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Battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (05)

1 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At the Devonport Dockyard, Rear-Admiral S.S. Bonham-Carter, CVO, DSO, RN, hoisted his flag in HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN). (1)

7 Jan 1940
With her refit completed, HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral S.S. Bonham-Carter, CVO, DSO, RN), departed Plymouth around 0400 hours for Portsmouth. She was being escorted by the destroyers HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), HMS Wivern (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Wren (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN). (1)

8 Jan 1940
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral S.S. Bonham-Carter, CVO, DSO, RN), HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), HMS Wivern (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) and HMS Wren (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN) arrived at Portsmouth from Plymouth having been delayed en-route due to thick fog. (1)

14 Jan 1940
Around noon, HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral S.S. Bonham-Carter, CVO, DSO, RN), departed Portsmouth for Halifax, Nova Scotia. She had on board £ 5 million of gold bullion.

She was being escorted by the destroyers HMS Achates (Cdr. R.J. Gardner, RN), HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Arrow (Cdr. H.W. Williams, RN) until around 1630/15 when HMS Vanquisher (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Alers-Hankey, RN), HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, RN) and HMS Windsor (Lt.Cdr. P.D.H.R. Pelly, RN) took over until around 1200/16. HMS Royal Sovereign then proceeded unescorted. (1)

23 Jan 1940
Around dawn, 0730 hours, HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral S.S. Bonham-Carter, CVO, DSO, RN) is joined by the destroyers HMCS Ottawa (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN) and HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN).

They arrived at Halifax around 1800 hours that day.

Rear-Admiral S.S. Bonham-Carter, CVO, DSO, RN transferred his flag to the shore base HMS Seaborn not long after the arrival of HMS Royal Sovereign. (1)

30 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Halifax. (1)

31 Jan 1940

Convoy HX 18.

This convoy departed Halifax on 31 January 1940 and arrived at Liverpool 16 February 1940.

Upon departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant ships: Aliakmon (Greek, 4521 GRT, built 1913), Athelking (British (tanker), 9557 GRT, built 1926), Beaverford (British, 10042 GRT, built 1928), Boltonhall (British, 4824 GRT, built 1935), British Prince (British, 4879 GRT, built 1935), Caithness (British, 4970 GRT, built 1935), Canadian (Panamanian, 5802 GRT, built 1919), Cefn Y Bryn (British, 5164 GRT, built 1939), Cerinthus (British (tanker), 3878 GRT, built 1930), Clearpool (British, 5405 GRT, built 1935), Conus (British (tanker), 8132 GRT, built 1931), Dalcairn (British, 4608 GRT, built 1927), Daytonian (British, 6434 GRT, built 1922), Dromus (British (tanker), 8036 GRT, built 1938), F.J. Wolfe (Panamanian (tanker), 12190 GRT, built 1932), Geddington Court (British, 6903 GRT, built 1928), Glenmoor (British, 4393 GRT, built 1928), Gretafield (British (tanker), 10191 GRT, built 1928), Harmonic (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Hindpool (British, 4897 GRT, built 1928), Hopecastle (British, 5178 GRT, built 1937), Langleeford (British, 4622 GRT, built 1925), Leiesten (Norwegian (tanker), 6118 GRT, built 1930), Lustrous (British (tanker), 6156 GRT, built 1927), Mataroa (British, 12390 GRT, built 1922), Parthenia (British, 4872 GRT, built 1917), Quebec City (British, 4745 GRT, built 1927), Rio Blanco (British, 4086 GRT, built 1922), Ross (British, 4878 GRT, built 1936), Sea Glory (British, 1964 GRT, built 1919), Sheaf Holme (British, 4814 GRT, built 1929), Sire (British, 5664 GRT, built 1938), Starstone (British, 5702 GRT, built 1938), Taygetos (British, 4295 GRT, built 1918), Telena (British (tanker), 7406 GRT, built 1927), Toronto City (British, 2486 GRT, built 1925), Trewellard (British, 5201 GRT, built 1936), Trontolite (British (tanker), 7115 GRT, built 1918), Ullapool (British, 4891 GRT, built 1927), Vancolite (Canadian (tanker), 11404 GRT, built 1928), White Crest (British, 4365 GRT, built 1928), William Blumer (Norwegian, 3604 GRT, built 1920) and Yarraville (British (tanker), 8627 GRT, built 1928).

The convoy had been escorted by the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN).

HMCS Saguenay and HMCS Skeena were detached on 1 February 1940.

On 3 February 1940 a lot of merchant ships lost touch with the convoy, these were the following vessels: Boltonhall, British Prince, Cefn Y Btyn, Conus, Dalcairn, Geddington Court, Gretafield, Harmonic, Hindpool, Langleeford, Parthenia, Rio Blanco, Sea Glory, Sire, Trewellard and Yarraville.

On 8 February 1940 HMS Royal Sovereign parted company with the convoy which then continued on unescorted until the destoyer HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, RN) and sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) joined on 13 February.

On 14 February two stagglers from the convoy were sunk by the German submarine U-26. These were the Gretafield and Langleeford.

The bulk of the convoy arrived at Liverpool on 16 February.

12 Feb 1940
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) returned to Halifax after convoy escort duty. She was escorted in by Canadian destroyers [unable to find out which ones but HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN) seemed to be the most likely ones]. (2)

22 Feb 1940

Convoy HX 22.

This convoy departed Halifax on 22 February 1940 and arrived at Liverpool 9 March 1940.

