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Notable events involving Ascania include:

8 Nov 1939

Convoy HXF 8.

This convoy departed Halifax on 8 November 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Arthur F. Corwin (British (tanker), 10516 GRT, built 1938), Beaverford (British, 10042 GRT, built 1928), Clea (British (tanker), 8028 GRT, built 1938), Cymbula (British (tanker), 8082 GRT, built 1938), Davila (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, built 1938), Devon City (British, 4928 GRT, built 1933), Fort Royal (French, 3485 GRT, built 1935), Hopepeak (British, 5179 GRT, built 1938), Inanda (British, 5985 GRT, built 1925), Maurienne (French, 3259 GRT, built 1938), Torinia (British (tanker), 10364 GRT, built 1939) and Tornus (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.B. Creery, RCN) and HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN).

The Canadian destroyers parted company around 1500Q/9 to return to Halifax.

Around 0945Z/19, in position 50°09'N, 08°50'W, the destroyers HMS Acasta (Cdr. P.J. Oliver, RN), HMS Ardent (Lt.Cdr. J.F. Barker, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Cdr. C.T. Jellicoe, RN) and HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Burnell-Nugent, RN) joined the convoy.

The convoy was then split up into two sections and shortly afterwards HMS Ascania parted company to proceed to return to Halifax.

The Irish Sea / West Coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arthur F. Corwin, Devon City and Tornus. They were escorted by HMS Winchelsea and HMS Walpole. They arrived at Liverpool in the evening of 20 November 1939.

The remaining ships made up the Channel / East Coast section. The Clea and the two French ships were detached to French ports. The remainder of the merchant vessels proceeded to the Downs. HMS Acasta and HMS Ardent arrived at Dover in the morning of 21 November 1939. (1)

2 Dec 1939

Convoy HXF 11.

This convoy departed Halifax on 2 December 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Athelchief (British (tanker), 10000 GRT, built 1939), Beaverdale (British, 9957 GRT, built 1928), Chancellor (British, 4607 GRT, built 1916), Darina (British, 8113 GRT, built 1939), De Grasse (French, 18435 GRT, built 1924), Inkosi (British, 6618 GRT, built 1937), Manchester Progress (British, 5620 GRT, built 1938), Newfoundland (British, 6791 GRT, built 1925), Oropesa (British, 14118 GRT, built 1920), Pacific Grove (British, 7117 GRT, built 1928), Rothermere (British, 5356 GRT, built 1938), Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937), Sulairia (British, 5802 GRT, built 1929) and Torr Head (British, 5021 GRT, built 1937).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN), destroyers HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN) and the submarines HMS Narwhal (Lt.Cdr. E.R.J. Oddie, RN) and HMS Seal (Lt.Cdr. R.P. Lonsdale, RN).

Around 1940Q/2, in thick fog, the Chancellor was rammed by the Athelchief. The Oropesa was ordered to stand by the stricken Chancellor. Damage was first reported to be slight but in the and it proved to be serious and she was taken in tow to make for Halifax. No the less the ship was beyond salvage and sank. The entire crew was taken off. The Athelchief and Oropesa returned to Halifax.

Around 1130Q/3, both Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

During the night of 5/6 December 1939 thick fog was once again encountered and the following ships straggled from the convoy; Beaverdale, Inkosi, Manchester Progress, Torr Head as well as HMS Narwhal and HMS Seal.

Around 1150P/6, the Torr Head rejoined the convoy.

In the morning of 7 December 1939, HMS Narwhal with the Beaverdale and Inkosi in company rejoined. Also the Manchester Progress rejoined which reported that she had seen HMS Seal on the 6th.

Around 1630O/8, HMS Seal rejoined the convoy.

Around 1700N/12, the destroyer HMS Mackay (Cdr. G.H. Stokes, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 2030N/12, in approximate position 50°08'N, 11°39'W, HMS Ascania parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 0830Z/13, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Manchester Progress, Newfoundland, Rothermere, Strategist, Sulairia and Torr Head. HMS Mackay went with them as escort. Around 1100Z/13, they were joined by the destroyer HMS Warwick (Lt.Cdr. M.A.G. Child, RN). The destroyers arrived at Liverpool on 14 / 15 December 1939 respectively.

The Channel / East coast section was initially only escorted by the two submarines but around 1045Z/13 the destroyers HMS Wren (Cdr. W.H. Selby, RN) and HMS Witch (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Barnes, RN) joined. Around 0845Z/14, HMS Narwhal and HMS Seal parted company to proceed to Portsmouth. She was escorted by HMS Witch. HMS Wren continued on with the convoy and arrived at Dover on 15 December 1939. The convoy continued on towards the Downs minus the De Grasse which by then had been detached to Le Havre. (2)

27 Dec 1939

Convoy HXF 14.

This convoy departed Halifax on 27 December 1939.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Adrastus (British, 7905 GRT, built 1923), Alabama (French, 5645 GRT, built 1931), Belinda (Norwegian (tanker), 8325 GRT, built 1939), Cliftonhall (British, 5063 GRT, built 1938), Custodian (British, 5881 GRT, built 1928), Daronia (British (tanker), 8139 GRT, built 1939), Dolabella (British (tanker), 8142 GRT, built 1939) Geraldine Mary (British, 7244 GRT, built 1924), Lucellum (British (tanker), 9425 GRT, built 1938), Manchester Division (British, 6048 GRT, built 1918), Manipur (British, 9242 GRT, built 1920), Oilfield (British (tanker), 8516 GRT, built 1938), Rousillon (French (tanker), 9967 GRT, built 1936), Saintonge (French (tanker), 9386 GRT, built 1936), San Arcadio (British (tanker), 7419 GRT, built 1935), San Conrado (British (tanker), 7982 GRT, built 1936), San Emiliano (British (tanker), 8071 GRT, built 1939), Scherazade (French (tanker), 13467 GRT, built 1935), Vacport (British (tanker), 6774 GRT, built 1930) and Wisconsin (French, 8062 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Lt.Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. E.P. Tisdall, RCN).

Around 1400Q/28, both Canadian destroyers parted company. They arrived back at Halifax on 31 December 1939.

At dawn on 31 January it was noticed that during the night of 30/31 January 1939 the Saintonge had straggled from the convoy. She only rejoined around 1030Z/5.

Around 0900Z/5, the destroyers HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN), HMS Vanessa (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Plumer, RN) and sloop HMS Deptford (Capt. C.A.E. Stanfield, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1030Z/5, HMS Ascania parted company with the convoy.

Around 1100Z/5, the destroyer HMS Versatile (Cdr.(Retd.) T.A. Hussey, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 1800Z/5, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / West Coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Adrastus, Alabama, Belinda, Custodian, Geraldine Mary, Manchester Division and San Conrado. HMS Versatile and HMS Deptford went with them as escort. HMS Versatile arrived at Liverpool in the morning of 8 January 1940. HMS Deptford had already arrived in the afternoon of 7 January 1940.

