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Light cruiser HMS Edinburgh (16)

17 Dec 1939
Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Southampton (Capt. F.W.H. Jeans, CVO, RN) to HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN). (1)

29 Dec 1939

Convoy ON 6.

This convoy departed Methil on 29 December 1939 and arrived in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 1 January 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Highlander (British, 1216 GRT, built 1916), Rigel (Finnish, 1477 GRT, built 1937), Salerno (British, 870 GRT, built 1924), Vienti (Finnish, 1715 GRT, built 1911) and Wanda (Finnish, 1902 GRT, built 1897).

The small minelayer HMS Ringdove (Lt. C.R. Pilgrim, RN) was also part of this convoy.

A close escort was provided for the convoy made up of the destroyers HMS Exmouth (Cdr. R.S. Benson, DSO, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St.J. Morgan, RN), HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, RN) and the submarine ORP Orzel (Kpt.mar. (Lt.Cdr.) J. Grudzinski, DSO).

A close cover force, made up of the light cruisers HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) departed Rosyth on 30 December.

At 0050Z/30, the Highlander parted company to proceed to Aberdeen escorted by HMS Eclipse. HMS Eclipse rejoined the convoy screen around 1000Z/30.

During the night of 29/30 December, the Vienti had straggled from the convoy and was not seen again before the convoy arrived in Norwegian waters.

At 1100Z/30, HMS Eclipse was again detached but now to escort HMS Ringdove towards Scapa Flow. At 1555Z/30, the escort was taken over by the auxiliary A/S trawler HMS Arctic Explorer (Skr. C.L. Buchan, RNR). HMS Eclipse rejoined the convoy screen around 15 minutes later. By that time the Rigel and Wanda had also straggled from the convoy being unable to keep up even at 6.5 knots. They rejoined the convoy the next day after the remainder of the convoy had doubled back for a while as Capt. Benson had been ordered to do so due the important cargoes the ships had on board.

The convoy arrived in Norwegian waters on 1 January where it was dispersed.

30 Dec 1939
Around 1500Z/30, HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) departed Rosyth to provide close cover during convoy operation to and from Norway.

[For more info on these convoys see the events ' Convoy ON 6 ' for 29 December 1939 and ' Convoy HN 6 ' for 1 January 1940.] (2)

1 Jan 1940

Convoy HN 6.

This convoy departed from Norwegian waters near Bergen on 1 January 1940 and the bulk of the convoy arrived at Methil on 4 January 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Boreas (Norwegian, 2801 GRT, built 1920), Catherine (Estonian, 1885 GRT, built 1904), Consul Bratt (Swedish, 1117 GRT, built 1913), Corona (Finish, 1569 GRT, built 1922), Crown Arun (British, 2372 GRT, built 1938), Dokka (Norwegian, 1168 GRT, built 1925), Dux (Norwegian, 1590 GRT, built 1934), Eros (Norwegian, 974 GRT, built 1922), Fagerbro (Norwegian, 994 GRT, built 1923), Garm (Swedish, 1231 GRT, built 1912), Gaston Micard (Norwegian, 982 GRT, built 1917), Glen Tilt (British, 871 GRT, built 1920), Granli (Norwegian, 1577 GRT, built 1935), Hague (British, 974 GRT, built 1919), Haukefjell (Norwegian, 2495 GRT, built 1921), Havtor (Norwegian, 1524 GRT, built 1930), Hektos (Finnish, 2108 GRT, built 1903), Ibis (Norwegian, 1367 GRT, built 1918), Iris (Swedish,1974 GRT, built 1886), Kalix (Swedish, 2801 GRT, built 1913), Kis (Norwegian, 1249 GRT, built 1915), Majorca (British, 1126 GRT, built 1921), Maurita (Norwegian, 1569 GRT, built 1925), Miranda (Norwegian, 1328 GRT, built 1920), Oria (Norwegian, 2127 GRT, built 1920), Plato (Swedish, 836 GRT, built 1898), Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906), Saimaa (Finnish, 2001 GRT, built 1922), Sarmatia (Finnish, 2417 GRT, built 1901), Sirius (Swedish, 1832 GRT, built 1889), Skarv (Norwegian, 852 GRT, built 1923), Svarton (Swedish, 2475 GRT, built 1906), Transport (Norwegian, 1998 GRT, built 1921), Ulv (Norwegian, 938 GRT, built 1920), Wiima (Finnish, 3272 GRT, built 1897) and Zilos (Finnish, 1711 GRT, built 1884).

On departure the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Exmouth (Cdr. R.S. Benson, DSO, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St.J. Morgan, RN), HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, RN) and the submarine ORP Orzel (Lt.Cdr. J. Grudzinski, DSO).

A distant cover force for the convoy was also nearby, it was made up of the light cruisers HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN).

On forming up in bad visibility four of the merchant ships failed to join the convoy.

Around 1015Z/2, the destroyers HMS Eskimo (Cdr. St.J.A. Micklethwait, RN) and HMS Tartar (Lt.Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSC, RN) joined the close escort.

Around 0800Z/3, the destroyers HMS Fearless (Cdr. K.L. Harkness, RN) and HMS Fury (Cdr. G.F. Burghard, RN) joined the convoy to take the ' westcoast section ' with them. The ships that were to proceed to the westcoast were the Consul Bratt, Fagerbro, Hektos, Maurita, Oria, Saimaa and Zilos.

Around 0630A/4, the Glen Tilt and Hague parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Dundee.

The remainder of the convoy arrived off Methil on 4 January.

3 Jan 1940
Around midnight during the night of 3/4 January 1940, HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) arrived at Rosyth from convoy cover duty. (3)

7 Jan 1940
Around 1500Z/7, HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) departed Rosyth to provide close cover during convoy operation to and from Norway.