Upon departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant ships: Anglo-Indian (British, 5609 GRT, built 1938), Anthea (British, 5186 GRT, built 1924), Aspasia Nomikos (Greek, 4855 GRT, built 1938), Athelprincess (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Athelsultan (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Bradford City (British, 4953 GRT, built 1936), Carras (Greek, 5234 GRT, built 1918), Chama (British (tanker), 8077 GRT, built 1938), Chesapeake (British (tanker), 8955 GRT, built 1928), Counsellor (British, 5068 GRT, built 1926), Darcoila (British, 4084 GRT, built 1926), Director (British, 5107 GRT, built 1926), Elona (British (tanker), 6192 GRT, built 1936), Erodona (British (tanker), 6207 GRT, built 1937), Gracefield (British, 4631 GRT, built 1928), Hanseat (Panamanian (tanker), 7932 GRT, built 1929), Hoperidge (British, 5222 GRT, built 1939), Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936), Humber Arm (British, 5758 GRT, built 1925), James McGee (Panamanian (tanker), 9859 GRT, built 1917), King Neptune (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Laguna (British, 6466 GRT, built 1923), Lindenhall (British, 5248 GRT, built 1937), Nailsea Moor (British, 4926 GRT, built 1937), Newton Moore (British, 5673 GRT, built 1937), Norman Monarch (British, 4718 GRT, built 1937), Nyanza (British, 4974 GRT, built 1928), Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914), Reginolite (British (tanker), 9069 GRT, built 1926), San Ambrosio (British (tanker), 7410 GRT, built 1935), San Fernando (British (tanker), 13056 GRT, built 1919), Scherazade (French (tanker), 13467 GRT, built 1935), Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937) and Yang-Tse (French, 8150 GRT, built 1915).

The convoy had been escorted by the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN) and HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN).

The Canadian destroyers parted company with the convoy on 23 February.

HMS Royal Sovereign parted company with the convoy on 2 March. She then set course to return to Halifax while the convoy continued eastwards without escort.

On 6 March the convoy was joined by the destroyers HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. J.G.W. Deneys, RN), HMS Veteran (Cdr. J.E. Broome, RN), HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN) and HMS Wren (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, RN).

Before the convoy arrived the Counsellor hit a mine and sank.

The convoy arrived at Liverpool on 9 March 1940.

7 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) returned to Halifax after convoy escort duty. She was escorted in by the destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN). (3)

18 Mar 1940

Convoy HX 28.

This convoy departed Halifax on 18 March 1940 and arrived at Liverpool 2 April 1940.

Upon departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant ships: Aldersdale (British (tanker), 8402 GRT, built 1937), Annik (Norwegian, 1333 GRT, built 1940), Antigone (British, 4545 GRT, built 1928), Athelknight (British (tanker), 8940 GRT, built 1930), Avelona Star (British, 13376 GRT, built 1927), Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Bengore Head (British, 2609 GRT, built 1922), Boreas (Norwegian, 2801 GRT, built 1920), Bridgepool (British, 4845 GRT, built 1924), British Captain (British (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1923), British Prudence (British (tanker), 8620 GRT, built 1939), Cardita (British (tanker), 8237 GRT, built 1931), Collegian (British, 7886 GRT, built 1923), Cordelia (British (tanker), 8190 GRT, built 1932), Dalcroy (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Dromore Castle (British, 5242 GRT, built 1919), Edward F. Johnson (British (tanker), 10452 GRT, built 1937), Empire Confidence (British, 5023 GRT, built 1935), Eskdalegate (British, 4250 GRT, built 1930), Europe (Norwegian (tanker), 8371 GRT, built 1934), Grainton (British, 6341 GRT, built 1929), Harlingen (British, 5415 GRT, built 1933), Henri Desprez (French (tanker), 9805 GRT, built 1932), Hopepeak (British, 5179 GRT, built 1938), Indiana (French, 5751 GRT, built 1917), Induna (British, 5086 GRT, built 1925), Inversuir (British, 9456 GRT, built 1938), Jean L.D. (French, 5795 GRT, built 1935), Jumna (British, 6078 GRT, built 1929), Jutland (British, 6153 GRT, built 1928), Lancaster Castle (British, 5172 GRT, built 1937), Lucerna (British (tanker), 6556 GRT, built 1930), Macharda (British, 5998 GRT, built 1938), Malayan Prince (British, 8953 GRT, built 1926), Manchester Citizen (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Manchester Port (British, 7071 GRT, built 1935), Matheran (British, 7653 GRT, built 1919), Mathilda (Norwegian, 3650 GRT, built 1920), Narragansett (British (tanker) 10389 GRT, built 1936), Newfoundland (British, 6791 GRT, built 1925), Nicolaou Georgios (Greek, 4108 GRT, built 1930), Politician (British, 7939 GRT, built 1923), Pomella (British (tanker), 6766 GRT, built 1937), Ramsay (British, 4855 GRT, built 1930), Rio Azul (British, 4088 GRT, built 1921), Rockpool (British, 4892 GRT, built 1927), San Demetrio (British (tanker), 8073 GRT, built 1938), San Ernesto (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1939), San Gabriel (British, 4943 GRT, built 1920), Sarthe (British, 5271 GRT, built 1920), Scoresby (British, 3843 GRT, built 1923), Selvistan (British, 5136 GRT, built 1924), Shirak (British (tanker), 6023 GRT, built 1926), Stanwell (British, 5767 GRT, built 1914), Stiklestad (Norwegian (tanker), 9349 GRT, built 1938), Torr Head (British, 5021 GRT, built 1937), Trecarrell (British, 5271 GRT, built 1919), Tuira (Panamanian, 4397 GRT, built 1912), Varanger (Norwegian (tanker), 9305 GRT, built 1925), W.B. Walker (British (tanker), 10468 GRT, built 1935) and Walter D. Munson (Greek, 3703 GRT, built 1917).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt. H.S. Rayner, RCN) and HMCS Ottawa (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN).

HMCS Ottawa parted company with the convoy later on the 18th. HMCS Saguenay and HMCS Skeena parted company on the 19th.

