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Notable events involving Ballinderry include:

10 Sep 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR) and HMS Foulness (T/Lt. W.E. Mercer, RNVR). (1)

11 Sep 1943
HMS P 511 (Lt. R.H. Bull, DSC, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Tobermory with HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR) and HMS Odzani (Lt.Cdr. L.A. Sayers, RNR). (1)

26 Nov 1943

Combined convoy OS 60 / KMS 34.

This combined convoy assembled off Oversay on 26 November 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alex (British, 3932 GRT, built 1914), Allerton (British, 7195 GRT, built 1941), Baron Ramsay (British, 3650 GRT, built 1929), Belgian Sailor (Belgian, 7028 GRT, built 1942), Benton Field (British, 1124 GRT, built 1943), Chief Joseph (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Clan Forbes (British, 7529 GRT, built 1938), Clan MacBean (British, 5000 GRT, built 1918), Colytto (Dutch, 4408 GRT, built 1926), Elswick Park (British, 4138 GRT, built 1920), Empire Chamois (British, 5684 GRT, built 1918), Empire Chivalry (British, 6007 GRT, built 1937), Empire Jessica (British, 2890 GRT, built 1943), Empire Planet (British, 4290 GRT, built 1923), Empire Torridge (British, 4050 GRT, built 1923), Erastus Smith (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Fauzon (French, 4376 GRT, built 1938), Flimston (British, 4674 GRT, built 1925), Fort Alexander (British, 7127 GRT, built 1942), Fort Augustus (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Gabon (Norwegian, 4651 GRT, built 1931), Hardanger (Norwegian, 4000 GRT, built 1924), Inventor (British, 6210 GRT, built 1935), Jerome K. Jones (American, 7199 GRT, built 1943), Jobshaven (Dutch, 3528 GRT, built 1916), John M. Harlan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Kaldfonn (Norwegian (tanker), 9931 GRT, built 1936), Kerma (British, 4333 GRT, built 1928), Mary Kingsley (British, 5021 GRT, built 1930), Nairung (British, 5414 GRT, built 1942), Narwick (Polish, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Nassa (British (tanker), 8134 GRT, built 1942), Norefjord (Norwegian, 3082 GRT, built 1920), Norfalk (British, 5675 GRT, built 1919), Pandorian (British, 4159 GRT, built 1941), Scorton (British, 4813 GRT, built 1939), Silverteak (British, 6770 GRT, built 1930), Simon Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Souliotis (Greek, 4299 GRT, built 1917), Stad Haarlem (Dutch, 4518 GRT, built 1929), Stuyvesant (Dutch, 4249 GRT, built 1918), Thistleford (British, 4781 GRT, built 1928), Timok (Yugoslavian, 3130 GRT, built 1924), Tudor Prince (British, 1914 GRT, built 1940), Vera Radcliffe (British, 5587 GRT, built 1925), Wellington Court (British, 4979 GRT, built 1930) and William Kent (American, 7187 GRT, built 1942).

The rescue ship Fastnet (British, 1415 GRT, built 1928) was also with the convoy as was the French survey vessel President Theodore Tissier.

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Fencer (Capt. E.W. Anstice, RN), destroyer HMS Highlander (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN), corvettes HMS Abelia (Lt. R.I. Floris, RNZNR), HMS Clover (Lt. P.H. Grieves, RNR), HMS Linaria (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.H. Jameson, RNR) and the A/S trawlers HMS Northern Spray (Lt. F.A.J. Downer, RNR) and HMS Northern Sun (T/Lt. H. Meredith, RNVR).

On 27 November 1943, the frigate HMS Avon (Lt.Cdr. P.G.A. King, RD, RNR) joined coming from Londonderry.

On 1 December 1943, the frigates HMS Nene (Cdr. J.D. Birch, RD, RNR), HMS Tweed (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Miller, DSC, RNR) and corvettes HMCS Lunenburg (T/Lt. D.L. Miller, RCNVR) and HMCS Snowberry (T/Lt. J.A. Dunn, RCNVR) joined . These ships had departed Plymouth on 28 November 1943. They parted company with the convoy on 3 December 1943 to join convoy MKF 26. Also on 1 December 1943, a fighter from HMS Fencer reported shooting down a German Focke Wolf reconnaissance aircraft.

On 2 December 1943, the destroyer HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) overtook and joined the convoy after having departed Londonderry on 30 November. She had grounded on 27 November when originally sailing to join the convoy and had needed repairs.

Also on 2 December 1943, the Allerton arrived in the Clyde after having been detached from the convoy, most likely due to engine trouble.

Around 0515Z/6, HMS Fencer parted company with the convoy to join the combined convoy SL 141 / MKS 32.

Also on 6 December 1943, HMS Linaria arrived at Horta with the Kaldfonn. They had parted company with the convoy on 4 December 1943.

On 7 December 1943 the convoy split into convoy OS 60 bound for Freetown and convoy KMS 34 bound for the Mediterranean. The merchant vessels Alex, Baron Ramsay, Elswick Park, Pandorian and Thistleford were detached to Lisbon.

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Convoy OS 60 was made up of the merchant vessels; Fauzon, Flimston, Gabon, Mary Kingsley, Nassa, Silverteak and Stuyvesant.