[For more info on these convoys see the events ' Convoy ON 7 ' for 6 January 1940 and ' Convoy HN 7 ' for 9 January 1940.] (3)

12 Jan 1940
Around 0440Z/12, HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) arrived at Rosyth from convoy cover duty. (3)

15 Jan 1940

Convoy ON 8.

Convoy ON 8 departed Methill on 15 January 1940 for Norway where it was dissolved off Bergen on 19 January 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant ships; Baron Kelvin (British, 3081 GRT, built 1924), Eros (Norwegian, 974 GRT, built 1922), Fredensborg (Danish, 2094 GRT, built 1922), Glen Tilt (British, 871 GRT, built 1920), Gullpool (British, 4868 GRT, built 1928), Hague (British, 974 GRT, built 1919), Haukefjell (British, 2495 GRT, built 1921), Mathilda (Norwegian, 3650 GRT, built 1920), Oslo (Danish, 2094 GRT, built 1922) and Vienti (Finnish, 1715 GRT, built 1911).

A close escort provided for the convoy made was up of the destroyers HMS Duncan (Cdr. J.S.C. Salter, RN), HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.de W. Kitcat, RN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, RN) and HMS Isis (Cdr. J.C. Clouston, RN) and the submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN).

Close cover was provided by the light cruisers HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN).

The convoy arrived in Norwegian waters on 19 January 1940.

17 Jan 1940
Around 0430Z/17, HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) to provide close cover during convoy operation to and from Norway.

[For more info on these convoys see the events ' Convoy ON 8 ' for 15 January 1940 and ' Convoy HN 8 ' for 19 January 1940.] (3)

21 Jan 1940
Around 2100Z/21, HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from convoy cover duty. (3)

22 Jan 1940
HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (3)

23 Jan 1940
HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (3)

24 Jan 1940
In the afternoon, HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow.

Before these gunnery exercises HMS Edinburgh conducted torpedo firing exercises. (3)

25 Jan 1940
Around 2345Z/25, HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) to provide close cover during convoy operations to and from Norway.

[For more info on these convoys see the events ' Convoy ON 9 ' for 24 January 1940 and ' Convoy HN 9A ' for 27 January 1940.] (3)

31 Jan 1940
Around 1345Z/31, HMS Glasgow (Capt. F.H. Pegram, RN) and HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) arrived at Rosyth from convoy cover duty. (4)

6 Feb 1940
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) departed Rosyth around 1400Z/6.

HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN) departed Scapa Flow around 1645Z/6.

They made rendezvous around 1100Z/7 to provide close cover during convoy operation to and from Norway.

[For more info on these convoys see the events ' Convoy ON 10 ' for 5 February 1940 and ' Convoy HN 10 ' for 8 February 1940. (5)

9 Feb 1940

Convoy ON 11.

This convoy departed Methil on 9 February 1940 and arrived in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 12 February 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Albuera (British, 3477 GRT, built 1921), Ask (Norwegian, 1541 GRT, built 1917), Baron Blythswood (British, 3668 GRT, built 1929), Bessheim (Norwegian, 1774 GRT, built 1912), Finland (Danish, 1345 GRT, built 1930), Hjalmar Wessel (Norwegian, 1742 GRT, built 1935), Iris (Swedish, 1974 GRT, built 1886), Jetta (Norwegian, 368 GRT, built 1914), Leka (Norwegian, 1599 GRT, built 1922), Nordborg (Danish, 1998 GRT, built 1930), Olev (Estonian, 1377 GRT, built 1909), Osric (Swedish, 1418 GRT, built 1919), Rikke (Norwegian, 1432 GRT, built 1909), Risoy (Norwegian, 793 GRT, built 1918), Roy (Norwegian, 1768 GRT, built 1921), Sado (Norwegian, 925 GRT, built 1917), Sarmatia (Finnish, 2417 GRT, built 1901), Solhavn (Norwegian, 1630 GRT, built 1918), Vaga (Norwegian, 1612 GRT, built 1924), Vesla (Norwegian, 1107 GRT, built 1913), Vestmanrod (Norwegian, 691 GRT, built 1919) and Wiima (Finnish, 3272 GRT, built 1897).

A close escort was provided for the convoy made up of the destroyers HMS Echo (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St.J. Morgan, RN), HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, RN) and the submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN). These were joined on the 11th by the AA cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN).

Cover for the convoy was provided by HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN).

The convoy arrived in Norwegian waters on 12 February 1940.

10 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN) arrived at Rosyth from convoy cover duty.

They departed again later the same day for another round of convoy cover duty.

[For more info on these convoys see the events ' Convoy ON 11 ' for 9 February 1940 and ' Convoy HN 11 ' for 12 February 1940.] (6)

14 Feb 1940
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN) arrived at Rosyth from convoy cover duty. (6)

17 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) departed Rosyth to provide cover for convoy HN 12.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy HN 12 ' for 16 February 1940.] (7)

17 Feb 1940

Convoy ON 14.

