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15 Mar 1944

Convoy GUS 34.

This convoy departed Port Said on 15 March 1944.

On departure from Port Said the convoy was made up of the transports / tankers; Anglo-African (British, 5601 GRT, built 1929), Baron Inchcape (British, 7005 GRT, built 1917), Eli Whitney (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), George B. Selden (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), John W. Mackay (British, 4049 GRT, built 1922), Ocean Vestal (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Samdee (British, 7253 GRT, built 1943), San Eliseo (British (tanker), 8042 GRT, built 1939) and Tanafjord (Norwegian, 5922 GRT, built 1921).

They were escorted by the sloops HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. S.C. Tuke, DSO, RN) and HMS Deptford (Lt.Cdr. H.R. White, RN).

On 16 March 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Alexandria and joined the convoy; Bantria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Billy Mitchell (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Brand Whitlock (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Charles A. Warfield (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), City of Rangoon (British, 6635 GRT, built 1914), David Thompson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Edward Canby (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort Capot River (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Hoegh Silvercloud (Norwegian, 5287 GRT, built 1943), James B. Hickox (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), James C. Cameron (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Makedonia (Greek, 7044 GRT, built 1942), Mark Hopkins (American, 7194 GRT, built 1943), Neuralia (British, 9182 GRT, built 1912), Ocean Trader (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ole Bull (Norwegian, 7176 GRT, built 1943), P.T. Barnum (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Samvannah (British, 7253 GRT, built 1943), Samwater (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), San Venancio (British (tanker), 8152 GRT, built 1942) and Stephen T. Mather (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Active (Lt.Cdr. P.G. Merriman, DSC, RN), sloop HMS Black Swan (Cdr.(Retd.) R.C.V. Thomson, DSC, RN) and the frigate HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau (Cdr. A. de Booy, RNethN) which also joined the convoy. The Commanding Officer of HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau was the Senior Officer of the escort.

On 20 March 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Andrew Furuseth (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Daniel H. Hill (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Duncan U. Fletcher (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Elbridge Gerry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Empire Heath (British, 6643 GRT, built 1941), Empire Heritage (British (tanker), 15702 GRT, built 1930), F. Marion Crawford (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Fort Jasper (British, 7125 GRT, built 1943), Fort Michipicoten (British, 7152 GRT, 1943), George E. Hale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Guinean (British, 5205 GRT, built 1936)), Hardingham (British, 7269 GRT, built 1942), Henry L. Benning (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), James Gunn (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Norman Monarch (British, 7005 GRT, built 1943), Philander C. Knox (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Rugeley (British, 4985 GRT, built 1936), Samspring (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Simon Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Staffordshire (British, 10683 GRT, built 1929), Starstone (British, 5702 GRT, built 1938), Thomas Cresap (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Thomas R. Marshall (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), West Point (British, 4999 GRT, built 1920), William G. Fargo (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Zane Gray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

On 21 March 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Anglo-African, Bantria, Baron Inchcape, City of Rangoon, Fort Capot River, Ocean Trader, Samwater, San Eliseo and San Venancio.

On 21 March 1941, the transports Makedonia and Neuralia escorted by HMS Active arrived at Malta after having parted company with the convoy while the RFA tankers / landing ships Dewdale (8265 GRT, built 1941) and Ennerdale (8280 GRT, built 1941) as well as the Neuralia and HMS Active (re)joined the convoy.

On 22 March 1944, the following transports / tanker joined the convoy coming from Tunis; Caleb Strong (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Houston Volunteers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Neocardia (British (tanker), 8211 GRT, built 194).

On 23 March 1944, the following transports were detached to Bizerta; Tanafjord and Thomas R. Marshall while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Abangarez (American, 4538 GRT, built 1909), Atle Jarl (Norwegian, 1173 GRT, built 1919), Dunelmia (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929), Egda (Norwegian (tanker), 10050 GRT, built 1939), Empire Harbour (British (tanker), 797 GRT, built 1943), Good Gulf (Panamanian (tanker), 7805 GRT, built 1938), Horace H. Lurton (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Murena (Dutch (tanker), 8252 GRT, built 1931), Pan-Delaware (American (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1918), Pellicula (British (tanker), 6254 GRT, built 1936) and Robert Dale Owen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). Also joining from Bizerta was the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN).

