Robert Henry Douglas Lane, RN
| Born | 15 Feb 1896 | ||
| Died | 27 Apr 1941 | (45) | HMS Wryneck (i) (D 21) |
| Ranks
Retired: 15 Feb 1941 Decorations
|
Warship Commands listed for Robert Henry Douglas Lane, RN
| Ship | Rank | Type | From | To |
| HMS Wryneck (i) (L 04) | Lt.Cdr. | Destroyer | 26 Jul 1940 | 27 Apr 1941 (+) |
Career information
We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.
Events related to this officer
Destroyer HMS Wryneck (i) (L 04)
29 Aug 1940
HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) completed her refit at the Malta Dockyard and is placed in commission. (1)
1 Sep 1940
HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) departed Malta for operations.
[See the event ' Operation Hats ' for 29 August 1940 for more information.] (1)
4 Sep 1940
HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) arrived at Alexandria from operations.
[HMS Wryneck remained at Alexandria during the entire month of September, it seems likely she underwent a work-up progamme and post refit repairs during this time.]
2 Oct 1940
HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) departed Alexandria for Port Said. (1)
3 Oct 1940
HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) arrived at Port Said. She departed Port Said for Haifa later the same day, presumably escorting the transport Cavallo (British, 2269 GRT, built 1922). (1)
4 Oct 1940
HMS Wryneck (Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) arrived at Haifa. She departed for Alexandria later the same day presumably escorting the tanker British Hope (British, 6951 GRT, built 1928). (1)
6 Oct 1940
HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Haifa. (1)
19 Oct 1940
At 1020 hours HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) departed Alexandria for Haifa via Port Said. She was presumably escorting the transport Cyclops (British, 9076 GRT, built 1906). (1)
21 Oct 1940
HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) arrived at Haifa. (1)
23 Oct 1940
HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) departed Haifa for Alexandria. She was presumably escorting the transport Cyclops (British, 9076 GRT, built 1906). (1)
24 Oct 1940
Operation MAQ 2.
Operations in the Aegean.
24 October 1940.
Convoy AN 5 departed Port Said for Piraeus, Greece. It was made up of three merchant vessels; two of which were the Cavallo (British, 2269 GRT, built 1922) and Guido (British, 3921 GRT, built 1920). Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Havock (Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, DSC, RN) and HMS Hero (Cdr. H.W. Biggs, DSO, RN). They were joined in position 33°40'N, 28°20'E around 0800/25 by the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) which had sailed from Alexandria.
25 October 1940.
To provide cover for this convoy the battleship HMS Malaya (Capt. A.F.E. Palliser, DSC, RN, flying the flag of A/Rear-Admiral H.B. Rawlings, OBE, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, RN), AA cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Vampire (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN), HMS Hyperion (Cdr. H.St.L. Nicolson, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN), HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN) and HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN).
The light cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN), HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN) and HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN) also departed Alexandria on the 25th to operate off the Dardanelles on contraband control duties.
26 October 1940.
It had been intended that aircraft from HMS Eagle should carry out a raid on Maltezana on Stampalia at dawn but bad weather prevented this.
27 October 1940.
As weather had improved at dawn aircraft from HMS Eagle carried out a raid on Maltezana on Stampalia. It was reported that hangars were hit and set on fire. One hit was obtained on the seaplane slipway and about 20 250lb bombs were dropped on barracks and the ammunition dump area. A heavy eplosion was heard by the last aircraft about 10 minutes after leaving the area. Eight aircraft took part and all returned safely to HMS Eagle. There was no enemy air activity. The convoy meanwhile had arrived safely at Piraeus.
28 October 1940.
All warships involved in the operation returned to Alexandria p.m. today. (2)
25 Oct 1940
HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) arrived at Alexandria. She sailed again later the same day for operations.
[See the event ' Operation MAQ 2 ' for 24 October 1940 for more information.] (1)
2 Nov 1940
HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) and HMS Fareham (Lt. W.J.P. Church, RN) departed Suda Bay for Piraeus. They were escorting the Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Olna (7073 GRT, built 1921).
