• Home
• The U-boats
• The Men
• The Allies
• Maps
• Forums
• Articles
• Gallery
• Books
• Movies
• WWI

Allies in WWII

• Ships hit by U-boats
• Allied Warships
• Allied Commanders
  • Listing of officers
  • Decorations
  • Personal info
• Ships & Navies
• Aircraft & Air Forces
• Weapons & Techn.

Career information

We currently have no career / biographical information on this officer.

Battleship HMS Rodney (29)

2 Dec 1939
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) arrived in the Clyde for repairs to her damaged rudder due to which she had been detached from the Fleet. On arrival in the Clyde she was being escorted by the destroyers HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, RN) and HMS Gurkha (Cdr. F.R. Parham, RN). (1)

7 Dec 1939
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) departed the Clyde for Liverpool where she is to undergo repairs to her damaged rudder. Tugs assisted HMS Rodney with steering.

During the passage to Liverpool several destroyer provided escort and A/S sweeps along the route. These were HMS Exmouth (Cdr. R.S. Benson, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN), HMS Fearless (Cdr. K.L. Harkness, RN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. W.S. Thomas, RN) and HMS Gurkha (Cdr. F.R. Parham, RN).

HMS Rodney arrived at Liverpool on the 9th. She was immediately docked in the Gladstone dry dock.

28 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) is undocked. (2)

30 Dec 1939
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) departed Liverpool for Greenock. She is escorted by HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, RN) and HMS Imogen (Cdr. E.B.K. Stevens, DSC, RN).

They arrived at Greenock the following day. (2)

1 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Admiral J.M. Forbes, KCB, DSO, RN hoisted his flag in HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) (3)

13 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.M. Forbes, KCB, DSO, RN) conducted 6" gunnery and torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (4)

17 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1900 hours, the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN, flying the flag of Admiral J.M. Forbes, KCB, DSO, RN) and the destroyers HMS Esk (Lt.Cdr. R.J.H. Couch, RN, with Capt. J.G. Bickford, DSC, RN, Capt. D.10 onboard), HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, RN), HMS Ivanhoe (Cdr. P.H. Hadow, RN) and HMS Greyhound (Cdr. W.R. Marshall-A'Deane, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from operations. (5)

16 May 1940
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN, flying the flag of Admiral of the Fleet J.M. Forbes, KCB, DSO, RN) conducted DG trials at Scapa Flow. (6)

5 Jun 1940
Around 0700 hours, HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN, flying the flag of Admiral of the Fleet J.M. Forbes, KCB, DSO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for gunnery exercises off Cape Wrath. She returned to Scapa Flow around 1430 hours after which she ran over the DG range.

During her gunnery exercises she was escorted by the destroyers HMS Zulu (Cdr. J.S. Crawford, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, RN) and HMS Foxhound (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Peters, RN). (7)

24 Jun 1940
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN, flying the flag of Admiral of the Fleet J.M. Forbes, KCB, DSO, RN) conducted 6" gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (7)

28 Jun 1940
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN, flying the flag of Admiral of Fleet J.M. Forbes, KCB, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow during which she was (most likely) escorted by HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN), HMS Zulu (Cdr. J.S. Crawford, RN) and HMS Diana (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN). (7)

5 Jul 1940
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN, flying the flag of Admiral of the Fleet J.M. Forbes, KCB, DSO, RN) conducted 6" gunnery and torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (8)

24 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Admiral of the Fleet J.M. Forbes, GCB, DSO, RN, transferred hist flag from HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) to HMS Nelson (Capt. G.J.A. Miles, RN). (9)

25 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (8)

1 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (10)

15 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (10)

23 Aug 1940
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) proceeded from Scapa Flow to Rosyth where she is to refit. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN), HMS Echo (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN), HMS Escapade (Cdr. H.R. Graham, DSO, RN) and HMS Javelin (Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, RN). (10)

29 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) is docked in No.3 Dock at Rosyth. (10)

10 Sep 1940
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) is undocked.

Upon completion of her refit HMS Rodney is ordered to remain at Rosyth. (11)

