| Navy | The Royal Navy |
| Type | Armed Merchant Cruiser |
| Class | [No specific class] |
| Pennant | F 45 |
| Built by | Scotts Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. (Greenock, Scotland) |
| Ordered | |
| Laid down | |
| Launched | 18 Jun 1924 |
| Commissioned | 20 Dec 1939 |
| Lost | 5 Apr 1942 |
| History | On 27 August 1939 the passenger ship Hector of the Alfred Holt & Co, Liverpool was requisitioned by the Admiralty and converted by the Bombay Dockyard to an armed merchant cruiser. Conversion was completed on 20 December 1939. Tonnage: 11198 GRT On 5 April 1942 she was anchored at Colombo, Ceylon (present day Sri Lanka) for decommissioning. Bombed & severely hit in the Japanese carrier attack against the harbour of Colombo, caught fire and was abandoned. |
Commands listed for HMS Hector (F 45)
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 | Capt. (Retd.) Robin Wynell Mayow Lloyd, DSO, RN | 12 Sep 1939 | 7 Nov 1940 |
| 2 | Capt. (Retd.) Francis Howard, DSC, RN | 7 Nov 1940 | 2 Apr 1942 |
| 3 | A/Cdr. (Retd.) Arthur Kenneth Baxendell, RAN | 2 Apr 1942 | 5 Apr 1942 |
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Notable events involving Hector include:
The page of HMS Hector was last updated in January 2023.
20 Dec 1939
At 0930EF/20, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) is commissioned at Bombay having completed her conversion to armed merchant cruiser.
HMS Hector was to join the New Zealand Station on completion of working up. (1)
21 Dec 1939
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery trials off Bombay. (1)
29 Dec 1939
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Bombay. She returned to harbour early the following day. (1)
5 Jan 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Bombay. She returned to harbour early the following day. (2)
6 Jan 1940
Around 1815EF/6, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) departed Bombay for patrol. She was to proceed to Colombo via the Laccadive and Maledive Islands. (2)
12 Jan 1940
Around 1130EF/12, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) arrived at Colombo from patrol. (2)
14 Jan 1940
Around 1400EF/14, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) departed Colombo for patrol and passage to Fremantle. She was also to visit the Cocos Islands en-route. (2)
19 Jan 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) made a short stop off the Cocos Islands before continuing her passage to Fremantle. (2)
25 Jan 1940
Around 0530H/25, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) anchored in Gage Roads off Fremantle. (2)
27 Jan 1940
Around 1100H/27, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) departed Fremantle for Melbourne. (2)
1 Feb 1940
Around 1700K/1, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) arrived at Melbourne from Fremantle. (3)
5 Feb 1940
Around 0915K/5, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) departed Melbourne for Auckland. (3)
10 Feb 1940
Around 1330M/10, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) arrived at Auckland from Melbourne. (3)
27 Feb 1940
Around 0730M/27, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) departed Auckland for patrol in the Pacific. (3)
6 Mar 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) landed stores at Fanning Island following which she resumed her patrol. (3)
10 Mar 1940
Around 1210X/10, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) dropped anchor off Apia, Samoa. (3)
11 Mar 1940
Around 1735X/11, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) departed Apia, Samoa to resume her patrol. (3)
14 Mar 1940
Around 0800M/14, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) dropped anchor off Nuku'alofa, Tonga. (3)
16 Mar 1940
Around 0800M/16, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) departed Nuku'alofa, Tonga for Suva, Fiji. (3)
17 Mar 1940
Around 1300M/17, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) arrived at Suva, Fiji from Nuku'alofa, Tonga. (3)
25 Mar 1940
Around 1700M/25, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) departed Suva for Auckland. (4)
29 Mar 1940
Around 0820M/29, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) dropped anchor off Auckland. She entered harbour shortly before noon the same day. (4)
13 Apr 1940
Around 1200M/13, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) departed Auckland for Brisbane. (5)
17 Apr 1940
Around 1500K/17, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) arrived at Brisbane from Auckland. (5)
19 Apr 1940
Around 1100K/19, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) departed Brisbane for Wellington. She was escorting the tankers Solør (Norwegian, 8262 GRT, built 1938) and Thorshov (Norwegian, 9955 GRT, built 1935). (5)
23 Apr 1940
At 1302L/23, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) and Thorshov (Norwegian, 9955 GRT, built 1935) collided with each other.
Both ships sustained damage requiring repairs. (5)
25 Apr 1940
Around 0700M/25, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) and the tankers Solør (Norwegian, 8262 GRT, built 1938) and Thorshov (Norwegian, 9955 GRT, built 1935) arrived at Wellington from Brisbane. (5)
29 Apr 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) is docked in the Jubilee floating dock at Wellington. (5)
17 May 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) is undocked. (6)
21 May 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) proceeded from Wellington to Picton. (6)
24 May 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) departed Picton for Port Lyttelton, Christchurch. (6)
25 May 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Lyttelton, Christchurch from Picton. (6)
29 May 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) departed Port Lyttelton, Christchurch for Timaru. (6)
30 May 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) arrived at Timaru from Port Lyttelton, Christchurch. (6)
31 May 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) departed Timaru for Port Chalmers. (6)
1 Jun 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Chalmers from Timaru. (7)
5 Jun 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) departed Port Chalmers for Wellington. (7)
6 Jun 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) arrived at Wellington from Port Chalmers. (7)
10 Jun 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) departed Wellington for Auckland. (7)
12 Jun 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) arrived at Auckland from Wellington. (7)
13 Jun 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Auckland. (7)
14 Jun 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Auckland. (7)
17 Jun 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Auckland. (7)
18 Jun 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Auckland. (7)
20 Jun 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Auckland. (7)
23 Jun 1940
Around 1745M/23, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) departed Auckland to patrol in the eastern approaches to Cook Strait and then to proceed to Wellington. (7)
26 Jun 1940
Around 1200M/26, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) arrived at Wellington from patrol.
Around 1730M/26, HMS Hector departed Wellington for Fremantle. She had been ordered to join the East Indies Station. (7)
1 Jul 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) made a short stop of Port Lonsdale before continuing her passage to Fremantle. (8)
7 Jul 1940
Around 0005H/7, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) dropped anchor in Gage Roads off Fremantle. She entered harbour after daylight. (8)
9 Jul 1940
Around 1730H/9, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) departed Fremantle for Colombo paying a visit to the Cocos Islands en-route. (8)
14 Jul 1940
Around 0830FG/14, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) dropped anchor of the Cocos Islands. (8)
15 Jul 1940
Around 0540FG/15, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) departed the Cocos Islands for Colombo. (8)
20 Jul 1940
Around 1030EF/20, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) arrived at Colombo from the Cocos Islands. (8)
22 Jul 1940
Around 0145EF/22, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) departed Colombo for patrol. An enemy unit was suspected by D/F (Direction Finding) near position 05°30'S, 83°00'E. (9)
1 Aug 1940
Around 1430EF/1, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) returned to Colombo from patrol. No enemy unit had been encountered. She had also provided cover to shipping movements off the east coast of Ceylon. (10)
2 Aug 1940
Convoy WS 1A.
This convoy departed Colombo on 2 August 1940.
It was made up of the (troop) transports; Amra (British, 8314 GRT, built 1938), Ekma (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Ethiopia (British, 5574 GRT, built 1922), Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924), Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924) and Varela (British, 4651 GRT, built 1914).
Escort was provided by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Antenor (Capt.(Retd.) D.I. McGillewie, RN) and HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN).
The convoy arrived at Bombay on 6 August 1940. (10)
7 Aug 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) commenced boiler cleaning at Bombay. (11)
20 Aug 1940
Around 1430EF/20, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) departed Bombay for Karachi. She had conducted compass swing trials before departure as D/G equipment had been fitted at Bombay. (11)
22 Aug 1940
Around 0930EF/22, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) arrived at Karachi from Bombay. (11)
23 Aug 1940
Convoy BN 4.
The Karachi section of this convoy departed Karachi on 23 August 1940.
It was made up of the (troop) transports; Khosrou (British, 4043 GRT, built 1924), Nizam (British, 5322 GRT, built 1914), Rajput (British, 5521 GRT, built 1925) and Rizwani (British, 5448 GRT, built 1930)).
It was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN).
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The Bombay section of the convoy departed Bombay on 25 August 1940.
It was made up of the (troop) transports; Amra (British, 8314 GRT, built 1938), Bankura (British, 3185 GRT, built 1912), Ekma (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), El Madina (British, 3962 GRT, built 1937), Erinpura (British, 5143 GRT, built 1911), Islami (British, 5879 GRT, built 1934), Jaladuta (British, 4966 GRT, built 1927), Jalakrishna (British, 4991 GRT, built 1937), Jalamohan (British, 5100 GRT, built 1925), Jalavihar (British, 5330 GRT, built 1911), Karagola ((British, 7053 GRT, built 1917), Nevasa (British, 9213 GRT, built 1913), Nurmahal (British, 5419 GRT, built 1923), Subadar (British, 5424 GRT, built 1929), Varela (British, 4651 GRT, built 1914) and Varsova (British, 4701 GRT, built 1914).
It was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ranchi (Capt.(Retd.) H.C. Legge, DSC, RN).
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The two sections joined company around 1230E/27 in approximate position 19°00'N, 69°52'E.
Around 1200D/1, the light cruiser HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) joined the convoy in position 14.46'N, 53.02'E. Both armed merchant cruisers then parted company to return independently to Bombay patrolling en-route.
On 4 September 1940 the convoy arrived off Aden where the Khosrou, Nizam and Rajput were detached as planned. Also the Bankura had to be detached due to engine defects.