The remainder of the convoy made up the Channel / East Coast section. HMS Amazon and HMS Vanessa arrived at Dover in the morning of 8 January 1940. The ships of the convoy proceeded to the Downs. The Rousillon, Saintonge, San Arcadio, San Emiliano, Scherazade, Vacport and Wisconsin had been detached earlier as their destination was Le Havre and Nantes (Vacport only). (3)

20 Jan 1940

Convoy HXF 17.

This convoy departed Halifax on 20 January 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Adviser (British, 6348 GRT, built 1939), Beaverdale (British, 9957 GRT, built 1928), Consuelo (British, 4847 GRT, built 1937), D.L. Harper (British (tanker), 12223 GRT, built 1933), De Grasse (French, 18435 GRT, built 1924), Delphinula (British (tanker), 8120 GRT, built 1939), Henri Desprez (French, 9805 GRT, built 1932), Inversuir (British, 9456 GRT, built 1938), Malayan Prince (British, 8953 GRT, built 1926), Newfoundland (British, 6791 GRT, built 1925), Polarsol (Norwegian (tanker), 10022 GRT, built 1939), Rhexenor (British, 7957 GRT, built 1923), San Ernesto (British (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1939) and Westmoreland (British, 9001 GRT, built 1917).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Fraser (Cdr. W.N. Creery, RCN) and HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN).

Around 1700Q/20, the D.L. Harper fell out of the convoy as she was not under control. She returned to Halifax and later joined convoy HX 17.

Around 0900Q/21, the Beaverdale parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax as she had boiler trouble.

Around 1200Q/21, the two Canadian destroyers parted company on 6 January 1940 to return to Halifax.

Around 0845Z/29, in approximate position 50°35'N, 13°48'W, the destroyers HMS Verity (Lt.Cdr. A.R.M. Black, RN) and HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN) joined.

around 1400Z/29, the convoy split into two sections. HMS Ascania parted company with the convoy to proceed independently to Greenock.

The Irish Sea / West Coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Adviser, Inversuir, Newfoundland, Polarsol and Rhexenor. This section was escorted by HMS Volunteer which arrived at Liverpool in the afternoon of 31 January 1940.

The remaining ships made up the Channel / East Coast section which was escorted by HMS Verity. This destroyer arrived at Dover on 1 February 1940. The merchant vessels continued on towards the Downs except the De Grasse, Henri Desprez and San Ernesto which had been detached as their destinations were French ports. (4)

27 Feb 1940
The battleships HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN) and the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN) departed Greenock for Halifax. They had embarked gold that was to be shipped to Canada for safekeeping.

They were escorted until 2000/28 by the destroyers HMS Faulknor (Capt. A.F. de Salis, RN), HMS Fame (Cdr. P.N. Walter, RN), HMS Forester (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Tancock, RN), HMS Fury (Cdr. G.F. Burghard, RN) and HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN). (5)

4 Mar 1940
The battleships HMS Malaya (Capt. I.B.B. Tower, DSC, RN) and the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN) arrived at Halifax. (6)

13 Mar 1940

Convoy HX 27.

This convoy departed Halifax on 13 March 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Auretta (British, 4564 GRT, built 1935), Baron Scott (British, 4574 GRT, built 1939), Belcrest (British, 4517 GRT, built 1925), Bristol City (British, 2864 GRT, built 1920), British Union (British (tanker), 6987 GRT, built 1927), Charles Pratt (Panamanian (tanker), 10050 GRT, built 1916), Dalmore (British, 5193 GRT, built 1927), Disa (Swedish, 2002 GRT, built 1918), Frumenton (British, 6675 GRT, built 1930), Germanic (British, 5352 GRT, built 1936), Inger Lise (Norwegian, 1582 GRT, built 1939), Korsholm (Swedish, 2647 GRT, built 1925), Louisianan (British, 5630 GRT, built 1919), Nueva Granada (Norwegian (tanker), 9968 GRT, built 1937), Oakwood (British, 6071 GRT, built 1920), Oilpioneer (British (tanker), 5666 GRT, built 1928), Pindos (Greek, 4360 GRT, built 1908), Port Campbell (British, 7851 GRT, built 1924), Port Dunedin (British, 7441 GRT, built 1925), Redgate (British, 4323 GRT, built 1929), Rio Grande (Panamanian, 5696 GRT, built 1919), Ruperra (British, 4548 GRT, built 1925), San Roberto (British (tanker), 5890 GRT, built 1922), Scottish Trader (British, 4016 GRT, built 1938), South America (Norwegian (tanker), 6246 GRT, built 1931), Trefusis (British, 5299 GRT, built 1918), Vernon City (British, 4748 GRT, built 1929) and Zeus (Greek, 5961 GRT, built 1920).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN), HMCS St. Laurent (Lt.Cdr. H.G. de Wolf, RCN) and the submarine Sidi Ferruch (Lt. Y.M.E. Lostie de Kerhor de Saint-Hippolyte).

The Bristol City was late in sailing from Halifax and in fact never joined the convoy. she

Around 1800Q/14, both Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

During the night of 14/15 March the Frumenton (arrived at Liverpool on 28 March) and Ruperra (arrived at Portland on 28 March) straggled from the convoy in approximate position 42°40'N, 57°10'W.

During the night of 23/24 March the Germanic (arrived at Milford Haven on 28 March) straggled from the convoy in approximate position 49°36'N, 15°21'W.

During the night of 24/25 March the Disa (arrived at in the Clyde on 29 March) straggled from the convoy in approximate position 50°30'N, 13°37'W.

Around 1030Z/25, in position 50°05'N, 11°42'W, HMS Ascania parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax. The local A/S escort had not yet joined the convoy.

Around 1600Z/25, the local escort joined. It was made up of the destroyers HMS Vanoc (Lt.Cdr. J.G.W. Deneys, RN), HMS Versatile (Cdr.(Retd.) T.A. Hussey, RN), HMS Windsor (Lt.Cdr. P.D.H.R. Pelly, RN) and HMS Amazon (Lt.Cdr. N.E.G. Roper, RN).

Around 2000Z/25, in position 49°46'N, 09°58'W, the Sidi Ferruch parted company to proceed to Brest.