27 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. G.J.A. Miles, RN, flying the flag of Admiral of the Fleet C.M. Forbes, GCB, DSO, RN), HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off the Firth of Forth. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, DSO, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN), HMS Zulu (Cdr. J.S. Crawford, RN), HMS Jackal (Cdr. C.L. Firth, MVO, RN), HMS Kashmir (Cdr. H.A. King, RN), HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) and HMS Electra (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN). (12)

16 Oct 1940
The battleships HMS Nelson (Capt. G.J.A. Miles, RN, flying the flag of Admiral of the Fleet C.M. Forbes, GCB, DSO, RN), HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off the Firth of Forth. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Fame (Cdr. C.A.N. Chatwin, RN), HMS Fearless (Cdr. I.R.H. Black, RN), HMS Electra (Lt.Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN), HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Wright, RN), HMS Ashanti (Cdr. W.G. Davis, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, RN) and HMS Sikh (Cdr. J.A. Giffard, RN). (13)

29 Nov 1940

Convoy HX 92

This convoy departed Halifax, Nova Scotia on 29 November 1940 and arrived in UK home waters on 12 December 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Anna Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 9057 GRT, built 1931), Bornholm (British, 3177 GRT, built 1930), Cardita (British (tanker), 8237 GRT, built 1931), Corvus (Norwegian, 1317 GRT, built 1921), Dalcross (British, 4557 GRT, built 1930), Empire Steelhead (British, 7744 GRT, built 1920), Iddesleigh (British, 5205 GRT, built 1927), Kronprinsessan Maragareta (Swedish, 3746 GRT, built 1914), Liguria (Swedish, 1751 GRT, built 1914), Macedonier (Belgian, 5227 GRT, built 1921), Malaren (Swedish, 2699 GRT, built 1927), Marathon (Greek, 7926 GRT, built 1919), Mount Kyllene (Greek, 3703 GRT, built 1917), Pacific (Swedish, 4978 GRT, built 1914), Prins Maurits (Dutch, 1287 GRT, built 1936), Ragnhildsholm (Swedish, 2818 GRT, built 1929), Randa (British, 1555 GRT, built 1930), Rotorua (British, 10899 GRT, built 1911), Sir Ernest Cassel (Swedish, 7739 GRT, built 1910), Stigstad (Norwegian (tanker), 5964 GRT, built 1927), Stureholm (Swedish, 4575 GRT, built 1919), Suriname (Dutch, 7915 GRT, built 1930), Towa (Dutch, 5419 GRT, built 1930) and Tungsha (Norwegian, 5506 GRT, built 1924).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Montclare (Capt.(Retd.) H.M. Spreckley, RN). A local A/S escort was with the convoy until 1650Q/30 and this was made up of the destroyer HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN) and the corvette HMCS Windflower (T/Lt. J.H.S. MacDonald, RCNR).

At 1055O/9, HMS Montclare sighted the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) which was to take over the ocean escort. At that time however the convoy had been scattered due to bad visibility and stormy weather. Shortly afterwards HMS Montclare parted company.

HMS Rodney remained in the general area until the next day when she set course to the west to join convoy HX 93.

On 8 December the destroyer HMS Wolverine (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rowland, RN) joined.

On 10 December the destroyer HMS Veteran (Cdr. W.T. Couchman, OBE, RN) joined.

On 11 December the destroyer HMS Chelsea (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN) and corvette HMS Camellia (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Mackay, RNR) joined.

Four ships from the convoy were sunk by the German submarine U-96. These were the Rotura, Towa, Stureholm and Macedonier.

The convoy arrived in UK waters on 12 December after which the ships proceeded to their destinations.

3 Dec 1940

Convoy HX 93

This convoy departed Halifax, Nova Scotia on 3 December 1940 and arrived at Liverpool on 18 December 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Napier (British, 3559 GRT, built 1930), Bello (Norwegian (tanker), 6125 GRT, built 1930), Carras (Greek, 5234 GRT, built 1918), Harpagon (British, 5719 GRT, built 1935), Lancastrian Prince (British, 1914 GRT, built 1940), Manchester Citizen (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Salabangka (Dutch, 6586 GRT, built 1920) and Scottish Star (British, 7224 GRT, built 1917).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Aurania (A/Capt. I.W. Whitehorn, RN).