From Aden 18 more vessels joined the convoy. These were the; Atlas (Greek (tanker), 4008 GRT, built 1909), Ayamonte (British (tanker), 845 GRT, built 1899), Bahadur (British, 5424 GRT, built 1929), Baron Erskine (British, 3657 GRT, built 1930), Brattdal (Norwegian, 4968 GRT, built 1935), Daronia (British (tanker), 8139 GRT, built 193), Dramatist (British, 5443 GRT, built 1920), El Amin (British, 746 GRT, built 1926), El Hak (British, 1022 GRT, built 1929), Jalapadma (British, 3935 GRT, built 1929), Northmoor (British, 4392 GRT, built 1928), Polyktor (Greek, 4077 GRT, built 1914), Star of Cairo (Egyptian, 4555 GRT, built 1924), Trevarrack (British, 5270 GRT, built 1919), Vacport (British (tanker), 6774 GRT, built 1930), Velho (British (tanker), 1100 GRT, built 1905), Warlaby (British, 4875 GRT, built 1927) and Westbury (British, 4712 GRT, built 1928).
On 6 September 1940, the convoy was attacked three times by Italian aircraft but no damage was done.
Also on 6 September 1940, the small Greek tanker Atlas, which had straggled from the convoy due to her slow speed, was torpedoed and sunk in position 15°50'N, 41°50'E by the Italian submarine Guglielmotti.
On 8 September 1940, the following ships were detached to Port Sudan. Amra, Erinpura, Jaladuta, Jalakrishna, Jalavihar, Karagola, Nevasa, Subadar, Varela and Varsova. They were escorted by the sloop HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) which had joined the convoy earlier [furher research is required to find out exactly when].
The remainder of the convoy continued on towards Suez arriving there on 11 September 1940.
On 8 September 1940, HMS Leander parted company after the sloop HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) had joined.
[It is possible the destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) and sloop HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) had also been with the convoy at times but further research is required.] (12)
4 Sep 1940
Around 1915EF/4, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) arrived at Bombay from convoy escort duties. (13)
10 Sep 1940
Convoy BN 5.
This convoy departed Bombay on 10 September 1940.
On departure from Bombay is was made up of the following transports; Akbar (British, 4043 GRT, built 1924), Crista (British, 2590 GRT, built 1938), Jalaganga (British, 4981 GRT, built 1936), Karoa (British, 7009 GRT, built 1915), Santhia (British, 7754 GRT, built 1925) and Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923).
On departure from Bombay she was escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Antenor (Capt.(Retd.) D.I. McGillewie, RN) and HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN).
Around 1230D/16, the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) took over the escort duties from both armed merchant cruisers which then set course to return to Bombay.
Around 0600D/18, the sloop HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) joined the convoy.
On the 19th, the following merchant vessels joined coming from Aden; Alavi (British, 3566 GRT, built 1924), Ancylus (British (tanker), 8017 GRT, built 1935), Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924), Bankura (British, 3185 GRT, built 1912), Bhima (British, 5280 GRT, built 1939), British Emperor (British (tanker), 3663 GRT, built 1916), City of Christiania (British, 4940 GRT, built 1921), Clearpool (British, 5405 GRT, built 1935), Cyclops (British, 9076 GRT, built 1906), Glenlea (British, 4252 GRT, built 1930), Guido (British, 3921 GRT, built 1920), Heron (British, 2374 GRT, built 1937), Nils Moller (British (tanker), 6907 GRT, built 1922), Ovington Court (British, 6095 GRT, built 1924), Pellicula (British (tanker), 6254 GRT, built 1936), Theseus (British, 6527 GRT, built 1908), Tomislav (Yugoslavia, 5387 GRT, built 1928), Treminnard (British, 4964 GRT, built 1922) and Westralia (British, 4568 GRT, built 1937).
The captured Italian submarine HMS X 2 (?) were also part of the convoy. With her was the salvage vessel Protector (British, 562 GRT, built 1906).
They were escorted by the light cruiser HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) and the sloops HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN) and HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN). HMAS Parramatta had actually conducted an A/S sweep ahead of the convoy and then joined it. HMS Caledon remained with the convoy until the vicinity of Perim.
The tanker Crista was detached from the original convoy from Bombay and arrived at Aden on the 19th.
Soon after departure both engines of HMS X 2 broke down and she had to be towed back to Aden arriving on the 20th.
On 20 September 1940, the convoy was attacked by Italian aircraft but no damage was done.
On 21 September 1940, Italian aircraft again attacked and the merchant vessel Bhima was hit and had to return to Aden being towed by the merchant vessel Ashbury. HMS Caledon and the sloop HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN) were sent from Aden to escort them back there.
On 23 September 1940, six ships from the convoy arrived at Port Sudan having been detached from the convoy the previous day. These were Akbar, Alavi, Bankura, British Emperor, Santhia and Talma. They had been escorted to Port Sudan by HMAS Parramatta.
On 23 September 1940, HMS Leander, HMS Auckland and HMIS Indus parted company with the convoy and sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) joined.
The eight fastest ships of the convoy arrived at Suez on 26 September 1940 escorted by HMS Grimsby, the remaining eight (slower) ships arrived the following day. They had been unescorted during the last part of their voyage. (12)
19 Sep 1940
HMS Antenor (Capt.(Retd.) D.I. McGillewie, RN) and HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) both returned to Bombay from convoy escort duty. (14)
20 Sep 1940
Around 1715EF/20, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) departed Bombay for Karachi. (13)
22 Sep 1940
Around 1130EF/22, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) arrived at Karachi from Bombay. (13)
23 Sep 1940
Convoy BN 6.
The Karachi section of this convoy departed that place on 23 September 1940.
It was made up of the transports; Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911) and Pundit (British, 5305 GRT, built 1919).
It was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN).
On 26 September 1940, the ' Kararchi section ' was joined by the ' Bombay section ' which had departed that place on 25 September 1940.
It was made up of the following transports (one one tanker); Borgestad (Norwegian, 3924 GRT, built 1924), Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936), Garmula (British, 5254 GRT, built 1920), Khandalla (British, 7018 GRT, built 1923), Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917), Marisa (Dutch (tanker), 8029 GRT, built 1937), Naringa (British, 6607 GRT, built 1923), Nizam (British, 5322 GRT, built 1914), President Doumer (British, 11898 GRT, built 1935), Rajput (British, 5521 GRT, built 1925), Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926), Ranee (British, 5060 GRT, built 1928), Rhona (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926), Shirala (British, 7841 GRT, built 1925), Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924) and Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924).
It was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Antenor (Capt.(Retd.) D.I. McGillewie, RN).
Around 1230C/1, the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN) took over from the armed merchant cruisers which then parted company to proceed to Bombay.
Around 0800C/3, the sloops HMIS Hindustan (Cdr. G.V.G. Beamish, RIN) and HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN) joined.
Around 0830C/4, the ' Bombay / Karachi section ' merged with the ' Aden section '. On doing so, HMAS Hobart parted company and proceeded to Aden.
The ' Aden section ' was made up of the following transports / tankers; Ayamonte (British (tanker), 845 GRT, built 1899), Bencruachan (British, 5920 GRT, built 1928), British Captain (British (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1923), City of Singapore (British, 6567 GRT, built 1923), Clan Ross (British, 5897 GRT, built 1914), Cyprian Prince (British, 1988 GRT, built 1937), Devis (British, 6054 GRT, built 1938), El Amin (British, 746 GRT, built 1926), El Segundo (Panamanian (tanker), 3664 GRT, built 1912), Elpis (Greek, 3651 GRT, built 1912), Helka (British (tanker), 3471 GRT, built 1912), Hilda Moller (British, 4622 GRT, built 1912), Jalaputra (British, 4856 GRT, built 1906), Jehangir (British, 3566 GRT, built 1924), Jhelum (British, 4038 GRT, built 1936), Liss (Norwegian (tanker), 5932 GRT, built 1921), Lurigethan (British, 3564 GRT, built 1916), Quiloa (British, 7765 GRT, built 1925), Recorder (British, 5981 GRT, built 1930), Robert L. Holt (British, 2918 GRT, built 1926), Soli (Norwegian (tanker), 5834 GRT, built 1915), Star of Alexander (Egyptian, 4329 GRT, built 1928), Strix (Norwegian (tanker), 6219 GRT, built 1930), Therese Moller (British, 3930 GRT, built 1905) and Umberleigh (British, 4950 GRT, built 1927).
The ' Aden section ' of the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Leander (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN) (from the New Zealand division), destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) and sloops HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) and HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN).
The convoy now proceeded northwards up the Red Sea.
At dawn on the 5th, the Ayamonte was detached to proceed to Kamaran escorted by HMAS Parramatta.
On the 5th, 6th and 7th of October convoy BN 6 was attacked by high level Italian bombers but no damage was done.
The following ships were detached to Port Sudan where they arrived on 7 or 8 October 1940; Borgestad, Devonshire, El Amin, Garmula, Jehangir, Khandalla, Pundit, Rajput, Ranee, Rohna, Strix, Takliwa and Talamba.
From the escort HMIS Hindustan arrived and left Port Sudan on 7 October 1940, HMAS Auckland arrived and left on 8 October and HMAS Yarra arrived and left on 9 October. HMS Kingston also called at Port Sudan [date currently unknown to us].
