Allied Warships

USS Laning (DE 159)

Destroyer Escort of the Buckley class

Navy	The US Navy
Type	Destroyer Escort
Class	Buckley
Pennant	DE 159
Built by	Norfolk Navy Yard (Portsmouth, Virginia, U.S.A.)
Ordered	10 Jan 1942
Laid down	23 Apr 1943
Launched	4 Jul 1943
Commissioned	1 Aug 1943
End service	13 Sep 1956
History	Converted to High Speed Transport and reclassified as APD-55 on 24 November 1944. Decommissioned 28 June 1946. Recommissioned 6 April 1951. Decommissioned 13 September 1956. Stricken 1 March 1975. Sold 30 September 1975 and broken up for scrap.

Commands listed for USS Laning (DE 159)

Please note that we're still working on this section
and that we only list Commanding Officers for the duration of the Second World War.

	Commander	From	To
1	T/Cdr. Edwin Charles Woodward, USN	1 Aug 1943	8 Nov 1943
2	Lt.Cdr. Edwin Arthur Shuman, Jr., USNR	8 Nov 1943	Nov 1945

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Notable events involving Laning include:

5 May 1944
USS Laning picks up 136 survivors from the American destroyer escort USS Fechteler (DE 157) that was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-967 about 120 nautical miles north-west of Oran, Algeria in position 36°07'N, 2°40'W.

12 Jun 1944

Convoy UGS 45.

This convoy departed Hampton Roads on 12 June 1944.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; Anna Howard Shaw (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Betty Zane (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Carrillo (American, 5013 GRT, built 1911), Cartago (American, 4732 GRT, built 1908), Charles Piez (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Chatham C. Lyon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Daniel Carroll (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Denewood (British, 7280 GRT, built 1943), Eclipse (British (tanker), 9767 GRT, built 1931), Empire Rock (British, 7061 GRT, built 1943), Esso Baltimore (American (tanker), 7940 GRT, built 1938), Felipi de Bastrop (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Francis Marion (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Franz Klasen (Panamanian (tanker), 12425 GRT, built 1932), Gulfcoast (American, 7140 GRT, built 1937), Henry Baldwin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Henry Jocelyn (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Heywood Broun (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Hoegh Silverstar (Norwegian, 5415 GRT, built 1938), Hugh M. Smith (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Kerney (American, 7210 GRT, built 1944), John A. Donald (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John B. Ashe (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Jay (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John M. Parker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Joseph Goldberger (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943), Joseph H. Martin (American, 7199 GRT, built 1943), Joseph McKenna (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joseph S. Emery (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Warren (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Justin S. Morrill (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), Kobad (French (tanker), 7329 GRT, built 1930), Langdon Cheves (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Longwood (British (tanker), 9463 GRT, built 1930), Louis D. Brandeis (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Lucretia Mott (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Mary M. Dodge (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Matthew B. Brady (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Meyer Lissner (American, 7207 GRT, built 1943), Moses Austin (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Mount Revelstoke Park (Canadian, 7144 GRT, built 1943), Nassarius (British (tanker), 8246 GRT, built 1944), Nathan Hale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Norheim (Norwegian (tanker), 9816 GRT, built 1941), Norholm (Norwegian (tanker), 9813 GRT, built 1941), Paine Wingate (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Ponce de Leon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Roald Amundsen (Norwegian, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Sambay (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samcono (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samcree (British, 7210 GRT, built 1943), Samcrest (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samdak (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samearn (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samettrick (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samforth (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samfreedom (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samingoy (British, 7255 GRT, built 1944), Samouse (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samshire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsmola (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samstrae (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samteviot (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samtruth (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Smith Thompson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Stevenson Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Theodore Foster (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Thomas F. Cunningham (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943), Valldemosa (British (tanker), 7222 GRT, built 1935), Washington Irving (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), William A. Richardson (American, 7258 GRT, built 1942), William D. Hoard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William E. Pendleton (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943).

