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Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Carnarvon Castle (F 25)

31 May 1940

Convoy SL 34.

This convoy departed Freetown on 31 May 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Athenic (British, 5351 GRT, built 1937), Barbara Marie (British, 4223 GRT, built 1928), Bosworth (British, 6672 GRT, built 1919), Clan Murray (British, 5953 GRT, built 1918), Delane (British, 6054 GRT, built 1938), Dunstan (British, 5149 GRT, built 1925), Gorjistan (British, 5888 GRT, built 1929), Hindpool (British, 4897 GRT, built 1928), Inverness (British, 4897 GRT, built 1940), Lornaston (British, 4934 GRT, built 1925), Marquesa (British, 8979 GRT, built 1918), Nagara (British, 8791 GRT, built 1919), Nariva (British, 8714 GRT, built 1920), Orminster (British, 5712 GRT, built 1914), Silversandal (British, 6770 GRT, built 1930), St. Elwyn (British, 4940 GRT, built 1938), Stad Maastricht (Dutch, 6907 GRT, built 1924), Stad Schiedam (Dutch, 6079 GRT, built 1911), Surat (British, 5529 GRT, built 1938), Trevarrack (British, 5270 GRT, built 1919), Umvuma (British, 4419 GRT, built 1914), Waterland (Dutch, 6847 GRT, built 1922), Wellpark (British, 4649 GRT, 1938) and Willowbank (British, 5041 GRT, built 1939).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt. M.J.C. de Meric, RN).

During the first night the Athenic and Lornaston straggled from the convoy and never rejoined.

Three ships joined on 1 June, they had sailed late from Freetown, these were Glenogle (British, 9513 GRT, built 1920) and Princesa (British, 8731 GRT, built 1918) around 0700N/1 and the Madura (British, 8975 GRT, built 1921) around 1300N/1.

On 1 June 1940, the merchant vessels Port Fremantle (British, 8072 GRT, built 1927) and Benvorlich (British, 5193 GRT, built 1919) departed Freetown to overtake and join the convoy which they did around 1030N/4 and 1200N/4 respecively.

On 2 June 1940, the merchant vessel Swedru (British, 5379 GRT, built 1937) departed Dakar to join the convoy which she did around 1200N/3.

In the evening of 12 June 1940, the convoy was attacked by the German submarine U-46 which managed to sink the Barbara Marie and Willowbank.

At 0500A/14, in position 47°05'N, 10°30'W, the convoy was turned over to the local, A/S escort which was made up of the sloop HMS Leith (Cdr. G.R. Waymouth, RN) and the sloop HMS Hibiscus (Lt.Cdr. R. Phillips, RNR). HMS Carnarvon Castle then set course to return to Freetown via Dakar.

Around 1400A/15, in position 51°12'N, 06°30'W, the convoy split into two sections, the English Channel section was escorted by HMS Hibiscus and the Irish Sea section was escorted by HMS Leith.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 16 June 1941 after the ships proceeded to their destinations. (1)

20 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0900Z/20, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt. M.J.C. de Meric, RN) arrived at Dakar from convoy escort duty. (2)

27 Jun 1940
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Rear-Admiral M.J.C. de Meric, RN) departed Dakar for Freetown. (2)

29 Jun 1940
Around 0900N/29, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Rear-Admiral M.J.C. de Meric, RN) arrived at Freetown from Dakar. (2)

1 Jul 1940

Convoy SL 38.

