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Career information

Cdr. Adams was for a short period in command of HMCS Ottawa (ii) while HMCS Assiniboine was undergoing repairs.

Destroyer HMCS Assiniboine (I 18)

2 Mar 1943
HMCS Assiniboine (Cdr. K.F. Adams, RCN) was damaged by her own depth charges when she tried to attack German U-boat U-119 in the middle of the North Atlantic. She proceeded to Liverpool, U.K. for repairs (arrived there on 7 March) and was out of action for nearly three months.

Destroyer HMCS Iroquois (G 89)

6 Feb 1945
Around 1130A/6, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. C.S. Battersby, RN) departed Greenock for escort duty with convoy AT 187A.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy AT 187A ' for 31 January 1945.] (1)

8 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the morning, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. C.S. Battersby, RN) arrived at Liverpool with convoy AT 187A. (1)

9 Feb 1945
Around 0845A/9, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. C.S. Battersby, RN) departed Liverpool for Plymouth.

Around 1200A/9, HMS Impulsive was detached to Greenock having received orders to proceed there instead. (1)

10 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1530A/10, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) arrived at Plymouth from Liverpool. (1)

12 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) is taken in hand for repairs at the Devonport Dockyard. (1)

14 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2130A/14, the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr. D.E. Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and escort destroyers HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, DSC, RN) and HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.D.E. Vivian, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for escort duty with convoy CU 57.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy CU 57 ' for 5 February 1945.] (1)

17 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1900A/17, HMCS Iroquois (Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, DSC and Bar, RCN) arrived at Plymouth (Cawsand Bay) from escort duty.

After having parted company with convoy CU 57, an American merchant vessel had been escorted to the Bristol Channel. (1)

19 Feb 1945

Convoy MKS 84(G).

[This convoy needs to be further investigated, information if incomplete.]

This convoy departed Gibraltar on 19 February 1945.

On departure from Gibraltar this convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Belgian Veteran (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), City of Lyons (British, 7063 GRT, built 1926), Empire Moonrise (British, 6854 GRT, built 1941), Empire Niger (British, 7887 GRT, built 1920), Empire Scott (British, 6150 GRT, built 1941), Empire Summer (British, 6949 GRT, built 1941), Fort Camosun (British, 7126 GRT, built 1942), Harberton (British, 4585 GRT, built 1930), New York City (British, 2710 GRT, built 1917), Penhale (British, 4071 GRT, built 192), Samesk (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) and Thistleford (British, 4781 GRT, built 1928).

On departure from Gibraltar the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Wellington (A/Lt.Cdr. A. Hague, RNR), corvettes HMS Oakham Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Lyons, RNVR), HMS Spiraea (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.D. Reid, RANVR) and HMS Willowherb (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.A. Shillan, RNVR).

Around 2100Z/20, the Casablanca section of the convoy joined in position 36°26'N, 09°13'W. This section had departed Casablanca on 19 February and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelregent (British (tanker), 8881 GRT, built 1930), Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Basil (British, 4913 GRT, built 1928), Eemland (Dutch, 4188 GRT, built 1906), Empire Darwin (British, 6765 GRT, built 1941), Empire Zephyr (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Fort St. Francois (British, 7125 GRT, built 1942), Lagarto (British, 5072 GRT, built 1917British, 5072 GRT, built 1917), Ocean Volunteer (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Sambre (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samfreedom (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Silverguava (British, 5305 GRT, built 1927) and Trevaylor (British, 5257 GRT, built 1940). They were escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessels Le Ruse, L'Emporte, L'Effronte and Tirailleur which did not join the convoy.

Around 1500Z/21, in position 38°31'N, 10°09'W, the following merchant vessels joined coming from Lisbon;
Charles MacIver (British (trawler), 500 GRT, built 1936) and Saint Bertrand (British, 5522 GRT, built 1929).

Around 0845Z/22, in position 40°53'N, 10°23'W, HMS Wellington, HMS Spiraea and HMS Willowherb parted company.

Around 1600Z/24, in position 47°08'N, 07°47'W, the sloop HMS Londonderry (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.M. Newns, RNVR), corvette HMS Clover (Lt. T.E. Fanshawe, RNR) and rescue ship Gothland (British, 1286 GRT, built 1932) joined.

