ordered to proceed to Gibraltar to temporarily join 'Force 'H.
At midnight HMS Nigeria was also detached to join convoy HG 57 at sea. She joined it the following day. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy HG 57 ' for 25 March 1941 on the page of HMS Nigeria.] (6)
2 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2100 hours, HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) parted company with
Hood (Capt. R. Kerr, CBE, RN) and HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN).
At Midnight HMS Nigeria was also detached. (6)
5 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (7)
6 Apr 1941
Shortly after midnight Vice-Admiral Somerville was informed that there were indications that the German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau might leave Brest on the night of 6/7 April. He was instructed to leave Gibraltar with ' Force H ' as soon as possible and proceed westwards. ' Force H ' was placed under the orders of the Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet.
At 0300 'Force H', made up of the following ships; battlecruiser HMS Renown (Capt. R.R. McGrigor, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.F. Somerville, KCB, DSO, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (Capt. L.E.H. Maund, RN), light cruisers HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.A.A. Larcom, RN), HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN), destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN (Capt. D.8)), HMS Fearless (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Foresight (Cdr. J.S.C. Salter, RN), departed Gibraltar. They were ordered to patrol off the Bay of Biscay.
At 0650/6, an A/S patrol was flown off and at 0730/6 three Fulmars and five Swordfish were landed on coming from North Front (the airbase at Gibraltar). An additional A/S patrol was glown off in view of information received from th Vice-Admiral Commanding North Atlantic Station, that five Italian submarines might be passing through the Straits into the Atlantic. Speed was increased to 23 knots at 1000/6 to reach a position from which a reconnaissance from HMS Ark Royal on the evening of the 7th might locate the enemy should he leave Brest on the previous night and steer south-west.
In the late afternoon / early evening an exercise was carried out during which ranges and bearings were obtained by the new radar set in HMS Fiji and were passed on to HMS Renown. HMS Sheffield served as the 'target' during this exercise. This was to investigate the possibility of HMS Renown engaging the enemy at night or in low visibility. Results were promising, but not entirely satisfactory, largely owing to lack of experience in HMS Fiji in operating this new radar set.
At 2000/6, when in position 37°46'N, 11°04'W, course was altered to 328° and speed increased to 24 knots. Further instructions for all units taking part in the operation were received.
Shortly after midnight Vice-Admiral Somerville leant that reconnaissance at 1830/6 had located both enemy battlecruisers at Brest. He therefore decided to maintain the course and speed of ' Force H ' till 1000/7 asnd then if no report had been received if the enemy having left Brest during the night of 6/7 April to reduce speed and alter course to the westward. As it was anticipated that activity by Focke Wulf aircraft would probably accompany the departure of the battlecruisers from Brest, a section of fighters was ranged on deck of HMS Ark Royal after the usual A/S patrol had flown off at 0655/7.
During the forenoon the employment of HMS Fiji's radar set by HMS Renown was again exercises on HMS Sheffield. During the afternoon each destroyer proceeded alongside HMS Renown and received 105 tons of oil. The time taken averaged 1 hour 14 minutes. During this period HMS Renown maintained a steady course of 290° at 10 knots. HMS Ark Royal acted independently. Weather conditions for fuelling were moderate.
At 1420/7 the A/S patrol aircraft, which was then seven miles to the northward of HMS Renown, reported having sighted three miles to the north-west of his position what appreared to be a four-engine monoplane flying 090° at 1000 feet. Renown's position was then 43°05'N, 15°47'W, and the visibility from 1000 feet, 7 miles. The aircraft was at first presumed to be a Focke Wulf, and it was doubtful whether or not ' Force H ' had been sighted. Nothing however was picked up on HMS Fiji's radar and later the crew of the Swordfish reported it was possible that they had seen a section of Fulmars which was flying in formation at that time and mistaken it for the single large aircraft reported.
No report having been received y 1500/7 regarding the presence or otherwise of the enemy battlecruisers at Brest, Vice-Admiral Somerville decided to send off a reconnaissance from HMS Ark Royal to search their furthest-on position assuming theyy had let Brest at nightfall on 6 April and passed between our submarine patrols and Cape Finisterre. Accordingly at 1625/7, nine aircraft were flown off from position 43°15'N, 16°15'W to search between 000° and 110°. Just after they had taken off a report was received that at 1145/6 the enemy was still in Brest harbour. The reconnaissance landed at 2010/7, having searched to a depth of 130 miles without sighting anything. Earlier receipt of the Brest report would have obviated the necessity for this reconnaissance.
Course was altered to the southward at 2130/7 amd to the eastward at 0200/8 to remain in the most favourable position for covering the south-west corner of the Bay of Biscay should the enemy leave Brest during the night.
At 0510/8 the result of the photographic reconnaissance of Brest on the afternoon of the 7th came in. This showed one battlecruiser had moved into dry dock. The other was in the harbour.
The A/S patrol was flown off at 0655/8 and at 0800/8 course was altered to 065° to reach a good position for an evening reconnaissance in the event of no information having been received that the enemy were still in Brest, and to enable a surface reconnaissance to be established the south-west of Cape Finisterre during the night if definite information wre received of the enemy's departure.
During the forenoon RDF trials were again carried out between HMS Fiji and HMS Renown, HMS Sheffield again acting as the 'target'. At the end of the exercise two rounds of 15" were fired with the object of HMS Fiji could range on the splashes but nothing was detacted on the screen. The exercises continued to show promise. A search and plotting exercise was also carried out during the forenoon.
The visibility was variable throughout the day and by 1120/8 the A/S patrol had to be abandoned. It was possible to restart it an hour later when one aircraft was flown off and instructed to investigate some flashes that had been reported by HMS Faulknor just above the horizon, on a bearing 130°. This observation could not be confirmed and nothing was seen by the aircraft.
Between 1600/8 and 1845/8 ' Force H' entered fog and at times the visibility was only a few hundred yards. The A/S patrol was fitted with ASV and by mean of this succeeded in landing on HMS Ark Royal down wind sustained some damage in the safety net. As any form of reconnaissance was clearly out of the question in this area, course was altered to the westward at 1700/8 and later the the southward in ordered to cover by air reconnaissance next moring, a possible enemy break out between our submarine patrols and Cape Finisterre.
At 2100/8 Vice-Admiral Somerville received instructions that the Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet in HMS King George V was to return to Scapa Flow and that HMS Repulse was to proceed to Gibraltar and the command of the remaining forces in the Bay of Biscay area was now transferred to Vice-Admiral Somerville.
The position allocated to HMS Queen Elizabeth and to a less extent that allocated to HMS Hood appeared to Vice-Admiral Somerville to be too far to the westward to provide a reasonable prospect of making contact with the enemy before shadowing by shore base aircraft ceased owing to darkness or distance from their base. Vice-Admiral Somerville, however, cosidered that it was justigiable to break W/T silence at this stage.
At 0645/9, an A/S patrol was flown off, followed at 0800/9 by a reconnaissance of nine aircraft from position 42°03'N, 15°41'W. An all round search was flown with the object of locating the enemy battlecruisers should they had left Brest during the night of 7/8 April and passed south of our submarine patrol in the Bay of Biscay. The reconnaissance was limited by poor visibility and some aircraft had to return early. Nothing was sighted.
Soon after 1000/9 an immediate plain language signal was interepted from 19 Group, Headquartes, instructing RAF aircraft SQ8M to 'patrol to maximum prudent limit of endurance. Battlecruisers may have left 0830'. The time of origin of this signal was 1009/9. Vice-Admiral Somerville was surprised that a signal of this nature should have been made in plain language.
Course was altered to 320° at 0915/9 for oiling the destroyers and each of the three took 107 tons in an average of 67 minutes. On completion of oiling this course was maintained in order to close HMS Repulse, who was returning to Gibraltar in accordance with Admiralty signal 1859/8, as Vice-Admiral Somerville wanted to pass a cypher to her for transmission on the first occasion of breaking W/T silence.
At 1140/9, a signal was intercepted from the Commander-in-Chief, Plymouth, informing HMS Dunedin, who was on passage to Gibraltar, that a large vessel, possibly a warship, escorted by three destroyers, was leaving Brest. This vessel eventually proved to be a merchant vessel. News of the enemy leaving Brest was eagerly awaited in HMS Renown as this was the anniversary of Renown's previous encounter with the battlecruisers of Norway.