(2)
10 Nov 1940
Convoy AS 5
This convoy departed Piraeus on 10 November 1940 for Port Said where it arrived on 15 November 1940.
The convoy was made up of the merchant vessels; Argo (Greek, 1995 GRT, built 1920), Cavallo (British, 2269 GRT, built 1922), Hanne (British, 1360 GRT, built 1903), Ioannis P. Goulandris (Greek, 3750 GRT, built 1910), Katingo Hadjipatera (Greek, 3661 GRT, built 1913), Kehrea (Greek, 1968 GRT, built 1912), Meroe (British, 3832 GRT, built 1928) and Petroil (Greek (tanker), 4434 GRT, built 1903).
The convoy was escorted by the British destroyer HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN).
On the 11th the armed boarding vessels HMS Chakla (Cdr. L.C. Bach, RD, RNR) and HMS Fiona (Cdr. A.H.H. Griffiths, RD, RNR) departed Suda Bay to join this convoy. They remained with the convoy until the 14th when they set course for Alexandria where they arrived later the same day.
The convoy arrived at Port Said on the 15th. Escort had been taken over by the A/S trawlers HMS Sindonis (Ch.Skr. G. Rawding, RNR) and HMS Victorian (A/Skr.Lt. M.A. Smith, RNR).
HMS Wryneck arrived at Suda Bay on 14 November 1940.
15 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Convoy AN 7.
This convoy departed Port Said and Alexandria on 15 / 16 November 1940 for Piraeus where it arrived on 19 November 1940.
The convoy was made up of the merchant vessels; Bantria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920), Helga Moller (British, 5546 GRT, built 1912), Helka (British, 3471 GRT, built 1912), Kate (Greek (tanker), 5197 GRT, built 1918) Maliakos (Greek, 3903 GRT, built 1912) and Petros J. Goulandris (Greek, 4693 GRT, built 1923).
Escort was provided by the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) and the destroyer HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC and Bar, RN).
The destroyer HMS Wryneck (Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) sailed from Suda Bay on the 16th and joined the convoy at sea on the 17th.
The convoy arrived safely at Piraeus on the 19th.
20 Nov 1940
The AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) and HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Piraeus for Alexandria. (3)
21 Nov 1940
The AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) and HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC and Bar, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Piraeus. (3)
3 Dec 1940
Convoy AS 6.
This convoy departed Piraeus on 3 December 1940 for Port Said where it arrived on 7 December 1940.
The convoy was made up of the merchant vessels; Adinda (Dutch (tanker), 3359 GRT, built 1939), Artemis Pitta (Greek, 1363 GRT, built 1906), British Sergeant (British (tanker), 5868 GRT, built 1922), Cleanthis (Greek, 4153 GRT, built 1911), Eocene (British, 4216 GRT, built 1922), Guido (British, 3921 GRT, built 1920), Hannah Moller (British, 2931 GRT, built 1911), Helka (British, 3471 GRT, built 1912) and Tanais (Greek, 1545 GRT, built 1907).
On departure escort was provided by the A/S trawler HMS Loch Melfort (T/Lt. F. Graham-Brown, RNR). A second A/S trawler was to have sailed as escort for the convoy but was unable to do so due to defects, this was HMS Kingston Coral (Skr. W. Kirman, RNR).
From about south of the Kaso Strait AA protection was given by the AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN). The cruiser had departed Alexandria on 3 December 1940 and joined the convoy around 1300/4 in approximate position 34°12'N 28°24'E.
The destroyer HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) departed Alexandria on 5 December 1940 and joined the convoy around 1130/6.
HMS Calcutta parted company with the convoy at 1800/6 and set course for Alexandria where she arrived the next morning.
The convoy arrived at Port Said on the 7th following which HMS Wryneck returned to Alexandria arriving on the 8th.
2 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) returned to Alexandria. She departed again later the same day.
[See the event ' Operation MC 5, attack on Bardia ' for more information.]
20 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Convoy AN 13.
This convoy departed Alexandria on 20 January 1941 for Piraeus where it arrived on 23 January 1941.
The convoy was made up of the transports; HMS Ulster Prince (British, 3791 GRT, built 1930), Lanarkshire (British, 9816 GRT, built 1940) and Port Halifax (British, 5820 GRT, built 1937).