The remainder of the convoy arrived at Suez on 11 October 1940. on 9 October 1940, HMS Leander had been replaced as escort by the sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN). (15)
5 Oct 1940
HMS Antenor (Capt.(Retd.) D.I. McGillewie, RN) and HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) both returned to Bombay from convoy escort duty. (16)
15 Oct 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Bombay. (17)
16 Oct 1940
Around 0715EF/16, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) departed Bombay to search for the merchant vessel Marly (Norwegian, 1115 GRT, built 1918) which had sent an SOS from position 18°30'N, 72°21'E stating they had encountered a cyclone and were sinking and taking to the lifeboats.
The sloop HMIS Investigator (Lt. W.J.G. Hughes, RIN, which was out on patrol, was also sent to search for the survivors but she was forced to return due to the heavy weather.
The Norwegian ship was not encountered and no survivors were ever found. (17)
17 Oct 1940
Around 1900EF/17, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) returned to Bombay from a fruitless search for the survivors of the merchant vessel Marly (Norwegian, 1115 GRT, built 1918). (17)
20 Oct 1940
Convoy BM 2.
This convoy departed Bombay on 20 October 1940.
It was made up of the following transports; Dunera (British, 11162 GRT, built 1937, 1129 troops), Islami (British, 5879 GRT, built 1934, 913 troops), Jalamohan (British, 5100 GRT, built 1925), Santhia (British, 7754 GRT, built 1925, 1033 troops) and Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923, 1050 troops).
On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN).
Around 0430F/26, the light cruiser HMS Danae (Capt. A.C. Collinson, RN) joined the convoy in approximate position 05°00'N, 85°00'E.
Around 1330F/28,HMS Hector was detached to return to Bombay.
The convoy arrived at Penang on 30 October 1940 minus the Talma which had parted company off Penang and arrived at Singapore on 1 November. She had been escorted from the vicinity of Penang to Singapore by the destroyer HMS Tenedos (Lt.Cdr. J.O'B. Milner-Barry, RN). (18)
3 Nov 1940
Around 0645EF/3, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) R.W.M. Lloyd, DSO, RN) arrived at Bombay from convoy escort duty. (19)
12 Nov 1940
Convoy BN 8½.
[This convoy is sometimes known as convoy BN 8A, official documents however give the name as BN 8½.]
This convoy departed Bombay on 12 November 1940.
It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927), Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936), Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Indrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925), Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917), Nevasa (British, 9213 GRT, built 1913), President Doumer (British, 11898 GRT, built 1934), Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926), Rohna (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926), Slamat (Dutch, 11636 GRT, built 1924) and Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924).
On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) and HMS Ranchi (Capt.(Retd.) H.C. Legge, DSC, RN).
Around 1100D/15, HMS Ranchi parted company.
Around 1130D/16, the convoy was joined by the heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.H. Edelsten, RN).
Around 0930C/17, HMS Hector parted company to 'patrol' towards Colombo.
Around 0700C/18, the sloop HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN) joined the convoy escort.
Around 0845C/18, the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) joined the convoy escort.
Around 1100C/18, three more (troop) transports joined coming from Aden, these were the following; Clan Cameron (British, 7243 GRT, built 1937), Khedive Ismael (Egyptian, 7290 GRT, built 1922) and Rhesus (British, 6530 GRT, built 1911). They were escorted out of Aden by the sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) which then also joined the convoy.
Around 1800C/20, HMS Carlisle and HMAS Parramatta parted company to proceed to Port Sudan. At the same time HMS Flamingo also parted company to patrol off Jeddah.
Around 1530C/21, the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) joined. HMS Shropshire then parted company with the convoy.
The convoy arrived at Suez on 23 November 1940. (12)
21 Nov 1940
Around 1000EF/21, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Bombay from convoy escort duty. (19)
27 Nov 1940
Convoy BN 10.
On departure from Bombay the convoy was made up of the following transports; El Madina (British, 3962 GRT, built 1937), Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924) and Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923).
It was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN).
Around 1310C/1, the light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. H.L. Howden, RAN) relieved HMS Hector in position 14°11'N, 53°03'E.
At 0700C/3, the sloop HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN) joined in position 12°22'N, 45°30'E.
At 1630C/3, the convoy joined the ' Aden section ' of the convoy in position 12°25'N, 43°40'E.
The Aden section was made up of the following transports / tankers; Alcides (British, 7634 GRT, built 1930), Aldington Court (British, 4891 GRT, built 1929), Alpherat (Dutch, 5759 GRT, built 1928), British Destiny (British (tanker), 8470 GRT, built 1937), California Star (British, 8300 GRT, built 1938), City of Auckland (British, 8336 GRT, built 1914), City of Dunkirk (British, 5861 GRT, built 1912), Doris (Greek, 4604 GRT, built 1917), Elizabeth Moller (British, 4353 GRT, built 1906), Garmula (British, 5254 GRT, built 1920), Gazana (British, 5284 GRT, built 1920), Hatasu (British, 3198 GRT, built 1921), Islami (British, 5879 GRT, built 1934), Macoma (Dutch (tanker), 8069 GRT, built 1936), Naringa (British, 6607 GRT, built 1923), Nyholm (Norwegian (tanker), 5843 GRT, built 1927), Pontfield (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1940), Riley (British, 4993 GRT, built 1936), Silvermaple (British, 5313 GRT, built 1937), Star of Suez (Egyptian, 4999 GRT, built 1926), Sygna (Norwegian, 3881 GRT, built 1907), Tanafjord (Norwegian, 5922 GRT, built 1921) and Trentbank (British, 5060 GRT, built 1929).
The captured Italian submarine HMS X 2 (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) P.E. Heathfield, RN) was also part of the convoy.
The ' Aden section ' of the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN), destroyer HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN) and sloop HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN).
Around 1750C/5, in position 18°08'N, 40°08'E the transport Talma parted company to proceed to Port Sudan. She was escorted by HMS Calcutta and HMS Kimberley.
Around 0530C/5, the Alcides, Sygna and parted company to proceed to Port Sudan escorted by HMIS Indus.
The transport Islami also parted company to proceed to Jeddah.
Around 1600C/6, HMS Kimberley rejoined having fuelled at Port Sudan.
Around 1200C/7, convoy BN 10 and convoy BS 10 met in position 21°50'N, 37°50'E. HMAS Hobart, HMS Kimberley and HMS Auckland joined convoy BS 10 and the sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) took over the escort of convoy BN 10.
One hour later HMS Kimberley was ordered to escort the transport Talma to convoy BN 10. This ship had been escorted to the rendezvous position from Port Sudan by HMIS Indus. HMIS Indus then joined convoy BS 10. After the Talma had rejoined convoy BN 10, HMS Kimberely proceeded south again to rejoin convoy BS 10.
Convoy BN 10, escorted by HMS Grimsby and HMIS Clive arrived at Suez on 10 December 1940. (12)
6 Dec 1940
Around 1300EF/6, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Colombo from convoy escort duty.
At Colombo she was to undergo a refit. (20)
10 Dec 1940
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) is docked in the King George dry dock at Colombo. (20)
18 Dec 1940
Convoy WS 5A and the attack by the German heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper
This convoy departed U.K. ports on 18/19 December 1940. Destination for the majority of the convoy was Suez where the convoy arrived on 16 February 1941.
On 17 December 1940 the transport Rangitiki (British, 16698 GRT, built 1929) departed Avonmouth. She was escorted by HMS Kipling (Cdr. A. St. Clair-Ford, RN) towards the rendezvous position.
On 18 December 1940 the following troop transports / transports departed Liverpool, they formed WS 5A slow; Anselm (British, 5954 GRT, built 1935), Atreus (British, 6547 GRT, built 1911), Bhutan (British, 6104 GRT, built 1929), City of Canterbury (British, 8331 GRT, built 1922), City of London (British, 8956 GRT, built 1907), Delane (British, 6054 GRT, built 1938), Elizabethville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922), Menelaus (British, 10307 GRT, built 1923), Orbita (British, 15495 GRT, built 1915), Settler (British, 6202 GRT, built 1939) and Tamaroa (British, 12405 GRT, built 1922). They were escorted by the destroyers HMS Witherington (Lt.Cdr. J.B. Palmer, RN), HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN), sloop HMS Wellington (Cdr. I.H. Bockett-Pugh, RN) and the corvettes HMS Clematis (Cdr. Y.M. Cleeves, DSO, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Jonquil (Lt.Cdr. R.E.H. Partington, RNR), HMS Cyclamen (Lt. H.N. Lawson, RNR) and HMS Geranium (T/Lt. A. Foxall, RNR).
On 18 December 1940 the following troop transports / transports departed from the Clyde; Costa Rica (Dutch, 8055 GRT, built 1910), Ernebank (British, 5388 GRT, built 1937), Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929) and Neuralia (British, 9182 GRT, built 1912). Ernebank was however forced to return around 1800 hours on the 21st escorted by HMS Witch and HMS St. Mary’s. On the 22nd, HMS Wellington, was detached to take over the escort of the Ernebank. They were escorted by the anti-aircraft cruiser HMS Cairo (Capt. P.V. McLaughlin, RN) and the destroyers HMS Bath (Cdr.(Retd.) A.V. Hemming, RN), HMS St. Marys (Lt. K.H.J.L. Phibbs, RN), HMS St. Albans (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) S.G.C. Rawson, RN), HMS Worcester (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Coats, RN).
On 18 December 1940 the following troop transports / transports departed from Lough Foyle (Belfast); City of Derby (British, 6616 GRT, built 1921) and Stentor (British, 6148 GRT, built 1926). They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Venomous (Lt.Cdr. J.E.H. McBeath, RN).
The slow part of the convoy was met around dawn on the 19th by the light cruiser HMS Bonaventure (Capt. H.G. Egerton, RN) and the destroyers HMS Vesper (Lt.Cdr. W.F.E. Hussey, DSC, RN), HMS Harvester (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, RN) and HMS Highlander (Cdr. W.A. Dallmeyer, RN).