This convoy departed Methil on 17 February 1940 and arrived in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 22 February 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Kelvin (British, 3081 GRT, built 1924), Canopus (Finnish, 1592 GRT, built 1911), Ceres (Finnish, 996 GRT, built 1889), Clarissa Radcliffe (British, 5754 GRT, built 1915), Crown Arun (British, 2372 GRT, built 1938), Delfinus (Norwegian, 1293 GRT, built 1912), Eikhaug (Norwegian, 1436 GRT, built 1903), Elsa S. (Finnish, 1219 GRT, built 1910), Fintra (British, 2089 GRT, built 1918), Flowergate (British, 5161 GRT, built 1911), Gallia (Swedish, 1436 GRT, built 1926), Iris (Norwegian, 1171 GRT, built 1901), Kirnwood (British, 3829 GRT, built 1928), Kotka (Finnish, 1286 GRT, built 1918), Margo (British, 1245 GRT, built 1895), Oddevold (British, 1186 GRT, built 1883), Rosenborg (Finnish, 855 GRT, built 1919), Snefjeld (Norwegian, 1643 GRT, built 1901), Varde (Norwegian, 860 GRT, built 1938), Varegg (Norwegian, 943 GRT, built 1910), Vesta (Norwegian, 1310 GRT, built 1930), Vina (British, 1021 GRT, built 1894) and Warlaby (British, 4875 GRT, built 1927).

A close escort was provided for the convoy made up of the destroyers HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN), HMS Electra (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Escort (Lt.Cdr. J. Bostock, RN) and the submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN).

Cover for the convoy was provided by the light cruisers HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN).

During the night of 18/19 February the convoy arrived at Kirkwall as it had been ordered to go there due to reported enemy naval activities off the Norwegian coast.

In the afternoon of the 20th the convoy left Kirkwall to continue its passage.

Around 1730Z/21, the AA cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) joined the close escort.

The convoy arrived in Norwegian waters on 22 February 1940.

20 Feb 1940
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN) departed Scapa Flow to provide close cover during convoy operations to and from Norway.

[For more info on these convoys see the events ' Convoy ON 14 ' for 17 February 1940 and ' Convoy HN 14 ' for 22 February 1940.] (6)

22 Feb 1940

Convoy HN 14.

This convoy departed from Norwegian waters near Bergen on 22 February 1940 and the bulk of the convoy arrived at Methil on 26 February 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Blythswood (British, 3668 GRT, built 1929), Fanjefjeld (Norwegian, 1354 GRT, built 1920), Framnas (Swedish, 721 GRT, built 1931), Hilda (Finnish, 1144 GRT, built 1915), Hjalmar Wessel (Norwegian, 1742 GRT, built 1935), Inga (Danish, 1494 GRT, built 1921), Kalix (Swedish, 2801 GRT, built 1913), Mall (Estonian, 1863 GRT, built 1918), Narvik (Swedish, 4251 GRT, built 1914), Orion (Estonian, 770 GRT, built 1870), Peet (Estonian, 2111 GRT, built 1913), Sado (Norwegian, 925 GRT, built 1917), Skagen (Danish, 900 GRT, built 1914), Snyg (Norwegian, 1326 GRT, built 1918), Sten (Norwegian, 1464 GRT, built 1910), Tora Elise (Norwegian, 721 GRT, built 1919), Toran (Norwegian, 3318 GRT, built 1918) and Utklippan (Swedish, 1599 GRT, built 1883).

More merchant vessels were to have been part of the convoy but due to the late arrival of convoy ON 14 and the bad weather conditions these ships had returned to Bergen.

[The eventual composition of the convoy remains a bit unclear to us and further research will be needed.]

A close escort was provided for the convoy made up of the AA cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) and the destroyers HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN), HMS Electra (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Escort (Lt.Cdr. J. Bostock, RN) and the submarine HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN).

Cover for the convoy was provided by the light cruisers HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN).

At 1300/24, HMS Cairo parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Sullom Voe.

Around 0400/25, HMS Eclipse and HMS Electra were detached taking the merchant ships for the west coast with them.

Around 0730/25, the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, RN) and HMS Imogen (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN) joined.

Shortly afterwards HMS Narwhal signalled to HMS Escapade that she sighted something. HMS Escapade immediately altered course to investigate and soon sighted a surfaced submarine. She did not open fire in the hope of getting closer. When the range was 5000 to 6000 yards the submarine submerged. HMS Escapade ran in for a further three minutes and then started the use her Asdic. She soon got a contact and started attacking with depth charges. She was joined by the other destroyers. The enemy submarine, which was the U-63, was eventually forced to the surface and her crew was being picked up by HMS Inglefield, HMS Imogen and HMS Escort.

The convoy arrived at Methil on 26 February 1940.

26 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN) arrived at Rosyth from convoy cover duty. (7)

4 Mar 1940
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN) departed Scapa Flow to provide close cover during convoy operations to and from Norway.

Before departure Vice-Admiral G.F.B. Edward-Collins, CB, KCVO, RN, had struck his flag in HMS Edinburgh and departed from the ship.

[For more info on these convoys see the events ' Convoy ON 17 ' for 3 March 1940, ' Convoy HN 17A ' for 4 March 1940, ' Convoy HN 17 ', ' Convoy ON 18 ' for 7 March 1940 and ' Convoy HN 18 ' for 10 March 1940] (8)

7 Mar 1940

Convoy ON 18.