The convoy then continued on eastwards escorted by HMS Royal Sovereign which parted company with the convoy on the 27th.

On approaching the British Isles the destroyers HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, RN) and HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) joined the convoy on the 27th, HMS Havock (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Courage, RN) and HMS Vanessa (Lt.Cdr. E.A. Stocker, RN) on the 28th and HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. C.G.W. Donald, RN) on the 29th. Apparently only HMS Antelope remained with when the convoy until it arrived at Liverpool.

2 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) returned to Halifax after convoy escort duty. She was escorted in by the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN).

10 Apr 1940

Convoy HX 34.

This convoy departed Halifax on 10 April 1940 and arrived at Liverpool 26 April 1940.

Upon departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant ships: Beechwood (British, 4987 GRT, built 1940), British Colony (British (tanker), 6917 GRT, built 1927), Chulmleigh (British, 5445 GRT, built 1938), Custodian (British, 5881 GRT, built 1928), Dominigo de Larrinaga (British, 5358 GRT, built 1929), Empire Conveyor (British, 5911 GRT, built 1917), F.J. Wolfe (British (tanker), 12190 GRT, built 1932), Forsdale (British, 11023 GRT, built 1924), Generton (British, 4797 GRT, built 1936), (British, GRT, built ), Henry Dundas (British (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1937), Lake Halwill (Estonian, 3165 GRT, built 1907), Malancha (British, 8124 GRT, built 1937), Manchester Spinner (British, 4767 GRT, built 1918), Merchant Prince (British, 5229 GRT, built 1939), Mount Pelion (Greek, 5655 GRT, built 1917), Oiltrader (British (tanker), 5550 GRT, built 1927), Parracombe (British, 4702 GRT, built 1928), Port Montreal (British, 5882 GRT, built 1937), Prince Rupert City (British, 4749 GRT, built 1929), Ross (British, 4878 GRT, built 1936), San Ubaldo (British (tanker), 5999 GRT, built 1921), Saranac (British (tanker), 12049 GRT, built 1918), Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920), Seminole (British (tanker), 10389 GRT, built 1936), Texas Ranger (British, 2689 GRT, built 1919), Thiara (British (tanker), 10364 GRT, built 1939), Toronto City (British, 2486 GRT, built 1925), Varand (British (tanker), 6023 GRT, built 1927) and Wellfield (British (tanker), 6054 GRT, built 1924).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) and the destroyers HMCS HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN), HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN) and HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN).

On the same day of departure HMCS Ottawa collided with a tug and had to return to Halifax for repairs.

The other two Canadian destroyers parted company with the convoy on 11 April.

HMS Royal Sovereign parted company with the convoy on 20 April and set course for Gibraltar as she was to join the Mediterranean Fleet.

On approaching the British Isles the destroyers HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN) and HMS Windsor (Lt.Cdr. P.D.H.R. Pelly, RN) escorted the convoy from 23 to 26 April when the convoy arrived at Liverpool.

23 Apr 1940
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. She had a local escort of the destroyers HMS Keppel (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) E.G. Heywood-Lonsdale, RN) and HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN) which had joined the battleship earlier in the day. (4)

15 May 1940
Fleet exercises were carried out of Alexandria in which the following warships are thought to have participated; battleships HMS Warspite (Capt. D.B. Fisher, OBE, RN, flying the flag of A/Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, KCB, DSO and 2 Bars, RN), HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN), heavy cruisers Duquesne (Capt. G.E. Besineau), Tourville (Capt. A.J.A. Marloy), light cruisers HMS Neptune (Capt. J.A.V. Morse, DSO, RN), HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral J.C. Tovey, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Delhi (Capt. A.S. Russell, RN), HMS Dragon (Capt. R.G. Bowes-Lyon, MVO, RN), Duguay Trouin (Capt. J.M.C. Trolley de Prevaux), destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN, HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades RAN), HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN), HMAS Waterhen (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, RN), HMS Tigre (Capt. M. De La Forest Divonne), Lynx (Cdr. A.M. De Gouyon Matignon de Pontourade) and Forbin (Lt.Cdr. R.C.M. Chartellier).

Some of these ships remained out on exercises during the night of 15/16 May.

[It is possible that more ships participated in these exercises but much information is not available.]

23 May 1940
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) departed Alexandria at 0700 hours, for exercises. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Diamond (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Cartwright, RN) and HMAS Vendetta (Lt. R. Rhoades, RAN).

HMS Royal Sovereign and HMS Diamond returned to Alexandria later the same day.

HMAS Vendetta joined the transport Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923) to escort her to Malta. The light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) also joined. coming from Port Said, and remained with HMAS Vendetta and the Talma until 0615B/24.

HMS Caledon then set course to return to Port Said.

24 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Rear-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN hoisted his flag in HMS Royal Sovereign. (4)

3 Jun 1940
Fleet exercises were carried out of Alexandria in which the following warships are thought to have participated; battleships HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Malaya (Capt. Sir A.F.E. Palliser, DSC, RN), Lorraine (Capt. L.M.L. Rey), aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, RN), light cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice Admiral J.C. Tovey, CB, DSO, RN), HMS Neptune (Capt. R.C. O'Conor, RN), HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN), HMS Gloucester (Capt. F.R. Garside, CBE, RN), destroyers HMAS Stuart (Cdr. H.M.L. Waller, RAN), HMAS Vampire (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Walsh, RAN), HMAS Voyager (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Morrow, RAN), HMS Decoy (Cdr. E.G. McGregor, DSO, RN), HMS Havock (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, RN), HMS Hereward (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Hostile (Cdr. J.P. Wright, DSO, RN), HMS Janus (Cdr. J.A.W. Tothill, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. W.E. Wilson, RN), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN) and HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN).

Most of these ships remained out on exercises during the night of 3/4 June.