On 23 March 1944, the following transports / tankers were detached to Bone; Atle Jarl, Empire Harbour, Fort Jasper and Hardingham while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Bone; Fort Frederick (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Framlington Court (British, 4888 GRT, built 1924), Sagittaire (French, 7706 GRT, built 1929) and Samholt (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943). Also joining from Bone was the rescue tug HMRT Vagrant.

On 23 March 1944, the following transports were detached to Philippeville; Fort Michipicoten and Norman Monarch while the transport Thistleford (British, 4781 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy coming from Philippeville.

On 23 March 1944, the RFA tankers / landing ships Dewdale and Ennerdale arrived at Bougie after having been detached from the convoy.

On 24 March 1944, the following transports were detached to Algiers; Guinean, Neuralia, Sagittaire and West Point while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Arthur P. Davis (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Alliance (British (tanker), 9909 GRT, built 1943), Felix Grundy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Frans Hals (Dutch, 6626 GRT, built 1941), Harry A. Garfield (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James G. Blaine (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), James M. Wayne (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Turner (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Kobad (French (tanker), 7329 GRT, built 1930), Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Nicholas Gilman (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Nicolaos Michalos (Greek, 4342 GRT, built 1913), Norholm (Norwegian (tanker), 9813 GRT, built 1941), Peregrine White (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Rhea (French (tanker), 7813 GRT, built 1928), Salawati (Dutch, 6643 GRT, built 1920), Samtampa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Winslow Homer (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942). Also the boom carrier HMS Leonian (5424 GRT, built 1936) (A/Cdr.(Retd.) R.W. Lundy, OBE, RNR) joined the convoy. HrMs Johan Maurits van Nassau and HMS Active also briefly entered Algiers before rejoining the convoy.

On 25 March 1944, the following transports were detached to Oran; Daniel H. Hill, Dunelmia, Fort Frederick, Framlington Court, Horace H. Lurton and Houston Volunteers while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Oran; Charles Nordhoff (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), China Mail (American, 8616 GRT, built 1942), Culebra (Panamanian, 5260 GRT, built 1919), Daniel H. Lownsdale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Emma Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Stour (British, 4678 GRT, built 1930), Esso Concord (American (tanker), 7698 GRT, built 1940), Exanthia (American, 6533 GRT, built 1941), Fort Venango (British, 7166 GRT, built 1943), Frances E. Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George F. Patten (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Hannis Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Joseph Warren (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Leland Stanford (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Midnight (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944) and William R. Davie (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942).

On 26 March 1944, the following transports were detached to Gibraltar; Empire Heath, Empire Stour, John W. Mackay, Rugeley, Staffordshire, Starstone and Thistleford as were HMS Colombo, HMS Leonian and HMRT Vagrant. The transport Homer Lea (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) joined coming from Gibraltar as did the corvette Commandant Detroyat.

On 26 March 1944, the transports / tankers Alexander Ramsey (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), British Tradition (British (tanker), 8443 GRT, built 1942), Chief Joseph (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Magdala (Dutch (tanker), 8248 GRT, built 1931), Robert T. Hill (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Samtroy (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Teucer (British, 9079 GRT, built 1906) as well as the naval tanker USS Cowanesque (Cdr. L.S. McKenzie, USNR) departed Casablanca to join the convoy. They were escorted by the destroyer escorts USS Eldridge (Lt.Cdr. C.R. Hamilton, USNR), USS Neunzer (T/Lt.Cdr. J.E. Greenbacker, USN) and the patrol vessels USS PC-472 (Lt.Cdr. P.A. Dallis, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-475 (Lt. W.W. Devine, Jr., USNR). They joined the convoy around 1140Z/27. On these ships joining the transports Culebra and Nicolaos Michalos parted company to proceed to Casablanca escorted by Commandant Detroyat, USS PC-472 and USS PC-475. They arrived at Casablanca on 28 March 1944.

On 27 March 1944, the destroyer Le Triomphant departed Gibraltar to join the convoy. She was to proceed to Boston, USA where she was to refit. She joined the convoy around 1410Z/28.