The naval tanker USS Cossatot (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Glenwright, USNR) was also with the convoy.

On departure from Hampton Roads the convoy was escorted by Task Force 66 which was made up of the cutter USCGC Taney (Cdr. H.J. Wuensch, USCG, with COMTASKFOR 66, T/Capt. W.H. Duvall, USN, on board), destroyer escorts USS Pride (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Buxton, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 46, Cdr. R.H. French, USCG, on board), USS Mosley (Lt.Cdr. E.P. MacBryde, Jr., USCGR), USS Newell (Cdr. R.J. Roberts, USCG), USS Falgout (Cdr. H.A. Meyer, USCG), USS Lowe (Cdr. J.A. Alger, Jr., USCG), USS Joseph E. Campbell (Lt. J.M. Robertson, 2nd, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 21, T/Capt. L.M. Markham, Jr., USN, on board), USS Chase (Lt.Cdr. G.O. Knapp, 2nd, USNR), USS Laning (Lt.Cdr. Shuman, Jr., USNR), USS Barber (Lt. E.T.B. Sullivan, USNR), USS Fessenden (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Dobbs, USNR) and the patrol vessel Coutelas.

Around 1900Q/13, the transport Thomas Stone (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy having been unable to departed with the convoy when it departed from Hampton Roads. She was sailed later on the 12th to overtake and join the convoy.

Around 1900Q/14, the escort carrier HMS Queen (A/Capt. K.J. D'Arcy, DSO, RN) (in an aircraft ferry role) joined the convoy coming from New York which she had departed on 13 June. She was escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Burrows (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Graham, USNR) and USS Loy (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Pond, Jr., USNR) which also joined the convoy.

On 16 June 1944, USS Cossatot fuelled USS Joseph E. Campbell, USS Loy, USS Chase, USS Barber and USS Laning.

On 18 June 1944, USS Cossatot fuelled the Coutelas.

Around 0800O/21, in position 33°31'N, 35°35'W, the transport Henry Baldwin was detached to the Azores. She was escorted by USS Falgout and USS Lowe. The destroyer escorts rejoined the convoy around 0945N/23.

During 21 June 1944, USS Cossatot fuelled USS Joseph E. Campbell, USS Loy, USS Laning, USS Barber, USS Chase, USCGC Taney and the Coutelas.

At 1738O/21, the tanker Valldemosa suffered an engine breakdown. USS Joseph E. Campbell was ordered to standby the stricken ship which was able to get underway later to rejoin the convoy which they did on 25 June.

At 1825N/23, the tanker Franz Klasen suffered an engine breakdown. USS Burrows was ordered to standby the stricken ship which was able to get underway later to rejoin the convoy which they did on 25 June.

Around 1400Z/26, the Casablanca section of the convoy broke off. This was made up of the following ships; Samconan, Samshireiu, Smith Thompson and HMS Queen. To escort them there the the minesweeping sloops La Boudeuse, La Gracieuse and the patrol vessels USS PC-482 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR) and L'Indiscret. These escorts had departed Casablanca earlier on the 26th. They returned with the Casablanca section of the convoy on 27 June 1944.

During 26 June 1944, USS Cossatot fuelled USS Joseph E. Campbell, USS Loy, USS Chase, USS Laning and USS Barber.

Around 0745A/27, USS Fessenden and USS Falgout were ordered to proceed to Gibraltar. The firs one was to escort an Italian submarine from Gibraltar to Bermuda and the second was to pick up a liason officer and then rejoin the convoy.

Around 1300A/27, the transport Samcrest was detached to Gibraltar.

Around 1500A/27, the transport Patrick Henry (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941) and the rescue tug HMRT Athlete joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar. Also USS Falgout rejoined.

Around 1700B/28, the following ships were detached to Oran; Betty Zane, Cartago, Gulfcoast, Hugh M. Smith, Joseph Warren, Lucretia Mott and Ponce de Leon.