They were escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN) and the destroyers HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN).
The convoy arrived safely at Piraeus on 23 January 1941. (4)
25 Jan 1941
Convoy AS 13.
This convoy departed Piraeus on 25 January 1941 for Alexandria / Port Said.
The convoy was made up of the merchant vessels; Ais Giorgis (Greek, 2098 GRT, built 1908), Cavallo (British, 2269 GRT, built 1922), Diamantis (British, 5253 GRT, built 1919), Doris (Greek, 4604 GRT, built 1917), Efthalia Mari (Greek, 4195 GRT, built 1919), El Hak (British, 1022 GRT, built 1929), Frinton (Greek, 1419 GRT, built 1903), Helka (British, 3471 GRT, built 1912), Iris (Swedish, 1974 GRT, built 1886), Ovula (Ducth, 6256 GRT, built 1938), Palermo (British, 2797 GRT, built 1938), Pancration (Greek, 2171 GRT, built 1920), Petros J. Goulandris (Greek, 4693 GRT, built 1923), Tanais (Greek, 1545 GRT, built 1907), Tassia (Greek, 3034 GRT, built 1904) and Trajanus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930).
Escort for this convoy was provided by the AA cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN) and the destroyers HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhodes, RAN). The minesweeper HMS Fareham (Lt. W.J.P. Church, RN) later joined at sea having sailed from Suda Bay.
On 27 January 1941 the Alexandria section of the convoy arrived there escorted by HMS Coventry, HMAS Vendetta and HMS Fareham.
The Port Said section continued on escorted by HMS Wryneck. They arrived there on the 28th. (4)
29 Jan 1941
The troopships Devonshire (11275 GRT, built 1939) and Dilwara (11080 GRT, built 1936) departed Port Said for Haifa. They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN).
30 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The troopships Devonshire (11275 GRT, built 1939) and Dilwara (11080 GRT, built 1936) and their escorting destroyer, HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN), arrived at Haifa. HMS Wryneck departed for Alexandria later the same day.
31 Jan 1941
HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) arrived at Alexandria.
3 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) returned to Alexandria. (5)
4 Feb 1941
Around 1420B/4, the transport Ulster Prince (3791 GRT, built 1930) departed Alexandria for Tobruk. She was beng escorted by the destoyers HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) and HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN).
They were however soon recalled and returned to Alexandria later the same day.
5 Feb 1941
Around 1330B/5, the destoyers HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN) and HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) departed Alexandria for Tobruk where they were to land minesweeping gear.
They arrived off Tobruk the next day in a heavy sandstorm but were able to land the minesweeping gear after which they departed for Alexandria.
HMAS Stuart returned to Alexandria around 0750B/7. HMS Wryneck apparently remained at Tobruk for operations. [No further details known for the moment.]
11 Feb 1941
HMS Wryneck (Lt.Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, RN) arrived at Alexandria shortly before noon.
24 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN) departed Alexandria for Tobruk. (1)
25 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN) arrived at Tobruk for operations. [No further details known.] (1)
1 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The British transport Knight of Malta (1553 GRT, built 1929) departed Alexandria for Tobruk. She was being escorted by the A/S whaler HMSAS Southern Maid.
During the night of 2/3 March the Knight of Malta ran aground off Ras Azzaz. The 342 passenger were able to get off without losses. The destroyer HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN) was sent out from Tobruk but reported salvage was not possible due to the rocks and the heavy swell.
4 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) departed Tobruk for Alexandria.
5 Mar 1941
Around 0845C/5, HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN) and HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN) arrived Alexandria from Tobruk.
6 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Convoy AG 2
This convoy departed Alexandria on 6 March 1941 for Pireaus where it arrived on 8 March 1941.
The convoy was made up of the merchant vessels Clan Macaulay (British, 10492 GRT, built 1936) and Cingalese Prince (British, 8474 GRT, built 1929).
Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN) and HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN).
9 Mar 1941
Convoy GA 2
This convoy departed Piraeus on 9 March 1941.