A reconnaissance of eight aircraft flew off at 1600/9 from position 42°11'N, 16°04'W, to search between 220° and 000° with the object of locating HMS Repulse. She was sighted fine on the starboard bow, and passed at a distance of seven miles at 2000/9 in position 43°00'N, 16°53'W. The reconnaissance aircraft dropped onboard HMS Repulse a message to be transmitted to the Admiralty as soon as the breaking W/T silence was considered justified. This message requisted the Admiralty to move HMS Hood and HMS Queen Elizabeth further in towards Brest and to give earlier information concerning the results of air reconnaissance.
HMS Ark Royal's reconnaissance also sighted at 1635/9 a Bermuda rigged cutter in position 42°11'N, 16°52'W steering 240° and wearing no flag. This report was not received till shortly before dark and as the position was then some 45 miles on Renown's port quarted Vice-Admiral Somerville did not detach a destroyer to investigate. This cutter, which was probably a Portugese fruit boat, was heading for the Azores.
Course was altered to 215° at 2000/9 and continued throughout the night so as to be in position at 0800/10 to cover the enemy;s furthest on position had they left Brest on the night of 8/9 April and steered south-west. No news of the enemy was received all day.
At 0230/10 a signal was received stating that photographs taken at 1830/9 showed both battlecruisers still at Brest. An A/S patrol was flown off at 0700/10 and at 0740/10 speed was reduced to 14 knots on account of the sea and rising wind from north-east. Course was altered to 340° to bring the sea on the beam and thus improve conditions for the destroyers.
During the forenoon HMS Sheffield was stationed 12 miles on the port beam for an exercise. At 1300/10 course was altered to 120° to avoid getting too far to the north-west and to keep as much to windward as possible without punishing the destroyers.
At 2000/10 course was altered to 330° for the night. This took ' Force H ' about 60 miles north of its area by 0800/10 but it was considered desirable for A/S reasons to get clear of the area in which we have been operating fo the last 48 hours. There were no indications of early departure of the enemy and the weather reports suggested that the area to the north-west would in all probability be the least favourable for air reconnaissance.
At 2100/10, HMS Fiji was detached in position 41°56'N, 14°36'W, to return to Gibraltar to fuel and sail for Freetown in accordance with Admiralty's 1829/8. The wind and sea had risen considerably and a speed of 12 knots could not be exceeded without the destroyers bumping excessively.
At 0200/11, Vice-Admiral Somerville received the Commander-in-Chief. Home Fleet's intended dispositions for the patrol. These coincided very closely with his own but necessitated ships moving further eastward then Vice-Admiral Somerville had suggester in his signal sent 1330/9.
The usual A/S patrol flew off at 0720/11, and by 0830/11 the sea had moderated sufficiently to allow a speed of 16 knots. A reconnassance of 12 aircraft was flown off at 0904/11 in position 43°48'N, 16°10'W, for an all round search for the enemy battlecruisers in case they might be in the vicinity, no news having been received of them later than that spplied by photographs at 1830/9.
At 1000/11, signals were received which showed both battlecruisers at Brest at 1620/10. These signals from the Admiralty were in Naval Code with no indication of priority. They were originated at 2324/10 and 0234/11 but were not received in HMS Renown until 0845/11 and there was then a futher delay in decoding due to this lack of any indication of priority. As a result 12 aircraft had been flown off on a needless reconnaissance in conditions where there was considerable chance of damage on landing and ' Force H ' was committed to a definite course and speed till all aircraft returned.
Speed had to be reduced to 15 knots at 1130/11 as the destroyers had again started to bump.
The reconnaissance landed on at 1300/11 having sighted nothing. Course was then altered to the westward for two hours with the object of avoiding steaming through the same water when making ground to the north-west.
Course was altered to 330° at 1530/11. The decisiom to move north-west was based on several factors. HMS Queen Elizabeth was proceeding from her patrol position in the vicinity of 45°00'N, 23°00'W, to fuel at Gibraltar, and would therefore temporarily cover the sector previously patrolled by ' Force H ', whilst the latter Force would be moving towards Queen Elizabeth's former position. The centre sector of the Bay of Biscay was being uncovered by the removal of our submarines to the UK and Gibraltar. Weather reports indicated better prospects for efficient reconnaissance to the north-west and it was clearly advantageous from an A/S point of view to shift the area of operations.
At 1700/11, information was received that both enemy battlecruisers were still in Brest at 1400/11. This early receipt of the results of reconnaissance was of great value.
HMS Fearless investigated an A/S contact at 2130/11 in position 44°24'N, 17°02'W, and HMS Faulknor assisted, but the echo was not good and was considered to be non-sub. After dropping a pattern of depth charges the destroyers rejoined.
Having made enough ground tp the north-ward course was altered to 270° at 0100/12 to avoid approaching the position where HMS Fearless had obtained a contact. HMS Sheffield was detached at 0500/12 on receipt of instructions that she was to return to Gibraltar.
Course was altered to the eastward at 0650/12 to aoid moving too far from Brest, and as weather conditions were then favourable for oiling destroyers, course was altered to 140° at 1030/12 and speed reduced to 10 knots for this purpose. Each destroyers received approximately 77 tons.
A short search and plotting exercise was carried out during the forenoon and HMS Ark Royal exercised fighters. Further fighter training and a dummy torpedo bombing attack was carried out p.m.
At 1800/12, in position 44°08'N, 16°50'W, a life saving raft marked Bianca was sighted. This position was 110 miles 274° from where the Bianca had been scuttled on March 20th when intercepted by HMS Renown. During the morning watch an empty lifeboat had been investigated and it is probable this also belonged to either the Bianca or San Casimiro, who had been scuttled some 60 miles north-west of the Bianca on the same day.
On completion of oiling, course was altered to 090° to make ground to windward and towards Brest in case any report should be received of the enemy leaving harbour. At 1700/12 information was received that up to 1300/12 reconnaissance of Brest had been unsuccessful. No reconnaissance was flown as he position of ' Force H ' and visibility did not suggest that any useful results would be otained. Course was maintained to the eastward.
At 0019/13, a signal was received stating that the ASV patrol off Brest was not being flown and since there had been no reconnaissance of the port the previous day it was decided to turn to, the north-eastward to take up the best position for an air reconnaissance from HMS Ark Royal in the evening to cover the possible position of the enemy if they had left during the night of 12/13 April. Course was accordingly altered to 060° at 0400/13.
HMS Faulknor dropped depth charge on a contact in position 44°48'N, 14°06'W at 1400/13 but resumed station at once as the contact was considered doubtful and a large fish was seen to break surface near the depth charge explosions.
At 1530/13, course was altered to 150°. information was received at 1625/13 (Admiralty message 1456/13) that up to 1300/13 no reconnaissance of Brest had been possible. Twelve aircraft were flown off at 1630/13 from position 44°43'N, 13°33'W, to cover the enemy's possible position had he sailed during the first half of last night and steered between 220° and 255° between 20 and 24 knots. These aircraft landed on at 2000/13 having sight nothing except a 3-masted brigantine 120 miles north of HMS Renown heading to the westward. No steps were taken to investigate this craft as it would have been dark before a destroyer could reach the position.
Course was altered to 210° for the night to enable a morning reconnaissance to cover the enemy's possible position if he had avoided detection by, or passed to the south-east of the area covered by, the days search. News was received at 2125/13 that no reconnaissance of Brest had been carried out up to 1800/13 and that a report hat stated that Gneisenau had been seriously hit aft by two bombs.
An A/S and security patrol was flown off at 0650/14. At 0800/14 course was altered to 320° to maintain the same distance from Brest, and a reconnaissance of eight aircraft was flown off from position 41°30'N, 14°50'W, to carry out a search to the north-eastward to a depth of 120 miles. Nothing was sighted. Course was altered to 065° at noon so that the evening reconnaissance from HMS Ark Royal could cover the enemy's furthest on position should the reconnaissance of Brest indicate that the battlecruisers had sailed.
During the day HMS Renown and HMS Ark Royal carried out 4.5" gunnery exercises at a target towed by one of the destroyers. Dummy dive bombing practices were carried out on the destroyers by Fulmars.