The convoy was split up into two sections at the same time.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Dalmore (arrived at Milford Haven on 28 March), Inger Lise (arrived in the Clyde on 29 March), Korsholm (arrived at Liverpool on 28 March), Oakwood (arrived at Liverpool on 28 March), Oilpioneer (arrived at Liverpool on 28 March), Port Dunedin (arrived at Milford Haven on 28 March), Rio Grande (arrived at Liverpool on 28 March), San Roberto (arrived at Ardrossan on 28 March), South America (arrived at Liverpool on 28 March) and Vernon City (arrived at Milford Haven on 28 March). They were escorted by HMS Vanoc and HMS Versatile which arrived at Liverpool on 28 March.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels; Auretta (arrived at Le Havre on 28 March), Baron Scott (arrived in the Downs on 28 March), Belcrest (arrived in the Downs on 28 March), British Union (arrived at Plymouth on 27 March), Charles Pratt (destination was either Brest or Le Havre, arrival date not known), Louisianan (arrived at Le Havre on 28 March), Nueva Granada (arrived at Bordeaux on 27 March), Pindos (arrived at Le Havre on 30(?) March), Port Campbell (arrived in the Downs on 28 March), Redgate (arrived in the Downs on 28 March), Scottish Trader (arrived in the Downs on 28 March), Trefusis (arrived in the Downs on 28 March) and Zeus (arrived in the Downs on 28 March). They were escorted by HMS Amazon (arrived at Plymouth on 27 March) and HMS Windsor (arrived at Dover on 28 March). (7)

6 Apr 1940

Convoy HX 33.

This convoy departed Halifax on 6 April 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Allende (British, 5108 GRT, built 1928), Ashby (British, 4868 GRT, built 1927), Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Barrgrove (British, 5222 GRT, built 1918), Beaverbrae (British, 9956 GRT, built 1928), Botavon (British, 5848 GRT, built 1912), Boulderpool (British, 4805 GRT, built 1928), British Ardour (British (tanker), 7124 GRT, built 1928), Brockley Hill (British, 5287 GRT, built 1918), Brookwood (British, 5100 GRT, built 1929), Chelsea (British, 4804 GRT, built 1925), City of Karachi (British, 7140 GRT, built 1937), Clearpool (British, 5405 GRT, built 1935), Coimbra (British (tanker), 6768 GRT, built 1937), Dakotian (British, 6426 GRT, built 1922), Dalcross (British, 4557 GRT, built 1930), Dan-Y-Bryn (British, 5117 GRT, built 1940), Elmbank (British, 5155 GRT, built 1925), Italia (Norwegian (tanker), 9973 GRT, built 1939), Karamea (British, 10530 GRT, built 1928), King Lud (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), Langleebrook (British, 4246 GRT, built 1930), Lumen (British (tanker), 6500 GRT, built 1925), Miralda (British (tanker), 8013 GRT, built 1936), Pacific President (British, 7113 GRT, built 1928), Regent Lion (British (tanker), 9551 GRT, built 1937), San Adolfo (British (tanker), 7365 GRT, built 1935), San Cirilo (British (tanker), 8012 GRT, built 1937), Scottish Heather (British (tanker), 7087 GRT, built 1928), Scottish Prince (British, 4917 GRT, built 1938), Sheaf Mead (British, 5008 GRT, built 1924), Spondilus (British (tanker), 7402 GRT, built 1927), Tennessean (British, 6318 GRT, built 1919) and Venetia (British, 5728 GRT, built 1927).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN), destroyers HMCS Ottawa (Cdr. E.R. Mainguy, RCN), HMCS Restigouche (Lt.Cdr. H.N. Lay, RCN), HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN) and the submarine Bévéziers (Lt.Cdr. H. Nicolau).

HMCS Restigouche parted company with the convoy later on the 6th to return to Halifax.

HMCS Ottawa and HMCS Skeena were ordered to part company with the convoy at 1800Q/7 and then return to Halifax.

At dawn on the 15th it was seen that the Bévéziers was no longer with the convoy apparently having lost contact during the night. She arrived safely at Brest in the morning of 20 April.

Shortly before noon on the 15th, in position 49°06'N, 26°03'W, HMS Ascania parted company to return to Halifax.

At 0615A/18, the sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN) joined.

Around 1600A/18, the convoy was split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Allende (arrived in the Clyde on 21 April), Atlantic (arrived at Manchester on 20 April), Barrgrove (arrived at Liverpool on 20 April), British Ardour (arrived at Avonmouth on 20 April), Brockley Hill (arrived at Liverpool on 20 April), Chelea (arrived at Manchester on 20 April), Clearpool (arrived at Cardiff on 21 April), Dakotian (arrived at Avonmouth on 20 April), Dalcross (arrived in the Clyde on 21 April), Dan-Y-Bryn (arrived at Liverpool on 20 April), Italia (arrived at Avonmouth on 21 April), Regent Lion (arrived at Swansea on 20 April), San Adolfo (arrived at Liverpool on 20 April), Sheaf Mead (arrived at Swansea on 20 April) and Tennessean (arrived in the Clyde on 21 April). They were escorted by HMS Rochester which arrived at Liverpool on 20 April.

At 0614A/20, HMS Rochester signalled the Flag Officer in Command Liverpool that she was holding a stationary target in position 343° - Great Ormes Head - 15 nautical miles. Large patches of oil were seen on the surface. She asked whether this had already been reported, before attacking. At 0755A/20, the Flag Officer in Command Liverpool signalled to HMS Rochester that the contact was a new one at that she should attack. HMS Rochester then carried out two attacks but the contact was later classified as non-sub.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Ashby (arrived at East Bay, Dungeness on 21 April then re-directed to Milford Haven where she arrived on 23 April), Beaverbrae (arrived in the Downs on 22 April), Botavon (arrived at Weymouth on 20 April), Boulderpool (arrived at East Bay, Dungeness on 21 April then re-directed to Avonmouth where she arrived on 23 April), Brookwood (arrived in the Downs on 22 April), City of Karachi (arrived at Weymouth on 20 April), Coimbra (arrived at Plymouth on 20 April), Elmbank (arrived at Weymouth on 20 April), Karamea (arrived in the Downs on 22 April), King Lud (arrived at Plymouth on 20 April), Langleebrook (arrived at Weymouth on 20 April), Lumen (arrived at Le Havre on 22 April), Miralda (arrived at East Bay, Dungeness on 21 April then re-directed to Southampton where she arrived on 22 April), Pacific President (arrived at East Bay, Dungeness on 21 April then re-directed to Holyhead where she arrived on 23 April), San Cirilo (arrived at Weymouth on 20 April), Scottish Heather (arrived at Southampton on 21 April), Scottish Prince (arrived at Dunkirk on 22 April), Spondilus (arrived in the Downs on 22 April) and Venetia (arrived at Southampton on 21 April). They were escorted by the destroyer HMS Whitehall (Lt.Cdr. A.B. Russell, RN) which must thus have joined by he time the convoy split up. HMS Whitehall arrived at Dover on 22 April. (8)

26 Apr 1940

Convoy HX 38.