Around 1800B/28, the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Andrew Briscoe (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), Asa Gray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Bret Harte (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Cape Howe (British, 6999 GRT, built 1943), Crosby S. Noyes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Dallington Court (British, 6889 GRT, built 1929), Empire Bombardier (British (tanker), 8202 GRT, built 1943), George F. Patten (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jonathan Worth (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Robert F. Stockton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Robert T. Hill (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Tristram Dalton (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), William G. Fargo (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Woodbridge Ferris (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943). Also joining from Oran were the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), destroyers USS Madison (T/Cdr. D.A. Stuart, USN), USS Livermore (T/Cdr. H.E. Siedel, Jr., USN) and the naval tug USS ATR-1 (Lt.(jg) H.L. MacGill, USN).

At 0800B/29, the transport Samfreedom parted company with the convoy to proceed ahead of it to Algiers to embark a British convoy commodore. She was escorted by USS Joseph E. Campbell. They rejoined the convoy around 1400B/29 together with three other ships joining from Algiers, these were the following; Crackshot (British, 2379 GRT, built 1924), Lucia C. (Italian, 6123 GRT, built 1922) and Motia (Italian, 2336 GRT, built 1918).

Around 1700B/29, the following ships were detached to Algiers; Bret Harte, Jonathan Worth, Meyer Lissner, Samstrae and Thomas F. Cunningham.

Around 1340B/30, the Lucia C. was detached to Philippeville.

Around 1900B/30, HMRT Athlete was detached to Bone while the transport Ocean Trader (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Bone.

Around 0100B/1, USS Madison and USS Livermore were detached to westbound convoy GUS 44.

At 0730B/1, British escorts joined the convoy. These were the frigate HMS Shiel (Lt. H.P. Crail, DSC, RNR, with Cdr. J.T. Jones, RD, RNR, (S.O. 49th Escort Group) on board), minesweeper HMS Sharpshooter (Lt.Cdr. W.L. O'Mara, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Gloxinia (Lt. D. Perry, DSC, RNR) and HMS Primula (T/Lt. E.N. Wilding, RNVR). With them the transport Hjalmar Wessel (Norwegian, 1742 GRT, built 1935) also joined;

The entire current escort and the naval tanker USS Cossatot then proceeded to Bizerta as did the following ships of the convoy; Crosby S. Noyes, Empire Bombardier, Longwood, Nassarius and William E. Pendleton.

On 2 July 1944, the following ships departed Augusta to join the convoy; Empire Baxter (British, 7024 GRT, built 1941), John Stagg (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thistledale (British, 7241 GRT, built 1942) and Vasco (British, 2878 GRT, built 1939).

On 3 July 1944, following ships arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Andrew Briscoe, Asa Gray, Cape Howe, Carrillo, Charles Piez, Chatham C. Lyon, Crackshot, Dallington Court, Daniel Carroll, Empire Rock, Esso Baltimore, Francis Marion, Franz Klasen, George F. Patten, Henry Jocelyn, Hjalmar Wessel, James Jackson, John Jay, Joseph Goldberger, Joseph H. Martin, Joseph McKenna, Joseph S. Emery, Justin S. Morrill, Kobad, Langdon Cheves, Louis D. Brandeis, Moses Austin, Motia, Norheim, Norholm, Ocean Trader, Paine Wingate, Patrick Henry, Roald Amundsen, Robert F. Stockton, Robert T. Hill, Theodore Foster, Tristram Dalton, Valldemosa, Washington Irving, William G. Fargo Woodbridge N. Ferris and USS ATR-1.

On 6 July 1944, the following ships arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy; Samdak, Samouse, Samtruth, Thistldale and Vasco. The corvettes HMS Gloxinia and HMS Primula also arrived at Alexandria.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 7 July 1944 escorted by HMS Shiel and HMS Sharpshooter.