This convoy departed Methil on 7 March 1940 and arrived in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 10 March 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Agne (Swedish, 2468 GRT, built 1917), Amsterdam (Swedish, 889 GRT, built 1903), Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924), Bessheim (Norwegian, 1774 GRT, built 1912), C.A. Banck (Swedish, 1838 GRT, built 1913), Dalveen (British, 5193 GRT, built 1927), Demeterton (British, 5251 GRT, built 1926), Edna (Norwegian, 915 GRT, built 1905), Ergo (Finnish, 1928 GRT, built 1893), Gunny (Panamanian, 1367 GRT, built 1882), Hjalmar Wessel (Norwegian, 1742 GRT, built 1935), Iris (Norwegian, 1171 GRT, built 1901), Mari (Norwegian, 563 GRT, built 1920), Maria Toft (Danish, 1911 GRT, built 1928), Mona (Swedish, 2326 GRT, built 1902), Omberg (Swedish, 1284 GRT, built 1920), Regulus (Estonian, 893 GRT, built 1902), Rosenholm (Swedish, 1740 GRT, built 1895, Rosten (Norwegian, 737 GRT, built 1920), Rydal Force (British, 1101 GRT, built 1924), Sado (Norwegian, 925 GRT, built 1917), Selbo (Norwegian, 1778 GRT, built 1921), Sigrid (Norwegian, 965 GRT, built 1920), Skagen (Danish, 900 GRT, built 1914), Snyg (Norwegian, 1326 GRT, built 1918), Strait Fisher (British, 573 GRT, built 1917), Ulea (British, 1574 GRT, built 1936), Uto (Swedish, 1444 GRT, built 1914), Vestra (Norwegian, 1422 GRT, built 1904), Vienti (Finnish, 1715 GRT, built 1911), Viiu (Estonian, 1908 GRT, built 1917) and Visten (Swedish, 993 GRT, built 1921).

A close escort was provided for the convoy made up of the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN), HMS Electra (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) and HMS Escort (Lt.Cdr. J. Bostock, RN).

On 8 March 1940, ten more mercant vessels departed Kirkwall to join the convoy, these were the; Airisto (Finnish, 2410 GRT, built 1907), Bradburn (British, 4736 GRT, built 1930), Graculus (Swedish, 1977 GRT, built 1923), Gudrun (British, 844 GRT, built 1924), Masilia (Swedish, 1608 GRT, built 1917), Mergus (Swedish, 1368 GRT, built 1906), Modesta (Finnish, 3830 GRT, built 1917), Navarra (Norwegian, 2118 GRT, built 1920), Pennington Court (British, 6098 GRT, built 1924) and Wentworth (British, 5212 GRT, built 1919).

These were escorted by the destroyer HMS Kelly (Capt. L.F.A.V.N. Mountbatten, GCVO, RN) which had departed Scapa Flow for Kirkwall to pick up the convoy and was then to make rendezvous with the convoy coming from Methil. While en-route from Kirkwall to join the convoy they were attacked by German aircraft but no damage was done.

Around 0520/9, HMS Kelly and HMS Gurkha (Cdr. A.W. Buzzard, RN), which was escorting Convoy HN 17, collided. The two convoys having met during dark hours. HMS Kelly was unable to continue and had to proceed to Lerwick.

Around the same time HMS Cossack parted company with convoy ON 18 and joined convoy HN 17.

Cover for the convoy was provided by the light cruisers HMS Edinburgh (Capt. F.C. Bradley, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN).

On 9 March 1940, the AA cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) joined the convoy.

The convoy arrived in Norwegian waters on 10 March 1940.

10 Mar 1940

Convoy HN 18.

This convoy departed from Norwegian waters near Bergen on 10 March 1940 and the bulk of the convoy arrived at Methil on 13 March 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Atlas (Finnish, 1098 GRT, built 1901), Borosund (Finnish, 1015 GRT, built 1920), Brita Thorden (Finnish, 1899 GRT, built 1920), Clive (Swedish, 1079 GRT, built 1924), Eldrid (Norwegian, 1712 GRT, built 1915), Elna E. (Norwegian, 1174 GRT, built 1925), Ericus (Finnish, 2215 GRT, built 1919), Ferm (Swedish, 1026 GRT, built 1936), Forsvik (Norwegian, 1248 GRT, built 1919), Frey (Swedish, 1090 GRT, built 1911), Graziella (Norwegian, 2137 GRT, built 1917), Hagfors (Swedish, 654 GRT, built 1917), Halvard Bratt (Swedish, 1031 GRT, built 1921), Ibis (Norwegian, 1367 GRT, built 1918), Jaak (Estonian, 1351 GRT, built 1906), Kaupanger (Norwegian, 1584 GRT, built 1930), Kaupo (Latvian, 2905 GRT, built 1905), Magdalena (Swedish, 1278 GRT, built 1882), Marvi (Estonian, 1429 GRT, built 1883), Nordost (Swedish, 1035 GRT, built 1918), P.L. Pahlsson (Swedish, 1533 GRT, built 1916), Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906), Regulus (Finnish, 1821 GRT, built 1921), Sarp (Norwegian, 1113 GRT, built 1916), Sarpfoss (Norwegian, 1493 GRT, built 1919), Sif (Swedish, 1365 GRT, built 1913), Snefjeld (Norwegian, 1643 GRT, built 1901), Toratre (Norwegian, 1016 GRT, built 1920), Transport (Norwegian, 1998 GRT, built 1921), Union (Norwegian, 607 GRT, built 1893), Urd (Swedish, 1008 GRT, built 1922), Vina (British, 1021 GRT, built 1894), Wappu (Finnish, 1513 GRT, built 1930) and Wiima (Finnish, 3272 GRT, built 1897).

On departure the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN), HMS Electra (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) and HMS Escort (Lt.Cdr. J. Bostock, RN).

The destroyer HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. R.G.K. Knowling, RN) had departed Scapa Flow at 1800/9 to join the close convoy escort.

Cover for the convoy was provided by the light cruisers HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) and HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN).

The destroyer HMS Fame (Cdr. P.N. Walter, RN) departed Scapa Flow on the 11th to join the convoy and then take the west coast section of nine merchant vessels under her orders together with HMS Kimberley. The merchant vessels which made up the ' west coast section ' were the following; Atlas, Clive, Graziella, Harvard Bratt, Kaupanger, Sarpfoss, Snefjeld, Toratre and Wappu.

The bulk of the convoy arrived at Methil on the 13th.

11 Mar 1940

Convoy ON 19.