Around 2300/21 all destroyers parted company with the slow part of the convoy.
On 19 December 1940 the following troop transports / transports departed Liverpool, they formed WS 5A fast; Clan MacDonald (British, 9653 GRT, built 1939), Essex (British, 13655 GRT, built 1936) and Northern Prince (British, 10917 GRT, built 1929).
On 19 December 1940 the following troop transports / transports departed from the Clyde; Adviser (British, 6348 GRT, built 1939), Arabistan (British, 5874 GRT, built 1929), Barrister (British, 6348 GRT, built 1939), Benrinnes (5410 GRT, built 1921), Clan Cumming (British, 7264 GRT, built 1938), Empire Song (British, 9228 GRT, built 1940) and Empire Trooper (British, 14106 GRT, built 1922).
Escort for the fast section of convoy WS 5A joined around dawn on the 20th and was provided by the aircraft carrier HMS Argus (Capt. E.G.N. Rushbrooke, DSC, RN), light cruiser HMS Naiad (Capt. M.H.A. Kelsey, DSC, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.L.S. King, CB, MVO, RNRN), destroyers HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt. H.S. Rayner, RCN) and Piorun (Cdr. E.J.S. Plawski) which came from the Clyde. And also by the destroyers HMS Highlander, HMS Harvester and FSS Le Triomphant (Cdr. P.M.J.R. Auboyneau) which came from Londonderry. The first two of these destroyers had fuelled there after escorting the slow part of the convoy for a while. Also the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN) (with fighters embarked for Takoradi) and the destroyers HMS Beverley (Cdr.(Retd.) E.F. Fitzgerald, RN), HMS Kelvin (Cdr. J.H. Allison, DSO, RN) and HMS Kipling joined from Liverpool.
The destroyers of the fast portion of the convoy were detached during the night of 21/22 December 1940.
At dawn on 23 December 1940 the slow and fast part of the convoy made rendez-vous and proceeded in company.
On the 24th, HMS Naiad parted company to return to the U.K. The heavy cruiser HMS Berwick (Capt. G.L. Warren, RN) and the light cruiser HMS Dunedin (Capt. R.S. Lovatt, RN) both joined the escort of the convoy.
At dawn on the 25th the convoy was attacked by the German heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper. She had made contact with the convoy with radar the previous day and had already made a torpedo attack shortly before 0400/25 but no hits had been obtained nor had the attack been noticed by the British.
Then shortly after 0800/25 she made visual contact with the convoy and it came as a surprise to the Germans to sight HMS Berwick.
Around 0830 hours the Germans opened fire on HMS Berwick but due to the bad visibility she soon shifted target to the troopship Empire Trooper which was not in her assigned station. The troopship was slightly damaged as was the merchant vessel Arabistan.
The convoy was ordered to scatter and HMS Berwick and HMS Bonaventure both engaged the German cruiser as did the corvette Cyclamen briefly.
Meanwhile HMS Dunedin laid a smokescreen to cover the ships of the convoy. HMS Furious flew off a few aircraft but these failed to find the German cruiser in the bad visibility.
HMS Berwick was damaged by gunfire from the German cruiser but she forced, together with HMS Bonaventure, the enemy to break off the action around 0915 hours.
In the evening HMS Boneventure was detached to search for the damaged Empire Trooper.
On the 28th the convoy was reassembled at sea (minus Empire Trooper which was ordered to proceed to Gibraltar via the Azores) and continued on to Freetown where it arrived on 5 January 1941.
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The convoy departed Freetown for South Africa on 8 January.
The convoy was now made up of the (troop) transports; Adviser, Anselm, Arabistan, Atreus, Barrister, Benrinnes, Bhutan, City of Canterbury, City of Derby, City of London, Costa Rica, Delane, Elisabethville, Empire Ability (British, 7603 GRT, built 1931), Menelaus, Neuralia, Orbita, Rangitiki, Settler, Stentor and Tamaroa.
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the aircraft carrier HMS Formidable (Capt. A.W.La T. Bisset, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker CB, OBE, RN), heavy cruisers HMS Dorsetshire (Capt. B.C.S. Martin, RN), HMS Hawkins (Capt. H.P.K. Oram, RN), destroyers HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN), HMS Vidette (Lt. E.N. Walmsley, RN), sloops HMS Milford (Cdr. (Retd.) the Hon. V.M. Wyndham-Quin, RN), HMS Bridgewater (A/Cdr. (Retd.) H.F.G. Leftwich, RN) and the corvettes HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN) and HMS Calendula (Lt.Cdr. A.D. Bruford, RNVR).
At 0700N/9, the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk (Capt. A.J.L. Phillips, RN) joined the convoy. She had also departed Freetown around the same time as the convoy but apparently acted independently until the time she joined the convoy.
At 0600N/10, HMS Formidable, HMS Dorsetshire, HMS Norfolk, HMS Velox and HMS Vidette parted company with the convoy. At the same time the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (Capt. R.D. Oliver, DSC, RN) joined.
It appears that HMS Bridgewater, HMS Milford, HMS Asphodel and HMS Calendula parted company on 12 January.
At 1000B/21, the heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire (Capt. J.H. Edelsten, RN) joined the convoy and HMS Devonshire parted company.
At 1600B/22, HMS Hawkins parted company with the convoy taking the transports Anselm and City of Canterbury to Capetown where they arrived on 23 January.
The remainder of the convoy arrived at Durban on 25 January 1941 escorted by HMS Shropshire.
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The convoy departed Durban for Suez on 29 January 1941. It was now made up of the transports, Adviser, Anselm, Arabistan, Atreus, Barrister, Benrinnes, Bhutan, City of Canterbury, City of Derby, City of London, Costa Rica, Delane, Elisabethville, Empire Ability, Menelaus, Neuralia, Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927), Orbita, Rangitiki, Settler, Stentor, Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924) and Tamaroa.
They were escorted by the heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire and the light cruiser HMS Ceres (Capt. E.G. Abbott, AM, RN).
Around 0800B/30, HMS Shropshire was relieved by the light cruiser HMS Enterprise (Capt. J.C. Annesley, DSO, RN).
In the morning of 31 January the transport Delane parted company with the convoy to return to Durban due to engine defects.
At 1000CD(-3.5)/4, HMS Ceres parted company taking the transports Nieuw Holland and Orbita with her to Kilindini / Mombasa where they arrived on 5 February.
At 1440CD/5, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) joined.
At 1500CD/5, the light cruiser HMS Capetown (Capt. P.H.G. James, RN) joined.
At 0430CD/6, HMS Capetown parted company with the convoy having been ordered to do so.
At 1730CD/10, HMS Enterprise parted company with the convoy to fuel at Aden. She rejoined the convoy around 2130C/11.
Around 0630C/11, the convoy was joined by the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) and the sloops HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) and HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN). HMS Hector then parted company with the convoy.
At 2300C/11, HMIS Indus parted company with the convoy upon being relieved by the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).
At 1830C/13, HMS Flamingo parted company with the convoy to return to Aden and HMS Grimsby parted company with the convoy taking the transport Neuralia with her to Port Sudan.
At 0400C/14, HMS Enterprise parted company with the convoy.
The convoy escorted by HMS Caledon arrived at Suez on 16 February 1941. (21)
5 Jan 1941
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) is undocked. (22)
9 Jan 1941
Around 0615EF/9, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Colombo to patrol off the east coast of Ceylon to provide cover for shipping movements through the area. (22)
12 Jan 1941
At 0505EF/12, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) struck a submerged object while on patrol to the south-east of Trincomalee.
She sustained some hull damage but repairs were not immediately necessary and were eventually only undertaken during a docking in late July 1941. (23)
19 Jan 1941
Around 0830EF/19, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) returned to Colombo from patrol. (22)
21 Jan 1941
Around 1500EF/21, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Colombo for Bombay. (22)
24 Jan 1941
Around 1030EF/24, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Bombay from Colombo. (22)
26 Jan 1941
Convoy BNF 1.
This convoy departed Bombay on 26 January 1941 for Suez where it arrived on 6 February 1941.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), El Madina (British, 3962 GRT, built 1937), Felix Roussel (French, 17083 GRT, built 1930), Santhia (British, 7754 GRT, built 1925) and Varela (British, 4651 GRT, built 1914).
On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN).
She remained with the convoy until around 0800/31 when the destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) took over the convoy.
On 31 January the sloops HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) and HMIS Hindustan (Cdr. G.V.G. Beamish, RIN) departed Aden to join the convoy after which HMS Kingston was to proceed to Aden.
On 1 February the destroyer HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN) and sloop HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN) sailed from Aden to join the convoy. Also from Aden sailed four merchant ships which were to join the convoy, these were; Baluchistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Hav (Norwegian, 5062 GRT, built 1939), Peter Maersk (British, 5476 GRT, built 1932) and Rinda (Norwegian, 6029 GRT, built 1917).
HMS Kandahar, HMS Flamingo and HMAS Parramatta arrived at Port Sudan on 3 February. The merchant vessel Varela also proceeded to Port Sudan.
The convoy arrived at Suez on 6 February escorted by HMIS Hindustan. (24)
1 Feb 1941
Around 0445C/1, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden from convoy escort duty.
She departed around 0815C/1 to make rendezvous with convoy WS 5A.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 5A ' for 18 December 1940.] (25)
11 Feb 1941
Around 1115C/11, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden from convoy escort duty. (25)
13 Feb 1941
Around 0800C/13, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Aden for Bombay. (25)
18 Feb 1941
Around 0815EF/18, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Bombay from Aden. She then commenced to clean her boilers. (25)
26 Feb 1941
Convoy US 9A.