This convoy departed Freetown on 1 July 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Algenib (British, 5483 GRT, built 1937), Birchbank (British, 5151 GRT, built 1924), British Genius (British (tanker), 8553 GRT, built 1939), Cape Race (British, 3807 GRT, built 1930), Cefn-Y-Bryn (British, 5164 GRT, built 1939), City of Guildford (British, 5157 GRT, built 1919), City of Shanghai (British, 5828 GRT, built 1917), Clan Cameron (British, 7243 GRT, built 1937), Congonian (British, 5065 GRT, built 1936), Dagrun (Norwegian, 4562 GRT, built 1928), Dumfries (British, 5149 GRT, built 1935), Halizones (British, 3298 GRT, built 1920), Harmatris (British, 5395 GRT, built 1932), Haughton Hall (British, 5103 GRT, built 1937), Laplace (British, 7327 GRT, built 1919), Lima (Swedish, 3762 GRT, built 1918), Nebraska (British, 8261 GRT, built 1920), Pearlmoor (British, 4851 GRT, built 1923), Pontypridd (British, 4458 GRT, built 1924), Ramon de Larrinaga (British, 5701 GRT, built 1920), Randfontein (Dutch, 5059 GRT, built 1920), Serbino (British, 4099 GRT, built 1919), Silvercedar (British, 4354 GRT, built 1924), Statira (British, 4852 GRT, built 1937), Suecia (Swedish, 3730 GRT, built 1912), Telesfora de Larrinaga (British, 5780 GRT, built 1920), Thalatta (Norwegian, 5671 GRT, built 1922), Thomas Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929) and Tribesman (British, 6242 GRT, 1937).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Carnarvon Castle (Rear-Admiral M.J.C. de Meric, RN).

During the night of 1/2 July 1940, the merchant vessel Nela (British, 7220 GRT, built 1916), which had been unable to depart from Freetown on time, overtook and joined the convoy.

On 7 July 1940, in position 23°23'N, 22°04'W, the Pearlmoor straggled from the convoy due to defective boilers. She did not rejoin the convoy.

Around 0800Z/17, in position 54°30'N, 18°45'W, the convoy was turned over by HMS Carnarvon Castle to the local (A/S) escort which was made up of the destroyer HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. C.B. Alers-Hankey, RN), sloop HMS Fowey (Cdr. H.B. Ellison, RN) and the corvettes HMS Camellia (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Mackay, RNR) and HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR). HMS Vanquisher however quickly parted company again to search for and join convoy SLF 38. HMS Carnarvon Castle proceeded independently to Belfast.

Around 2300Z/17, to the west of Ireland, in position 54°20'N, 15°40'W, the convoy was joined by convoy SLF 38, which was made up of the following merchant vessels; Abbekerk (Dutch, 7889 GRT, built 1939), Baltistan (British, 6083 GRT, built 1937), Burma (British, 7821 GRT, built 1914), Canonesa (British, 8286 GRT, built 1920), Fernbrook (Norwegian, 4633 GRT, built 1932), Gleniffer (British, 9559 GRT, built 1919), Idomeneus (British, 7792 GRT, built 1926), Maron (British, 6487 GRT, built 1930), Mulbera (British, 9100 GRT, built 1922), Philoctetes (British, 11446 GRT, built 1922), Sarpedon (British, 11321 GRT, built 1923) and Tacoma Star (British, 7924 GRT, built 1919). With them HMS Vanquisher also rejoined the convoy.

A straggler from convoy SLF 38, the merchant vessel Mary Kingsley (British, 5021 GRT, built 1930) joined the convoy around 0700Z/18.

At 1130A/19, 11 ships for east coast ports parted company with the convoy. These ships were the following; Baltistan, British Genius, Canonesa, City of Shanghai, Dumfries, Gleniffer, Harmatris, Lima, Nebraska, Randfontein and Sarpedon. They took HMS Fowey and HMS Clarkia with them as escorts.

At 2100A/19, 2 ships for the Clyde parted company with the convoy. These ships were the following; Cape Race and Philoctetes.

At 2300A/19, 8 ships for Belfast parted company with the convoy. These ships were the following; Abbekerk, Algenib, Dagrun, Haughton Hall, Pontypridd, Ramon de Larrinaga, Satira and Telesfora de Larrinaga.