This convoy departed Halifax on 26 April 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Ancylus (British (tanker), 8017 GRT, built 1935), Anglo-African (British, 5601 GRT, built 1929), Anglo-Saxon (British, 5596 GRT, built 1929), Athelsultan (British (tanker), 8882 GRT, built 1929), Athelviking (British (tanker), 8779 GRT, built 1926), Bourgogne (French (tanker), 9357 GRT, built 1937), Brasil (Norwegian (tanker), 8130 GRT, built 1935), British Grenadier (British (tanker), 6857 GRT, built 1922), Delhi (Swedish, 4571 GRT, built 1925), Drupa (British (tanker), 8102 GRT, built 1939), Europa (British, 10224 GRT, built 1931), Geo W. McKnight (British (tanker), 12502 GRT, built 1933), Gretavale (British, 4586 GRT, built 1928), Hanseat (Panamanian (tanker), 7932 GRT, built 1929), Ile de Ré (French, 5104 GRT, built 1920), Kaia Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 9063 GRT, built 1931), Llanwern (British, 4966 GRT, built 1928), Magician (British, 5105 GRT, built 1925), Manchester Brigade (British, 6042 GRT, built 1918), Merchant Royal (British, 5008 GRT, built 1928), Mytilus (Norwegian (tanker), 5716 GRT, built 1916), Norfolk (British, 10948 GRT, built 1918), Quebec City (British, 4745 GRT, built 1927), Queen City (British, 4814 GRT, built 1924), San Amado (British (tanker), 7316 GRT, built 1935), San Angelo (British, 5619 GRT, built 1918), San Gaspar (British (tanker), 12910 GRT, built 1921), Scottish Maiden (British (tanker), 6993 GRT, built 1921), Simonburn (British, 5213 GRT, built 1925), Skeldergate (British, 4251 GRT, built 1930), Sovac (British (tanker), 6724 GRT, built 1938), Stigstad (Norwegian (tanker), 5964 GRT, built 1927), Texas Banker (British, 2479 GRT, built 1919), Valparaiso (Swedish, 3762 GRT, built 1917), Vestfold (Panamanian (whale factory ship), 14547 GRT, built 1931), Vimeira (British, 5728 GRT, built 1927), Waziristan (British, 5135 GRT, built 1924) and White Crest (British, 4365 GRT, built 1928).

The RFA tankers Abbeydale (8299 GRT, built 1937) and Olwen (6470 GRT, built 1917) are also part of the convoy.

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN) and the destroyers HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) and HMCS Skeena (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Hibbard, RCN).

Around 1800Q/27, the Canadian destroyers parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 1900Q/27, the merchant vessel Akaroa (British, 15130 GRT, built 1914) overtook and joined the convoy. She had departed late from Halifax.

During the night of 28/29 April 1940, the following merchant vessels lost contact with the convoy in the fog that had been encountered;
Bourgogne (arrived at Le Verdon on 11 May), Brazil (rejoined the convoy on 2 May), Drupa (rejoined the convoy on 3 May), Gretavale (rejoined the convoy on 1 May), Hanseat (arrived at Le Havre on 12 May), Ile de Ré (arrived at Le Havre on 11 May), Merchant Royal (arrived at Portland on 12 May), Scottish Maiden (arrived at Brest on 10 May) and Simonburn (arrived at Portland on 12 May).

On 1 May, the following merchant vessels lost contact with the convoy in the fog that had been encountered;
Abbeydale (rejoined the convoy on 2 May), Akaroa (arrived at Portland on 10 May), Ancylus (rejoined the convoy on 2 May), Anglo-African (rejoined the convoy later the same day), Athelsultan (arrived at Belfast on 12 May), Athelviking (arrived at Liverpool on 11 May), British Grenadier (arrived at Milford Haven on 10 May), Delhi (rejoined the convoy on 2 May), Europa (rejoined the convoy on 2 May), Kaia Knudsen (rejoined the convoy later the same day), Llanwern (rejoined the convoy later the same day), Magician (rejoined the convoy on 3 May), Mytilus (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), Quebec City (arrived at Newport on 10 May), San Amado (rejoined the convoy on 3 May), San Gaspar (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), Stigstad (arrived at Liverpool on 11 May), Texas Banker (rejoined the convoy on 3 May), Valparaiso (rejoined the convoy on 6 May), Vestfold (arrived at Liverpool on 11 May), Waziristan (rejoined the convoy later the same day) and White Crest (arrived at Ardrossan on 14 May).

On 3 May, the following merchant vessels lost contact with the convoy in bad weather conditions;
Anglo-African (rejoined the convoy on 9 May), Anglo-Saxon (arrived at Portland on 11 May), Delhi (rejoined the convoy on 4 May), Llanwern (rejoined the convoy on 4 May) and San Angelo (arrived at Portland on 12 May).

On 5 May, the Vimiera straggled from the convoy but she rejoined the following day.

Around 0630O/8, in position 49°50'N, 22°35'W, HMS Ascania parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

Around 0600A/10, in position 50°04'N, 13°30'W, the destroyers HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN) and HMS Wessex (Lt.Cdr. W.A.R. Cartwright, RN) joined the convoy.

Later that day, around 1700A/10 [???, time difficult to read on the Commodore's report] in position 50°05'N, 10°45'W, the convoy split into two sections.

The Irish Sea / west coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Abbeydale (arrived in the Clyde on 12 May), Drupa (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), Europa (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), Magician (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), Manchester Brigade (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), San Amado (arrived at Swansea on 12 May), Sovac (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), Texas Banker (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May), Valparaiso (arrived at Liverpool on 12 May) and Waziristan (arrived at Swansea on 12 May). They were escorted until 2200A/10 by HMS Walpole. HMS Walpole then parted company to join the Nore Command as a result of the German attack of The Netherlands, Belgium and France. She was to proceed to Plymouth first to fuel. The Irish Sea / west coast section then proceeded apparently unescorted.

The Channel / east coast section was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Anglo-African (arrived at Portland on 12 May), Brasil (arrived at Le Verdon on 13 May), Delhi (arrived in the Downs on 13 May), Geo W. McKnight (arrived at Southampton on 12 May), Gretavale (arrived in the Downs on 13 May), Kaia Knudsen (arrived at Southampton on 12 May), Llanwern (arrived at Portland on 12 May), Norfolk (arrived at Portland on 12 May), Olwen (arrived at Plymouth on 12 May), Queen City (arrived at Portland on 12 May), Skeldergate (arrived at Portland on 12 May) and Vimeira (arrived at Plymouth on 12 May). They were escorted by HMS Wessex. Like HMS Walpole, HMS Wessex was also ordered to part company with the convoy, proceed to Plymouth to fuel and then join the Nore Command. It looks like the Channel / east coast section also proceeded unescorted. (9)

27 Aug 1940

Convoy BHX 69.

This convoy departed Bermuda on 27 August 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Alhama (British, 1352 GRT, built 1938), Amakura (British, 1987 GRT, built 1924), Buesten (Norwegian, 5187 GRT, built 1927), Cape St. Andrew (British, 5094 GRT, built 1928), Condor (British, 4748 GRT, built 1920), Dolabella (British (tanker), 8142 GRT, built 1939), Dosinia (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, buil 1938), Gold Shell (British (tanker), 8208 GRT, built 1931), Olympos (Greek, 5216 GRT, built 1918), Oropesa (British, 14118 GRT, built 1920), San Casimiro (British (tanker), 8046 GRT, built 1936), Taron (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936), Traveller (British, 3963 GRT, built 1922, 3963 GRT, built 1922), Tricula (British (tanker), 3963 GRT, built 1922, 6221 GRT, built 1936) and Winamac (British (tanker), 8621 GRT, built 1926).