This convoy departed Bombay on 26 February 1941.
The convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports; Cap. St.Jacques (British (former French), 8009 GRT, built 1922, 758 troops and stores), Khedive Ismael (British, 7290 GRT, built 1922, 841 troops and stores, the troops included nurses), Nevasa (British, 9213 GRT, built 1913, 1213 troops and stores), Slamat (Dutch, 11636 GRT, built 1924, 972 troops and stores) and Westernland (Dutch, 16479 GRT, built 1918, 2041 troops and stores).
On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN).
Around 0830C/5, the sloops HMS Auckland (Cdr. E.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) and HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN) joined followed about an hour later by the light cruiser HMS Caledon (A/Cdr. C.S. Britton, RN). HMS Hector was then detached and proceed to Aden.
The auxiliary A/S whalers, HMS Syvern (?), HMS KOS XIX (?), HMS KOS XXI (T/Lt. A.R.J. Tilston, SANF(V)), HMS KOS XXII (Lt.(Retd.) H.D. Foxon, RNR) and HMS KOS XXIII (Lt.Cdr. J.J. Reid, RNVR) also joined the convoy for passage to Suez.
Around 2000C/6, HMS Kos XIX dropped astern due to engine trouble. HMAS Parramatta and HMS Kos XXI went to her assistance and the following morning they almost caught up with the convoy. They were then however ordered to proceed to Port Sudan together with the troop transport Cap St. Jacques. The four ships arrived at Port Sudan on 8 March 1941.
HMS Auckland parted company with the convoy on 7 March 1941 to return to Aden.
Around 2100C/9, HMS Caledon parted company with the convoy to return to Aden via Port Sudan.
The convoy anchored off Mahamad Gul and proceeded to Suez arriving there 15 March. The Westernland had gone ahead and had already arrived on 13 March. The three remaining A/S whalers had also gone ahead arriving at Suez on 10 / 11 March 1941. (24)
5 Mar 1941
Around 1330C/5, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden from convoy escort duty. (26)
6 Mar 1941
Around 1400C/6, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Aden for Bombay. (26)
11 Mar 1941
Around 1700E/11, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Bombay from Aden. (26)
15 Mar 1941
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) conducted D/G trials off Bombay. (26)
17 Mar 1941
Convoy BM 5.
This troop convoy departed Bombay on 17 March 1941 and arrived at Singapore on 27 March 1941.
The following transports / troopships were part of this convoy; Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939), Jalakrishna (British, 4991 GRT, built 1937), Jalapadma (British, 3935 GRT, built 1929) and Neuralia (British, 9182 GRT, built 1912).
On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN).
On the 20th, HMS Hector was relieved by the light cruiser HMS Emerald (Capt. F.C. Flynn, RN) in position 06°30'N, 77°35'E.
On 22 March 1941 the light cruiser HMS Durban (Capt. J.A.S. Eccles, RN) joined the convoy in position 07°10'N, 84°55'E. HMS Enterprise parted company with the convoy the following day.
The convoy arrived at Singapore on 25 March 1941. (24)
21 Mar 1941
Around 1330EF21, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Colombo from convoy escort duty. (26)
25 Mar 1941
Around 0800EF/25, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Colombo for a short patrol in the entrance to the Bay of Bengal and then onwards to Bombay. (27)
1 Apr 1941
Around 1015EF/1, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Bombay from patrol. (28)
5 Apr 1941
Around 1445EF/5, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Bombay escorting the troop transport Empress of Japan (British, 26032 GRT, built 1930, with 1375 personnel for the U.K.) to Durban. (29)
16 Apr 1941
Around 1200B/16, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) and the troop transport Empress of Japan (British, 26032 GRT, built 1930, with 1375 personnel for the U.K.) arrived at Durban from Bombay. (28)
19 Apr 1941
Around 1315B/19, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Durban escorting the (troop) transport Dalia (South African, 5188 GRT, built 1931, 230 personnel and military stores) part of the way to Kilindini / Mombasa. (29)
22 Apr 1941
Around 0615B/22, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) parted company with the (troop) transport Dalia (South African, 5188 GRT, built 1931, 230 personnel and military stores). (28)
26 Apr 1941
Around 1200C/26, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Kilinidini / Mombasa. (28)
1 May 1941
Convoy SW 6.
This convoy departed Suez on 1 May 1941 for Durban where it arrived on 16 May 1941.
The convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports; Bergensfjord (Norwegian, 11015 GRT, built ), Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920), Leopoldville (Belgian, 11509 GRT, built 1929), Nova Scotia (British, 6796 GRT, built 1926), Scythia (British, 19761 GRT, built 1920) and Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924).
Three ships of the convoy carried about 3900 POW's to South Africa.
On departure from Suez the convoy was not escorted.
At 0925C/6, the light cruiser HMS Ceres (Capt. E.G. Abbott, AM, RN) joined coming from Aden.
Off Aden the Nova Scotia parted company and proceeded to that port.
Around 0830C/11, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) joined and HMS Ceres parted company with the convoy to proceed to Mombasa where she arrived later the same day. She took the transport Cameronia with her.
Around 0735B/13, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ranchi (Capt.(Retd.) H.C. Legge, DSC, RN) took over the convoy from HMS Hector which then set course for Mombasa.
The convoy arrived at Durban on 16 May 1941. (24)
5 May 1941
Around 1130C/5, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Kilinidini / Mombasa for patrol. She is ordered to patrol along the east coast of Africa, from Somalia to the northern entrance to the Mozambique Channel. (30)
15 May 1941
Around 0800C/15, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Kilinidini / Mombasa from patrol. (30)
16 May 1941
Around 1045C/16, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Kilinidini / Mombasa to escort the troop
transport Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920) part of the way towards Durban. (30)
19 May 1941
Around 1445C/19, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) turned over the escort of the troop transport Cameronia (British, 16297 GRT, built 1920) to HMS Carthage (Capt.(Retd.) H.L.I. Kirkpatrick, OBE, RN).
HMS Hector then set course to return to Kilindini / Mombasa. (30)
22 May 1941
Around 1700C/22, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Kilinidi / Mombasa from escort duty. (30)
26 May 1941
Around 1700C/26, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Zanzibar. (31)
27 May 1941
Around 0825C/27, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Zanzibar from Kilindini / Mombasa.
Around 1645C/27, she departed Zanzibar for patrol. She was ordered to patrol off the African east coast. (31)
3 Jun 1941
Around 1315C/3, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa from patrol. (32)
4 Jun 1941
Convoy WS 9A.
This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 4 June 1941.
On assembly the convoy was made up of the transports; Aagtekerk (Dutch, 6811 GRT, built 1934), Capetown Castle (British, 27000 GRT, built 1938), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Eastern Prince (British, 10926 GRT, built 1929), Empire Condor (British, 7773 GRT, built 1940), Empire Curlew (British, 7101 GRT, built 1941), Empire Egret (British, 7169 GRT, built 1939), Empire Widgeon (British, 6737 GRT, built 1940), Empress of Japan (British, 26032 GRT, built 1930), Franconia (British, 20175 GRT, built 1923), Highland Brigade (British, 14134 GRT, built 1929), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), Mendoza (British, 8233 GRT, built 1919), Mooltan (British, 20952 GRT, built 1923), Orbita (British, 15495 GRT, built 1915) and Samaria (British, 19597 GRT, built 1921).
On assembly of the convoy it was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Birmingham (Capt. A.C.G. Madden, RN), AA cruiser HMS Cairo (A/Capt. I.R.H. Black, RN), armed merchant cruisers HMS Ausonia (Capt.(Retd.) G.H. Freyberg, OBE, RN), HMS Dunnottar Castle (Capt.(Retd.) C.T.A. Bunbury, RN) and the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. P.L. Vian, DSO, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Sikh (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN), HMS Zulu (Cdr. H.R. Graham, DSO, RN), HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN), HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Ramsey (Lt.Cdr. R.B. Stannard, VC, RNR) and HMS Richmond (Lt.Cdr. A.F.L. Evans, RN).
At 0130Z/7, HMS Vanquisher and HMS Winchelsea parted company with the convoy.
At 0700Z/7, HMS Ausonia, HMS Cairo and all remaining destroyer parted company with the convoy.
In the afternoon of the 14th the destroyers HMS Highlander (Cdr. S. Boucher, RN), HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Maitland-Makgill Crichton, DSC, RN) and HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN) joined the convoy escort.
HMS Highland was however soon detached for other duties.
In the morning of the 15th the destroyer HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN) joined the convoy escort.
The convoy arrived at Freetown on 16 June 1941.
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The convoy departed Freetown for South Africa on 20 June 1941.
The composition of the convoy was the same in which it had arrived with the addition of the transports Bergensfjord (Norwegian, 11015 GRT, built 1913) and Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927).
On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Birmingham and the destroyers HMS Boreas, HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN), HMS Velox and HMS Wild Swan (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, RN).
At 0700ZA(-0.5)/23, the destroyers parted company with the convoy.
In the morning of July 1st, the transports Capetown Castle, Durban Castle, Eastern Prince, Empire Widgeon, Empress of Japan and Llangibby Castle parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Capetown.
At 1400AB(-1.5)/2, HMS Birmingham parted company with the convoy after the escort had been taken over by the heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins (Capt. H.P.K. Oram, RN) which came from Mauritius. HMS Birmingham then proceeded to Simonstown.