Information was received at 1245/14 that one battlecruiser had been seen at Brest at 0730/14 but owing to low visibility the dry dock had not been seen.
At 1630/14, a signal (C-in-C, Home Fleet, 1435/14) was received directing the Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet, to assume command of all the units operating in the Bay of Biscay area from 1600/14.
Failing further news of the enemy Vice-Admiral Somerville did not consider it desirable to carry out an evening reconnaissance, as to reach his possible position it would have been nesccessary for the aircraft to fly off very late and to carry out a very deep search. As nothing more was heard by 1800/14 course was altered to the westward for two hours and then to 150° to return to Gibraltar. It was etimated that HMS Repulse, northbound to start her patrol, would cross the latitude of ' Force H ', southbound, a.m. on the 15th.
At dawn on the 15th the usual A/S patrols were flown off. Speed was increased to 19 knots at 1000/19. During the forenoon fighters carried out dummy dive bombing attacks on HMS Renown for the training of the close range AA personnel.
Information was received at 1300/15 that both the enemy battlecruisers had been seen at Brest at 0845/15.
At 1345/15, when in position 39°05'N, 11°24'W, a signal was received that a German Focke Wulf aircraft had been operating near 38°00'N, 12°00'W at 1135/15. In the afternoon two sections of fighters were therefore flown off to maintain a high and low patrol. These patrols landed at 1610/15, nothing had been sighted.
There were signs of considerable U-boat activity in the Gibraltar area. Three definite reports of sightings were made in the past twenty-four hours, one 53 miles east of Gibraltar, one 100 miles were of Tarifa, and one 28 miles of Lisbon. Course was accordingly altered to 180° at 2000/15 in case ' Force H ' had been sighted and reported by U-boat or aircraft.
At 2255/15, a raider signal was received from an unknown ship in position 37°09'N, 18°43'W, some 400 miles due west of ' Force H '. With the fuel remaining only one search over a relatively small area was possible and the destroyers could not accompany the force. In view of the reported presence of U-boats in the vicinity and the very small prospects of effecting contact coupled with the necessity for ships and destroyers of ' Force H ' to make good defects in preparation for forthcoming operations, Vice-Admiral Somerville decided that it was undisirable to investigate this report. The ocean boarding vessel HMS Camito was known to be in the vicinity of the position or the raider report.
Course was altered to the eastward at 2330/15 and speed was increased to 24 knots at midnight.
A double A/S patrol was flown off at 0625/16 and later five aircraft were flown off to land at North Front landing ground to be available for various training exercises while the ships would be in harbour.
' Force H ' entered harbour at 1245/16. (7) 10 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) 12 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) 13 Apr 1941 17 Apr 1941 This convoy departed Freetown on 17 April 1941 for Liverpool where it arrived on 13 May 1941.
The convoy was made up of the following merchants;
Alcinous (Dutch, 6189 GRT, built 1925),
Bangalore (British, 6067 GRT, built 1928),
Baron Douglas (British, 3899 GRT, built 1932),
Coracero (British, 7252 GRT, built 1923),
Corinaldo (British, 7131 GRT, built 1921),
Daldorch (British, 5571 GRT, built 1930),
Dixcove (British, 3790 GRT, built 1927),
Empire Lotus (British, 3696 GRT, built 1920),
Gaelic Star (British, 5596 GRT, built 1917),
Garoet (Dutch, 7118 GRT, built 1917),
Hainaut (Belgian, 4312 GRT, built 1905),
Hazelside II (British, 5297 GRT, built 1940),
Inverbank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1924),
Jeypore (British, 5318 GRT, built 1920),
Kelbergen (Dutch, 4823 GRT, built 1914),
Llanberis (British, 5055 GRT, built 1928),
Lorca (British, 4875 GRT, built 1931),
Moanda (Belgian, 4621 GRT, built 1937),
Mokambo (Belgian, 4996 GRT, built 1938),
Mount Kitheron (Greek, 3876 GRT, built 1912),
Muneric (British, 5229 GRT, built 1919),
Norman Star (British, 6817 GRT, built 1919),
Penrose (British, 4393 GRT, built 1928),
Perth (British, 2259 GRT, built 1915),
Prinses Maria-Pia (Belgian, 2588 GRT, built 1938),
Saint Bernard (British, 5183 GRT, built 1939),
Scottish Star (British, 7224 GRT, built 1917),
Somerset (British, 8790 GRT, built 1918),
St. Helena (British, 4313 GRT, built 1936),
Testbank (British, 5083 GRT, built 1937),
Tyndareus (British, 11361 GRT, built 1916),
Ulysses (British, 14647 GRT, built 1913),
Velma (Norwegian (tanker), 9720 GRT, built 1930),
Winkfield (British, 5279 GRT, built 1919) and
Yorkwood (British, 5401 GRT, built 1936).
The merchant vessel Empire Advocate (British, 5787 GRT, built 1913) joined at sea on 25 April near the Azores.
A/S Escort was provided on the day of departure when the convoy was near Freetown by the destroyers HMS Vidette (Lt. E.N. Walmsley, RN), HMS Vidette (Lt.Cdr. E.N. Walmsley, RN) and the corvettes HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN) and HMS Calendula (Lt.Cdr. A.D. Bruford, RNVR).
Ocean escort was provided by the light cruiser HMS Dragon (Capt. R.J. Shaw, MBE, RN) until being relieved around noon on the 19th by HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) which then remained with the convoy until May 1st.
On 20 April the Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Dunnottar Castle (Capt.(Retd.) C.T.A. Bunbury, RN) joined the convoy and she remained with it until May 11th.
Local escort in British home waters was provided from 10 to 13 May by the destroyers HMS Keppel (Cdr. A.M. Sheffield, RN), HMS Lincoln (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN), HMS Sabre (Lt. Sir P.W. Gretton, DSC, RN) (to 12 May only), HMCS Columbia (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) S.W. Davis, RN), sloop HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. R.W. Moir, RN), corvettes HMS Alisma (A/Lt.Cdr. M.G. Rose, RANVR), HMS Dianella (T/Lt. J.G. Rankin, RNR), HMS Kingcup (Lt. R.A.D. Cambridge, RNR) and the A/S trawlers HMS Man o' War (T/Lt. W.W. Creber, RNR), HMS St. Loman (T/Lt. R.C. Warwick, RNR) and HMS Wellard (Lt.(Retd.) R.F. Turnbull, RD, RNR).
18 Apr 1941 19 Apr 1941 [See 'Convoy SL 72' for 17 April 1941 for more on this convoy.] (8) 4 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00) 15 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 18 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) HMS Newcastle departed Capetown at 2240Z/18 for for Simonstown where she arrived at 0550Z/19. (10) 26 Mar 1942 2 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 7 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 8 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 12 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 27 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) During the night these ships conducted exercises on completion of which HMS Gambia returned to Kilindini.
All the other ships set course for Aden. 1 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 2 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 6 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 8 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 15 Jun 1942 19 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) The escort destroyers HMS Aldenham (Lt. H.A. Stuart-Menteth, RN), HMS Beaufort (Lt.Cdr. S.O’G Roche, RN), HMS Croome (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Egan, RN) and HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, DSC, RN) accompanied them until off Port Said as they were on passage to Haifa. (15) 20 Jun 1942 24 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 25 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 28 Jun 1942 The destroyers HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr M.J. Clark, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN) which were on passage from Aden to Kilindini were diverted to assist. (12) 30 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 2 Jul 1942 15 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy CM 29 ' for 1 July 1942.] (9) 21 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 7 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) HMS Newcastle is to proceed to the New York Navy Yard in the USA for full repairs to her action damage. (17) 13 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 19 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 21 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 29 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 30 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 8 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 10 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 13 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 3 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 2 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 3 Dec 1942 5 Dec 1942 6 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 7 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 8 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 10 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 18 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00) 16 Feb 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 2 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 12 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 17 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 19 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 25 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 25 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 27 Mar 1943 Later HMS Newcastle conducted independent AA gunnery exercises. HMS King George V also conducted gunnery exercises. (21) 29 Mar 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) These were followed by underway refueling exercises with the RFA tanker Black Ranger (3417 GRT, built 1941).