Around 2230Z/24, in position 47°58'N, 07°21'W, the corvettes HMS Camellia (T/Lt. G.W. Charlton, DSC, RNR) and HMS Narcissus (T/A/Lt.Cdr. O.B. Medley, RNVR) joined.

The corvette HMCS Mimico (T/Lt. J.B. Elmsley, RCNVR) also joined P.M. on the 24th.

Around 0715Z/25, it was noticed that the Charles MacIver was 13.5 miles astern of the convoy being unable to keep up due to bad coal. She was ordered to proceed indepently to Falmouth.

Around 0800Z/25, in position 49°09'N, 06°57'W, the frigate HMS Barbados (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.G. Donald, RNVR) joined.

Around 1045Z/25, in position 49°30'N, 06°46'W, the Irish Sea / west coast section parted company. This section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelregent (arrived at Liverpool on 27 February), Atlantic (arrived at Liverpool on 27 February), City of Lyons (arrived in the Clyde on 27 February), Empire Darwin (arrived in the Clyde on 27 February), Empire Moonrise (arrived at Liverpool on 27 February), Empire Scott (arrived at Barrow in Furness on 27 February), Empire Summer (arrived in the Clyde on 27 February), Fort Camosun (arrived in the Clyde on 27 February), Fort St. Francois (arrived at Liverpool on 27 February), Gothland (arrived in the Clyde on 27 February), New York City (arrived at Bristol on 27 February), Saint Bertrand (arrived at Dublin on 27 February), Sambre (arrived at Avonmouth on 26 February), Samfreedom (arrived at Liverpool on 27 February), Silverguava (arrived at Liverpool on 27 February), Thistleford (arrived at Workington on 28 February) and Trevaylor (arrived at Avonmouth on 26 February). They were escorted by HMS Oakham Castle (arrived at Liverpool on 27 February), HMS Camellia (arrived at Liverpool on 27 February), HMS Clover (arrived at Liverpool on 28 February) and HMCS Mimico (arrived at Milford Haven on 28 February).

Support for the Irish Sea section was given from 1200A/26 and 2200A/26, by the frigates HMS Montserrat (Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR) and HMS Papua (A/Lt.Cdr. C.W. Leadbetter, RNR) from the 23rd Escort Group.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Basil (arrived at Southend on 27 February), Belgian Veteran (arrived at Southend on 27 February), Eemland (arrived at Southend on 27 February), Empire Niger (arrived at Southend on 27 February), Empire Zephyr (arrived at Southend on 27 February), Harberton (arrived at Southend on 27 February), Lagarto (arrived at Le Havre on 27 February), Ocean Volunteer (arrived at Southend on 27 February), Penhale (arrived at Southend on 27 February) and Samesk (arrived at Southend on 27 February). They were escorted by HMS Londonderry (arrived at Plymouth on 26 February), HMS Barbados (arrived at Plymouth on 27 February) and HMS Narcissus (arrived at Plymouth on 26 February).

Around 1915A/25, the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN) joined the Channel / east coast section.

Around 0800A/26, the Channel / east coast section was joined by the 6th Escort Group. [as per log of HMCS Iroquois to be further investigated as according to ship movement cards the ships of the 6th Escort Group were at Portsmouth on the 26th and only left on the 27th.]

Around 1200A/26, HMCS Iroquois and HMCS Huron parted company to join convoy UC 58A. (2)

21 Feb 1945

Convoy UC 57A.

The Channel section of this convoy departed The Solent on 21 February 1945.

This section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Chickamauga (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Fort Fetterman (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Hubbardton (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Karsten Wang (Norwegian (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Memnon (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), Santa Rosa (American, 9135 GRT, built 1932), Sea Tiger (American, 7886 GRT, built 1944), Wacosta (American, 5432 GRT, built 1920), Waipawa (British, 12436 GRT, built 1934), White Bird Canyon (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944) and Yellow Tavern (American (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944).