A/S escort in the local approaches was provided until /4 by the destroyer HMCS Assiniboine (Capt. L.W. Murray, RCN) and the auxiliary patrol vessels HMCS French (A/Skr. W. Philpott, RCNR) and HMCS Husky (T/Lt. H. Freeland, RCNR).

On 4 December the Bello was ordered to return to Halifax as she could not keep up with the convoy.

On 5 December convoy SHX 93, coming from Sydney, Nova Scotia which it had departed on 4 December, merged with convoy HX 93. Convoy SHX 93 was made up of the following merchant vessels; Anthea (British, 5186 GRT, built 1924), Dux (Norwegian, 1590 GRT, built 1934), Eleni (Greek, 5655 GRT, built 1918), Rupert de Larrinaga (British, 5358 GRT, built 1930), Wanstead (British, 5486 GRT, built 1928) and Welsh Trader (British, 4974 GRT, built 1938).

These ships had no escort.

On 7 December the convoy BHX 93, coming from Bermuda which it had departed on 1 December, merged with convoy HX 93. Convoy BHX 93 was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adula (British (tanker), 8040 GRT, built 1937), Benedick (British (tanker), 6978 GRT, built 1928), Derrymore (British, 4799 GRT, built 1938), Donacilla (British (tanker), 8113 GRT, built 1939), Dunkeld (British, 4944 GRT, built 1937), Elona (British (tanker), 6192 GRT, built 1937), La Paz (British, 6548 GRT, built 1920), Logician (British, 5993 GRT, built 1928), Lulworth Hill (British, 7628 GRT, built 1940), Lunula (British (tanker), 6363 GRT, built 1927), Mahronda (British, 7926 GRT, built 1925), Queen Victoria (British, 4937 GRT, built 1936), Tasmania (British, 6405 GRT, built 1935), Titus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930), Tosari (Dutch, 7029 GRT, built 1919), Traveller (British, 3963 GRT, built 1922) and Tuscan Star (British, 11449 GRT, built 1930).

Convoy BHX had been escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Maloja (A/Capt. V. Hammersley-Heenan, RN). This ship parted company after the convoy had merged.

On 8 December 1940 the merchant vessel Anthea collided with the Dutch merchant vessel Maasdam (8812 GRT, built 1921) in position 48°44'N, 46°37'W and sank as a result of the colission. At that time the Anthea had straggled from the convoy in the bad visibility.

On 11 December the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) took over the escort of the convoy from HMS Ausonia. HMS Rodney was detached on the 13th after the destroyers HMS Matabele (Cdr. R.St.V. Sherbrooke, DSO, RN), HMS Electra (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Escapade (Cdr. R.E. Hyde-Smith, RN) and HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN) had arrived from Scapa Flow to escort her back to Scap Flow.

Also on the 13th the destroyers HMS Achates (Lt.Cdr. Viscount Jocelyn, RN), HMS Active (A/Cdr. E.C.L. Turner, RN), HMS Antelope (Lt.Cdr. R.T. White, DSO, RN) and corvettes HMS Heather (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G.C. Gibson, RN) and HMS Picotee ( Lt.Cdr. N.C.H. Scallan, RNR) joined on the 13th. HMS Achates and HMS Heather were detached on the 16th. The A/S trawlers HMS Lady Madeleine (T/Lt. P.H. Potter, RNR) and HMS Norwich City (Ch.Skr. P. Newman, RNR) also joined later.

The bulk of the convoy arrived at Liverpool on 18 December.

5 Dec 1940
Around 0800Z/5, HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) departed Scapa Flow to proceed to the westwards wher she was to provide escort for convoys HX 92 and HX 93. She was to be escorted until 1500/7 by the destroyers HMS Sikh (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN), HMS Escapade (Cdr. R.E. Hyde-Smith, RN), HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Wright, RN) and HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN).