The Eastern Prince departed Capetown on 2 July to proceeded independently to Durban.
The remainder of the convoy arrived at Durban on 4 July 1941.
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On 5 July 1941, the ships of the Capetown section (minus Eastern Prince, see above) departed there escorted by HMS Birmingham which had come from Simonstown.
On 8 July 1941, the transports Aagtekerk, Aronda (British, 9031 GRT, built 1941), Empire Condor, Empire Curlew, Empire Egret and Thysville (Belgian, 8351 GRT, built 1922) and their escort HMS Hawkins departed Durban to make rendezvous with the Capetown section the following day.
On making rendezvous, HMS Birmingham was detached to return to Simonstown.
At 1415D, the transports Capetown Castle, Durban Castle and Empress of Japan parted company with the convoy to proceed to Bombay. This was known as Convoy WS 9AX. They were escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) which had just made rendezvous with the convoy. They arrived at Bombay at 24 July.
The remainder of the ships continued on to the vicinity of Aden escorted by HMS Hawkins. The convoy was dispersed on 21 July 1941. (33)
6 Jun 1941
Convoy CM 10.
This convoy departed Kilindini / Mombasa on 6 June 1941.
It was made up of the following (troop) transports; President Doumer (British, 11898 GRT, built 1935, 1098 troops), Shirala (British, 7841 GRT, built 1925, approx. 500 military personnel) and Yoma (British, 8131 GRT, built 1928, 1646 troops).
The convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN).
The convoy arrived at Aden on 12 June 1941. The President Doumer had been detached to proceed to Berbera wher she also arrived on the 12th. (24)
15 Jun 1941
Around 0645C/15, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Aden for Kilindini / Mombasa. (32)
23 Jun 1941
Around 0900C/23, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa from Aden. (32)
29 Jun 1941
Convoy CM 13.
This convoy departed Kilindini / Mombasa on 29 June 1941.
It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Ascanius (British, 10048 GRT, built 1910, 1159 troops), Burma (British, 7821 GRT, built 1914, 1190 troops), President Doumer (British, 11898 GRT, built 1935, 1190 troops), Salween (British, 7063 GRT, built 1937, 1351 troops) and Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924, 1110 troops).
The convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN).
The convoy was dispersed in the Gulf of Aden on 4 / 5 July 1941. (24)
30 Jun 1941
Convoy WS 9B.
This convoy was formed off Oversay on 30 June 1941. It arrived at Freetown on 13 July 1941.
On assembly it was made up of the following (troop)transports; Arundel Castle (British, 19118 GRT, built 1921), Athlone Castle (British, 25564 GRT, built 1936), Ceramic (British, 18713 GRT, built 1913), Clan Forbes (British, 7529 GRT, built 1938), Elizabeth Bakke (Norwegian, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Mataroa (British, 12390 GRT, built 1922), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Oronsay (British, 20043 GRT, built 1925), Pampas (British, 6345 GRT, built 1941), Pulaski (Polish, 6345 GRT, built 1912), Rangitata (British, 16737 GRT, built 1929) and Tamaroa (British, 12405 GRT, built 1922).
The transport Anselm (British, 5954 GRT, built 1935) had been unable to keep the required speed up during the passage from Liverpool to the rendezvous point and was ordered to proceed to the Clyde. She was not allowed to join the convoy.
On assembly the convoy was escorted by the light cruisers HMS Edinburgh (Capt. H.W. Faulkner, RN), flying the flag of Rear-Admiral E.N. Syfret, RN), HMS Galatea (Capt. E.W.B. Sim, RN), AA cruiser HMS Cairo (A/Capt. I.R.H. Black, RN), armed merchant cruisers HMS Cathay (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.M. Merewether, RN), HMS Chitral (Capt.(Retd.) G. Hamilton, RN), HMS Moreton Bay (Capt.(Retd.) C.C. Bell, RN), armed boarding vessel HMS Corinthian (A/Cdr. E.J.R. Pollitt, RNR) and the destroyers HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, OBE, DSC, RN), HMS Wolverine (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rowland, RN), HMS Castleton (Cdr. (Retd.) F.H.E. Skyrme, RN), HMS Reading (Lt.Cdr. D.V. Clift, RN), HMCS St.Francis (Lt.Cdr. H.F. Pullen, RCN), HMS Wells (Lt.Cdr. E.J. Lee, RN), HMS Maori (Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), ORP Piorun (Cdr. S. Hryniewiecki) and ORP Garland (Lt.Cdr. K.F. Namiesniowski, ORP).
HMS Wolverine was detached with defects at 1324Z/31.
HMS Wells parted company with the convoy around 2200Z/1.
HMS Vanquisher, HMS Winchelsea, HMS Castleton and HMCS St. Francis parted company around 0400Z/2.
HMS Maori was detached at 1600Z/2.
HMS Cairo, ORP Piorun and ORP Garland parted company with the convoy around 1900Z/2 in position 49°20'N, 26°20'W.
HMS Reading was detached at 0400Z/3.
HMS Edinburgh parted company around 2315Z/3.
HMS Cathay parted company around 0630Z/4.
HMS Chitral and HMS Corinthian parted company around 0100Z/6.
Around 1115Z/10, in position 17.28'N, 20.50'W the destroyers HMS Wivern (Cdr. M.D.C. Meyrick, RN), HMS Wild Swan (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, RN), HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. F.C. Brodrick, RN) and corvette HMS Asphodel (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) K.W. Stewart, RN) joined.
The convoy arrived at Freetown on 13 July 1941.
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The convoy left Freetown in the same composition as in which it had arrived.
It was now escorted by the light cruiser HMS Galatea and the destroyers HMS Brilliant, HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. D.H. Maitland-Makgill Crichton, DSC, RN), HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) and HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN).
All destroyers parted company on the 18th, HMS Brilliant and HMS Velox at 1200/18 and HMS Boreas and HMS Vansittart at 1600/18.
At 0515/27, HMS Galatea parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Simonstown to fuel.
The transports Ceramic, Clan Forbes, Pampas, Elizabeth Bakke, Pulaski and Rangitata were detached to Capetown.
HMS Galatea departed Simonstown at 1530/27 and rejoined the remaining ships of the convoy at 0900/28.
The remaining ships and HMS Galatea arrived at Durban on 30 July 1941.
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The Clan Forbes, Elisabeth Bakke, Pampas and Pulaski departed Capetown on 30 July 1941 escorted by the armed merchant cruiser Queen of Bermuda (Capt. A.T.G.C. Peachey, RN).
On 3 August 1941 the Arundel Castle, Athlone Castle, Monarch of Bermuda and Oronsay departed Durban escorted by HMS Galatea. The Capetown and Durban section then merged and set course for Aden. Both escorts remained with the convoy until it was dispersed off Aden on 14 August 1941.
On 13 August the Athlone Castle and Elizabeth Bakke parted company forming convoy WS 9BX. They were escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) and arrived at Bombay on 16 August 1941. (33)
5 Jul 1941
Around 0900C/5, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden from convoy escort duty. (34)
16 Jul 1941
Around 1430C/16, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Aden to make rendezvous with convoy WS 9A.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 9A ' for 4 June 1941.] (34)
22 Jul 1941
Around 1445EF/22, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Bombay with convoy WS 9AX. (34)
24 Jul 1941
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) is docked in the Hughes dry dock at Bombay for hull cleaning and repairs to the damage she had sustained on 12 January 1941. (34)
7 Aug 1941
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) is undocked. (35)
8 Aug 1941
Convoy BA 4.
This convoy departed Bombay on 8 August 1941.
It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Dempo (Dutch, 17024 GRT, built 1931, 1718 troops), Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939, 1483 troops), Neuralia (British, 9182 GRT, built 1912, 1949 troops) and Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924, 977 troops).
On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN), sloop HMIS Cornwallis (Lt. W.J.G. Hughes, RIN) and the auxiliary patrol vessel HMIS Dipavati (T/Lt. P. Munday, RINR).
On 9 August 1941, HMIS Cornwallis and HMIS Dipavati parted company with the convoy.
At 0600C/13, the convoy was dispersed off the entrance to the Gulf of Aden in position 15°26'N, 53°56'E.
13 Aug 1941
Around 1320C/13, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) joined convoy WS 9BX.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 9B ' for 30 June 1941. (35)
16 Aug 1941
Around 1815EF/16, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Bombay with convoy WS 9BX. (35)
20 Aug 1941
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Bombay with officers and ratings from the RIN gunnery school on board. (35)
21 Aug 1941
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) conducted D/G and compass swing trials off Bombay. (35)
25 Aug 1941
Combined convoy BA 5 / BP 13.
This combined convoy departed Bombay on 25 August 1941.
Convoy BA 5 was made up of the transport; City of London (British, 8956 GRT, built 1907).
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Convoy BP 13 was made up of the transport; Islami (British, 5879 GRT, built 1934).
On departure from Bombay the combined convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) and the auxiliary patrol vessels HMIS Dipavati (T/Lt. P. Munday, RINR) and HMIS Sonavati (Lt. M.B. Hall, RIN).
On the 26th, both auxiliary patrol vessels parted company.
Around 1200D/28, the Islami (convoy BP 13) parted company in position 22°30'N, 61°30'E.
Around 2300C/31, HMS Hector parted company with the City of London in position 13°40'N, 50°00'E. (35)
31 Aug 1941
Convoy WS 11
This convoy assembled in the Clyde area on 31 August 1941 for the far east.