These were joined by the merchant vessels Bactria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Celtic Monarch (British, 5824 GRT, built 1929), Empire Lightning (British, 6942 GRT, built 1940), Fort Liard (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Glenwood (British, 4897 GRT, built 1940), Keila (British, 3621 GRT, built 1905), Riley (British, 4993 GRT, built 1936) and Stanford (British, 5969 GRT, built 1941) coming from Gibraltar which they had departed earlier that day.

These ships had been escorted by the frigate HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Aubretia (Lt. G.D. Fowler, RNR) and HMS Cyclamen (T/Lt. W.S. Joliffe, RNR) which now formed the escort of this convoy towards Freetown.

On 8 December 1943 the merchant vessel Canada (French, 9684 GRT, built 1912) departed Casablanca to join the convoy which she did later the same day. She was escorted by the sloop / minesweeper Annamite which also joined the convoy.

On 14 December 1943, the merchant vessels Lycaon (British, 7552 GRT, built 1913) and Thomas Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929) departed Dakar to join the convoy.

On 15 December 1943, the Canada and Fauzon arrived at Dakar after having parted company with the convoy. They were escorted to Dakar by the Annamite.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 18 December 1943. Some ships of the convoy did not enter Freetown but proceed directly to other destinations.

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Convoy KMS 34 was made up of the merchant vessels; Belgian Sailor, Benton Field, Chief Joseph, Clan Forbes, Clan MacBean, Colytto, Empire Chamois, Empire Chivalry, Empire Jessica, Empire Planet, Empire Torridge, Erastus Smith, Fort Alexandria, Fort Augustus, Hardanger, Inventor, Jerome K. Jones, Jobshaven, John M. Harlan, Kerma, Nairung, Narwick, Norefjord, Norfalk, Scorton, Simon Willard, Souliotis, Stad Haarlem, Timok, Tudor Prince, Vera Radcliffe, Wellington Court and William Kent as well as the Fastnet and the President Theodore Tissier.

Escort was provided by the remaining escort from combined convoy OS 60 / KMS 34.

While en-route to the Straits of Gibraltar the Kerma and Empire Jessica were detached to Huelva and Cadiz respectively.

On 9 December 1943 the original escort parted company and entered Gibraltar harbour as did the Fastnet, President Theodore Tissier, Timok and Tudor Prince. The Vera Radcliffe, which had straggled from the convoy, arrived on the 10th.

Off Gibraltar new escorts joined the convoy, these were the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN), frigate HMS Cuckmere (Lt.Cdr. A. Johnson, VRD, RNVR) corvettes HMS Anemone (Lt. J.B. Sparkes, RNR), HMS Coltsfoot (T/Lt. G.W. Rayner, RNVR), HMS Convolvulus (A/Lt.Cdr. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR) and HMS Hyderabad (T/Lt. T. Cooper, RNR). The rescue tug HMRT Mindful, minesweeper HMS BYMS 2187 (T/Lt. P. Moore, RNVR), motor minesweeper HMS MMS 20 (T/Lt. L.S. Kay, RNVR) and boom defence vessel HMS Barnehurst (T/Lt. T. Robb, RNR) also joined the convoy.

On 10 December 1943, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy off Oran; Colin P. Kelly Jr. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), David G. Farragut (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Jade (British, 930 GRT, built 1938), John Blair (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), John Howland (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Stevens (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Jonathan Worth (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Newton D. Baker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Richard Rush (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943) and Russell A. Alger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

Around 1304A/11, in position 36°55'N, 03°01'E, north-north-east of Algiers, HMS Cuckmere was torpedoed and heavily damaged by the German submarine U-223. She was towed to Algiers but later declared a total loss.

On the 11th the following merchant ships were detached to Algiers; Empire Planet, John M. Harlan, Russell A. Alger as was HMS MMS 20 while the following merchant ships joined the convoy off Algiers; Anglo-African (British, 5601 GRT, built 1929), Argentina (Italian, 5085 GRT, built 1907), Baron Inchcape (British, 7005 GRT, built 1917), Benjamin Tay (British, 1814 GRT, built 1943), Borgholm (Norwegian, 1557 GRT, built 1922), British Endurance (British (tanker), 8406 GRT, built 1936), Cape Hawke (British, 5081 GRT, built 1941), Chester O. Swain (American (tanker), 8146 GRT, built 1921), Empire Tana (British, 6148 GRT, built 1923), Helmwood (British, 2156 GRT, built 1923), Hjalmar Wessel (Norwegian, 1742 GRT, built 1935), Lesto (British, 1893 GRT, 1918), Marita (Norwegian, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Nolisement (British, 5084 GRT, built 1928), Thorsholm (Norwegian (tanker), 9937 GRT, built 1937) and William L. Yancey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). Also the motor minesweepers HMS MMS 13 (T/Lt. A.E. Durham, RNVR) and HMS MMS 48 (T/Lt. J.R. Kingdon, RNVR) joined the convoy.

On 11 December 1943, the merchant vessels Empire Daring (British, 7059 GRT, built 1943) and Fort Reliance (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942) departed Bougie to join the convoy while the Borgholm and Empire Tana were detached to Bougie arriving on the 12th.

On 12 December 1943, the merchant vessel Norefjord was detached to Philippeville while the Dux (Norwegian, 1590 GRT, built 1934) and Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy.

On 13 December 1943, the merchant vessels Belgian Sailor, John Wise, Lesto, Narwick and HMS Mindful were detached to Bone while the Chloris (British, 1171 GRT, built 1910), Empire Gain (British (tanker), 3738 GRT, built 1943), Fort Carillon (British, 7129 GRT, built 1943), Jennings (British, 1148 GRT, built 1943) and Shirrabank (British, 7274 GRT, built 1940) joined the convoy.