The convoy was made up of the merchant vessels Brattdal (Norwegian, 4968 GRT, built 1935), City of Windsor (British, 7218 GRT, built 1923), Eastern Prince (British, 10926 GRT, built 1929) and Port Halifax (British, 5820 GRT, built 1929).
The naval transport HMS Breconshire (9776 GRT, built 1939) (Capt.(Retd.) C.A.G. Hutchenson, RN) was also with the convoy as was the netlayer HMS Protector (Cdr. R.J. Gardner, RN).
Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN), HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN).
Around 1030C/10, HMAS Vampire parted company with the convoy to escort HMS Breconshire to Alexandria where they arrived around 0730C/11.
The remainder of the convoy arrived at Alexandria later on the 11th.
12 Mar 1941
Convoy AG 5
This convoy departed Alexandria on 12 March 1941 for Pireaus where it arrived on 14 March 1941.
The convoy was made up of the merchant vessels City of Norwich (British, 6726 GRT, built 1913), Corinthia (Greek, 3721 GRT, built 1911), Hellas (Greek, 2295 GRT, built 1916), Marie Maersk (British (tanker), 8271 GRT, built 1928), Muncaster Castle (British, 5853 GRT, built 1928) and Tanais (Greek, 1545 GRT, built 1907).
Escort was provided by the destroyers HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN) and HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN). They were joined later (daylight on the 13th) by the destroyer HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN) which had departed Alexandria around 2100/12. (4)
15 Mar 1941
Convoy GA 5
This convoy departed Piraeus on 15 March 1941 for Alexandria where it arrived on 17 March 1941.
The convoy was made up of the merchant vessels Afghanistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Cingalese Prince (British, 8474 GRT, built 1929), Clan Macaulay (British, 10492 GRT, built 1936), Corinthia (Greek, 3721 GRT, built 1911), Dumana (British, 8427 GRT, built 1923), Hellas (Greek, 2081 GRT, built 1916), Settler (British, 6202 GRT, built 1939) and Thurland Castle (British, 6372 GRT, built 1929).
Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN) and HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN).
The merchant vessel Cingalese Prince split off from the convoy on the 17th and proceeded to Tobruk. From Tobruk the A/S whaler HMSAS Southern Maid came out to escort her. (4)
21 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Convoy ASF 21
This convoy departed Piraeus on 21 March 1941 for Alexandria where it arrived on 23 March 1941.
The convoy was made up of the transport HMS Breconshire (9776 GRT, built 1939) and a total of seven merchant vessels.
The armed boarding vessel HMS Chakla (Cdr. L.C. Bach, RD, RNR) also travelled with the convoy.
The convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) and HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN). (4)
26 Mar 1941
Convoy AG 9
This convoy departed Alexandria on 26 March 1941 for Pireaus where all ships arrived on 29 March 1941.
The convoy was made up of the merchant vessels Brattdal (Norwegian, 4968 GRT, built 1935), Corinthia (Greek, 3721 GRT, built 1911), Hellas (Greek, 2081 GRT, built 1916), Port Halifax (British, 5820 GRT, built 1937) , Thermopylae (Norwegian, 6655 GRT, built 1930) and the naval transport HMS Ulster Prince (3791 GRT, built 1930).
Escort was provided by the Greek destroyer RHS Vasilefs Georgios (Cdr. P. Lappas), Australian destroyers HMAS Vampire (Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) and the British destroyer HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN).
The AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) joined the convoy around 0800 hours on the 28th near position 33°04’N, 26°32’E. She had departed Suda Bay in the evening of the 27th.
The convoy was routed to pass through the Kythera Channel during the night of 28/29 March 1941.
Italian warships were reported at sea and the convoy was then delayed and kept to the east of the Mediterranean Fleet during the Battle of Cape Matapan.
The convoy arrived at Piraeus around 1900C/29. (4)
1 Apr 1941
Convoy AS 23
This convoy departed Piraeus on 1 April 1941 for Port Said where it arrived on 5 April 1941.