The convoy was made up of the following merchant ships; Abosso (11330 GRT, built 1935), Barrister (6348 GRT, built 1939), Bhutan (6104 GRT, built 1929), City of Edinburgh (8036 GRT, built 1938), City of Manchester (8917 GRT, built 1935), Duchess of York (20021 GRT, built 1929), Empress of Australia (21833 GRT, built 1914), Glaucus (7596 GRT, built 1921), Glenorchy (8982 GRT, built 1939), Kina II (9823 GRT, built 1939), Largs Bay (14182 GRT, built 1921), Manchester Progress (5620 GRT, built 1938), Mooltan (20952 GRT, built 1923), Northumberland (11558 GRT, built 1915), Orontes (20097 GRT, built 1929), Otranto (20026 GRT, built 1925), Scythia (19761 GRT, built 1920), Viceroy of India (19627 GRT, built 1929). The netlayer HMS Guardian (A/Capt. H.A.C. Lane, RN) also sailed in this convoy.
Escort was initially provided by the battlecruiser HMS Repulse (Capt. W.G. Tennant, MVO, RN), the aircraft carrier HMS Furious (Capt. A.G. Talbot, DSO, RN), the light cruiser HMS Sheffield (Capt. A.W. Clarke, RN) (31 August – 2 September), the anti-aircraft cruiser HMS Cairo (A/Capt. I.R.H. Black, RN) (31 August – 2 September), the armed merchant cruiser HMS Derbyshire (Capt.(Retd.) E.A.B. Stanley, MVO, DSO, RN), the destroyers HMS Cossack (Capt. E.L. Berthon, DSC and Bar, RN) (31 August – 4 September), HMS Zulu (Cdr. H.R. Graham, DSO, RN) (31 August – 4 September), HMS Legion (Cdr. R.F. Jessel, RN) (31 August – 4 September), HMS Lively (Lt.Cdr. W.F.E. Hussey, DSC, RN) (31 August – 4 September), HMS Highlander (Cdr. S. Boucher, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, OBE, DSC, RN) (31 August – 2 September), HrMs Isaac Sweers (Cdr. J. Houtsmuller, RNN) (31 August – 2 September), ORP Piorun (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) E.J.S. Plawski) (31 August – 3 September), ORP Garland (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) K.F. Namiesniowski) (31 August – 3 September), the sloops HMIS Sutlej (Capt. P.A. Mare, RIN), HMS HMS Sennen (Lt.Cdr. D.C. Kinloch, RN) and HMS Totland (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) S.G.C. Rawson, RN).
Around 1530A/31, HMS Furious was detached to Bangor due to an engine room defect. HMS Lively accompanied the carrier. They arrived at Bangor around 1930A/31. The defect could be repaired quickly and they left again around 0430A/1 to rejoin the convoy which they did around around noon on 2 September. Meanwhile they had been joined around 1000A/1 by HrMs Isaac Sweers which had been detached from the convoy to join HMS Furious.
HMS Cairo and HrMs Isaac Sweers parted company with the convoy on 2 September and proceeded to Northern Ireland. HMS Sheffield also left the convoy later this day.
ORP Piorun and ORP Garland parted company with the convoy shortly after noon on 3 September to assist a merchant vessel that was being bombed by German aircraft. By then HMS Winchelsea had also left the convoy.
HMS Furious was destined for Gibraltar and operated mainly a little away from the convoy. She left the convoy around 1100 hours on 4 September arrived at Gibraltar on 7 September escorted by HMS Cossack, HMS Zulu, HMS Legion and HMS Lively.
Shortly afterwards around 1300 hours on 4 September the convoy split into two sections, these were; WS 11F (Fast); This convoy was made up of the merchants Bhutan, City of Edinburgh, Duchess of York, Empress of Australia, Glenorchy, Kina II, Largs Bay, Mooltan, Orontes, Otranto, Scythia, Viceroy of India. HMS Guardian was also part of this convoy.
Escort for this part of the convoy was provided by; HMS Repulse, HMIS Sutlej (Later went to the escort of convoy WS 11S), HMS Highlander (detached to fuel at the Azores), HMAS Nestor (Cdr. A.S. Rosenthal, RAN) (joined around noon on 4 September coming from Gibraltar) and HMS Encounter (Lt.Cdr. E.V.St J. Morgan, RN) (joined around 0800 hours on 7 September coming from Gibraltar).
Most of these ships oiled at sea from the RFA tanker Rapidol (2648 GRT, built 1917) (Master Lt.Cdr. A.E. Curtain, OBE, RNR). Rapidol later joined convoy WS 11S. At least HMS Highlander oiled at Ponta Delgada, Azores, she rejoined the convoy around noon on 6 September.
Around 0730 hours on 8 September 1941, HMAS Nestor parted company to fuel at Bathurst where she arrived around 0930 hours on 11 September 1941. She departed again around 1430 hours to rejoin the convoy. However at 1640 hours on 11 September HMAS Nestor obtained a firm A/S contact and attack with depth charges which resulted in a heavy explosion which shook the ship considerably. She the resumed course to rejoin the convoy but 30 minutes later a lubrication oil leak was reported. Course was then set to proceed direct to Freetown for repairs. Further damage was discovered afterwards which made it necessary to reduce speed.
In the morning of 11 September 1941 two destroyers coming from Freetown joined the escort, these were HMS Velox (Lt.Cdr. E.G. Roper, DSC, RN) and HMS Wrestler (Lt. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN). Later that day, around 1400 hours, the corvette HMS Starwort (Lt.Cdr. N.W. Duck, RD, RNR) also joined the escort. Shortly afterwards HMS Highlander parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Bathurst.
This part of the convoy arrived at Freetown on 13 September 1941.
The other section of the convoy was WS 11S (Slow); This convoy was made up of the merchants Abosso, Barrister, City of Manchester, Glaucus Manchester Progress and Northumberland.
Escort for this part of the convoy was provided by; HMS Derbyhire, HMS Sennen and HMS Totland.
This part of the convoy arrived at Freetown on 15 September 1941.
At Freetown the convoy (now called WS 11B) was re-grouped and departed from there on 18 September 1941 for the Cape.
The convoy was now made up of the merchants Barrister, Bhutan, City of Edinburgh, City of Manchester, Duchess of York, Empress of Australia, Glaucus, Glenorchy, Kina II, Largs Bay, Manchester Progress, Mooltan, Orontes, Otranto, Scythia, Viceroy of India and the Dutch liner (troopship) Nieuw Zeeland (11069 GRT, built 1928) joined the convoy at Freetown.
Escort was provided by the battlecruiser HMS Renown and the armed merchant cruiser Derbyshire. A/S escort was provided until 1800 hours 20 September 1941 by the destroyers HMS Velox and HMS Wrestler after which these returned to Freetown.
On 30 September the following ships put into Capetown escorted by HMS Derbyshire; Bhutan, City of Edinburgh, City of Manchester, Duchess of York, Glaucus, Glenorchy, Kina II, Largs Bay, Orontes, Viceroy of India and Nieuw Zeeland.
The other ships; Barrister, Empress of Australia, Manchester Progress, Mooltan, Otranto and Scythia arrived at Durban on 3 October escorted by HMS Repulse.
On 3 October 1941, Bhutan, City of Edinburgh, City of Manchester, Duchess of York, Glaucus, Glenorchy, Kina II, Largs Bay, Orontes, Viceroy of India and Nieuw Zeeland departed Capetown still escorted by HMS Derbyshire.
On 7 October 1941, Barrister, Manchester Progress, Mooltan, Otranto as well as the transports City of Canterbury (8331 GRT, built 1922), Dilwara (11080 GRT, built 1936), Eastern Prince (10926 GRT, built 1929), Johan de Witt (Dutch, 10474 GRT, built 1920), Llandaff Castle (10799 GRT, built 1926), Nieuw Holland (Dutch, 11066 GRT, built 1927) and Pulaski (Polish, 6516 GRT, built 1912). They were escorted by the battlecruiser Repulse until 13 October when she was relieved by HMS Ceres (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN). On 8 October these ships joined up with the ships coming from Capetown. HMS Derbyshire then left the convoy and returned to Capetown.
In the afternoon of 17 October 1941, HMS Glasgow (Capt. H. Hickling, DSO, RN) made rendez-vous with the convoy and then parted company taking the following ships with her; Barrister, City of Edinburgh, Duchess of York, Glaucius, Glenorchy, Johan de Witt, Kina II, Largs Bay, Orontes, Otranto, Nieuw Zeeland, Viceroy of India.
The other ships continued with HMS Ceres towards Aden where they arrived on 19 October 1941.
The ships taken over by HMS Glasgow proceeded to Bombay where they arrived on 22 October 1941. Three ships taken over by HMS Glasgow however were destined for Basra. One of these, the Barrister was unable to keep up with the convoy and was detached on 18 October. This ship arrived at Basra on 25 October. The other two ships destined for Basra, City of Edinburgh and Glenorchy were detached on 19 October and both arrived at Basra on 23 October 1941.
On 27 October 1941 the convoy departed Bombay for Colombo escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN). The convoy was now made up of the transports; Glaucus, Johan de Witt, Kina II, Largs Bay, Nieuw Zeeland, Orion (23371 GRT, built 1935) and Ellenga (5196 GRT, built 1911).
They arrived at Colombo on 30 October 1941, minus the Kina II which had been detached at 1815(EF) on 29 October 1942, in position 07°52'N, 76°29'E, and proceeded independently to Trincomalee.
On 31 October 1941 the convoy, now made up of Ellenga, Glaucus, Johan de Witt, Largs Bay, Nieuw Zeeland Orion and Rangitiki (16698 GRT, built 1929) departed Colombo for Singapore. The convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.D. Stephens, RN). They arrived at Singapore on 6 November 1941. (33)
4 Sep 1941
Around 1515EF/4, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Bombay from convoy escort duty. (36)
5 Sep 1941
Convoy BP 14.