[It is possible that more ships participated in these exercises but not much information is available.]

5 Jun 1940
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN) and HMS Malaya (Capt. Sir A.F.E. Palliser, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. They were, most likely, escorted by HMS Hostile (Cdr. J.P. Wright, DSO, RN), HMS Hereward (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Greening, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. P.L. Saumarez, DSC, RN) and HMS Imperial (Lt.Cdr. C.A.deW. Kitcat, RN).

29 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) departed Aden for Durban. (5)

15 Sep 1940
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) arrived at Durban, South Africa where she was taken in hand for refit. She was immediately docked. (6)

2 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) is undocked. She then continued her refit at Durban. (7)

23 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) departed Durban for Capetown. (7)

26 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) arrived at Capetown. She departed Capetown for Freetown later the same day. (7)

4 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) arrived at Freetown. (8)

5 Nov 1940
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) departed Freetown to provide cover along with HMS Dragon (Capt. R.J. Shaw, MBE, RN) for the armed merchant cruiser HMS Moreton Bay (A/Capt. E.M. Haes, RN) which was en-route to Freetown with the Vichy French transport Cuba (11420 GRT, built 1923) which she had intercepted on 31 October 1940 while it was en-route from Martinique to Casablanca. (9)

6 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) returned to Freetown due to machinery problems. (9)

10 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) departed Freetown for Gibraltar. En-route she was to provide cover for convoys SLS 54 and SL 54. (9)

16 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the early afternoon, HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN), made rendezvous with her escorts towards Gibraltar, HMS Vidette (Lt. E.N. Walmsley, RN) and HMS Wrestler (Lt.Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, RN). (8)

18 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN), HMS Vidette (Lt. E.N. Walmsley, RN) and HMS Wrestler (Lt.Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (10)

2 Dec 1940
At 0936 hours (Italian time), the Italian submarine Mocenigo sighted a destroyer at 9000-10000 metres and altered course to attack. At 0954 hours, the destroyer apparently had also discovered the submarine and turned toward her. Mocenigo crash dived to 100 metres. The destroyer dropped four depth-charges at 1000 hours, two at 1006, three at 1014, eleven at 1018, fourteen at 1025, three at 1031 and three more at 1037 hours, but the submarine escaped damage although HMS Kelvin reported air bubbles and oil in position 36°02'N, 09°42'W. This was HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) which was escorting the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) together with HMS Jaguar (Lt.Cdr. J.F.W. Hine, RN). The surfaced submarine had been sighted by the battleship at a range of 8 nautical miles.

10 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) arrived at Halifax. (11)

15 Dec 1940

Convoy SC 16.

This convoy departed Halifax on 15 December 1940 for Liverpool where it arrived on 31 December 1940.

Upon departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant ships: Aeas (Greek, 4729 GRT, built 1915), Anglo Peruvian (British, 5457 GRT, built 1926), Ashby (British, 4868 GRT, built 1927), Boltonhall (British, 4824 GRT, built 1935), Erica (Norwegian, 1592 GRT, built 1919), Frumenton (British, 6675 GRT, built 1930), Hartington (British, 5496 GRT, built 1932), Loke (Norwegian, 2421 GRT, built 1915), Lorca (British, 4875 GRT, built 1931), Pandias (Greek, 4981 GRT, built 1912), Scottish Standard (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1921), Shaftesbury (British, 4284 GRT, built 1923), Sirikishna (British, 5458 GRT, built 1936), Spind (Norwegian, 2197 GRT, built 1917) and Swinburne (British, 4659 GRT, built 1917).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was not escorted. It was joined the next day, the 16th, by the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN).

The battleship parted company with the convoy on 23 December 1940.

On 29 December the destroyers HMS Active (A/Cdr. E.C.L. Turner, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, DSO, RN), HMS Georgetown (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Poe, RN), corvettes HMS Heather (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G.C. Gibson, RN), HMS Picotee ( Lt.Cdr. N.C.H. Scallan, RNR) and the A/S trawler HMS Lady Madeleine (T/Lt. P.H. Potter, RNR) joined the convoy. The destroyers parted company the next day while the other escorted remained with the convoy until it arrived at Liverpool.

16 Dec 1940
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) departed Halifax to overtake and join convoy SC 16 and to act as ocean escort.

She was also to provide cover for convoys HX 96 and HX 97 which crossed the Atlantic around the same time.

[For more info convoy SC 16 see the event ' Convoy SC 16 ' for 15 December 1940.] (12)

24 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) made rendezvous with the troopship Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929) to escort it to Halifax. (11)

28 Dec 1940
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) arrived at Halifax escorting the troopship Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929). (11)

15 Jan 1941

Convoy HX 103.

This convoy departed Halifax on 15 January 1941 for Liverpool where it arrived on 1 February 1941.

Upon departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant ships: Botusk (British, 3091 GRT, built 1919), Emmaplein (Dutch, 5436 GRT, built 1926), Gandia (Belgian, 9629 GRT, built 1907), Gard (Norwegian (tanker), 8259 GRT, built 1938), Jean Jadot (Belgian, 5859 GRT, built 1929), King William (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928) and Trehata (British, 4817 GRT, built 1928).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN), the destroyer HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, OBE, RN) and the corvette HMCS Arrowhead (T/Lt. V.H. Torraville, RCNR).

The destroyer and the corvette parted company with the convoy on the 16th and returned to Halifax.

On 18 January convoy BHX 103 coming from Bermuda merged with convoy HX 103. Convoy BHX 103 had been made up of the merchant vessels Athelfoam (British (tanker), 6554 GRT, built 1931), Dolabella (British (tanker), 8142 GRT, built 1939), Empire Shearwater (British, 4970 GRT, built 1920), Mamura (Dutch (tanker), 8245 GRT, built 1932) and Mijdrecht (Dutch (tanker), 7493 GRT, built 1931). It had departed Bermuda on 13 January 1941 and had been escorted to the rendez-vous position by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Montclare (Capt.(Retd.) H.M. Spreckley, RN) which was then detached.