On departure from Bermuda the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN).

Around 0715P/3, HMS Ascania was detached to proceed to Halifax when the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Woodward, DSO and Bar, RN) had temporarily joined the to guide the to the rendezvous with the main convoy (HX 69).

Around 1000P/3, in position 43°20'N, 48°20'W, Convoy BHX 69 merged with convoy HX 69. (10)

28 Aug 1940

Convoy HX 69.

This convoy departed Halifax on 28 August 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Austvard (Norwegian, 3677 GRT, built 1925), Barrdale (British, 5072 GRT, built 1925), Botlea (British, 5119 GRT, built 1917), Charles F. Meyer (British (tanker), 10516 GRT, built 1938), Dalfram (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Haakon Hauan (Norwegian (tanker), 6582 GRT, built 1935), Iddesleigh (British, 5205 GRT, built 1927), Inger (Norwegian, 1409 GRT, built 1930), Kelbergen (Dutch, 4823 GRT, built 1914), Lapland (British, 1330 GRT, built 1936), Lylepark (British, 5186 GRT, built 1929), Martand (British, 7967 GRT, built 1939), Narragansett (British (tanker), 10389 GRT, built 1936), Penrose (British, 4393 GRT, built 1928), Pontfield (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1940), Rowanbank (British, 5159 GRT, built 1919), Siris (British, 5242 GRT, built 1919), Tapanoeli (British, 7031 GRT, built 1924), Tornus (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936), Ulysses (Dutch, 2655 GRT, built 1918), Voco (British (tanker), 5090 GRT, built 1925), W.B. Walker (British (tanker), 10468 GRT, built 1935) and Yselhaven (Dutch, 4802 GRT, built 1921).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alaunia (Capt.(Retd.) H.J. Woodward, DSO and Bar, RN) and the destroyer HMCS Assiniboine (Capt. G.C. Jones, RCN) and the auxiliary patrol vessel HMCS French (A/Skr. W. Philpott, RCNR).

Around 2100P/28, HMCS French parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 2010P/29, in position 43°03'N, 59°15'W, HMCS Assiniboine parted company to return to Halifax.

Around 1300P/30, in position 42°49'N, 56°44'W, the Sydney section (Convoy SHX 69) of the convoy joined. This was made up of the following merchant vessels; Asbjorn (British, 4387 GRT, built 1935), Beaverdale (British, 9957 GRT, built 1928), Bridgepool (British, 4845 GRT, built 1924), Delilian (British, 6423 GRT, built 1923), Lord Byron (British, 4118 GRT, built 1934), Parracombe (British, 4702 GRT, built 1928), Roxby (British, 4252 GRT, built 1923), Stad Maastricht (Dutch, 6907 GRT, built 1924) and Vestvard (Norwegian, 4319 GRT, built 1925). It's escort from Sydney, the destroyer HMCS Saguenay (Cdr. G.R. Miles, RCN) had been detached around 0800P/30 when HMS Alaunia had temporarily joined the Sydney section (SHX 69) to guide it to the rendezvous with the Halifax section (HX 69).

Around 1000/1, in position 43°20'N, 48°20'W, the Bermuda section (Convoy BHX 69) of the convoy joined. This was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alhama (British, 1352 GRT, built 1938), Amakura (British, 1987 GRT, built 1924), Buesten (Norwegian, 5187 GRT, built 1927), Cape St. Andrew (British, 5094 GRT, built 1928), Condor (British, 4748 GRT, built 1920), Dolabella (British (tanker), 8142 GRT, built 1939), Dosinia (British (tanker), 8053 GRT, buil 1938), Gold Shell (British (tanker), 8208 GRT, built 1931), Olympos (Greek, 5216 GRT, built 1918), Oropesa (British, 14118 GRT, built 1920), San Casimiro (British (tanker), 8046 GRT, built 1936), Taron (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936), Traveller (British, 3963 GRT, built 1922, 3963 GRT, built 1922), Tricula (British (tanker), 3963 GRT, built 1922, 6221 GRT, built 1936) and Winamac (British (tanker), 8621 GRT, built 1926). It's escort from Bermuda, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN) had been detached around 0715P/30 when HMS Alaunia had temporarily joined the Bermuda section (BHX 69) to guide it to the rendezvous with the main convoy (HX 69).

Around 2015N/8, in position 58°28'N, 19°05'W, HMS Alaunia parted company to return to Halifax.

Between 0700Z/9 - 0800Z/9, in position 58°47'N, 16°22'W, the destroyers HMS Arrow (Cdr. H.W. Williams, RN), HMS Ambuscade (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Fell, RN), HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN), sloop Fowey (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Aubrey, RN), corvettes HMS Camellia (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Mackay, RNR), HMS Clarkia (Lt.Cdr. F.J.G. Jones, RNR) and HMS Heartsease (Lt.Cdr. E.J.R. North, RNR) joined.

Around 1900Z/9, in position 56°34'N, 18°42'W, the east coast section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alhama, Barrdale, Botlea, Cape St. Andrew, Dalfram, Kelbergen, Lord Byron, Martand, Parracombe, Roxby, Traveller, Tricula, Voco and Yselhaven. They took HMS Fowey and HMS Camellia with them as escorts. This section arrived in Methil Roads on 13 September. The two escorts then proceeded to Rosyth where they arrived later on 13 September.

Around 1000A/11, in position 55°09'N, 05°48'W, the Clyde section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Austvard, Buesten, Delilian, Dolabella, Narraganset, Pontfield, Rowanbank, San Casimiro, Tornus and Winamac. HMS Arrow and HMS Ambuscade also parted company and proceeded to Greenock.

Around 1315A/11, in position 54°48'N, 05°26'W, the Olympos parted company to proceed to Belfast Lough.

Around 2015A/11, in position 53°45'N, 05°08'W, the Liverpool section of the convoy parted company. It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Asbjorn, Condor, Dosinia, Haakon Hauan, Iddesleigh, Oropesa, Penrose, Siris, Tapanoeli, Taron and Vestvard and W.B. Walker. They took HMS Winchelsea, HMS Clarkia and HMS Heartsease with them as escorts.

Around 1200A/12, in position 50°35'N, 05°30'W, the Inger, and Lylepark parted company to proceed to Milford Haven.

Around 2300A/12, following ships arrived in Barry Roads; Amakura, Beaverdale, Bridgepool, Charles F. Meyer, Lapland, Gold Shell, Stad Maastricht and Ulysses. (11)

23 Nov 1940

Convoy BHX 91

This convoy departed Bermuda on 23 November 1940 and merged at sea with convoy HX 91 on 28 November 1940.