Later on 13 December 1943, the merchant vessels Baron Inchcape, Empire Gain, Helmwood, Jobshaven, Norfalk and William L. Yancey arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy while the Benjamin Huntington (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Daniel H. Lownsdale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), George Shiras (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), George Vickers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Gleniffer (British, 9559 GRT, built 1919), Joel Chandler Harris (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Hopkinson (British, 1314 GRT, built 1932), Marion McKinley Bovard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Volunteer (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Patrick Henry (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), Ponce de Leon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Tarvisio (Italian, 5484 GRT, built 1927) and Titus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930) joined coming from Bizerta. HMS Colombo also parted company with the convoy arriving at Bizerta around 0800A/13.

On 14 December 1943, HMS BYMS 2187 and HMS HMS Barnehurst arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy while the minesweepers HMS BYMS 2203 (/Lt. R.D. Adam, RNVR), HMS BYMS 2204 (T/Lt. M.R. Bell, RNR), HMS BYMS 2232 (?) and the merchant vessel Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923) joined the convoy.

On the 14 December 1943, the merchant vessels Comliebank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1924), Defender (British, 8078 GRT, built 1915), Fort St. Francois (British, 7125 GRT, built 1942), Newbrough (British, 5255 GRT, built 1941), Reginald A. Fessenden (American, 7213 GRT, built 1943), Trevelyan (British, 7292 GRT, built 1943) and Vasco (British, 2878 GRT, built 1939) departed Augusta to join the convoy.

On 14/15 December 1943, the merchant vessels Argentina, Benjamin Huntington, Benjamin Tay, British Endurance, Chester O. Swain, Chief Joseph, Chloris, Colin P. Kelly Jr., Daniel H. Lownsdale, David G. Farragut, Dux, Empire Chamois, Empire Chivalry, Empire Daring, Empire Torridge, Erastus Smith, Fort Alexandria, Fort Carillon, Fort Reliance, George Shiras, George Vickers, Gleniffer, Hardanger, Hjalmar Wessel, Jade, Jerome K. Jones, John Blair, John Hopkinson, John Howland, John Murray Forbes, John Stevens, Jonathan Worth, Marion McKinley Bovard, Marita, Nairung, Newton D. Baker, Patrick Henry, Ponce de Leon, Richard Rush, Scorton, Shirrabank, Simon Willard, Stad Haarlem, Stancleeve, Tarvisio, Thorsholm, Wellington Court and William Kent arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy. HMS MMS 13 and HMS MMS 48 were also detached to Augusta.

On 18 December 1943, the merchant vessels Cape Hawke, Fort St. Francois and Newbrough arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy. They were escorted by HMS Coltsfoot

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 19 December 1943.

4 Jan 1944

Combined convoy OS 64 / KMS 38.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 4 January 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Anna N. Goulandris (Greek, 4358 GRT, built 1921), Antilochus (British, 9082 GRT, built 1906), Atlantic City (British, 5133 GRT, built 1941), Baron Douglas (British, 3899 GRT, built 1932), Biafra (British, 5405 GRT, built 1933), Bosphorus (Norwegian, 2111 GRT, built 1934), City of Leicester (British, 3351 GRT, built 1926), Coulbeg (British, 5237 GRT, built 1940), Danae II (British, 2660 GRT, built 1936), Edam (Dutch, 8871 GRT, built 1921), Empire Caxton (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942), Empire Cormorant (British, 5760 GRT, built 1918), Empire Geraint (British, 6991 GRT, built 1942), Empire Grange (British, 6981 GRT, built 1943), Empire Melody (British, 2283 GRT, built 1942), Empire Opossum (British, 5644 GRT, built 1918), Empire Peacock (British, 6098 GRT, built 1919), Empire Stronghold (British, 7064 GRT, built 1943), Empire Thackeray (British, 2865 GRT, built 1942), Empire Wolfe (British, 2888 GRT, built 1941), Eskdalegate (British, 4250 GRT, built 1930), Fort Norman (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Governor (British, 5571 GRT, built 1918), Hartbridge (British, 5080 GRT, built 1927), Kyklades (Greek, 7157 GRT, built 1941), Laguna (British, 6466 GRT, built 1923), Lornaston (British, 4934 GRT, built 1925), Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918), Marsdale (British, 4890 GRT, built 1940), Merchant Royal (British, 5008 GRT, built 1928), North Devon (British, 3658 GRT, built 1924), Ocean Gallant (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vulcan (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Palacio (British, 1346 GRT, built 1927), Port Melbourne (British, 9142 GRT, built 1914), Scottish American (British (tanker / escort oiler), 6999 GRT, built 1920), Sreca (Yugoslavian, 5248 GRT, built 1918), Telesfora de Larrinaga (British, 5780 GRT, built 1920), Theomitor (Greek, 4427 GRT, built 1910) and Van Honthorst (Dutch, 6140 GRT, built 1943).

The rescue ship Copeland (British, 1526 GRT, built 1923) was also with the convoy as was the Greek LST RHS Chios.

Of the transports the following had to return after departure; Empire Cormorant, Empire Thackeray- and Merchant Royal.