1 Jul 1944
The AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), cutter USCGC Taney (Cdr. H.J. Wuensch, USCG, with COMTASKFOR 66, T/Capt. W.H. Duvall, USN, on board), destroyer escorts USS Pride (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Buxton, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 46, Cdr. R.G. French, USCG, on board), USS Mosley (Lt.Cdr. E.P. MacBryde, Jr., USCGR), USS Newell (Cdr. R.J. Roberts, USCG), USS Falgout (Cdr. H.A. Meyer, USCG), USS Lowe (Cdr. J.A. Alger, Jr., USCG), USS Joseph E. Campbell (Lt. J.M. Robertson, 2nd, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 21, T/Capt. L.M. Markham, Jr., USN, on board), USS Chase (Lt.Cdr. G.O. Knapp, 2nd, USNR), USS Laning (Lt.Cdr. Shuman, Jr., USNR), USS Loy (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Pond, Jr., USNR), USS Barber (Lt. E.T.B. Sullivan, USNR), USS Burrows (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Graham, USNR) and naval tanker USS Cossatot (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Glenwright, USNR) arrived at Bizerta from convoy UGS 45.

4 Jul 1944

Convoy GUS 45.

This convoy departed Port Said on 4 July 1944.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the following transports / tankers; Empire Peak (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), George Chamberlain (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Gulf of Mexico (American (tanker), 7807 GRT, built 1917), Horace Bushnell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Horatio Allen (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), James M. Gillis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Dockweiler (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), Ocean Gallant (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Traveller (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Pierre Laclede (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Ralph Izard (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Samoa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samyale (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sonnavind (Norwegian, 4965 GRT, built 1935), Trevanion (British, 7371 GRT, built 1944) and William Johnson (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942).

On departure from Port Said the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Pheasant (Cdr. W.E.J. Eames, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Alisma (Lt. G. Lanning, RANVR) and HMS Spiraea (Lt. A.H. Pierce, OBE, RNR).

On 5 July 1944, the following ships departed Alexandria and joined the convoy; David G. Burnet (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Henry Durant (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Malancha (British, 8124 GRT, built 1937), Ocean Messenger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vesper (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Sampan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and William Harper (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943). They were escorted by the corvette HMS Saxifage (Lt. D.K.H. Kinloch, RNR) which also joined the convoy.

On 9 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Augusta; Empire Peak, John Dockweiler, Malancha, Ocean Gallant, Ocean Messenger, Ocean Traveller, Ocean Vesper, Samoa and Sampan while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Augusta; Alexander Graham Bell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Andrew Hamilton (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Athelchief (British (tanker), 10000 GRT, built 1939), Benjamin Goodhue (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Bernard N. Baker (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), British Character (British (tanker), 8453 GRT, built 1941), British Endurance (British (tanker), 8406 GRT, built 1936), British Patience (British (tanker), 8097 GRT, built 1943), British Tradition (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), Chateau Latour (French, 1912 GRT, built 1914), Dwight W. Morrow (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), Egbert Benson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Elias Boudinot (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Empire Grenadier (British (tanker), 9811 GRT, built 1942), Ezra Cornell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort Carlton (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Fort George (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fort Lennox (British, 7149 GRT, built 1943), Francis L. Lee (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), George B. McClellan (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), George P. McKay (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Armstrong (American, 7196 GRT, built 1943), Joseph H. Hollister (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Joshua Seney (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Malvina (Dutch (tanker), 8245 GRT, built 1932), Pan-Rhode Island (American (tanker), 7742 GRT, built 1941), Paul H. Harwood (American (tanker), 7192 GRT, built 1918), Pierre L'Enfant (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Robert Treat Paine (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Sherwood D. Anderson (American, 7207 GRT, built 1943), Solor (Norwegian (tanker), 8262 GRT, built 1938), Thamesfield (British (tanker), 9801 GRT, built 1943), Theodore C. Bland (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Will R. Wood (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943).