[For more info on convoy HX 92 see the event ' Convoy HX 92 ' for 29 November 1940 and for more info on convoy HX 93 see the event ' Convoy HX 93 ' for 3 December 1940.]

However at 0730Z/6 HMS Beagle reported that her steering gear was out of action and that she had to return to Scapa Flow. HMS Sikh was then ordered to escort her.

At 2145N/7, HMS Escapade and HMS Brilliant were detached to return to Scapa Flow. HMS Rodney then continued in a westerly direction searching for convoy HX 92 unescorted. During the day the weather had worsened until it became a full westerly gale. In the severe weather conditions HMS Rodney suffered major structural damage forward causing fractured frames and stringers and splitting of her outer bottom plates. Flooding of compartments due to panting of plates was also experienced making necessary extempore pumping which affected the watertight integrity of her forward structure.

Around 1100O/9, HMS Rodney took over the escort of convoy HX 92. (14)

15 Dec 1940
Around 1330Z/15, HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN), HMS Matabele (Cdr. R.St.V. Sherbrooke, DSO, RN), HMS Electra (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Escapade (Cdr. R.E. Hyde-Smith, RN) and HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow.

HMS Rodney was in need of repairs due to the weather damage she had sustained. (14)

16 Dec 1940
Around 2300Z/16, HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth. She was being escorted by HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN), HMS Electra (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN) and HMS Escapade (Cdr. R.E. Hyde-Smith, RN). (14)

17 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1430Z/17, HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN), HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN), HMS Electra (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN) and HMS Escapade (Cdr. R.E. Hyde-Smith, RN) arrived at Rosyth. (14)

19 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) is docked in No.3 Dock at Rosyth. (15)

12 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) is undocked. (16)

13 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1600Z/13, HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow. She is escorted by the destroyers HMS Echo (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN), HMS Electra (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN) and HMS Keppel (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN). (16)

14 Jan 1941
Around 0930Z/14, HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN), HMS Echo (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN), HMS Electra (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN) and HMS Keppel (Lt. R.J. Hanson, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow.

HMS Rodney then conducted gunnery exercises inside the base. (16)

17 Jan 1941
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (16)

4 Feb 1941

Minelaying operation SN 7.

At 1830Z/4, 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), HMS Menestheus (Capt. W.H.D. Friedberger, RN), HMS Port Quebec (Capt. (Retd.) E.C. Watson, RN) departed Port ZA (Loch Alsh) to lay Minefield SN 7. 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 St. Albans (Lt.Cdr. (Emgy.) S.G.C. Rawson, RN).

Around 2100Z/4, the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) departed Scapa Flow to provide distant cover for the operation. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN), HMS Echo (Cdr. S.H.K. Spurgeon, DSO, RAN), HMS Electra (Cdr. C.W. May, RN) and HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN). On leaving Scapa Flow they were joined by the light cruiser HMS Nigeria (Capt. J.G.L. Dundas, RN) which was to provide close cover for the auxiliary minelayers. HMS Nigeria was already at sea as she had been participating in exercises earlier on the day.

At 0845Z/5, HMS Nigeria parted company with HMS Rodney and her escorting destroyers.

At 1353Z/5, HMS Menestheus exploded a drifting mine in her port paravane which resulted in engine damage. She was unable to proceed and was taken in tow by HMS Agamemnon to return to Port ZA escorted by HMS Charleston and HMS St. Albans. They arrived at Loch Alsh around 1115Z/7.

Mines were laid on the 6th. The intended minefield was now only partially laid.

HMS Rodney, HMS Nigeria, HMS Inglefield, HMS Echo, HMS Electra and HMS Brilliant returned to Scapa Flow around 1530Z/7.

HMS Southern Prince, HMS Port Quebec, HMS Brighton and HMS Lancaster returned to Port ZA around 1730Z/7.

The minefield was completed in a later minelaying operation (SN 7B). (17)

9 Feb 1941

Convoy HX 108.