The convoy was made up of the merchant vessels Aegeus (Greek, 4538 GRT, built 1920), Coulouras-Xenos (Greek, 4914 GRT, built 1915), Hollandia (Greek, 1759 GRT, built 1911), Homefield (British, 5324 GRT, built 1919), Mary Livanos (Greek, 4771 GRT, built 1938), Mount Olympus (Greek, 6692 GRT, built 1920), Runo (British, 1858 GRT, built 1920) and Teti (Greek, 2747 GRT, built 1903).
The convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN), HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN) and the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).
The convoy was attacked from the air and on 2 April the Coulouras-Xenos was sunk by aircraft bombs off Gavdos Island while the Homefield was badly damaged. She was later sunk by the destroyer HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN).
HMAS Voyager arrived at Alexandria on 4 April, HMS Wryneck continued with the convoy to Port Said where it arrived on the 5th. HMS Wryneck then proceeded to Alexandria where she arrived later the same day. (4)
7 Apr 1941
Convoy AG 11
This convoy departed Alexandria on 7 April 1941 for Pireaus where it arrived on 9 April 1941.
The convoy was made up of the merchant vessels Ais Giorgis (Greek, 2098 GRT, built 1908), Brattdal (Norwegian, 4968 GRT, built 1935), City of Karachi (British, 7140 GRT, built 1937), City of Windsor (British, 7218 GRT, built 1923), Comliebank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1924), Hollandia (Greek, 1759 GRT, built 1911), Ozarda (British, 6985 GRT, built 1940), Port Halifax (British, 5820 GRT, built 1937) and Tanais (Greek, 1545 GRT, built 1907).
The armed boarding vessel HMS Fiona (Cdr. A.H.H. Griffiths, RD, RNR) also sailed with the convoy but was soon detached to Tobruk.
Escort was provided by the destroyers HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN), HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN) and the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).
The AA cruiser HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) joined the convoy at sea on the 8th.
On the 9th HMS Mohawk was detached to Suda Bay after she had been relieved by two Greek destroyers. (4)
10 Apr 1941
Convoy AS 25
This convoy departed Piraeus on 10 April 1941 for Alexandria / Port Said where it arrived on 15 April 1941.
The convoy was made up of the merchant vessels Alfios (Greek, 5116 GRT, built 1920), Fred (Greek, 4043 GRT, built 1907), Hellas (Greek, 2081 GRT, built 1916), Ioannis Fafalios (Greek, 5670 GRT, built 1919) and Theofano Livanos (Greek, 4815 GRT, built 1937).
They were later joined at sea by the tanker Pericles (Dutch, 3167 GRT, built 1938) which came from Suda Bay.
Escort was provided by the destroyer HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN) and the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).
On sailing from Piraeus the AA cruiser HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN) was also part of the escort. She parted company with the convoy on the 11th. HMS Calcutta (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN) then joined the convoy, also on the 11th.
On the 14th, the tanker Pericles broke in two in position in 32°09'N, 29°40'E. HMS Grimsby took off the crew. Destroyer HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, DSO, RN) was sent to her assistance but she could only sink the stern section with gunfire. (4)
15 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN) arrived at Port Said after escort duty. She departed later the same day for Alexandria. (1)
16 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN) arrived at Alexandria at 0015 hours. (1)
16 Apr 1941
The infantery landing ships HMS Glenearn (Capt.(Retd.) L.B. Hill, OBE, RN) and HMS Glengyle (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Petrie, RN) departed Alexandria around 0245C/16 for a raid against Bardia. They were being escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. T.C. Hampton, RN) and the destroyers HMAS Stuart (Capt. H.M.L. Waller, DSO, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Cdr. J.C. Morrow, DSO, RAN) and HMS Wryneck (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.D. Lane, RN).
The submarine HMS Triumph (Lt.Cdr. W.J.W. Woods, RN) was to act as beacon to guide the landing force in to the beach.
After dark on the 16th HMS Carlisle parted company to join convoy AN 27. She was replaced at daylight on the 17th by HMS Coventry (Capt. D. Gilmour, RN).
The raid however was cancelled due to the bad weather conditions and the force returned to Alexandria around 1300C/17. (4)
Sources
- ADM 199/2576
- ADM 199/387
- ADM 53/111642
- ADM 199/414
- ADM 187/11
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.
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