On 9 July 1944, the James M. Gillis was detached to Augusta.

On 10 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Bizerta; British Endurance, Chateau Latour and Trevanion while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Atenas (American, 4962 GRT, built 1909), Darien (Panamanian, 3683 GRT, built 1924), Fort Kootenay (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Orpheus (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944) and Van Lear Black (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944). Also the British escort parted company while an American escort joined the convoy. This escort was made up of the following ships; cutter USCGC Taney (Cdr. H.J. Wuensch, USCG, with COMTASKFOR 66, T/Capt. W.H. Duvall, USN, on board), destroyer escorts USS Pride (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Buxton, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 46, Cdr. R.G. French, USCG, on board), USS Mosley (Lt.Cdr. E.P. MacBryde, Jr., USCGR), USS Newell (Cdr. R.J. Roberts, USCG), USS Falgout (Cdr. H.A. Meyer, USCG), USS Lowe (Cdr. J.A. Alger, Jr., USCG), USS Joseph E. Campbell (Lt. J.M. Robertson, 2nd, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 21, T/Capt. L.M. Markham, Jr., USN, on board), USS Chase (Lt.Cdr. G.O. Knapp, 2nd, USNR), ,USS Loy (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Pond, Jr., USNR), USS Laning (Lt.Cdr. Shuman, Jr., USNR), USS Barber (Lt. E.T.B. Sullivan, USNR) and USS Burrows (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Graham, USNR). With this American escort the escort tanker USS Cossatot (Lt.Cdr. C.H. Glenwright, USNR) also joined the convoy. Also joining was the minesweeper USS YMS-303 (Lt. S. Emien, 3rd, USNR).

On 11 July 1944, the tanker Empire Damsel (British (tanker), 784 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy coming from Bone.

On 11 July 1944, USS YMS-303 is detached to Bougie.

On 12 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Algiers; Dwight W. Morrow, Empire Damsel, Fort Carlton, Fort Kootenay, Fort Lennox, Gulf of Mexico and Orpheus while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Bret Harte (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Christopher Gasden (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Empire Garrick (British (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1942), Empire Wyclif (British, 6966 GRT, built 1941) and John S. Pillsbury (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On 13 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Oran; Andrew Hamilton, Benjamin Goodhue, Bernard N. Baker, Bret Harte, Christopher Gadsden, Egbert Benson, Elias Boudinot, Ezra Cornell, Francis L. Lee, George B. McClellan, George P. McKay, John Armstrong, John S. Pillsbury, Joseph H. Hollister, Joshua Seney, Robert Treat Paine, Sherwood Anderson, Theodoric Bland and Will R. Wood while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Harvey C. Miller (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Hippopotame (French, 970 GRT, built 1918) and Newton D. Baker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On 14 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Gibraltar; Beckenham, Empire Wyclif and Samyale while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar; Fort Rouille (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort St. Joseph (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943) and Fort Walsh (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943).

On 14 July 1944, the following ships were detached to Casablanca; Athelchief Fort George and Hippopotame while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Casablanca; Alexander R. Lillington (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Haakon Hauan (Norwegian (tanker), 6582 GRT, built 1935), Henry L. Ellsworth (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1943), Joseph Habersham (American, 7199 GRT, built 1943), Neritina (British (tanker), 8228 GRT, built 1943), Trondheim (Norwegian (tanker), 8258 GRT, 1939) and Wood Lake (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1943). The escort carrier HMS Trouncer (Capt. B.J. Fisher, DSO, RN) also joined the convoy. The ships that joined the convoy coming from Casablanca had been escorted to the rendezvous with the convoy by the minesweeping sloop La Gracieuse and the patrol vessels Le Ruse, Le Resolu and L'Effronte which then returned to Casablanca with the ships that had been detached.