This convoy departed Halifax on 9 February 1941 and arrived in UK waters on 27 February 1941.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Bonde (Norwegian, 1570 GRT, built 1936), Brant County (Norwegian, 5001 GRT, built 1915), Dalemore (British, 5835 GRT, built 1922), Dalmore (British, 5193 GRT, built 1927), Danae II (British, 2660 GRT, built 1936), Empire Bronze (British, 8142 GRT, built 1940), Empire Eland (British, 5613 GRT, built 1920), Empire Hawk (British, 5032 GRT, built 1919), Empire Simba (British, 5691 GRT, built 1919), Forest (British, 4998 GRT, built 1937), G.S. Walden (British (tanker), 10627 GRT, built 1935), Gitano (British, 3956 GRT, built 1921), Holmpark (British, 5780 GRT, built 1927), James J. Maguire (British (tanker), 10525 GRT, built 1939), Lechistan (Polish, 1937 GRT, built 1929), Llanover (British, 4959 GRT, built 1928), Loch Don (British, 5249 GRT, built 1937), Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918), Markhor (British, 7917 GRT, built 1929), Mount Taurus (Greek, 6696 GRT, built 1920), Nicolaou Virginia (Greek, 6869 GRT, built 1920), Queen Maud (British, 4976 GRT, built 1936), Redgate (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Rookley (British, 4998 GRT, built 1940), Saint Bertrand (British, 5522 GRT, built 1929), San Gerardo (British (tanker), 12915 GRT, built 1929), Silverelm (British, 4351 GRT, built 1924), Standella (British (tanker), 6197 GRT, built 1936) and Willemsplein (Dutch, 5489 GRT, built 1910).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Maloja (A/Capt. V. Hammersley-Heenan, RN) and corvettes HMCS Mayflower (A/Lt.Cdr. G.H. Stephen, RCNR) and HMCS Snowberry (T/Lt. R.S. Kelley, RCNR).

Both Canadian corvettes were not to return to Halifax but were to proceed to the UK to complete fitting out there and then work up at Tobermory.

On 12 February 1941 the convoy was joined by the ships from convoy BHX 108 which had departed Bermuda on 7 February. These were the following merchant vessels; Adula (British (tanker), 8040 GRT, built 1937), Aircrest (British, 5237 GRT, built 1940), Bianca (Norwegian (tanker), 5688 GRT, built 1926), British Progress (British (tanker), 4581 GRT, built 1927), Cape Clear (British, 5085 GRT, built 1939), Comedian (British, 5122 GRT, built 1929), Director (British, 5107 GRT, built 1926), Donacilla (British (tanker), 8113 GRT, built 1939), Emma Bakke (Norwegian, 4721 GRT, built 1929), Leikanger (Norwegian, 4003 GRT, built 1923), Losada (British, 6520 GRT, built 1921), Luminetta (British (tanker), 6159 GRT, built 1927), Misoa (British (tanker), 4800 GRT, built 1937), Putney Hill (British, 5215 GRT, built 1940), Queen Maud (British, 4976 GRT, built 1936), Rapana (British (tanker), 8017 GRT, built 1935), Saintonge (British (tanker), 9386 GRT, built 1936), San Casimiro (British (tanker), 8046 GRT, built 1936), Sepia (British (tanker), 6214 GRT, built 1936), Twickenham (British, 4762 GRT, built 1940) and Yngaren (British, 5246 GRT, built 1921). These ships had been escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Aurania (A/Capt. I.W. Whitehorn, RN) which parted company when the convoys merged.

Two of the merchant vessels, the Bonde and Dalemore, apparently returned to Halifax.

Around 1730Q/18, the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1500Q/19, HMS Maloja parted company with the convoy.

At 1410Z/20, HMS Rodney parted company with the convoy.

On the 24th, the destroyers HMS Wanderer (Cdr. A.F.St.G. Orpen, RN), HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), HMS Montgomery (Cdr.(Retd.) H.F. Nash, RN) and the auxiliary A/S trawler HMS York City (Skr. W. Tucker, RNR). joined the convoy. Corvette HMS Periwinkle (Lt.Cdr. P.G. MacIver, RNR) joined on the 25th but was detached the following day.