At 0715A/20, 2 ships for the Bristol Channel parted company with the convoy. These ships were the following; Birchbank and Thalatta.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Liverpool on 20 July 1940. (3)

18 Jul 1940
Around 1500Z/18, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Rear-Admiral M.J.C. de Meric, RN) arrived at Belfast from convoy escort duty.

At Belfast she was taken in hand at the Harland & Wolff shipyard for refit, docking and modifications. (4)

28 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) proceeded from Belfast to Greenock. (5)

31 Aug 1940
Around 0500A/31, the armed merchant cruisers HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) and HMS Forfar (Capt. N.A.C. Hardy, RN) departed Greenock. HMS Carnarvon Castle was to proceed to Freetown. HMS Forfar was to patrol in the North Atlantic.

On departure from Greenock they were escorted by the destroyers HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, RN) and HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN).

Around 0945A/31, they were joined by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Laurentic (Capt.(Retd.) E.P. Vivian, RN) and HMS Mooltan (Capt.(Retd.) G.E. Sutcliff, RN) coming from Liverpool. HMS Laurentic was to patrol in the North Atlantic. HMS Mooltan was to proceed to Freetown.

Around 0900A/1, HMS Anthony parted company for a few hours to pick up the survivors of the merchant vessel Efploia that had been torpedoed and heavily damaged by the German submarine U-101. HMS Anthony sank the wreck of the Efploia with gunfire before rejoining the armed merchant cruisers around 1545A/1.

Around 1610A/1, HMS Carnarvon Castle parted company followed aboutt 20 minutes later by HMS Mooltan.

The remaining ships all parted company around 1200A/2. (6)

9 Sep 1940
Around 1100N/9, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) arrived at Freetown from Greenock. (7)

10 Sep 1940

Convoy SL 47.

This convoy departed Freetown on 10 September 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Baron Belhaven (British, 6591 GRT, built 1925), British Engineer (British (tanker), 6993 GRT, built 1922), British Science (British, 7138 GRT, built 1931), City of Exeter (British, 9654 GRT, built 1914), Clan MacNab (British, 6076 GRT, built 1920), Clan Skene (British, 5214 GRT, built 1919), Conakrian (British, 4876 GRT, built 1937), Coracero (British, 7252 GRT, built 1923), Corinaldo (British, 7131 GRT, built 1921), Dionyssios Stathatos (Greek, 5168 GRT, built 1919), Egyptian Prince (British, 3490 GRT, built 1922), Empire Success (British, 5988 GRT, built 1921), Gemstone (British, 4986 GRT, built 1938), Hartlebury (British, 5082 GRT, built 1934), Jedmoor (British, 4392 GRT, built 1928), Kerma (British, 4333 GRT, built 1928), Langleecrag (British, 4909 GRT, built 1929), Lynton Grange (British, 5029 GRT, built 1937), Malancha (British, 8124 GRT, built 1937), Michael Jebsen (British, 2323 GRT, built 1927), Mountpark (British, 4648 GRT, built 1938), Nagara (British, 8791 GRT, built 1919), Oswestry Grange (British, 4684 GRT, built 1935), Panama (British, 6650 GRT, built 1915), Peisander (British, 6225 GRT, built 1925), Shrewsbury (British, 4542 GRT, built 1924), Skaraas (Norwegian (tanker), 9826 GRT, built 1936), Temple Yard (British, 5205 GRT, built 1937), Thode Fagelund (Norwegian, 5757 GRT, built 1920), Tymeric (British, 5228 GRT, built 1919), Volturno (British, 3420 GRT, built 1914), Welsh Trader (British, 4974 GRT, built 1938) and West Wales (British, 4353 GRT, built 1925).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN).

At daylight on the 11th the following merchant vessels joined the convoy. They had sailed later from Freetown with orders to overtake and join the convoy at sea; Baron Graham (British, 3242 GRT, built 1925), British Gunner (British (tanker), 6894 GRT, built 1922), British Power (British (tanker), 8451 GRT, built 1936), Hopecastle (British, 5178 GRT, built 1937), Neleus (British, 6685 GRT, built 1911) and Tabaristan (British, 6251 GRT, built 1914).