This convoy departed Methil on 11 March 1940 and arrived in Norwegian waters near Bergen on 14 March 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Akabahra (Norwegian, 1524 GRT, built 1929), Bruse (Norwegian, 2205 GRT, built 1933), Cetus (Norwegian, 2614 GRT, built 1920), Convallaria (Swedish, 1996 GRT, built 1921), Diana (Norwegian, 1154 GRT, built 1904), Emmi (Finnish, 1592 GRT, built 1905), Framnas (Swedish, 721 GRT, built 1931), Fylingdale (British, 3918 GRT, built 1924), Grenaa (Danish, 1261 GRT, built 1917), Gudrun (Norwegian, 1128 GRT, built 1919), Harmonic (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Hermes (Estonian, 1545 GRT, built 1901), Hilda (Norwegian, 1237 GRT, built 1925), Jarl (Norwegian, 437 GRT, built 1889), Karl-Erik (Finnish, 1945 GRT, built 1923), Kem (Norwegian, 1706 GRT, built 1925), Marx (Danish, 1259 GRT, built 1924), Meero (Estonian, 1866 GRT, built 1918), Meteor (Norwegian, 3717 GRT, built 1904), Minorca (British, 1123 GRT, built 1921), Mira (Norwegian, 1152 GRT, built 1891), Oscar (Swedish, 1394 GRT, built 1914), Sally (Finnish, 2547 GRT, built 1896), Sarimner (Swedish, 2294 GRT, built 1909), Trident (British, 4317 GRT, built 1917), Urania (Estonian, 1180 GRT, built 1884), Wirma (Finnish, 2609 GRT, built 1903) and Yewkyle (British, 824 GRT, built 1917).

On departure from Methil the convoy had a close A/S escort made up of the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, RN), HMS Gurkha (Cdr. A.W. Buzzard, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN) and HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN).

Cover for the convoy was provided by the light cruiser HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN)

On 12 March 1940, eleven more mercant vessels departed Kirkwall to join the convoy, these were the; Barrwhin (British, 4998 GRT, built 1929), Brighton I. (British, 5359 GRT, built 1928), Oswin (Swedish, 1332 GRT, built 1913), Raftsund (Norwegian, 610 GRT, built 1919), Singoalla (Swedish, 1468 GRT, built 1913), Sonja (Swedish, 1828 GRT, built 1923), Torridal (Norwegian, 1381 GRT, built 1930), Tregenna (British, 5242 GRT, built 1919), Ubari (Estonian, 1392 GRT, built 1899), Umberleigh (British, 4950 GRT, built 1927) and Vigor (Norwegian, 1518 GRT, built 1935).

These were escorted by the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN) and HMS Fortune (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO, RN) which had departed Scapa Flow on 11 March. These destroyers joined the close escort after which HMS Ilex was detached to Scapa Flow.

At 0725A/14, the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN) joined the convoy having sailed from Sullom Voe around 0700A/13.

The convoy arrived in Norwegian waters around noon on the 14th.

12 Mar 1940
Around 0800A/12, HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) parted company with HMS Arethusa (Capt. Q.D. Graham, RN) and proceeded to Scapa Flow where she arrived around 1230A/12.

HMS Arethusa proceeded to Rosyth, where she arrived around 2000A/12.

After fuelling, HMS Edinburgh, departed Scapa Flow again (at 2200A/12) to provide cover for convoys ON 19 and HN 19 to and from Norway.

[For more info on these convoys see the events ' convoy ON 19 ' for 11 March 1940 and ' Convoy HN 19 ' for 14 March 1940.] (8)

14 Mar 1940

Convoy HN 19.

This convoy was formed off Bergen, Norway on 14 March 1940. The bulk of the convoy arrived at Methil on 17 March 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Begonia (Estonian, 1591 GRT, built 1890), Brage (Swedish, 774 GRT, built 1903), Corolus (Finnish, 2375 GRT, built 1919), Crown Arun (British, 2372 GRT, built 1938), Ester Thorden (Finnish, 1940 GRT, built 1921), Evviva (Norwegian, 1597 GRT, built 1921), Granfoss (Norwegian, 1461 GRT, built 1913), Heien (Norwegian, 995 GRT, built 1926), Ingeborg (Swedish, 1156 GRT, built 1908), Inger (Norwegian, 1409 GRT, built 1930), Iris (Norwegian, 1171 GRT, built 1930), Kalev (Estonian, 1867 GRT, built 1917), Kongshaug (Norwegian, 1156 GRT, built 1898), Kotka (Finnish, 1286 GRT, built 1918), Margo (Estonian, 1245 GRT, built 1895), Meggie (Swedish, 1583 GRT, built 1906), Najaden (Finnish, 1963 GRT, built 1906), Newton Ash (British, 4625 GRT, built 1925), North Devon (British, 3658 GRT, built 1924), Olev (Estonian, 1377 GRT, built 1909), Rapid II (Norwegian, 714 GRT, built 1916), Ruth I (Norwegian, 3531 GRT, built 1900), Saga (Swedish, 1077 GRT, built 1909), Selvik (Norwegian, 1557 GRT, built 1920), Siak (Norwegian, 1150 GRT, built 1930), Skotfoss (Norwegian, 1465 GRT, built 1917), Solhavn (Norwegian, 1630 GRT, built 1918), Sulev (Estonian, 2233 GRT, built 1908), Svanholm (Norwegian, 696 GRT, built 1917), Taberg (Swedish, 1392 GRT, built 1920), Themis (Norwegian, 706 GRT, built 1919), Tor (Swedish, 1052 GRT, built 1911), Tore Jarl (Norwegian, 1514 GRT, built 1920) and Vim (Norwegian, 1114 GRT, built 1913).