The convoy arrived in UK waters on the 27th.

12 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1830Z/12, the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) departed Scapa Flow to join the escort of convoy WS 6A. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Eclipse (Lt.Cdr. I.T. Clark, RN), HMS Electra (Cdr. C.W. May, RN) and HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN).

The destroyers parted company around 1400Z/14 and proceeded to Skaalefiord, Iceland to refuel.

Around 1300Z/15, HMS Rodney joined convoy WS 6A.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 6A ' for 9 February 1941.] (18)

16 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1705Z/16, HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) parted company with convoy WS 6A. (19)

18 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1730Q/18, HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) joined convoy HX 108.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy HX 108 ' for 9 February 1941.] (19)

20 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1410Z/20, HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) parted company with convoy HX 108 to proceed to Scapa Flow. (19)

21 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1030Z/21, HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) made rendezvous with the destroyers HMS Matabele (Cdr. R.St.V. Sherbrooke, DSO, RN), HMS Eskimo (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN) which were to escort her to Scapa Flow. (19)

23 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0430Z/23, HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN), HMS Matabele (Cdr. R.St.V. Sherbrooke, DSO, RN), HMS Eskimo (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow. (19)

4 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) conducted 6" and 4.7" gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (20)

6 Mar 1941
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) conducted 6" and 4.7" gunnery exercises off Scapa Flow. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Matabele (Cdr. R.St.V. Sherbrooke, DSO, RN), HMS Boadicea (A/Cdr. E.C.L. Turner, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Quantock (Lt.Cdr. D.J.A. Heber-Percy, RN). (20)

9 Mar 1941
Around 0745Z/9, the battleships HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) and HMS King George V (Capt. W.R. Patterson, CVO, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Halifax. They were escorted until 0900Z/11 by 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 Matabele (Cdr. R.St.V. Sherbrooke, DSO, RN), HMS Punjabi (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN).

The next day the Admiralty signalled that HMS Rodney was to join convoy HX 114 on the 15th while HMS King George V was to continue the passage to Halifax. [For more info on convoy HX 114 see the event ' Convoy HX 114 ' for 11 March 1941.]

The destroyers parted company at 0900Z/11 and set course to return to Scapa Flow where they arrived shortly before noon on the 13th.

At 0140O/13, HMS Rodney and HMS King George V parted company in compliance with the earlier orders. (21)

11 Mar 1941

Convoy HX 114.

This convoy departed Halifax on 11 March 1941 and arrived in UK waters on 30 March 1941.

This convoy was made up of following merchant vessels; Cardita (British (tanker), 8237 GRT, built 1931), Cerinthus (British (tanker), 3878 GRT, built 1930), Chesapeake (British (tanker), 8955 GRT, built 1928), Clavella (Dutch (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1939), Colonial (British, 5108 GRT, built 1926), Corrales (British, 5363 GRT, built 1930), Cristales (British, 5389 GRT, built 1926), Elmdene (British, 4853 GRT, built 1939), Emile Francqui (Belgian, 5859 GRT, built 1929), Empire Mermaid (British, 6381 GRT, built 1919), Harmatris (British, 5395 GRT, built 1932), Heranger (Norwegian, 4877 GRT, built 1930), Inger Lise (Norwegian, 1582 GRT, built 1939), Labette (British, 4989 GRT, built 1919), Lapland (British, 1330 GRT, built 1936), Lunula (British (tanker), 6363 GRT, built 1927), Malakand (British, 7649 GRT, built 1919), Nestos (Greek, 5764 GRT, built 1919), New Texas (British, 6568 GRT, built 1919), Pandias (Greek, 4981 GRT, built 1912), Pentridge Hill (British, 7579 GRT, built 1941), Roxby (British, 4252 GRT, built 1923), Royal Emblem (British, 4900 GRT, built 1940), Skeldergate (British, 4251 GRT, built 1930), Tilapa (British, 5392 GRT, built 1928), Torr Head (British, 5021 GRT, built 1937), Toward (British (rescue ship), 1571 GRT, built 1923) and Zagloba (Polish, 2864 GRT, built 1938).