On 16 July 1944, the transport Empire Garrick developed engine trouble. She was ordered to proceed to Casablanca escorted by USS Burrows which subsequently rejoined the convoy on the 19th.

During 16 July, USCGC Taney, USS Joseph E. Campbell, USS Chase, USS Laning, USS Loy and USS Barber fuelled from USS Cossatot.

During 19 July, USS Burrows, USS Pride, USS Mosley, USS Newell, USS Falgout and USS Lowe fuelled from USS Cossatot.

During 22 July, USS Joseph E. Campbell, USS Chase, USS Laning, USS Loy and USS Barber fuelled from USS Cossatot.

At midnight during the night of 27/28 July the convoy split in the Hampton Roads and New York sections. The Hampton Roads section was made up of 18 merchant vessels, HMS Trouncer and USS Cossatot. They were escorted by USS Joseph E. Campbell, USS Chase, USS Laning, USS Loy and USS Barber.

2.5 hours later the Delaware section split off from the New York section. The Delaware section was made up of 4 merchant vessels and was escorted by USS Pride and USS Newell. The remaining ships and the remaining escorts made up the New York section. All sections arrived at their destinations later on the 28th.

12 Sep 1944

Convoy GUS 52.

This convoy departed Port Said on 11 September 1944.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arthur St. Clair (American, 7247 GRT, built 1944), Banff Park (Canadian, 7133 GRT, built 1943), Fort St. Antoine (British, 7165 GRT, built 1943), Havprins (Norwegian (tanker), 8066 GRT, built 1935), Matheran (British, 7653 GRT, built 1919), Oscar S. Straus (American (tanker), 7218 GRT, built 1944), Pan-Delaware (American (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1918), Rhesus (British, 6530 GRT, built 1911), San Veronico (British (tanker), 8189 GRT, built 1942) and Varand (British (tanker), 6023 GRT, built 1927).

They were escorted by HMS Coltsfoot (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.W. Rayner, RNVR), HMS Convolvulus (A/Lt.Cdr. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR) and HMS Vetch (Lt. K.M.B. Menzies, RNR).

On 12 September 1944 they were joined by the following merchant vessels coming from Alexandria; Adinda (Dutch, 3359 GRT, built 1939), Ethan A. Hitchcock (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort Astoria (British, 7189 GRT, built 1943), Fort Clatsop (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), Fort Marin (British, 7159 GRT, built 1943), Fort Meductic (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Richelieu (British, 7130 GRT, built 1943), Fort Stager (British, 7132 GRT, built 1943), Henry Gilbert Costin (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Lewant (Polish, 1942 GRT, built 1930), Ocean Valour (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Vulcan (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Samuel V. Shreve (British, 1813 GRT, built 1943) and Sunetta (Dutch, 7987 GRT, built 1935).

They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Wolverine (Lt.Cdr. I.M. Clegg, RN) and the minesweeper HMS Hazard (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J. Crawford, RNVR) which also joined the convoy.

On 17 September 1944, the following ships parted company with the convoy; Fort Astoria, Fort Clatsop, Fort Marin, Fort Meductic, Fort Richelieu, Fort Stager Havprins, Lewant, Ocean Valour, Ocean Vulcan, Samuel V. Shreve and Sunetta while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Augusta; Abel Stearns (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Ambrose E. Burnside (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Carole Lombard (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), Citta di Alessandria (Italian, 2498 GRT, built 1930), Empire Darwin (British, 6765 GRT, built 1941), Empire Emerald (British (tanker), 8032 GRT, built 1941), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Empire Wordsworth (British (tanker), 9891 GRT, built 1942), Fanad Head (British, 5038 GRT, built 1941), Fort Abitibi (British, 7122 GRT, built 1942), Fort Massac (British, 7157 GRT, built 1943), George Berkeley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Gouverneur General Lepine (French, 3509 GRT, built 1923), Henry Dundas (British (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1937), Henry Wilson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Homer Lea (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jacob Thompson (American (tanker), 7128 GRT, built 1943), James B. Eads (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Wise (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Jonathan Grout (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joseph H. Martin (American, 7199 GRT, built 1943), Linn Boyd (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Morris Sheppard (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), Norheim (Norwegian (tanker), 9816 GRT, built 1941), Pontfield (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1940), Rachel Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Russell H. Chittenden (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), Samuel Adams (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Samwater (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Sidi Brahim (British (former French), 2427 GRT, built 1910), Stevenson Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William Paca (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942).