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the destroyers HMS Winchelsea (Lt. C.T. Shuttleworth, RNVR), frigates HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. L.P. Bourke, RNZNR), HMS Helmsdale (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, RN), corvettes HMS Abelia (A/Lt.Cdr. O.G. Stuart, RCNVR), HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Carse, DSC, RNVR), HMS Burdock (T/Lt. F.R.M. Greasley, RNR), HMS Clover (Lt. T.E. Fanshawe, DSC, RNR), HMS Crocus (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.R. Mackay, RNZNVR) and A/S trawler HMS Vizalma (T/Lt. B. James, RNVR). The rescue tug HMRT Stormking was also with the convoy.

On 6 January 1944, the frigate HMS Foley (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Bird, RNVR) departed Londonderry to overtake and join the convoy. She had been unable to departed earlier as her new Commanding Officer had not yet arrived to take over command.

On 6/7 January 1944, the frigate HMCS Waskesiu (T/A/Cdr. J.H.S. MacDonald, RCNR) and the corvettes HMCS Camrose (T/A/Lt.Cdr. L.R. Pavillard, RCNR), HMCS Edmundston (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.D. Barrett, RCNR), HMCS Lunenburg (T/Lt. D.L. Miller, RCNVR) and HMCS Snowberry (T/Lt. J.A. Dunn, RCNVR) joined from convoy SL 143. They parted company on 12 January 1944 to join northbound convoy SL 144.

On 7 January 1944, the frigate HMS Avon (Lt.Cdr. P.G.A. King, DSC, RD, RNR) departed Londonderry to overtake and join the convoy. She had been unable to departed earlier due to defects.

In the evening of 8 January 1944, HMS Bayntun and HMCS Camrose sank the German submarine U-757 in position 50°33'N, 18°03'W.

On 9 January 1944, the corvette HMS Abelia sustained damage to her rudder. The damage was possibly due to a T-5 acoustic torpedo fired by a German submarine but might also have been inflicted due to one of her own depth charges exploding prematurely. She was able to steam under her own power but could not steer. HMRT Stormking then took her in tow towards Cardiff where they arrived on 13 January 1944. They had been escorted by HMS Vizalma which subsequently proceeded to Liverpool arriving on the 14th.

On 11 January 1944, the destroyers HMS Wanderer (Lt.Cdr. R.F. Whinney, RN), HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. G.H.D. Williams, RN), sloop HMS Woodpecker (Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RNR) and frigates HMS Glenarm (Lt.Cdr. W.R.B. Noall, DSO, RNR) joined from convoy SL 144. They parted company again the following day to rejoin convoy SL 144 taking HMS Burdock also with them.

In the late afternoon of 11 January 1944, the German submarine U-953 attacked the corvette HMCS Lunenburg with a T-5 homing torpedo but it missed. The submarine was then hunted for hours by the Lunenburg herself as well as HMS Foley, HMCS Waskesiu and HMCS Edmundston. The U-boat was damaged but was able to remain on patrol.

On 17 January 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 64 and KMS 38.

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Convoy OS 64, towards Freetown, was made up of the following merchant vessels; Biafra, Bosphorus, Danae II, Empire Geraint and Port Melboune.

On 15 January 1944, the frigate HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Aubretia (Lt. G.D. Fowler, RNR) and HMS Cyclamen (T/Lt. W.S. Joliffe, RNR) had departed Gibraltar escorting convoy OS 64G (the Gibraltar section of convoy OS 64) which was made up of the following transports; Afghanistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Dalhanna (British, 5571 GRT, built 1930), Empire Meteor (British, 7457 GRT, built 1940), Empire Newton (British, 7037 GRT, built 1942), Empire Sunbeam (British, 6711 GRT, built 1941), Fort Lac la Ronge (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Fort McLoughlin (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Houston City (British, 7262 GRT, built 1942), Nairung (British, 5414 GRT, built 1942), Nyanza (British, 4974 GRT, built 1928), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938), Vera Radcliffe (British, 5587 GRT, built 1925) and Vinriver (British, 3881 GRT, built 1917).

On these ships arriving at the rendezvous on the 17th the convoy split. The original escort of the combined convoy then proceeded with convoy KMS 38 towards the Mediterranean.

On 16 January 1944, the transport/ tanker Hoggar (French, 5146 GRT, built 1923) and Ninella (British (tanker), 8134 GRT, built 1943) had departed Casablanca to join the convoy. They were escorted to the rendezvous by the corvette Commandant Detroyant and the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez. These escorts did not join the convoy but returned to Casablanca on the 17th.

On 23 January 1944, the and arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy while the transport Arcturus (French, 2514 GRT, built 1914) joined the convoy coming from Dakar.

Convoy OS 64 arrived at Freetown 26 January 1944. Some ships from the convoy did not enter Freetown but continued on to their destinations independently.

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Convoy KMS 38, made up of the remaining ships, proceeded towards the Mediterranean with the original escort of the combined convoy.

On 17 January 1944, the following transports / tanker arrived at Gibraltar; City of Leicester, Copeland, Empire Caxton, Empire Melody, Empire Wolfe, Laguna, North Devon and Scottish American. The Greek LST RHS Chios also arrived at Gibraltar.

The original escort, made up of HMS Helmsdale, HMS Bayntun, HMS Avon, HMS Foley, HMS Winchelsea, HMS Asphodel, HMS Clover and HMS Crocus also arrived at Gibraltar.