Around 1450N/14, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Mooltan (Capt.(Retd.) G.E. Sutcliff, RN) joined and took over from HMS Carnarvon Castle which then left the convoy around 1530N/14 and proceeded to patrol to the north-west of Dakar.

Around 1700N/25, the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. W.A. Dallmeyer, RN), HMS Harvester (Lt.Cdr. C.M. Thornton, RN) and HMS Hurricane (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Simms, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0900Z/27, the sloop HMS Weston (Cdr.(Retd.) J.G. Sutton, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1135Z/27, the destroyer HMS Shikari (Lt.Cdr. H.N.A. Richardson, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 2000Z/27, the east coast section of the convoy parted company.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 28 September after which thee ships proceeded to their destinations in several sections. (8)

14 Sep 1940
Around 1530N/14, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) parted company with convoy SL 47 and proceeded to patrol to the north-west of Dakar within a 30 mile radius of position 16°20'N, 19°20'W. (9)

15 Sep 1940
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) is ordered to leave patrol off Dakar and to proceed to position 10°00'N, 20°00'W, patrol towards position 10°00'S and 20°00'W and then proceed to Freetown so as to arrive around 0600N/23.

Later she was ordered to sent the Spanish passenger / cargo vessel Domine (6914 GRT, built 1935) to Freetown in case this ship was met. (9)

20 Sep 1940
The C-in-C South Atlantic, ordered HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) to proceed at 18 knots toward position 04.10'N, 17.30'W as German surface units had been D/F'd in that area. After having searched this position she was to proceed to Freetown so as to arrive around 0800N/23. (7)

23 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000N/23, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) arrived at Freetown from patrol. (10)

25 Sep 1940
Around 1000N/25, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) with convoy AP 3.

Around 2200N/25, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) departed Freetown to overtake and join convoy AP 3.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy AP 3 ' for 10 September 1940.] (11)

4 Oct 1940
Around 1730B/4, HMS Canton (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) arrived at Simonstown from convoy escort duty with convoy AP 3.

HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) had arrived at Capetown earlier that afternoon with convoy AP 3. (12)

7 Oct 1940
Around 0900B/7, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) left Capetown escorting the transport Clan MacArthur (British, 10528 GRT, built 1936) to Durban. This transport had been unable to depart the previous day with convoy AP 3 due to engine defects. (13)

10 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The transport Clan MacArthur (British, 10528 GRT, built 1936) arrived at Durban from Capetown. Her escort, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) did not enter Durban harbour but turned back to return to Capetown. (13)

11 Oct 1940
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) is ordered to proceed to position 28°56'S, 13°25'E where the transport Clan MacDougall (British, 6843 GRT, built 1929) is laying disabled with engine defects.

The tug HMS St. Dogmael is sent from Simonstown to assist.

The transport Clan MacNeill (British, 6111 GRT, built 1922) also proceeded to the scene and eventually took the stricken ship in tow.

The tow, escorted by HMS Carnarvon Castle arrived at Simontown around 1545B/19. (13)

24 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1230B/24, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) departed Capetown for Takoradi. (13)

31 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) arrived at Takoradi from Capetown. (13)

1 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) departed Takoradi for Capetown. She is escorting the troop transport Westernland (Dutch, 16479 GRT, built 1918). (13)

9 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1130B/9, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) and the troop transport Westernland (Dutch, 16479 GRT, built 1918) arrived at Capetown from Takoradi. (13)

12 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0700B/12, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) departed Capetown to patrol in the South Atlantic and temporary duty with the South America Division. (13)

19 Nov 1940
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) arrived in her patrol area (Area K 33 in the Rio de Janeiro focal area). (13)

1 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) reported by signal that she had removed 22 German nationals from the Brazilian passenger / cargo ship Itape (4978 GRT, built 1927).