Around 1000A/27, the American Task Force 62 relieved the Mediterranean escort in position 35°32'N, 07°47'W. The Mediterranean escort then set course for Gibraltar where they arrived later the same day. The American escort was made up of the cutter USCGC Spencer (Cdr. W.C. Capron, USCG, with COMTASKFOR62, T/Capt. C.L. Winecoff, USN, on board), destroyers USS Paul Jones (T/Cdr. G.P. Unmacht, USN, which was also COMDESDIV 58), USS Barker (T/Lt.Cdr. R.G. Colbert, USN), USS Bulmer (T/Lt.Cdr. G.T. Baker, USN), USS Parrott (T/Lt.Cdr. E.F. Rye, USN) and the destroyer escorts USS Amick (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Hetherington, 2nd, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 15, T/Cdr. F.C.B. McCune, USN, on board), USS Atherton (T/Lt.Cdr. M. Kelly, Jr., USN), USS Booth (T/Cdr. D.W. Todd, USN), USS Carroll ( T/Lt.Cdr. F.W. Kuhn, USN) and USS Cooner (T/Cdr. J.M. Stuart, USN).

On 28 March 1944, two transports, the Baron Cawdor and Linda were unable to keep up with the convoy. They were ordered to proceed to Casablanca.

Around 1600Z/31, in position in position 36°49'N, 24°42'W, Le Triomphant parted company with the convoy to fuel at Horta, Azores.

Around 2105Z/1, the tanker Iroquois (British (tanker), 8937 GRT, built 1907) and the transport Pocahontas (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy in position 37°01'N, 32°33'W coming from Horta, Azores. They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the A/S trawler HMS Mazurka (A/Skr.Lt. J. Baxter, RNR).

Around 0945Z/3, Le Triomphant rejoined the convoy in position 36°41'N, 28°02'W after having fuelled at the Azores.

Also on 3 April 1944, USS Barker and USS Bulmer were fuelled by USS Cowanesque.

On 4 April 1944, USS Paul Jones, USS Parrott and Le Triomphant were fuelled by USS Cowanesque.

On 8 April 1944, USCGC Spencer, USS Conner and Le Triomphant were fuelled by USS Cowanesque.

On 10 April 1944, USS Bulmer was fuelled by USS Cowanesque.

Around 0100Z/11, in position 34°51'N, 61°09'W, Le Triomphant was detached to proceed to Boston independently.

Around 2345Z/11, in position 35°05'N, 65°01'W, USS Cowanesque was detached to Bermuda for which the destroyer escorts USS Durik (T/Lt.Cdr. K.B. Smith, USN) and USS Hayter (Lt.Cdr. H.J. Theriault, USNR) had come over to escort her to that place. They arrived at Bermuda the following morning.

Around 0730Z/13, while in position 36°30'N, 70°55'W, the convoy split into the New York / Delaware section and Chesapeake Bay section

The New York / Delaware section section was escorted by USCGC Spencer, USS Paul Jones, USS Barker, USS Bulmer, USS Parrott, USS Cooner and USS Neunzer. Around 2030Z/13, in position 38°03'N, 71°05'W, the transport Homer Lea parted company to proceed independently towards Delaware Bay. The New York section of the convoy arrived at its destination in the evening of 14 April 1944.

The Chesapeake Bay, escorted by USS Amick, USS Atherton, USS Booth, USS Carroll and USS Eldridge had meanwhile arrived at its destination in the morning of 14 April 1944.

3 May 1944

Convoy UGS 41.

This convoy departed Hampton Roads on 3 May 1944.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; Albert C. Ritchie (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Andrew Briscoe (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), Andrew Furuseth (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Andrew Pickens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Brand Whitlock (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Caleb Strong (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Calvin Coolidge (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Charles Crocker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Charles Scribner (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Daniel H. Lownsdale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Daniel Huger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Eastgate (British, 5032 GRT, built 1940), Edward H. Crockett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Edward Rutledge (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Elbridge Gerry (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Emma Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Empire Collins (British (tanker), 9796 GRT, built 1942)), Empire Dickens (British (tanker), 9819 GRT, built 1942), Empire Emerald (British (tanker), 8032 GRT, built 1941), F. Marion Crawford (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Felix Grundy (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Fort Coulonge (British, 7136 GRT, built 1943), Francisco Coronado (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George F. Patten (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), George W. Campbell (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943), Hannis Taylor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Henry Bacon (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Henry D. Thoreau (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Henry George (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Jacob Perkins (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), James McCosh (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), James Turner (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John S. Casement (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Johns Hopkins (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Jose J. Acosta (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), King Stephen (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928), Kong Haakon VII (Norwegian, 7073 GRT, built 1942), Lawrence J. Brengle (American, 7209 GRT, built 1944), Leland Stanford (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Levi Woodbury (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Mary Lyon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Miguel Hidalgo (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Nonsuco (American, 5212 GRT, built 1938), Norden (Norwegian (tanker), 8440 GRT, built 1931), Norfjell (Norwegian (tanker), 8129 GRT, built 1942), Norsol (Norwegian (tanker), 8236 GRT, built 1941), Nueva Granada (Norwegian (tanker), 9968 GRT, built 1937), Ocean Vestal (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Ole Bull (Norwegian, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Pocahontas (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935), Richard H. Alvey (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Robert Dale Owen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Robert Howe (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Robert Luckenbach (American, 8152 GRT, built 1919), Samdee (British, 7253 GRT, built 1943), Samhope (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samjack (British, 7210 GRT, built 1944), Samtampa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samtroy (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samuel Johnston (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Cresap (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Nelson Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thorstein Veblen (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Timothy Dwight (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Coddington (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William M. Eastland (American, 7244 GRT, built 1944), William R. Davie (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), William W. Mayo (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943) and Woodbridge N. Ferris (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943).