In the evening night gunnery exercises were carried out. (21) 30 Mar 1943 1 Apr 1943 6 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 7 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 16 Apr 1943 This combined convoy was formed off Oversay on 16 April 1943. The convoy was divided into convoys WS 29 and KMS 13 at sea on 20 April 1943.
The combined convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports;
Athlone Castle (British, 25564 GRT, built 1936),
Banfora (British, 9472 GRT, built 1914),
Boissevain (Dutch, 14134 GRT, built 1937),
City of Edinburgh (British, 8036 GRT, built 1938),
Cuba (British, 11420 GRT, built 1923),
Duchess of York (British, 20021 GRT, built 1929),
Dunnottar Castle (British, 15007 GRT, built 1936),
Empire Kamal (British, 7862 GRT, built 1938),
Empire Prime (British, 9248 GRT, built 1941),
Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923),
Gloucester (British, 8532 GRT, built 1941),
Highland Brigade (British, 14134 GRT, built 1929),
Highland Monarch (British, 14139 GRT, built 1928),
Highland Princess (British, 14133 GRT, built 1930),
Índrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925),
Nea Hellas (British, 16991 GRT, built 1922),
Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927),
Orion (British, 23371 GRT, built 1935),
Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917),
Pardo (British, 5400 GRT, built 1940),
Silverwalnut (British, 6770 GRT, built 1930),
Staffordshire (British, 10683 GRT, built 1929),
Straat Malakka (Dutch, 6439 GRT, built 1939) and
Troilus (British, 7422 GRT, built 1921).
When the convoy was formed up off Oversay the escort for the combined convoy was made up of the light cruiser HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN), destroyers HMS Rapid (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Venomous (Lt. H.D. Durell, RN), escort destroyer HMS Lauderdale (Lt. G.D. Pound, DSC, RN), sloops HMS Weston (Cdr. L.F. Durnford-Slater, RN), HMS Wellington (Lt.Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR), cutters HMS Gorleston (Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Keymer, RN), HMS Totland (Lt.Cdr. L.E. Woodhouse, RN) and the frigates HMS Exe (A/Cdr. M.A.O. Biddulph, DSC, RN) and HMS Ness (A/Cdr. T.G.P. Crick, DSC, RN).
Around 1530B/18, the light (AA) cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) joined the convoy having sailed from Plymouth around 1415B/17. She parted company with the convoy after dark on the 20th.
Around 1600A/20, HMS Rapid parted company with the convoy to fuel at Casablanca.
Around 2100A/20, the Nea Hellas parted company to proceed to New York unescorted. Also around the same time HMS Charybdis parted company to proceed to Gibraltar where she arrived the following day.
Around 1030A/21, the destroyer HMS Malcolm (Cdr. J.M. Money, RN), HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. S.R.J. Woods, RNR) and
HMS Wolverine (Lt. I.M. Clegg, RN) joined coming from Casablanca. The combined convoy then split up.
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Convoy KMF 13, made up of the Banfora, Boissevai, Cuba, Duchess of York, Dunnottar Castle, Empire Pride, Franconia, Indrapoera, Nieuw Holland, Ormonde and Staffordshire escorted by HMS Weston, HMS Wellington, HMS Gorleston, HMS Totland, HMS Exe and HMS Ness set course to pass through the Straits of Gibraltar. All the merchant vessels were to proceed to Algiers, except the Dunnottar Castle which was to proceed to Gibraltar and the Boissevain and Nieuw Holland which were to proceed to Oran.
On 22 April the escort destroyer HMS Atherstone (Lt. E.N. Wood, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Holcombe (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN) joined the convoy off Gibraltar.
Also the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. H.F. Nalder, RN) joined the convoy.
The convoy arrived at Algiers on 23 April 1943.
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Convoy WS 29, made up of the Athlone Castle, City of Edinburgh, Empire Kamal, Gloucester, Highland Brigade, Highland Monarch, Highland Princess, Orion, Pardo, Silverwalnut, Straat Malakka and Troilus escorted by HMS Newcastle, HMS Venomous, HMS Malcolm, HMS Witch, HMS Wolverine and HMS Lauderdale.
At 2020A/21, HMS Rapid rejoined from fuelling at Casablanca. HMS Venomous and HMS Lauderdale were then detached to proceed to Gibraltar.
On 24 April the Gloucester was detached.
On 26 April the transport China Mail (American, 8616 GRT, built 1942) joined coming from Dakar.
The convoy arrived at Freetown on 28 April 1943.
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Convoy WS 29 departed Freetown for South Africa on 5 May 1943, it was now made up of the transports;
Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Aorangi (British, 17491 GRT, built 1924), Athlone Castle, City of Edinburgh, Clan Lamont (British, 7250 GRT, built 1935), Empire Kamal, Highland Brigade, Highland Monarch, Highland Princess, Orion, Pardo, Silverwalnut, Straat Malakka and Troilus.
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Newcastle, destroyers HMS Rapid, HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN), HMS Malcolm, HMS Witch, HMS Wolverine and HMS Lewes (Lt.Cdr. M.V. Thorburn, DSC, RNVR) and the sloop Savorgnan de Brazza.
At 0930Z/6, Savorgnan de Brazza was detached.
At 1800Z/7, the City of Edinburgh, Highland Princess and Troilus split off from the convoy to proceed to Takoradi. The destroyers HMS Boreas and HMS Witch were their escorts.
At 2359B/11, HMS Rapid, HMS Malcolm and HMS Wolverine, were detached at 2359B/11 to Pointe Noire.
At 0700B/12, the destroyers HMS Racehorse (Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN), HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) and HMS Rotherham (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN) joined coming from Pointe Noire.
In the afternoon of the 12th HMS Lewes fuelled from HMS Newcastle.
HMS Lewes was again fuelled by HMS Newcastle in the afternoon of the 14th.
In the afternoon of the 15th, HMS Relentless fuelled from HMS Newcastle.
On the 16th the Capetown section of the convoy split off, it was made up of the Almanzora, Athlone Castle, Empire Kamal, Pardo and Silverwalnut. They were escorted by HMS Newcastle, HMS Rotherham and HMS Lewes. They arrived at Capetown on the 17th. HMS Lewes then proceeded to Simonstown arriving there on the 18th.
The remaining ships, Aorangi, Clan Lamont, Highland Brigade, Highland Monarch, Orion and Straat Malakka made up the Durban section. They were escorted by HMS Racehorse, HMS Relentless and HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN). This last destroyer having joined on the 16th coming from Salanha Bay. HMS Racehorse and HMS Relentless were relieved on the 18th by the destroyers HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN) and HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN) which had departed Simonstown at 0815B/18. HMS Racehorse and HMS Relentless then proceeded to Capetown arriving later on the 18th. The Durban section of the convoy arrived there on 21 May 1943.
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On 22 May 1943, the Capetown section of convoy WS 29 departed there, it was now made up of the following transports;
Alcoa Pioneer, (American, 6761 GRT, built 1941),
Almanzora, Athlone Castle, Empire Kamal,
Llanstephan Castle (British, 11348 GRT, built 1914),
Orbita (British, 15495 GRT, built 1915), Pardo and Silverwalnut. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Racehorse, HMS Relentless and HMS Rotherham.
On 25 May 1943, HMS Racehorse arrived at Durban to fuel.
On 25 May 1943, the Durban section of the convoy departed there, it was now made up of the following transports;
Bergensfjord (Norwegian, 11015 GRT, built 1913),
Clan Lamont,
Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929),
Ruys (Dutch, 14155 GRT, built 1937),
Selandia (South African, 8482 GRT, built 1938),
Straat Malakka,
Strathaird (British, 22281 GRT, built 1932) and
Strathmore (British, 23428 GRT, built 1935). They were escorted by the destroyers HMAS Norman, HMS Quadrant, HMS Racehorse and HMS Redoubt. The Silverwalnut had to return to Durban due to defects.
The Capetown and the Durban section made rendezvous on 26 May and then merged minus the transports Empire Kamal and Llanstephan Castle which proceeded to Durban escorted by HMS Relentless and HMS Rotherham. They arrived at Durban on 26 May 1943. HMS Racehorse joined the three destroyers that came with the Durban section.