The battleship parted company with the convoy on 26 January and then returned to Halifax.

On 27 January 1941 the destroyer HMS Vanquisher (Lt. A.P. Northey, DSC, RN) and corvettes HMS Gentian (Lt.Cdr. R.O. Yeomans, RD, RNR) and HMS Verbena (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, RNVR) joined the convoy but they were detached later the same day. On 28 January 1941 the destroyers HMS Viscount (Lt.Cdr. M.S. Townsend, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN) and HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN) joined the convoy. They were detached on 31 January 1941.

The convoy arrived at Liverpool on 1 February 1941, apparently unescorted.

Two merchant vessels were lost when the convoy ran into the British minefield SN 2 (north-west of Rona Island, in approximate position 59°08'N, 05°52'W) on 31 January 1941. These were the Botusk and Emmaplein.

1 Feb 1941
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) arrived at Halifax from escort duty. (13)

17 Feb 1941

Convoy TC 9.

This troop convoy departed Halifax on 17 February 1941 and arrived in the Clyde on 27 February 1941.

Is was made up of the troopships: Dempo (Dutch, 17024 GRT, built 1931), Duchess of York (British, 20021 GRT, built 1929), Johan van Oldenbarneveld (Dutch, 19429 GRT, built 1930), Orontes (British, 20097 GRT, built 1925) and Warwick Castle (British, British, 20107 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Halifax it was escorted by the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) and the armed merchant cruiser HMS Wolfe (A/Capt.(Retd.) W.G.A. Shuttleworth, RN).

HMS Wolfe was detached on 18 February 1941.

On 20 February the light cruiser HMS Edinburgh (Capt. C.M. Blackman, DSO, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral L.E. Holland, CB, RN) departed Scapa Flow to join the convoy, She relieved HMS Royal Sovereign on 23 February which then returned to Halifax arriving on 28 February. On 24 February the destroyers HMCS Assiniboine (A/Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN), HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, OBE, RN) and HMS Havelock (Cdr. E.H. Thomas, DSC, RN) joined the convoy. HMS Havelock was detached on 25 February. The three Canadian destroyers remained with the convoy until 26 February.

On the 25 February, light cruiser HMS Aurora (Capt. W.G. Agnew, RN) and the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN), HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. C.H.deB. Newby, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN) and Léopard (Lt.Cdr. J. Evenou) joined the convoy; Léopard already being detached later on the 25th. Destroyer HMS Mistral (Cdr. C.H. Brooks, RAN) joined the convoy on the 26th. Destroyer HMS Churchill (Cdr.(Retd.) G.R. Cousins, RN) also escorted the convoy in the Western Approaches. The convoy reached the Minches in the evening of 26 February. Light cruiser HMS Edinburg with the destroyers HMS Inglefield, HMS Echo and HMS Eclipse then proceeded to Scapa Flow arriving at 0100/27.

Light cruiser HMS Aurora with the destroyers Mistral and HMS Churchill took the convoy into the Clyde and arrived at Greenock on the 27th.

28 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) arrived at Halifax from escort duty. (13)

2 Mar 1941
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) departed Halifax for Bermuda. (14)

5 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) arrived at Bermuda. (14)

6 Mar 1941
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) and HMS Worcestershire (A/Capt. J. Creswell, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Bermuda. (14)

7 Mar 1941
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) conducted AA gunnery exercises off Bermuda and then departed for patrol in the North Atlantic to provide cover for Atlantic convoys. (14)

19 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) returned to Halifax. (14)

21 Mar 1941

Convoy HX 116.

This convoy departed Halifax on 21 March 1941 for Liverpool where it arrived on 9 April 1941.

Upon departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant ships: Anna Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 9057 GRT, built 1931), Birgitte (British, 1595 GRT, built 1930), British Dominion (British (tanker), 6983 GRT, built 1928), British Prince (British, 4879 GRT, built 1935), Coulbeg (British, 5237 GRT, built 1940), Duke of Athens (British, 5217 GRT, built 1940), Ferncastle (British (tanker), 9940 GRT, built 1936), Gregalia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929), Grey County (Norwegian, 5194 GRT, built 1918), Haakon Hauan (Norwegian (tanker), 6582 GRT, built 1935), Hercules (Dutch, 2317 GRT, built 1914), Iddesleigh (British, 5205 GRT, built 1927), Innerton (British, 5276 GRT, built 1919), Kaipara (British, 5882 GRT, built 1938), Lyras (Greek, 5685 GRT, built 1918), Mahout (British, 7921 GRT, built 1925), Mariso (Dutch, 7659 GRT, built 1930), Murena (Dutch (tanker), 8252 GRT, built 1931), Nellie (Greek, 4826 GRT, built 1913), Pacific Shipper (British, 6290 GRT, built 1924), Port Campbell (British, 7851 GRT, built 1924), Richmond Hill (British, 7579 GRT, built 1940), San Arcadio (British (tanker), 7419 GRT, built 1935), San Florentino (British (tanker), 12842 GRT, built 1919), Sovac (British (tanker), 6724 GRT, built 1938), Stanwell (British, 5767 GRT, built 1914), Tetela (British, 5389 GRT, built 1926) and Tornus (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ausonia (Capt.(Retd.) G.H. Freyberg, OBE, RN).

On 23 March the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) joined the convoy.

On 31 March HMS Royal Sovereign parted company with the convoy.