On the convoy passing Gibraltar on the 17th, the transports Cragpool (British 5133 GRT, built 1928) and Empire Daring (British 7059 GRT, built 1943) joined.

Also a new escort joined, this was made up of the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), frigate HMS Inver (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR), corvettes HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), RHS Sakhtouris, RHS Apostolis, A/S whaler HMSAS Southern Sea and the M/S trawler HMS Filla (T/Lt. G.H. Syrett, RNVR).

The submarines HMS Tantivy (Cdr. M.G. Rimington, DSO, RN) and HrMs K XIV (Lt.Cdr. J.F. Drijfhout Van Hooff, RNN) also joined the convoy for passage to Port Said.

On 18 January 1944, the transport Lornaston was detached to Oran while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Oran; Cartago (American, 4732 GRT, built 1908), Empire Harbour (British (tanker), 797 GRT, built 1943), George G. Meade (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Irvin MacDowell (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), James R. Randall (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John P. Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John S. Pillsbury (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph E. Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Mount Othrys (Greek, 6527 GRT, built 1919), P.L.M. 13 (British, 3754 GRT, built 1921), Tabitha Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Ville de Djidjelli (French, 1132 GRT, built 1907) and William Mulholland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

On 19 January 1944, the transports / tanker Atlantic City, Baron Douglas, Hartbridge, Mount Othrys, Ocean Gallant and Telesfora de Larrinaga were detached to Algiers as was the M/S trawler HMS Filla while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Amberton (British, 5377 GRT, built 1928), Djebel Aures (French, 2835 GRT, built 1929), Edward P. Costigan (American, 7194, built 1943), Fort Fairford (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Reliance (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Gouverneur General Lepine (French, 3509 GRT, built 1923), Guinean (British, 5205 GRT, built 1936), Joseph N. Teal (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Pan-Maryland (American (tanker), 7701 GRT, built 1938), Silvester Gardiner (American, 7176, built 1943), Srbin (Yugoslavian, 928 GRT, built 1913), Temple Inn (British, 5218 GRT, built 1940) and Thomas Pickney (American, 7177, built 1942).

On 20 January 1944, the transport Benjamin Tay (British, 1814 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bougie.

On 20 January 1944, the transport Ville de Djidjelli arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy.

On 20 January 1944, the transports / tanker , Anna N. Goulandris, Empire Harbour, George G. Meade, Gouverneur General Lepine and Srbin arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Bone; Brighton (British, 7345 GRT, built 1943), Cyrus H.K. Curtis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Destro (British, 3553 GRT, built 1920), Dornoch (British, 5186 GRT, built 1939), Dux (Norwegian, 1590 GRT, built 1934), Empire Brook (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941) and Senga (Yugoslavian, 5140 GRT, built 1913). The RFA tanker Prestol (2629 GRT, built 1917) also joined the convoy.

On 21 January 1944, the transports Cartago, James R. Randall, Senga, Sreca, Theomitor and the RFA tanker Prestol arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; George Matthews (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), George W. McCrary (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942) and John A. Campbell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). HMS Colombo also arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy.

On 21 January 1944, the transports Eskdalegate and Joseph N. Teal arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.

On 22 January 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Anglo-African (British, 5601 GRT, built 1929), Blairclova (British, 5083 GRT, built 1938), Comliebank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1924), Empire Ballad (British, 6700 GRT, built 1942), Empire Cedar (British (tug), 129 GRT, built 1941), Empire Daring (British, 7059 GRT, built 1943), Empire Raja (British, 6224 GRT, built 1922), Empire Rock (British, 7061 GRT, built 1943), Fort Capot River (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Fort Clatsop (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), Fort Nashwaak (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort St. Francois (British, 7125 GRT, built 1942), Lublin (Polish, 1409 GRT, built 1932), Nolisement (British, 5084 GRT, built 1928), Ocean Trader (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Samaritan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samnebra (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsylvan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Tide Water (American (tanker), 8886 GRT, built 1930) and Trevelyan (British, 7292 GRT, built 1943).

On 23 January 1944, the transports Amberton, Benjamin Tay, Brighton, Coulbeg, Craigpool, Cyrus H.K. Curtis, Destro, Djebel Aures, Dornoch, Dux, Edward P. Costigan, Empire Brook, Empire Grange, Empire Opossum, Empire Peacock, Empire Stronghold, Fort Fairford, Fort Norman, Fort Reliance, George Matthews, George W. McCrary, Guinean, Irvin MacDowell, John A. Campbell, John P. Mitchell, John S. Pillsbury, Joseph E. Brown , Kyklades, Manchester Exporter, Ocean Vulcan, P.L.M. 13, Pan-Maryland , Silvester Gardiner, Tabitha Brown, Temple Inn, Thomas Pinckney, Van Honthorst and William Mulholland arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.

On 26 January 1944, the following transports arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy. Blairclova, Edam, Fort Capot River, Fort Nashwaak, Fort St. Francois, Lublin, Marsdale, Ocean Trader, Samaritan, Samnebra, Samsylvan and Trevelyan. Also the following escort vessels arrived at Alexandria; HMS Inver, HMS Delphinium and RHS Apostolis.