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

Shortly after departure the merchant vessel Labette was to return to Halifax with engine trouble.

On the 14th the convoy merged with convoy BHX 114 coming from Bermuda. The following merchant vessels then joined the convoy; Adellen (British (tanker), 7984 GRT, built 1930), Carelia (British (tanker), 8062 GRT, built 1938), Comanchee (British (tanker), 6837 GRT, built 1936), Dephnella (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1938), Hidlefjord (British (tanker), 7639 GRT, built 1928), Inverlee (British (tanker), 9158 GRT, built 1938), Kaia Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 9063 GRT, built 1931), Lincoln Ellsworth (British (tanker), 5580 GRT, built 1927), Otina (British (tanker), 6217 GRT, built 1938), President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935), San Conrado (British (tanker), 7982 GRT, built 1936), Thalatta (Norwegian, 5671 GRT, built 1922), Thorshavet (Norwegian (tanker), 11015 GRT, built 1938) and Velox (Norwegian, 3831 GRT, built 1922 ).

The escort of convoy BHX 114, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Worcestershire (A/Capt. J. Creswell, RN), then parted company.

Around 1200OP/15 the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) joined the convoy. She parted company at 1520P/16 when a warship was sighted which turned out to be HMS Royal Sovereign (Capt. H.B. Jacomb, RN) which was to join the convoy to take over from HMS Rodney.

At that moment the armed merchant cruiser HMS Laconia (Capt.(Retd.) G.G.P. Hewett, RN), which was in sight, reported heavy calibre gunfire on the horizon. HMS Rodney increased speed and set course towards this reported gunfire. HMS Royal Sovereign briefly followed but due to her slower speed opted to remain between the enemy and the convoy. HMS Royal Sovereign remained in position between the enemy and the convoy until late in the evening.

The source of the gunfire was the German battlecruiser Gneisenau which was in the process of sinking the merchant vessel Chilean Reefer (British, 1739 GRT, built 1936). She spotted the tops of the approaching British battleship and quickly got underway and made off at high speed. HMS Rodney was left with picking up the survivors of the Chilean Reefer unable to catch the German battlecruiser due to her inferior speed. HMS Rodney then continued to patrol the area where convoy HX 114 was passing through during the next few days.

At 1545N/24, the merchant vessels Inger Lise and Velox were detached with orders to join convoy SC 25.

HMS Chitral parted company with the convoy at 1930N/24 and set course for Halifax.

On the 25th, the merchant vessel (tanker) Lincoln Ellsworth with a cargo of fuel oil parted company with the convoy to proceed to Reykjavik was she was to discharge her cargo. She arrived at Reykjavik the next day.

HMS Chitral parted company with the convoy at 1930N/24 and set course for Halifax. The convoy was joined by destroyers late on the 24th or early on the 25th by the destroyers HMS Wanderer (Cdr. A.F.St.G. Orpen, RN), HMS Vanity ( Lt. I.W.T. Beloe, RN), HMCS Columbia (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) S.W. Davis, RN), HMS Montgomery (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) W.L. Puxley, RN), sloop HMS Weston (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G. Sutton, RN), corvettes 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 auxiliary A/S trawlers HMS Arab (T/Lt. C.A. Shillan, RNVR), HMS Ayrshire (T/Lt. L.J.A. Gradwell, RNVR) and HMS Lady Madeleine (T/Lt. W.G. Ogden, RNVR). Destroyers HMS Montgomery, HMS Vanity, sloop HMS Weston and the auxiliary A/S trawlers were detached later to join other convoys. The remainder of the escort remained with the convoy until its arrival in UK waters on the 30th.

24 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000N/24, the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) made rendezvous with the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, RN) and HMS Zulu (Cdr. H.R. Graham, DSO, RN) and set couse for Hvalfiord, Iceland where they arrived around 1815N/24. The ships were then fuelled. (20)

25 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1100N/25, the battleships HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) departed Hvalfiord for Halifax. She was escorted by the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, RN) and HMS Zulu (Cdr. H.R. Graham, DSO, RN) until 2030N/25. (20)

31 Mar 1941
Around 1030Q/31, HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) arrived at Halifax.

[No logbook is available for HMS Rodney for April 1941, therefore some details for this month may be missing.] (20)

10 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Convoy TC 10.