Around 1700C/27, the convoy was joined by the light cruiser HMS Kenya (Capt. D.P. Evans, RN) which had departed Durban at 1645C/26 to overtake the convoy.
At 1650C/28, HMAS Norman parted company with the convoy.
At 2359C/28, HMS Quadrant and HMS Redoubt parted company.
At 1100C/29, HMS Racehorse parted company.
At 0810D/2, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Chitral (A/Capt.(Retd.) G.W. Hoare-Smith, RN) joined the convoy.
At 1300D/2, HMS Kenya parted company with the convoy to proceed to Kilindini where she arrived around 1700C/4.
At 0800D/3, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt. R.H.C. Crawford, OBE, RNR) joined the convoy.
At 1230D/5, the convoy was split up in the Aden section and the Bombay section.
The Aden section was made up of;
Alcoa Pioneer, Bergensfjord, Clan Lamond, Leopoldville, Pardo, Ruys and Selandia. It was escorted by HMS Chitral and arrived at Aden on 8 June 1943.
The Bombay section was made up of;
Almanzora, Athlone Castle, Orbita, Straat Malakka, Strathaird and Strathmore. It was escorted by HMS Alaunia and arrived at Bombay on 10 June 1943, minus the Straat Malakka which had been detached on 9 June 1943 for Karachi where she also arrived on 10 June 1943. 17 May 1943 18 May 1943 20 May 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 22 May 1943 27 May 1943 8 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) The destroyers were detached early the next morning for independent exercises and then return to Kilindini.
HMS Newcastle proceeded to Manza Bay, Tanzania. (26) 14 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 23 Jun 1943 24 Jun 1943 Attempt to intercept the German supply tanker Charlotte Schliemann.
On 24 June 1943, the Admiralty suspected that a German surface ship was in position 31°00'S, 45°00'E to supply German submarines. A cruiser was to search the area.
HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN) was ordered to leave Durban which she did at 1151Z/24. She had been preceeded by the destroyers HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) and HMAS Nizam (Lt. W.F. Cook, RAN) which had sailed at 0920Z/24.
An continuous air search was arranged near position 'A' (31°00'S, 45°00'E) with Catalina aircraft from first light on 25 June until dark on 26 June with instructions to locate and shadow the suspected supply ship, but not to attack it. Submarines were to be attacked though.
HMS Suffolk and the destroyers were instructed to adjust speed to pass through position 'A' at 2200Z/25 and to arrive in position 'R' (30°40'S, 47°18'E) at 0400Z/26 and to carry out a daylight search of an area to the northward of a line drawn 081° from position 'R' for a distance of 140 nautical miles, returning through the area to the southward of this line.
Two Catalina aircraft were to rendezvous with HMS Suffolk in position 'R' to search during daylight an area 60 miles on either side of the line for a distance of 160 nautical miles from position 'R'.
It was considered that should the search on the 26th prove unfruitful the enemy might be to the southward or westward of the area already searched (near position 'A') so the following course of action was determined.
On completion of the search HMS Suffolk, HMS Relentless and HMAS Nizam were to carry out a sweep to the southward as far as position 'B' (40°00'S, 49°00'E) and then back again. HMS Suffolk was to fuel both destroyers. HMAS Nizam, whose endurance was much less then the one of HMS Relentless was to be detached after the daylight search on the 28th.
It was assumed that Suffolk's endurance would allow her to remain at sea until 2 July 1943 and it was decided therefore that the light cruiser HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and the destroyer HMS Racehorse (Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) should sail from Kilindini on 27 June to relieve HMS Suffolk and HMS Relentless. In order to have fuel as near as possible to the scene of operations the chartered tanker British Ambassador (6940 GRT, built 1924) was ordered to proceed from Diego Suarez to Tulear at best speed.
On the search near position 'A' by surface forces and Catalina aircraft during daylight hours of the 26th having drawn blank, HMS Suffolk, HMS Relentless and HMAS Nizam proceeded to the southward. HMS Suffolk fuelled both destroyers during the afternoon.
At 0715Z/27, HMS Suffolk hit a whale damaging her Asdic dome.
The lack of success in searches carried out by air and surface forces to the southward of Madagascar as far as 40°S, and the improbability of a fuelling operation taking place further to the westward, closer to the African coast, made it possible that an area further to the eastward was being used by the enemy if such an operation was in progress. Air searches of area 'A' could be maintained from Tulear and as it was important that the area to the eastward should be searched with the least possible delay it was decided that HMS Suffolk, HMS Relentless and HMAS Nizam should continue their daylight sweep in the vicinity of position 'B', but should this be unsuccessful, HMS Suffolk and HMS Relentless should carry out a sweep to the northeastward through position 'C' (30°00'S, 60°00'E) to prudent limit of endurance, refueling HMS Relentless at sea by HMS Suffolk if this was possible, otherwise detaching her to fuel at Mauritius. This course of action would keep HMS Suffolk and HMS Relentless within reasonable distance of area 'A' on the 28th until a.m. on the 30th should enemy forces by sighted by the air reconnaissance Catalina's from Tulear.
At 1800C/27, HMS Newcastle and HMS Racehorse were sailed from Kilindini to arrive at Tulear at 1400C/30 to fuel and thence to arrive in area 'A' at daylight on 2 July. The intention being that they should search area 'A' during daylight on 2 July and act as a striking force should the enemy be sighted by our aircraft. During the night of 2/3 July withdraw to the eastward to be clear of submarine making the area from the African coast and to allow speed to be reduced to conserve fuel.
On the 28th, the daylight sweep in area 'B' proved fruitless and after dark HMS Suffolk and HMS Relentless proceeded towards position 'C'. HMAS Nizam was ordered to return to Durban where she arrived at 0737Z on 1 July.
An air search by Catalina aircraft in area 'A' again produced no results and the weather in the area showed signs of deteriorating.
On the 29th it was decided that, in view of the continued lack of sighting reports from Catalina aircraft in area 'A' and of success from surface search near position 'B', to amend the previous intentions as follows: HMS Suffolk and HMS Relentless were ordered to continue searching the vicinity of position 'C' until the limit of their endurance which was anticipated to be on 2 or 3 July and then proceed to Mauritius to fuel.
HMS Newcastle and HMS Relentless were ordered to search near position 'B' until the limit of their endurance and then proceed to Tulear to fuel.
Two Catalina's to continue daylight searches of area 'A'. This disposition of forces ensured that all three suspected enemy fuelling points were covered.
Late on the 29th a signal was received from HMS Suffolk that she and HMS Relentless had to leave patrol area 'C' on 30 June in order to arrive at Mauritius with 18% fuel remaining.
In order to access the likelihood of an enemy supply ship operating in the vicinity of position 'B', HMAS Nizam, who was now approaching Durban, was ordered to sent a weather report of the conditions she had experienced. From the reply that she sent it could be made up that the conditions in that area were unfavourable to refuel submarines.
At 0300Z/30, a signal was received from the C-in-C, South Atlantic that a reliable D/F fix of a German submarine had been obtained in position 29°00'S, 50°00'E.
In view of the unfavourable weather conditions reported by HMAS Nizam and the D/F fix of this German submarine, it was considered that fuelling was inlikely to be in progress in the southern area. The continued lack of sighting reports from area 'A' made this area also improbable.
It was decided therefore that HMS Suffolk and HMS Relentless should continue to search near position 'C' until p.m. 1 july in order to intercept an enemy supply ship which might be returning to the eastward, and that HMS Newcastle and HMS Racehorse after fuelling at Tulear should proceed towards position 'C' to arrive at daylight on 3 July. This would allow ships to proceed at moderate speed to conserve fuel for future operations.
Two long range Catalina's were ordered to leave Mombasa for Mauritius on the 1st and 3rd respectively, and two Catalina's from Tulear should carry out a daylight search in the vicinity of position 'C' on 2 July on which date HMS Suffolk and HMS Relentless would be on passage to Mauritius and HMS Newcastle and HMS Racehorse still some 300 nautical miles to the westward of position 'C'.
It was also decided to maintain a reduced daylight search in area 'A' with only one Catalina.
By this time the search over a wide area to the south and east of Madagascar having drawn blank ot was appreciated that fuelling of the German submarines might have been concluded and the supply ship withdrawn from the area.