Also on 17 September 1944, HMS Wolverine was detached to Malta while the merchant vessel Fort Bell (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943) and the submarine HMS Truant (Lt. E.C. Croswell, DSC, RN) joined from Malta.

On 18 September 1944, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; British Restraint (British (tanker), 8448 GRT, built 1943), Empire Cobbett (British (tanker), 9811 GRT, built 1942) and Sun (American (tanker), 9002 GRT, built 1928).

Also the British escort vessels were relieved by an American escort group made up of the following vessels; cutter USCGC Taney (Cdr. H.J. Wuensch, USCG, with COMTASKFOR 66, T/Capt. W.H. Duvall, USN, on board) and the destroyer escorts USS Joseph E. Campbell (Lt. J.M. Robertson, 2nd, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 21, T/Capt. L.M. Markham, Jr., USN, on board), USS Chase (Lt.Cdr. G.O. Knapp, 2nd, USNR), USS Laning (Lt.Cdr. Shuman, Jr., USNR), USS Loy (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Pond, Jr., USNR), USS Barber (Lt. E.T.B. Sullivan, USNR), USS Pride (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Buxton, USCG, with COMCORTDIV 46, Cdr. R.H. French, USCG, on board), USS Mosley (Lt.Cdr. E.P. MacBryde, Jr., USCGR), USS Newell (Cdr. R.J. Roberts, USCG), USS Falgout (Cdr. H.A. Meyer, USCG), USS Lowe (Cdr. J.A. Alger, Jr., USCG) and two more destroyer escorts from CORTDIV 44; USS Stern (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Hinton, Jr., USNR) and USS O'Neill (T/Lt.Cdr. D.S. Bill, Jr., USN).

Around 0400A/19 the following ship were detached to Bone; Fort St. Antoine and Sidi Brahim while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bone; James W. Cannon (American, 7200 GRT, built 1944), Maria Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and William Eaton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

Around 0645A/20, the following merchant vessels were detached to Algiers; Banff Park, Carole Lombard, Empire Emerald, Gouverneur General Lepine, James W. Cannon, Rachel Jackson, San Veronico and William Eaton.

Around 0800A/20, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Algiers; British Character (British (tanker), 8453 GRT, built 1941), Empire Cavalier (British (tanker), 9891 GRT, built 1942), Fauzon (French, 4376 GRT, built 1938), Fort Bourbon (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Fort Jasper (British, 7125 GRT, built 1943), Francis Lewis (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Henry Jocelyn (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John E. Schmeltzer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Louis D. Brandeis (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943) and Ville de Amiens (British (former French), 6975 GRT, built 1924).

Around 0830A/21, the following merchant vessels were detached to Oran; Citta di Alessandria and Fort Massac.

Around 0845A/21, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Oran; Algonquin (British, 7229 GRT, built 1920), Cape Wrath (British, 4512 GRT, built 1940), Empire Coleridge (British (tanker), 9798 GRT, built 1942), Empire Lord (British, 7359 GRT, built 1944), Finley Peter Dunne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort Drew (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frederick (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Ima (Norwegian (tanker), 6842 GRT, built 1930), John Lawson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Loch Dee (British, 5252 GRT, built 1937), Moses Austin (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943) and William H. Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). Also the naval tanker USS Mattaponi (Lt.Cdr. V.J. Banks, USNR) and naval stores ship USS Tarazed (Lt.Cdr. W.C. Jackson, USNR) joined the convoy.