The next day she was ordered to make rendezvous with HMS Queen of Bermuda (Capt. G.A.B. Hawkins, MVO, DSC, RN) to transfer the prisoners to her. (14)

5 Dec 1940 (position -30.52, -42.53)
HMS Carnavon Castle (Capt. H.V.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) had a gun duel with the German auxiliary cruiser (raider) Schiff 10 / Thor (Kpt.z.S. Kähler) south of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in position 30°52'S, 42°53'W and was badly damaged, while the German ship escaped.

At 0642O/5, when in position 30°52'S, 42°53'W, HMS Carnavon Castle, which was proceeding on course 215° at a little over 18 knots with orders to arrive at Montevideo to fuel on 9 December, sighted a suspicious vessel at a range of 19000 yards which was the extreme limit of visibility. The vessel was steaming directly away from the armed merchant cruiser. Speed was then increased and a signal was made to the other ship to stop her engines. She failed to do so and at 0757O/5 a single round was fired near her.

The suspicious vessel replied, within 30 seconds, with a four or five gun salvo from approximately 17000 yards.

HMS Carnavon Castle was outranged by about 3000 yards. HMS Carnavon Castle altered course to port to bring the entire starboard battery to bear. The enemy meanwhile altered to port but soon turned to starboard.

These course changes reduced the range, after some 20 minutes, to about 14000 yards. Several hits were obtained on the enemy, which, for some time, fired only one gun. The enemy was apparently on fire aft.

Behind a smoke screen the enemy altered course to starboard and then re-appeared firing her starboard battery, in four-gun salvoes.

At 0838O/5, the tracks of two torpedoes were observed approaching on slightly diverging courses, but by turning under full helm to starboard, HMS Carnavon Castle was brought between the torpedoes, which passed about 50 yards on either side.

At 0844O/5, the range having been reduced to 8000 yards, the enemy brought her port battery to bear and HMS Carnavon Castle was hit repeatedly. Reports were received by Capt. Hardy of fires amidships and in No.2 hold. This latter report was incorrect, the fumes of two shells which had hit this hold were escaping by the ventilators and were mistaken for a fire. The basis of two shells were subsequently found in this hold.

By this time only some 40 rounds were left forward and the ammunition party aft incorrectly reported that they had none left so some rounds were transports from the forward supply to the after battery.

Meanwhile the AA magazine was flooded by a damaged fire mains.

The fire amidships was the whole of the fixed ammunition and the ready-use locker for the 3" HA guns. It burned freely but it did not explode. The fire had been hit by a direct hit on a ready-use locker.

About this time there was also a cordite fire at No. 3, 4 and 6 guns. A cartridge, while being inserted into the breech, caught fire and caused several casualties.

A shell cut the exhaust pipe from the main engines, inside the funnel. A very troublesome fire was started inside the funnel casing, giving a considerable amount of toxic fumes which gassed two of the fire party slightly, and they temporarily became casualties.

At 0900O/5, Capt. Hardy decided to lengthen the range, and, under the cover of a smoke screen, get the fires under control.

HMS Carnavon Castle's last hit on the enemy was obtained at the extreme range of 14000 yards. The shell was seen to burst onto the enemy's bridge.

By this time all the fire control communications had been disabled and guns were under individual control. The enemy was frequently turning smoke on and off.

The enemy continued firing, and, even when the range had opened to 18000 yards, was making good shooting.

Once out of range course was altered in an attempt to keep in touch with the enemy, but he again made smoke and disappeared in the increasing haze behind a further smoke screen, at a speed of estimated to be 18 knots in a north-easterly direction.