Escort was provided by the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN) and the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, RN), HMS Gurkha (Cdr. A.W. Buzzard, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN) and HMS Fortune (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO, RN).

Cover for the convoy was provided by the light cruiser HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN).

HMS Calcutta parted company with the convoy in the morning of the 15th and proceeded to Sullom Voe.

When the convoy split in the west and east coast section HMS Faulknor and HMS Foretune took 15 merchant vessels with them; these were most likely the; Brage, Crown Arun, Granfoss, Heien, Iris, Kalev, Kongshaug, Meggie, North Devon, Olev, Ruth I, Saga, Skotfoss, Solhavn and Sulev.

The bulk of the convoy arrived at MEthil on 17 March 1940.

17 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) arrived in the Tyne from convoy cover duty.

At South Shields she was to be taken in hand for repairs and refit by the Middle Docks & Engineering Company Ltd. It had become apparent that the design of the hull had been inadequate and the hull needed stiffening. (8)

23 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) was reduced to care and maintenance while refitting at South Shields. (9)

Light cruiser HMS Belfast (35)

28 Jun 1940
HMS Belfast departed Rosyth for Plymouth. She had recommissioned as warship for the passage only with a streaming party on board under command of Capt. Blackman. During the passage she was escorted by the destroyers HMS Gallant (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, RN) and HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN).

They arrived at Plymouth on 30 June. HMS Belfast was paid off into dockyard control again on 4 July 1940. (10)

Light cruiser HMS Edinburgh (16)

21 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) completed to full complement. (11)

29 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
With her refit and repairs completed, HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN), proceeded from the Tyne to Rosyth. HMS Edinburgh for the period of September to November 1940, details for this period might be missing.] (12)

31 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow. (11)

1 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow to commence a work-up period.

[As said before (see above), details might be missing as no log is available for this period.] (13)

14 Nov 1940
Around 1730A/14, HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) and HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN) departed Scapa Flow for the Clyde.

HMS Edinburgh was required for escort duty despite the fact that she had not fully worked-up yet. (14)

15 Nov 1940
Around 1500A/15, HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) and HMS Phoebe (Capt. G. Grantham, RN) arrived at Greenock from Scapa Flow. (14)

18 Nov 1940

Convoy WS 4B.

This convoy departed Liverpool / the Clyde on 17/18 November 1940 for Suez where it arrived on 28 December 1940.

The convoy was made up of the troopships; Andes (British, 25689 GRT, built 1939), Duchess of Atholl (British, 20119 GRT, built 1928), Empress of Canada (British, 21517 GRT, built 1922), Orcades (British, 23456 GRT, built 1937), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Reina del Pacifico (British, 17702 GRT, built 1931), Strathaird (British, 22281 GRT, built 1932), Strathallan (British, 23722 GRT, built 1938), Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931) and Viceroy of India (British, 19627 GRT, built 1929).

The convoy was formed at sea at 0830/18 when the two sections made rendez-vous west of Oversay Light.

The convoy was escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN), light cruiser HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. W.A. Dallmeyer, RN), HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt. H.S. Rayner, RCN), HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN), HMS Bath (Cdr.(Retd.) A.V. Hemming, RN) and HMS St. Albans (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) S.G.C. Rawson, RN).

The AA cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) joined at 0945/18.

An additional destroyer, HMS St. Marys (Lt. K.H.J.L. Phibbs, RN), joined the convoy in the afternoon of the 18th.

Destroyers HMS Bath, HMS St. Albans and HMS St. Marys parted company with the convoy at 1730/19 followed by HMS Cairo one hour later.

Destroyer HMS Highlander parted company with the convoy at 0900/20 followed at 1800/20 by the four Canadian destroyers.

Heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. R.D. Oliver, DSC, RN) joined the convoy at 1300/23. HMS Norfolk parted company with the convoy at 1600/23 and proceeded to patrol east of the Azores.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 29 November 1940 escorted by HMS Devonshire and HMS Edinburgh.

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The convoy departed Freetown on 1 December 1940 escorted by HMS Devonshire and HMS Cumberland (Capt. G.H.E. Russell, RN).

HMS Cumberland parted company with the convoy late in the morning of December 4th having been relieved by HMS Hawkins (Capt. H.P.K. Oram, RN). HMS Cumberland then proceeded to join the South America Division.

HMS Hawkins was detached with orders to proceed to Simonstown in the morning of December 8th. After fuelling at Simonstown, she was to rejoin the convoy. She arrived at Simonstown around 1630B/9 and departed again around 2110B/9 rejoining the convoy around dawn on the 10th.

The convoy arrived at Durban on 12 December 1940 escorted by HMS Devonshire and HMS Hawkins.

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The convoy departed Durban on 16 December 1940 escorted by HMS Devonshire and HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.H. Edelsten, RN).

At 1000/18, the light cruiser HMS Southampton (Capt. B.C.B. Brooke, RN) took over from HMS Devonshire. This last cruiser then set course to return to Durban.

The convoy arrived near Aden on 25 December 1940 but it did not enter the port. HMS Southampton was briefly detached to fuel at Aden after which she rejoined the convoy. The escort was reinforced with the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) and the destroyers HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN). HMS Shropshire was then detached from the convoy and entered Aden.

HMS Carlisle and HMS Kimberey parted company with the convoy on 27 December 1940 and joined a southbound convoy.

The convoy arrived at Suez on 28 December 1940 escorted by HMS Southampton and HMS Kandahar. (15)

30 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) departed Freetown to proceed to Scapa Flow. (11)

12 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Freetown and patrol.