On departure from The Solent the convoy was escorted by the destroyer USS McDougal (T/Cdr. E.W. Logsdon, USN, with COMTASKGR 61.5, T/Capt. E.D. Poole, USN, on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Blair (Lt. W. Gadsby, Jr., USNR) and USS Martin H. Ray (Lt. H.V. Tucker, Jr., USNR).

Around 2245A/21, the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN) joined.

Around 0435A/22, the Santa Rosa and Sea Tiger parted company with the convoy to proceed to Plymouth.

Around 0745A/22, the Alcoa Pointer, Memnon and Waipawa parted company with the convoy to proceed up the Irish Sea. HMCS Iroquois and HMCS Huron went with them as escorts.

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The Irish Sea Section of the convoy was made up of four sections, coming from the Clyde, Belfast Lough, Liverpool and the Bristol Channel.

The Clyde Section of the convoy departed on 21 February and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Esso Camden (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944) and Paraguay (British, 7555 GRT, built 1944). The (midget) submarine tender HMS Bonaventure (A/Capt.(Retd.) W.R. Fell, DSC, OBE, RN) is also part of the Clyde Section. The Clyde Section was escorted by the destroyer escort USS Brough (Lt. M.A. Stein, USNR). The frigates HMS Fitzroy (Lt.Cdr. O.G. Stuart, RCNVR) and HMS Rupert (Lt. P.C.S. Black, RN) provided support for this section of the convoy.

The Belfast Lough Section of the convoy departed on 21 February and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Australia Star (British, 11122 GRT, built 1935) and Roxburgh Castle (British, 8003 GRT, built 1945). The Belfast Lough Section was escorted by the destroyer escort USS Hammann (Lt.Cdr. C.L. Gould, USNR).

Around 1700A/21, the Clyde Section and Belfast Lough Section joined company.

The Liverpool Section of the convoy departed on 21 February and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Carnifex Ferry (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1945), Darro (British, 9733 GRT, built 1943), Elisabeth Bakke (Norwegian, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Grand River (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Mobile Bay (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1945), Sandy Creek (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), The Yakima (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944) and York (American (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1943). The Liverpool Section was escorted by the destroyer escort USS Jacob Jones (Lt. Frank L. Sullivan, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 3, T/Cdr. C.W. Musgrave, USN, on board). The frigates HMS Byron (Lt. J.B. Burfield, DSC, RN), HMS Deane (T/Lt.Cdr. F. Brock, RCNVR) provided support for this section of the convoy. The frigate HMS Conn (Lt.Cdr. R. Hart, DSC and Bar, RN) later joined as well.

Around 2300A/21, the Liverpool Section joined the Clyde / Belfast Lough Section. The five British frigates now proceeded to sweep ahead of the convoy for which they were joined around 0100A/22 by the frigates HMS Barbados (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.G. Donald, RNVR) and HMS Nyasaland (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Scott, DSC, RNVR) from the 23rd Escort Group joined.

Around 0230A/22, HMS Conn, HMS Byron, HMS Deane, HMS Fitzroy and HMS Rupert set course to proceed to Belfast Lough. Three more frigates from the 23rd Escort Group joined; HMS Montserrat (Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR), HMS Papua (A/Lt.Cdr. C.W. Leadbetter, RNR) and HMS Loch Gorm (A/Lt.Cdr. R. Johnston, RNR).

Around 1025A/22, ' Force 34 ' joined, made up of ships of the 22nd Escort Group. This were the sloops HMS Hart (A/Cdr.(Retd.) H.F.G. Leftwich, RN), HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. N. Scott-Elliot, DSC, RN), HMS Magpie (Lt.Cdr. G.O. Symonds, DSC, RN), HMS Peacock (Lt.Cdr. R.B. Stannard, VC, DSO, RD, RNR) and HMS Wren (Cdr. S.R.J. Woods, DSC, RD, RNR).

The frigates of the 23rd Escort Group then parted company.