Convoy BHX 91 was made up of the following merchant vessels: Brasil (Norwegian (tanker), 8130 GRT, built 1935), Comanchee (British (tanker), 6837 GRT, built 1936), Coptic (British, 8281 GRT, built 1928), Megara (British (tanker), 7981 GRT, built 1929), Otina (British (tanker), 6217 GRT, built 1938) and Skaraas (Norwegian (tanker), 9826 GRT, built 1936).

On departure from Bermuda the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN).

The convoy merged at sea with convoy HX 91 on 28 Novmeber 1940.

25 Nov 1940

Convoy HX 91.

This convoy departed Halifax on 25 November 1940.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Bellerophon (British, 9019 GRT, built 1906), Chama (British (tanker), 8077 GRT, built 1938), Chelatros (Greek, 3489 GRT, built 1914), Eleni (British, 5655 GRT, built 1918), Empire Elk (British, 4748 GRT, built 1920), Maine (British, 6032 GRT, built 1917), Mokambo (Belgian, 4996 GRT, built 1938), Onomea (British, 5520 GRT, built 1917), Pacific Pioneer (British, 6734 GRT, built 1928), San Florentino (British (tanker), 12842 GRT, built 1919), Silvercedar (British, 4354 GRT, built 1924), Spar (Dutch, 3616 GRT, built 1924) and Stanwell (British, 5767 GRT, built 1914).

On departure from Halifax the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMCS Assiniboine (Capt. L.W. Murray, RCN) and the auxiliary patrol vessel HMCS French (A/Skr. W. Philpott, RCNR).

HMCS French parted company shortly after departure followed by HMCS Assiniboine in the afternoon of the 26th.

On 27 November convoy SHX 91, coming from Sydney, Nova Scotia which it had departed on 26 November, merged with convoy HX 91. Convoy SHX 91 was made up of the following merchant vessels; Arosa (Norwegian, 5043 GRT, built 1924), British Prince (British, 4879 GRT, built 1935), Brynymor (British, 4771 GRT, built 1936), Chelatros (Greek, 3489 GRT, built 1914), Delfshaven (Dutch, 5281 GRT, built 1930), Dionyssios Stathatos (Greek, 5168 GRT, built 1919), Evgenia Chandris (Greek, 5317 GRT, built 1920), King Frederick (British, 5106 GRT, built 1920), Liguria (Swedish, 1751 GRT, built 1914), Manchester Citizen (British, 5343 GRT, built 1925), Pacific (Swedish, 4978 GRT, built 1914), Saltwick (British, 3775 GRT, built 1929), Skiensfjord (Norwegian, 5922 GRT, built 1922), Sophocles (Norwegian, 5184 GRT, built 1939) and Trekieve (British, 5244 GRT, built 1919).

Also on 27 November the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) joined the convoy. She had departed Halifax on the 26th to overtake and join the convoy as Ocean Escort.

On 28 November convoy BHX 91, coming from Bermuda which it had departed on 23 November, merged with convoy HX 91. Convoy BHX 91 was made up of the following merchant vessels; Brasil (Norwegian (tanker), 8130 GRT, built 1935), Comanchee (British (tanker), 6837 GRT, built 1936), Coptic (British, 8281 GRT, built 1928), Megara (British (tanker), 7981 GRT, built 1929), Otina (British (tanker), 6217 GRT, built 1938) and Skaraas (Norwegian (tanker), 9826 GRT, built 1936).

They had been escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN) which then parted company with the convoy.

At 0700OP/4, HMS Revenge parted company with the convoy to return to Halifax.

The convoy was joined on 6 December 1940 by the destroyer HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) and HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN) and corvette HMS Candytuft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR). On 8 December another corvette, HMS Honeysuckle (Lt. G.W. Gregorie, RNR), also joined the convoy.

The convoy arrived in British waters on 11 December.

6 May 1941

Convoy HX 125

This convoy departed Halifax on 6 May 1941 in two sections, convoy HX 125A and convoy HX 125B. They merged in the afternoon of May 16th.

Convoy HX 125A was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Abraham Lincoln (Norwegian, 5784 GRT, built 1929), Armadale (British, 5066 GRT, built 1929), Athelknight (British (tanker), 8940 GRT, built 1930), Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Baron Dunmore (British, 3938 GRT, built 1933), Bic Island (British, 4000 GRT, built 1917), British Cinfidence (British (tanker), 8494 GRT, built 1936), British Fortitude (British (tanker), 8482 GRT, built 1937), British Sincerity (British (tanker), 8538 GRT, built 1939), Clausina (British (tanker), 8083 GRT, built 1938), Dallington Court (British, 6889 GRT, built 1929), El Aleto (British (tanker), 7203 GRT, built 1927), Empire Confidence (British, 5023 GRT, built 1935), Eskbank (British, 5137 GRT, built 1937), Fjordheim (British, 4115 GRT, built 1930), Garonne (Norwegian (tanker), 7113 GRT, built 1921), Glenwood (British, 4897 GRT, built 1940), Harmala (British, 5730 GRT, built 1935), Harpagon (British, 5719 GRT, built 1935), Ingerfem (British, 3987 GRT, built 1912), King Neptune (British, 5224 GRT, built 1928), King William (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928), Lancastrian Prince (British, 1914 GRT, built 1940), Lucellum (British (tanker), 9425 GRT, built 1938), Luminetta (British (tanker), 6159 GRT, built 1927), Luxor (British (tanker), 6554 GRT, built 1930), O.A. Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 11007 GRT, built 1938), Port Nicholson (British, 8402 GRT, built 1919), Ramsay (British, 4855 GRT, built 1930), Robert F. Hand (British (tanker), 12197 GRT, built 1933), San Amado (British (tanker), 7316 GRT, built 1935), San Cipriano (British, 7966 GRT, built 1937), Silverelm (British, 4351 GRT, built 1924), Taron (British (tanker), 8054 GRT, built 1936), Temple Arch (British, 5138 GRT, built 1940), Temple Inn (British, 5218 GRT, built 1940), Topdalsfjord (Norwegian, 4271 GRT, built 1921), Trevilley (British, 5296 GRT, built 1940), Troubadour (Norwegian, 5808 GRT, built 1920) and Vancouver (British (tanker), 5729 GRT, built 1928).

On departure from Halifax convoy HX 125A was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ascania (Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Ringrose-Wharton, RN) and the corvettes HMCS Cobalt (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.B. Campbell, RCNR) and HMCS Wetaskiwin (Lt.Cdr. G.S. Windeyer, RCN). The corvettes however soon returned to Halifax.