On 4 March 1941 HMS Ausonia parted company with the convoy after the destroyers HMS Ambuscade (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN), HMS Bulldog (Cdr. A.J.B. Cresswell, RN), HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN) and corvettes HMS Campanula (Lt.Cdr. R.V.E. Case, DSC and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Freesia (Lt.Cdr. T.P.G. Crick, RN), HMS Heartsease (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Proudfoot, RN), HMS Pimpernel (Lt. F.H. Thornton, RNR) and A/S trawler HMS St. Apollo (T/Lt. R.H. Marchington, RNVR) had joined. The destroyer HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN) joined on 5 April. The destroyer HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN) and corvette HMS Orchis (Lt. A.D. White, RNR)both joined on 6 April. HMS Orchis was detached on 7 April.

The convoy arrived at Liverpool on 9 April.

7 Apr 1941
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) arrived at Halifax after convoy escort duty. (15)

9 Apr 1941

Convoy SC 28.

This convoy departed Halifax on 9 April for Liverpool where it arrived on 28 April 1941.

Upon departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant ships: Aeas (Greek, 4729 GRT, built 1915), Akabahra (Norwegian, 1524 GRT, built 1929), Aldington Court (British, 4891 GRT, built 1929), Almenara (British, 1851 GRT, built 1922), Anna Bulgaris (Greek, 4603 GRT, built 1912), Armathia (British, 4683 GRT, built 1919), Baron Inchcape (British, 7005 GRT, built 1917), Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Bernhard (Norwegian, 3563 GRT, built 1924), Bosworth (British, 6672 GRT, built 1919), Bristol City (British, 2864 GRT, built 1920), Buccinum (British (tanker), 5237 GRT, built 1910), Despina (Greek, 3016 GRT, built 1907), Embassage (British, 4954 GRT, built 1935), Euthalia (Greek, 3553 GRT, built 1918), Georgios P. (Greek, 4052 GRT, built 1903), Gezina (Norwegian, 1828 GRT, built 1917), Gullpool (British, 4868 GRT, built 1928), Katvaldis (British, 3163 GRT, built 1907), King Stephen (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928), Kisnop (British, 5874 GRT, built 1919), Manatee (British, 5948 GRT, built 1920), Matronna (Greek, 2846 GRT, built 1902), Navarino (British, 4841 GRT, built 1937), Niceto de Larrinaga (British, 5591 GRT, built 1916), Prins Willem van Oranje (Dutch, 1303 GRT, built 1918), Rossum (Dutch, 2118 GRT, built 1928), Runswick (British, 3970 GRT, built 1930), Sildra (Norwegian (tanker), 7313 GRT, built 1927), Trojan Star (British, 9037 GRT, built 1936), Wellfield (British (tanker), 6054 GRT, built 1924) and West Amargosa (British, 5462 GRT, built 1919).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Chitral (Capt.(Retd.) G. Hamilton, RN).

Around 1615Q/11, the submarine HMS Talisman (Lt. M. Willmott, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0915P/13, the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) arrived in the vicinity of the convoy. The battleship provided cover for both the convoys HX 120 and SC 28.

In the morning of the 13th, the Runswick dropped out of the convoy. HMS Chital doubled back for her but she was not seen again.

In the afternoon of the 18th, the Bernhard dropped out of the convoy due to engine trouble. She did not rejoin the convoy.

In the morning of the 19th, the Kisnop dropped out of the convoy due to engine trouble. She did not rejoin the convoy.

Around 1720P/19, HMS Talisman left the convoy to return to Halifax.

Also on the 19th, convoys HX 120 and SC 28 closed and from then until the 24th they remained in close company of each other.

Around 1900O/20, HMS Royal Sovereign left the vicinity near the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 1530Z/21, HMS Chital left the convoy to proceed to Reykjavik.

When Chitral left the destroyer HMS Bulldog (Cdr. A.J.B. Cresswell, RN) and several other escort vessels (identity currently not known to us, further research is required) joined convoys HX 120 and SC 28.

On 24 April 1941 the destroyer HMS Scimitar (Lt. R.D. Franks, OBE, RN), corvettes HMS Dianthus (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.E. Bridgman, RNR), HMS Mallow (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Piggott, RNR), HMS Marigold (T/Lt. J. Renwick, RNR), HMS Nasturtium (Lt.Cdr. J.F.C. Bartley, DSC, RNR), HMS Periwinkle (Lt.Cdr. P.G. MacIver, RNR), HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A. Ayre, RNR) and the minesweepers HMS Bramble (Capt. M.H. Evelegh, RN), HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. J.R.A. Seymour, RN) and HMS Speedy (Lt. J.G. Brookes, RN) joined the convoy. The minesweepers departed later the same day. On the 26th, corvette HMS Mallow was detached. The destroyer HMS Wanderer (Cdr. A.F.St.G. Orpen, RN) joined on the 27th.

The convoy arrived at Liverpool on the 28th.

11 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) departed Halifax to overtake and join convoy SC 28 and to act as ocean escort.

[For more info convoy SC 28 see the event ' Convoy SC 28 ' for 9 April 1941.]

26 Apr 1941
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) returned to Halifax from escort duty. (15)

30 Apr 1941

Convoy HX 124.

This convoy departed Halifax on 30 April 1941 for Liverpool where it arrived on 20 May 1941.