Around 1130A/22, the Bristol Channel Section of the convoy joined. This section had departed also on 21 February 1945 and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Aiken Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944), Aztec (Hunduran, 5511 GRT, built 1929), Chatterton Hill (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), De Soto (American, 6165 GRT, built 1944), Delaires (American, 6509 GRT, built 1942), Exanthia (American, 6533 GRT, built 1941), Fort Stevens (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Golden Eagle (American, 6180 GRT, built 1943), Golden Fleece (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), Jamaica Producer (British, 5464 GRT, built 1934), Midnight (American, 8258 GRT, built 1940), Pipiriki (British, 10057 GRT, built 1944), Pit River (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1945), Talisman (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944) and White Squall (American, 8258 GRT, built 1943) . This section was escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Robert E. Peary (Lt. D. McKinlay, Jr., USNR) and USS Roy O. Hale (Lt. H.C. Pogue, Jr., USNR).

Around 1300A/22, USS Jacob Jones parted company with the Irish Sea Section to return to Liverpool.

Around 1420A/22, ' Force 34 ' parted company with the Irish Sea Section.

Around 1530A/22, USS Roy O. Hale parted company with the Irish Sea Section to return to Milford Haven.

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Around 2300A/22, the Channel Section of the convoy was joined by the Irish Sea Section of the convoy.

Around 0335Z/25, the following ships parted company wih the convoy to proceed independently to their destinations;
HMS Bonaventure (arrived at Ponta Delgada on 26 February), Pipiriki (arrived in the Panama Canal zone on 6 March) and Roxburgh Castle (arrived at Buenos Aires on 12 March).

Around 0330P/2, in bad weather conditions, the following merchant vessels parted company wih the convoy to proceed independently to their destinations;
Jamaica Producer (arrived at Halifax on 3 March) and Midnight (arrived at New York on 5 March).

Around 0500P/2, USS Hammann and USS Robert E. Peary were detached to go to the assistance of two vessels in distress.

The convoy arrived at New York on 5 March. (3)

21 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1700A/21, the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN) departed Plymouth for escort duty with the English Channel Section of convoy UC 57A.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy UC 57A ' for 21 February 1945.] (1)

23 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0810A/23, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) arrived at Plymouth from escort duties.

After having parted company with convoy UC 57A around 0745A/22, HMCS Iroquois had escorted ships to the Bristol Channel after which course was set for Plymouth. (1)

25 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1600A/25, the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN) departed Plymouth for escort duty with with the English Channel Section of convoy MKS 84(G) and the English Channel Section of convoy UC 58A.

[For more info on these convoys see the events ' Convoy MKS 84(G) ' for 19 February 1945 and ' Convoy UC 58A ' for 26 February 1945.] (1)

26 Feb 1945

Convoy UC 58A.

The Channel section of this convoy departed St. Helens Roads around 1015A/26.

This section was made up of seven merchant vessels;
Excelsior (American, 6737 GRT, built 1943), Hegra (Norwegian (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Marine Panther (American, 11758 GRT, built 1944) and four, so far not identified merchant vessels which were later to be detached to the Bristol Channel (Mumbles Roads).

On departure from St. Helens Roads the convoy was escorted by the destroyer USS Davis (T/Lt.Cdr. T.D. Cunningham, USN, with COMTASKGR 61.6, T/Capt. J.A. Glick, USN on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Hurst (Lt. E.B. Winslow, USCG), USS Howard D. Crow (Lt. J.M. Nixon, USCG), USS Pettit (Lt. W.B. Rich, USCGR) and USS Koiner (Lt.Cdr. C.S. Judson, Jr., USN).

Around 1400A/26, they were joined by the following merchant vessels which came from Southend;
Bemis Heights (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Chesapeake Capes (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Markay (American (tanker), 10342 GRT, built 1942) and North Point (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944).
[Their escort, identity currently not known to us, did not the convoy.]

Around 1425A/26, the destroyers HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN) joined.

Around 0235A/27, HMCS Iroquois and HMCS Huron parted company. They took the four, so far unidentified merchant vessels with them to escort them to the Bristol Channel (Mumbles Roads).

Around 0820A/27, USS Hurst and USS Koiner parted company to proceed to Southampton.

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The Irish Sea Section of the convoy was made up of three sections, coming from the Clyde, Liverpool and the Bristol Channel.