The discontinuation of Operation Player was ordered by the Admiralty during the night of 30 June / 1 July and HMS Newcastle and HMS Racehorse were ordered to return to Kilindini. HMS Suffolk and HMS Relentless were ordered to continue their passage to Mauritius to fuel after which HMS Suffolk was to proceed to Kilindini and HMS Relentless was to return to Durban. (28) 27 Jun 1943 [For more information on this operation see the event ' Operation Player ' for 24 June 1943.] (29) 30 Jun 1943 [For more information on this operation see the event ' Operation Player ' for 24 June 1943.] (29) 1 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 4 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 12 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 16 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 17 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 18 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 25 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) She departed for Colombo later the same day. (30) 29 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 2 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 7 Aug 1943 [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 21 ' for 22 July 1943.] (30) 10 Aug 1943 HMS Newcastle then set course to Addu Atoll.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 21 ' for 22 July 1943.] (32) 11 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 12 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 16 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 20 Aug 1943 HMS Newcastle then departed Kilindini for Simonstown where she is to undergo a short refit and docking. (34) 26 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 28 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 11 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 17 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 18 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 24 Sep 1943 Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN, transferred his flag from
HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) to HMS Newcastle. (35) 30 Sep 1943 1 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 8 Oct 1943 HMS Quality and HMAS Quiberon joined upon returining from escort duties.
In the morning of the 9th the destroyers conducted A/S with the submarine HMS Osiris (T/Lt. M.H. Atkinson, RNR). (38) 11 Oct 1943 On completion of the exercises HMS Newcastle proceeded to Manza Bay. (39) 13 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) Both cruisers arrived at Kilindini later in the day. (40) 20 Oct 1943 27 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) All cruisers returned to Kilindini On the 28th. (42) 27 Oct 1943 All cruisers returned to Kilindini / Mombasa on the 28th. (43) 29 Oct 1943 1 Nov 1943 On arrival, HMS Danae is immediately docked in the graving dock. (45) 3 Nov 1943 HMS Danae was undocked shortly before departure. (46) 6 Nov 1943 8 Nov 1943 9 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 11 Nov 1943 24 Nov 1943 On 25 November 1943 the submarine HMS Osiris (T/Lt. M.H. Atkinson, RNR) also came out to participate in the exercises.
On completion of the exercises on the 26th, HMS Ramilles, HMS Kenya and HMS Frobisher returned to Kilindini while HMS Newcastle proceeded to Manza Bay, Tanzania. (49) 30 Nov 1943 HMS Newcastle entered Kilindini / Mombasa later in the afternoon. The destroyers remained out for exercises and joined HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN), HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN) and HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN) which had also come out from Kilindini / Mombasa for exercises. (47) 4 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 9 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00) 9 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 10 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 12 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 13 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 14 Jan 1944 19 Jan 1944 19 Jan 1944 Attempt to intercept the German supply tanker Charlotte Schliemann.
The light cruiser HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) and the escort carrier HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN) departed Mauritius to patrol an area roughly near position 30°00'S, 68°00'E. A German supply vessel (Charlotte Schliemann (7747 GRT, built 1928) is suspected to be operating in that area to resupply U-boats operating in the Indian Ocean.
On 21 January 1944, the heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk (Rear-Admiral R. Shelley, CBE, RN) and the frigate HMS Bann (Lt.Cdr. F.A. Shaw, RD, RNR) also departed Mauritius to join HMS Newcastle and HMS Battler.
HMS Suffolk, joined HMS Newcastle and HMS Battler around dawn on the 24th.
In the morning of the 26th HMS Suffolk fuelled HMS Bann.
Around noon on the 29th, HMS Newcastle parted company with HMS Suffolk and HMS Battler to return to Mauritius.
In the evening of the 30th, HMS Suffolk and HMS Battler set course to proceed to the westwards to pastrol their way towards Durban.
HMS Newcastle arrived at Mauritius on 31 January 1944.
HMS Bann arrived at Mauritius on 2 February 1944 [Her exact movements during this patrol are unknown to us.]
HMS Suffolk and HMS Battler arrived at Durban on 4 February 1944.
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Also on 21 January 1944, the light cruiser HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) and the destroyer HMAS Nepal (Cdr. F.B. Morris, RAN) departed Mauritius to patrol to patrol an area roughly near position 25°00'S, 65°00'E.
HMS Nepal returned to Mauritius on 28 January 1944.
HMS Kenya returned to Mauritius on 1 February 1944.
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The armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (Capt. J.J.E. Barclay, RNR) also departed Mauritius for the operation. She arrived at Durban from patrol around 1400C on 2 February. (52) 7 Feb 1944 8 Feb 1944 Attempt to intercept the German supply tanker Charlotte Schliemann.
At 0200Z/8, the light cruiser HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and the destroyer HMS Relentless (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN) departed from Mauritius to attempt to intercept a German supply vessel to the east / east-south-east of Madagascar.
It had been decided to concentrate the search in three likely areas;
Area A, near position 23°00'S, 73°00'E.
Area B, near position 23°00'S, 65°00'E.
Area C, near position 31°00'S, 63°00'E.
HMS Relentless was ordered to patrol in area 'A' and HMS Newfoundland in area 'C'. Area 'B' which was the closest to Mauritius and therefore the least likely to be used by the enemy, was covered by aircraft. Areas A and C were also searched by aircraft.
Bad weather conditions hampered the operation. At the time of the surface ships departure from Mauritius a cyclone of moderate intensity was to the north-north-west of Mauritius and was moving slowly south-east.
Both ships arrived in their patrol areas on 10 February 1944 and then conducted sweeps across their areas. No air searches were flown on 9 and 10 February due to the weather conditions. HMS Relentless encountered better weather conditions the further she proceeded to the eastward. HMS Newcastle experienced fairly heavy weather until late on the 11th.
In the evening of the 10th the Commanding Officer of the Royal Air Force decided, as only two aircraft were servicable, to only search area 'C' and cancel the search area 'A' where the weather was still bad.
A Catalina reported a tanker with a surfaced submarine nearby in position 22°48'S, 73°05'E at 1055Z/11. The aircraft at first was not sighted but around 1115Z/11, the submarine, which was U-532, was now almost alongside the tanker was seen to dive.
At 1210Z/11, the aircraft reported the tankers new position, course 142° and speed 6 knots and then returned to base. HMS Relentless was meanwhile proceeding towards the first sighting position at 30 knots. Course was now adjusted according to the new position.
By 1720Z/11, the enemy's furthest on position on the reported course had been covered for speeds between 6 and 12 knots. A search was then started .
At 1925Z/11, a radar contact was obtained and three minutes later the tanker was sighted. She was recognised in the moonlight, it was the Charlotte Schliemann.
HMS Relentless kept on closing up moon and at 2015Z/11, fired eight torpedoes from 2000 yards. Two or three hits were obtained. Fire was then opened with the main armament. The enemy supply tanker sank at 2040Z/11 in position 23°23'S, 74°37'E. HMS Relentless then picked up 41 survivors.
At 0230Z/12, when 100 nautical miles clear from the sinking position of the enemy tanker, HMS Relentless reported that she had sunk the enemy.
Meanwhile, on receiving the first sighting reported HMS Newcastle altered course to the east and proceeded at best speed to close the reported position. She later set a course to intercept the enemy to the south if she tried to escape from HMS Relentless by proceeding that way.
HMS Newcastle arrived at Mauritius on 13 February 1944. HMS Relentless the following day. (54) 15 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 20 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 25 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 29 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 5 Mar 1944 Attempt to intercept the German supply tanker Brake.
Around 0630D/5, the escort carrier HMS Battler (A/Capt. F.M.R. Stephenson, RN) departed Mauritius escorted by the destroyer HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN).
Around 1030D/5, the light cruiser HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) and heavy cruiser HMS Suffolk (A/Capt. W.F.H.C. Rutherford, RN) departed Mauritius to overtake the escort carrier which they did around 1400D/5.
They then proceeded in company to the east-south-east to the area the German supply vessel was suspected.
Between 0815F/8 and 0943F/8, HMS Suffolk fuelled HMS Quadrant, 200 tons of fuel oil was passed.