On 27 January 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Port Said; Anglo-African, Antilochus, Comliebank, Empire Ballad, Empire Cedar, Empire Daring, Empire Raja, Empire Rock, Fort Clatsop, Governor, Nolisement and Tide Water. Also the following escort vessels arrived at Port Said; RHS Sakhtouris, HMSAS Southern Sea

3 Apr 1944
HMS Vampire (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR), HMS Cyclamen (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Frogbrook, RNR) and HMS Aubretia (Lt. G.D. Fowler, RNR). (2)

12 Jun 1944

Combined convoy OS 80 / KMS 54.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 12 June 1944.

It was made up of the following transports; Baharistan (British, 5479 GRT, built 1928), Baron Fairlie (British, 6706 GRT, built 1925), Baron Tweedmouth (British, 3357 GRT, built 1927), Caduceus (British, 4364 GRT, built 1927), Cap Cantin (British (former French), 3317 GRT, built 1933), Cape Breton (British, 6044 GRT, built 1940), City of Worcester (British, 5469 GRT, built 1927), Clan Matheson (British, 5613 GRT, built 1919), Deido (British, 3894 GRT, built 1928), Empire Buckler (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942), Empire Galahad (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942), Empire Prospero (British, 6766 GRT, built 1943), Empire Zephyr (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Fort Chambly (British, 7130 GRT, built 1942), Fort Columbia (British, 7155 GRT, built 1942), Fort Kullyspell (British, 7190 GRT, built 1943), Fort Stager (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Framlington Court (British, 4888 GRT, built 1924), Govert Flinck (Dutch, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Hilversum (Dutch, 3717 GRT, built 1920), Isipingo (British, 7069 GRT, built 1930), Jenny (Norwegian, 4706 GRT, built 1928), Keilehaven (Dutch, 2968 GRT, built 1919), Llanberis (British, 5055 GRT, built 1928), Ottinge (British, 2818 GRT, built 1940), Philips Wouwerman (Dutch, 7089 GRT, built 1943), Radmanso (Swedish, 4280 GRT, built 1914), Sansu (British, 5446 GRT, built 1939) and Souliotis (Greek, 4299 GRT, built 1917).

The tanker (escort oiler) Esturia (British (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1914) was to join later at sea after having parted company with the combined convoy SL 161 / MKS 51.

The rescue ship Syrian Prince (British, 1990 GRT, built 1936) was also with the combined convoy.

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Searcher (Capt. G.O.C. Davies, RN), destroyer HMS Highlander (Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR), frigates HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. L.P. Bourke, RNZNR), HMS Foley (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Bird, RNVR), HMS Helmsdale (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Kenilworth Castle (Lt. J.J.Allon, RNR) and HMS Portchester Castle (Lt. A.G. Scott, RNR).

On 13 June 1944, the Baron Tweedmouth arrived in the Clyde and the Jenny arrived at Liverpool after having forced to return to the U.K.

On 16 June 1944, the Caduceus arrived in the Clyde after having forced to return to the U.K.

The Empire Prosepero was detached en-route to Horta, Azores.

Around 0500Z/22, HMS Searcher, HMS Highlander and HMS Foley parted company with the convoy to join the combined convoy SL 161 / MKS 51 which they did around 0920Z/22. HMS Highlander and HMS Bayntun then parted company to rejoined the combined convoy OS 80 / KMS 54, most likely tanking the tanker (escort oiler) Esturia with them.

Also on 22 June the convoy split into convoy OS 80 and KMS 54.

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Convoy OS 80, towards Freetown, was made up of the following transports; Cap Cantin, Deido, Empire Buckle, Empire Galahad, Hilversum, Ispingo, Llanberis, Sansu and Souliotis.

They were joined on 22 June 1944 by the transports Empire Foam (British, 7047 GRT, built 1941), Empire Gale (British, 7089 GRT, built 1941), Fort Vermillion (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), King James (British, 5122 GRT, built 1925) and King Stephen (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928). These ships had departed Gibraltar on 21 June together with the new escort for convoy OS 80 which was made up of the frigates HMS Rother (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR), HMS Inver (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR) and the patrol vessel HMS Kilmelford (T/Lt. H. Brown, RNR).

On 23 June 1944, the transports Agen (French, 4186 GRT, built 1921), Argyll (British, 4897 GRT, built 1939), Chelma (French, 4968 GRT, built 1920), Montaigne (French, 2770 GRT, built 1920) and Paul de Rousiers (French, 3548 GRT, built 1942) joined coming from Casablanca which they had departed the day before. They were escorted by the destroyer Trombe, minesweeping sloop La Boudeuse and the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez. The French escort vessels did not join the convoy. On 30 June 1944, the Agen, Cap Cantin, Chelma, Montaigne, Paul de Rousiers and Souliotis arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy while the transports Charles Schiaffino (French, 3664 GRT, built 1930) and Hoggar (French, 5146 GRT, built 1923) joined the convoy coming from Dakar. Convoy OS 80 arrived at Freetown on 1 July 1944 though some of the ships proceeded to other destinations independently.

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Convoy KMS 54 proceeded towards the Straits of Gibraltar. This convoy was made up of the transports Baharistan, Baron Fairly, Cape Brenton, City of Worcester, Clan Matheson, Empire Zephyr, Esturia, Fort Chambly, Fort Columbia, Fort Kullyspell, Fort Stager, Framlington Court, Govert Flinck, Keilehaven, Ottinge, Philips Wouderman, Radmanso and Syrian Prince.

On 23 June 1944, the Cape Breton, Empire Zephyr, Esturia and Syrian Prince arrived at Gibraltar together with the original escort of the convoy; HMS Highlander, HMS Bayntun, HMS Foley, HMS Helmsdale, HMS Kenilworth Castle and HMS Portchester Castle.