This convoy of troopships departed Halifax on 10 April 1941 for the Clyde where it arrived on 19 April 1941.

The convoy was made up of the following troopships; Batory (Polish, 14287 GRT, built 1936) and Georgic (British, 27759 GRT, built 1932).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the battleship HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) and the destroyer HMCS St Croix (Cdr. H. Kingsley, RCN).

On 11 April 1941, HMCS St. Croix was detached to return to Halifax.

On 15 April 1941, the destroyers HMS Hesperus (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN), HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN) and Léopard (Lt.Cdr. J. Evenou) joined the convoy coming from Iceland.

On the 16th, Léopard was detached. Four more destroyers joined coming from Iceland, these were HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. M.W. Tomkinson, RN), HMS Echo (Lt.Cdr. C.H.deB. Newby, RN) and ORP Garland (Lt.Cdr. K.F. Namiesniowski, ORP) and Piorun (Cdr. E.J.S. Plawski).

On the 18th, HMS Active and HMS Echo were detached to Scapa Flow.

The convoy arrived in the Clyde on the 19th.

21 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN), ORP Piorun (Cdr. E.J.S. Plawski), ORP Garland (Lt.Cdr. K.F. Namiesniowski) and HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN) are ordered to return to the Clyde.

22 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN), ORP Piorun (Cdr. E.J.S. Plawski), ORP Garland (Lt.Cdr. K.F. Namiesniowski) and HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN) are ordered to proceed to Scapa Flow instead of returning to the Clyde.

23 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN), ORP Piorun (Cdr. E.J.S. Plawski), ORP Garland (Lt.Cdr. K.F. Namiesniowski) and HMS Saladin (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Dover, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow.

6 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises at Scapa Flow. (22)

8 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) conducted a full power trial off Scapa Flow during which she was escorted by HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN), HMS Punjabi (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN). (22)

12 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (22)

17 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000B/17, HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) departed Scapa Flow for the Clyde. She was escorted by HMS Somali (Capt. C. Caslon, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN) and HMS Eskimo (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN). (23)

18 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1130B/17, HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN), HMS Somali (Capt. C. Caslon, RN), HMS Bedouin (Cdr. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN) and HMS Eskimo (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) arrived in the Clyde. (23)

18 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1300B/17, HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) departed the Clyde for passage to the USA where she was to refit. She was escorting the troopship Brittanic (26943 GRT, built 1930) which was to proceed to Halifax. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Somali (Capt. C. Caslon, RN), HMS Eskimo (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN), HMS Mashona (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN) and HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN). (23)

29 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0215B/29, HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) escorted by HMS Maori (Cdr. H.T. Armstrong, DSO, RN), HMS Sikh (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN), HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN) and HMCS Columbia (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) S.W. Davis, RN) arrived at Greenock. (22)

3 Jun 1941
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) and the troopship Windsor Castle (British, 19141 GRT, built 1922) departed Greenock for Halifax. They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Tartar (Cdr. L.P. Skipwith, RN), HMS Punjabi (Cdr. S.A. Buss, MVO, RN), HMS Eskimo (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Le Geyt, RN) and HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud, DSC and Bar, RN) sailed from the Clyde for Halifax.

HMS Icarus was detached on the 4th. The other destroyers on the 6th.

11 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) and Windsor Castle (British, 19141 GRT, built 1922) arrive at Halifax. HMS Rodney departed later the same day for Boston.

12 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Rodney (Capt. F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, RN) arrived at the Boston Navy Yard where she was taken in hand for refit.

You can help improve officers Frederick Hew George Dalrymple-Hamilton's page
Click here to Submit events/comments/updates for this officer.
Please use this if you spot mistakes or want to improve his page.

• Front page
• About
• Contact us
• FAQ
• Glossary
• What's new

 © 1995 - 2024 Guðmundur Helgason