Around 1610A/21 the merchant vessel Henry Baldwin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) joined coming from Oran. She had apparently sailed late.

Around 1100A/22, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar; Horace H. Harvey (American (tanker) 7218 GRT, built 1943), Polartank (Norwegian (tanker), 6356 GRT, built 1930) and San Tirso (British (tanker), 6266 GRT, built 1913).

Around 11200A/22, the following ships were detached to Gibraltar; Empire Darwin and Matheran. Also HMS Truant was detached to Gibraltar.

At 2000A/22, the Empire Stalwart parted company to return to Gibraltar.

Around 1130A/23, the following ships parted company to proceed to Casablanca; Fanad Head, Fauzon, Fort Abitibi, Fort Bell and Fort Drew while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Casablanca; City of Dunkirk (British, 5861 GRT, built 1912), John Barton Payne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Dockweiler (American, 7207 GRT, built 1944), Madras City (British, 5080 GRT, built 1940), Phrontis (Dutch, 6616 GRT, built 1926), Samderry (British, 7219 GRT, built 1944), Samfairy (British, 7255 GRT, built 1944), Samhope (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samlea (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944) and Samluzon (British, 7210, built 1944). They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the French patrol vessels L'Indiscret, L'Effronté and L'Enjoue which then returned to Casablanca with the ships that had left the convoy.

Around 1830N/24, the John Lawson and William Jackson straggled from the convoy. USS Lowe was ordered to escort them.

Around 0610N/25, the Fort Bourbon straggled from the convoy. USS Falgout was ordered to escort her.

Also on 25 September the five escort destroyers of CortDiv 21 fuelled from USS Mattaponi.

On 26 September the stragglers were ordered to form a group and USS Lowe and USS Falgout were ordered to escort them.

Around 0815O/27, the merchant vessel Nicholas D. Labadie (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944) joined the convoy coming from Horta, Azores.

Around 0830O/27, USS Tarazed parted company with the convoy to proceed to Horta, Azores. She was escorted by USS Laning. They both subsequently rejoined the convoy around 1700P/30.

Around 0600O/28, the convoy was diverted to a more southern route to avoid a U-boat operating on the planned route.

At 0630O/28, USS Pride was detached to join the group off stragglers to relieve USS Lowe which was to rejoin the convoy which she did around 0700P/29.

On 29 September, USCGC Taney/i>, USS Joseph E. Campbell, USS Loy, USS Barber and USS Chase fuelled from USS Mattaponi.

Around 1010P/30, the Henry Jocelyn could not maintain the convoys speed and straggled from the convoy.

Around 0245Q/3, the Empire Coleridge developed engine trouble. She was ordered to proceed to Bermuda. USS Newell was ordered to escort her. They however later joined the group of stragglers.

Around 1530Q/4, the Ambrose Burnside and Ville de Amiens were ordered to proceed to Bermuda independently due to fuel shortages.

Around 0500Q/5, five merchant vessels were detached to proceed independently to New Orleans and one to proceed idependently to Corpus Christi. [Their names were not given in the report but most likely these were tankers.]

Around 1400Q/6, the Hampton Roads section parted company. It was made up of 17 merchant vessels plus USS Mattaponi. It was escorted by USS Joseph E. Campbell, USS Chase, USS Laning and USS Barber. They arrived in Chesapeake Bay on the 8th. The Sun had however parted company before entering to proceed to Philadelphia instead escorted by USS Barber.

Around 2300Q/6, the Madras City was detached to proceed independently to Philadelphia.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at New York on 7 October 1944. Before entering the harbour, the San Tirso had been ordered to proceed independently to Galvaston though.

The stragglers arrived at either New York of Chesapeake Bay a day after the bulk of the convoy had arrived there.