Around 0700FG/10, the destroyer HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN), which had departed Mauritius on 6 March, joined HMS Suffolk, which at that moment was detached from the other ships. Suffolk then attempted to fuel the destroyer but it was not possible due to the weather conditions. Later, between 1649FG/10 and 1829FG/10, another succesful attempt to fuel HMS Roebuck was made during which 210 tons of fuel oil were passed.
At 1440FG/10, a Swordfish from HMS Battler crashed into the sea. HMS Quadrant picked up the crew.
Around 0915FG/11, HMS Suffolk and HMS Roebuck joined HMS Newcastle, HMS Battler and HMS Quadrant.
Around 2200F/11, HMS Quadrant was detached for Mauritius where she arrived on the 14th.
At 1610F/12, a patrolling Swordfish from HMS Battler reported the sighting of an enemy supply vessel with two submarines alongside. This was the supply vessel Brake (9925 GRT, built 1937). Actually three German submarines were near the tanker, these were U-168, U-188 and U-532.
At 1623F/12, HMS Roebuck was detached to attack the tanker followed at 1640F/12 by HMS Newcastle which was to provide distant cover for HMS Roebuck.
HMS Roebuck sighted the enemy tanker at 1711F/12 and engaged it with torpedoes and gunfire from 15800 yards at 1726F/12. HMS Roebuck did not close too much due to the presence of the enemy submarines. She ceased fire at 1812F/12. The tanker was seen to sink shortly afterwards. It was thought three torpedo hits had been obtained.
HMS Battler meanwhile flew off aircraft to attack the submarines. One of which attacked U-168 with rockets.
The crew of the tanker was picked up by U-168 which took them to Batavia.
At 1210F/13, HMS Roebuck rejoined the other ships but HMS Suffolk then parted company followed shortly afterwards by HMS Newcastle.
HMS Suffolk arrived at Mauritius around 0800D/15 followed by HMS Newcastle around 1315D/15.
HMS Battler and HMS Roebuck arrived at Mauritius around 0730D/16. (56) 17 Mar 1944 22 Mar 1944 31 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 31 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 2 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 3 Apr 1944 4 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 10 Apr 1944 During the night of 10/11 April 1944, they were joined by the battleship HMS Valiant (Capt. G.E.M. O’Donnell, DSO, RN) and her escort of made up of the destroyers HMAS Nepal (Lt.Cdr. J. Plunkett-Cole, RAN), HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) and USS Cummings (T/Cdr. P.D. Williams, USN). HMS Valiant and her destroyer escort had first been carrying out bombardment and gunnery exercises during the 10th.
During 11 to 12 April they were joined by the heavy cruisers HMS London (Capt. R.V. Symonds-Tayler, DSC, RN), HMS Cumberland (Capt. F.J. Butler, RN) and the light cruiser HrMs Tromp (A/Capt. F. Stam, RNN). (60) 23 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) HMS Newcastle departed Trincomalee later the same day to proceed to Simonstown via Mauritius. (61) 28 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) 3 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00) Sources ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) was detached from 'Force H' to return to Gibraltar. As she was to proceed to Freetown later on by orders from the Admiralty. (7)
HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (8)
HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) departed Gibraltar for Freetown. (8)Convoy SL 72
HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) arrived at Freetown. (8)
HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) departed Freetown to overtake convoy SL 72 and to relieve light cruiser HMS Dragon (Capt. R.J. Shaw, MBE, RN) as ocean escort.
HMS Fiji (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from convoy escort duty (convoy SL 72). (8)Light cruiser HMS Newcastle (76)
14 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. E.A. Aylmer, DSC, RN) arrived at Greenock. (9)
Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN, hoisted his flag on board HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN).
At 0900Z/18, HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), arrived at Capetown with the Capetown section of convoy WS 16.
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Durban for some repairs following convoy escort duty. (11)
At 1730Z/2, HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, DSC, RN) departed Durban for the Seychelles and Mombasa respectively. They proceeded in company for part of the way. (10)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles. (9)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) departed Port Victoria, Seychelles for Bombay. (9)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Bombay. (9)
In the afternoon the light cruisers HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Gambia (Capt. M.J. Mansergh, CBE, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN), HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, DSO and Bar, RAN), HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) departed Kilindini for exercises. They were later joined by the destroyers HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.D. Pugsley, RN) and HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC and Bar, RN).
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN), HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, DSO and Bar, RAN), HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.D. Pugsley, RN), HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN), HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) arrived at Aden to fuel. (12)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN), HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, DSO and Bar, RAN), HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.D. Pugsley, RN), HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN), HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) departed Aden for Suez. (12)
Around 0530C/6, HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Hermione (Capt. G.N. Oliver, DSO, RN), HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN), HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, DSO and Bar, RAN), HMS Paladin (Cdr. A.D. Pugsley, RN), HMS Javelin (Cdr. G.E. Fardell, RN), HMS Inconstant (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Clouston, RN), HMS Hotspur (Lt. T.D. Herrick, DSC and Bar, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) arrived at Suez. (13)
The light cruiser HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Napier (Capt. S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN), HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, DSO and Bar, RAN) and HMS Javelin (Cdr. G.E. Fardell, RN) passed the Suez Canal northbound and then departed for Alexandria where they arrived at 1130C/8. (14)
While escorting a convoy from Alexandria to Malta HMS Newcastle was hit by a torpedo from the German motor torpedo boat S-56.
The torpedo hit on the starboard side forward and did considerable damage. The ship went to Bombay, India to be patched up. She arrived at the New York Navy Yard on 10 October 1942 for permanent repairs. HMS Newcastle returned to service in March 1943.
The damaged light cruiser HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) departed Alexandria for Port Said. She is escorted by the destroyers HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN).
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) transited the Suez Canal southbound and then set course to proceed to Aden. (12)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) arrived at Aden. (12)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) departed Aden for Kilindini. (12)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN) and HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) aborted their passage to Kilindini and turned back to return to Aden. The weather conditions were unfavourable for the damaged cruiser to proceed all the way to Kilindini and before she would be able to continue temporary repairs were to be made.
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Fortune (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN), HMS Griffin (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN), HMAS Nizam (Lt.Cdr M.J. Clark, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN) arrived at Aden. (12)
While at Aden, Rear Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) to HMS Birmingham (Capt. H.B. Crane, RN). (16)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) departed Aden to join convoy CM 29B for passage to Bombay where temporary repairs were to be undertaken.
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) arrived at Bombay with convoy CM 29B. (9)
With her temporary repairs completed HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) departed Bombay for Capetown via Mauritius.
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) made a short stop to fuel at Mauritius before departing for Capetown later the same day. (17)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) arrived at Capetown. (17)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) departed Capetown for Recife, Brazil. (17)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) arrived at Recife. (17)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) departed Recife for Bermuda. (17)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) arrived at Bermuda. She departed for New York later the same day. (18)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) arrived at the New York Navy Yard for full repairs to her action damage. (18)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) is docked in No.3 Dock at the New York Navy Yard. (18)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) is undocked. (19)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) departed the New York Navy Yard for Chesapeake Bay. (20)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) arrived at Chesapeake Bay. (20)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials and exercises in Chesapeake Bay. (20)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) conducted exercises at Chesapeake Bay. (20)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in Chesapeake Bay. (20)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) departed Norfolk, Virginia for Bermuda. (20)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) arrived at Bermuda. She departed later the same day for Plymouth. (20)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) arrived at Plymouth where she is to undergo modifications at the Devonport Dockyard. (20)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) is docked in No.8 Dock at the Devonport Dockyard. (21)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) is undocked. (21)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) conducted DG trials off Plymouth. (21)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) departed Plymouth for Scapa Flow. (21)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow to commence a work-up period. (21)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery and torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (21)
In the evening, HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN), conducted a night encounter exercise with HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.C. Beatty, RN). (21)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) conducted a RIX (range and inclination) exercise with HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.C. Tovey, KCB, KBE, DSO, RN, C-in-C Home Fleet) which is screened by the destroyer HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and 2 Bars, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Middleton (Lt. C.S. Battersby, RN) and HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.C. Beatty, RN).
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) conducted AA gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow.