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Convoy HX 125B was made up of the following merchant vessels;
Breedijk (Dutch, 6861 GRT, built 1922), Briarwood (British, 4019 GRT, built 1930), British Destiny (British (tanker), 8470 GRT, built 1937), British Governor (British (tanker), 6840 GRT, built 1926), British Prestige (British (tanker), 7106 GRT, built 1931), Christian Holm (British (tanker), 9119 GRT, built 1927), City of Adelaide (British, 6589 GRT, built 1920), Clearpool (British, 5404 GRT, built 1935), Cockaponset (British, 5995 GRT, built 1919), Corrales (British, 5363 GRT, built 1930), Diloma (British (tanker), 8146 GRT, built 1939), Egyptian Prince (British, 3490 GRT, built 1922), Empire Barracuda (British, 4972 GRT, built 1919), Empire Hail (British, 7005 GRT, built 1941), Evgenia Chandris (Greek, 5317 GRT, built 1920), Frontenac (Norwegian (tanker), 7350 GRT, built 1928), Gold Shell (British (tanker), 8208 GRT, built 1931), Hellen (Norwegian, 5289 GRT, built 1921), Ida Knudsen (Norwegian (tanker), 8913 GRT, built 1925), Invincible (British, 7592 GRT, built 1918), Kelso (British, 3956 GRT, built 1924), Kent (British, 8697 GRT, built 1918), Lodestone (British, 4877 GRT, built 1938), Manchester Exporter (British, 5277 GRT, built 1918), Masunda (British, 5250 GRT, built 1929), Modavia (British, 4858 GRT, built 1927), Norfolk (British, 10948 GRT, built 1918) and Nyanza (British, 4974 GRT, built 1928).

On departure from Halifax convoy HX 125B was escorted by the sloop HMS Aberdeen (Lt. S.G. Rivers-Smith, RN).

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On 7 May 1941, the battleship HMS Revenge (Capt. E.R. Archer, RN) departed Halifax to provide cover for both sections of the convoy. She set course to return to Halifax around midnight during the night of 13/14 May 1941.

Four recently transferred US Coast Guard Cutters were also with the convoy, though these had not been rearmed and worked up. These were; HMS Banff (Lt.Cdr. P.S. Evans, RN), HMS Culver (Lt.Cdr. R.T. Gordon-Duff, RN), HMS Fishguard (Lt.Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RNR) and HMS Hartland ( A/Cdr. D.E.G. Wemyss, RN).

On the 16th the destroyers HMS Chelsea (Lt.Cdr. R.D.H.S. Pankhurst, RN), HMS Churchill (Cdr.(Retd.) G.R. Cousins, RN), HNoMS Mansfield (Cdr. F. Ulstrup, RNorN), HMS Verity (Cdr. R.H. Mills, RN), HMS Wolverine (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Rowland, RN) and the corvettes HMS Begonia (T/Lt. T.A.R. Muir, RNR), HMS Convolvulus (T/Lt. R.S. Connell, RNR) and HMS Larkspur (Lt. S.C.B. Hickman, RNR) joined the convoy coming from Iceland. They remained with the convoy until the 18th.

In the afternoon of the 16th, Convoys HX 125A and HX 125B merged into one big convoy.

Around 1330Z/18, HMS Ascania parted company with the convoy to proceed to Reykjavik.

On the 18th the destroyers HMS Ramsey (Lt.Cdr. R.B. Stannard, VC, RNR), HMS Ripley (Lt.Cdr. J.A. Agnew, RN), HMS Walker (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, DSO, RN), HMS Watchman (Lt.Cdr. E.C.L. Day, RN), sloop HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. A.E.T. Christie, OBE, RN), corvettes HMS Bluebell (Lt.Cdr. R.E. Sherwood, RNR), HMS Candytuft (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RNR), HMS Honeysuckle (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Gregorie, RNR), HMS Hydrangea (Lt. J.E. Woolfenden, RNR), HMS Tulip (Lt.Cdr. A. Wilkinson, RNR) and HMS Wallflower (Lt.Cdr. I.J. Tyson, RN), and the minesweeper HMS Salamander (Lt.Cdr. W.A. Cooke, RN) joined the convoy.

On the 19th the destroyer HMS Caldwell (Lt.Cdr. E.M. Mackay, RNR) joined on the 19th as did the minesweepers HMS Bramble (Capt. M.H. Evelegh, RN), HMS Gossamer (Lt.Cdr. A.D.H. Jay, RN), HMS Seagull ( Cdr.(Retd.) R.H.V. Sivewright, RN) and HMS Sharpshooter (Lt.Cdr. D. Lampen, RN) but apparently only for a short while.

The destroyers HMS Inglefield (Capt. P. Todd, DSO, RN) and HMS Escapade (Lt.Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN) joined the convoy on the 20th.

also on the 20th the corvettes HMS Tulip and HMS Wallflower were detached.

The destroyers HMS Inglefield and HMS Escapade were destached on the 21st as was the corvette HMS Honeysuckle.

The convoy arrived in British waters on 22 May 1941.

12 Jan 1942

Convoy WS 15.

This convoy assembled off Oversay on 12 January 1942.

On assembly the convoy was made up of the (troop) transports; Aagtekerk (Dutch, 6811 GRT, built 1934), Arawa (British, 14462 GRT, built 1922), Autolycus (British, 7621 GRT, built 1922), Britannic (British, 26943 GRT, built 1930), Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927), Dorset (British, 10624 GRT, built 1934), Elisabeth Bakke (Norwegian, 5450 GRT, built 1937), Empire Woodlark (British, 7793 GRT, built 1913), Laconia (British, 19695 GRT, built 1922), Letitia (British, 13595 GRT, built 1925), Llangibby Castle (British, 11951 GRT, built 1929), Melbourne Star (British, 11076 GRT, built 1936), Orontes (British, 20097 GRT, built 1929), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925), Pardo (British, 5400 GRT, built 1940), Pasteur (British, 29253 GRT, built 1938), Port Chalmers (British, 8535 GRT, built 1933), Staffordshire (British, 10683 GRT, built 1929), Stirling Castle (British, 25550 GRT, built 1936), Strathmore (British, 23428 GRT, built 1935), Stratnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931) and Viceroy of India (British, 19627 GRT, built 1929).

The Dutch submarine tender HrMs Colombia (Capt. J.L.K. Hoeke, RNN) was also part of the convoy.

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the AA cruiser HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck (Cdr. E.J. van Holte, RNN), armed merchant cruisers HMS Ascania (A/Capt. A.G. Davidson, RN), HMS Cheshire (Capt.(Retd.) J.M. Begg, RN), destroyers HMS Vanoc ( A/Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, RN), HMS Vanquisher (Cdr. N.V. Dickinson, DSC, RN), HMS Volunteer (Lt.Cdr. N. Lanyon, RN), HMS Walker (Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, DSO, RN), HMS Witherington (Lt. R. Horncastle, RN), HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) and HMS Demirhisar (?). [This was an 'I-class' destroyer, one of four ordered by the Turkish government before the start of the war. Two of these destroyers were taken over by the Royal Navy and two were delivered to Turkey. On passage to Turkey they were commissioned as HMS ships with a Royal Navy crew so they also served on escort duty during their passage to Turkey (via the Cape of Good Hope).]