Upon departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant ships: Aalsum (Dutch, 5418 GRT, built 1922), Alchiba (British, 4427 GRT, built 1920), Algenib (Dutch, 5483 GRT, built 1937), Asbjorn (British, 4387 GRT, built 1935), Athelviscount (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Atlantian (British, 6549 GRT, built 1928), Auditor (British, 5444 GRT, built 1924), Baron Ogilvy (British, 3391 GRT, built 1926), Barrington Court (British, 4910 GRT, built 1924), Beaconstreet (British (tanker), 7467 GRT, built 1927), Botavon (British, 5848 GRT, built 1912), British Faith (British (tanker), 6955 GRT, built 1928), British Fortune (British (tanker), 4696 GRT, built 1930), British Industry (British (tanker), 4297 GRT, built 1927), British Resolution (British (tanker), 8408 GRT, built 1937), Charlton Hall (British, 5200 GRT, built 1940), Daytonian (British, 6434 GRT, built 1922), Delphinula (British (tanker), 8120 GRT, built 1939), Echodale (British (tanker), 8150 GRT, built 1941), Empire Hawk (British, 5033 GRT, built 1919), Empire Steel (British (tanker), 8138 GRT, built 1941), Gitano (British, 3956 GRT, built 1921), Harmala (British, 5730 GRT, built 1935), King Lud (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Kingswood (British, 5080 GRT, built 1929), Korsholm (Swedish, 2647 GRT, built 1925), Madrono (Norwegian (tanker), 5894 GRT, built 1917), Morska Wola (Polish, 3208 GRT, built 1924), Pacific Enterprise (British, 6736 GRT, built 1927), Pomella (British (tanker), 6766 GRT, built 1937), Queen City (British, 4814 GRT, built 1924), Redgate (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Souliotis (Greek, 4299 GRT, built 1917), Varand (British (tanker), 6023 GRT, built 1927), Vera Radcliffe (British, 5587 GRT, built 1925), Vivi (Norwegian (tanker), 6546 GRT, built 1932) and Wearwood (British, 4597 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Circassia (A/Capt. E.V. Lees, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Cobalt (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.B. Campbell, RCNR) and HMCS Collingwood (T/Lt. W. Woods, RCNR). The corvettes were detached later the same day.

On 2 May the convoy was joined by the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN). She detached from the convoy on 9 May.

On 11 May the destroyer HMS Broadway (Lt.Cdr. T. Taylor, RN) and corvettes HMS Aubretia (Lt.Cdr. V.F. Smith, RNR), HMS Hollyhock (Lt. T.E. Davies, OBE, RNR) and HMS Nigella (T/Lt. T.W. Coyne, RNR) joined the convoy

On 12 May the destroyers HMS Burwell (Lt.Cdr. S.R.J. Woods, RNR), HMS Malcolm (Cdr. C.D. Howard-Johnston, DSC, RN), HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), corvettes HMS Heliotrope (Lt.Cdr. J. Jackson, RNR), HMS Mallow (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Piggott, RNR), HMS Violet (Lt.Cdr. K.M. Nicholson, RNR), and A/S trawlers HMS Northern Gem (Skr.Lt. W.J.V. Mullender, DSC, RNR), HMS Northern Wave (T/Lt. W.G. Pardoe-Matthews, RNR), HMS Notts County (T/S.Lt. R.H. Hampton, RNR) and HMS Vizalma (T/Lt. M.M. Firth, RNVR) joined the convoy.

Around 0600Z/13, the destroyers HMS Scimitar (Lt. R.D. Franks, OBE, RN) and HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1715Z/14 the corvettes HMS Anemone (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, DSO and Bar, RD, RNR), HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR), HMS Verbena (Lt.Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, RNVR) and HMS Veronica (Lt.Cdr. (retired) D.F. White, RNR) joined the convoy.

The destroyers HMS Scimitar, HMS Malcolm, corvettes HMS Aubretia, HMS Heliotrope, HMS Hollyhock, HMS Mallow, HMS Nigella, HMS Verbena, HMS Veronica and all the A/S trawlers were detached on 14 May.

Around 1200Z/15, the tanker British Industry and the transport Trolla (Norwegian, 1598 GRT, built 1923) [from convoy SC-30] were detached to Reykjavik escorted by HMS Mallow and HMS Verbena.

HMS Circassia, HMS Watchman and HMS Burwell were detached around 1810Z/15 while on the same day the destroyers HMS Burnham (Cdr. J. Bostock, DSC, RN), HMS Leamington (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN), HMS Salisbury (Lt.Cdr. H.M.R. Crichton, RN), escort destroyer HMS Eridge (Lt.Cdr. W.F.N. Gregory-Smith, RN), minesweepers HMS Hussar (Lt.Cdr. D.H.P. Gardiner, RN), HMS Niger (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Bayley, DSC, RN), and catapult ship Ariguani joined the escort.

On 18 May the destroyer HMS Roxborough (Lt. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN) joined the convoy. Also on this day HMS Leamington and HMS Anemone were detached.

On 19 May the destroyer HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN) joined the escort.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 20 May 1941.

1 May 1941
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) departed Halifax to overtake and join convoy HX 124 and to act as ocean escort.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy HX 124 ' for 30 April 1941.] (16)

14 May 1941
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) returned to Halifax from escort duty. (16)

17 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) departed Halifax for Norfolk, Virginia, USA. (17)

20 May 1941
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) arrived at the Portsmouth Navy Yard where she was to be taken in hand for repairs. Also some modifications to the close range AA armament were to be made. (17)

27 May 1941
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) is docked at the Portsmouth Navy Yard. (16)

3 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) is undocked. (18)

26 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) departed the Portsmouth Navy Yard for Bermuda. (18)

29 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) arrived at Bermuda. (18)

30 Jun 1941
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) departed Bermuda for the U.K. where she was to continue her refit. (18)

8 Jul 1941
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) is joined by the destroyer ORP Piorun (Cdr. E.J.S. Plawski). (19)

9 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) and the destroyer ORP Piorun (Cdr. E.J.S. Plawski) made rendez-vous with the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), the detroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Fury (Lt.Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN), HMS Lance (Lt.Cdr. R.W.F. Northcott, RN), HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN) and the troopships Cameronia (16297 GRT, built 1920) and Scythia (British, 19761 GRT, built 1920).