The Clyde Section of the convoy departed on 26 February and was made up of only one merchant vessel, the Cottonwood Creek (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944). She was escorted by the destroyer escort USS Kretchmer (Lt.Cdr. R.C. Wing, USNR).

The Liverpool Section of the convoy departed on 26 February and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Clan Chattan (British, 9545 GRT, built 1944), Durham (British, 10893 GRT, built 1934), Fort Robinson (American (tanker, 10172 GRT, built 1945), Fort Schuyler (Dutch (tanker), 10297, built 1944) and Idaho Falls (American (tanker, 10448 GRT, built 1944). They were escorted by the destroyer escort USS Marchand (Maynard F. Young, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 20, Lt.Cdr. W.B. Ellis, USCG, on board).

Around 1700A/26, the Clyde section joined the Liverpool section.

Around 2145A/26, the Fort Schuyler was detached to Milford Haven with engine trouble.

Around 2230A/26, two British escort vessels joined, this were the frigates HMS Montserrat (Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR) and HMS Papua (A/Lt.Cdr. C.W. Leadbetter, RNR) from the 23rd Escort Group.

Around 0300A/27, the Bristol Channel Section of the convoy joined but did immediately merged with the convoy due to the thick fog. By 1035A/27, the Sections had fully merged.

The British Channel Section had departed on 26 February and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alcoa Pointer (American, 6711 GRT, built 1943), Black Warrior (American, 8271 GRT, built 1944), Bulkfuel (American (tanker), 11016 GRT, built 1944), Finnmark (Norwegian (tanker) 10297 GRT, built 1945), Memnon (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944), Mesa Verde (American (tanker) 10448 GRT, built 1944) and Prairie Grove (American (tanker) 10297 GRT, built 1944). They were escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Ricketts (Lt. L.F. Sudnik, USCG) and USS O'Reilly (Donald R. Shaul, USNR).

Around 0800A/27, HMS Montserrat and HMS Papua parted company.

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Around 1700A/27, the Channel Section and Irish Sea Section joined company.

Around 1820A/27, USS Marchand and USS O'Reilly parted company to proceed to Liverpool.

Around 1230N/3, the Clan Chattan and Durham were detached to proceed independently to their destination, Christobal, Panama Canal Zone where they arrived on 11 March.

Around 2025P/7, the Idaho Falls was detached to Port Arhur where she arrived on 14 March.

Around 1415Q/8, the Bemis Heights was detached to Baltimore where she arrived on 10 March.

Around 1430Q/8, the Alcoa Pointer was detached to Hampton Roads where she arrived on 9 March.

Around 0530Q/9, the Fort Robinson, Hegra, Mackay, Prairie Grove were detached to Philadelphia where they arrived later the same day.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at New York in the morning of 9 March. (4)

27 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1715A/27, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN) arrived at Falmouth from escort duty.

After having parted company with the Channel Section of convoy UC 58A, they had escorted four merchant vessels to the Bristol Channel and then proceeded to Falmouth. (1)

28 Feb 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0525A/28, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) departed Falmouth to join the escort destroyers HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, DSC, RN) and HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.D.E. Vivian, DSC, RN) which had departed Plymouth around 0200A/28.

HMCS Iroquois joined the escort destroyer around 1015A/28.

All three then joined convoy CU 59 shortly before 1200A/28.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy CU 59 ' for 19 February 1945.] (5)

1 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0520A/1, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) arrived at Plymouth from convoy escort duty. (1)

2 Mar 1945
Around 1300A/2, ' Force 26 ', made up of the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr. Douglas Eric Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Bulldog (?), HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN), HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN) and frigate HMS Barbados (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.G. Donald, RNVR) departed Plymouth for escort duty with convoy UC 58B.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy UC 58B ' for 2 March 1945. (6)

2 Mar 1945

Convoy UC 58B.

The Channel section of this convoy departed The Solent around 1100A/2.

This section was made up of 15 merchant vessels;
The troop transport (American, 12097 GRT, built 1943) and naval troop tranports USS General W.H. Gordon (17811 GRT, built 1944) (Capt. R.E. Wood, USCG) and USS General William Weigel (17811 GRT, built 1945) (Capt. T.Y. Awalt, USCG) were among them. [The identity of the remaining 12 ships is currently not known to us.]