HMS Kent (Capt. A.E.M.B. Cunninghame-Graham, RN, flying the flag of Rear Admiral L.H.K. Hamilton, CB, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Cumberland (Capt. A.H. Maxwell-Hyslop, AM, RN) and HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (22)
During 1/2 April 1943, HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) and HMS Scylla (Capt. I.A.P. Macintyre, CBE, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. These included night exercises. (23)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Greenock. (24)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) arrived at Greenock. (24)Combined convoy WS 29 / KMS 13.
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) and HMS Rotherham (Lt. J.R.L. Moore, RN) arrived at Capetown from convoy escort duty. (25)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) departed Capetown for Durban. (25)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) arrived at Durban. (25)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) departed Durban for Kilindini. (25)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) arríved at Kilindini where she rejoined the Eastern Fleet. (25)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN) and HMS Raider (Lt.Cdr. K.W. Michell, RN) departed Kilindini for excercises including night exercises.
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) departed Manza Bay for Kilindini. En-route exercises were carried out with aircraft. Also gunnery exercises were carried out. HMS Newcastle arrived at Kilindini on 15 June. (26)
The battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. J.W. Durnford, RN), heavy cruiser HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN), light cruiser HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt. R.H.C. Crawford, OBE, RNR), HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN) and HMS Racehorse (Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) departed Kilindini for exercises. They returned Kilindini on 25 June 1943. HMS Frobisher proceeded to Manza Bay instead. (27)Operation Player.
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and HMS Racehorse (Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) departed Kilindini for Tulear, Madagascar. They were to participate in operation Player.
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and HMS Racehorse (Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) arrived at Tulear, Madagascar. After fuelling they departed to participate in operation Player.
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and HMS Racehorse (Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) are ordered to return to Kilindini. (28)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and HMS Racehorse (Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, DSC, RN) arrived at Kilindini. (30)
During 12/13 July 1943, HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) and HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN) conducted exercises off Kilindini. These included night exercises. (31)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted exercises off Kilindini. (30)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) proceeded from Kilindini to Tanga. (30)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) proceeded Tanga to Kilindini. (30)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles.
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Colombo. (30)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) departed Colombo for escort duty. (30)
Around 1500FG/7, HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) made rendezvous in approximate position 19°00'S, 94°40'E with convoy US 21.
Around 1530F/10, in approximate position 05°50'S, 75°00'E HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) handed over the escort of convoy US 21 to the armed merchant cruiser HMS Canton (A/Capt. G.N. Loriston-Clarke, RN).
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Addu Atoll. (33)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) departed Addu Atoll for Kilindini. (33)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Kilindini. (33)
Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) to HMS Kenya (Capt. D.P. Evans, RN).
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) arrived at Simonstown. (33)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) is docked at the Simostown Dockyard. (33)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) is undocked. (33)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Simonstown. (33)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) departed Simonstown for Kilindini. (33)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) arrived at Kilindini.
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Kilindini. These were followed by A/S exercises with HMS Osiris (T/Lt. M.H. Atkinson, RNR). (36)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Kilindini. (37)
During 8/9 October 1943, the light cruisers HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Danae (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN) and the destroyers HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN) and HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) conducted exercises off Kilindini / Mombasa. These included night exercises.
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Rotherham (Capt. F.S.W. de Winton, RN), HMS Quality (Lt.Cdr. G.L. Farnfield, DSO, RN) and HMAS Quiberon (Cdr. G.S. Stewart, RAN) conducted exercises off Kilindini.
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) departed Manza Bay for Kilindini. En-route gunnery exercises were carried out. Also an RIX (rangefinding and inlination) exercise was carried out with HMS Emerald (Capt. F.J. Wylie, RN) which had departed Kilindini for exercises.
During 20/21 October 1943, the light cruisers HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Emerald (Capt. F.J. Wylie, RN) and HMS Danae (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN) conducted exercises off Kilindini / Mombasa. These included night exercises. On completion of the exercises HMS Newcastle and HMS Emerald returned to Kilindini / Mombasa. HMS Danae proceeded to Manza Bay. (41)
During 27/28 October 1943, HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Hawkins (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN), HMS Emerald (Capt. F.J. Wylie, RN) and HMS Danae (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN) conducted exercises off Kilindini. These included night exercises. HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN), which was approaching Kilindini coming from Durban also joined in during the night.
During 27/28 October 1943, HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Hawkins (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN), HMS Emerald (Capt. F.J. Wylie, RN) and HMS Danae (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN) conducted exercises off Kilindini / Mombasa. These included night exercises. HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN), which was approaching Kilindini / Mombasa coming from Durban also joined in during the night.
Around 1030C/29, HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN), HMS Hawkins (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN), HMS Emerald (Capt. F.J. Wylie, RN) and HMS Danae (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Diego Suarez. (44)
Around 0900C/1, HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN), HMS Hawkins (Capt. J.W. Josselyn, DSC, RN), HMS Emerald (Capt. F.J. Wylie, RN) and HMS Danae (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN) arrived at Diego Suarez from Kilindini / Mombasa.
Around 1630C/3, HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN) and HMS Danae (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN) departed Diego Suarez for Kilindini / Mombasa.
Around 1300C/6, HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN), HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN) and HMS Danae (Capt. J.R.S. Haines, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa. Before entering the harbour exercises were carried out. (46)
Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN transferred his flag from HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) to HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN). It seems that the struck his flag the following day to return to the U.K. (47)
Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN, hoisted his flag in HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN). (47)
During 11/12 November 1943, HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) and HMS Suffolk (Capt. R. Shelley, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.G. Tennant, CB, MVO, RN) conducted exercises off Kilindini. These included night exercises. (48)
From 24 to 26 November 1943, HMS Ramillies (Capt. G.B. Middleton, CBE, RN), HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN), HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN), HMS Frobisher (Capt. J.F.W. Mudford, RN), HMS Roebuck (Cdr. J.T. Lean, DSO, RN) and HMS Quadrant (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Farrington, RN) conducted exercises off Kilindini. On the 24th HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN, with Commodore S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN on board) also joined for the remainder of the exercises.
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) proceeded from Manza Bay to Kilindini / Mombasa. En-route gunnery exercises were carried out as well as exercises with aircraft. The destroyers HMAS Napier (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Green, DSC, RAN, with Commodore S.H.T. Arliss, DSO, RN, on board) and HMAS Nizam (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) had come from Kilindini / Mombasa and were with the cruiser.
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) and HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Kilindini for Trincomalee. (50)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) and HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (50)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) and HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Trincomalee for Madras. (51)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) and HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Madras. (51)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) and HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) departed Madras for Colombo. (51)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) and HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) arrived at Colombo. (51)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN), HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) and HMS Suffolk (Rear-Admiral R. Shelley, CBE, RN) departed Colombo for Mauritius. (51)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN), HMS Kenya (Capt. C.L. Robertson, RN) and HMS Suffolk (Rear-Admiral R. Shelley, CBE, RN) arrived at Mauritius. (51)Operation Thwart.
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) departed Mauritius for patrol. She returned later the same day having been recalled. (53)Operation Canned.
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) departed Mauritius for Colombo. (55)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) arrived at Colombo. (55)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) departed Colombo for Mauritius. (55)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) arrived at Mauritius. (55)Operation Covered.
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) and HMS Suffolk (A/Capt. W.F.H.C. Rutherford, RN) departed Mauritius for Colombo. (57)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) and HMS Suffolk (A/Capt. W.F.H.C. Rutherford, RN) arrived at Colombo. (57)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) departed Colombo for Trincomalee. (58)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (59)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) proceeded from Trincomalee to Jaffna. (59)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) departed Jaffna for Trincomalee. (59)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (59)
From 10 to 12 April 1944, the light cruisers HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN), HMS Nigeria (Capt. S.H. Paton, RN) and HMNZS Gambia (Capt. N.J.W. William-Powlett, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee.
Rear-Admiral A.D. Read, CB, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) to HMS Nigeria (Capt. S.H. Paton, RN).
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) made a short stop at Mauritius to fuel before continuing her passage to Simonstown later the same day. (59)
HMS Newcastle (Capt. P.B.R.W. William-Powlett, DSO, RN) arrived at the Simonstown Dockyard where she is to be taken in hand for refit. (62)
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