HMS Carnavon Castle had sustained serious damage and course was set to Montevideo to make emergency repairs. Six ratings had been killed in the action and three officers and seventeen ratings were wounded. (15)

7 Dec 1940
Around 1900O/7, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) arrived at Montevideo. She was granted 72 hours by the Uruguayan authorities to make emergency repairs to make her seaworthy. (14)

10 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
P.M., HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) departed Montevideo for San Borombon Bay. (16)

20 Dec 1940
The damaged HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) arrived at Capetown.

Due to congestion in British shipyards it was decided that HMS Carnarvon Castle was to be repaired in South Africa despite the fact that this would take a considerable time as spare parts had to be sent out from the U.K. (13)

1 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) G.B. Lewis, RN) is fumigated at Capetown. The crew is allowed to return to the ship after 24 hours. (17)

10 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) G.B. Lewis, RN) is again fumigated at Capetown. The crew is allowed to return to the ship only on 15 April 1941. (18)

12 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) G.B. Lewis, RN) proceeded from Capetown to Simonstown. (19)

13 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) G.B. Lewis, RN) is docked in the Selborne graving dock at the Simonstown Dockyard. (19)

24 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) G.B. Lewis, RN) is undocked. (19)

25 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) G.B. Lewis, RN) conducted post refit trials in False Bay. (19)

26 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) G.B. Lewis, RN) conducted post refit trials in False Bay. (19)

28 May 1941
Around 1750B/28, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) G.B. Lewis, RN) and HMS Cilicia (Capt.(Retd.) V.B. Cardwell, OBE, RN) departed Simonstown for patrol in the South Atlantic (Area K 1).

HMS Carnarvon Castle was also to rejoin the South American Division. During her patrol she was however retained longer then originally intended by the C-in-C South Atlantic given German raider movements.

At 1910A/4, HMS Cilicia parted company with HMS Carnarvon Castle in approximate position 24°48'S, 01°23'E. HMS Cilicia then set course for Freetown. HMS Carnarvon Castle then patrolled in area K1B.

HMS Carnarvon Castle eventually left patrol to join the South American Division on 10 June. (19)

17 Jun 1941
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) G.B. Lewis, RN) joined the South American Division and commenced to patrol in zone L 32 in the River Plate focal area. (16)

23 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) G.B. Lewis, RN) is ordered to shift patrol to the Rio de Janeiro focal area. (16)

27 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0900OP(+2.5)/27, HMS Newcastle (Capt. E.A. Aylmer, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H. Pegram, DSO, RN) made rendezvous with HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) off Sao Sebastiao Island (east of Santos, Brazil). Mails and other correspondence was transferred before both ships proceeded to patrol off Rio de Janeiro as it was expected that German merchant vessels might attempt to break out into the Atlantic. (20)

4 Jul 1941
Around 1000P/4, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) arrived at Rio de Janeiro from patrol. (21)

5 Jul 1941
Around 0830P/5, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) departed Rio de Janeiro for patrol. She is to patrol in the River Plate focal area. (22)

29 Jul 1941
On completion of fuelling (300 tons of diesel oil), around 0330P/29, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) departed Samborombón Bay for patrol. She is to patrol in the Rio de Janeiro focal area. (23)

22 Aug 1941
Around 0945P/22, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) arrived at Montevideo from patrol. (22)

23 Aug 1941
Around 1015P/23, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) departed Montevideo for patrol. She is to patrol in the Rio de Janeiro focal area. (22)

26 Aug 1941
Around 1200P/26, HMS Birmingham (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H. Pegram, DSO, RN) made rendezvous in position 25°10'S, 40°12'W, with HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN). After transferring mails HMS Birmingham resumed patrol and HMS Carnarvon Castle set course for Capetown ending her deployment with the South American Division. (24)

3 Sep 1941
Around 1900B/3, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) arrived at Capetown from duty with the South American Division. (25)

6 Sep 1941
Around 1145B/6, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) departed Capetown for escort duty with convoy WS 10.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 10 ' for 2 August 1941.] (25)

9 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1845B/9, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) arrived at Durban from convoy escort duty. (26)

15 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0820B/15, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) departed Durban for Capetown. She is escorting the troop transport Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920). (27)

18 Sep 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1500B/18, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) and the troop transport Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920) arrived off Capetown from Durban. HMS Carnarvon Castle did not enter harbour but proceeded to Simonstown where she arrived around 1840B/18. (27)

20 Sep 1941
Around 1730B/20, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) departed Simonstown for Capetown where she arrived around 0520B/21. At Capetown she is taken in hand for engine repairs. (28)

25 Oct 1941
Around 0945B/25, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) departed Capetown to patrol in the South Atlantic to the south of St. Helena.