On departure from The Solent the convoy was escorted by the escort destroyers USS Koiner (Lt.Cdr. C.S. Judson, Jr., USN), USS Hurst (Lt. E.B. Winslow, USCG) and USS Ramsden (Lt.Cdr. S.T. Baketel, USCGR).

Around 1325A/2, the frigates HMCS New Waterford (T/A/Cdr. W.E.S. Briggs, DSC, RCNR) and HMCS Loch Morlich (T/Lt. G.F. Crosby, RCNVR) joined.

Around 1430A/2, the frigates HMCS Loch Achanalt (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.W. Hart, RCNVR) and HMCS Teme (T/Lt. D.P. Harvey, RCNVR) joined.

Around 1910A/2, ' Force 26 ', made up of destroyers HMS Faulknor (Cdr. Douglas Eric Holland-Martin, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Bulldog (?), HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN), HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.V.W. Groos, RCN) and frigate HMS Barbados (T/A/Lt.Cdr. E.G. Donald, RNVR) joined.

Around 2355A/2, USS Ramsden parted company to escort three ships coming from Plymouth to the convoy. This were the following ships;
Troop transports Athos II (French, 15276 GRT, built 1927) and General George W. Goethals (American, 12093 GRT, built 1942). The landing ship HMS Princess Josephine Charlotte (A/Lt.Cdr. J.E. Bromley, RNR) was also with them. They joined the convoy around 0150A/3. The corvettes HMS Narcissus (T/Lt. R. Stott, RNR) and HMCS Lunenburg (T/Lt. W.S. Thomson, RCNVR) also escorted the ships to the rendezvous and then returned to Plymouth.

Around 0245A/3, 13 ships, including HMS Princess Josephine Charlotte were detached to proceed up the Irish Sea. USS Ramsden and all the British and Canadian escorts went with them.

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The Irish Sea Section of the convoy was made up of three sections, coming from the Clyde, Liverpool and the Bristol Channel.

The Clyde Section of the convoy departed on 2 March and was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Empire Paladin (British (tanker), 8141 GRT, built 1944) and Empire Paragon (British, 9888 GRT, built 1944). They were escorted by the destroyer escort USS O'Reilly (Donald R. Shaul, USNR).

Around 1010A/2, ' Force 37 ', made up of the frigates HMS Duckworth (Cdr. R.C.S. Garwood, RN), HMS Berry (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.S. Pirie, RNVR), HMS Cooke ( Lt. N.D. Cornwall, RN), HMS Domett (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S. Gordon, RNVR), HMS Essington (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.A. Lampard, RNVR) and HMS Rowley (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) joined.

Around 1745A/2, ' Force 37 ' parted company.

Around 1910A/2, the Liverpool section of the convoy joined. This had departed Liverpool on 2 March and was made up of the escort carriers USS Bogue (T/Capt. G.J. Dufek, USN) and USS Card (T/Capt. R.C. Young, Jr., USN) were also part of the Liverpool section. The Liverpool section was escorted by the destroyer escort USS Marchand (Maynard F. Young, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 20, Lt.Cdr. W.B. Ellis, USCG, on board).

Around 2235A/2, the frigates HMS Montserrat (Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RD, RNR) and HMS Papua (A/Lt.Cdr. C.W. Leadbetter, RNR) of the 23rd Escort Group joined the convoy.

Around 0325A/3, the Bristol Channel section of the convoy joined. This was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Chapel Hill Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944), Exminster (American, 6683 GRT, built 1944), Fort Schuyler (Dutch (tanker), 10297, built 1944), Malden Victory (American, 7607 GRT, built 1944) and Washington Express (Norwegian, 3643 GRT, built 1933). They were escorted to the rendezvous by four British escorts [so far unidentified] which did not join the convoy.

Around 1330A/3, the Empire Paragon parted company with engine trouble. She set course for Milford Haven escorted by HMS Papua.

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Around 1730A/3, the Channel section and Irish Sea section joined company. HMS Montserrat was then detached.