This convoy departed Bombay on 5 September 1941.
It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Khedive Ismael (British, 7290 GRT, built 1922, 906 troops and stores), Lancashire (British, 9557 GRT, built 1917, 1407 troops and stores), Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926, 1002 troops and stores), Santhia (British, 7754 GRT, built 1925, 964 troops and stores), Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923, 1058 troops and stores), Varela (British, 4651 GRT, built 1914, 834 troops and stores) and Varsova (British, 4701 GRT, built 1914, 800 troops and stores).
On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN), sloop HMIS Cornwallis (Lt. W.J.G. Hughes, RIN) and the auxiliary patrol vessel HMIS Sonavati (Lt. M.B. Hall, RIN).
Around 1740EF/5, HMIS Cornwallis and HMIS Sonavati were detached.
Around 1200E/5, the (troop) transport Rohna (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926, 978 troops and stores) joined the convoy in position 24°02'N, 65°51'E. She had left Karachi earlier that day.
Around 1400D/8, HMS Hector parted company with the convoy in position 24°28'N, 60°00'E.
The convoy arrived at Basra on 11 September 1941. (24)
10 Sep 1941
Around 1900EF/10, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Bombay from convoy escort duty. (36)
19 Sep 1941
Around 1045EF/19, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Bombay for Aden. She was escorting the troop transport Felix Roussell (British, 17083 GRT, built 1930, 1660 military personnel). (37)
24 Sep 1941
Around 1645C/24, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) and the troop transport Felix Roussell (British, 17083 GRT, built 1930, 1660 military personnel) arrived at Aden from Bombay. (36)
2 Oct 1941
Around 0800C/2, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Aden for Bombay. She is escorting the (troop) transport City of London (British, 8956 GRT, built 1907) part of the way to Karachi. (38)
6 Oct 1941
Around 1600D/6, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) parted company with the (troop) transport City of London (British, 8956 GRT, built 1907) in position 20°29'N, 62°30'E. (38)
9 Oct 1941
Around 1300EF/9, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Bombay from escort duty. (38)
15 Oct 1941
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials off Bombay. (38)
16 Oct 1941
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Bombay. (38)
27 Oct 1941
Around 0630EF/27, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Bombay escorting convoy WS 11X to Colombo.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 11 ' for 31 August 1941.] (38)
30 Oct 1941
Around 1630EF/30, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Colombo having escorted convoy WS 11X to that place.
Before entering harbour, HMS Hector conducted D/G trials. (38)
14 Nov 1941
Around 0600EF/14, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Bombay for Port Victoria, Seychelles. On leaving harbour compass adjustment trials were carried out. (39)
19 Nov 1941
Around 1745D/19, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles from Bombay. (40)
21 Nov 1941
Around 1500D/21, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Port Victoria, Seychelles for Durban. She was routed to the east of Madagascar. (40)
29 Nov 1941
Around 0800B/29, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Durban from Port Victoria, Seychelles. (40)
9 Dec 1941
Around 0900B/9, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Durban. At sea she joined the RFA tanker Cedardale (8132 GRT, built 1939) to escort this ship to Mauritius. (41)
16 Dec 1941
Around 0800D/16, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) and the RFA tanker Cedardale (8132 GRT, built 1939) arrived at Mauritius. (41)
20 Dec 1941
Around 1800D/20, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) and the RFA tanker Cedardale (8132 GRT, built 1939) departed Mauritius for Port Victoria, Seychelles. (41)
22 Dec 1941
Around 1130D/22, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) and the RFA tanker Cedardale (8132 GRT, built 1939) arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles from Mauritius. (41)
26 Dec 1941
Around 1100D/26, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Port Victoria, Seychelles for Mauritius. (41)
29 Dec 1941
Around 0650D/29, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Mauritius from Port Victoria, Seychelles. (41)
30 Dec 1941
Around 0650D/30, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Mauritius for patrol and to make rendezvous with the RFA tanker Olcades (6891 GRT, built 1918) which was en-route from Durban to Mauritius. (41)
1 Jan 1942
Around 1700D/1, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) made rendezvous with the RFA tanker Olcades (6891 GRT, built 1918). HMS Hector was to escort the tanker to Mauritius. (42)
4 Jan 1942
Around 0745D/4, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) and the RFA tanker Olcades (6891 GRT, built 1918). HMS Hector arrived at Mauritius. (42)
10 Jan 1942
Around 1300D/10, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Mauritius for Port Victoria, Seychelles. (42)
13 Jan 1942
Around 0800D/13, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles from Mauritius. (42)
15 Jan 1942
Around 1200D/15, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Port Victoria, Seychelles for Kilindini / Mombasa. On board were the Governor of the Seychelles and members of the Seychelles Volunteer Corps. (42)
18 Jan 1942
Around 0930C/18, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Kilindini / Mombasa from Port Victoria, Seychelles. (42)
20 Jan 1942
Around 1545C/20, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Kilindini / Mombasa for Aden. (42)
25 Jan 1942
Around 1745C/25, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden from Kilindini / Mombasa. (42)
12 Feb 1942
Convoy AJ 2.
This convoy departed Aden on 12 February 1942.
The convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports; Mendoza (British (former French), 8233 GRT, built 1919, 1523 troops and equipment) and Salween (British, 7063 GRT, built 1937, 1398 troops and equipment).
The convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN).
The convoy arrived at Colombo on 20 February 1942. On entering harbour HMS Hector was ordered to departed immediately for Cochin. (43)
22 Feb 1942
Around 0940EF/22, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Cochin. (44)
25 Feb 1942
Convoy BM 14.
This convoy departed Bombay on 25 February 1942.
It was made up of the (troop) transports; Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936, 1595 troops), Nevasa (British, 9213 GRT, built 1913, 1725 troops) and Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924, 1100 troops).
On departure from Bombay the convoy was unescorted.
On the 25th, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Cochin to make rendezvous with the convoy which was affected around 1430EF/26 in position 15°00'N, 72°15'E.
The convoy arrived at Colombo on 1 March 1942. HMS Hector did not enter harbour but set course to return to Cochin. (45)
2 Mar 1942
Around 1415EF/2, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) returned to Cochin from convoy escort duty. (46)
2 Mar 1942
Convoy C 5.
This convoy departed Colombo on 2 March 1942.
It was made up of the following transports; Mendoza (British (former French), 8233 GRT, built 1919), Silverteak (British, 6770 GRT, built 1930) and Yoma (British, 8131 GRT, built 1928).
On departure from Colombo the convoy was escorted by the minesweeper HMAS Bathurst (Lt.Cdr. A.V. Bunyan, RANR(S)).
Around 0105EF/4, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) joined the convoy in position 10°30'N, 74°48'E. HMAS Bathurst then parted company.
The convoy arrived at Bombay on 6 March 1942. (43)
3 Mar 1942
Around 1600EF/3, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Cochin to make rendezvous with convoy C 5.
[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy C 5 ' for 2 March 1942.] (46)
11 Mar 1942
Around 1645EF/11, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) departed Bombay for Colombo. (46)
14 Mar 1942
Around 1615F/14, HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) arrived at Colombo from Bombay.
At Bombay she is to prepare for decommissioning and to be returned to the trade. (46)
1 Apr 1942
HMS Hector (Capt.(Retd.) F. Howard, DSC, RN) is docked in the Walkers dry dock at Colombo. (47)
4 Apr 1942
HMS Hector (A/Cdr. (Retd.) A.K. Baxendell, RAN) is undocked. (47)
5 Apr 1942
Shortly before 0800F/5, HMS Hector (A/Cdr. (Retd.) A.K. Baxendell, RAN) is attacked and heavily damaged by Japanese aircraft while at anchor at Colombo. The ship caught fire and had to be abandoned. She finally sank on an even keel on 7 April 1942.
She was formally paid of as of 5 April 1942. (47)
Sources
- ADM 53/109141
- ADM 53/112413
- ADM 53/112414
- ADM 53/112415
- ADM 53/112416
- ADM 53/112417
- ADM 53/112418
- ADM 53/112419
- ADM 53/112419 + ADM 199/383
- ADM 53/112420 + ADM 199/383
- ADM 53/112420
- ADM 199/383
- ADM 53/112421
- ADM 53/112421 + ADM 199/2546
- ADM 199/383 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Hobart for October 1940 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Parramatta for October 1940 + Report of proceedings of HMAS Yarra for October 1940
- ADM 53/112422 + ADM 199/2546
- ADM 53/112422
- ADM 199/374 + ADM 199/383
- ADM 53/112423
- ADM 53/112424
- ADM 199/1136
- ADM 53/114391
- ADM 53/114391 + ADM 199/2556
- ADM 199/408
- ADM 53/114392
- ADM 53/114393
- ADM 53/114393 + ADM 199/408
- ADM 53/114394
- ADM 53/114394 + ADM 199/408
- ADM 53/114395 + ADM 199/408
- ADM 53/114395
- ADM 53/114396
- ADM 199/1138
- ADM 53/114397
- ADM 53/114398
- ADM 53/114399
- ADM 53/114399 + ADM 199/408
- ADM 53/114400
- ADM 53/114401 + ADM 199/408
- ADM 53/114401
- ADM 53/114402
- ADM 53/116053
- ADM 199/426
- ADM 53/116054
- ADM 53/116054 + ADM 199/426
- ADM 53/116055
- ADM 53/116056
ADM numbers indicate documents at the British National Archives at Kew, London.