The naval tanker USS Chepachet (Cdr. H.R. Adams, USNR), stores ship USS Merak (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Cawthon, USN), attack cargo ship USS Betelgeuse (T/Cdr. J.F. Grube, USN) and the LSI(L)'s USS LCI(L)-562 (Lt.(jg) S.M. Ruffin, USNR), USS LCI(L)-563 (Ens. P. App, USNR), USS LCI(L)-581 (Lt.(jg) R.P. Mulligan, USNR), USS LCI(L)-582 (Lt.(jg) D. Radford, USNR), USS LCI(L)-583 (Lt. W.J. Sharp, Jr., USNR), 21649 584 (Lt.(jg) T.M. Smagala, USNR), USS LCI(L)-585 (Lt.(jg) J.L. Thomas, USNR), USS LCI(L)-586 (Lt.(jg) J.S. Murtha, USNR), USS LCI(L)-664 (Lt.(jg) J. Kennedy, USNR), USS LCI(L)-665 (Lt.(jg) O.E. Neidlinger, USNR), USS LCI(L)-666 (Ens. J.E. Earls, USNR), USS LCI(L)-667 (Lt.(jg) J.L. Dowd, USNR), USS LCI(L)-668 (Lt.(jg) J.B. Snapp, USNR), USS LCI(L)-669 (Lt.(jg) I.S. Bookman, USN), USS LCI(L)-670 (Lt.(jg) T.M. Hoban, USNR) and USS LCI(L)-671 (Lt.(jg) J.H. Carmona, USNR).

On departure from Hampton Roads the convoy was escorted by Task Force 62 which was made up of the cutter USCGC Spencer (Cdr. W.C. Capron, USCG, with COMTASKFOR62, T/Capt. C.L. Winecoff, USN, on board), destroyers USS Paul Jones (T/Cdr. G.P. Unmacht, USN, which was also COMDESDIV 58), USS Barker (T/Lt.Cdr. R.G. Colbert, USN), USS Bulmer (T/Lt.Cdr. G.T. Baker, USN), and the destroyer escorts USS Amick (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Barsumian, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 15, T/Cdr. F.C.B. McCune, USN, on board), USS Atherton (T/Lt.Cdr. M. Kelly, Jr., USN), USS Booth (T/Cdr. D.W. Todd, USN), USS Carroll (T/Lt.Cdr. F.W. Kuhn, USN), USS Cooner Lt.Cdr. T.L. Bergen, USNR), USS Eldridge (Lt. W.K. Vanallen, USNR) and USS Neunzer (Lt. V.E. Gex, USNR).

Around 0930Z/6, the Norden was detached to Bermuda as she was unable to maintain the convoys speed.

Around 0030Z/7, in position 32°40'N, 61°18'W, the Felix Grundy was detached to Bermuda with defects. She was escorted by USS Paul Jones and USS Bulmer. The destroyers rejoined the convoy around 1400Z/8 in position 33°17'N, 55°18'W.

Around 0730Z/16, in position 36°34'N, 26°40'W, the transport Charles A. Wickliffe (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from the Azores. She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the auxiliary A/S trawler HMS Kingston Amber (T/Lt. R. Adams, RNR) which then proceeded to return to the Azores taking the transport Pocahonatas with her.