She had been diverted to patrol north of the Azores for several days while en-route. (16)

17 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (16)

8 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN, trasferred his flag from HMS Manchester (Capt. H.A. Packer, RN) to HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN). (17)

10 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN) conducted 4" HA gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (18)

16 Jan 1941
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN), HMS Birmingham (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN) and HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (19)

17 Jan 1941
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN) and HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN) gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. (19)

19 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN) bombardment exercises at Scapa Flow followed by 4" HA gunnery exercises in the Pentland Firth. (18)

23 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the late afternoon / early evening, HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN), HMS Birmingham (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN), HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN) and HMS Mauritius (Cdr. A.R. Pedder, RN) conducted RIX (rangefinding and inclination) exercises off Scapa Flow. (19)

24 Jan 1941
Around 0115A/24, HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN), HMS Birmingham (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN), HMS Echo (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN), HMS Electra (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN) and HMS Escapade (Cdr. R.E. Hyde-Smith, RN) departed Scapa Flow to participate in operation Rubble.

They returned to Scapa Flow around 1115A/25.

[For more information on this operation see the event ' Operation Rubble ' for 22 January 1941.] (20)

4 Feb 1941
In the late afternoon and evening, HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN), HMS Birmingham (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN), HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN) and HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.K.D. Dowding, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. (21)

5 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN), HMS Birmingham (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Greenock. (22)

6 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN), HMS Birmingham (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN) arrived at Greenock. (22)

15 Feb 1941

Laying of minefields SN 68A and SN 7B.

Minelaying operation by the 1st Minelaying Squadron.

The auxiliary minelayers Southern Prince (A/Capt. E.M.C. Barraclough, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, OBE, RN), HMS Agamemnon (Capt. (Retd.) F. Ratsey, RN) and HMS Port Quebec (Capt. (Retd.) E.C. Watson, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) around 1815A/15 to lay two minefields; SN 68A (828 mines) and SN 7B (810 mines). They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Brighton (Cdr. (Retd.) C.W.V.T.S. Lepper, RN), HMS Charlestown (Lt.Cdr. T. Johnston, RN), HMS Lancaster (A/Cdr. N.H. Whatley, RN) and HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. C.H.deB. Newby, RN).

They were joined around 0950A/15 by the light cruiser HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, RN) which had departed Scapa Flow around 0030A/16.

Distant cover was provided by the light cruisers HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN) and HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN) which departed Scapa Flow around 0415A/16 and Reykjavik, Iceland at 0900A/14 respectively.

The minefields were laid on 17 February as follows;
SN 68A, made up of 828 mines, was laid along a line between positions 62°45'1"N, 10°46'0"W and 63°00'2"N, 11°15'8"W. The minelayers laid as follows, HMS Southern Prince 282 mines, HMS Agamemnon 272 mines and HMS Port Quebec 274 mines.

SN 7B, made up of 810 mines, was laid along a line between positions 62°59'0"N, 08°23'0"W and 63°13'7"N, 08°54'8"W. The minelayers laid as follows, HMS Southern Prince 280 mines, HMS Agamemnon 257 mines and HMS Port Quebec 273 mines.

HMS Southern Prince, HMS Agamemnon, HMS Port Quebec, HMS Brighton, HMS Charlestown, HMS Lancaster and HMS Echo arrived at Port Z.A. (Loch Alsh) on the 18th.

HMS Edinburgh and HMS Nigeria arrived at Scapa Flow around 1630A/18.

HMS Aurora arrived at Scapa Flow around 1915A/18 having parted company with the 1st Minelaying Squadron around 1415A/18.

HMS Echo arrived at Scapa Flow around 0800A/19. (23)

4 Mar 1941

Operation Claymore.

Commando raid on the Lofoten Islands, Norway.

Around 2345A/28 the destroyers HMS Somali (Capt. C. Caslon, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Eskimo (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN), HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN) and the landing ships HMS Princess Beatrix (A/Cdr. T.B. Brunton, RN) and HMS Queen Emma (Lt.Cdr. E.J.R. North, RNR) departed Scapa Flow for operation ' Claymore '. These ships fuelled at Skálafjørður, Faeroer Islands arriving there around 1900A/1. They departed about five hour later.

A cover force, made up the battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. G.J.A. Miles, RN, flying the flag of A/Adm. J.C. Tovey, KCB, DSO, RN), HMS King George V (Capt. W.R. Patterson, CVO, RN), light cruisers HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN), HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN) and the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, DSC, RN), HMS Punjabi (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. C.H.deB. Newby, RN) and HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN) departed Scapa Flow around 1430A/2.

At 1900A/3, HMS Edinburgh and HMS Nigeria were detached to provide close cover for the landing force. '

During the operation the submarine HMS Sunfish (Lt. G.R. Colvin, RN) acted as a beacon to guide the ships of the landing force in.

During the operation HMS Somali remained at sea in the Vestfiord. She managed to enter the German patrol vessel NN 04 / Krebs during which imported Enigma coding meterial was captured. Krebs was then sunk.

The landing ship HMS Queen Emma and the destroyers HMS Bedouin and HMS Tartar proceeded to Svolvaer.

The landing ship HMS Princess Beatrix and the destroyers HMS Eskimo and HMS Legion proceeded to Stamsund.

The commandoes were landed. At Stamsund they destroyed the Lofotens Cod Boiling Plant while two factories were destroyed at Henningsvær and thirteen at Svolvær. About 800000 gallons (3600 m3) of fish oil and paraffin were set on fire.

The commandoes captured 225 prisoners including Norwegian collaborators and also took 314 Norwegian volunteers with them which wanted to join the Norwegian armed forces.

Besides that the merchant vessels Bernard Schulte (1058 GRT, built 1923), Eilenau (1404 GRT, built 1910) and Felix Heumann (2468 GRT, built 1921) were sunk by demolition charges at Svolvær.