On 15 January, HMS Vanoc and HMS Walker parted company with the convoy.

On 16 January, the Llangibby Castle was torpedoed and damaged by the German submarine U-402. The damaged ship managed to reach the Azores steering on her engines as her rudder had been blown off.

Around 0900N/17, the battleship HMS Resolution (Capt. A.R. Halfhide, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral W.E.C. Tait, CB, MVO, RN) and the destroyer HMAS Norman (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN) joined coming from Milford Haven. The destroyers ORP Garland (Kmdr.por. (Cdr.) K.F. Namiesniowski) and HMS Anthony (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Hodges, RN) had also been with the battleship but these had been detached to go to the assistance of the damaged Llangibby Castle. It had originally been intended that HMS Resolution would join the convoy on 15 January but this did not materialise due to the bad weather conditions.

Around 1400N/17, HMS Boreas and HMS Demirhisar were detached to fuel at Ponta Delgada, Azores.

Around 1400N/18, HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck parted company with the convoy to fuel at Ponta Delgada.

Around 1830N/18, HMAS Norman parted company with the convoy to fuel at Ponta Delgada.

Around 1400O/19, HMS Boreas rejoined the convoy but the Demirhisar had sustained damage to her stern and had to make some repairs before she was able to proceed.

Around 1000O/20, HMAS Norman and later HrMs Jacob van Heemskerck rejoined the convoy.

Around 1500O/21, the destroyer HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. R.L.S. Gaisford, RN) joined. She had however one engine out of action and could only proceed at 22 knots.

After nightfall on the 21st, HMS Resolution was ordered to proceed ahead for an ocean rendezvous with the RFA tanker Rapidol (2648 GRT, built 1917). Due to the bad weather conditions encountered, HMS Resolution had not enough fuel on board to reach Freetown without refuelling. She met the Rapidol and her escort, the corvette HMS Jasmine (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) C.D.B. Coventry, RNR), the following day but conditions were unfavourable to fuel and every attempt failed. Course was therefore set to the Cape Verde Islands.

The convoy meanwhile continued on to Freetown where it arrived on 25 January. On 22 January the convoy had been joined by the destroyer HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. H.G.D. de Chair, RN) and on 23 January HMS Demirhisar rejoined after her delay at the Azores. Shortly before the convoy arrived at Freetown, HMS Vimy was detached to join HMS Resolution (see below).

At 0830N/23, in the lee of Sal Island, another attempt was made just outside Portugese territorial waters. However wind and swell were still too great for oizling at sea and the ships therefore anchored in Murdeira Bay with the Rapidol proceeding alongside while the Jasmire and the Vansittart, which meanwhile had also joined to fuel, conducted an A/S patrol off the Bay.

Oiling was ceased at 1230N/23 so then it was Vansittart's turn. HMS Resolution then left the Bay and proceeded ahead to Freetown. HMS Vansittart was to overtake her.

At 0830N/25, the destroyer HMS Vimy joined HMS Resolution. Two hours later HMS Vansittart finally caught up with HMS Resolution. They arrived at Freetown early in the afternoon.

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The convoy departed Freetown on 29 January 1942, in the same composition. The convoy was now escorted by the battleship HMS Resolution, armed merchant cruiser HMS Cheshire destroyers HMS Vimy, HMS Wild Swan (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, RN), HMS Boreas, HMS Demirhisar and the sloop HMS Milford (Cdr.(Retd.) the Hon. V.M. Wyndham-Quin, RN).

At dusk on 31 January, HMS Vimy, HMS Wild Swan, HMS Boreas parted company to return to Freetown.

It had been arranged that the RFA tanker Rapidol would be in position 14°30'S, 05°10'W at 0830Z/3, to fuel HMS Demirhisar and HMS Milford and if needed HMS Resolution.

At 1800Z/3, HMS Resolution parted company with the convoy to make a short call at St. Helena.

At 0610Z/4, HMS Resolution anchored off St. Helena. She departed around 1130Z/4 to rejoin the convoy which she did in the afternoon of 6 February.

The convoy split into two section and the Capetown section made up of the Dorset, Elizabeth Bakke, Laconia, Orontes, Pasteur and HrMs Colombia. They arrived at Capetown on 9 February escorted by HMS Resolution, HMS Cheshire and HMS Demirhisar. HMS Demirhisar then proceeded to Simonstown for repairs for the damage she had sustained at Ponta Delgada.

The other ships continued on to Durban escorted by the armed merchant cruisers HMS Dunnottar Castle (Capt.(Retd.) C.T.A. Bunbury, RN) and HMS Worcestershire (A/Capt.(Retd.) E.H. Hopkinson, RN) which had joined the convoy on 9 February coming from Capetown. HMS Milford also remained with the convoy until Durban the Durban section arrived there on 13 February 1942.

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The Capetown section departed from there (less the Elizabeth Bakke) on 14 February 1942 escorted by HMS Cheshire.

They made rendezvous off Durban with the Durban section (less the Arawa and Letitia) on 17 February 1942. The Durban section was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Ceres (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) H.W.V. Stephenson, RN), armed merchant cruiser HMS Worcestershire and the destroyer HMAS Norman.

On 21 February, HMAS Norman fuelled from HMS Worcesterhire, while being alongside and proceeding at 10 knots !.

At 0800C/22, HMAS Norman was detached to the Seychelles.

At 1230C/22, the battleship HMS Ramillies (Capt. D.N.C. Tufnell, DSC, RN) joined and half an hour later the 'Batavia Section' of the convoy parted company in position 10°22'S, 42°00'E forming convoy DM 3 to proceed to Port T (Addu Atoll). The ships that parted company were the Aagtekerk, Autolycus, Christiaan Huygens, Empire Woodlark, Pardo, Port Chalmers, Staffordshire, Strathnaver and HrMs Colombia.

The remaining ships continued northwards escorted by HMS Ceres and HMS Worcestershire.

They were joined at 0700C/24, in position 02°44'S, 43°20'E, by the light cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. C.C.A. Allen, RN) and the transport Khandalla (British, 7018 GRT, built 1923) coming from Mombasa. HMS Ceres then parted company to proceed to Mombasa.

At 0300C/26, the convoy split up into two sections. Convoy WS 15A set course for the Gulf of Aden escorted by HMS Colombo. It was made up of the Dorset, Laconia, Melbourne Star, Orontes, Otranto, Pasteur and Viceroy of India. It was dispersed off Aden on 1 March 1942 to proceed independently to Suez.

Convoy WS 15B set course for Bombay escorted by HMS Worcestershire. It was made up of the Britannic, Khandalla, Stirling Castle and Strathmore. The convoy arrived at Bombay on 4 March 1942. In the approaches to Bombay it was joined by the sloop Lawrence (T/Lt. C.F. Smith, RINR) and the auxiliary patrol vessel HMIS Dipavati (T/Lt. P. Munday, RINR). (12)