Around 1700Z/17, in position 34°20'N, 19°53'W, the transports Elbridge Gerry, F. Marion Crawford and Levy Woodbury were detached to proceed ahead of the main convoy to Oran where they were to disembark troop which they had on board after which they were to rejoin the convoy. They were escorted by USS Amick, USS Cooner and USS Bulmer. they arrived at Oran on 21 May before the main convoy passed. after having disembarked the troops they rejoined the convoy later on 21 May.

At 0551B/20, the transports Robert Howe and Nonusco collided in position 35°36'N, 07°38'W. The Robert Howe lost a man overboard and sustained damage in such a nature that she had to part company with the convoy. The Nonusco was holed well above the waterline and would be able to continue with the convoy in normal weather conditions.

Around 0830B/20, the Casablanca section of the convoy joined. This was made up of the following transports; Charles Schiaffino (French, 3664 GRT, built 1930) and Gouverneur General Lepine (French, 3509 GRT, built 1923). They had been escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez and the patrol vessels USS PC-473 (Lt. A.W. Silverstein, USNR) and USS PC-474 (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Hummer, USNR).

On these ships joining the following transports / tankers parted company to proceed to Casablanca with the same escort that had escorted the Casablanca section; Edward Rutledge, Empire Dickens, President de Vogue, Robert Dale Owen and Timothy Dwight.

Around 1045B/20, USS Barker parted company with the convoy to proceed to Gibraltar to pick up paperwork and a liason officer and then rejoin the convoy which she did around 1455B/20.

Around 1500B/20, the rescue tug HMRT Athlete joined the convoy to assist the damaged Robert Howe during the remainder of the passage to Gibraltar. The transport Charles A. Wickliffe also parted company for Gibraltar shortly afterwards.

Around 1645B/20, the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), submarine HMS Vox (Lt. J.M. Michell, RN) and rescue tug HMRT Nimble joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar. Also joining the convoy were the transports City of Keelung (British, 5186 GRT, built 1919) and Palermo (British, 2797 GRT, built 1938).

On 21 May 1944 (around 1945B/21), the following ships were detached to Oran; Andrew Furuseth, Caleb Strong, Calvin Coolidge, Edward H. Crockett, George F. Patten, John S. Casement, Kong Haakon VII, Leland Stanford, Palermo, William R. Davie, USS Chepachet, USS Merak, USS Betelgeuse while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Cushing Eells (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Dux (Norwegian, 1590 GRT, built 1934), Edwin L. Godkin (American, 7198 GRT, built 1943), Esso Charleston (American (tanker), 7949 GRT, built 1938), Henry Ward Beecher (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Laura Keene (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Levi Woodbury (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), Robert H. Harrison (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942) and William A. Graham (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942). Also the destroyers USS Madison (T/Cdr. D.A. Stuart, USN) and USS Hilary P. Jones (T/Cdr. F.M. Stiesberg, USN) joined the convoy for jamming duty against German radio controlled guided bombs.

Around 0800B/22, the Eastgate was detached from the convoy to proceed ahead to Algiers to pick up a new (British) Commodore for the convoy. She was escorted by USS Bulmer. They were to rejoin the convoy in the evening when the convoy would pass Algiers.

On 22 May 1944 (around 1930B/22), the following ships were detached to Algiers; Andrew Pickens, Charles Schiaffino, Cushing Eells, Gouverneur General Lepine, John Murray Forbes, Louis McLane and Norsol while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Barfleur (French, 3259 GRT, built 1938), Empire Noble (British, 7125 GRT, built 1944), Empire Unicorn (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), Fort Carlton (British, 7131 GRT, built 1942), Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Cumberland (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Frobisher (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Sambre (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

Around 2200B/23, USS Madison and USS Hilary P. Jones were detached.

On 23 May 1944 (around 2300B/23), the Samphire and HMRT Nimble were detached to Bone while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bone; Empire Marlowe (British, 6768 GRT, built 1941), Fort Lennox (British, 7149 GRT, built 1943), Fort Pembina (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Harlesden (British, 7273 GRT, built 1943) and Sampford (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

On 24 May 1944 (around 1100B/24), the following ships were detached to Bizerta; Andrew Briscoe, Barfleur, Nueva Granada, Robert H. Harrison and all the LCI(L)'s while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Empire Lass (British (tanker), 813 GRT, built 1941), Empire Spartan (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942), Empire Stalwart (British, 7045 GRT, built 1943), Henry Groves Connor (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Lawrence D. Tyson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), North Devon (British, 3658 GRT, built 1924) and Ocean Valour (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942).