Around 2355Q/11, USS Bogue and USS Card parted company to proceed to Norfolk, Virginia escorted by USS Hurst.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at New York in the morning of 12 March. (7)

6 Mar 1945
HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) is taken in hand for some repairs and boiler cleaning at the Devonport Dockyard. (1)

16 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) carried out D/G trials off Plymouth.

Around 1600A/16, she departed Plymouth for Scapa Flow. (1)

18 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0615A/18, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Plymouth. (1)

22 Mar 1945
Around 0700A/22, the escort carrier HMS Premier (A/Capt. R.J. Gardner, RN) departed Scapa Flow for Greenock where she arrived around 1500A/23.

She was escorted by the destroyer HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) which subsequently returned to Scapa Flow arriving back there around 0600A/24. (8)

2 Apr 1945
In the evening HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) conducted excercises off Scapa Flow. (1)

3 Apr 1945

Operation Foxchase.

Anti-shipping raid on the south-west coast of Norway, between Lister and Stavanger.

Around 1000B/3, ' Force 3 ' made up of the destroyers HMS Onslow (Capt. H.W.S. Browning, OBE, RN), HMS Zealous (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Zest (Lt.Cdr. R.B.N. Hicks, DSO, RN) and HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) departed Scapa Flow for operation Foxchase, an anti-shipping raid on the south-west coast of Norway, between the Lister lighthouse and Stavanger.

At 0027B/4, ' Force 3 ' intercepted a German convoy which was thought to be made up of four merchant vessels, three escorts and two U-boats, three nautical miles to the south of the Josing Fjord. In the following action it was claimed that one merchant vessel was sunk, two were damaged as well as one escort, thought to be an M-class minesweeper. The action was broken off before more damage was inflicted due to the proximity of an enemy minefield and the presence of the U-boats.

The convoy attacked was made up of the merchant vessels Diana (1359 GRT, built 1922), Elmshorn (819 GRT, built 1940) and Eschenburg (976 GRT, built 1910). The were escorted by the minesweeper M 407, auxiliary submarine chasers UJ 1706, UJ 1755, UJ 1756, auxiliary patrol vessel V 1812 and motor minesweeper R 404. The submarines U-299 and U-1163 were also operating in the area covering the convoy. At 0106B/4, (in Grid AN 3126), U-299 fired three torpedoes at two destroyers hearing two explosions. It was thought that a destroyer had been sunk but this was not the case.

Around 1300B/4, the ' Force 3 ' and the light cruiser HMS Dido (Capt. R.F. Elkins, OBE, RN) returned to Scapa Flow.

HMS Dido, which had departed Scapa Flow around 2100B/3, and had joined ' Force 3 ' around 0640B/4, provided AA cover during the return trip. (9)

8 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0800B/8, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) departed Scapa Flow for Rosyth where she arrived around 1800B/8. (9)

12 Apr 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1730B/12, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) departed Rosyth for the Skaalefjord, Faeroer Islands. She is escorting 16 Russian submarine chasers [identity currently not known to us] which were to join convoy JW 66. (9)

27 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1645B/27, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) and HMS Savage (Lt.Cdr. C.W. Malins, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN) departed Wilhelmshaven.

Around 1950B/27, they were joined by the minesweeper Hound (Cdr. A.D. Holden, OBE, RNZNR).

Around 2300B/27, HMS Hound parted company with the destroyers.

Around 1300B/28, the destroyers parted company with each other. (1)

28 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2240B/28, HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) arrived at Rosyth. (1)

29 May 1945
HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) proceeded from Rosyth to Scapa Flow where she arrived later the same day. She left Scapa Flow for the Clyde even later on the 29th. (10)

30 May 1945
HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) arrived in the Clyde from Scapa Flow. (10)

4 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) departed the Clyde for St. John's, Newfoundland. (10)

8 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) arrived at St. John's, Newfoundland from the Clyde. (10)

9 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) departed St. John's, Newfoundland for Halifax. (10)

10 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMCS Iroquois (Capt. K.F. Adams, RCN) arrived at Halifax from St. John's, Newfoundland. At Halifax she is taken in hand for refit. (10)

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