From Gibraltar / Casablanca the transports / tankers Gallia (Norwegian (tanker), 9974 GRT, built 1939), Henry Dundas (British (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1937), John Howland (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John Stagg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Paul H. Harwood (American (tanker), 7192 GRT, built 1918) joined the convoy.

Escort was now provided by the sloop HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. W.B. Piggott, DSC and Bar, OBE, RD, RNR), minesweeper HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Smith, RN) and the corvettes HMS Anemone (Lt. J.B. Sparkes, RNR), HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR), HMS Coltsfoot (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.W. Rayner, RNVR), HMS Convolvulus (A/Lt.Cdr. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR) and RHS Apostolis.

On 24 June 1944, the transports Cape Brenton and John Howland arrived in Oran Bay after having parted company with the convoy while the transports / tanker Alexander J. Dallas (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Darien (Panamanian, 3683 GRT, built 1924), Fomalhaut (French, 5795 GRT, built 1936), Garonne (Norwegian (tanker), 7113 GRT, built 1931), George Davis (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), James Moore (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), John Trumbull (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Sidi-Brahmin (British, 2439 GRT, built 1910) and Tabitha Brown (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy. With them came also the tug AST-76 (Army tug) and the salvage vessel USS Restorer (Lt. C.M. Boyd, USNR).

On 25 June 1944, the transports Fomalhaut, Fort Stager, Keilehaven and Sidi-Brahmin arrived at Algiers after having parted company with the convoy while the transports / tanker Esneh (British, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Laurent Meeus (Belgian (tanker), 6429 GRT, built 1930), Ocean Faith (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Samesk (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944) and Sheaf Crown (British, 4868 GRT, built 1929) joined the convoy. With them the AA cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. R.F. Nichols, RN) also joined the convoy.

USS Restorer was soon detached to Dellys.

On 26 June 1944, the transport Ottinge arrived at Philippeville after having been detached from the convoy.

On 26 June 1944, the transports Anatina (Norwegian, 4986 GRT, built 1939) and William M. Stalwart (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Bone. With these ships the M/S trawler HMS Ruskholm (T/S.Lt. R.V. Brown, RNVR) also joined the convoy.

On 27 June 1944, the transport Darien as well as HMS Caledon and HMS Ruskholm arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy while the transports / tankers Chloris (British, 1171 GRT, built 1910), Corchester (British, 2374 GRT, built 1927), David Holmes (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943), Empire Usk (British, 3229 GRT, built 1918)), Monte Cucco (Italian, 834 GRT, built 1943), Norrisia (British (tanker), 8246 GRT, built 1944) and Samual V. Shreve (British, 1813 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bizerta.

On 27 June 1944, the transport Radmanso arrived at Tunus (La Goulette) after having parted company with the convoy.

On 28 June 1944, the transport Monte Cucco arrived at Malta after having parted company with the convoy while the tanker Badarpur (British, 8079 GRT, built 1922) joined the convoy coming from Malta.

On 29 June 1944, the transports / tankers Alexander J. Dallas, Chloris, Corchester, Empire Usk, Esneh, Fort Columbia, Fort Kullyspell, Framlington Court, Gallia, George Davis, Govert Flinck, Henry Dundas, James Moore, John Stagg, John Trumbull, Laurent Meeus, Lincoln Steffens, Ocean Faith, Paul H. Harwood, Samesk, Samuel V. Shreve, Sheaf Crown, Tabitha Brown and William M. Stewart arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy as did the tug AST-76. RHS Apostolis also proceeded to Augusta.

The following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Augusta; Bantria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Empire Brook (British, 2852 GRT, built 1941), Morialta (British, 1379 GRT, built 1940), Ninella (British (tanker), 8134 GRT, built 1943), Northia (British (tanker), 8211 GRT, built 1944), President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935), Samblade (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Tobruk (Polish, 7048 GRT, built 1942) and Wallace E. Pratt (American (tanker), 7991 GRT, built 1937).

On 2 July 1944, the following transports arrived at Alexandria; Bantria, Empire Brook and Morialta. With these ships the escorts Fleetwood, Hazard, Anemone and Bergamot also arrived at Alexandria.

On 3 July 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Alexandria; Anatina, Badarpur, Baharistan, Baron Fairly, City of Worcester, Clan Mathesonn, David Holmes, Fort Chambly, Garonne, Ninella, Norissia, Northia, Philips Wouderman, President de Vogue, Samblade, Tobruk and Wallace E. Pratt . With these ships the escorts Coltsfood and Convolvulus also arrived at Alexandria.

10 Jul 1944

Convoy SL 164.

This convoy departed Freetown on 10 July 1944.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Calumet (British, 7268 GRT, built 1923), Chateauroux (British, 4765 GRT, built 1921), Cordillera (British, 6865 GRT, built 1920), Empire Archer (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Austen (British, 7057 GRT, built 1942), Empire Highway (British, 7166 GRT, built 1942), Fort Remy (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943), Hopecrown (British, 5180 GRT, built 1937), Jersey City (British, 6686 GRT, built 1942), MacGreggor Laird (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930), Princesa (British, 8731 GRT, built 1918), Settler (British, 6202 GRT, built 1939), Silverguava (British, 5305 GRT, built 1927), Tyndareus (British, 11361 GRT, built 1916), Ville de Strasbourg (British, (former French), 7007 GRT, built 1920), Vinriver (British, 3881 GRT, built 1917) and Waiotapu (British, 6035 GRT, built 1913).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the frigates HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR), HMS Inver (Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR), corvettes HMS Snowdrop (T/Lt. C.A. Boardman, RNVR), HMS Willowherb (Lt. A. Hague, RNR) and the patrol vessel HMS Kilmelford (T/Lt. H. Brown, RNR).