Also the current escort, was replaced by a new escort which was made up of the sloops HMS Fleetwood (Cdr. W.B. Piggott, DSC and Bar, OBE, RD, RNR), HMS Amethyst (Lt.Cdr. S.C. Tuke, DSO, RN), minesweeper HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Smith, RN), minesweeping sloop Commandant Bory (Lt.Cdr. S.C. Tuke, DSO, RN) and the corvettes HMS Anemone (Lt. J.B. Sparkes, RNR) and HMS Convolvulus (A/Lt.Cdr. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR).

On 25 May 1944, the Empire Lass and HMS Vox were detached to Malta while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Malta; Elise (Norwegian (tanker), 7910 GRT, built 1931) and Polartank (Norwegian (tanker), 6356 GRT, built 1930).

On 26 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy; Daniel H. Lownsdale, Daniel Huger, Dux, Edwin L. Godkin, Elbridge Gerry, Emma Willard, Empire Collins, Empire Emerald, Empire Noble, Empire Stalwart, Empire Unicorn., F. Marion Crawford, Fort Carlton, Fort Chesterfield, Fort Cumberland, Fort Frobisher, Fort Lennox, Fort Pembina, George W. Campbell, Hannis Taylor, Harlesden, Henry George, Henry Groves Conner, Henry Ward Beecher, James McCosh, James Turner, Johns Hopkins, King Stephen, Laura Keene, Levi Woodbury, Mary Lyon, Norfjell, North Devon, Sambre, Samhope, Sampford, Samuel Johnston, Thomas Cresap, Thomas Nelson Page, William A. Graham, William M. Eastland and Woodbridge N. Ferris.

On 28 May 1944, HMS Amethyst parted company with the convoy to return to Bizerta. The corvette HMS Bergamot (A/Lt.Cdr. W. McInnes, RNR) joined the convoy on 28 May 1944.

On 29 May 1944, the following ships arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy; City of Keelung, Empire Spartan, Miguel Hidalgo, Polartank, Richard H. Alvey, Samtampa and Thorstein Veblen. Also HMS Fleetwood, HMS Anemone, HMS Convolvulus and Commandant Bory arrived at Alexandria.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 30 May 1944 escorted by HMS Bergamot.

24 May 1944
HMS Colombo (Capt. C.T. Jellicoe, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), USCGC Spencer (Cdr. W.C. Capron, USCG, with COMTASKFOR62, T/Capt. C.L. Winecoff, USN, on board), USS Paul Jones (T/Cdr. G.P. Unmacht, USN, which was also COMDESDIV 58), USS Barker (T/Lt.Cdr. R.G. Colbert, USN), USS Bulmer (T/Lt.Cdr. G.T. Baker, USN), USS Amick (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Barsumian, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 15, T/Cdr. F.C.B. McCune, USN, on board), USS Atherton (T/Lt.Cdr. M. Kelly, Jr., USN), USS Booth (T/Cdr. D.W. Todd, USN), USS Carroll (T/Lt.Cdr. F.W. Kuhn, USN), USS Cooner Lt.Cdr. T.L. Bergen, USNR), USS Eldridge (Lt. W.K. Vanallen, USNR), USS Neunzer (Lt. V.E. Gex, USNR), USS LCI(L)-562 (Lt.(jg) S.M. Ruffin, USNR), USS LCI(L)-563 (Ens. P. App, USNR), USS LCI(L)-581 (Lt.(jg) R.P. Mulligan, USNR), USS LCI(L)-582 (Lt.(jg) D. Radford, USNR), USS LCI(L)-583 (Lt. W.J. Sharp, Jr., USNR), 21649 584 (Lt.(jg) T.M. Smagala, USNR), USS LCI(L)-585 (Lt.(jg) J.L. Thomas, USNR), USS LCI(L)-586 (Lt.(jg) J.S. Murtha, USNR), USS LCI(L)-664 (Lt.(jg) J. Kennedy, USNR), USS LCI(L)-665 (Lt.(jg) O.E. Neidlinger, USNR), USS LCI(L)-666 (Ens. J.E. Earls, USNR), USS LCI(L)-667 (Lt.(jg) J.L. Dowd, USNR), USS LCI(L)-668 (Lt.(jg) J.B. Snapp, USNR), USS LCI(L)-669 (Lt.(jg) I.S. Bookman, USN), USS LCI(L)-670 (Lt.(jg) T.M. Hoban, USNR) and USS LCI(L)-671 (Lt.(jg) J.H. Carmona, USNR) all arrived at Bizerta from convoy UGS 41.