She was however recalled on the 27th. (29)

29 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0615B/29, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) arrived at Capetown from patrol. On arrival she conducted D/G trials. (29)

30 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000B/30, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) departed Capetown for Simonstown where she arrived around 1530B/30. (29)

5 Nov 1941
Around 1530B/5, the Vichy-French merchant vessel Commandant Dorise (5529 GRT, built 1917) and the armed merchant cruiser HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) arrived at East London. (29)

6 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1340B/6, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) departed East London for Capetown. (29)

8 Nov 1941
Around 0600B/8, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) arrived at Capetown from East London. (30)

10 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1830B/10, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) departed Capetown to proceed to position 29°50'S, 08°30'W where she is to make rendezvous with the RFA tanker Derwentdale (8398 GRT, built 1941) coming from Trinidad.

Rendezvous was effected around 1215B/14 in approximate position 29°52'N, 08°23'W and course was set for Simontown where they arrived PM on the 19th. (29)

14 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Convoy CF 3 (2).

This convoy departed Durban on 14 November 1941.

It was made up of only one ship, the troop transport Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917).

On leaving Durban the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Dunnottar Castle (Capt.(Retd.) C.T.A. Bunbury, RN).

The convoy arrived at Capetown on 17 November 1941. HMS Dunnottar Castle did not enter Capetown but proceeded to Simonstown.

The convoy departed Capetown on 22 November but now escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN).

The convoy arrived at Takoradi on 1 December 1941. (30)

19 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1830B/19, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) and the RFA tanker Derwentdale (8398 GRT, built 1941) arrived at Simonstown. (29)

20 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1340B/20, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) departed Simonstown for Capetown where she arrived around 1735B/20. (30)

22 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0750B/22, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) departed Capetown escorting convoy CF 3 (2).

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy CF 3 (2) ' for 14 November 1941.] (30)

3 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0930N/3, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) arrived at Freetown from convoy escort duty. (31)

6 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1030N/6, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) departed Freetown for Trinidad. She is to proceed through position 10°00'N, 36°00'W and then direct to Trinidad.

HMS Carnarvon Castle is to proceed to Norfolk, Virginia, USA wehre she is to refit at the Newport News shipyard. (31)

14 Dec 1941
Around 0850Q/14, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) arrived at Trinidad from Freetown.

She departed for Norfolk, Virginia around 1645Q/14. She was ordered to pass through the Mona Passage en-route. (32)

20 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1030R/20, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) arrived off Norfolk, Virginia from Trinidad. She then commenced de-ammunitioning. (32)

22 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) is taken in hand for refit at the Newport News shipyard. (33)

24 Feb 1942
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) is undocked.

[We have been unable to determine when she was docked.] (34)

14 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) conducted post refit trials in Chesapeake Bay. (34)

15 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) conducted post refit trials in Chesapeake Bay. (34)

20 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) conducted post refit trials in Chesapeake Bay. (34)

21 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) conducted post refit trials in Chesapeake Bay. (34)

22 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) conducted post refit trials in Chesapeake Bay. (34)

27 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0700Q/27, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) departed Norfolk, Virginia for Greenock. She was escorted until 2030Q/27 by USS Greer (Lt.Cdr. L.H. Frost, USN, with COMDESDIV 61, Cdr. G.W. Johnson, USN, on board). (34)

6 Apr 1942
Around 1645A/6, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN) arrived at Greenock from Norfolk, Virginia, USA.

She was then taken in hand for the fitting of new equipment (including radar) that had not been possible in the U.S.A. (35)

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