HMS Faulknor and HMS Fury were detached shortly after HMS Royal Sovereign and ORP Piorun had joined. (19)

12 Jul 1941
Around 0930B/12, the battleship HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), the destroyers HMS Lance (Lt.Cdr. R.W.F. Northcott, RN), HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN), ORP Piorun (Cdr. E.J.S. Plawski) and the troopships Cameronia (16297 GRT, built 1920) and Scythia (British, 19761 GRT, built 1920) arrived in the Clyde. (20)

17 Jul 1941
HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) proceeded upstream and is taken in hand for further refit work at Greenock.

More changes to the close range armament were made and also radar was fitted. (19)

Battleship HMS Nelson (28)

20 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) conducted D/G trials off Rosyth. (21)

21 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0600B/21, the battleship HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow. Around 0640B/21, after the battleship had passed through Oxcar gate in the boom defence she was joined by the escort destroyers HMS Middleton (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, RN), HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC, RN) and HMS Hursley (Lt. W.J.P. Church, DSC, RN).

They arrived at Scapa Flow around 1930B/21. (21)

24 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) conducted D/G and compass adjustment trials at Scapa Flow. (21)

27 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) conducted 4.7" and 6" gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (21)

28 Apr 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) conducted 4.7" and 6" gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (21)

1 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The battleship HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) conducted exercises in the Pentland Firth. She was, most likely, escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Middleton (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, RN), HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC, RN) and HMS Hursley (Lt. W.J.P. Church, DSC, RN). (22)

5 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The battleship HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow followed by exercises in the Pentland Firth together with HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN). The battleship was, most likely, escorted by the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.T. Armstrong, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, DSC and Bar, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Wheatland (Lt. R.deL. Brooke, RN). (23)

7 May 1942
The battleship HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral A.T.B. Curteis, CB, RN) conducted exercises in the Pentland Firth. She was, most likely, escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Blankney (Lt.Cdr. P.F. Powlett, DSO, DSC, RN), HMS Middleton (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, RN) and HMS Lamerton (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Purse, DSC, RN). (22)

18 May 1942
HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral A.T.B. Curteis, CB, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (22)

27 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At Scapa Flow, Vice-Admiral A.T.B. Curteis, CB, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) to HMS Rodney (Capt. J.W. Rivett-Carnac, DSC, RN).

HMS Nelson then left Scapa Flow around 0830B/27 for Greenock where she arrived around 1730B/28. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Pathfinder (Cdr. E.A. Gibbs, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Penn (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Swain, DSO, RN) and HMS Quentin (Lt.Cdr. A.H.P. Noble, DSC, RN). (24)

27 Aug 1942
Around 1200A/27, HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) departed Greenock for Scapa Flow. She was escorted by destroyer HMS Eskimo (Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) and the escort destroyers HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN) and HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN).

Before departure Vice-Admiral E.N. Syfret, CB, RN, had hauled down his flag in HMS Nelson. (25)

28 Aug 1942
Around 1315A/28, HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN), HMS Eskimo (Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. D.P. Trentham, RN) and HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Greenock. (25)

10 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) conducted speed trials on the measured mile at Scapa Flow. On completion of these speed trials radar calibration trials were carried out. (26)

19 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (26)

20 Sep 1942
Around 0415A/20, the battleship HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth. She was escorted by the escort destroyers HMS Whaddon (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, RN) and HMS Blean (Lt. N.J. Parker, RN).

They then joined the aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN) and the destroyers ORP Blyskawica (Kmdr.ppor. (Cdr.) L. Lichodziejewski), HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. G.H.D. Williams, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Zetland (Lt. J.V. Wilkinson, RN) which came from the Clyde.

The battleship and aircraft carrier arrived at Rosyth later the same day. They passed Oxcar gate around 1700A/20. The escort did not enter.

The transfer of the battleship and aircraft carrier to Rosyth was known as 'Operation EX'. (26)

22 Sep 1942
HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) is docked in No.3 graving dock at the Rosyth Dockyard for a short refit. (26)

7 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) is undocked. (27)

16 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0815A/16, the battleship HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN), aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN) and the destroyer HMS Panther (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Jocelyn, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth.

Off Oxcar gate they were joined by the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.K. Scott-Moncrieff, RN), HMS Escapade (Lt.Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN), HMS Marne (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, DSC, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Middleton (Lt. C.S. Battersby, RN).

They arrived at Scapa Flow around 2130A/16. (28)

17 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) conducted D/G trials at Scapa Flow. (27)

19 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the second half of the afternoon and first half of the evening, HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (27)

24 Oct 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. She returned to harbour shortly after midnight. During the exercises she was escorted by the destroyers HMS Meteor (Lt.Cdr. D.J.B. Jewitt, RN), HMAS Quickmatch (Lt.Cdr. R. Rhoades, DSC, RAN) and HMS Redoubt (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Ropner, DSO, RN). (27)

8 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At Gibraltar, the Naval Commander Expeditionary Force (NCXF) North Africa and Mediterranean, Admiral A.B. Cunningham, GCB, DSO and 3 Bars, RN, hoisted his flag in HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN). (29)

13 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At Gibraltar, the Naval Commander Expeditionary Force (NCXF) North Africa and Mediterranean, Admiral A.B. Cunningham, GCB, DSO and 3 Bars, RN, hauled down his flag in HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN). (29)

15 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At Gibraltar, the Flag Officer Commanding Force H, Vice-Admiral E.N. Syfret, CB, RN, transferred his flag from HMS Duke of York (Capt. G.E. Creasy, DSO, RN) to HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN). (29)

25 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At Mers-el-Kebir, Vice-Admiral E.N. Syfret, CB, RN, struck his flag aboard HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) (30)

27 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At Mers-el-Kebir, the new Flag Officer Commanding Force H, Vice-Admiral H.M. Burrough, CB, KBE, DSO, RN, hoisted his flag aboard HMS Nelson (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN). (30)

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