On 13 July 1944, the merchant vessels Briarwood (British, 4019 GRT, built 1930) and Finisterre (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909) departed Dakar to join the convoy.

On 15 July 1944, the merchant vessel Paul de Rousiers (French, 3548 GRT, built 1942) departed Port Etienne to join the convoy.

On 20 July 1944, the merchant vessels Dunav (Yugosalvian, 4369 GRT, built 1912) and Keilehaven (Dutch, 2968 GRT, built 1919) departed Casablanca to join the convoy. They were escorted by the minesweeping sloop La Boudeuse and the patrol vessel L'Eveille. On these ships joining the Finisterre and Paul de Rousiers parted company with the convoy to proceed to Casablanca escorted by the two French warships. HMS Kilmelford was also with them. They arrived at Casablanca on 22 July 1944.

On 21 July 1944, the convoy merged with convoy MKS 55(G) coming from the Mediterranean.

This convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; English Prince (British, 7275 GRT, built 1943), Ernebank (British, 5388 GRT, built 1937), Hermiston (British, 4813 GRT, built 1939), Highland Prince (British, 7043 GRT, built 1942), James J. Pettigrew (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Marpessa (Dutch (tanker / escort oiler), 7408 GRT, built 1927), Merchant Prince (British, 5229 GRT, built 1939), Middlesex Trader (British, 7421GRT, built 1942), Nicolaos Michalos (Greek, 4342 GRT, built 1913), Ocean Verity (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ottinge (British, 2818 GRT, built 1940), Peribonka (British, 5673 GRT, built 1937), Samguadie (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samsette (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samuta (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Stad Arnhem (Dutch, 3819 GRT, built 1920), Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937) and Ulla (British, 1575 GRT, built 1930).

The rescue ship Fastnet (British, 1415 GRT, built 1928) was also with this convoy.

Convoy MKS 55(G) was escorted by the frigates HMS Exe (Cdr. C.E.E. Paterson, RN), HMS Ascension (Lt.Cdr. A. Wilkinson, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Berkeley Castle (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR), HMS Carisbrooke Castle (T/Lt. W.H. Forster, RNR), HMS Dumbarton Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.F. Broadhead, RNR) and HMS Hadleigh Castle (Lt. C. Sandeman, RN).

The original escort of convoy SL 164 and the merchant vessels Dunav, Empire Highway, Vinriver and Waiotapu then parted company and proceeded to Gibraltar where they arrived on 23 July 1944. HMS Snowdrop did not part company with the convoy though as she was to return to the U.K. to refit.

Around 1945B/22, the escort carrier HMS Fencer (A/Capt. W.W.R. Bentinck, OBE, RN) joined the convoy.

The escort oiler Marpessa later parted company with the convoy to join the southbound combined convoy OS 84 / KMS 58.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 31 July 1944. Some ships had parted company on 29 July 1944 to proceed ahead of the main convoy.

29 Nov 1944
Around 1200A/29, the escort carrier HMS Hunter (Capt. A.D. Torlesse, RN) departed Portsmouth for Gibraltar. She was escorted by the frigate FFS L'Aventure (?) and HMS Waldegrave (Lt. T. Hay, RN).

Around 2130A/29, the escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. G.F. Renwick, RN) and HMS Stalker (Capt. L.C. Sinker, DSC, RN) departed Plymouth for Gibraltar. They were escorted by the destroyers HrMs Van Galen (Cdr. F.T. Burghard, RNethN), HMS Impulsive (Lt.Cdr. P. Bekenn, RN) and the escort destroyer HMS Melbreak (A/Lt.Cdr. G.J. Kirkby, DSC, RN).

Around 2250A/29, HMS Hunter joined the group coming from Plymouth. Her original escort then parted company.

Around 1000A/1, HrMs Van Galen HMS Impulsive and HMS Melbreak parted company to return to Plymouth where they arrived around 1230A/2. They had been relieved by the destroyers HMS Malcolm (Cdr. H. Lloyd-Williams, DSO, RNVR), HMS Verity (Lt. C.G. Cowley, RN) and the frigate HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR).

HMS Attacker, HMS Hunter, HMS Stalker, HMS Malcolm, HMS Verity and HMS Ballinderry arrived at Gibraltar around 0745A/3. (3)

18 Dec 1944
HMS Vampire (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR). (4)

19 Dec 1944
HMS Vampire (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR) and HMS Cyclamen (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Frogbrook, RNR). (4)

29 Dec 1944
HMS Vampire (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR) conducted A/S exercises off Gibraltar with HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR), HMS Cyclamen (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.H. Frogbrook, RNR) and aircraft. (4)

10 Jan 1945
HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR) and HMS Kilbernie (T/Lt. C.T. Letts, RNVR) together pick up 51 survivors from the British merchant Blackheath that was torpedoed and damaged by German U-boat U-870 west of Gibraltar in position 35°49'N, 06°03'W.