HMS Tartar sank the German merchant vessels Hamburg (fishmeal factory ship, 6136 GRT, built 1911) and Pasajes (1996 GRT, built 1923).

The German merchant vessel Gumbinnen (1381 GRT, built 1922) was sunk by with demolition charges by the Army landing party.

The Norwegian passenger/cargo vessel Mira (1152 GRT, built 1891) was sunk by HMS Bedouin.

The Norwegian fishing vessel (trawler) Myrland (321 GRT, built 1918) joined the British force and proceeded to the Faroes, arriving there on 7 March 1941.

HMS Edinburgh and HMS Nigeria arrived at Scapa flow around 1200A/6.

HMS Somali, HMS Bedouin, HMS Eskimo, HMS Tartar, HMS Legion, HMS Princess Beatrix and HMS Queen Emma arrived at Scapa Flow around 1300A/6.

HMS Nelson, HMS King George V, HMS Inglefield, HMS Maori, HMS Punjabi, HMS Echo and HMS Eclipse arrived at Scapa Flow around 1400A/6. (24)

9 Mar 1941

Laying of minefield SN 68B.

Minelaying operation by the 1st Minelaying Squadron.

Around 1630A/9, the destroyers HMS Maori (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, DSC, RN) and HMS Zulu (Cdr. H.R. Graham, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow followed around 1800A/9 by their sister ship HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, DSO and Bar, RN). They were to make rendezous with the 1st Minelaying Squadron in the Minches for escort duty during a minelaying mission.

Southern Prince (A/Capt. E.M.C. Barraclough, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral R.L. Burnett, OBE, RN), HMS Agamemnon (Capt. (Retd.) F. Ratsey, RN), HMS Menestheus (Capt. J.S. Crawford, DSO, RN, RN) and HMS Port Quebec (Capt. (Retd.) E.C. Watson, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) around 1815A/9 to lay minefield SN 68B. They were escorted by the destroyer HMS St. Marys (Lt. K.H.J.L. Phibbs, RN). At sea they were joined by the three Tribal-class destroyers mentioned above.

The light cruisers HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN) and HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN) departed Scapa Flow around 2330A/9 to provide cover. They rendezvoused with the minelayers and their escorts around A/10.

On 11 March the minefield was laid along a line between positions 62°57'1"0N, 11°24'0"W and 63°42'0"N, 12°20'0"W. The minelayers laid as follows, HMS Southern Prince 562 mines, HMS Agamemnon 530 mines, HMS Menestheus 410 mines and HMS Port Quebec 548 mines.

The 1st Minelaying Squadron and the four escorting destroyers arrived back at Port Z.A. (Loch Alsh) around 2359A/12. HMS Cossack, HMS Maori and HMS Zulu then fuelled and departed 0835A/14 for convoy escort duty (with convoy OB 297).

HMS Edinburgh arrived at Scapa Flow around 1930A/12 followed by HMS Nigeria around 2115A/12. (25)

18 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN) conducted A/S exercises at Scapa Flow with the submarine HMS L 23 (Lt. L.F.L. Hill, RNR). [No log is available for HMS L 23 and the log of HMS Edinburgh does not give the name of the submarine but as L 23 was the only submarine at Scapa Flow it must have been her.]

These were followed by torpedo firing exercises. (26)

20 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1100A/20, the light cruiser HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN) and the destroyers HMS Somali (Capt. C. Caslon, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Matabele (Cdr. R.St.V. Sherbrooke, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Greenock.

In the late evening they were ordered to proceed to position 54°00'N, 20°00'W but they were ordered to continue their passage to the Clyde early in the afternoon of 21 March 1941.

They arrived at Greenock around 0800A/22. (27)

1 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0845A/1, HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN), arrived at Gibraltar after convoy escort duty. (28)

2 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1830A/2, HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN), departed Gibraltar to join the escort of convoy SL 69.

[See the event ' Convoy SL 69 ' for 23 March 1941 for more info on this convoy.] (28)

15 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2100A/15, HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN), arrived at Scapa Flow from convoy escort duty. (28)

12 May 1941
Vice Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN, struck his flag in HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) and hoisted it in HMS Hood (Capt. R. Kerr, CBE, RN). (29)

14 May 1941
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. These included night exercises during the night of 14/15 May 1941. (29)

15 May 1941
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (29)

16 May 1941
HMS Galatea (Capt. E.W.B. Sim, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral K.T.B. Curteis, CB, RN), HMS Arethusa (Capt. A.C. Chapman, RN) and HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow.

Shortly after noon they were ordered to proceed to the west at speed to be in a more westward position (to intercept) as a large warship had been reported in position 60°10'N, 04°05'5W at 0647/16 proceeding westwards. This reports was not followed up with more sightings of this supposed enemy warship and the cruisers were ordered to return to Scapa Flow around 2140 hours and course was reversed 180 degrees. (30)

18 May 1941
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for a patrol west of the Bay of Biscay / north of the Azores to search for enemy blockade runners. (31)

22 May 1941 (position 45.33, -23.25)
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) intercepted the German blockade breaker Lech (3290 GRT, built 1939) in position 45°33'N, 23°25'W. Before the German ship can be captured she is scuttled by her own crew. HMS Edinburgh then takes the crew prisoner.

Two days later HMS Edinburgh is ordered to try to intercept and shadow the German battleship Bismarck. (29)

28 May 1941
In the late afternoon / early evening, HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN), makes a short stop at Londonderry to land the German Pow's and to embark Capt. H.W. Faulknor, RN which is to take over from Capt. Blackman. (29)

29 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from patrol and operations against the German battleship Bismarck. (29)

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