24 Apr 1945
German U-boat U-546 was sunk north-west of the Azores, in position 43°53'N, 40°07'W, by depth charges from the US destroyer escorts USS Flaherty, USS Neunzer, USS Chatelain, USS Varian, USS Hubbard, USS Janssen, USS Pillsbury and USS Keith.

25 May 1945

Convoy CU 72.

This convoy departed New York on 25 May 1945.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports / tankers; Allatoona (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1945), Aztec (Hunduran, 5511 GRT, built 1929), Blue Licks (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1945), Champion's Hill (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Chicaca (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1945), Churubusco (American (tanker), 10195 GRT, built 1943), Empire Law (British (tanker), 8128 GRT, built 1944), Empire Protector (British (tanker), 8148 GRT, built 1944), Fort Ridgley (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), French Creek (American (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1944), Great Republic (American, 6178 GRT, built 1943), Hammerfest (Norwegian (tanker), 10297 GRT, built 1945), James Parker (American, 10021 GRT, built 1939), Karsten Wang (Norwegian (tanker), 10296 GRT, built 1944), Kirkenes (Norwegian (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Raphael Semmes (American, 6165 GRT, built 1942), Red Bank (American (tanker), 10172 GRT, built 1944), Robin Sherwood (American, 7101 GRT, built 1941), Sea Tiger (American, 7886 GRT, built 1944), Sweepstakes (American, 8258 GRT, built 1944) and Wolf Creek (American (tanker), 10448 GRT, built 1944).

The escort carrier, in an aircraft ferry role, HMS Ranee (A/Capt. J.A.W. Tothill, DSC, RN) was also part of the convoy.

The convoy was escorted by Task Group 61.8 which was made up of the destroyer escorts USS Pillsbury (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Cassleman, USNR, with COMTASKGR 61.8 / COMCORTDIV 4, Capt. J.R. Litchfield, USNR, on board), USS Pope (Lt.Cdr. R.J. Montgomery, USNR), USS Flaherty (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Duff, USNR), USS Chatelain (Lt.Cdr. D.S. Knox, USNR) and USS Neunzer (Lt.Cdr. V.E. Gex, USNR).

Around 0715Q/26, the Boston section of the convoy, made up of the (troop) transport General T.H. Bliss (American, 9943 GRT, built 1942) joined. She had been escorted to the rendezvous by the destroyer escorts USS Amick (with, COMCORTDIV 15, T/Cdr. F.C.B. McCune, USN, on board), USS Atherton (Lt. L. Iselin, USNR) and USS Booth (Lt. J.L. Rinn, USNR).

On 1 June 1945, the USS Raphael Semmes straggled from the convoy due to defects. She was ordered to proceed to her destination independently.

On 2 June 1945, the convoy split into the 'Irish Sea section ' escorted by USS Pope and USS Chatelain and the 'English Channel section ' escorted by USS Pillsbury, USS Flaherty and USS Neunzer.

On 3 June 1945, USS Pope arrived at Liverpool with the ' Liverpool Section ' of the convoy. USS Chatelain had been detached on 2 June 1945 with the ' Bristol Channel Section ' of the convoy made up of two ships, one of which was the Kirkenes. USS Chatelain arrived at Cardiff on 3 June 1945. HMS Ranee proceeded to the Clyde where she arrived on 4 June 1945.

Around 0300A/3, the ' English Channel Section ' of the convoy was joined by the frigates HMS Ascension (Cdr. W.J. Moore, DSC, RNR) and HMS Moorsom (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Stewart, DSC, RD, RNR). They remained in company until around 1515A/3.

Around 1600A/3, the ' English Channel Section ' of the convoy was joined by the frigate HMS Kingsmill (Lt. G.H. Cook, RN).

Around 1700A/3, the ships for Le Havre parted company escorted by USS Flaherty and USS Neunzer. These were the Aztec, Empire Law, General T.H. Bliss, James Parker and Sea Tiger. On delivering these ships at Le Havre the destroyer escorts proceeded to Portsmouth.

Around 1900A/3, the ships for the east coast of the U.K. parted company escorted by HMS Kingsmill.

USS Pillsbury arrived at Portsmouth around 2000A/3. The Fort Ridgley, Robin Sherwood and Sweepstakes proceeded to Southampton.

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